I have been watching some of the live stream of Passion 2012, a giant conference for young adult believers, held this year in Atlanta.
The Passion website is www.268generation.com and the name is based on Isaiah 26:8 "your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."
It's been awesome to see and hear that they have raised over $1 million to fight human trafficking! To know that there are over 45,000 young people who want to make a change in their generation and this world is awesome. It gives us hope for what is to come!
The sessions can be seen on the website, and include music by Christ Tomlin, Dave Crowder band, Lecrae, and also speakers like John Piper. It's worth seeing, and being encouraged that God is at work in the lives of young people. I pray that the Passion continues to change their lives in practical ways, and that this renewed faith that many of them walk away with will be put into action!
January 4, 2012
January 2, 2012
Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012
Well, I cannot complain about 2011. Overall, I am thankful that God gave me, and all of my loved ones, one more full year of life. That was the gift of 2011 for all of us.
There were good days and bad days with ups and downs. Jayna has a violin bow exercise that sums it up well:
"Up like a rocket, down like rain,
Back and forth like a choo-choo train."
There were dry moments when the routine made us forget the joy of living, and the slippery patches when we felt our feet would fail. But again, the chance to experience all of it is a gift, and to spend life with family and loved ones makes it even better.
The sermon we received yesterday sums up our forward view for 2012. It was based on Psalm 1.
"Blessed is the man ... [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
And whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."
I hope to be a LIVING tree this year, that grows and matures, that bears fruit, that offers shade to those who need it, and that lives as a testament to God's goodness and love.
There were good days and bad days with ups and downs. Jayna has a violin bow exercise that sums it up well:
"Up like a rocket, down like rain,
Back and forth like a choo-choo train."
There were dry moments when the routine made us forget the joy of living, and the slippery patches when we felt our feet would fail. But again, the chance to experience all of it is a gift, and to spend life with family and loved ones makes it even better.
The sermon we received yesterday sums up our forward view for 2012. It was based on Psalm 1.
"Blessed is the man ... [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
And whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."
I hope to be a LIVING tree this year, that grows and matures, that bears fruit, that offers shade to those who need it, and that lives as a testament to God's goodness and love.
December 23, 2011
Christmas cookies
This is one thing we really love about Christmas in Costa Rica - you never get very far from the true focus of all the celebrating. I love seeing the Nativity scene on a box of cookies!
Christmas Letter 2011
Dear friends and family, Once again, we are sending out an e-newsletter to update you on our family. Let's just say that we are not as organized as we should be! As you can see from our photos, we have had a busy year.
Here are some highlights from each of us: Tom - Portantorchas ran smoothly this year and we had 2 great semesters. Over the summer we hosted some mission teams. We added 3 new staff members, Isa Bogarin, and a married couple Diego Marin and Clarissa Rojas. They have all brought new ideas and vibrancy to our program and have been well received by everyone. Tom taught in Colorado in November at two Torchbearers Centers. He continues to work on his Master's Degree through Moody Bible Institute.
Sara - I enjoyed a year with all 3 girls in school. It freed my up to be more involved with staff and students. I became a US citizen in March, which makes life a bit less complicated. It was a fun ceremony and my twin sister Lisa was able to be there with me. I taught my Missions class again this year and was able to be part of the coordinating team to bring the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course to Costa Rica. I am finally fulfilling a desire I have had for a long time to continue my education by taking a Nutrition course. I am learning a lot, but my girls are sad to hear that some of their favorite foods will be more scarce once I finish!
Rekha - Our big girl turned 9 in February and has been a great help to us this year. We see her maturing into a helpful young girl who still loves reading and horses and friends, but is also starting to enjoy cooking and gardening.
Neena - Our sweet middle child (8 yrs old) remains noisy and fun-loving. She is a great friend and helper. She has enjoyed gardening this year and becoming Daddy's helper with projects around the house and trips to the hardware store. We can count on her to find crescent wrenches, philips-head screwdrivers, etc. in the tool box. She loves to read, and is currently reading the Ramona Quimby books. Her favorite activity still is playing with dolls and dress-up. One day we will be asking her for fashion advice!
Jayna - our little one (5 yrs old)remains a delight to our family. She loved half-day preschool this year with all of its activities and friends. This year she started violin and has really enjoyed it. Jayna says funny things that make us laugh. Our two favorite comments from her this year are, "Neena, I'm going to marry a carrot!" and "If God asks me to be a fashion model, I will go and do that immediately!"
We enjoyed a few trips this year to see family. Sara and the girls went to Chicago in June to say goodbye to her twin Lisa and family who are in India for 2 years. Lisa's husband Edwin is setting up an architecture firm in Delhi.
We also went to Canada this year, for the first time in almost 4 years. It was wonderful to be there, to see Sara's Mom and Sara's sister Priti and family. The girls enjoyed their boy cousins - and their giant train set! Tom's parents flew up from California with our girls' cousin Ella along as a surprise. We all celebrated my sister Priti and her husband Shane's 40th birthdays. We also got to see Sara's childhood friends and their families, one of which we hadn't seen for over 8 years. We enjoyed a week at Capernwray Harbor on Thetis Island, BC. That was a refreshing break from ministry, and a chance to relax and be ministered to. We drove into the USA for a day and even went to Target, which was a thrill for the girls!
We thank all of you who read this for your interest in our lives. We are far away, and I know life gets busy for everyone. Thanks for being a part of our lives and our ministry journey. God has been so faithful to us and we want to be faithful to Him in our daily activities and thoughts. We pray that you will have a blessed Christmas season and that Emmanuel, "God with us", will be part of your celebration and that you would feel His presence in your lives.
With much love,
The Marcus family in Costa Rica
December 22, 2011
Forgiveness & Christmas
I have been hurt. Everyone has. I don't mean physically, but emotionally. And, I have hurt others too.
Sometimes it is SO hard to forgive others! We had one student in the past that I remember very clearly was struggling with forgiveness. During her time at Portantorchas, she felt convicted to forgive some people for some very real pain they had caused her. I marveled at her maturity. If she could get forgiveness figured out and successfully put into practice at 18 years of age, she would be far ahead of many people much older than her, who carry bitterness and anger for decades.
As I thought about this girl today, I realized something.
Christmas is a message of forgiveness. Jesus came to earth, born as a baby, and grew up to teach us how to forgive. And the greatest lesson He would teach us was through His forgiveness of all of our sins on the cross.
It took courage, and humility, and love, for Jesus to come to earth to forgive me.
God and sinners reconciled.
Born to set your people free.
He comes to make his blessings known, far as the curse (of sin) is found.
Sing, o sing of my redeemer, with his blood he purchased me.
On the cross he sealed my pardon (forgiveness).
Paid the debt and made me free!
I know this is nothing new. But this is my focus. For me, personally, I see forgiveness this Christmas. It means to lay aside what revenge or punishment I think someone else deserves, and to forgive them. Simple. Can I practice forgiveness for unkind words spoken to me, for unfairness, for feeling taken advantage of?
If this is the message God has put on my heart this season, then it is something He wants me to do. And I know He can help me to accomplish forgiveness, because He did it Himself - perfectly, completely, and with great love.
Sometimes it is SO hard to forgive others! We had one student in the past that I remember very clearly was struggling with forgiveness. During her time at Portantorchas, she felt convicted to forgive some people for some very real pain they had caused her. I marveled at her maturity. If she could get forgiveness figured out and successfully put into practice at 18 years of age, she would be far ahead of many people much older than her, who carry bitterness and anger for decades.
As I thought about this girl today, I realized something.
Christmas is a message of forgiveness. Jesus came to earth, born as a baby, and grew up to teach us how to forgive. And the greatest lesson He would teach us was through His forgiveness of all of our sins on the cross.
It took courage, and humility, and love, for Jesus to come to earth to forgive me.
God and sinners reconciled.
Born to set your people free.
He comes to make his blessings known, far as the curse (of sin) is found.
Sing, o sing of my redeemer, with his blood he purchased me.
On the cross he sealed my pardon (forgiveness).
Paid the debt and made me free!
I know this is nothing new. But this is my focus. For me, personally, I see forgiveness this Christmas. It means to lay aside what revenge or punishment I think someone else deserves, and to forgive them. Simple. Can I practice forgiveness for unkind words spoken to me, for unfairness, for feeling taken advantage of?
If this is the message God has put on my heart this season, then it is something He wants me to do. And I know He can help me to accomplish forgiveness, because He did it Himself - perfectly, completely, and with great love.
Sing to the Lord a new song!
I read through a Psalm or two each day with my Bible reading, and as I was in Psalm 98 the other day, I read verse 1,"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things..."
I know that the Lord has done marvelous things, in my life and in the lives of others. But what is the new song that I can sing? I have been thinking about that a lot for the past few days.
I went back and re-read Psalm 98, and the answer was right there. Sometimes I read the same thing that I have read many times before, but it speaks to me in a new way. As I read verse 2, I realized that it contains a Christmas message!
"The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations." Jesus is salvation and righteousness. He has been revealed to us. He was born to save us and make us right with God. This is the Christmas story.
The Psalm is a "new song" that I can sing this Christmas. He HAS done marvelous things!
I know that the Lord has done marvelous things, in my life and in the lives of others. But what is the new song that I can sing? I have been thinking about that a lot for the past few days.
I went back and re-read Psalm 98, and the answer was right there. Sometimes I read the same thing that I have read many times before, but it speaks to me in a new way. As I read verse 2, I realized that it contains a Christmas message!
"The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations." Jesus is salvation and righteousness. He has been revealed to us. He was born to save us and make us right with God. This is the Christmas story.
The Psalm is a "new song" that I can sing this Christmas. He HAS done marvelous things!
December 19, 2011
Homesick.
Well, I am homesick. It doesn't happen very often, or for this long. And I don't even know where home really is. But I have been very homesick.
Since coming to Costa Rica, we have spent many Christmases back "home" in California. This year, as well as last year, we have decided to stay in the tropics and enjoy the holidays here. It is good.
I guess what I miss overall is the convenience of a North American life. It's the little things, like being able to go shopping easily and find what we need, or having an easy drive on good roads. There are the Christmas parties, the restaurants, the old acquaintances to see. And of course, there are the hugs and kisses from grandparents and the raucous times playing with cousins. There is the feeling of being included in the extended "blood" family that we have missed for so long.
I know that those are not the most important things in my life. But I also know that I am human, and I struggle with those things some times. I never want people to have the impression that because we live cross-culturally, overseas, that we are super saints. We are still flesh and blood.
So what is the solution to my homesickness? Instead of focusing on the things I don't have, I need to spend my time reflecting on the things I DO have. I know it sounds simple, but I want to meditate on the gifts of God in my life. For example, we have friends that have become family to us. We have celebrated the season with them in numerous ways already.
So, I work to give thanks in all things, even in these homesick pangs, because they are good. They send me to Jesus. And I see Him, who gave up everything to come to earth, so that He could give me what I truly need - His life, His love, and His salvation.
I know people might think, "But my life is harder than yours!" It may well be true. But we can all make a choice to look at the gifts we have received this holiday, and to be thankful. Even if it is the gift of the next breath, every one of us has something to be thankful for.
Since coming to Costa Rica, we have spent many Christmases back "home" in California. This year, as well as last year, we have decided to stay in the tropics and enjoy the holidays here. It is good.
I guess what I miss overall is the convenience of a North American life. It's the little things, like being able to go shopping easily and find what we need, or having an easy drive on good roads. There are the Christmas parties, the restaurants, the old acquaintances to see. And of course, there are the hugs and kisses from grandparents and the raucous times playing with cousins. There is the feeling of being included in the extended "blood" family that we have missed for so long.
I know that those are not the most important things in my life. But I also know that I am human, and I struggle with those things some times. I never want people to have the impression that because we live cross-culturally, overseas, that we are super saints. We are still flesh and blood.
So what is the solution to my homesickness? Instead of focusing on the things I don't have, I need to spend my time reflecting on the things I DO have. I know it sounds simple, but I want to meditate on the gifts of God in my life. For example, we have friends that have become family to us. We have celebrated the season with them in numerous ways already.
So, I work to give thanks in all things, even in these homesick pangs, because they are good. They send me to Jesus. And I see Him, who gave up everything to come to earth, so that He could give me what I truly need - His life, His love, and His salvation.
I know people might think, "But my life is harder than yours!" It may well be true. But we can all make a choice to look at the gifts we have received this holiday, and to be thankful. Even if it is the gift of the next breath, every one of us has something to be thankful for.
November 22, 2011
Numbers
My Bible reading finds me in Numbers these days. I have read it a few times in my life, and I do remember leafing through it as a young girl, looking for names for my stuffed animals and my future children!
The thing that stood out to me this time as I read through Chapter 1 was Moses' obedience to God. God spoke to Moses at a specific time and gave him a very labor-intensive task, to "take a census of the whole Israelite community." (1:2) We know that at the end of the census, the number of males aged 20 or older who were able to serve in the army, and who were LISTED BY NAME, ONE BY ONE, was 603,550.
Think about Moses. He didn't ask to be the leader for the Israelites. He didn't even feel qualified. (Ex.3:11) And he did make some big mistakes and whine and complain along the way.
But Moses was obedient. The day that God called him to do the census, he began to do it. Imagine what could have gone through his mind. He knew how big the Israelite family was! He knew how they sometimes grumbled and disobeyed. He knew that this would take a long time to complete.
But again, Moses was obedient. He got to work. And, he completed the task. I also think about Noah. He was in the same situation; God asked him to do something even more time-consuming. Build an ark - and then go and find two of every animal and put them inside!
God knows our limitations. He knows we are but dust. Yet He calls us to do great things because He who called us is faithful, and He will do it! He will equip us for the tasks that He asks us to do. We only need to be sure of one thing...
Obedience. Am I willing to do what God asks? Will I be faithful to complete it? We often don't know the end result of our obedience, but the One who sees the end from the beginning does know. And He knows the reasons that He invites us to join His work. That should give us the confidence to get to work.
The thing that stood out to me this time as I read through Chapter 1 was Moses' obedience to God. God spoke to Moses at a specific time and gave him a very labor-intensive task, to "take a census of the whole Israelite community." (1:2) We know that at the end of the census, the number of males aged 20 or older who were able to serve in the army, and who were LISTED BY NAME, ONE BY ONE, was 603,550.
Think about Moses. He didn't ask to be the leader for the Israelites. He didn't even feel qualified. (Ex.3:11) And he did make some big mistakes and whine and complain along the way.
But Moses was obedient. The day that God called him to do the census, he began to do it. Imagine what could have gone through his mind. He knew how big the Israelite family was! He knew how they sometimes grumbled and disobeyed. He knew that this would take a long time to complete.
But again, Moses was obedient. He got to work. And, he completed the task. I also think about Noah. He was in the same situation; God asked him to do something even more time-consuming. Build an ark - and then go and find two of every animal and put them inside!
God knows our limitations. He knows we are but dust. Yet He calls us to do great things because He who called us is faithful, and He will do it! He will equip us for the tasks that He asks us to do. We only need to be sure of one thing...
Obedience. Am I willing to do what God asks? Will I be faithful to complete it? We often don't know the end result of our obedience, but the One who sees the end from the beginning does know. And He knows the reasons that He invites us to join His work. That should give us the confidence to get to work.
October 27, 2011
Knocking.
Knock, knock, knock, knock. Every Thursday afternoon I hear the same incessant beat on the back gate of our school property. I am the only one who hears it, because we live right inside the gate.
I could be frustrated by it. I know that it's young boys, knocking to come in for the afternoon soccer training that some of our staff members do every week.
But I thank God for the privilege I have to open the gate for them. Many of these boys come from broken homes, from parents that suffer addictions. These young men are making a choice with their time. I am glad we can offer a safe, healthy option. Apart from having one of the only soccer fields near by, we also have the rare gift of staff who have a heart for the neighborhood boys. They can give them godly examples and disciple them towards a surrendered life for Christ. Loving soccer doesn't hurt, either.
Today there was another knock, as usual. I went and opened the gate. There was a sweet-faced young boy, excited for the chance to play soccer. We exchanged greetings, and with a quick, "Gracias!", he ran off toward the soccer field. Behind him trailed a whiff of cologne. (That's pretty typical with ticos. They love to be clean and to smell clean.) I smiled, and I was glad he could have the chance to train.
We heard a sermon on Sunday and the guest speaker talked about the chance we have to make a difference. He used numerous Biblical examples, asking questions such as: "Do you think that Jocabed, Moses' mother, when she wove a basket for him and put his tiny body in it and laid it in the river, knew that he would be God's instrument to save His chosen people out of 400 years of slavery? Do you think that the little boy who gave his 5 small loaves and 2 fish to Jesus knew that Jesus would do a miracle and that many people would come to faith in Him that day? What about Rahab, when she saved the spies? Or Ruth, when she went to glean in the fields to help her mother-in-law? Did they know what awesome consequences their obedience would bring?"
So many little things in life can make a difference for eternity in the life of another. What can I do today? I may never know the effect of my decisions. That's okay. God sees, and He can use our little steps of obedience to bring others to Him.
I could be frustrated by it. I know that it's young boys, knocking to come in for the afternoon soccer training that some of our staff members do every week.
But I thank God for the privilege I have to open the gate for them. Many of these boys come from broken homes, from parents that suffer addictions. These young men are making a choice with their time. I am glad we can offer a safe, healthy option. Apart from having one of the only soccer fields near by, we also have the rare gift of staff who have a heart for the neighborhood boys. They can give them godly examples and disciple them towards a surrendered life for Christ. Loving soccer doesn't hurt, either.
Today there was another knock, as usual. I went and opened the gate. There was a sweet-faced young boy, excited for the chance to play soccer. We exchanged greetings, and with a quick, "Gracias!", he ran off toward the soccer field. Behind him trailed a whiff of cologne. (That's pretty typical with ticos. They love to be clean and to smell clean.) I smiled, and I was glad he could have the chance to train.
We heard a sermon on Sunday and the guest speaker talked about the chance we have to make a difference. He used numerous Biblical examples, asking questions such as: "Do you think that Jocabed, Moses' mother, when she wove a basket for him and put his tiny body in it and laid it in the river, knew that he would be God's instrument to save His chosen people out of 400 years of slavery? Do you think that the little boy who gave his 5 small loaves and 2 fish to Jesus knew that Jesus would do a miracle and that many people would come to faith in Him that day? What about Rahab, when she saved the spies? Or Ruth, when she went to glean in the fields to help her mother-in-law? Did they know what awesome consequences their obedience would bring?"
So many little things in life can make a difference for eternity in the life of another. What can I do today? I may never know the effect of my decisions. That's okay. God sees, and He can use our little steps of obedience to bring others to Him.
October 16, 2011
8 years ago...
Little did we know when we walked off the airplane 8 years ago today, with a crying 1-year-old and a sleepy 2-month-old, that we would still be here, in Costa Rica, 8 years later. Wow.
When we first said YES to being on staff at Portantorchas, we agreed to 2 years. If it didn't work out, then we would head home. Well, we have continued to extend our time here, with no plans for moving "home" - wherever that is.
Many people have asked us how me manage here. Cultural differences. Being surrounded by 30+ students every day. Working evenings and some weekends. A foreign language, and so far from family. Those are the challenges.
But the blessings? Extended family of friends here and around the world. Children learning a second language. Eating "gallo pinto" and fresh fish with the family for $4 at a local supermarket. Fresh fruit. Tropical beaches and volcanoes. No snow or freezing rain. A wonderful church community.
And those aren't even the blessings we receive in ministry, which in our deepest hearts, are the blessings that really keep us here. Walking with students as they experience Jesus in a new and personal way. Learning from them. Loving and enjoying them. Discipling, challenging, and encouraging them. Seeing them grow and mature, then watching them go home and heal family dynamics, serve the Lord in various countries, change career goals so that they line up with God's plan for their lives, and then graduating from university with confidence, and marrying and having children, fulfilling their dreams. It is amazing!
Of course, we have nostalgic moments. Sometimes we wonder "what would have been" if we had stayed in the USA as teachers, owning a home, living comfortably, with our summers off. But we can never know what the reality of that dream would be - both good and bad, so we live here in the present, and strive to fully enjoy it. "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God". (Ecc. 2:24) It is His gift to us. We are thankful, so thankful for His goodness to us.
We are thankful that God brought us to Costa Rica. And the story continues.
When we first said YES to being on staff at Portantorchas, we agreed to 2 years. If it didn't work out, then we would head home. Well, we have continued to extend our time here, with no plans for moving "home" - wherever that is.
Many people have asked us how me manage here. Cultural differences. Being surrounded by 30+ students every day. Working evenings and some weekends. A foreign language, and so far from family. Those are the challenges.
But the blessings? Extended family of friends here and around the world. Children learning a second language. Eating "gallo pinto" and fresh fish with the family for $4 at a local supermarket. Fresh fruit. Tropical beaches and volcanoes. No snow or freezing rain. A wonderful church community.
And those aren't even the blessings we receive in ministry, which in our deepest hearts, are the blessings that really keep us here. Walking with students as they experience Jesus in a new and personal way. Learning from them. Loving and enjoying them. Discipling, challenging, and encouraging them. Seeing them grow and mature, then watching them go home and heal family dynamics, serve the Lord in various countries, change career goals so that they line up with God's plan for their lives, and then graduating from university with confidence, and marrying and having children, fulfilling their dreams. It is amazing!
Of course, we have nostalgic moments. Sometimes we wonder "what would have been" if we had stayed in the USA as teachers, owning a home, living comfortably, with our summers off. But we can never know what the reality of that dream would be - both good and bad, so we live here in the present, and strive to fully enjoy it. "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God". (Ecc. 2:24) It is His gift to us. We are thankful, so thankful for His goodness to us.
We are thankful that God brought us to Costa Rica. And the story continues.
August 26, 2011
Birthday Boy!
Today is Tom's birthday. Thanks to so many for bountiful birthday wishes.
I feel very blessed that God gave this man to me as my husband. We recently celebrated 13 years of marriage. Our marriage is not perfect, but I am thankful that it hasn't been too hard. Tom is an easy person to get along with! He has taught me a lot of patience and forgiveness when I have been slow to learn.
Today is also a little bittersweet. In 2001, we lost our first baby due to an ectopic pregnancy. His/her due date was the same day as Tom's birthday, August 26. I sometimes wonder what he/she would have been like, looked like, etc. At the same time, I am so grateful that God gave us 3 healthy girls after that. One thing I do think of is that if that baby was a boy, and if he was anything like his dad, he would have been a blessing to me, just as Tom is.
I thank God for the gift of birthdays today, for life, and for my husband. God is good to me!
I feel very blessed that God gave this man to me as my husband. We recently celebrated 13 years of marriage. Our marriage is not perfect, but I am thankful that it hasn't been too hard. Tom is an easy person to get along with! He has taught me a lot of patience and forgiveness when I have been slow to learn.
Today is also a little bittersweet. In 2001, we lost our first baby due to an ectopic pregnancy. His/her due date was the same day as Tom's birthday, August 26. I sometimes wonder what he/she would have been like, looked like, etc. At the same time, I am so grateful that God gave us 3 healthy girls after that. One thing I do think of is that if that baby was a boy, and if he was anything like his dad, he would have been a blessing to me, just as Tom is.
I thank God for the gift of birthdays today, for life, and for my husband. God is good to me!
August 23, 2011
Gardening
I once asked our gardener, Don Alvaro, "Do you ever get tired of cutting the same grass and weeding the same flower beds? Is it frustrating to get everything looking tidy, and then to see it grow so you have to trim it all again the next week?"
He answered me by saying more or less, "It's a sign that everything is doing well."
I thought of the parallel to the vine and the branches in John 14. Jesus says, "every branch that does bear fruit he [the Father] prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (v.2)
So, it pleases the gardener to see things grow! And, it pleases God to see us grow. The more we grow, the better! And in order to grow even more, and bear more fruit, we need to be pruned. Ouch. Then yummy.
It is also true that if the garden is healthy, everything grows, including the weeds. It's a sign of good soil. It is the same with us. The more we grow and flourish, the more competition we have from weeds. They are those ugly things that compete for our allegiance and our energies. The more we grow spiritually, the more the devil has to fight for our attention. Often the closer we get to Christ, the more we see our need for Him. His light shines into our dark corners (ie. on our weeds) and we need to clean them up.
Often now when I take my walks around our campus, I remember the value in growth. At times the property looks a bit unkempt, but just like my life, when the gardener finishes his work at the end of the day, it all looks a lot tidier, and it has the power, through his pruning and trimming, to grow even stronger, greener, and more fruitful.
So, our math (I mean, Bible) lesson is:
A wise gardener + a regular pruning = much fruit
He answered me by saying more or less, "It's a sign that everything is doing well."
I thought of the parallel to the vine and the branches in John 14. Jesus says, "every branch that does bear fruit he [the Father] prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (v.2)
So, it pleases the gardener to see things grow! And, it pleases God to see us grow. The more we grow, the better! And in order to grow even more, and bear more fruit, we need to be pruned. Ouch. Then yummy.
It is also true that if the garden is healthy, everything grows, including the weeds. It's a sign of good soil. It is the same with us. The more we grow and flourish, the more competition we have from weeds. They are those ugly things that compete for our allegiance and our energies. The more we grow spiritually, the more the devil has to fight for our attention. Often the closer we get to Christ, the more we see our need for Him. His light shines into our dark corners (ie. on our weeds) and we need to clean them up.
Often now when I take my walks around our campus, I remember the value in growth. At times the property looks a bit unkempt, but just like my life, when the gardener finishes his work at the end of the day, it all looks a lot tidier, and it has the power, through his pruning and trimming, to grow even stronger, greener, and more fruitful.
So, our math (I mean, Bible) lesson is:
A wise gardener + a regular pruning = much fruit
August 9, 2011
Berry Picking
During our holiday in British Columbia in July, we were able to go to a U-Pick farm and pick berries. Strawberry season was finished, and blueberry picking would be in another week. So, we picked raspberries.
I have good memories as a young girl of going to a friend's farm in central Saskatchewan where they had two LOOONG rows of raspberries. We would go out and pick and eat as many berries as we wanted - and fresh rhubarb also!
It was fun to take the girls and have them experience something that I did as a child. They really enjoyed the experience, eating many, many berries along the way. We picked 5 buckets full!
As we walked down the rows I started to realize that the best berries were down below eyesight, hidden within the bushes. If I got on my knees and looked up under the leaves, I could find them, often in big bunches. They were the biggest and plumpest!
Of course there is a parallel to the Christian life, as with many things in nature.
We also grow the best when hidden from view, staying firmly planted near the roots. Free from trying to prove ourselves as "the best" for all to see, yet maintaining a secret and consistent connection with our Father, allows us to receive our sustenance from the vine, not from the praise of others. We don't burn out by trying to please everyone, but in the shadows of God's wings (or leaves) we can grow to maturity. We are not plucked for service before we are ready.
I was so grateful to God for revealing this life lesson to me through the humble raspberry. I thank Him for always teaching me new things about a life lived in Him.
I have good memories as a young girl of going to a friend's farm in central Saskatchewan where they had two LOOONG rows of raspberries. We would go out and pick and eat as many berries as we wanted - and fresh rhubarb also!
It was fun to take the girls and have them experience something that I did as a child. They really enjoyed the experience, eating many, many berries along the way. We picked 5 buckets full!
As we walked down the rows I started to realize that the best berries were down below eyesight, hidden within the bushes. If I got on my knees and looked up under the leaves, I could find them, often in big bunches. They were the biggest and plumpest!
Of course there is a parallel to the Christian life, as with many things in nature.
We also grow the best when hidden from view, staying firmly planted near the roots. Free from trying to prove ourselves as "the best" for all to see, yet maintaining a secret and consistent connection with our Father, allows us to receive our sustenance from the vine, not from the praise of others. We don't burn out by trying to please everyone, but in the shadows of God's wings (or leaves) we can grow to maturity. We are not plucked for service before we are ready.
I was so grateful to God for revealing this life lesson to me through the humble raspberry. I thank Him for always teaching me new things about a life lived in Him.
July 24, 2011
At home where God has put me.
The girls and I (Sara) are in Canada. Tres bien, eh?! It has been a wonderful "homecoming".
We have really enjoyed our time here. We have seen lots of family and old friends, including my first friend in Canada, and my best friend from high school. It's been YEARS since we have met. We also spent an incredible week at Capernwray Harbor on Thetis Island and I feel so refreshed to return to Portantorchas and to ministry there. Thank you to all the wonderful staff there for hosting us!
British Columbia is beautiful. It is green and fresh. The mountains views are truly spectacular. Our ferry rides to and from Vancouver Island left me without words! Wow!
I have really loved my time here, being Canadian, and feeling like I belong here. It makes me happy. I am so thankful for my years here and for my citizenship.
I love Canada, however, my heart does not need to be here, or in the USA. Is Costa Rica where I feel most content? In this moment, the answer is yes. It has not always been this way, and it may not always be this way, but I thank God that my passion right now is to be where HE wants me to be. I am at home where God has put me.
Tonight, as I listened to worship music in Spanish, it immediately turned my heart to Costa Rica and to our ministry there. Spanish worship music penetrates a part of my spirit that English music does not! It reminds me that God is present in all languages and cultures.
In Psalm 19 the verses read:
1 "The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."
I thank God for the almost 8 years that we have lived and ministered in Costa Rica. I thank Him for counting us worthy to proclaim His risen life to those around us. No hay nadie como tú, sólo Cristo!
We have really enjoyed our time here. We have seen lots of family and old friends, including my first friend in Canada, and my best friend from high school. It's been YEARS since we have met. We also spent an incredible week at Capernwray Harbor on Thetis Island and I feel so refreshed to return to Portantorchas and to ministry there. Thank you to all the wonderful staff there for hosting us!
British Columbia is beautiful. It is green and fresh. The mountains views are truly spectacular. Our ferry rides to and from Vancouver Island left me without words! Wow!
I have really loved my time here, being Canadian, and feeling like I belong here. It makes me happy. I am so thankful for my years here and for my citizenship.
I love Canada, however, my heart does not need to be here, or in the USA. Is Costa Rica where I feel most content? In this moment, the answer is yes. It has not always been this way, and it may not always be this way, but I thank God that my passion right now is to be where HE wants me to be. I am at home where God has put me.
Tonight, as I listened to worship music in Spanish, it immediately turned my heart to Costa Rica and to our ministry there. Spanish worship music penetrates a part of my spirit that English music does not! It reminds me that God is present in all languages and cultures.
In Psalm 19 the verses read:
1 "The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."
I thank God for the almost 8 years that we have lived and ministered in Costa Rica. I thank Him for counting us worthy to proclaim His risen life to those around us. No hay nadie como tú, sólo Cristo!
June 24, 2011
A Wartime Lifestyle
In the early 1900’s, the luxury ocean liner The Queen Mary was used to entertain the wealthy on the water, where they could eat on fine china and enjoy the best things in life. During WWII, the liner was re-purposed as a navy ship, and its 3,000 beds gave way for 15,000 bunks, and its china for metal cafeteria trays for soldiers.
In the United States during the Second World War, many people gave up material things to provide for the war. “The government imposed widespread austerities on its citizens in the form of commodity rationing, including food, gasoline and other commodities essential to the war. Travel restrictions were imposed, wages and work hours were fixed, and new automobile manufacturing was stopped as plants which previously made cars turned out tanks, Jeeps and other military vehicles.” http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/11/goverment-austerity-measures.asp?partner=sfgate#ixzz1QD7VAxFR
Americans knew they were at war, and many were willing to make these sacrifices in order to win the war.
Ralph Winter, the founder of the US Center for World Mission and Perspectives, wrote that we Christians should consider adopting a wartime lifestyle because we are also at war. We are fighting for the souls of humanity!
How would this look?
In essence, a wartime lifestyle means to use only what we truly need so that we can free resources for the battle. Some practical ideas are:
- Live with a cap on your income, no matter how many raises you get in the future. Use the extra for missions, especially for unreached people groups.
- Do not buy what you do not need. Do not live to keep up with your community and your neighbors.
- View your job as a chance to earn money to invest in God’s kingdom, not just as a way to finance your own dreams and purchases.
- Steward your time so that you can invest in ministry. Rather than work overtime, but if you are able, donate time to your church or to a mission group – or just use that time to pray for the world.
- Scale down your possessions so you spend less time, energy and money on them. For example, live in a smaller home that costs less and needs less maintenance. Exchange a luxury car for a simpler one that doesn’t use as much gas or involve a monthly payment. (That is better for the environment – but more on that at another time!) See www.junkycarclub.com
- If you are ready to retire, and are in good health, pray about starting a new career in missions, disaster relief, skills training for the poor, etc.
- Start small: empty your loose change into a jar and collect that for missions. It could be over $100 a year.
- Pray and invest in learning, ministering and equipping others to fight this battle.
It is SO HARD to live simply when all around us we are tempted to consume, enjoy, and live for only ourselves. As one author writes, “Obedience to the Great Commission has more consistently been poisoned by affluence than by anything else.” http://www.puritanboard.com/f36/commitment-wartime-lifestyle-47194/
I need to remember that I have been given resources for one purpose – to magnify God.
Is Christ is my treasure? Do I want the world to know Him too? Do I value Him more than my possessions?
If so, then as John Piper says, I can live free from the need to live the American (or Canadian, etc.) dream.
I am free to live for the cause of Love on the Calvary road, full of joy, and for His glory.
In the United States during the Second World War, many people gave up material things to provide for the war. “The government imposed widespread austerities on its citizens in the form of commodity rationing, including food, gasoline and other commodities essential to the war. Travel restrictions were imposed, wages and work hours were fixed, and new automobile manufacturing was stopped as plants which previously made cars turned out tanks, Jeeps and other military vehicles.” http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/11/goverment-austerity-measures.asp?partner=sfgate#ixzz1QD7VAxFR
Americans knew they were at war, and many were willing to make these sacrifices in order to win the war.
Ralph Winter, the founder of the US Center for World Mission and Perspectives, wrote that we Christians should consider adopting a wartime lifestyle because we are also at war. We are fighting for the souls of humanity!
How would this look?
In essence, a wartime lifestyle means to use only what we truly need so that we can free resources for the battle. Some practical ideas are:
- Live with a cap on your income, no matter how many raises you get in the future. Use the extra for missions, especially for unreached people groups.
- Do not buy what you do not need. Do not live to keep up with your community and your neighbors.
- View your job as a chance to earn money to invest in God’s kingdom, not just as a way to finance your own dreams and purchases.
- Steward your time so that you can invest in ministry. Rather than work overtime, but if you are able, donate time to your church or to a mission group – or just use that time to pray for the world.
- Scale down your possessions so you spend less time, energy and money on them. For example, live in a smaller home that costs less and needs less maintenance. Exchange a luxury car for a simpler one that doesn’t use as much gas or involve a monthly payment. (That is better for the environment – but more on that at another time!) See www.junkycarclub.com
- If you are ready to retire, and are in good health, pray about starting a new career in missions, disaster relief, skills training for the poor, etc.
- Start small: empty your loose change into a jar and collect that for missions. It could be over $100 a year.
- Pray and invest in learning, ministering and equipping others to fight this battle.
It is SO HARD to live simply when all around us we are tempted to consume, enjoy, and live for only ourselves. As one author writes, “Obedience to the Great Commission has more consistently been poisoned by affluence than by anything else.” http://www.puritanboard.com/f36/commitment-wartime-lifestyle-47194/
I need to remember that I have been given resources for one purpose – to magnify God.
Is Christ is my treasure? Do I want the world to know Him too? Do I value Him more than my possessions?
If so, then as John Piper says, I can live free from the need to live the American (or Canadian, etc.) dream.
I am free to live for the cause of Love on the Calvary road, full of joy, and for His glory.
May 6, 2011
Children in Ministry
Shortly after we arrived in Costa Rica in 2003 to work at Portantorchas, a visiting teacher from another school also came. He had dinner with us one night and we asked him for advice on how to manage our home and family in the midst of ministry.
The advice that he gave us has been invaluable and we have seen the benefits of his godly wisdom over the years. First of all, he said that the wife must embrace her role in ministry, not just see ministry as her husband's job. Otherwise, it pulls the husband apart between two exclusive roles. Second, he said to involve our children in ministry. We allowed our children to interact frequently with students, and it has been to their benefit (mutual, I think).
Children often minister without knowing it, and they have no hang-ups about rejection, like I often do.
In fact, there are times when I want to invite a student over, but I fear they will say "no". My children don't fear that. I have given them the freedom to invite students over. They do, frequently. And, it's been great! They have a gift of hospitality, and often invitation from them is well received by students. We've baked cookies, watched movies, had Indian food, and dance parties, all because our girls are involved in ministry.
I still remember an incident during the first year that we were here. We were going to eat lunch with the students. My oldest, who was just 2, noticed a girl standing awkwardly off to one side. She asked, "Who is that?" I told her the student's name, and my daughter said, "I want to sit by her." What resulted that semester was a little 2-year-old seeking out this gentle and quirky student. I saw how she touched that student's life, just by her interest in her.
I am thankful that my girls have a heart for ministry, even without knowing it. Their love and interest in students in genuine, and God knows that we all need that, to be loved for who we are. I thank God that He saw a place for us here in ministry - for Tom and I - and for our three little girls.
The advice that he gave us has been invaluable and we have seen the benefits of his godly wisdom over the years. First of all, he said that the wife must embrace her role in ministry, not just see ministry as her husband's job. Otherwise, it pulls the husband apart between two exclusive roles. Second, he said to involve our children in ministry. We allowed our children to interact frequently with students, and it has been to their benefit (mutual, I think).
Children often minister without knowing it, and they have no hang-ups about rejection, like I often do.
In fact, there are times when I want to invite a student over, but I fear they will say "no". My children don't fear that. I have given them the freedom to invite students over. They do, frequently. And, it's been great! They have a gift of hospitality, and often invitation from them is well received by students. We've baked cookies, watched movies, had Indian food, and dance parties, all because our girls are involved in ministry.
I still remember an incident during the first year that we were here. We were going to eat lunch with the students. My oldest, who was just 2, noticed a girl standing awkwardly off to one side. She asked, "Who is that?" I told her the student's name, and my daughter said, "I want to sit by her." What resulted that semester was a little 2-year-old seeking out this gentle and quirky student. I saw how she touched that student's life, just by her interest in her.
I am thankful that my girls have a heart for ministry, even without knowing it. Their love and interest in students in genuine, and God knows that we all need that, to be loved for who we are. I thank God that He saw a place for us here in ministry - for Tom and I - and for our three little girls.
April 20, 2011
Hosanna!
This Easter week I have been reflecting on the word Hosanna. It is a Hebrew word that means "Save!" and is also an expression of praise.
On the day we call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of a donkey. The Jews welcomed him with palms and cloaks thrown down on the road that he traveled, and they shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!" (Matt. 21:10)
The Jews were looking for the Messiah, for someone who could free them and be their king. They were calling to Jesus, but they did not realize that He WAS their Messiah, to save them from their sins instead of from Roman rule.
This week as I study the Easter message, I think of the word Hosanna in relation to the missions mandate that remains. My prayer is "Hosanna! God may you SAVE the nations!" Until every tribe and tongue and nation is represented before God's throne, there is still need to pray for their salvation.
Christ's work was completed at the Resurrection. He made a way for us to be saved. He came to save the nations. Continue to pray that His name would reach the ends of the earth, and that salvation will come to all nations.
On the day we call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of a donkey. The Jews welcomed him with palms and cloaks thrown down on the road that he traveled, and they shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!" (Matt. 21:10)
The Jews were looking for the Messiah, for someone who could free them and be their king. They were calling to Jesus, but they did not realize that He WAS their Messiah, to save them from their sins instead of from Roman rule.
This week as I study the Easter message, I think of the word Hosanna in relation to the missions mandate that remains. My prayer is "Hosanna! God may you SAVE the nations!" Until every tribe and tongue and nation is represented before God's throne, there is still need to pray for their salvation.
Christ's work was completed at the Resurrection. He made a way for us to be saved. He came to save the nations. Continue to pray that His name would reach the ends of the earth, and that salvation will come to all nations.
March 7, 2011
A small pebble in a pond...
This past week at our Perspectives class, we had the honor of hosting and hearing from Dave Flynn, who is the National Director of Perspectives in the US. He presented an incredible monologue, in full costume, of William Carey. (Look him up - he was an incredible missionary to India!)
God moved in many ways, over time, in order to bring Dave Flynn here and to bring the Perspectives Costa Rica dream to fruition. I journey back a few years...
In 2009, we had a student named Jessi. She followed the Lord in obedience and came to Costa Rica to spend a year at Portantorchas. In 2010, I met a young Costa Rican woman named Montserrat. We realized we had the same vision, to bring Perspectives to Costa Rica. When we talked about it, we realized that I had some connections that would help get the process started. I attend the church that we approached to host the class (thanks, IBC!) and I knew Dave Flynn. Dave Flynn is Jessi's Dad. When we started to plan the course, I felt confident to contact Dave and get his support for Perspectives in Costa Rica - all because I knew his daughter.
Now when Jessi came to Costa Rica, she didn't realize what her step of faith would do to the world! Perspectives is now here, and it is challenging hearts of Costa Rican church leaders to do their part in fulfilling God's mission to this world! Who knows how far and wide and long this missions vision will spread in Latin America, and around the world! God IS touching hearts through the course; I see it every week.
So if an 18-year-old girl can take part in God's work without even knowing it, so can the rest of us. It takes a small step of obedience, in faith, to be a small pebble thrown into a pond. God will take charge of the ripples that spread, around the world, into the future, in ways that we could never imagine!
God moved in many ways, over time, in order to bring Dave Flynn here and to bring the Perspectives Costa Rica dream to fruition. I journey back a few years...
In 2009, we had a student named Jessi. She followed the Lord in obedience and came to Costa Rica to spend a year at Portantorchas. In 2010, I met a young Costa Rican woman named Montserrat. We realized we had the same vision, to bring Perspectives to Costa Rica. When we talked about it, we realized that I had some connections that would help get the process started. I attend the church that we approached to host the class (thanks, IBC!) and I knew Dave Flynn. Dave Flynn is Jessi's Dad. When we started to plan the course, I felt confident to contact Dave and get his support for Perspectives in Costa Rica - all because I knew his daughter.
Now when Jessi came to Costa Rica, she didn't realize what her step of faith would do to the world! Perspectives is now here, and it is challenging hearts of Costa Rican church leaders to do their part in fulfilling God's mission to this world! Who knows how far and wide and long this missions vision will spread in Latin America, and around the world! God IS touching hearts through the course; I see it every week.
So if an 18-year-old girl can take part in God's work without even knowing it, so can the rest of us. It takes a small step of obedience, in faith, to be a small pebble thrown into a pond. God will take charge of the ripples that spread, around the world, into the future, in ways that we could never imagine!
Expat.
I love being an expat, an expatriate, a person living outside her own country. In fact, I think that I will be an expat wherever I live. I was born in India, raised in Africa and England, I am a Canadian citizen, I am married to an American and I live in Costa Rica. Where is home for me? I really have no idea! (Although, I do hold a great allegiance to Canada.)
Over the past few weeks we have had a lot of parties and events with our friends. Among the people present at the birthday party, curry party, and Chinese New Year party, etc., were:
• Some dear Costa Rican friends!
• A husband raised as an MK in Sri Lanka, his wife as an MK in Jordan, who have lived in the Middle East and Europe;
• A Malaysian family of Chinese descent;
• An American born in Kenya;
• A family that has lived overseas (outside their native USA) for 17 years;
• A Swedish family working for a multinational;
• A South Korean diplomat who is about to start a new post in another country;
• A US military family that is also about to move to another new post;
• And a single American girl getting ready to be a missionary in Southeast Asia.
The reason I am so awed about this is that most of us don’t belong in Costa Rica. We are from all over, and everyone brings amazing stories and experiences to our gatherings. We don’t belong here, but we belong together. Our common thread is our cross-cultural experience, representing SO many corners of the globe. It is a comforting, comfortable group of friends. We can be ourselves, with all of our cultural quirks, and we are accepted by each other.
It was an amazing glimpse of what heaven will be, of course JUST a glimpse. We are many cultures, united by our love for Jesus. It also makes me remember Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven.”
Over the past few weeks we have had a lot of parties and events with our friends. Among the people present at the birthday party, curry party, and Chinese New Year party, etc., were:
• Some dear Costa Rican friends!
• A husband raised as an MK in Sri Lanka, his wife as an MK in Jordan, who have lived in the Middle East and Europe;
• A Malaysian family of Chinese descent;
• An American born in Kenya;
• A family that has lived overseas (outside their native USA) for 17 years;
• A Swedish family working for a multinational;
• A South Korean diplomat who is about to start a new post in another country;
• A US military family that is also about to move to another new post;
• And a single American girl getting ready to be a missionary in Southeast Asia.
The reason I am so awed about this is that most of us don’t belong in Costa Rica. We are from all over, and everyone brings amazing stories and experiences to our gatherings. We don’t belong here, but we belong together. Our common thread is our cross-cultural experience, representing SO many corners of the globe. It is a comforting, comfortable group of friends. We can be ourselves, with all of our cultural quirks, and we are accepted by each other.
It was an amazing glimpse of what heaven will be, of course JUST a glimpse. We are many cultures, united by our love for Jesus. It also makes me remember Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven.”
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