It's Time to Share...

Being grateful for Jenn & Erik...

2012-01-30T19:00:00.000-06:00

The dreaded moment would not wait - that moment when happiness and hurt mingled - when my inner struggle between gratitude and grumbling threatened to render me speechless.

I knew it wouldn't be easy. Saying Good-bye to friends never is. I thought I would find more than a huge lump in my throat and tears ready to spill from my eyes. I thought I would be able to hide my sadness and say some appropriate words to communicate the joy I really do feel.

But all I could muster was a big hug with eyes brimming which held her face and spoke from my heart just how painful their move is for me.

Our church was saying Good-bye yesterday to Erik and Jenn and their 3 precious children. They're moving to a new assignment and it's rather far away. I'm excited for them. They'll be blessed and be a blessing there. It's God's plan for them. It's not the end of the world and they'll sometimes come back to visit. But for some reason, I'm sensing deep personal loss in their decision.

So I've decided to express my gratitude for how they've blessed me in the years I've known them. With gratitude will come joy. And joy will help me overcome my selfish feelings - those feelings that would prefer keeping life safe, stable, certain but which are actually devoid of the joys which come from following God's path.

On the altar steps at Jesus Savior Baptist Church in Chisinau, Moldova - August 2006

Erik and Jenn were newly weds when they joined the church staff. They signed up for our Moldova Mission Team in August 2006. The day we left that summer was the day the USA went to Code Orange for air travel. I would learn later that they nearly cancelled trip plans as they fought fear that morning which threatened to overcome their confidence in God's protection for travel but they boarded the flights and carried out God's purpose for that trip. They added youth, godliness and service to our team. And God would use precious orphans there to help prepare them for how they would start their own family later through the adoption of two foster babies that joined their family from birth.

So thanks for being part of Moldova Team 2006 Erik and Jenn. (They are in the upper right of this photo.)

Another element of gratitude comes for Jenn who started a photography business and has provided me with some of my most prized family photos.

Thanks, Jenn, for studying that craft and being so good that your work brings continual joy for those who see your results.


Four generations over Christmas in 2007


My Mother whose lifetime commitment to Jesus shines through her peaceful expression in this pose.

Three generations over Christmas 2009.

And thanks, Erik and Jenn, for choosing a career that mirrors the path my husband and I chose over thirty years ago. As I analyze the cause of my emotional feelings as I face your departure, I realize I'm flooded with memories of my own cross country moves. Even when we felt we were following God's plan for us, we felt pain in the leaving behind of family, good friends and taking a path that was uncertain. It was never easy to move and start over but our life has been filled with opportunities for spiritual growth and service. Your move will afford you the same.

The hardest part is leaving.

Arriving will be filled with excitement, freshness and lots of promising possibilities.

I'm happy for you. And I'm very grateful that Good-bye is not forever!

Maybe your new church will join our church and together we'll take another mission trip to Moldova. That would be so sweet! Let's start praying about that!

Gratitude Sharing...

2012-01-19T22:29:00.000-06:00

It is rather rare to have a comment left on my blog. Perhaps that's because my blogs are rather rare. It's not that I don't have thoughts, ideas, memories and stories to share. But for some reason, other things take my time and energy each day and my blog remains my neglected friend.

There is hope that change may happen soon, however. If that happens it will be because new computers have arrived at our home. I am now using a new laptop - my first! And the increased speed and convenience is amazing. A new desktop is also about to make an appearance and I can hardly wait. Our old computer is 10 years old and VERY slow. Perhaps new computers with faster service will assist my slowing body and brain to produce more blogging. We'll see....

5 Groves' kids in the farm kitchen - Fall/Winter 1950

Back to the subject of comments, however. I opened my blog today and found that sweet treat that causes a warm smile to creep into my otherwise usual expression. Someone had left a comment a week ago. How regretful that I hadn't been back to my blog sooner to notice and read it.

And the reader who left the comment, is not just anyone. No, the person who left this comment is someone I have known since the day she was born. I'm holding her in this early photo. I suspect it is around Christmas time as she was born in early October. I had just turned six years old and was not yet in school. I had missed the December 1st cut for first grade as my birthday is on the seventh of the month. Cross Ridge School did not have kindergarten.

5 Groves' kids in the farm living room - Spring 1951

I was very happy to have a baby sister and remember often helping with her care. Our friendship grew from that point on.

We have never lived geographically close to each other as adults, but that has not prevented us from connecting in mutually supportive ways through occasional visits and more frequent calls and emails.

I share here part of the comment left by my baby sister a few days ago:

"One of God's greatest gifts to me is (physically) in Kerrville, TX....but always 'in my heart'.
YOU, dear sister, I am so grateful for. God continually touches my life with His love, support, & encouragement...uniquely packaged in YOU. And that brings me much joy! You welcomed & embraced me at the beginning of my life and continually allow God to use you in my life.
"it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Phi. 2:13
"I thank my God every time I remember YOU."
My sister uses words of affirmation to express her love and in the process she brings rich blessings to me. Her thoughtful sharing provides me with much appreciated encouragement. Though I don't feel worthy of her confidence, I am thankful for her sincere friendship.

It is really I who am grateful for a sister who steadfastly shares her life with me. She is an excellent listener and prayer warrior. We have strengthened each other as we've shared personal and family needs. Knowing that she is praying provides a tangible measure of hope for whatever might be a concern of mine. And to rejoice in answered prayer has been especially sweet.

Gratitude sharing continues...
4. a sister whose heartbeat is a perfect match for mine

Mom and me in 1945

Mom and Margelyn in 1951

5. Norwegian heritage from Mom - wearing sweaters made in Norway

6. Spending time with Mom and being grateful that she still remembers us and her Lord... 2008

7. Celebrating Marge's 60th birthday with a surprise visit in order to attend a Lori Line concert together... 2010

8. A surprise visit from Marge which was her Christmas gift from her husband...2011

9. Enjoying a Laity Lodge Women's retreat with Jeannette Clift George... Priceless... 2011

10. Sharing the view of the H.E.Butt Foundation Camps from the Wayside Park... 2011

11. Visiting a niece in Houston and visiting beautiful gardens... 2011

11. Enjoying RATHER SWEET in Fredericksburg, TX with my sweet sister... 2011

Expressing gratitude as memories flow is providing a steady pulse of God's great gift of faith and family. I am blessed. Thanks, Marge, for being my sister and my friend.

Note: To follow Ann Voskamp and others who have joined The Joy Dare, check out her amazing blog. Or find Ann's book, 1000 Gifts, to read and learn all about her discovery of the true path to joy.

Sharing Multitudes on Mondays...

2012-01-09T22:39:00.000-06:00

Jumping in here to begin sharing 1000 Gifts in 2012. Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience has challenged her friends to Take The Joy Dare and live this year with a greater emphasis on intentional gratitude. It's a way to see and express ones personal love for the Savior who has given the greatest gift of all time.

And His gifts are everywhere. When we begin noticing His touch in each of our days, we will be increasingly filled with joy. I am starting today...

My hand with that precious reminder of the one who chose me and loves me still.

The wedding ring on my left hand - so lovingly chosen, thoughtfully selected and selflessly given to me 45+ years ago.

2. The mission display case at my church which draws attention to those who travel internationally to share God's love

A New Year's Letter from Nebraska

3. a letter from a friend who shared her home with me while my firstborn attended pre-school and has remained dear for nearly 40 years

This is already filling me with memories of life's joys.

I am filling with gratitude.

God you are LOVE and JOY.

Mission Moldova 2012 Begins to Plan...

2012-01-07T23:03:00.000-06:00

We're beginning to plan for a Mission Trip to Moldova in August 2012.

Interested in being part of the team?

Read the following and view photos of teams from the past.

Imagine yourself gathered on the steps of the Gazebo

with all the children you've learned to love during your week there!

It's thrilling and amazingly meaningful.

Summer of 2010 we painted shirts to remember our Bible themes of the week.

Team 2005

Dear Friends of Moldova,

This is a message to provide you with the followinginformation.

· Moldova 2012 Mission Trip Information Meeting

· Sunday, January 15, 2012

· Trinity Baptist Church – Room 208

800 Jackson Rd

Kerrville, TX 78028

· 4:30 – 5:25 PM

The dates for this trip are
July 31 – August 10.

The plan is to return to the same camp we’ve worked at since2005.

Team 2006

Team 2007

This meeting is open to anyone who wants to explore thepossibility of being part of the team this year. Please invite others whomay have an interest but may not be receiving this message or haven’t heardabout the meeting in another way.

If you are interested in more information but are unable toattend the meeting on the 15^th, please let me know so that I cankeep you informed of plans as they unfold.

Team 2008

If you have an interest in learning about past trips, youcan read my blogupdates with the label, Sharing Mission Moldova. http://johnandlindaworden.blogspot.com/search/label/Sharing%20Mission%20Moldova...

Team 2009

If God wants a team to return to Moldova this summer, Hewill call together a team. Let’s be in prayer as this processbegins. I await His leading and your response.

Trusting in Him,

Linda L. Worden

Team 2010

Team 2011

http://johnandlindaworden.blogspot.com

November 1, 1948 Remembered...

2011-11-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

Reposting a true story about Nov. 1st...

November 1st is the anniversary of the day my family moved to the farm where most of my childhood was spent. I repost this blog to share memories of that day in 1948 when I was nearly 4 years old.

I have only a few memories of my first home which was on my Great-Grandmother's farm near Viroqua, WI - seventy-five miles from Fountain City, Wisconsin. Perhaps I will share some of those early memories later but I have decided to start this story as I begin life on the 200 acre farm my parents had just purchased.

My family moved to a dairy farm on Buffalo Ridge, November 1, 1948, about one month before I turned four years old. I had an older brother, Jimmy, and two younger sisters, Kathy and Barbie.

This farm was three miles from the small town of Fountain City, WI and seven miles from Winona, MN which could be reached by crossing a big bridge. It was on top of one of the beautiful, high bluffs that borders the Mississippi River.

"I remember the day we moved to our new farm home," I said as I told my grandchildren what I remembered.

"It was a day when the weather was very cold and rainy. The rain was turning to sleet as we drove the last few miles up the long dugway that led to our new farm. I was riding in the car with my mother and sisters while my Dad and brother were driving a truckload of equipment and a hired trucker was hauling our milk cows in his big truck.

"My most vivid memory is of that big cattle truck (original drawing by Joanna Lee Worden, age 9) as it drove up the driveway onto our property. The freezing rain was whipping dangerously through the open slats of the truck bed where the cows were crowding perilously. The truck had no partitions to keep the cattle separated. The incline of the dugway and the driveway, along with the treacherous weather conditions, caused the cattle to slip, slide and fall down in their bumpy ride to the farm. By the time my father and the truck driver were able to open the rear gate of the truck, most of the cattle could no longer stand up. As the gate opened, the cattle fell out, anxiously struggling to stand and find a way to their new barnyard. (Original drawing by Lydia Rose Worden, age 7)

"I watched this fearful sight from the back porch of our new home. The saddest part of that day was seeing that one of the cows did not stand up after she fell from the truck. That cow had been trampled to death by the other cattle as they endured the harsh conditions of the day and the move."

As I recalled that difficult day, especially for my parents, I realized that I was being shown one of my earliest lessons in how people who love God and trust Him with everything in their lives should respond to adversity.

"I do not remember any expressions of anger or hopelessness from my parents. They felt the loss of this cow deeply, I'm certain, as it was part of their livelihood, but they did not blame God for their misfortune. Their trust in God was built on a firm foundation and they would continue to live in commitment to Him even when difficult things happened."

I would see more examples of their faithful commitment to God as I grew up. And I'll continue my story later."

The Prayer Room...

2011-10-12T14:56:00.000-05:00

My Wednesdays begin in the Prayer Room of our church. All of us pray-ers know the combination to enter this little sanctuary where we focus the time we spend there on the vast number of prayer requests. It can be overwhelming because there are so many needs and so few people finding time to commit to this opportunity.

Today I read again the request submitted one Sunday morning in July by Margaret*. I knew Margaret only slightly but we had met several years ago after she moved to our community. We were sitting next to each other for the worship service and a conversation began in which I learned of some difficulties in her life. I have rarely seen her since. But seeing her name again this morning and reading her request reminded me of how carelessly I had listened and responded to her situation over these past few years.

It seems Margaret's problems have not gone away. She is still a single Mom with three children, one of whom is autistic, and her ex-husband is diagnosed with cancer. The sheet with her prayer request included a phone number. Since there was not an update on this request since July, I decided to call the number and see if Margaret was available for a conversation and update.

Margaret answered after a number of rings. With hesitancy at first, she shared that there was no change in her situation since July. "In fact," she stated, "things have gotten worse. It seems there is a black cloud following me!" Her voice began to quiver as she told me that her rental home had been sold "out from under her" and she was in the process of moving. Her ex-husband has been given 3-6 months to live, her autistic daughter is very agitated about this and wants to spend as much time with him as possible so weekends include a 400 mile drive to/from his home, another daughter is in a bad relationship and Margaret is exhausted and angry!

I felt at a loss for words. How come "when it rains, it pours" as the expression states.

I assured Margaret that I would update the prayer sheet and our church family would continue to pray for her. But inside I was feeling her situation was nearly hopeless.

"What could I do to change her situation? Nothing."

I was about to hang up when a "still, small voice" urged me to pray with her over the phone. I suggested it and she agreed.

As I closed my eyes, picturing this dear, young mother, I found myself with God's words and truth welling within so that my prayer became a fervent imploring of God to lift the heavy heart and angry soul of this gal who had reached out for helpful prayers from a blessed congregation. I found myself energized as my words flowed to the throne.

And in these moments, I knew I was able to "do" something to help her. I could "pray" and that is not a small thing.

Without answers ourselves, we have a lifeline to the One with the answers.

My time in the prayer room had perhaps a greater impact on me today than it did on those for whom I prayed. But I'm confident that my prayers have been heard by our patient, loving, transforming heavenly father and He is able to lift the load being carried by Margaret and many others.

*not her real name

10 Tips to Help Yourself Stay Safe...

2011-10-11T23:01:00.001-05:00

Received this by email today and think it's worth sharing here:

Even if you have seen this before, it is a good reminder.

Written by a Cop for Our Own Safety

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :

The elbow is the strongest point

on your body.

If you are close enough to use it, do!

2.. Learned this from a tourist guide.

If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,

DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.

Toss it away from you....

Chances are that he is more interested

in your wallet and/or purse than you,

and he will go for the wallet/purse.

RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car,

kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out

the hole and start waving like crazy..

The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars

after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit

(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.

DON'T DO THIS!)

The predator will be watching you, and this

is the perfect opportunity for him to get in

on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,

and tell you where to go.

AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR ,

LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..

If someone is in the car

with a gun to your head

DO NOT DRIVE OFF,

Repeat:

DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead gun the engine and

speed into anything,

wrecking the car.

Your Air Bag will save you.

If the person is in the back seat

they will get the worst of it.

As soon as the car crashes

bail out and run.

This has saved lives.

It is better than having them find your body

in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting

into your car in a parking lot,

or parking garage:

A.) Be aware:

look around you,

look into your car,

at the passenger side floor ,

and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van,

enter your car from the passenger door.

Most serial killers attack their victims

by pulling them into their vans while the

women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car

parked on the driver's side of your vehicle,

and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting

alone in the seat nearest your car,

you may want to walk back

into the mall, or work, and get a

guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO

BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

(And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator

instead of the stairs.

Stairwells are horrible places to be alone

and the perfect crime spot.

This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun

and you are not under his control,

ALWAYS RUN!

The predator will only hit you

(a running target)

4 in 100 times; and even then,

it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.

RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women are always trying

to be sympathetic:

STOP

It may get you raped, or killed.

Ted Bundy, the serial killer,

was a good-looking,

well educated man, who ALWAYS played

on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.

He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often

asked 'for help'

into his vehicle or with his vehicle,

which is when he abducted
his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:

Someone just told me that her friend heard

a crying baby on her porch the night

before last, and she called the police

because it was late and she thought

it was weird.. The police told her

'Whatever you do, DO NOT

open the door..'

The lady then said that it sounded like

the baby had crawled near a window,

and she was worried that

it would crawl to the street and get run over.

The policeman said,

'We already have a unit on the way,

whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'

He told her that they think a serial killer

has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax

women out of their homes thinking

that someone dropped off a baby..

He said they have not verified it,

but have had several calls by women

saying that they hear baby's cries

outside their doors

when they're home alone at night.

10. Water scam!

If you wake up in the middle
of the night to hear all your taps outside

running or what you think is a burst pipe,

DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE!

These people turn on all your
outside taps full blast so that you will

go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for

your neighbors!

A candle is not dimmed by lighting

another candle..

Miss Violet Mann....

2011-10-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

There is not much about my first Sunday at Lakeside Evangelical Free Church in Winona, MN that I remember except the Sunday School class to which I was taken and its teacher, Miss Violet Mann. I was probably about ten years old.

I was quite sure at the time that Miss Mann must have been close to a hundred years old - at least eighty it seemed. She was short, wore a long, dark skirt, had black "granny" shoes which laced up the front - an item old women chose back then - and wore a dark, cardigan sweater over her carefully ironed cotton blouse. Her unremarkable gray hair was combed straight back from her face and coiled into a bun at the nape of her neck - another sign she was really old. She wore no makeup.

Miss Mann had a face that I still see today - some 50 plus years later. Her skin sagged a little below her eyes and under her chin but I don't ever remember seeing her frown. Her face was winsomely warm and tender. She was soft spoken and yet well respected by everyone of all ages.

What I would come to learn about Miss Mann were things of which she didn't speak. She did not have a car and did not drive. She walked to and from church unless someone gave her a ride which we often did for her trips home. She worked as a domestic helper and had a room in the home of a wealthy family. She never married. Her personal wardrobe and possessions were what most people even then considered meager.

So what about this woman makes her a stand-out memory from my childhood? It was her genuine, quiet devotion to the Lord and to those children she got to know through her classes in our little church. She NEVER forgot our birthdays. After we moved to another class and after heading off to college, we continued to receive her annual birthday card and the handkerchief she ALWAYS included with it. I didn't think too much about it at the time but now I know that her meager personal possessions were a choice in order for her to buy the little remembrances she continued for many children for many years. And I feel certain that those cards came with her faithful prayers for each of us.

Miss Mann lived a long time after I moved into adulthood. When I learned of her death, I remember calculating her age when I would have first met her. She must have been barely forty years old!! But her choice to invest in the lives of children was not wasted on me nor many others.

Her selfless practice of Jesus' words from Mark 18:16,

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these"

remains a treasured memory of my childhood and continues to have a profound impact on me.
*****************
I have written this memory in response to a prompt from Jennifer@GettingDownwithJesus which I found on The High Calling Blog site. Jennifer's story about Gladys is well worth reading.

Sharing A Letter to Shara...

2011-10-03T14:36:00.002-05:00

Dear Shara,
I have to tell you something funny!!!
Do you remember when the following happened during one of our first meetings - before you had our family's name?
We were driving somewhere and other family members were with us.
You said to me something like this

"So Ms. Linda, I hear you like to shop at thrift stores!"

"Yes, I do as a matter of fact!"

"Well, I bet I'm a better thrift store shopper than you!"

Do you remember what happened at that point following your audacious boast?

A chorus rose from all who knew me a little better - like my children - and this is what they said:

"Oh no, Shara. My mother is the QUEEN of thrift store shopping!"

And from there we swapped thrift store shopping stories until I proved the truth of my children's exclamation.

But now I have another story to tell.

Andy, Jill and Linda

I worked at Laity Lodge this past weekend during the Writer's retreat. There were a number of workshops offered to the attendees. One of those was "Song Writing" with Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips as the professional facilitators.

Well, I hadn't for even a second thought about joining that group but your friend, Cameron, was there. I think she got confused and thought that because you and I have the same last name that I must have some of the same talent as you so she said to me

"Hey, are you coming to the song writing class with me?"

I pretty much laughed and babbled something about that not being my gift but she seemed undeterred by my disclaimers. And with a momentary thought that since I did have one line which for years I've tried to put with some other lines in order to compose something - story, poem... but never thinking "song", I decided to allow her tenacious encouragement, prodding, ill informed idea...to lure me to the group.

Now here's the thing which surprised and amazed me...

The group got really nervous when they heard I was coming to the class!!! And that could only have been reality because of you.

I might be the Queen of thrift store shopping, but

Sound Check at Lincoln Center before the MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND American Song Writers Series Concert.
"you're the Queen of song writing!!!"

So the class took me in, nerves were calmed and I was treated with encouraging grace.

Just wanted you to know about the fun I had because we share the same last name - each of us proudly bearing the name which a man of honor gave us as we chose to spend our lives with him. Thanks for joining our family and "taking us all up a notch" in the process!!!

Special guys on tour with wife and Mama in Holland, MI

So proud of your gifted work. Praying for your new record as it's released October 18, 2011!

Someone at the retreat told me he already has it ordered!!!

Thanks also for loving my second born and for giving me that sweet little fellow who also shares our name!!!

Love, Mom / Grandma Lee

Note: Shara likes the letter and approved of it being shared here.

Moldova 2011 Memory Part 5...

2011-09-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

The story started yesterday continues...

Diane and the girls learning to sing like angels!

... there's more to be told about something that happened during the rehearsal for the angels. Diane was handling the girls who were learning to sing the "Gloria" song so I stepped away from her and the group of girls. I was standing in the gazebo, observing Diane and her singers when a stranger walked into the gazebo, came up to me and said,

"Hi, I'm Gloria."

And I immediately replied as I held up my nametag,

"Hi, I'm Linda."

With that introduction, we began a conversation.

I had learned the evening before that some team members had met several University students from different countries. It had been learned that they were in Moldova as part of AIESEC to volunteer in camps where vulnerable children spent time during the summer. I had not met any of these students but as Gloria introduced herself to me, I learned that she was one of the students with that group.

I had been wondering about their length of stay and the purpose of their volunteer work so I began to ask Gloria some questions and she had some questions for me. Her English was flawless.

I learned that she was from China. She had been in Moldova for at least 10 days and would be there for another 20 days.

She said that she and the other students who represented 8 different countries, were working in two camps which were geographically side by side. A path through a wooded area was the way they moved back and forth between the two camps. She told me they slept and ate their meals at the other camp. She also mentioned that they hadn't been spending much time at "our" camp because they had learned that a team of volunteers was there that week so the need for their help wasn't so great.

Then she said, "I understand you are teaching Bible stories to the children. Is that true?"

I replied, "Yes, we are teaching Bible stories to the children. Are you also teaching Bible stories?"

(I had been very curious about her organization and was grateful for the opening to ask about her organization and its purpose for sending University students around the world.)

"Oh, no," she replied. "We are not a Christian organization but I want to be a Christian! I've always wanted to be a Christian. But no one has ever told me how I can be one. And ever since I have arrived in Moldova, I have been meeting Christians."

She went on to tell me that she had met a pastor named Dorel who was in a park in the center of Chisinau the previous Sunday. Dorel, his family and some of his church members were in the park as was their usual custom on Sunday afternoons, to sing and invite people to their church for an evening service. She had been invited by Dorel's wife to come to their home and stay a few days. She had done this and had witnessed a baptism during her time with them.

She said, "During the baptism, I just felt like I wanted to be baptized."

Dorel & Olga with John & me in August 2005.

As she spoke, my heart was leaping. I could hardly believe the readiness of this girl to become a Christian. And I didn't wonder about the teaching she had received from Dorel and his wife, Olga, because I knew them. Dorel was the director of CERI - Children's Emergency Relief International - when our church began to have teams go to Moldova each August. I knew their testimony so I was certain Gloria had been receiving scriptural answers to the longing in her heart.

Gloria was talking fast and furiously. She repeated her desire to be a Christian. She told me that when she was 15 - 16 years old, she had a tutor who taught her English. This tutor had studied in the United States for two years and during that time, she had become a Christian. She returned with a Bible and gave that to Gloria.

"But the Bible was hard for me to read and I didn't know where to read in it," she told me. "But I want to be a Christian!"

And with tears threatening to flow, I told her, "I can tell you how to be a Christian. Do you want to become a Christian right now?"

"Yes, Yes, I am ready!"

I wanted to make sure she understand that repentance of sin was part of the process so I said,
"The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned."

With urgency she responded, "Yes, Yes, I already know I am a sinner! I want to be a Christian!"

I realized she was ready and I needed to lead her with the prayer that would confirm the choice she had already made in her heart.

We were somewhat in the midst of children and their activity so I suggested we step out of the Gazebo and go to a spot that was just a little more quiet and private.

Photo taken in April 2005.

We walked together to a large tree that was away from the noise and action in the Gazebo.

As we arrived at the foot of the tree, we turned to look at each other and she said,
"I feel this is a holy moment."

The tears were again threatening but I was telling myself to keep my emotion under control so we could pray together the words that would cause rejoicing in heaven as one sinner repented.

"This is a holy moment." I continued, "To become one of God's children, you need to pray, confess your sin and tell God you want him to come into your life and make you one of his children. I can say a prayer and you can repeat my words if you'd like to do that."

She nodded her agreement and we began.

Dear Lord,
I want to be one of your children.
I know I am a sinner and need forgiveness for my sins.
I know that you died to pay the penalty for my sin.

Thank you for dying for me so that I can be forgiven.
I ask you to forgive me.
Please come into my life and make me your child.
Thank you for coming into my life and making me one of your children.
I love you. AMEN

The glowing smile on Gloria's face was the sweetest thing I've seen in a long time! We hugged and I told her that there was rejoicing in heaven because of her repentance.

We heard her name being called. Other university students were telling her it was time to go back to the other camp and have lunch.

I told Gloria I would be back after my lunch and would return to the camp the next day also. She said she would try to return before I left the country.

(I have blurred Gloria's face in this photo. I do not want her to be identified by face or national name which may cause her to be subject to persecution and discrimination. Gloria is the English name she apparently gave herself as an easily pronounceable name.)

As my heart overflowed with gratitude to Father God for the privilege of having this moment to share in the harvest for his kingdom, I walked to the van for our ride back to the team house.

A prayer of mine was answered, the prayers of many others were answered and a new life in Christ had begun.

I was about to learn that another new life had begun at about the same time as Gloria's had. Rick would share over lunch that one of the boys in his small group had lingered after their sharing time in order to place his trust in Christ as Rick opened the way for him.

John 20: 30 - 31

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

It was an especially sweet time of sharing and rejoicing around our table for lunch that day as a team. And we prayed that God was glorified through us as we gave him our praise and thankfulness.

Moldova 2011 Memory Part 4...

2011-09-21T16:32:00.235-05:00

The Gazebo where we all start and end our programs for the day.

The largest portion of our time in Moldova is spent providing the programming for a camp where children ages 7 - 16 live during June, July and August. These are children who live at a boarding school/orphanage from
September 1st - May 31st each year.

Children filling the Gazebo and listening, singing, participating, learning...

Girls share a Choral Reading of our scripture for the day.

This year the camp also included children from vulnerable families who qualified for a free camp experience. Those sixty children arrived on August 1st and would spend the month there before returning home.

These girls await the moment they'll take the stage in the drama they'll be sharing with the group.

The youngest girls claim a spot on the steps to the pool.

Following the large group singing and sharing, children head off to a small group time with a team member or two plus a translator for the Bible lesson for the day. Groups meet wherever there is a bit of space to create an outdoor classroom feel.

Following the small group lesson times, the children participate in small group activities...

Crafts....

More crafts....

Knot tying which even the girls enjoyed...

Archery was a greatly enjoyed activity...

Diane with Irina and Anna to translate

"You want us to be angels and sing to some shepherds?"

Another activity option was Gazebo Prep. During these sessions, my daughter-in-law, Diane, and I worked with groups of children in preparing them with drama, puppets, speaking in choral voices etc.so that they could participate as leaders/presenters during our Gazebo Times with the whole body of campers. This is one of the ways which we use to develop self confidence and leadership skills with the children. Diane is a pro. She is gifted, educated and experienced as a Mom, school teacher and church children's worker. She exudes the joy of developing children in creative ways. In spite of conditions at our camp in Moldova being a bit more spartan than other venues where she has worked, she had ideas for each day and would always wrangle some "costume" items from our stash of donations, the team house cupboards and the items we'd planned for ahead of time and taken with us. I was always extremely grateful for her creative energy and ability to overcome obstacles to work with a translator and prepare children for an important participation role during our week of camp. There were times the children weren't so sure they understood or were interested in the plan but results amazed us each day.

"Let's compose and learn a song which the angels might have sung the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem!!!"

Friday would be our last day at camp and our Bible story would be the birth of Jesus. Diane and I had decided to have the children do a drama of the whole story. Thursday we would have to prepare and rehearse all the children who would participate. Diane decided the girls ages 10-12 could be the angels and sing the song the angels may have sung to announce Jesus' birth. Certainly the children would know a Christmas song like that! But alas, they didn't and the Christmas songs they knew were not the Christmas songs we knew. So creative Diane, exclaimed, "we'll just make up a song they can sing." With that she began to sing in her lovely soprano voice, "Glooooria, Gloooooria, Gloooooria..." and with each time she sang "Gloria", she sang higher and with a beautiful melody. After a few times through as a solo, she engaged the girls who began to softly sing the song. Over and over again Diane and the girls sang this angelic praise to God - each time with voices getting stronger and stronger.

Joseph & Mary getting into costumes

We would have Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus, shepherds, angels and wise men.

Angels robed in white as they sing "Gloria" to the shepherds.

Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Wisemen worshiping and Little girl who wanted a "front row" view.

The whole cast would take a bow after their stellar performance.

Friday's performance was a huge hit. The day was lovely and the children glowed with joy wearing their simple costumes but with knowledge that they'd had an opportunity to be on stage to share a very important and exciting story. What fun to see them pleased with their part in the program.

But there's more to be told about something that happened during the rehearsal for the angels. Diane was handling the girls who were learning to sing the "Gloria" song so I stepped away from her and the group of girls. I was standing in the gazebo, observing Diane and her singers when I stranger walked into the gazebo, came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Gloria." And I immediately replied, "Hi, I'm Linda." With that introduction, we began a conversation which I'll tell more about in my next blog post.

Moldova 2011 Memory Part 3...

2011-09-19T21:25:00.000-05:00

An acquaintance who has been a missionary in Russia since 1994, shared a statistic today that is both convicting and heart breaking. She sent an update of progress on the work she does in Russia this morning and included the following information.

"America is far from God! How did it get this way? One big reason is that many believers have not been laboring in the “harvest fields”! Many are not being “salt and light” (living out the Gospel values) and have not been sharing the Gospel (explaining the Gospel truths), which is the responsibility and calling of every believer! II Cor. 5: 15,19-20 The Apostle Paul gives clear instruction in Eph. 4: 10, 11 that those who have the gift of evangelism are to be equipping the rest of the “Body of Christ” to do evangelism!

"When I was in Germany at our ReachGlobal Missions Conference in August, I learned a terrible thing!

"In our evangelical churches in America, it takes an average of 165 believers to bring 1 person to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ! I could not believe it! I knew it was bad when I left America 16 years ago, because I had been on a National Board that did research... Back then the statistics showed that it took approximately 100 people to lead one person to Christ.

"In contrast to that, the students who were trained in evangelism in... Kursk and who were committed to obeying God’s Word, have been leading 1- 3 people to Christ a year! And don’t think it is easier there (in Russia) than here (in the United States)! You have no idea how much more difficult it is to share your faith there!!!!"

I share these comments with you because it underscores my own admission in my previous blog. A relationship with Christ is the answer to all needs in this world. Why are we - why am I - so reluctant to share this good news with those who don't know this truth? Why are we reluctant to ask God to use us in his harvest field? And why are western evangelicals spending so much of their money on their own church needs when there is such GREAT disparity around the world in giving/spending/going. Just one statistic from World Mission Statistics shows that the following is true for American churches concerning how they allocate the use of their giving:

99.9% of Christian income on themselves
0.09% on the Evangelized Non-Christian World
0.01% on the Unevangelized World

I am grieved to read and contemplate these statistics. But I am also ready to be a person more committed to not being part of these statistics but instead to pray for the courage and focus to be more concerned about the lost world than these statistics indicate is the case in America.

And the story of my experience in Moldova this past August will continue in another post.

Moldova 2011 Memory Part 2...

2011-09-16T15:16:00.003-05:00

As I prepared for my seventh August trip to Moldova, I prayed for an opportunity to be part of Jesus' harvest. I recognized that there are many important steps for each life being sought by God for redemption. There's the planting and watering of seed. Those are critical stages. My earlier trips had been spent serving those purposes in the work of God's kingdom. But something inside me this year desired to be one of Jesus' Fishers of people who would experience the joy of harvest.

I'm quite sure my prayers for this matter were somewhat tentative. I didn't want to set my expectations so high that I would be greatly disappointed if God should decide not to provide this opportunity for me or other team members. But I felt enough confidence and trust to mention this idea to God in my personal prayer times. I didn't, however, announce my thoughts to the rest of the team.

That was not humility but lack of honest courage. How could I admit that for past trips I hadn't really been praying for harvest opportunities? Wouldn't the team be assuming that my spiritual maturity would have included prayers for the salvation of people with whom we'd be meeting and interacting? Well, I wish that were so but I'm afraid my prayer life has lacked fervent, confident, hopeful specifics! And for that I'm sorry.

So my conversation with God this year included the dipping of my toe into a stream I'd not waded into with much exuberance in the past. And fears of failure on my part are used skillfully by the Great Deceiver to weaken, silence and intimidate me. When will I learn that allowing intimidation to silence me is a tool of Satan to weaken the ways in which God could use me if I would claim His offer of courage like Nehemiah did while he was rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem?

This is a lesson I learn and appropriate; then forget and fail to appropriate.

But my story this year is doing much to boost my joy, confidence and commitment to being a more faithful woman of prayer. The notions that lurk inside my head causing me to feel unable to be a winsome witness for Christ are not honorable but dishonorable. And my reserve is not attractive but is the product of faulty thinking and inability to step into the life of freedom and faith which God has designed for me and out of which he desires for me to serve him. I'm a trusting child of his and it's time to more firmly remember St. Paul's words to Timothy which are preserved for all of us who follow Jesus Christ.

II Timothy 1: 7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,

but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Dear Lord,

I admit I frequently allow intimidation to sabotage your desire for me to experience your spirit of power, love and self-discipline. I confess that I have allowed lies to limit my voice and actions. But you are my faithful, forgiving Father of whom I am not ashamed. Thank you for continuing to call me to serve you at home and abroad. Thank you for ways in which you have designed me with abilities which can serve and make you known. May my faithlessness be turned to courageous faithfulness which will result in the growth of your Kingdom. Thank you for trusting me with your words. And may you find me faithful so that your redemption plan will be unveiled to all whom you wish to draw into your family through me. I am your humble servant. Amen

The story of his answer to this prayer will continue another day.

Moldova 2011 Memory Part 1...

2011-09-15T15:01:00.004-05:00

One afternoon during January, 2011, I heard a man reading scripture on a local radio station. The scripture being read was Luke 8: 26 - 39. I have written other blog posts about this passage. The key words which Jesus spoke to the former demoniac in this passage and it seemed he was speaking to me were these:

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

Today I begin a story which seems to be a fresh example of what God has done for me.

Moldova Team 2011

My story begins during the preparation phase for my seventh August trip to Moldova with a team of people in order to provide programming at a camp for children from an orphanage in Chisinau, the capitol of Moldova.

I have been pondering the Luke 8 passage often this year. It has seemed as though God wants me to be bold in my witness for Him and this scripture has allowed me to see his expectation in a form I felt I could embrace without fear. Couldn't I "tell how much God has done for me?" I don't have the story which the demoniac has but that's the freeing part of these words. I get to tell my story not someone else's story.

So preparation for the trip was underway. I'm quite sure that Jesus' commission in Matthew 28: 18-21
was on everyone's mind. It's a given that the purpose of our trips is to

go
make disciples of all nations
baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
teach them to obey everything I have commanded you

and do this knowing that Jesus promised "Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

Teaching precious children

We prepared each year for this international trip so that we would be ready to teach these precious children and adults about Jesus as we sought to disciple them. Our wide open welcome to share Jesus' truth, love and hope was an opportunity we did not wish to squander.

Meeting with precious adults...

Fun games...

And we grew each year in our boldness to share His words ...

...alongside fun games, crafts and activities.

fun crafts...

But my years of participation had not been blessed with a specific opportunity to have a conversation with someone who would become part of Jesus' harvest. I was actively planting and watering the seed planted in hearts there. So I decided this year to pray and ask that if it would be God's will, could I and our team be part of his harvest?

The story of his answer to this prayer will continue another day.

Sharing Another's Story...

2011-09-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

The Perfect Mistake (don't know who wrote this, but it is great!!)

My mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China . On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China !

The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. 'It's not fair,' he told God as he drove home in frustration. 'I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this.'

Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States . He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China , so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago . The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. 'But most of all,' he said, 'I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top. The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued:
'Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that.'

The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking him! I have to remember this in these times of trial with my own family.

May GOD bless your week. Look for the perfect mistakes.

'People are like tea bags- - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are.'

Now 'ain't' that just like God to do something like that????????

Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is the presence of God.

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #13...

2011-08-11T17:26:00.002-05:00

I'm basking in the joy our team experienced as we served together in Moldova. The following scripture was put on this blog as a comment for our team. It was a wonderful encouragement for us. We all experienced God supplied words and strength as we shared our lives with so many dear people in Moldova. This scripture is well worth sharing here.

(Isaiah 12:2-6)

"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord, is my
strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.

With joy you will draw water
from wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

"Give thanks to the Lord,
call on His name;
make known among the nations
what He has done,
and proclaim that His name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord,
for He has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy,
people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One
of Israel among you."

Thanks for sharing this scripture with us, Marge. You are a much loved sister.

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #12...

2011-08-10T21:49:00.002-05:00

Another two members of the team have arrived home safely! We left Moldova 26 hrs ago so I'm very ready to crawl into my own bed but I do so as a blessed woman! God has provided, energized and sustained us. So good to be one of His children!!!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #11...

2011-08-09T16:53:00.001-05:00

This has been my last full day in Moldova and I'll be heading to the airport in 3.5 hrs. I'm taking just enough time to post some photos to tell today's story. I've spent the whole day with 3 of the 4 girls we sponsor. One of our twins was too ill to meet me today. She is feeling better but her facial paralysis is still affecting her. She is in a 10 day treatment program. Please join with prayers for her full recovery.

The youngest resident of the Team House - Baby Valeria who won all our hearts.

The Belciug family who welcome and shepherd us throughout out whole stay.

Roadside views...

Passing a beautiful lake...

Lush this year throughout the rolling, verdant hills...

Arriving at the camp road, we were met by a herd of sheep and goats...

and their shepherd.

Daughters of camp director and a cook...

Spending the day with 3 sweet girls.

Viorica and Lena love this whirling ride so did it twice!

Took my life in my hands with this activity!!!

Boys first

and then the girls.

Elena, a twin... Just finished a 3 yr. food service high school

Lena, such a loving, servant heart...

Viorica, passionate love of the Lord.

New dress to be more appropriately dressed for church.

New pants for this beautiful, stylish young woman.

Heading to a movie at Malldova

Captain America in Russian with Romanian sub titles...

Sponsors with children and Belciug family for Andy's pizza - the kids' choice!

Pizza with mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes, mayonaise

and corn.

Sharing this day with 3 girls I've grown to love deeply was nearly perfect. The only disappointment was the illness of one twin and her inability to join us. The twins have had great discouragement recently as they learned their visa applications for Italy were denied and therefore they are unable to leave Moldova to be with their mother who works in Italy. They will continue to seek employment in Moldova and work toward another way to reunite with Mom. But right now improved health is Valentina's great need.

My trip to Moldova is about to end. I'll be leaving for the airport in 2 hours and hopefully will sleep all the way home. It has been a blessed trip. God has been gracious to our team and we are grateful for this opportunity. The rest of the team has arrived home safely in the states. Pray for Mark and me as we wing our way tomorrow. Your prayers have been felt and vital.

Moldova Mission Team 2011 #10...

2011-08-08T11:26:00.000-05:00

This has been a relaxing, meaningful day. Breakfast at 8 then departure for camp at 9. The 3 children being picked up were all ready when we arrived. We had my translator, Elena, with us and Mark would have CJ, our driver also. We found Ms. Lucia to inform her that we were there for the children as previously arranged so she was ready for us.

One of my girls is having some physical exams in preparation for acceptance at a next school as she completed ninth grade this May and has aged out of the orphanage. She had the first part of a TB test last Fri. and was to return to the clinic this morning to check that. We took her there and the girls waited for about an hour while that was happening. The guys took Vioriel to his dental appointment. They were finished with his work before Lena was ready so they went to change some money for Mark and me.

While we waited in the shade on a rock wall, we had some good conversation with Viorica. Also met a gal who is a student at the Music Academy specializing in the cello. Her English is quite good so we could visit. She is involved in a church and also has done some Bible Study activities at the orphanage. That has been very challenging as she reported that children didn't listen well and were quite disruptive. I assured her I understood but knew that her efforts and God's word would have a lasting effect.

When Lena was finished, we learned that her TB test was positive and that she was to return in the afternoon for a chest X-ray and further testing. The clinic had determined that she had swollen glands in her neck and they said that her positive result might be caused by an infection. We've learned that TB is quite common in Moldova and from the visual appearance of her arm, I wasn't surprised to hear the result.

From the clinic we drove to the downtown area for some shopping/strolling/eating time. We girls chose to stroll as there was a park nearby which I hadn't seen previously. The girls said they see it all the time. It was well populated; had a very nice playground for little children; some fitness equipment for adults; some inflatables and paths throughout the grounds. Quite pretty.

Downtown Chisinau in front of the Parliament Building with Viorica and Lena.

Center of Chisinau in the background.

Translator Photographer took a photo from 4 different angles.

Beautiful day for a walk in a park at ciy's center.

Following our stroll, we headed to Malldova which was near the clinic Lena needed to go to at 1:45pm. Vioriel could eat at 1pm following his dental work so we all were able to eat at the food court in the mall. This mall opened a couple years ago but I had only been there once before for a very short outing to grocery shop. All is modern and attractive. FC was quite large. Our food was tasty and we had plenty of room in their dining area. LaVerne and Regina were having lunch with Connie and they came there for lunch as well.

Lunch at Malldova including Regina, LaVerne and Connie.

The girls ordered Chicken Shish! Chicken & fries but no kabob.

Our order came from the restaurant just beyond us. Large food court but not many shoppers on Monday.

Lena had to say good-bye as soon as she finished eating in order to get to where she would have her further testing. I hope to see her again tomorrow around 11am.

Food Court included a Mexican Restaurant but we didn't try it.

Viorica and I had about an hour before we needed to join the guys for the trip back to camp with our kids. We decided to stay at the mall to "site-see" but that wasn't very engaging for Viorica whose feet hurt and who wasn't interested in buying anything there anyway. So we decided to get some ice cream and sit down for a chat. That was a sweet time. Viorica is very tender hearted and is very drawn to spiritual things. I learned that she attends Sunday morning and evening church during the school year, any Bible Study that is offered at the orphanage and reads her Bible every morning. Another ministry does a Tuesday night Bible Study every two weeks. A woman who lives quite near Internat 2 has opened her home for a Sat. Bible Study. There was a fellow leading that study but he has gone as a missionary somewhere and he put Viorica in charge. She now prepares questions from her Bible reading which she uses with the Sat. group. She has no Bible Study aides but her Bible is well worn. I told her how much it pleased me to see her eagerness to study the Bible and lead others to do the same. I shared some of the things God has been teaching me this year and as we parted, she said she would share my story with her roommates. She wants to become a Doctor someday. I have confidence she'll have an impact on her country and the world in time. She's 15 years old - one more year at Internat 2.

Our van was met by some of the usual guys who must hear the noise of the vehicle as it turns onto the gravel road leading to the camp entrance. Their big smiles are a warm welcome. They are there to have some good natured sparring with CJ who knows, cares about and enjoys hanging out with them.

Friends met Vioriel as he returned to the camp after his day with Mark.

These guys love CJ, our translator/driver, so they show up at camp when he drives onto the grounds.

It's been a great day. Can't believe my update is written by 7pm!!! Yeah!!! I'll get to bed early tonight!

I've just learned Elena, the twin who's not sick, will join us tomorrow about 11am. I'll have 3 girls and appreciate prayers that this will be a great time with some girls who do not have a mother with whom they live. And these girls have major things they're facing - health problems, school acceptance needs, job needs... I'm so grateful that CERI is here for these children facing challenges and giving them God's truth as they do it. What a privilege to be involved with this ministry.

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #9...

2011-08-07T15:35:00.002-05:00

The day started at 6:00 AM when seven team members rose to prepare for their trip to the airport. All went well until the time came to unload the checked bags from the van. One bag heading to Richmond, VA was still at the team house. But a taxi was called and the bag was delivered in time for everyone to check in and get through security.

My day continued with breakfast and a drive to Jesus Savior Baptist Church. Since it is the first Sunday of the month, it was communion Sunday. And because it's August, the youth choir sang - 3 numbers. One song was CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS. Terrific!

The service began with the congregational song, HOW GREAT THOU ART and a little later the next hymn was OH, HOW I LOVE JESUS. I tried to follow the Romanian words on a screen but sometimes sang in English. It's always a worshipful experience to share familiar hymns with brothers and sisters singing a different language - a little taste of heaven.

A lady with an excellent voice sang a beautiful song accapella. Guests in the service introduced themselves and shared greetings from their home churches. Three girls and a sax player lead singing during the offering.

This week another newly engaged couple was introduced to the congregation and there was admonition and prayer for the whole church family. This couple is part of the deaf ministry of the church.

Jesus Savior Baptist Church introduced a newly engaged couple from their deaf ministry.
The interpreter shared with them the admonition to the congregation to encourage and mentor
this couple and then the prayer for their marital preparation.

The main sermon of the morning was brought by a man from Warsaw, IN, Jim Mugg. He was in Moldova for the umpteenth time at a conference training and encouraging Moldovan missionaries. He's been coming here since 1991. I had heard his name from a Facebook friend who is in the same church with Jim so I was thrilled to get to hear this man preach in English which was translated to Romanian and to meet him afterward along with his friend, Bruce Shown. They had brought DVD's in Russian which have recently been created by my friend, Lane Anderson and the ministry he heads, InterComm International.

Communion Service begins.

Pastors and Deacons serve the wine.

Following church, we headed to Andy's Pizza for lunch and to meet Elena and Valentina, the twins we sponsor. But I soon learned that Valentina was in the hospital with partial paralysis of her face (from what I think I'm being told) caused by 'sleeping in a strong draft'. Elena and an aunt arrived for lunch and I learned some more details. The girls had been at their Grandmother's in a village quite far away. Valentina started noticing swelling in her neck on Friday. She began to develop facial drooping symptoms by Sat. so they boarded a bus for Chisinau. Sat. night about midnight they called an ambulance to take her to the hospital. Dr's apparently think treatment will correct the problem so Elena was headed to a pharmacy after we ate to fill prescriptions. They have talked to their mother in Italy and she plans to send them money for "treatments". This is quite frightening for Valentina which certainly is understandable. A CERI employee went with her to the pharmacy. Before we parted, we found a relatively quiet place on a park bench where I could pray with Elena and assure her of my continued prayers.

Andy's Pizza was just across from this huge flower shop!

So elegant!!!

Added a bit of site-seeing to the afternoon.

Impressive Monastery I hadn't seen before!

Flower box #1

Flower box #2

Flower box #3 - I love flowers!

Found a wedding in progress inside the chapel.

Couldn't understand the Gregorian Chanting.

Fairly recent restoration with government funds.

Our day included the evening service at Bethel Baptist, the oldest Baptist Church in Moldova. It celebrated it's 100th anniversary a few years ago. Enjoyed the wonderful music, the Russian language everything and a guest speaker, Jim Mugg. Great sermon the second time too!!!

Will have breakfast in the morning then head to camp to pick up 2 girls we sponsor in order to spend the day with them along with Mark and his boy.

Another gorgeous day in all ways! Now to get some needed sleep!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #8...

2011-08-06T15:48:00.001-05:00

Our Saturday started with a shopping trip to purchase supplies for a few repair projects and another trip for grocery staples to give 32 adults living in a facility for people aged out of orphanages needing help to survive on their own. After arriving at Vatra Center, we assembled bags of food.

CJ and John assessing the bench needs before a trip to buy supplies.

Part of the crew was assigned the task of scrapping and painting the front gate.

Some of our clothing was reserved for the residents of this home. Most have no jobs and no means to pay for their needs. Only their room is provided so food and clothing are desperate needs.

Pizza, beverages and cookies were brought in for lunch.

Lena tackled a gate.

Viorica volunteered for a door.

Two girls we sponsor were

picked up at camp to join us

in this work project.

They were hard workers and

carefully painted their area.

Great crew for the wide front gate.

Phillip joined the crew that painted the small but high gym.

Working side by side with translators to provide needed sprucing up to a worthy facility owned by the city.

A set of guy twins in the Transitional Care program joined our work force. They got to work with the bench crew.

Sibling translator bench painters!

Just enough gray paint to cover the back gate.

Great Mother / son helpers!!!

Petru and Vasilie have just graduated from the orphanage and will start in the Transitional Care program this fall.

Joined by a few residents and our translators, our tired, sore but faithful team endured yet another group shot!


Team Worden and Lena and Viorica.

A day of community service gave a lift to the stretched Director and staff at Vatra House. This home houses 32 individuals with a variety of handicaps. But the Director is providing opportunity for learning and training so lives are improving in many cases. Funding is a problem so basic needs are difficult to meet. It was a joy to serve in this meaningful way.

A refreshing shower and a delicious supper were a real treat following this day of labor.

Following supper we shared a profitable time of debriefing. We are a terrific team and there were good ideas for some ways to tweak the ways we carry out this opportunity. We also shared a highlight of the week and there were many different things mentioned. We have been blessed by the Lord for this time and place.

Eight folks leave on a flight at 8:45am tomorrow morning. They will spend a night in Frankfurt due to the earlier cancellation and rebooking of a Monday flight. They'll return to the states on Monday. Two others will leave Monday and the last two of us will leave on Wednesday.

I will spend time tomorrow with the twins we help sponsor starting at Jesus Savior Baptist Church in the morning. We will probably do some site-seeing after lunch somewhere.

I am blessed... but a little tired too.

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #7...

2011-08-05T16:02:00.002-05:00

Preparing Mary and Joseph for their journey to Bethlehem.

The Gazebo became the stage so the flat slab became the auditorium.

Children filled the flat slab and watched attentively.

Shepherds and angels ready to perform.

Mary and Joseph's first visitor was the 4 yr. old daughter of a cook! This scene caused emotion to well from the joy I was feeling! "Let the little children come to me!"

Robed kings entering from the east!

Kings worshipping under the star which had come to stay over the stable.

Cast preparing to "take a bow".

Hilarious translator skit.

The class of adults LaVerne and I met with daily.

Came to love these gals this week!

Gloria from China experiencing continued joy and excitement in her "new life".

Grandson Phillip poses with new friends on the campus of Internat 2 - the orphanage/boarding school where our children live from September 1 - May 31 each year. Had a tour of the grounds today.

Great place to get some excess energy out!

Purchasing a clay whistle and getting photographed!!!

CERI support team outside LaTaifas as we left the restaurant where we'd thanked them for their fantastic service! The 3 guys at the bottom are orphanage graduates now pursuing more education. They were helpers for the week and are terrific young men. We've come to know them in the 7 years we've been coming here.

Team Worden at LaTaifas in Chisinau, Moldova!

How can it be the end of our week at the camp in Moldova? Some of the day's events were missed by my camera as I was occupied with keeping things rolling.

Many children were prepared to recite memory verses and that was such a joy to hear their voices and then to give them some little treats.

Because we were talking about the birth of Jesus today, I had gotten baby pictures of each team member and put them into a power point. We all stood and as each photo was shown, the kids guessed whose photo they were seeing. They were only right a couple of times. I had arranged the photos randomly but had Phillip as the last man standing. When his photo came on the screen, there was a loud shout of "Phillip" and then applause. They have come to be very fond of him and it seems quite mutual.

We spent about an hour in our small groups going over the lesson and doing a craft. They decorated a picture frame and we had an individual photo of them, a team photo and their class photo to give them. Picked those up from the printer on our way to camp!

Gave out gift bags and had those gut wrenching "last" hugs, kisses and sometimes tears. Knowing that God remains with them and available to them keeps the difficulty of departure from overwhelming us. Their sweet smiles and lavish love warm our hearts and keep most of us returning for another trip.

One team member shared that this was the best of the groups she's had over the past 5 years and the most attentive during the Bible lessons. Her usually 20 girls often asked for more stories instead of time for games - impressive!

My new Chinese friend came to the camp for a few hours from a nearby camp where she's staying for a month. She wanted to have her picture taken with me because "I want to remember you. You have helped me start a brand new life. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me!"

The adult class today discussed the Luke passage also. We talked about the importance of Jesus' birth and they had questions about infant baptism and it's importance in the orthodox church. I talked through John 3: 1-16 and Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. They were present, attentive and thoughtful.

Following camp, we had lunch then to the orphanage for a short tour outside the buildings and a brief stop at the outdoor market before our "Appreciation Dinner" with our support team. Relaxed fun - sweet conversation and great food made for a delightful evening. Had great translators this year!! As usual!!!

Tomorrow is a workday - painting some indoor rooms at a group facility. More about that tomorrow. Three children sponsored by our team members will join us as will some twin boys who are needing sponsors. I have asked Connie about names of children waiting for sponsors.

It's only midnight here right now so I'll be getting a little more sleep than usual. First team member to leave heads to the airport at 5:30am tomorrow morning!!! How can that be!!! Didn't we just arrive here?

Love knowing that people are praying for us. Your prayers have brought incredible results here!

Weather report: Another perfect day!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #6...

2011-08-04T17:14:00.001-05:00

Gazebo Time starts with drama depicting preparation for a special guest - as John the Baptist prepared for Jesus Christ.

Girls ages 13-16 do choral reading of Mark 1:1-8, Matt. 3:13-17, John 1:12

Diane with translator, Anna, begin to prepare girls ages 10-12 for Jesus' birth drama on Friday.

Lined up for ice cream treat Thursday afternoon.

John and LaVerne distribute ice cream treat - no complaints and lots of Thank-you's! (in Romanian)

Cherishing special moments and conversations with these precious girls we sponsor.

Gloria from China visiting with Regina and LaVerne!

The Prophet Isaiah and John and Baptist

Rapt attention (most of the time) and participation in fun songs.

Alex holds microphone as actors speak their lines.

Rick and his guys


Packing gift bags for our last day tomorrow! Notice the bags of socks!!! Thanks to Kerrville friends.

It is past my bedtime but there was lots to do after supper this evening to prepare for our last day at the camp tomorrow morning. But those things are done and I'll pop into bed as soon as I update this blog.

It has been an amazing day and I won't take time with all the datails now as I need some sleep.

Great singing, reciting memorized memory verses, sharing dramas, Bible stories, activities and time. The day has flown by as has the week and we're now about to have our last time at the camp with all these adorable, active and wide-eyed children and adults. My small group time has been spent with the adult teachers and staff of the camp and they have been attentive and open to the scripture and discussions.

Just before lunch, I was helping with an activity called Gazebo Prep. Diane takes the lead so I wasn't presently engaged when a young woman approached me and introduced herself as Gloria from China. She and a few other University students from all over the world are in Moldova to help in camps. We started talking and before long she was telling me that she was not with a christian organization but she was very interested in Christianity. I continued to ask some questions and this girl eagerly shared how much she wanted to know more about the Bible and Jesus. She had met some Moldovans who were part of CERI here and had gone to a church and a baptism. She said at the Baptism she felt she just wanted to be baptized. She said she wanted to be a Christian but she didn't know how to become one. She listened as I explained and said she was ready to repent if I would tell her how she could. We were somewhat in the midst of activity so we moved to a quieter spot. I looked into her eyes, took her hands and led her in the sinner's prayer. She said, "I feel this is a holy moment!" I told her it was. About the time, the rest of her team said it was time to go so we hugged and she left saying she would be back. She returned later in the day and talked to others on our team as well.

Many seeds have been planted, watered and the harvest was today!!

As time for her to leave arrived, she found me for another hug. I asked if she had had a good day and she answered, "This has been the best day of my life?"

It was a holy moment and to have been part of God's plan for Gloria has me filled with joy and gratitude.

Rick spent the last day with his boys today as he will visit a future camp opportunity tomorrow. He shared the salvation story today and asked anyone interested in repenting to talk to him afterward. One boy did and the angels had another opportunity to rejoice in heaven today.

These moments are possible because you are praying and because God chooses to use fallible, ordinary humans to share His truth and His offer is irresistible in His perfect time.

Will return tomorrow evening to update about our time here. This kingdom work is exhausting but words are inadequate to share the joy I've had today and this week!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #5...

2011-08-03T16:25:00.000-05:00

Starting Gazebo Time with a puppet show to take everyone visually through the Beattitudes!

Translators and Praise Team lead our Gazebo Time music - they're great!

Viorica (wearing a new jacket top from the items shared yesterday) recites the memory verses as Stella observes.

Cross Craft


A really nice young man!

Another fine boy!

Regina and her mother, LaVerne, work hard each day providing crafts the children are enjoying.

Modeling new clothing!

The parachute from Richmond, VA is lots of fun!

Diane and her happy children enjoy a beautiful afternoon playing on the soccer field!

Irina assists with translation and the fun continues.

Sarah helps with free time crafts.

The cook's daughter also loves the craft project.

Allison, Nancy and Regina try to keep up with children doing crafts.

Evening Gazebo Time includes several drama vignettes which illustrate our theme for the day which was Forgiveness.

An elderly woman about to have her purse stolen. Great actress!

Actresses about to take the stage!!!

These are Allison's "girls".

Loving to pose in costume off stage.

Phillip shares from memory Hebrews 11: 1-7 - received applause from his admiring audience.

Hugs for a young woman wearing a dress that Joanna has outgrown.

You see the highlights of today. From the youngest through the class with adults, we talked about Jesus' response to a woman who had sinned greatly and the need we all have for receiving forgiveness and extending forgiveness. Good discussions and fun.

Of course these days are challenging and exhausting but the joy we're experiencing and the smiles we're sharing are keeping us relying on the Lord to provide all that we need so that He is glorified and made known. Your prayers are powerful and greatly appreciated.

Mark is recovering and made it through the day but skipped doing cartwheels!!! Nancy's knowledge of the culture here and her fluency in Russian make her an exceptional addition to the team.

Full day tomorrow so must get some sleep. Again grateful for fantastic weather - had to start the day with long sleeves!!!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #4...

2011-08-02T15:59:00.001-05:00


Moldova Team 2011 - all 14 of us on day 2!

Will tell the story of Day 2 mostly in pictures. Started with a group photo in the
Gazebo to keep a team tradition going. Kudos to Diane for getting a sign ready for us to hold.

Girls we sponsor and have the privilege of spending time with this week!

Camp Director &
Camp Medic respond to tumble by Mark

All fixed up!

During small group time, things got a little bumpy for Mark but Allison was right there with a first aide kit and the camp director and medic were quickly available. His physical wounds will heal though he's a little sore in a few places.

Diane teaches small boys to create a little puppet with their hand.

Today's lesson included ideas for dealing with things that are turned upside down. Diane demonstrated with a translator how to turn a face upside down with a magic marker.

Then she demonstrated the same with a student volunteer. It was really captivating and funny!

Allison and Vlad helping a young man find a fit for his feet.

We returned to camp after lunch with all the clothes and shoes we'd brought to Moldova. It was a delightful time of assisting over 100 children and adults in finding something new to wear. They were all excited and grateful. The items had come from all team members. We represent home churches in Kerrville, TX, Parker, CO, Richmond, VA and Irving, TX. A big thank-you to all who generously donated these items. And we'll have enough to take with us on Saturday when we have a painting outing at a facility for adults who live in a home for people needing care but having few resources.

Lots to choose from.

Girls are great "shoppers"

Something for the cooks also.

Such a thrilling moment! Young men with LaVerne in their new soccer shoes and clothes.


We've been watching these twins grow up and they're now nearly as tall as John.

The twins in the photo above have just graduated from the orphanage. They have sponsors from Kerrville, TX who have been praying diligently for them for at least 7 years. Last week they attended the Transitional Care camp and during that week they "repented". They are planning to give up some bad habits and enroll in further education so that they can stay in the CERI program and be given continued support and encouragement. They are good examples of the fruit of building relationships and sharing God's truth with vulnerable children. They have joyful expressions and new evidence in their lives of a change on the inside.

We are grateful to be here; grateful for your prayers; grateful that Nancy was well enough to join us today; grateful that Mark was not injured more seriously and grateful that the weather here is SPECTACULAR!!!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #3...

2011-08-01T14:42:00.001-05:00


Diane and Translator Alex preparing a group of boys for a drama.

We've had perfect weather today!

The day has gone well and debriefing after supper this evening included expressions of satisfaction with the schedule, the activities and especially the joy of being with the people in our groups today. It was a good Monday - minor equipment struggles and good participation in all that happened.

We start and end our day with about a 40-45 minute large group session in the Gazebo. There's singing, dramas, a projected story and memory verse sharing plus whatever else we think of.

Radu serves as helper and capable actor. He's an orphanage graduate and a fine young man.

Enraptured audience during Gazebo Time

Beautiful Viorica with the craft for the day in her hair.

Actors depicting Samuel selecting David as King.

Oldest son is not the chosen one though he's strong and handsome!

Parachute from Richmond, VA provides afternoon fun.

We are still eagerly preparing for our day tomorrow but pretty weary this evening. But it's a good "weary".

Forty new children arrived at camp today. They will join our groups tomorrow and we're praying that this opportunity to share with new children will provide moments in which Christ is winsomely made known. But we realize this may present an interesting challenge! Bring it on!!!

The two delayed boxes arrived today so we are thanking God for that answer to prayer. Your prayers are important and very appreciated. Our team member who lives in Moldova was unable to be with us today due to illness. Pray for Nancy who hopes to join us tomorrow.

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #2...

2011-07-31T15:14:00.002-05:00

A rich and very full Sunday is drawing to a close over here! Some photos will tell our story.

Most of us slept quite well but are all planning roast rooster for dinner very soon! If this creature could crow properly rather than with a mechanical, fake voice, I might not be so perturbed! And we've all decided that 5am is too early for the serenade to begin!

So we started early and were able to open and sort our boxes of supplies before breakfast! That allowed a few other things to fit into our day which was nice.

After a delicious pancake breakfast, we headed to Jesus Savior Baptist Church. The 2 1/4 hour service included many elements and we knew we were worshipping the Lord even without knowing the language.

Beside the usual sermon at the end, the service included a baby dedication,

an introduction of a newly engaged couple, which included a call to the congregation to pray for and offer support in any way so that the couple would be encouraged and well prepared for marriage,

the amazing recitation (at least 10 minutes) by a small boy with voice and hand dramatic embellishments of the Biblical story of
Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, 3 choir numbers sounding like well trained professionals and perhaps nearly an hour of prayer. There were several times of corporate prayer. A pastor had a message, then led in prayer, followed by open prayers from congregants and later, after a few people had come forward with written prayer requests, there was more Pastoral and open prayer.

Another element was for visitors to introduce themselves and give a greeting from their home churches. A man sang a solo and a woman read a lengthy poem.


Traditional group photo on the front steps of Jesus Savior Baptist church following the service.

We headed to lunch at a pizza parlor where we were joined by the twin girls we help sponsor. That was sweet as we caught up with their lives. They have been hoping to immigrate to Italy to be with their mother but had learned yesterday that they were denied visas to leave the country. They have a Romanian grandfather so will try to obtain Romanian passports and try again. They expect this process to take a year or two. They are optimistic though disappointed.

Diane and Phillip Worden scouting for gifts.

The girls joined our team following lunch at the market. It could not have been a more beautiful day and some found treasure for souvenirs.

More treasure hunters examining jewelry, Matroushka dolls, art work, etc.

My husband and I are joined by our daughter as we spent some shopping time with our twin girls.

Elena opening a gift from her other sponsor.

Following the market shopping outing, we returned to the team house to prepare for a trip to camp. Our translators arrived about 4, we went over schedule logistics, had a tender time of prayer and headed to camp. We had learned that the other 2 girls we sponsor were to be at camp. Almost as soon as we arrived, they found us and our hugs were mutually warm and wonderful!

Sharing the photo albums I created from pictures taken in 2010.

Stella and my Froggy puppet friend helped me introduce ourselves to the children.

Today was change day at the camp as its the last day of the month. Some children went home and 40 more will arrive tomorrow morning. But small groups went well and folks have been busy this evening preparing for what will unfold tomorrow!

Now you see why I say it was a full day. We're so grateful for lovely temperatures, blue skies and welcoming smiles.

Now to get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow. We're feeling your prayers and support!

Safe Arrival in Moldova...

2011-07-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

Team Worden plus Mark

It is Saturday evening and I'm at home in Chisinau, Moldova. This home for our team for the next week plus a few days is clean, comfortable and welcoming.

Travel began for the Kerrville team members at 3am on Fri. morning. Check in went quite smoothly and we had time for breakfast before heading to Detroit. I was asleep on that flight before the plane took off!!!

Detroit team expands

The team grew by 3 members in Detroit as others joined us from Denver, CO and Richmond, VA. Getting acquainted is going well. A treat during our Detroit stop was that the Wordens were able to welcome son James and grandson Constantine for a visit at the airport.

Detroit mini family reunion

Slightly delayed departure from Detroit with smooth travel to Frankfurt. Added another 3 team members there. A very groggy group boarded Air Moldova and departed there about 3pm.

Phillip grabs some zzzzzzzz's on a tram to the plane in Frankfurt.

Had a fun welcome in Chisnau by the CERI director here and her 10 month old baby girl whom we're meeting for the first time!

Some questions from Customs officials were deftly handled by Connie and our baggage entered the country.

Two boxes were delayed somewhere but should arrive in a day or two.


Our traditional team photo as we arrive with the city of Chisinau in the background

Our tummy's are full, our beds are ready and no one will have trouble sleeping. It is cool and comfy. My heart is singing and rejoicing that God has brought another team together and brought us safely here. Thanks for your prayers!

Moldova Countdown...

2011-07-27T20:27:00.000-05:00

Our Moldova Team 2011 is in the final day of preparation for departure from our homes, families, city, state and nation. Travel days are Friday and Saturday. Some of us will depart at 3AM on Friday, have long hours in airports then we will all board Air Moldova together on Sat. afternoon in Frankfurt, Germany for the last leg of our trip to Moldova. This will be my 7th early August trip. Memories of precious faces are stirring within me and my heart is ready to spend time with friends I have come to know and love.

Spending time with girls we sponsor - anxious to see them again in a few days.

This evening as I pondered the hours I've spent in preparation, I realized that none of those hours have yet been used to bring anyone closer to a relationship with the Lord. Have those hours been wasted? Has it been in futility that I have fashioned schedules, activities and lessons?

My prayer this evening is that all those hours of preparation will be the foundation from which I and our team can be freed to shine God's light and truth. Our schedule may be implemented upon our arrival at the camp in Moldova or God may allow it to be brushed aside in order for a different plan of His to unfold. We have been taking seriously the privilege of this opportunity. Our preparation provides a framework giving us some security that we have things to share. But more importantly, the memory bank in our hearts and minds will be the reservoir from which His love and truth can flow so that relationships with Him can be birthed and brought to greater maturity.

We're all excited. Pray with us and for us as we go with trust and confidence in one worthy of being made known.

Moldova Mission Trip on the Horizon...

2011-07-18T13:42:00.001-05:00

Our final day in 2010 after we've painted a tee with a symbol of each lesson we taught.

In less than 2 weeks, 13 people from the United States will be traveling to Chisinau, Moldova. There we will be joined by another team member who gets to live in Chisinau year round. Our team members come from 2 different countries, 4 different states and 5 different churches. We will begin meeting as a team at the airport in Detroit, continue adding team members at the Frankfurt, Germany airport and finally be all together for the first time after arrival in Chisinau, Moldova on July 30th.

The Gazebo holds all of us to start and end our day at camp.

How will 14 people be able to cooperatively get acquainted, live and minister together for 11 days when they've previously never been physically in the same space?
These words of the Apostle Paul to the Romans give me great hope and confidence that this will be possible:

Romans 15: 5-7

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Husband John with his boys ages 13-14 in 2010

We selected a curriculum this year which has a lesson on inclusiveness - accepting those with a variety of differences; another lesson is on forgiveness and we'll close with a lesson about salvation. So the verses in Romans which encourage a spirit of unity and acceptance of one another in order to bring praise to God will have to be embraced by our whole team so that we will glorify God with one heart and mouth as we share and model the implementation of the lessons we'll teach.

Will this be a challenge?
Will this be successful?
Will this be implemented perfectly?
Will the effort be worth it?
Will our team glorify our Lord Jesus Christ?
Will we have a spirit of unity among ourselves?
Will God be praised?

I am prayerfully trusting that the answer to all of the above questions will be "yes" except for #3. We will not reach perfection as individuals or as a team on this trip but we will forgive and receive forgiveness as moments of friction arise and are overcome.

Meeting with the Moldovan teachers

Our team is mightily encouraged and sustained with the prayerful support of family and friends. Please pray for the following:

Travel safety
Team bonding cooperatively
Health
Proper sleep / adaptation to time change
God's truth shared in boldly winsome ways

Thanks for being a part of our team. Hopefully I will be able to update this blog each day in Moldova starting July 31st.

I can't wait to get back there!!!

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #4...

2011-06-06T15:02:00.000-05:00

I'm still pondering the Luke 8 passage which is found in verses 26 - 39. I have posted thoughts about the demon possessed man from whom Jesus cast a legion of demons, the people of the region who begged Jesus to leave their area and now I want to focus on another group of people who were involved as observers of this miracle.

Verse 26 begins with the word "they".

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes which is across the lake from Galilee.

Who are "they"? We answer that question by reading the preceding paragraph as follows:

Luke 8: 22 - 25

²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. ²³ As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. ²⁴ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

So the "they" is Jesus and his disciples. They have just been part of Jesus' teaching ministry involving large crowds of people. No wonder Jesus was so physically exhausted that he was able to stay asleep during a squall which threatened the swamping of their boat. But he placed his trust in his heavenly father and slept without fear.

Fear, however, visited his followers and they turned to him with a shouted prayer cry!

"Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

And before he questioned their faith, he calmed the storm. He spoke to the wind and water and the storm that was raging and it obeyed him - it was stilled. Perhaps Jesus went back to his "bed" to continue sleeping. But his disciples were so wide awake and amazed that they could only wonder at what they had just witnessed! It was one thing when humans obeyed his voice, but it was truly amazing when the wind and waves obeyed! And their question was, "Who is this?"

They are about to get an answer to their perhaps theoretical question.

They follow Jesus as he steps on shore in the region of the Gerasenes. As the homeless, naked demonic approaches, a voice from within that man cries out -

"What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?"

The demons know who Jesus is and the disciples are witnesses to their proclamation. Jesus is the Son of God! And they are about to observe that demons also obey him because he is going to perform a miracle. He will cast 2000 demons from this tortured man and free him from their control. Another act of Jesus which amazes his fearful disciples.

And until the community comes together and asks Jesus to leave them because of the fear they have, Jesus teaches the newly healed man a portion of his life changing and nourishing truth. The disciples witness this.

As Jesus got into the boat to leave, the demonic begs to be able to leave with him but is told,

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I have been thinking about that command since early January. I have been thinking that those words were not only given to the demonic but they were also given to me centuries later. And today I believe that this message was for the disciples also.

That is why I wanted to explore those who witnessed these words Jesus spoke and to ponder what their answer would be if they were to "...tell how much God has done for you."

Here are some of the things they would probably tell just from what they have seen so recently:

Jesus awakened from sound sleep when I cried to him during a life threatening storm
Before Jesus challenged my faith, he calmed the storm creating my fear
The wind, waves and storm obeyed Jesus' command so that my life was spared
Jesus was proclaimed to be God by demons and Jesus did not refute that claim
Demons are powerless when Jesus speaks to them
Jesus took what caused my fear and brought calm

If these disciples tell these things as they walk amongst their friends, family and the crowds that gather around them, they will be powerful witnesses of Jesus' life changing, truthful words which provide freedom from fear and from the control of danger and demons. Those things are powerless when we cry for release and Jesus acts on our behalf.

I, too, am amazed and released from fear and powerlessness. I must join these Jesus followers and

"...tell how much God has done for you."

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #3...

2011-05-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

I continue to explore the application of Jesus' words to a newly healed man,

Luke 8: 39a "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I have looked at the man and the villagers who heard and saw what happened as Jesus came on shore in their neighborhood and radically changed one man's life.

I have some more thoughts about this man in relation to the assignment Jesus gave him. The man was begging Jesus to allow him to go with him. Because of fear, the villagers had asked Jesus to leave and he was obliging them. So Jesus was getting back into the boat to leave. But rather than take the healed demoniac with him, he gave him this assignment:

Luke 8: 39a "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I've been thinking about reasons that this man would have been begging to go with Jesus. I imagine that all of the following are experiences and feelings which he was having as a result of Jesus' love and action.

He had just met Jesus who had listened to him and responded with power and the gift of freedom.
He had just become a healed person who was able to physically control his own body.
He had been released from binding chains and human guards.
He was clothed with garments that helped him feel cared for and human.
He was able to focus his mind, heart and attention on Jesus' instructive words.
He was receiving answers to questions he was able to articulate.
His hunger for acceptance and truth was being fed.
He was learning what it was like to experience an atmosphere of contentment and calm.

Of course he would want to stay with Jesus. Jesus was healing and redeeming him and he wanted more of all that love and kindness and truth.

One of the most amazing things to me about Jesus' words to him, is that Jesus had confidence that he was ready to:

Luke 8: 39a "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

How could he be ready? He had spent so little time in Bible Study and prayer. He hadn't been to college or seminary or taken any online Bible courses. He hadn't studied methods of evangelism nor witnessing. I'm not saying these aren't good things to do but Jesus had a different plan for this man's launch as a witness for God. It must be that Jesus knew this man's truthful telling of his life's story would be winsomely compelling wherever this man went with his new found voice of godly praise. Jesus had started this man on his way to wholeness and he trusted him to follow through obediently.

Luke 8: 39b So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

I am so happy for this man! His obedience excites me! The Bible does not tell us the results of his words and actions but Jesus hadn't promised him a certain outcome. All who heard his story had his same freedom to believe and trust or scoff and deny. I'd like to think that there were many Jesus followers as a result of this man's voice but I find freedom in not knowing. Jesus asked for verbal action and was hastily obeyed.

And I see something else that excites me as I soak in these verses today. Jesus' words after healing this man were "...tell how much God..."

And the man went away and "...told all over town how much Jesus..."

Notice the change of name? This man accurately, confidently recognized that Jesus was God. He may not have understood how spiritually astute this was but I'm excited to see this as affirmation that Jesus was not just a man but he was God. Jesus gave this man an assignment to tell how much "God" had done for him, knowing that he would tell how much "Jesus" had done for him. In this I see Jesus' claim to be God. This is proof of his divinity. In verse 28, the voice of an indwelling demon had called to "Jesus, Son of the Most High God". This demon also knew Jesus was God. This story builds my confidence in the truth of God the Father and God the Son.

I am marveling at the wonder and creativity of God's redemption plan. He allows his created human population to become tethered and broken by torturing demons but when there's a cry and a bow, Jesus responds with a command to the evil spirits to flee and the torment ceases and peace prevails. A mighty God cares for his children and I am grateful.

Still more to learn and share on another day.

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #2...

2011-05-24T15:04:00.002-05:00

I continue to explore the application of Jesus' words to a newly healed man,

Luke 8: 39a "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Day 1 had some of my thoughts about the man from whom a "legion" of demons had been cast.

I turn now to others who witnessed this man's exorcism and reported it to the neighboring townsfolk who most likely were their family and friends.

Luke 8: 34-35a When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.

What these people had heard and seen was this:

Jesus arrived by boat from Galilee
as soon as he stepped ashore, he was met by the demon possessed man
The demonic fell at Jesus' feet shouting "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.
The evil spirit had often seized the man though he was chained hand and foot
The demoniac was kept under guard but had broken his chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places
The man told Jesus his name was "Legion" because many demons had gone into him.
The demons begged Jesus not to order them to go into the Abyss
The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside
Jesus gave the demons permission to go into the pigs and they did.
The herd of pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

At this point, those who witnessed the interaction between Jesus, the man possessed by demons and the demons, "ran off and reported this in the town and countryside".

And those who heard the story came looking for Jesus.

They found Jesus and
found the man from whom demons had been cast,
who was sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind.

What was the response of the people who flocked to see this amazing thing?

Were they thrilled to find this man healed?
Did they rejoice to see him clothed and in his right mind?
Was this man welcomed back into the community and offered a place to live?
Were they grateful that they no longer needed to be cautious or caution their children about this wild and dangerous man?
Did they open their homes for a meal or overnight stay?

No, they were afraid!!!

The eye witnesses told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.

Then all the people of the region asked Jesus to leave them because they were overcome with fear.

All the people were overcome with fear!!!

How unfortunate that these people allowed fear to overtake them so that they asked the great healer, helper, restorer, redeemer to leave their region. They failed to see how much God had done for one man and thereby were not willing to have their eyes opened to what he might do for them or for others with great needs.

Fear can be

irrational
blinding
personally limiting
heartless
selfish
lots of things

And so, out of their great fear, they asked Jesus to leave them -

So he got into the boat and left.

Was it that a legion of pigs was of greater value than one deranged and possessed man? Were they ashamed of being considered powerless to help this man sooner without Jesus' intervention?

But their fear was real and they felt action needed to be taken immediately so Jesus was asked to leave. He must be the problem. Get rid of him and fear will cease.

How unfortunate that these people did not see Jesus as an answer to fear and not the cause of it. Certainly there was one man who knew that Jesus was the answer to human fear. One man whose life had been radically changed

from a life of constant fear to a life of freedom from fear.

The truth of this story remains for our time. Jesus can take what causes constant fear and he can provide freedom from that fear when we "cry out and fall at his feet" as the demonic did. Jesus heard that man's shouted prayer and knew this man recognized him as the one who could take what had consumed and ruined his life and remove it from him with the result being healing, wholeness, gentleness and hunger for Truth. And in that state of mind, this man would become a powerful and winsome witness as he began to respond to Jesus' request of him to:

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Will I be one who is overtaken by fear when God does something huge in my life or in the life of a family member, friend or acquaintance or will I sit at Jesus' feet and allow his words to instruct and equip me in order that I might hear Jesus' request of me:

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #1...

2011-05-21T22:41:00.001-05:00

After hearing a reading of scripture on the radio in January, I felt moved to delve more deeply into the words Jesus spoke to the man from whom he had cast a legion of demons. (My post of May 19, 2011 gives background to this note.) The specific words that had pierced my mind and heart were these:

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

The context for that quote is in the following verses:

Luke 8: 38-39

The man from whom the demons had gone out

begged to go with him,

but Jesus sent him away, saying,

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

As I thought about what Jesus was asking of this man, I felt compelled to read as much of the story as could be found in scripture. Here is the story:

Luke 8: 26-39 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. ²⁷ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹ For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. ³⁰ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. ³¹ And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
³² A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. ³³ When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
³⁴ When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, ³⁵ and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ³⁶ Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. ³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.
³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

As I read this story, I thought of how this healed man would respond to Jesus' exhortation to "tell how much God has done for you". Just think of how much God had done for him! His life had been so messed up. He had been so isolated and so out of control. He had done such awful things both to himself and to those who had attempted to help him. He lived in a cemetery where he was unclothed and homeless! His pain must have been huge. He must have longed for healing and hope and relief from the forces of evil who sought to destroy his sanity and life. And into this man's neighborhood, came Jesus with his compassion and power. He recognized the evil which dwelt within this tortured man and spoke words which would release this man from his despair and pain. And following the expulsion and drowning of the evil spirits, the freed man received clothing and a healthy mind which immediately began to listen and learn at the feet of Jesus. Think of how he must have treasured those moments with Jesus. He must have been so thirsty for the Truth which had set him free. How he must have longed for continuation of those loving words and actions from his redeemer. No wonder he begged to go with Jesus when he left the area. But Jesus had set him on a path which he knew would be followed and he gave him a huge, important assignment - tell your story at home.

The healed demoniac had so much to tell about what God had done for him. And with Jesus' instruction to "return home and tell...", this man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. He was free, healthy, loved and grateful. His story was powerful and he obeyed Jesus' instruction to "tell" his story.

But what was the response of those who witnessed this miracle? Let's explore that next.

My 2011 Assignment...

2011-05-19T13:49:00.003-05:00

Not far into January 2011, I was busy about the house with the radio providing background music and commentary. KHCB was on as usual at my home. I wasn't paying too much attention until I heard words that came straight from the station to my heart with piercing precision. I was walking through my living room as a voice was reading a passage of scripture. I was only vaguely aware until about the middle of the room when my hearing was acutely captured by some words which Jesus had spoken to the man from whom he'd just cast a legion of demons. Those words were,

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

My first thought was, "That's it!!! That's what Jesus not only said to the formerly demon possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes, but he's saying the same to me today!"

It was as though I heard Jesus giving me his plan for the way he wanted me to make him known this year. It seemed I heard him say to me, "tell how much God has done for you."

My next thought was, if I am supposed to tell what God has done for me, what is it that he has done?

So I began a search.

Where is this story told in the Bible?
What was going on in the life of Jesus at that time?
What circumstances led to this statement?
Who else witnessed these words?
What was the response of the formerly demon-possessed man?
What was the result of his actions?
What am I to do with these ideas?
How can I implement this plan?
What results will there be if I begin to implement this plan?

I will be seeking to answer these questions as I follow what I felt and still feel are words spoken to me by Jesus as I heard his words coming from my radio last January.

And I'll greatly appreciate other responses to these words of Jesus -

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke 8: 38-39 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him,

but Jesus sent him away, saying,

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”
So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.