from Katherine
There has been a lot of conversation in our house lately about how we will celebrate Christmas in South Africa. The biggest difference will be temperature. December is in the middle of summer in South Africa and heat and humidity is typical!
We will certainly not be wearing festive holiday sweaters in front of the fireplace and Turkey and Dressing will probably not be on the menu. A friend has told us that shorts and cooking something special on the braai (BBQ) like ostrich or kudu will be more typical.
I can imagine whether we gather with friends in a beautiful church or under the branches of a shade tree, the Christ child will be welcomed by grateful hearts!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Meeting of Crazies
from Elliott
We often find ourselves wondering whether we have lost our minds as we think about all the preparation for missionary service and future lifestyle change. We recently attended a training meeting of new Mission Society missionaries. From that experience, I think you can make one generalization – while we thought we were the only ones feeling a bit crazy, it seems that we are more the rule than the exception. Strangely there is a sense of peace that comes when you spend time with others similarly blessed or burdened, depending on your perspective.
One of the concepts presented at the meeting was that of how or sense of identity is impacted when you answer the calling to be a missionary. It was suggested that we will sense a loss of identity as we transition. That resonated well with me having spent many years with culturally impressive titles in the corporate real estate world.
When you have gotten used to that, shifting to the word ‘missionary’ can be a bit scary. The problem is that the word missionary illicits a wide range of perceptions. I find the most uncomfortable is the mantle of sainthood that some attach to it. I certainly know better! So, it is easier for me to become more comfortable with the alternate perception that we are simply a bit crazy. I sense others sharing our situation are OK with that.
Perhaps this disconnect with our native culture that we feel as missionaries is simply a hypersensitivity to the counter culture nature of the Gospel. That certainly is not unique to the missionary but clearly anytime you focus on crossing to another culture your degree of desire to be a Christ follower is heightened.
We often find ourselves wondering whether we have lost our minds as we think about all the preparation for missionary service and future lifestyle change. We recently attended a training meeting of new Mission Society missionaries. From that experience, I think you can make one generalization – while we thought we were the only ones feeling a bit crazy, it seems that we are more the rule than the exception. Strangely there is a sense of peace that comes when you spend time with others similarly blessed or burdened, depending on your perspective.
One of the concepts presented at the meeting was that of how or sense of identity is impacted when you answer the calling to be a missionary. It was suggested that we will sense a loss of identity as we transition. That resonated well with me having spent many years with culturally impressive titles in the corporate real estate world.
When you have gotten used to that, shifting to the word ‘missionary’ can be a bit scary. The problem is that the word missionary illicits a wide range of perceptions. I find the most uncomfortable is the mantle of sainthood that some attach to it. I certainly know better! So, it is easier for me to become more comfortable with the alternate perception that we are simply a bit crazy. I sense others sharing our situation are OK with that.
Perhaps this disconnect with our native culture that we feel as missionaries is simply a hypersensitivity to the counter culture nature of the Gospel. That certainly is not unique to the missionary but clearly anytime you focus on crossing to another culture your degree of desire to be a Christ follower is heightened.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Field Trip
from Cason
One of the cool things about homeschooling is that I get to go on 'field trips' with my teacher (mom). A couple of days ago we went to Chik fil a and I saw my first grade teacher, Mrs. Harris which reminded me about how many good teachers I have had at Landmark and how much I learned.
I wonder what I will learn at my new school in South Africa. I know I will learn the Afrikans and Xhosa languages and maybe even learn how to play rugby and cricket. Mom and Dad told me that when they visited the school I will go to that the kids there go barefoot! Isn't that awesome?
One of the cool things about homeschooling is that I get to go on 'field trips' with my teacher (mom). A couple of days ago we went to Chik fil a and I saw my first grade teacher, Mrs. Harris which reminded me about how many good teachers I have had at Landmark and how much I learned.
I wonder what I will learn at my new school in South Africa. I know I will learn the Afrikans and Xhosa languages and maybe even learn how to play rugby and cricket. Mom and Dad told me that when they visited the school I will go to that the kids there go barefoot! Isn't that awesome?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friends at the Grocery Store
from Katherine
I ran into a friend I have not seen in some time at the grocery store today. She wanted to know all about my family so, of course, I told her of our plans to move to South Africa. Amazingly, as I was speaking she got goose bumps on her arms and NO we were not standing in the frozen food aisle!
Often when I run into someone I have not seen in a while and tell them about God's calling for our family, they look at me like we are nuts but not this friend. It really did not matter where we were going or what we would be doing. She was excited simply because we were being obedient to God's calling.
I had had a long week with many challenges and God knew I needed someone to confirm our calling. God obviously sent her with a message for me. Her enthusiasm lifted my spirits.
Thanks friend!
I ran into a friend I have not seen in some time at the grocery store today. She wanted to know all about my family so, of course, I told her of our plans to move to South Africa. Amazingly, as I was speaking she got goose bumps on her arms and NO we were not standing in the frozen food aisle!
Often when I run into someone I have not seen in a while and tell them about God's calling for our family, they look at me like we are nuts but not this friend. It really did not matter where we were going or what we would be doing. She was excited simply because we were being obedient to God's calling.
I had had a long week with many challenges and God knew I needed someone to confirm our calling. God obviously sent her with a message for me. Her enthusiasm lifted my spirits.
Thanks friend!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Gift of Encouragement
from Elliott
A lot of times we think of a gift as something that is ‘tangible’ like a Christmas present or a financial contribution to the ministry. When we started raising financial support, I will have to admit I had a ‘spreadsheet’ mentality – that is, the numbers drove the process.
I am finding though that God has a different plan. His way is for us continue to say ‘yes’ to the calling through our ongoing obedience and allow Him to provide through that obedience. But how do you continue to say ‘yes’ even through the ups and downs of the process?
It has become very clear that God uses our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ to offer the gift of encouragement along the way to facilitate that obedience. Simply asking ‘how is it going?’ or ‘tell me God’s story in South Africa’ or letting us know that they have been praying for us or thinking of us gives us the opportunity to know someone cares, that we have been lifted up and we are not alone, motivating us to persevere.
Many times those gifts of encouragement have come at just the right time; often when we are struggling or weary. No matter the occasion, it gives us pause to consider God’s calling and provision as well as our response.
A lot of times we think of a gift as something that is ‘tangible’ like a Christmas present or a financial contribution to the ministry. When we started raising financial support, I will have to admit I had a ‘spreadsheet’ mentality – that is, the numbers drove the process.
I am finding though that God has a different plan. His way is for us continue to say ‘yes’ to the calling through our ongoing obedience and allow Him to provide through that obedience. But how do you continue to say ‘yes’ even through the ups and downs of the process?
It has become very clear that God uses our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ to offer the gift of encouragement along the way to facilitate that obedience. Simply asking ‘how is it going?’ or ‘tell me God’s story in South Africa’ or letting us know that they have been praying for us or thinking of us gives us the opportunity to know someone cares, that we have been lifted up and we are not alone, motivating us to persevere.
Many times those gifts of encouragement have come at just the right time; often when we are struggling or weary. No matter the occasion, it gives us pause to consider God’s calling and provision as well as our response.
Monday, August 24, 2009
So Much to Learn
from Elliott
We just came back from Brazil where we joined Mission Society Missionaries for Orientation Training which is the first of three training programs that we will complete as a family before we head to South Africa for our assignment. For almost three weeks, we discussed mission theology and cross-cultural relationships, and experienced impoverished communities in Teresopolis and Rio de Janiero.
There was a wealth of new information and at times, I was overwhelmed with how much there was to learn. It almost seemed that the more I learned, the more I learned I had more to learn – not a comforting thought when we are preparing to take our family overseas.
Ultimately, though, there was one thought that I found very freeing. We were taught that in order to be accepted by our new culture and effectively ‘walk in the shoes’ of the people with which we will be ministering, we have to go as learners – humbling ourselves by not having all the answers.
Wow! That is a relief since I can’t imagine ever having all the answers. To think that it is actually beneficial to not have all the answers allows us to move forward with greater authenticity and confidence.
We just came back from Brazil where we joined Mission Society Missionaries for Orientation Training which is the first of three training programs that we will complete as a family before we head to South Africa for our assignment. For almost three weeks, we discussed mission theology and cross-cultural relationships, and experienced impoverished communities in Teresopolis and Rio de Janiero.
There was a wealth of new information and at times, I was overwhelmed with how much there was to learn. It almost seemed that the more I learned, the more I learned I had more to learn – not a comforting thought when we are preparing to take our family overseas.
Ultimately, though, there was one thought that I found very freeing. We were taught that in order to be accepted by our new culture and effectively ‘walk in the shoes’ of the people with which we will be ministering, we have to go as learners – humbling ourselves by not having all the answers.
Wow! That is a relief since I can’t imagine ever having all the answers. To think that it is actually beneficial to not have all the answers allows us to move forward with greater authenticity and confidence.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Timing is Everything
from Elliott
I have had a number of people ask us the question that we too have been asking – When do you move to South Africa? The current tough economic situation makes that question even more challenging. Why would you be out trying to raise financial support now? So as not to appear unintelligent or even irrational, I would love to have a great answer for that question. But for now, I can only respond, ‘We will move to South Africa in God’s time. After all, it is His plan.’
The pragmatic answer is we need to raise at least 75% of our annual operating budget as well as sell our house before we can make the move. Katherine has an even more direct approach, “God will assure that we have sold the house and raised the financial support by the time He wants us to be there.” There certainly is the scriptural basis for that type of ‘provision’ thinking – the lilies of the field sort of thing – but it is hard for me sometimes to drop a little scripture into the metaphorical planning spreadsheet that is always in my mind.
And then there is the ‘test me’ that we find in Malachi where it talks about tithing and testing God. “Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don't open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams.” (Ch 3, v.10 Message)
I wonder as a missionary, giving up wage income and economic opportunity, how does the concept of tithe fit in. Can it be said that putting your ‘YES’ on the table in answer to your call to serve is one part of the surrendering of your personal control of your future that tithing represents. I think this is saying quite clearly, “Trust Me” and allow God to pour out His blessings and provide for our every need. And for those who sometimes doubt, a gracious God even invites us to test Him. I may just have to accept the invitation!
I have had a number of people ask us the question that we too have been asking – When do you move to South Africa? The current tough economic situation makes that question even more challenging. Why would you be out trying to raise financial support now? So as not to appear unintelligent or even irrational, I would love to have a great answer for that question. But for now, I can only respond, ‘We will move to South Africa in God’s time. After all, it is His plan.’
The pragmatic answer is we need to raise at least 75% of our annual operating budget as well as sell our house before we can make the move. Katherine has an even more direct approach, “God will assure that we have sold the house and raised the financial support by the time He wants us to be there.” There certainly is the scriptural basis for that type of ‘provision’ thinking – the lilies of the field sort of thing – but it is hard for me sometimes to drop a little scripture into the metaphorical planning spreadsheet that is always in my mind.
And then there is the ‘test me’ that we find in Malachi where it talks about tithing and testing God. “Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don't open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams.” (Ch 3, v.10 Message)
I wonder as a missionary, giving up wage income and economic opportunity, how does the concept of tithe fit in. Can it be said that putting your ‘YES’ on the table in answer to your call to serve is one part of the surrendering of your personal control of your future that tithing represents. I think this is saying quite clearly, “Trust Me” and allow God to pour out His blessings and provide for our every need. And for those who sometimes doubt, a gracious God even invites us to test Him. I may just have to accept the invitation!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Three Steps Forward
from Katherine
At times the objective seems so far away. The number of steps to get there is unknown but forward motion is easy to detect and rewarding. Likewise, there are frustrating times when we feel like we are not making progress.
We have taken three steps forward in the past few weeks. First, Ryan graduated from high school and will be heading off to the University of Miami in the fall. Second, after a bit of struggle, we have received our visas for our upcoming Mission Society ‘Cross Cultural’ training in Brazil. And finally, we have signed and mailed our initial appeal letters for prayer and financial support for the ministry!
I am excited to see a few more of the steps fall into place. Sometimes the steps seem to big or too numerous but we know that if we keep our eye on the goal that God has set before us and we continue to persevere that we will be successful.
At times the objective seems so far away. The number of steps to get there is unknown but forward motion is easy to detect and rewarding. Likewise, there are frustrating times when we feel like we are not making progress.
We have taken three steps forward in the past few weeks. First, Ryan graduated from high school and will be heading off to the University of Miami in the fall. Second, after a bit of struggle, we have received our visas for our upcoming Mission Society ‘Cross Cultural’ training in Brazil. And finally, we have signed and mailed our initial appeal letters for prayer and financial support for the ministry!
I am excited to see a few more of the steps fall into place. Sometimes the steps seem to big or too numerous but we know that if we keep our eye on the goal that God has set before us and we continue to persevere that we will be successful.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Journey Without a Map
from Elliott...
OK, I have to admit it I am obsessed with maps - maybe it is simply the intrigue or maybe it is a control thing. Either way, anytime we start on a journey I typically have each day planned and all the maps to get us each step of the way from the beginning to the end.
Well, I am learning that this trip is very different. God is in control and He doesn't seem to give us the whole plan or even a couple of days in advance. More often, the guidance is one step at a time or as the Psalmist suggested, God 'lights up the path' with a 'lamp unto our feet,' but not much beyond. I guess if I knew the whole story, I might turn and run the opposite direction!
We have had to learn an even greater level of trust. At the same time, we understand we need to be very intentional with seeking God's guidance daily and be willing to respond with passion.
So we go forward, with God's plan as we understand it and in God's timing.
What is the next step and when do we move to South Africa? Stay tuned to this unfolding story through this blog...
OK, I have to admit it I am obsessed with maps - maybe it is simply the intrigue or maybe it is a control thing. Either way, anytime we start on a journey I typically have each day planned and all the maps to get us each step of the way from the beginning to the end.
Well, I am learning that this trip is very different. God is in control and He doesn't seem to give us the whole plan or even a couple of days in advance. More often, the guidance is one step at a time or as the Psalmist suggested, God 'lights up the path' with a 'lamp unto our feet,' but not much beyond. I guess if I knew the whole story, I might turn and run the opposite direction!
We have had to learn an even greater level of trust. At the same time, we understand we need to be very intentional with seeking God's guidance daily and be willing to respond with passion.
So we go forward, with God's plan as we understand it and in God's timing.
What is the next step and when do we move to South Africa? Stay tuned to this unfolding story through this blog...
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