My Ted pastored three churches, we were on the staffs of six other ministries and were
part of three sending foreign mission organizations. One of the three church sent out lots of missionaries to foreign fields. Some of those are in their early and
late 60’s, still bearing fruit that remains. Lots and lots of it. Today I am tracking one to
Africa and two to Indonesia. I can visualize the milling crowds in the airports as these faithful warriors are deplaning.
...exhausted beyond words, fighting their way through customs, heading
for baggage claim, praying that their
belongings made it across the pond. The adjustments from
having been back here in America for a short time are horrific. Jet lag takes its toll on the
human soul. Sleep patterns are broken and must be reset. There is no describing the
emotions of leaving loved ones behind, and pressing forward in a foreign
land. One of my dear male friends always closes his communications with “Pressing
on…” Why do they do it? They have
to. They simply have to. They are called saints. So are we. …every one of us.
This little blog keeps me connected with all of our former ministries. I remain on the board of Round Top Retreat in
Texas. Thousands of people come to that
place of learning and refreshment every year. Nick
and Euphanel declare that Ted and I had
much to do with the launching of that reproductive ministry If we did, we didn’t
know it. Yes, there are some who
go there who will never lead one person to Jesus. They will go back to their homes and wait for the next retreat. Many more are in the battle for souls in
their market places and communities. At Round
Top they catch their breath and re-enter the fray.
Do not for a moment believe that God is through gathering in
the Gentiles. Yes, I believe the Rapture
is the next event on His time clock, but I do not “stand looking up”, waiting for the trumpet to sound. I live in a gorgeous
place. No one moves to Bear Valley Springs that does not have a love of nature.
…but “nature” won’t save them. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the
Word of God. How can they hear
unless someone tells them?
I have been, once more, delving into the Book of Romans. Oh, my goodness. Romans 1 is grabbing me again. Nobody has an excuse. God has revealed Himself in nature. Every human has a choice as to whether to
find out Who did it. Of course I know
that I am “chosen”. I have known that since I came to Christ. There is no way a farm girl from east Kansas
could hear the Gospel unless God tracked me down. …which He did. I don’t know who else He is tracking down
here where I live. He will reveal to me all I need to know. …if I will just listen carefully
to what people are saying. …and not
saying. …and earn the right to be heard.
Every heart with
Christ is a missionary. Every heart
without Christ is a mission field. …so what’s
His plan of evangelism? We’re IT! There is no Plan B. “For it is Christ IN you, the HOPE OF GLORY.”
Love, Jo