The Lord is potato-ey because He made all the food for us.  Matthew 24:8. 

Emma at her recent 4th birthday party

Reading her note caused me to examine the deep sense of delight I was feeling.  I don’t believe I have ever felt more wonderfully satisfied and less insignificant.  I understand now the stunning paradox that occurs when I serve where God desires – I sense both my usefulness to the kingdom and my nothingness in that place.  I feel –in the best sort of way–like a puppet in His powerful, loving hands.  Totally bereft until He fills me.  When He does that anything—anything! — is possible.  Partnering with, God you get to witness miracles and even be a part of some!  Miracles as real as the feeding of the 5,000 was to each hungry mouth.  Being God-positioned is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Potluck Dinner at Hidden Creek

To worship in spirit and in truth… this is our ultimate purpose.  When all is said and done, when the Lord has returned, when the multitudes are gathered at the throne, we will know we exist only for worship… When we focus on accomplishments and service, we are missing the point if these are not acts of worship themselves.  When we seek His guidance, we may not get it if we’ve neglected His first purpose for us.  We must major on worship and let everything else support that vision… We were designed for worship, and the Father is seeking those who know that.

Charlotte, a woman who completed WOM with the very first class I taught –7 year ago– gets it. She sent me a note yesterday.  Notice how she worships her Lord:

I am at a very good place in my life now and it has everything to do with finding the love of Christ in service to others. When I took WOM a few years ago, I was looking for something big and totally self-satisfying to do as my mission. I had grand ideas for myself — nothing panned out until I took a backseat to God. I prayed and prayed. Gradually, I was lead to make a difference at home with my own family relationships.  Even though we are all close, our relationships and trust deepened to a level where we all learned to wait on the Lord and discover what He wants for us.  What a Blessing!  [My husband] and I were married last year after being divorced 20 years. I have been lead to mentor two young women and work in the soup kitchen at the Friendly Chapel in North Little Rock.  [My husband] is now taking Bill Parkinson’s class on mentoring young men. So I have been blessed beyond what I deserve.

Disproportionate! Not a new concept to Lauren, but a reconfirmation of the great and mighty God she serves and His desire to use her above and beyond what she conceived she was able to accomplish. This word summarized Ephesians 3:20–21 for Lauren. A verse that has proved to be especially impactful as Lauren seeks to mobilize her church on behalf of women and children oppressed through the sex trafficking slave trade.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV)

What can one woman do? Plenty, when her philosophy is reliance on a Disproportionate God!

Lauren is a wife and mom about to enter life in the empty nest. She lives in Beaver Falls, PA with her pastor husband and daughter, a recent high school graduate.  Several years ago Lauren realized her life would all too soon drastically change. She began asking God to reveal what she could do in this next season of her life. At the time she was reading Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren. Could God use her to help the oppressed? How could she really make a difference? The needs were so great! How could she even get started?

Lauren and her husband were also reading together through Isaiah and a specific verse kept prodding her. She continued to seek the Lord with this verse tucked in her spirit, but still no firm answer came. She waited.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)

Then one day her husband returned from the 2010 National EFCA Conference in Columbus, Ohio and presented her with a unique tote bag handmade by a woman rescued out of sex trafficking by another organization working in a red light district in Kolkata, India. Lauren’s spiritual curiosity was peeked. She learned the bag was being promoted by ReachGlobal Asia Women’s Initiative currently known as TouchGlobal Justice Initiatives. Lauren researched the program on the ReachGlobal Website and signed up to be on the mailing list. This led to an email connection with the Justice Initiatives team leader, which led to a personal phone call between the two searching women. Lauren was searching for how God could make a difference through her and the team leader was searching for women willing to make a difference for God.

The verse that she had tucked away in her spirit now shouted from the mountaintops! Justice Initiatives was the answer to a two-year long prayer! Now the question was, how?

God provided the answer in several ways. In the fall of 2010 Lauren attended a study called Woman on a Mission by Linda Slaton. This study seeks to assist women in discovering their unique giftedness in every season of life. At the same time she had occasion to read the book Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard on a return trip home in the family car. The pairing of these two resources made sense.  This was just what Lauren needed to jump start the desire of her heart into practical action. She could take her next season of life, empty nester, and her unique giftedness, missions, and make a difference with something she loved, women and children. But, most importantly, Lauren continued in much prayer and Bible study as she sought the practical steps needed to mobilize her church. God gave her a list of potential ways her church could assist Justice Initiatives. She wrote down ideas for ways to raise awareness, provide education and potential fundraising ideas, but she kept the list between her and God. She wanted it to be God’s mobilization and not hers. In her words, “This need (rescuing women and girls from slavery) was way beyond me. I was shaking in my boots. It had to be all God!”

And it was and continues to be all God!

God opened opportunities for her to share her new found passion with like-minded women and in December of 2010 they began meeting once a week to pray for Justice Initiatives and specifically the Mukti Center in India. They also continued to research the needs within sex trafficking and what was being done throughout the world and the United States.

Her husband, Bill, the Outreach Pastor for their church, Chippewa Evangelical Free Church, suggested she write a proposal for the Mission’s Committee to accept the Mukti Center as a church mission project. Praying was something Lauren was at home doing. Writing proposals was not! This was something Lauren had never done before, but God provided and the band of prayer warriors was given the green light to proceed with raising awareness about modern-day slavery and support for the Mukti Center.
Then Lauren learned their church’s Women’s Ministry Team was putting together a spring retreat based on Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The “act justly” portion of the retreat would deal with slavery issues. Lauren could hardly believe how God was working among her sisters in Christ. But, of course, she knew this was “Just like God!”

The main session speaker for the “act justly” portion of the retreat was Linda Banks, founder of The Praying Aunties Network out of Pittsburgh, PA, an organization dedicated to leading women to be involved in changing the lives of rescued girls from sex slavery through the ministry of prayer. Lauren was asked to facilitate a breakout session about the Mukti Center in India. Elizabeth, “a comrade” with her in this mobilization, joined Lauren as a co-leader. Together the two women prayed for God to raise up more women with a heart for the oppressed.

Out of that retreat four more women joined their team. This doubled the numbers on the Justice Team.  This small but mighty band of sister soldiers began a book club. Their first book they are reading together is Just Courage by Gary Haugen. They have also utilized an informational display; first at the spring retreat and then at several church services. Educational resources and bookmarks were provided as well as collection jars. Individuals and families were asked to collect their spare Change for Mukti. These jars will be collected on Freedom Weekend, July 3rd and 4th. The team’s goal for this and future fundraisers is $15,000 by the end of 2011. The display table opportunity also generated interest for more fellow believers to join the Justice Team.

And through it all, they pray—a lot! This is a spiritual battle of the fiercest kind. Lauren knows Satan is not happy with God’s children mobilizing for His Kingdom. He will fight them often and hard. But she also knows the battle is the LORD’S and He is always victorious.

The Creator planned that every person would play a part and help the universe work as it should.  To some He gave what humans would consider big jobs, to others, simple assignments.  But to Him, every task was immensely important for the working of the whole.  Each person, each tiny baby He fashioned, had –has— a purpose to fulfill that is necessary.  You were created to do something to make the world a better place.  You were created for a purpose.

If the words above resonate with you, perhaps it is because your Creator imbedded in your very DNA the notion that you are here to make a difference.   Try as you might, you simply cannot shake the dream-like longing you have to do just that—to play a role that is truly significant.   At times you tell yourself to give it up, to be content with what is and adjust your attitude.  But you cannot do it.  Deep within, you know there is more to life than this.  There is a reason I am here; my existence is not random.  I matter.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Wonder what that is, that something God planned for you?

Now, I get it.  As we serve, we become disciples.  Studying the Bible certainly helps us become disciples.  Reading great books by those wiser and more experienced helps, too.  Taking equipping classes has its place in our growth.  But the best place to learn how to become a disciple of Christ is leave the classroom and get some on the job training.  O.J.T.  Actual hands-on, front-line ministry to others, preferably, others outside the borders of your comfort zone. That is where we are driven to seek the face of God.  That is where we know beyond a shadow of a doubt how inadequate we are.  It is in that place –above all–where we become receptive.  Motivated.  Eager to hear from God, trust Him fully, and obey.  Service is discipleship.

Hidden Creek Development Center, a residential transition facility for recently released felons, opened its doors in January, 2011. Since then I’ve been serving as trainer of volunteers and becoming increasingly involved with the residents.  As I began to serve, I quickly realized how little I knew of this world.  Though I’d been working with volunteers in the church for nearly 30 years, I was ill-equipped to deal with the challenges of ministry in this venue.  In the months that followed I came to know just how much I need God.  That is what O.J.T. is all about:  God just has to show up or what I’m doing is for naught.  Case in point:  while talking with one of the residents recently, this thought wafted across my consciousness:  Holy Spirit , if you don’t empower me right now, I’m going to blow this opportunity to speak into the life of one who is asking great questions.  Speak through me, Lord!

In that moment, I was receptive.  Teachable.  Capable of actually allowing the Spirit to use my mouth.  I was finally becoming a disciple.  Have you been there?  Good!  You’re poised (1) to grow as a disciple and (2) to bear fruit that lasts.

If you haven’t been there, are you willing to go?  If so, you will experience the ultimate beauty of service.  You will, my friend, go deep with God.

May you and I become increasingly willing, receptive and able to hear.  Trust.  Obey.

What are you hearing lately?

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Everyone’s asking, “How was your trip to Honduras?”  The short answer:  amazing!

Not because the country is beautiful –it is.  Not because the women were wonderful and seemed so familiar to me, so kindred.  They were and did. Amazing, primarily because of one woman –the champion that God has chosen to carry the Woman on a Mission message to Spanish-speaking women–Rudy Lopez.

Rudy just happens to be a dynamic, gifted, proven leader in her corner of the world already.  She also just happens to be the wife of Pastor Ernesto Lopez who is the champion of Men’s Fraternity for Latin America.  Both Rudy and Ernesto, I am certain, have been handpicked by God for such a time as this.  And I don’t say that lightly.

Having been in ministry for almost 30 years, I know that such charismatic leader-speakers are rare.  One simply doesn’t come across them very often –male or female.  Rudy is warm and engaging, quick to crack a joke and laugh at one, genuine, winsome, and compassionate.   Her heart is soft toward the Spirit of God, yet she exudes strength of personality.  I’ve heard it said that a leader is someone others follow.   And they do, eagerly.

What is most amazing, however, is not so much Rudy herself.  It’s knowing that God obviously wants women in Latin America to be exposed to the vision He gave me years ago.  He wants them to become difference makers for the kingdom, to do what Jesus did –to glorify God by accomplishing the work He has given them to do.  I have long believed that all women need to hear this message–and now God has confirmed that He wants the same thing — in Honduras, at least.

The first thing that Rudy told me when I met her last spring in Little Rock was that the women in her country are not in touch with their worth, their usefulness to God, their potential to be difference makers.  Their self-esteem is rock bottom; they have no idea that God intends to use them to minister to a lost and hurting world.   And because of Men’s Fraternity and the impact it’s having on thousands of pastors across Honduras, doors are swinging wide open for Woman on a Mission –Mujer en la Mision. 

Before closing I must offer a big thank you to Pam Ferguson who first met Rudy a couple of years ago on one of her many trips to Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  She first planted the idea in Rudy’s mind that Woman on a Mission might be beneficial to her women and then became the catalyst for my trip to see her.

Friends, we have sisters south of the border who will soon be waking up to a whole new way of doing L.I.F.E. –They will begin living intentionally for eternity.   Pam and I will travel back to Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to do conferences on May 23^rd and 25^th.  As they say in Teguc, Gracias Senor.

The stuff of which I speak includes physical clutter as well as unfinished projects and broken things.  Such things are Energy Drainers, or as Kristie Moss likes to call them, Joy Suckers.  My laundry room and the closet therein have been just that for me: joy suckers beaucoup.

Today, I’m thrilled to report I conquered the 8’ X 8’ space yesterday, filling up the trash barrel, now at the curb, and my trunk, the contents of which I promptly deposited at the local Goodwill collection station.

Alas, my fellow messies, there’s good news.  Joy suckers, once dealt with become –wait for it – energy boosters.  Joy givers!  Decluttering offers rewards that far outweigh the time and effort required to do so.  Note to self:  Remember that.  Long after slaying the clutter dragon I find myself passing through the formerly afflicted space again and again, stopping to admire the scenery.  Soaking in the thrill of victory.  And success breeds success.  The once messy me wants an encore –soon!  To my own satisfied applause.

What dragon needs slaying in your corner of the world?

List as many joy suckers as you can —in the next 60 seconds.  Ready?  Start … now!

o   When Ashley Wadsworth had triplets, one little guy named Parker had to remain in the hospital for three weeks. During that time Ashley was struck by the number of parents who must camp out in the waiting room while caring for their kids.  That’s when God planted the idea in Ashley’s heart of remodeling her home to provide housing for parents with kids in Children’s Hospital who live outside Little Rock and who could not afford a hotel.  While Ashley was going through Woman on a Mission years later, God reignited the vision.  The boys are now 8 and Parker’s House is open for business.  Ashley has discovered her works prepared beforehand and one day dreams of helping families all over the country open Parker’s Houses to serve the needs of those in their communities.  (Photo below: Gabe, the son of Ashley’s first guest, now has a new heart!)

Ashley with Melanie, PH’s first guest

o   Sandy Zern of Pittsburgh turned her job into a mission.  While working through WOM, Sandy decided to start an Interact Club, a Christian outreach program where students give back to the community through service projects.  At the first gathering of the club at New Brighten High School, Sandy was praying for 12 — 15 students to launch the club, but God had other ideas.  45 showed up.  I can only imagine how the Lord is going to use Sandy in the lives of those teenagers and in that community.

o   Each Christmas for 4 years Kingdom Quilters of Fellowship Bible Church has provided between 80 and 100 handmade lap quilts for Hospice patients in Arkansas. Elaine Green reluctantly greed to organize the effort after a Hospice worker called the church with an unusual request.  “I wonder if there might be women in your church who would like to sew quilts for 75 Hospice patients for Christmas?”   Given that it was already October, I thought it a laughable request, but promised to pass it along to my current Woman on a Mission class.  Elaine raised her hand and said, “I love to quilt, but I’m going to need help. With my job (in excess of 55+ hours per week), I can’t organize it.”  Because no one else stepped forward, Elaine did take it on.  Fifteen months later, 100 quilts were wrapped and ready for delivery.   At last count over 40 women from various churches have offered their time, talents, and prayers to craft a symbol of God’s love for people whose death is eminent.  On each quilt is a poem I wrote to let recipients know Christ cares and that someone has prayed for them.

o   Twice a week Mary Lynn Nelson leads a team of “trackers” at Easter Seals of Arkansas who serve as the arms and hands of disabled children and young adults as they create original art.  Laser lights attached to the artist’s heads enable them to select paint colors and tools and direct the tracker’s brush strokes.  An art show at the Governor’s Mansion was held in October to showcase and auction the masterpieces.  To the packed room Mary Lynn gave God all the glory, and the artists beamed with pride.

In times of peace I drift away from You.  Like floating on a quiet river in cool temps, I effortlessly slide away.  Napping, I wake to find I’m removed; You, distant.  Peaceful waters hide dangers worth remembering. There is where I long to be—in the shadow of the Almighty, no matter how delightful the nap.  Surely by now our relationship is deep enough that storms are not necessary.  The trip back to intimacy feels like a neck-high trudge upstream.  I reach for You, straining against the current.  Like Angelo’s fresco, arms outstretched but not touching.  Stuck in space.  How did I wind up here?  How do I avoid a similar trip?

Yes, I’m grateful for the calm and quiet but not at the expense of intimacy.  Ah!  Could that be my help, tucked into the shadows of my thoughts?  When the lazy river wants to draw me downstream, may sweet, deep gratitude bridge the distance before it even appears.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith,
just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
Colossians 2:6–7