Par-Lay-Voo

it.is.well.

2012-06-29T20:41:00.000-04:00

Friends,

After spending much time in prayer, and seeking counsel from our pastors and other friends and family, we wanted to let you know that we have resigned our position as missionary candidates to Lyon, France. We have been trying to live somewhere between the two phrases that our Pastor speaks so frequently: “Where God calls, He provides”, and “Never doubt in the dark what He told you in the light”. After walking this journey the best that we knew how, it seemed increasingly clear that God chose to not provide adequate partners to enable us to go to France. By the numbers, we were only at 16% even after 16 months of seeking partners in this ministry to the people of Lyon. And so the decision was made to live within the reality of the situation.

For a while we had become concerned that God had not been blessing the effort to raise a team of prayer and financial partners for our upcoming ministry in Lyon. We prayed like never before, tried each suggested method, having been to ‘boot camps’ on how to build partners, met people one-on-one--sometimes in our home and other times in their home, we studied others’ successes, blogged, Facebook’ed, sent consistent newsletters, prayer updates, presented the ministry to churches, District Conferences, Sunday Schools, sent broad-sweeping letters of appeal, hinted, shouted, sang, danced, made the most of every impromptu meeting, and finally wrote hand-written cards with a pretty specific ‘ask’. No matter what we tried, there were very limited results. We found that most of the support that we did have came independent of any efforts that we have done, and more from people just responding on their own.

Last month, we asked for counsel on some really hard questions: How long do we go before it’s time to assume that God is not blessing the efforts, and as such, this must not be the direction that we’re supposed to be going? How long is too long? Is it the total package amount of support needed that is a hindrance to people joining the team? Is it our previous financial troubles after the bakery "fiasco"? Is it some other previous ministry issue? Is it people’s perception that France is only a dream vacation spot? How does quitting in this situation honor God? Are there other questions that we should be asking?

We have been told that perhaps we are in the ‘perfect storm’ of fundraising, and considering the human side, we've thought that maybe it is about the economics of the well-known financial woes of Elkhart County, raising funds for Europe in general rather than some other perceived ‘needier’ country, the particularly high support schedule, and possible perception that our main focus of worship ministry not being ‘missionary’ enough. Or maybe not. I'm not sure we'll really ever know.

Our hearts are still with the people of Lyon, Lyon City Team, and the International Christian Community of Lyon (ICCL) and we still really love the ReachGlobal organization, and all the amazing people that are a part of it, but it just appears that God has other plans for us. I think we just needed a lot more wonderfully faithful people to sacrificially give and pray. We know that the same obedience to the radical call to uproot our family and move to Lyon must also be willing to submit to a radical change of those plans based on His leading and provision.

We are, as you can imagine, heart-broken. But now, we’re mostly driving around the slow-moving “why”, and have decided to cruise at “Trust His Heart” as Chris and I used to sing so often. It’s interesting that we keep coming back to that theme in our lives and ministry.

Our kids have been amazing during this entire journey to Lyon, and as we've struggled to discern where He is currently leading. I am in awe each day of their own vibrant, deep faith and passion for Jesus. They are an inspiration to us as parents. They have endured much during this time, and have proven to be amazingly resilient. So proud.

We have had some wonderful feedback so far from the few that have known what has been going on lately:

“there is a reason, probably known only to God, and we must trust Him and even thank Him”
“I have lived long enough to be able to look back and see how some of my greatest disappointments were not that, but rather His Appointments”
“it is less the place and more the posture that counts as we follow him as disciples”
“while we don’t understand why this has happened, you have to live in the reality of your situation”
“I can trust the Hand that presses me, and finding (eventually) some comfort in knowing that He has purpose and meaning for me under His weight.
"I pray for strong faith for you. Faith--obviously--is the enemy's main target, because it is what gets us through."
"Your obedience to uproot your family & leave a life you love shows a devotion to God, reminding me of Abraham & his willingness to sacrifice Isaac. God wanted to know if he was willing, & he was."
"I always knew during our support raising that even if we never hit the field, God was still using the time to refine us and teach us important things that would change us forever no matter the outcome."
"He knows how to guide and lead us though his ways can be impenetrable to our finite minds. It is never easy to come to terms with a decision to change course when convictions for a certain direction have been so strong. I have never doubted that conviction in your regard and still have the certainty that the Lord has been calling you to serve him in a special way."

Those thoughts, my friends, could preach! And they do...to us, as they help soothe the blow, and help us focus on the important things and not on ourselves.

So, we say thank you for your support of us as a family, and for following along on the journey. You have been a blessing to us!

Can we challenge you to consider partnering with someone heading to the mission field, near or far? These are tough times to raise support, and there are good people out there struggling to bring in the needed funds to serve Him as they've been called. How About Matt and Kimberly (London)? How about Tom and Tanya (Czech Republic) ? How about Greg and Wende (Lyon, France)? How about Anastasia (Lyon, France)? How about Todd and Nicole (Kenya, Africa)? How about Mitch and Sarah (Chiang Mai, Thailand)? How about Scott and Elaine (Rome, Italy)? These (and so many others like them) are wonderful people who need your help.

We leave you with a clip of "It is Well" that Morgan sent to us the other night. (Remember what I said about having amazing kids?) She's right, It is well. We are at peace.

Thankful...

2012-05-25T18:27:00.000-04:00

As I sat at home alone last night... in the quiet... no TV, no Rhapsody, no noise but the occasional barking of our little white fluff balls when they heard something of interest and would run to the front window. You see, Easton was at a sleepover... Steve, Bailey & Spencer were travelling toward Cedar Point way with the NW choir gang... Morgan was visiting a few more friends and spending the night with another one... so there I was, enjoying a night to myself.

As I went to bed and spent quite some time talking with God, I had to confess that too often my prayers are filled with requests... over and over and over. I was convicted that the things that weight my mind and heart down each day come spilling out to Him, yet the praises and joys of all He's done and is doing seem to be blocked by my seemingly selfish wants and needs and desires. So I decided to take some time to really think about all that He has done and is doing in my life and our family's lives and thought I'd share them with you... He deserves so much more praise than I give Him!

My "Thankful for..." list:

...the sunshine! Beautiful days have been quite frequent here in Indiana.

...good health! It's so easy to take this for granted, but after 7 years of chronic health issues, I want to thank Him again for healing me and giving me good health!

...an amazingly generous, caring, giving husband! Steve is the "giver" of all givers. He is always the first to serve and so often we take him for granted. Thanks, Steve!

...four beautiful kids who love Jesus! They are all growing up so much and as I was chatting with a friend at work today I had to remind myself of how fortunate we have been that all four of our kids have chosen to love and follow Jesus... and have been good kids in so many ways!

...unexpected gifts from supporters and a church this month in our ReachGlobal account! God continues to surprise us with bringing people into our ministry partner team by His own doing and for His glory!

...a clean house! We had another house showing last night so we had the great opportunity to clean our house again to "visiting" standards. Oh, how I love walking into a clean house... and oh, how infrequent that is with a busy family these days.

...a great discounted flight deal from Atlanta to Chicago Midway! We heard from a friend that he found a great flight deal from Atlanta to here so we decided to check it out to surprise Morgan... and, God provided an awesome deal so we flew Morgan home on Tuesday for one week. Such great timing for her to visit with friends who just returned home from college, visit friends and family who are graduating from high school this year, and catch up with family. She's keeping a full schedule, which is quite nice for her since she spends most of her time in Atlanta alone.

...a job for Morgan - beginning the first week of June! After living in Atlanta since mid-February, Morgan has finally found a nanny job. She is still searching for another part-time job to fill in the gaps, but is so thankful that God provided a job JUST when she needed the money. God has been SO GOOD to provide for all her needs and teach her so much during these past few months.

...the Wa-Nee School System! It seems nearly impossible that we've lived in Indiana now almost 15 years and have watched all of our kids file through Wakarusa Elementary and NorthWood Middle Schools now. Easton is now a freshman, Spencer is a junior and Bailey is now a senior at NorthWood High School. We have so enjoyed the teachers and administration that have loved our kids, taught them, cared for them, supported them, disciplined them, and even prayed for them! Thanks!!! Here is a picture of Easton as he headed to 8th grade awards night this past Tuesday -

...traveling safety! We have traveled back and forth to Iowa, Ohio, Georgia, Kentucky and Illinois in the past three months in a van with over 250,000 miles and many "issues". God has graciously protected us and kept our van going time and time again, and we are so grateful!

...an awesome church - Nappanee Missionary Church! We can always count on God speaking to us through Dave's messages and are always lifted up and encouraged in worship through the Connection Band. We are also SO grateful for the many staff and volunteers who have cared for, loved and supported our kids in the middle school and high school programs.

...family! God continues to bless us with two awesome families - the Kirkdorffer clan here in Indiana and the Dahlgren clan in California. They encourage us, love us and are there for us. And, Grandma Kirk is an awesome cook! :)

...MapleTronics Computers! Wes & Janelle and the MTC family continues to be an encouragement and support through these many months of unknowns and transitions and we are so grateful for everything.

...our home! Many days I wonder why someone hasn't snatched it up yet, but all in all I am so thankful that God provided us the privilege of raising our kids here. What a blessing that we didn't and don't deserve.

...partners in ministry! We are blown away by those who have chosen to do ministry with us in Lyon! You humble us, encourage us, and give us strength through this process. Thank YOU!

...God's love, grace, forgiveness, and provision! Why He would care about such a little speck on this earth is so beyond me, but He does! Simply amazing!!! Beyond loving me and dying for me, He also cares about my hurts, fears, frustrations, ignorance, and selfish requests... He listens! He loves! He answers! Wow!!!

I realize there are so many more things to list, but since I can't just list them without my lengthy explanations, I think I'll pick up again some other day with more things I'm thankful for!

And do you see how thankful we must be?

Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.

~Hebrews 12:28

Oh, I have two more...

...freedom! Have an awesome Memorial Day weekend - remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom!

...thanks for reading to the end! :)

Take the 1% Step Challenge

2012-04-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

If you're anything like our family, there's a chance you've enjoyed some amazing mountaintop experiences and then slid a long distance down that mountain to hit some deep valleys. These highs and lows may have been experienced physically, emotionally or spiritually. We all walk unique paths in which God is continually guiding, teaching, loving and caring for us.

Through the past "almost" 21 years, we've had our fair share of deep valleys. We've shared some of them in previous posts - Answering the "Why?" :: Part 1 and God is Still a Healing God. Beyond the struggles with our health, we have also walked through financial valleys... and ultimately spiritual valleys. It became easier to throw up our hands and give up than it was to keep going and keep growing.

When there was more expenses than income, we allowed our fears to take over and held on to what little we had rather than give it for God's use and glory. We knew that God taught that He would pour out blessings to those who give. It was just too hard to actually give.

Have you had those days? those years? All the instant, day-to-day needs seems so overwhelming. Although God asks us to give FIRST to Him 10% of what we receive, it can become easier and easier to make excuses, prolong the giving, decrease the giving and possibly altogether stop the giving.

In recent years, we've been learning to live within our means. That in itself was and is so very difficult. We then challenged ourselves to give out of our firstfruits to God and then live within what was left. Although we struggle to do this, God has been proving Himself faithful.

We came across a challenge that a pastor in a Texas church gave to his congregation. He asked them to take the 1% step challenge. We LOVE this concept! If you are giving 10% to God's work, challenge yourself to give 11%. If you are giving 5% to God right now, challenge yourself to give 6%. If you are not giving anything to God right now, challenge yourself to give 1%.

It doesn't matter where we currently are in our giving... it's more about challenging ourselves to take just ONE STEP of faith and increase our giving by 1% to further God's kingdom in our church, in our community and around the world. Can you just imagine how much of a kingdom impact would be seen if everyone takes just one step forward?!

We've decided to take the 1% step challenge this past week... will you?

If you'd like to give to our ministry to Lyon, you can find out more information HERE. Thank you so much!

Great Blog Post: Misfits

2012-04-13T19:11:00.000-04:00

As we continue to make preparations to live in a different culture, it can seem a bit daunting. So many things will be different. We will be different. Just the fact that we will be foreigners in a foreign land will make us different. I have enjoyed following this particular missionary family who have been serving in Paris, France for the past few years with Greater Europe Mission. It is so refreshing to read her posts about life in France. In this post, she explains this phenomenon so well... enjoy the read - Four for France :: Misfits!

KnockKnock...who's there?

2012-04-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

In order to protect the identity of the guilty bird, this is merely a stock photo.
No actual Angry Birds were harmed or shot in the writing of this blog,
although Easton did make mention of an airsoft gun. Come to think of it,
I haven't heard the bird since he left for Atlanta. Hmmmm.

For the past week, we've had the pleasure of hearing a cardinal tap on three different windows of our house.

over... and... over... and... over... and... over.

He goes to one window. tap.tap. Then another. tap.tap. Maybe he's lonely. Maybe he's enamored with the red wall in our dining room and thinks that there's a whole flock of his own kind waiting for him to play on the other side of the glass.

Maybe he's just not at the top of the class in bird school. I'm not sure what my fine feathery friend's deal is, but I do know that every time I hear him hit our window (and let's just say that it's been happening a lot), it makes me think that I'm supposed to do something.

I guess what I have figured out is that this bird is persistent. He doesn't seem to get discouraged about trying to get through to the other side. I kind of like that. Me? A couple of taps, and I figure nobody's there. If nothing else, it's reminded me this week that I need to be persistent too--tapping on Heaven's door with my concerns, requests and praises. Thanks, God, for the angry bird tapping on my window.

Vision Trip Memories

2012-04-03T17:33:00.000-04:00

Wow! Can it seriously be one year ago that we were heading to Lyon for our vision trip? At times it's amazing that time has flown by so fast, and at other times it seems as if time is standing still.

Our vision trip was designed to provide an opportunity to get to know the Lyon City Team, the ICCL church family and the city of Lyon. It was important to have a taste of what it will be like to live in France as a family. Although the first 24 hours seemed overwhelming for the kids, they soon were won over by the ICCL church family. We were so thankful for the timing of the church weekend retreat at the start of our time in Lyon. God knew it would be important for the kids to connect with others. After 10 days in Lyon, all of our family felt a peace about moving to Lyon and working with the Lyon City Team and the International Christian Community of Lyon.

Now, 12 months later, we continue soaking up all that God is teaching us, and we are so grateful for His leading, confirmation and strength. This scripture passage in Colossians says it so well:

As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us.

Colossians 1:10-12 (MSG)

Since we miss Lyon and long for the day when we will begin our ministry there, we thought some pictures could give you a glimpse into the heart of Lyon and the Lyonnais people.

At the Lyon airport, having just arrived after many hours traveling from Chicago. Side note: All 4 kids are now TALLER than Chris!

So thankful the kids connected so quickly to the families from the ICCL at the retreat our first weekend in Lyon.

A couple filling up their water jugs along the street.

One of the many Catholic churches now boarded up and closed.

Many Christians were tied to the post at the far edge of the ring and beat to death because of their faith while many watched.

With only 0.2% Evangelicals in Lyon, many churches are mostly enjoyed as tourist stops.

Yikes! We got off the bus one stop too late! Had a nice (long) walk back to the DiGenas' house!

Street view in Lyon

Our trip to McDonald's with "Refuge" - the young adult group from the ICCL

Please pray with us that God will provide a way for us to return to Lyon yet this year. May God's Spirit lead many to partner with us in this ministry! If God is challenging you to give to His work in Lyon, we'd love to hear from you. Click here to learn more!

Deja View - Our April Newsletter

2012-03-30T20:30:00.000-04:00

Our latest newsletter has been sent out to everyone on our email list. We thought we'd share it with you in case you don't receive it.

Newsletter -- It Takes a Team...

(The actual newsletter is a pretty large file so you may be downloading for a little bit!)

If you are NOT receiving the newsletter or our praise & prayer requests and would like to, please feel free to sign up in the box located at the right section of our blog site. Right here --------------------->

The Waiting Game

2012-03-29T17:15:00.001-04:00

Yet another newsletter article from last summer that speaks still so true for today...

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

~ Psalm 27:14, NIV

Is waiting as hard for you as it is for me? There is such a plethora of “learning” that God desires of us and it often comes in those difficult, long, painful times of waiting.

We were told back in February 2011 during our orientation how much God would be teaching us during this time of building our support team. Others who have walked through this before us also shared that this time was so much more about what God would do IN us than what He would do around us. We believed them all, but are now experiencing it first-hand. Here are just a few lessons we've learned so far.

Waiting draws us to a total dependence on GOD not on our own abilities. Psalm 62:5-7 reminds us to wait silently for God alone, for our expectation is from Him. He is our rock, our salvation, our glory and our refuge. We are learning that it’s not about what we can do; it’s about what HE WILL DO!

God will work when we wait on Him. He wants us to wait expectantly on Him and then He will do far more than any of us can think or imagine (Isaiah 64:4).

Funny thought here, but it’s oh so true—God is waiting on us! Isaiah 30:18 says, “But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for Him are the lucky ones.”

Maturity is more important than haste. It’s only through the difficult times that we will grow into full maturity through Christ. We know that there are so many areas where God needs to develop us spiritually so we can withstand all the cultural differences when we get to France. We want to be prepared to serve Him well, “so don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:4)

Instead of worrying, we are to pray & praise God! Philippians 4 reminds us that, “before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

While we wait we are also told to delight in the Lord, commit our ways to Him, trust in Him, be still and wait patiently (Psalm 37).

So, what are you doing while you’re waiting? Let’s choose to “take delight in the LORD”, and watch Him work in our lives!

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who wait on the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

~ Isaiah 40

Trust—Do Not Be Afraid

2012-03-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

We hope you enjoy another article from one of our previous newsletters...

TRUST -- think "Footprints in the Sand"

Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.
I trust, I won't be afraid.
God—yes God!—is my strength and song,
best of all, my salvation!

~Isaiah 12:2 (The Message)

What do we “trust”? Webster defines trust as ‘to rely upon or place confidence in’. It’s often easy to trust in our own abilities. We may also have close friends or family members that we can truly "rely on". Others may have been hurt so much in their past that it’s impossible to trust anyone.

As we each walk this life as Christ-followers, we must first completely ‘rely on’ His strength, His care for us, and His best plan for how we can help Him in His work.

Have you ever searched for the Scripture for the word, “Trust”? I did. I searched through The Message, which happens to be our favorite version at the present time. Here are some awesome promises to remember as we daily choose to server our Savior, Jesus Christ:

It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God.

~Proverbs 16:20

Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory.

~Proverbs 21:31

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

He's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!

~Proverbs 3:5-7

I've told you all this so that trusting Me,

you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.

In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.

But take heart! I've conquered the world.

~John 16:33

So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said,

take it in stride. Trust Him.

He knows what He's doing, and He'll keep on doing it.

~I Peter 4:19

Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.

~Romans 13:13

So, take heart… trust God… He knows what He’s doing. He has asked each of us to trust Him and He will tell us what to do. He is leading us on a wild path of His choosing and He will be victorious as we trust Him!

Dahlgren History 101 :: Part 2

2012-03-21T17:15:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the continuation of our family history lesson...

The family singing through the years -- Easter, Christmas, Children's musicals, and community events

Through the past 20 years of our marriage, God has continued to teach us skills and carry us through experiences and trials that lead us to today.

Worship & Music Outreach—Steve has been graciously gifted by God to “set the table” for worshipers to feast on. As a worship leader, couple & family, we have used our gifts in music and love for God in many outreach and community events.

Hospitality—In the various churches, Steve & Chris have had many opportunities to develop gifts of hospitality, serving and event-planning.

Computer Skills—Both Steve & Chris have acquired a great knack for using many computer applications, as well as bookkeeping, graphic design, publication/marketing and social media.

Administration—Beyond the many years as an Executive Assistant and Software Trainer, Chris also recently completed her bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership.

Bakery—For a short time, Steve had the privilege of sharing his culinary skills through his bakery in Wakarusa.

Human Trafficing Ministry—For the past 3+ years, the youth group at Nappanee Missionary Church has focused a great deal on the human trafficking issue around the world. Our kids have developed an amazing passion to help those caught in this bondage.

The most amazing part of all is how God has been working in and through the Lyon City Team for the past 5+ years and brought our skills together with their needs!

As we skyped for the first time with Mike DiGena, the Lyon City Team Leader, he shared with us some of their vision for the future work in Lyon where they currently have “holes” to fill—

Need a worship leader for the English-speaking church plant.
Need someone who can help with computer & website projects.
Want to start a ministry center, but need someone to help manage/run it.
Need someone to help with coordinating visitors and short-term missions teams that come to Lyon—hospitality & coordination.
A group of local French churches established a human trafficking non-profit organization to help reach out to girls in Lyon.

We know that God has been working in our lives through so many different ways to prepare us for THIS time in THIS city!

Dahlgren History 101 :: Part 1

2012-03-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Another newsletter article to catch you up about how God has been working through the years... in two parts:

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.

Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had his eye on us,

had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose

He is working out in everything and everyone.

~ Ephesians 1:11

In talking with so many of you, we’ve found that many don’t know the backstory of how God has been weaving this very cool tapestry throughout the years to prepare us for our future ministry in Lyon. So, let’s back up a few years and do a little Dahlgren History 101.

At around 10 years old, Steve began his musical journey with organ lessons. A few years later he began learning how to master the piano as well. By middle school he was accompanying high school graduations, church services and anything in between. He spent his high school years as an organist/pianist at a few churches and assisted in music ministry.

Steve knew that music was going to play a major role in his life, and that he would use the gifts God gave him to lead others into the presence of God through worship.

***************

Chris began piano lessons at the young age of 6, and continued for six years. One day she came home from school and announced that she was now accompanying the middle school choir at the next choir concert. Soon after this, Chris began accompanying church services as well. Singing began in early elementary when Chris and her sisters sang, “I Have a Promise” in church concerts.

Missions Conferences were the highlight of the year at Chris’ home church, Living Gospel. She loved hearing how God was working throughout the world.

In high school, Chris joined the youth group on a week-long missions trip to Haiti. As a first overseas experience, God used this week to begin planting a seed for missions that would continue to sprout.

Jumping forward a few years, Chris was 20 years old when she was accepted as a full-time missionary with OMS International to work in their headquarters in Greenwood. During her years with them, she also had the privilege of spending three months teaching conversational English (Hoosier-style) in Taiwan. Returning from this overseas experience, Chris knew she wanted to serve overseas and needed training.

***************

We first met in Greenwood while Steve was touring with a singing group from Azusa Pacific University. Then we met again the following year at APU’s music camp where Chris was a freshman and while Steve was working on his masters. Steve insists Chris followed him to APU; Chris disagrees. :)

One year later we began dating and the following year we married and began ministering at Modesto Covenant Church in Modesto, California.

Faith—In Things We Cannot See

2012-03-16T17:15:00.001-04:00

We thought it would be great to include this "Faith" article, which was from one of our earlier newsletters...

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen;

it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.“

~Heb. 11:1, NLT

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary explains the word faith as:

a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion

b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust

Jesus explains faith to His disciples on numerous occasions. It’s amazing to search the word “faith” in the Bible. So often, it was explained that this person or that person was healed or saved because of their faith; yet, the disciples were continually reminded of how little their faith was—and they walked, talked & ate with Jesus!

Jesus told his disciples, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,

you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.

Nothing will be impossible for you.”

~ Matt. 17:20

Jesus then told his disciples, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt,

not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain,

‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

~ Matt. 21:21

Jesus said, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin.

Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today,

and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,

how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!”

~ Luke 12:27-28

As we walk through this season of Support Team Building, we are continually reminded that faith can move mountains and what we hope for will actually happen. Our support needs are great. We are a large family of six… we are heading to Europe where the cost of living adjustment is an increase of 60%... we do live in Elkhart County, one of the hardest hit areas since the recession began four years ago and many are still struggling.

It can be so easy to find reasons why our support needs are impossible, but God calls us to live a life of faith and we choose to believe that He has called us to serve in Lyon, and He will provide all of our needs just when we need them! Praise God!

Faith is also a step taken by each of our financial partners. God may be calling you to sacrifice in some

way, or to step out in faith—believing in something for which there is no proof—and commit to give a monthly amount. God is waiting for each of us to take a step of faith. Are you ready to take that step? God wants to meet your needs and bless you in abundance for your faithfulness in giving.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,

will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

~ Luke 6:38

Answering the "Why?" :: Part 4

2012-03-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

Spring 2011 - catching a family moment on Morgan's senior prom night

Kids... teenage kids... really? Why now?

Yes, this isn't the typical stage of life to switch careers and begin serving as missionaries. We totally get that; we had the same thoughts... the same fears. Are we crazy to think it'll be easy for them to leave their friends, a wonderful school system, community, and amazing family support system? Yes, we probably are.

As we were discussing the potential of missions, honestly we did worry about what this would mean for the kids. It was easy to think that we had provided them the "perfect" situation - a safe, comfortable, loving environment where they could flourish and become all that God would have them be as young adults. On the flip side, we began questioning ourselves... Who are we to think WE know what is best for them? Friends who have been missionaries for the past 20 years in Spain & Portugal have four amazing kids. Reading about how their oldest daughter has been able to be used in ministry opportunities & leadership roles overseas is so exciting. I'm sure her world perspective of God's work is much broader & richer because of the many cultures she has experienced first-hand. As we contemplated our decision, this family's testimony helped to remind us again that God's ways are higher than our own and He has a plan that is beyond our comprehension - a plan for all six of our family members!

Throughout Scripture we read about how God often asked those who followed Him to do things that didn't seem practical... right... best... good. But, He asked for faith and obedience. Think Jonah, Noah, Joseph, David, Paul... and so many others. I think of the story of Abraham and Isaac. Wow! After waiting more years than any of us will most likely even live, Abraham was blessed with a son at 100 years old. Then one day God asked him to sacrifice his son on an altar. He didn't even question God, but got up the next morning and set off to obey. We all know the story quite well... just in the nick of time God provided a ram in the thicket as the sacrifice.

In comparison, it seems like uprooting our kids is a small sacrifice on our part to be obedient to God. We are holding on to these words that were spoken to Abraham, praying that God will also protect our kids and make them flourish through this experience:

The angel of God spoke from Heaven a second time to Abraham: "I swear—God's sure word!—because you have gone through with this, and have not refused to give me your son, your dear, dear son, I'll bless you—oh, how I'll bless you! And I'll make sure that your children flourish—like stars in the sky! like sand on the beaches!

~ Genesis 22:15-17, The Message

So, we walk in faith, knowing that God is leading. Many of our questions are still unanswered that directly affect our kids, but we trust Him and will continue to obey.

Klondike and other addicting habits…

2012-03-11T17:09:00.000-04:00

Have you ever played the game, Klondike? It’s very similar to Solitaire but with its own challenges. I’ve played it long enough now I can’t quite remember exactly what's different between it and Solitaire, though. I do know, however, that it's addicting.

Let me go back a few years… well, maybe 19 years or so. It all started with the Gameboy. Do you remember? I was obviously NOT a teenager when the game came out, but I was newly married and my wonderful husband treated me with a Gameboy of my very own with the best game around – Tetris. After learning how it should be played, I quickly became addicted to beat my score. So much that I could get enthralled in it for hours. After months of this, I realized this wasn’t the best lifestyle choice. Luckily, I misplaced my Gameboy for a number of years and all returned back to “normal”, whatever that is.

Fast forward to recent years when I cell phones began offering games to play. Just so you don’t get me wrong, I am really not that interested in learning new games… ask anyone in my family and they’ll verify. But, when I do figure out a game, it becomes obsessive. With my first game-laden phone, I didn’t know what the games were but did recognize the game Solitaire. Bless my sweet Grandma Kirk’s heart… we learned how to play Solitaire (with real cards) back when we were in elementary school. It has hung on through the years as a great play-alone-when-you-don’t-want-to-do-anything-else kind of game. So, I began playing Solitaire on my cell phone.

Since this story is already getting far too long, I’ll jump forward again a few years. I had just replaced my phone with a Blackberry. It did NOT have Solitaire. I was so bummed. However, a game called Klondike looked sort of like Solitaire so I figured I could probably figure it out. Bailey was still playing basketball. I remember sitting as we watched a full day of tourney games and found myself playing Klondike while we waited. Someone actually saw me playing it and mentioned how they didn’t like the game because they could never win. What a great challenge, I thought.

It does take a lot of “losses” in the game… those dead ends where you keep flipping the cards and realizing there is no more play to be made… before you finally WIN. But when you do win, it becomes an even greater challenge to win again… and quicker than last time.

Now my latest phone gives me my winning score and compares it to my last highest score. This has offered me an even greater challenge. I keep losing until I finally win… then I keep trying it over and over again to try to be my last highest score.

Well, I finally beat my highest score TODAY after trying for a few months now!!! Yes, my highest score had been sitting at around 8,600. The closest I had come was about 8,100 but usually I end with 6,000-7,000 points. Today’s score was 9,115! J Yippee!!! What’s the craziest part about all of this is that right after seeing my new highest score, I couldn’t just be satisfied with winning and stop playing. I had to play it again a few more times before giving up.

Now for the analogy that hit me while I was playing it today and scored big… We just heard a most powerful message this morning from Pastor Dave Engbrecht about prayer. He was recounting the story of when God asked Elijah to pray for no rain and it didn’t rain for 3 ½ years. Then, when God spoke again, He told him to pray for rain… and he did. I King 18:41 says, “Elijah said to Ahab, “Up on your feet! Eat and drink – celebrate! Rain is on the way; I hear it coming.” Elijah then went to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed. He sent his servant to the sea to check for rain… SEVEN times. The servant kept returning with no sign of rain. But, Elijah believed the impossible was going to happen… and on the 7^th trip, the servant saw a small cloud, which was then followed by a great torrent of rainfall!

Dave challenged us to pray… pray²! Fervently pray for the IMPOSSIBLE with FAITH! As we began worshipping, I was broken. I’ve prayed for God to make the impossible possible… this seemingly-impossible need for a great multitude of ministry support partners so we can begin our ministry in France. But, have I REALLY prayed?! It seems like I’m praying when I wake up and when I lie down… I’m praying throughout the day… talking to God and begging Him to make a WAY. But, am I really bowed down, face between my knees like Elijah and desperately praying for our miracle???

As I consider my addictions to Klondike, Solitaire and Tetris, my heart is so troubled. I had to wonder today why I can be so faithful, almost to a fault, at continuing on with a game after losing, losing and losing again… just for the eventual possibility of winning, yet I am so wimpy, quick to doubt, and lacking in faith about the most important call that God has placed on our lives in a very long time!!!

With a new commitment to begin a deeper prayer walk with God, I am challenging myself to pray like I play… never giving up, passionately pursuing God, seeking His will without distraction, obsessively pleading for His hand to do what to us seems impossible!

James 5:10-11 challenges us so well…

Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything,

went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God.

What a gift life is to those who stay the course!

You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power,

and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end.

That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

What are you addicted to today? Is God challenging you to focus that same addictive passion to something He wants of you? Are you willing to pursue His challenge – and WIN?!

Thanks, Dave, for a great message - and challenge!

Great Blog Post: The Gospel According to Sarah McLachlan

2012-03-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

Our ties to Cory and Shannan go back to before their wedding day, but I remember sitting in the country church much like the one I grew up in as Shannan walked up the aisle while Steve played the wedding music. Although we didn't know them very well, we've since had the privilege of being graced by their testimony - love for Jesus - in all circumstances. And now our girls, known as the "Sister Sitters" by Shannan, enjoy babysitting for their three adorable children - Calvin, Ruby & Silas!

Shannan has an amazing way with words and shares so openly on her blog, Flower Patch Farmgirl. It's a regular "read" for me as I love what she shares and how she shares it. Such creativity in her soul!

A recent post - The Gospel According to Sarah McLachlan - was especially touching and challenging and so much more. I know you'll love it, even if it may make you squirm a bit like we do some Sunday mornings when the message seems to be spoken just for us. Please take a few minutes to read it, won't you?

Flower Patch Farmgirl's stirring post...

Answering the "Why?" :: Part 3

2012-03-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

Continuation on God's leading from Part 2...

"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree.
"For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think."

~ Isaiah 55:8-9, The Message

After all the closed doors to serve in U.S. churches, we shared with the kids about the possibility of missions and asked their permission to pursue this avenue... we received a 75% blessing at the time. :)

We reviewed possible options, which led us to talk with Mike Davis of ReachGlobal. He shared about many Western European City Teams, but thought we may match well with the Lyon City Team in France.
We then skyped with Mike DiGena, the Lyon City Team. What an amazing conversation, and we were so amazed that our gifts and abilities were so complementary to their needs.
So... after much prayer, we began the lengthy application process with ReachGlobal, enjoyed multiple interviews, and was amazed when we were invited to the weeklong Readiness Event in February 2011. There were actually quite a few times through this process that there were "yellow flags". We really weren't sure if we'd get a "Yes" at the end of the week.
God opened the door in AMAZING ways by providing a "Yes" at the end of the Readiness Event, along with an invitation to join the Lyon City Team!

Almost two years had passed from the initial move of God's Spirit within us until THE DOOR swung open leading to Lyon, France! Even though we never considered moving, let alone all the way to Europe, we know God has directed our steps, and we will continue to walk in faith.

Answering the "Why?" :: Part 2

2012-03-02T06:55:00.000-05:00

He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does,

the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

~ Ephesians 2:10

As we sensed that God was asking us to return to full-time ministry, we logically thought that meant working in the local church in worship ministries. He had obviously chosen that road for us for our first 17 years of marriage. So, as we began praying for guidance and open doors, we then followed our own "logical" steps. We searched for openings in churches within driving distance of our home.

No openings.

We talked with the kids about how God was working in our hearts and prepping them for the possibility of a move. We searched for possibilities and then sent out Steve's resume to quite a few churches in the midwest.

Closed doors.

We then questioned God a bit... "Do you really want us to move further away? What about our house and the poor housing market? What about the kids' great school and amazing church support?" We searched for possibilities and then sent out Steve's resume to quite a few more churches throughout the entire U.S.

Again, closed doors... actually, it seemed like they were locked & sealed. Seriously.

We sent resume after resume.

Nothing. Nada.

So, again we waited and wrestled with God to know what steps to take next. We knew that missions was always a "future" possibility, but struggled to consider it now while the kids were still in school. Who would choose to pull their kids out of school and move them half way around the world?

Answering the "Why?" :: Part 1

2012-02-29T17:15:00.002-05:00

And how much different is it now as you live in God's freedom, your lives healed and expansive in holiness?

~ Romans 6:19

Why have we said, "Yes!" to God's leading to minister in France? Because God is a God who heals! We wrote previously about our health (or lack thereof) over the past 20 years, and in those times God continually reminded us of our vows, "in sickness and in health". Praise be to God for showing up and showing off His healing power in our lives. (You're welcome to read that previous post for more details.)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

~ Jeremiah 29:11

We had such naive, idealistically high hopes when we plastered this verse on the wedding bulletin board that humid August morning 20 years ago, choosing for it to be our life verse. Somewhere around years 10-15, we had pretty much given up on what we expected for "future" and "hope" - you know, the kind that we had imagined God would provide. Since then, we have been experiencing this verse in new and fresh ways, with what we think is a more informed understanding as we see a better picture of what God was really promising.

With God's healing again in our lives, we knew we had to do what we promised we'd do... serve Him. As we've said before, through the difficult years Psalm 116 became our (for lack of a better phrase) life passage. It says it so well near the end of the chapter:

What can I give back to God
for the blessings He's poured out on me?
I'll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
I'll pray in the name of God;
I'll complete what I promised God I'd do,
and I'll do it together with his people.

~ Psalm 116:12-14

This renewed health was the beginning of our journey to seek what God wanted us to do and where He was leading.

Proud Parent Moment...

2012-02-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

Not the best quality image... sorry! :)

Bailey & Spencer sang last night at NorthWood High School's Winter Concert. They are both in the concert choir and in vocal jazz (an acapella choir).

Thought you may enjoy listening to one of the best songs of the night (from a proud parent's perspective) when Spencer and Trent Sauceda the solo parts, along with the combined choir, in "Walk in Jerusalem".

Thanks, Jeff Cramer, for your amazing leadership of the choral program at NorthWood High School. Thanks also to Jeanne Focht for all the work you do behind the scenes for the music programs and for your great accompaniment of the choirs.

Both Bailey & Spencer are also enjoying their involvement in the upcoming musical, "Footloose". We can't wait to hear Bailey sing her solo in the opening number! We'll try to capture another video to share...

Answering the "Why?" :: Intro

2012-02-26T22:01:00.001-05:00

Some ask, “Why now?” Why are you at this stage of your lives doing something so drastically different? Your kids are all teenagers… ready to leave the nest in a few years. Then there will be weddings and grandkids (hopefully not for quite some time). Isn’t going overseas meant for young college graduates or newly married couples?

Yes, logic says that most missionaries are young with their whole lives ahead of them. And, yes, we are in our mid-forties and our kids are teenagers. And, life will continue at this pace (the kind of pace that keeps flying by more swiftly each year) and before we know it all of the kids will be gone from our nest and be in their own nest some place.

There are so many reasons why NOW is the right time for us. To help share our lives – the good and the bad – we want to share with you the many reasons why we believe God has chosen to ask us to make this life-altering change at this stage of our lives, and why we are willing to give up whatever is necessary to do what has been asked of us.

Here is a list of all the reasons we know NOW is the time:

God answers prayers
God heals
God closes doors
God opens other doors
God’s ways are higher than our ways
God wants us to join Him where He is working
God will not give us more than we can handle
God is good and His love endures forever

“The really important thing is obeying God's call, following his commands.” ~ I Cor. 7:19

So, how can we NOT obey?! Over the next few weeks, we’ll share more from our hearts to explain how God has worked through these ways to bring us to this place of release and peace.

Of Netflix, Hulu+ and a little monthly Jesus…

2012-02-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

Is that magical time of year again where we all have the privilege of digging through last year’s paperwork to find all the right information to take to the accountant. We had our appointment last Saturday, and now we wait to see if we will be receiving a refund or if we owe something. The last few years we’ve had a split outcome – owing to one while receiving a refund from the other (federal vs. state), but at least we come away with not feeling too bad since it’s pretty much a wash.

While looking over the previous year's receipts, we see our “expenditures” as they really are, and it looks even more magnified because they are lumped together, line item by line item. You know, like when we think we’re spending just $1.29 for a Redbox movie rental. "What a great deal!" So much better than the days gone by when a movie rental cost $4.99. Yet, when we add up all of our Redbox expenses for 2011 it totals $172.49. SERIOUSLY? How could we have spent THAT much on just movies to watch at home?! At the time of renting a movie or two, we excuse it because we only have the basic over-the-air channels, and we use the excuse that we don’t often go to the regular theatres that cost an arm and a leg. Instead, we go to the $1 theatre.

Uh-oh. Redbox isn’t the only splurge here. We also have a few other “cheap” entertainment monthly subscriptions:

· Netflix - $7.99

· Hulu+ - $7.99

· Rhapsody - $14.99

Well, as we look at our year’s expenses, it’s easy to realize that even though we’ve cut out cable and don’t go to the “expensive” theatres, we do spend an amazing amount of money on “entertainment”.

How about you? Isn’t it so easy to begin a subscription to something that only costs a few dollars a month? It seems like if it’s less than $20 a month, it’s a “steal”; a “no-brainer”. Movie subscriptions, magazines, cable, cell phone upgrades, ebooks. The list goes on and on.

We’ve been convicted recently as we read again in Matthew 6:21, “The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (The Message) This is SO true! When we rent a few Redbox movies, we become almost obsessed to watch them all within the 24 hours so we aren’t charged another $1.29. Yet, the more time we spending watching TV, movies, and reading, the less time we spend on our relationship with God.

So often, I've said…

“We have no more room in our budget to give.”

                “We are all tapped out.”
                “We have too many expenses right now, we can’t add any more.”
                “We already give too much to other causes.”

Honestly, I believe our lack of giving “in faith, above and beyond” for so many years has been directly tied to our perceived lack of finances to cover our own needs.

We were just reminded a few weeks ago from a friend and co-worker about the real message behind the verses in Philippians 4. Verse 17 reads, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” Then, the verse (19) that we all quote so well reads, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

So often we take verse 19 as a promise that God will supply all of our needs… just because we are His children. But, the verse should be understood in context with the rest of the chapter. The Philippians Church supported Paul financially while he was travelling and sharing the gospel in other lands. He wanted to remind them that their giving to missionaries was like opening an account in heaven, and every cent they gave was an offering directly to the Lord and that God would meet every need of theirs according to HIS riches in Christ Jesus!

Here's the part where you might start thinking, yeah, they're just trying to raise more support. But really, it’s not about giving to us… it’s not about giving to the ministry in France… it’s not about giving some extravagant amount of money… it’s not even about having “extra” money in your budget to give.

It’s all about God… and our obedience to His call on our lives. It’s all about participating in missions… and, if He moves you, giving an offering to the Lord and trusting that He will supply for all of your needs in response to your obedience.

Think monthly subscription… or nightly movie rental. No gift is too small. Remember the story about the widow in Mark and Luke? She gave two small copper coins… all she had. Do we give out of our wealth or out of our poverty?

We have committed in 2012 and beyond to give to ministries around the world out of faith that God will meet all of our needs. If we were to look at our commitments based on our budget, we would not give. Humanly, we can’t see how it all adds up. But, God has challenged us to put more of our treasures in things that will last and less in earthly things – like Redbox, Netflix and Hulu+.

How about you? How is God challenging you in 2012? Will you prayerfully consider giving a little more than you think is humanly possible to something that will last? Can you, in faith, 'subscribe' to a little monthly missions alongside your Dish, DirecTV, Netflix or Hulu+, or iTunes subscription?

May we challenge you today to pray and ask God how he would like you to become more involved in His work around the world this year? Would you ask Him if He wants you to partner with the ministry in France? How about somewhere else? How about somewhere closer? Somewhere far...far away? And, then would you obey what He’s calling you to do?

We honestly would love all of our friends to partner with us in the call to Lyon, France… but, more than that, we want YOU to be obedient to GOD and take a step of faith – wherever that step of faith leads you.

What a difference a year makes...

2012-02-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

This past week nine more candidates arrived at ReachGlobal’s headquarters in Minneapolis to participate for one week in the “Readiness Event” – think psychological tests, interviews, more tests, re-enactment of a hostage situation, and loads of information. Last year at this time, we participated in the REV along with this group of amazing people.

It was an exhausting, yet exhilarating, week. We found out on February 10^th (Steve’s birthday) the amazing news that we were accepted as long-term missionaries to Lyon, France! One couple is heading to Czech Republic, another couple is heading to Costa Rica, one is working at RG headquarters with TouchGlobal, and three of them are now in Dar participating in a two-year training program with TIMO.

Here are some highlights of this past year:

Shared our story with our small church (Sunday School class) at NMC

Weekend support team building training in Indianapolis in March

Stretched and grew through a 15-week course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

In April our entire family enjoyed 10 days in France visiting the Lyon City Team and experiencing what it will be like to live in France

Spent time developing informative materials, like newsletters, blog, letters, and so much more

Felt overwhelmed with the shear amounts of things to do to on a daily basis

Watched our first child graduate from high school and then head to Thailand for a month

Spent many evenings sharing our story with friends in our home, their homes as well as at restaurants

Learned (and continue to learn) that God’s timing and ways are so much better than ours

Experienced another first – our first child to finish 10 years in 4-H

Completed a five-week online course offered by ReachGlobal called Intentional Living

Walking through times of cleansing and refinement

Participated in more training at ReachGlobal for developing ministry partners

Enjoyed Christmas and New Year with family and friends, here in Indiana and in California

Had a meltdown and searched for God’s confirmation that we are on the right road – and we received it in an amazing way… His word to us – Don’t Quit!

Shared our story for a missions emphasis weekend with a wonderful church in Morenci, Michigan

God continues to walk with us, stretch us, teach us, and show us His grace. Thanks for walking through this past year with us, and for your continued prayers for us. As we head into this next year and continue sharing our story with others, we pray that God will bring together just the right team of ministry partners and prepare us for ministry in France.

Rock Bands, Jumbotron Screens, Buckets of Tears and Oodles of Money

2012-02-02T21:09:00.001-05:00

According to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, there are 1,414 megachurches in the US. A megachurch is defined as a protestant church that sustains an average weekly attendance of 2000 people or more in their worship services.

The largest megachurch in the US actually has an average weekly attendance of 43,500. Our next door town, Nappanee, has a population of just over 8,000, and our own church, Nappanee Missionary Church, is on the list of megachurches with over 2,700 in average weekly attendance. We were actually kind of shocked to see our own church on this list, because we never hear anyone talk about how many people go to NMC. I don’t think it’s a ‘badge of spiritual honor’ to the leadership. We’re just grateful that going deep in your spiritual walk and being ‘fully committed’ is a much stronger emphasis than how many people are in the seats.

We have no convoluted notion that the amount of megachurches in any given country is somehow the sign of spiritual health. Even the secular world is suspicious of the concept: "Rock bands, jumbotron screens, buckets of tears and oodles of money", they write. But it is interesting to note that in all of France, there is only 1 megachurch, which is located in Paris, and their average weekly attendance is 2,000. There are only 2.4% evangelicals in the entire continent of Europe. Only 2 of every 1,000 people living in Lyon profess to be evangelical… that’s 0.2% of 1.6 million people.

I don't know that France needs more megachurches, but I do know that there is a great need for Christ’s love and grace in Lyon. Pray with us that God will continue to soften hearts to Him!

God Still Speaks... and It Is Well

2012-01-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

Well, we've been back in Indiana now for five days, the bags are all unpacked and the kids enjoyed a 2-hour delay from snow yesterday. All is well in the Dahlgren home, or is it?!

The holidays are usually filled with awesome times, amazing food and great fellowship. We did enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, but also had some more discouraging days than we've had in a long while.

It's been 11 months now since we received the word from ReachGlobal that we were accepted as missionary candidates to Lyon, France. Wow! Who could have imagined that God would take us through so many winding roads and lead us to such a place as this - the brink of serving overseas. I (Chris) had hoped for this over 22 years ago, but it was not yet the time.

After our acceptance, we were so full of excitement and faith. We believed that the same God that moved mountains and healed the sick would also rain down provision for us to be moving to Lyon by the summer of 2011. Six months isn't too difficult for the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills! Do you know how hard it is to teach faith to your kids and then teach about God's timing rather than yours??? Well, it's so very hard!

All the same, we began this school year and set out to believe God would provide for our support needs so we could begin serving in Lyon by the summer of 2012. He just needed to provide enough financial partners by Christmas so we could begin the next phase of training. Well, once again His timing is not ours.

God did provide, however, an amazing opportunity for Steve to begin working part-time so he could spend more time in ministry partner development. This began December 1st. God answered this prayer in such an amazing way and we are so very grateful. Yet, December proved to be a very slow month. People are busy with all their shopping, parties, family gatherings and church commitments. We know. We've been there many years of our marriage! :)

And, though we had some special times getting together with friends and family during our two weeks in California, the limited times to meet with people to share about the need for Christ in Lyon took it's toll. By the end of our 2nd week we started questioning whether God really wants us to serve in Lyon. So many questions ran through our minds... why would God ask us to go to such a costly place and not provide the means to get there? How long is too long to raise our support? Did we hear Him wrong? Should we be looking for something else? Are we crazy? Why did God lead us to the ministry in Lyon when we never thought of serving in France? Why didn't God just call us to a less expensive country like Haiti? Why has God given us such a heart for the French people now if He may not want us to go? Why? Why? Why?

ReachGlobal has developed such an amazing culture for their missionaries. One such practice is for everyone to set aside one day per month as a Personal Retreat Day. We learned about these but haven't yet been very good at putting them into practice. We decided to take the family to the park last Saturday for a few hours of personal "Time Alone with God" - reading His Word, praying, reflecting, listening. We then came back together and talked through what we learned during our time. It was an awesome time as a family. We still didn't have any definite answers by the end of our time, but dedicating that time to seek Him was definitely special for all of us.

The kids also enjoyed feeding the ducks powdered mini-donuts at the park!

As we came home our thoughts and conversations leaned more toward giving up and seeking where else God would want us to serve. We definitely still felt like we were to serve in some sort of full-time ministry... maybe a church would take us??? Our intent was to spend this week studying and praying for God to clearly show us what His plan was for our family. Monday through the day and night while flying and driving, I kept pleading with God that He would speak very specifically and clearly to both of us THIS WEEK to let us know what we were supposed to do. (Now realize, my faith is still strong, but I don't trust it quite as much as I did 11 months ago since God hasn't answered my prayers the way I have wanted.)

Tuesday morning came... we returned to school and work. Wow, was it hard to get up Tuesday morning when we didn't get home until 12:30am that morning. :) So, although we were lacking sleep, we trudged ahead into the week seeking God's smack-over-the-head-speaking-at-the-top-of-His-lungs answer to our prayers. It really is funny how God does really answer prayers just when we need them to build up our faith and remind us that He does hear and care.

Tuesday afternoon... I was at work, still discouraged and pleading for a sign from God. I decided to take a few minutes to read Moody's "Today in the Word" devotional. Sorry, Wes (my boss), but I really needed to spend a few minutes in the Word and didn't have time before heading to work. I had just come across Moody's devotional page last month while looking at their website with Morgan. I haven't really read more than a couple of the devotionals, but had bookmarked it in case I needed a quick "pick-me-up" in the middle of the day. This was that type of day.

Since I didn't know what day to read, I thought I might as well read the devotional for that day - Tuesday, January 10, 2012. The month of January's devotionals are focused on no longer being afraid when we walk in the fear of the Lord. Psalm 27 was the passage to read. We tend to like The Message translation so this was the translation I read. The whole passage is excellent and was perfect for me that morning. I love where it reads,

Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking Him!"
Don't hide from me now!

That's exactly what I was praying... over and over again, "Please God, answer me!" Then the final verse just hit me...

I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again:
Stay with God.

To be honest, I didn't like these verses when I read them. Yes, I wanted to stay with God, but I also wanted to quit. This was just getting too hard. It's so easy to feel like we're building barriers between ourselves and our dear friends rather than building bridges. We imagine people noticing our phone number on their cell phones and not answering so they don't have to meet with us. We worry that people think we only want their money. Steve worries that people think of us now as multi-level marketing missionaries. All of these are so FAR from the truth.

We just want to share about how God has been working in our lives - through the good and the bad and the ugly - to bring us to this amazing place where He wants to use us to share His love to those who have never heard. What an awesome privilege! We also just want to share how desperately lost and hopeless the French people are. People often just think of the wonderful things about France - amazing vacation destination, delectable treats, historic structures that date back to Christ. Oh, to be "living the life" in France! (That was actually spoken to one of our kids.) But we, as Americans, don't realize how desperately hopeless and lost they really are.

So, back to the scripture I read on Tuesday... God spoke quite clearly to me, "Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit." I thought I'd wait to see how Steve's afternoon went before I shared with him what I read. When I came home he told me that he thought we shouldn't give up yet. He knew that we were supposed to keep on keeping on! How frustrating!!! :) I asked him how he came to that conclusion. He said that when Easton came home from school, he asked Steve if he had a good afternoon and had set up any appointments to meet with people. Steve told him more about our concerns and that we were seeking God to make clear what we were supposed to do. Now, remember that although Easton is willing and prepping himself to go to France, he reminds us often that he would rather stay here. Well, he blurted back to Steve in a rather matter-of-fact tone, telling him that we can't give up now. We've come too far and shouldn't quit. Then Spencer came home a few minutes later and walked in on their conversation. She got quite persistent with Steve that she felt that we were to keep on with our ministry development.

When Steve shared with me about these conversations with the kids, I shared with him what I read in Psalm 27. I knew we had our very clear answer, pretty much word-for-word from God. He gave the same message to me through His Word and to Steve through our kids. DON'T QUIT! I've taken the last few days to reflect and let it soak in. I was also waiting to see if God would have an even clearer message of a different sort leading us elsewhere, just in case. :) We feel renewed and refocused on the ministry He has called us to in Lyon, France!

Now if He will just take care of the extremely-above-and-beyond-our-own-ability-to-raise monthly support needs so we can make our way to Lyon! All in His own time... I know!

So, as I begin a weekend where we celebrate Easton's 14th birthday, I am reminded of this amazing song, It Is Well with My Soul. And, since we love Hillsong, you can enjoy their rendition of it!

Reflect and Resolve

2012-01-02T19:08:00.005-05:00

Can you believe it's 2012 already? So many people are setting resolutions for the year. Have you set yours yet? I've not been too good at completing resolutions in the past so the past few years I haven't even bothered. Sad, I know. It just seems easier; that way I don't fail.

In 2011, God directed us to ReachGlobal and led us to the ministry openings in Lyon. As we took each step through the process, we trusted God would open the right doors along the way. We are so excited and ready to begin serving in Lyon, France with the Lyon City Team. To get the "green light" to go, we must be 100% funded. That means every person or family who God is stirring to do something more will join our team as financial/prayer partners. It's so exciting to realize that the Lyon City Team will NOT consist of 4 family units but rather it WILL consist of 600-800 family units partnering together to reach the lost and hurting in Lyon! Isn't God so cool?!

This past year has been filled with many emotions - fear, excitement, discomfort, anxiety, joy... on and on. Emotions (mostly negative ones) often want to control our actions when we know that life is so much more than our emotions. Philippians 4:5-7 helps to remind us to pray and praise instead:

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

So, what resolutions am I setting for 2012? Well, here's what I've come up with:

Worry less
Pray more
Praise God for all He provides
Seek God
Spend more time with God
Learn what He is trying to teach me
Trust Him completely
Move to Lyon! :)

Romans 4:4-5 hit me this morning:

"If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust Him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-Him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift."

Only God can bring together our partnership team! This is a difficult lesson to realize, but is also quite encouraging. We know we don't have the ability to do this in our own strengths. Our ministry partners are sheer gifts that only He can provide!!!

What are your resolutions for 2012? How is God working in and through you? Will you pray with us specifically that God will provide all of our needs so we can begin serving in France in 2012?