September 17-21 our family will be joining the rest of the team in Colorado Springs for a week long seminar that will assist us in further developing our strategy. We will be learning many things that will aid in the team’s focus of developing the indigenous church.
Our goal is for the church to one day function without the presence of foreign missionaries and become missionaries among their own people.
Please pray for safe travel and that this will be a productive time of learning and strategy development.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
How Did We Get Here?
Last month we addressed the question of how our family, in particular, will contribute practically to the mission of Team Vanuatu. This time we would like to share with you a bit of a testimony about how we arrived at this place.
We moved to Forsyth, Montana with the intention of it being our ‘forever home’, however, God had other plans. We have felt for quite a while that the Lord had other things in store for us. We had a desire to serve Him fully, holding nothing back. But how? For some time, we had been praying for guidance, but had a sense that we were being told to wait.
Over the last several years our family had developed an interest in foreign missions. Jokingly we mentioned, more than once, selling all we own and moving to Africa. We did not imagine it was a real possibility. We did what we could, supporting God’s work around the world with our time, finances, and prayers.
Then Houghton and Gretchen Richards came to speak at our church. We were so excited to meet them and hear about the team. We were thrilled to find out about the work God was doing in pulling this team together to reach these lost people half way around the world. They took our interest seriously and were a huge encouragement to us.
They shared with us the need the team had for people with experience in practical areas. It was no coincidence that over the last several years the Lord had been equipping us to meet that need. It became apparent that this was the door the Lord had opened for us. God says in His word that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepares beforehand for us to do. (Eph 2:10) We knew right away that this was the work the Lord had prepared us for. Our doubts could hardly even be called doubts they were so faint. Everything began to fall into place. God began to remove potential barriers right and left.
We know the road ahead will not be an easy one. It will be paved with sacrifice and suffering. But when the LORD blesses us with an eternal perspective the only thing that matters is glorifying Him. As the song promises, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
We pray that you also will be blessed with this eternal perspective. Delight yourself in the Lord. Lose your life for His sake, only then will you find it. (Mat 16:25)
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which He prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
We moved to Forsyth, Montana with the intention of it being our ‘forever home’, however, God had other plans. We have felt for quite a while that the Lord had other things in store for us. We had a desire to serve Him fully, holding nothing back. But how? For some time, we had been praying for guidance, but had a sense that we were being told to wait.
Over the last several years our family had developed an interest in foreign missions. Jokingly we mentioned, more than once, selling all we own and moving to Africa. We did not imagine it was a real possibility. We did what we could, supporting God’s work around the world with our time, finances, and prayers.
Then Houghton and Gretchen Richards came to speak at our church. We were so excited to meet them and hear about the team. We were thrilled to find out about the work God was doing in pulling this team together to reach these lost people half way around the world. They took our interest seriously and were a huge encouragement to us.
They shared with us the need the team had for people with experience in practical areas. It was no coincidence that over the last several years the Lord had been equipping us to meet that need. It became apparent that this was the door the Lord had opened for us. God says in His word that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepares beforehand for us to do. (Eph 2:10) We knew right away that this was the work the Lord had prepared us for. Our doubts could hardly even be called doubts they were so faint. Everything began to fall into place. God began to remove potential barriers right and left.
We know the road ahead will not be an easy one. It will be paved with sacrifice and suffering. But when the LORD blesses us with an eternal perspective the only thing that matters is glorifying Him. As the song promises, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
We pray that you also will be blessed with this eternal perspective. Delight yourself in the Lord. Lose your life for His sake, only then will you find it. (Mat 16:25)
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which He prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
What Josh Learned at Camp, “God doesn’t change…”
Last month Josh and Grace spent a hard-earned, well deserved week at Trails End Ranch in Ekalaka, Montana. This was Josh’s first time away at camp. Of course he was nervous, but also very excited.
The day we picked them up I asked what he had learned. “God doesn’t change,” he answered “but the sun does.” He went on to explain that God made the sun stop moving so Joshua and his armies could defeat the enemy. (Joshua 10:12-14)
Life is so full of changes. But our God does not change. Everyday, we expect the sun to rise and set. But God is supreme even over the sun. He has the power to command it to stand still in the sky if He so chooses.
Joshua agreed, the more we learn about God, the more we love Him.
“For I, the LORD, do not change.” Malachi 3:5
The day we picked them up I asked what he had learned. “God doesn’t change,” he answered “but the sun does.” He went on to explain that God made the sun stop moving so Joshua and his armies could defeat the enemy. (Joshua 10:12-14)
Life is so full of changes. But our God does not change. Everyday, we expect the sun to rise and set. But God is supreme even over the sun. He has the power to command it to stand still in the sky if He so chooses.
Joshua agreed, the more we learn about God, the more we love Him.
“For I, the LORD, do not change.” Malachi 3:5
A Worshipful Offering
“For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of
the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”, 2
Corinthians 9:12.
The Greek word translated “ministry” in this verse is “leitourgia”, from which we get “liturgy” meaning ‘form of worship’. Paul, when speaking to the Corinthians, pointed out that giving to God’s work is a ministry and act of worship. When Paul addressed the Philippians about their giving, he said it was “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18 NASB) Giving to missions work is a spiritual, worshipful offering that is primarily being presented to God to glorify Him.
God desires our service not out of convenience but out of conviction. He desires sacrifice not out of our surplus but out of our first and best.
This is not about us. It is all about glorifying God! Take a moment today to read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and Philippians 4:17-20. Prayerfully consider contributing to the work God is doing to reach the lost people of Vanuatu. As you are led to give to this ministry or any other, trust that God will supply all your needs.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”, 2
Corinthians 9:12.
The Greek word translated “ministry” in this verse is “leitourgia”, from which we get “liturgy” meaning ‘form of worship’. Paul, when speaking to the Corinthians, pointed out that giving to God’s work is a ministry and act of worship. When Paul addressed the Philippians about their giving, he said it was “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18 NASB) Giving to missions work is a spiritual, worshipful offering that is primarily being presented to God to glorify Him.
God desires our service not out of convenience but out of conviction. He desires sacrifice not out of our surplus but out of our first and best.
This is not about us. It is all about glorifying God! Take a moment today to read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and Philippians 4:17-20. Prayerfully consider contributing to the work God is doing to reach the lost people of Vanuatu. As you are led to give to this ministry or any other, trust that God will supply all your needs.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
For those God is leading to partner with us in faith,
This is how you can help...
Prayer Support ~
- Sign up for regular updates jkenner@biblicalministries.org
- Request a prayer card and post it where it will help you remember to pray regularly.
Financial Support ~ In order to depart for Vanuatu with the team, 100% of our regular monthly support must be either pledged or coming in.
We have the need for regular monthly support beginning…
- now to help with the many expenses required in preparing to depart for Vanuatu.
- when we depart for the field (Please, let us know of your intentions now so we may count this toward the goal)
- A special project account has been set up for training expenses such as WRG’s Church Planting Seminar, and PILAT Language Acquisition Training. Indicate “Special Project: Training”
Encouragement ~ A small word of encouragement goes a long way. (Galatians 6:9,10)
Praises and Prayers
“All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Mark 11:24
We praise God for...
- answered prayers. We continue to be amazed by His grace and faithfulness!
- providing for our trip to Colorado for the WRG Church Planting Seminar.
- the way we have already seen Him at work in the hearts of His people for this ministry.
Please join us in praying...
- for the team while we are at (and traveling to) the church planting seminar September 14-23
- for wisdom, strength, and endurance for the work that lies ahead.
- that God’s people would be moved to be a part of our support team.
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