Week two was better than week one. The relationships grew to a new level and the classes were less about administrative things (I know we need those classes but they are not my favorite).
By far, my favorite class (as far as information) was Missiology Theology with Prof. Paul York. He discussed the heart of God for missions throughout the bible. What has God said about missions throughout His word, His story for us. He in many ways reminds me of Pastor Chad Harvey of Raleigh First Assembly in Raleigh, NC. He has a way of taking a very complex subject and without reducing the depth of the information, he can make it so easy to understand. Both men could speak for hours and hours and I am captivated and hungry for every word.
Thursday was the big day. We still has a few classes in the morning and we took a group MA picture. (for now, I am going to refrain from posting it due to some going to sensitive countries) It was a fun day. I was able to spend some time with the Nelsons. That night, we had our commissioning ceremony. I am looking into getting the full audio or possibly even video. It was a special time for me to be there being commissioned with good friends and to also have both the Nelsons, who I will be serving under and the Penleys who have been incredible friends and spiritual mentors for me. That moment was a defining point in my life. The call to missions became a lot heavier. Not to say that the call wasn't weighty already, but something happened in the moments when John Bueno was giving the charge and it was like Paul was speaking to me. There is a greater level of fear and respect for what I have been called to do. I am excited about what the future holds for me.
So week one is complete. This has been an awesome week. We started the week with all of the missionary associates and candidates together for the first two days. The days started with worship together in the CBC Chapel, then general classes. We did group dynamics with other missionaries from our region of the world and budget and reporting classes. Those days were not my favorite because it was mostly administrative stuff but it was really good information. The group dynamics part was probably really good for most groups, but my group kept getting in trouble. It’s probably because it was me, the Penleys and the Smiths. If you didn’t already know, we have all served in ministry together and done multiple missions trips together. We wanted to get in groups with other people but they told us to open up to each other even more. To quote one of our members jokingly, “If we open up any more we might loose appointments or credentials”.
The last three days were spent with our regional directors. So far those were my favorite classes. I first met them at a dinner on monday with just the Missionary Associates. We talked specifically about issues affecting our region as a whole and our specific areas. It was also a time where we found out about the needs of other areas of the world and what our role would be in assisting them. During these sessions we got to share our hearts and also see the hearts of the area directors. They are all amazing people and we have already been blessed incredibly by the time we spent with them. It is a great feeling to know that they are the people we will be relying on with any issues in country. The new missionaries of the LAC region have already bonded in a way that will produce life-long friendships.
I have also had the opportunity to meet many missionaries who have been and will be working with missionaries that I know from all over the world. It is such a small world here in Springfield.
So I arrived on Friday into Branson MO. I must stay that the Airport was quite interesting. You exit the plane onto the runway and walk into the airport through a makeshift tunnel. Once inside it looks like the type of places you would see at the beach. A tavern and gift shop and fake hotel. There was nothing about the inside that said "airport". There was a couple who were from Branson who told me a little about the town. When we got inside, she realized that I was clueless as to where to go and pointed me in the direction of baggage claim. To get to the baggage claim you had to go to the hotel. That was the secured exit. The Smiths arrived while I was at baggage claim and the fun started. Doing anything with the Smith's is an adventure. We had lunch and drove into Springfield, and went to get our accounts set up. Then I got checked in to my hotel for the night. We took a trip a huge Bass Pro Shop. If that is your type of place, or even if it is not, I would suggest checking it out. There are plenty of fish and sea life to check out and even a couple ducks. Had dinner with a friend from Raleigh and her fiance. Then went back to the Hotel for the night. Our missionary friends to Ecuador showed up a little later. We haven't even started yet and it's already a blast!
The time has arrived. I’m writing this at 8 am from the terminal in Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The whole process of getting ready has been a familiar one. I found myself going through the same steps as when I am preparing for a missions trip; and in a lot of ways, this is. For anyone who is unfamiliar, PFO is Pre Field Orientation. It is a requirement for all AG missionaries and Missionary Associates. I have no idea what it will be like, but I anticipate that it will be fun. This year I will be there at the same time as newly appointed MA’s Scott and Charity smith, newly appointed Missionaries to Ecuador, Ashley and Meredith Penley, the missionaries I will be serving with, Chris and Angela Nelson, my adopted parents J. V. and hopefully T. V. (names protected because of sensitive location) as well as the possibility of seeing some other missionary friends from around the world. The bonus is my little sister Chelsea and her fiance Mark live and work there. Earlier I said that I anticipated that it would be fun. With this crew, I know it will be fun.
I hope to give you all a glimpse of what PFO looks like. Next stop is Branson MO to meet up with the Smiths and then on to Springfield. Hopefully I don’t make you too jealous.... On the other hand, if these posts compel you to answer the call...
His own countrymen clamored for his death… His own disciple planted the kiss of betrayal.. His own friends ran for cover…
Six Hours.. One Friday…
The most critical 6 hours in history.
On this Friday, He would do what He does best: take the common and make it spectacular. Once again take the rod and divide the sea. Take a pebble and kill a giant. Take water and make sparkling wine. Take a peasant boy’s lunch and feed a multitude. Take mud and restore sight. Take three spikes and a wooden beam and make them the hope of humanity! I spent last night with God trying to really grasp all that happened. I still don’t fully get it. I’ve tried to picture the brutality.(I even watched the Passion of the Christ twice last night). I’ve tried to envision the bigger picture. I can partially grasp how important that day was for me. I can relate the sacrifice on a one on one basis. I know how important I am to my family. They love me and would do almost anything for me and I would do most things for them. I don’t know that they would die for me. Especially a death by crucifixion. Truthfully, I don’t know that I would willingly die that way for them. I say I would. It’s easy to say things, but to do it? Maybe I would, just a bit reluctantly. We have a natural tendency to try and avoid pain, especially for others. But He walked through life with that as his future. Every sermon, every parable, every miracle, a step closer to the cross. A step closer to being tortured for you and me. To taking on punishment for everything that anyone had ever done wrong or would ever do wrong. I don’t even think trying to explain sin does His death justice. He died the worst possible death so you and I wouldn’t have to. And knowing that the person He would most want comfort from during this time, His father, could do nothing for Him.
Why did he do it? He was the only one who could. The author of life knew that he was the only answer for death. He knew that he was the only hope for the hopeless. We were hopeless. No matter how hard we try, we still mess up. He came and was the example of how to live but he knew we couldn’t follow it, so He gave us a way out. That is why today is good Friday. It is a day of mourning (in German the day is called “Karfreitag” or Mourning Friday), but this act was the most significant act of Jesus’ time on earth. You can walk around saying that you are God all you want, but until you can prove it, the statement holds no weight. Others have done things that appear supernatural. Others have supposedly healed people. Only One has taken on the mistakes of all, suffered the punishment, died, and then rose from the grave, never to die again. No remains have been or will ever be found. There is no resurrection without the death on the cross. A death that was taking place during those Six Hours One Friday.
9 a.m. – “The Third Hour”
Jesus is Crucified on the CrossMark 15: 25 – It was the third hour when they crucified him.(NIV).Luke 23:34 – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do now know what they are doing.”(NIV)
The Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus’ Clothing
(Mark 15:24)
10 a.m.
Jesus is Insulted and MockedMatthew 27:39-40 – And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “So! You can destroy the Temple and build it again in three days, can you? Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”(NLT)
Mark 15:31 – The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself!”(NLT)
Luke 23:36-37 – The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”(NLT)
Luke 23:39 – One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”(NIV)
11 a.m.
Jesus and the CriminalLuke 23:40-43 – But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”(NIV)
Jesus Speaks to Mary and JohnJohn 19:26-27 – When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Woman, he is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “She is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.(NLT)
Noon – “The Sixth Hour”
Darkness Covers the LandMark 15:33 – At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.(NLT)
1 p.m.
Jesus Cries Out to the FatherMatthew 27:46 – And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”(NKJV)
Jesus is ThirstyJohn 19:28-29 – Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, “I am thirsty.”A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.(NLT)
2 p.m.
It is FinishedJohn 19:30a – When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!”(NLT)
3 p.m. – “The Ninth Hour”
Luke 23:46 – Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.(NIV)
EVENTS FOLLOWING JESUS’ DEATH
The EarthquakeMatthew 27:51-52 – At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.(NIV)
The Centurion – “Surely he was the Son of God!”
(Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47)
The Soldiers Break the Thieves’ Legs
(John 19:31-33)
The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side
(John 19:34)
Jesus is Laid in theTomb (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
So is has been a couple weeks since my last post and much has happened. I wouldn't do most of it justice by combining it in with this post. I will use this post only to say that I am approved! After a lengthy application process, I am official. I am now an Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God World Missions.
The notification came on Friday night, April the 1st, while I was at work. They had actually send me a message online earlier in the day around 5. I didn't see that message until 8 pm. I have to tell you, being April 1st, I thought about whether it was a joke for about a minute. I kinda realized that it wasn't and started telling everyone around me. I still had another hour and a half of work left before I could truly go celebrate. That was a scattered hour and a half. It was very hard to focus on my job. My last hour at work is one of the most important because I wrap everything up and make sure that the next technician who will work on anywhere from 20-30 computers, has clear enough notes from me to pick up right where I left of and the entire Geek Squad Precinct is in order. As I was leaving, a co-worker asked me what I was going to do to celebrate. I told him, "Praise God and go home and pray." That is exactly what I did. I had not been cleared to raise any funds up to this point. I have worried about the fact that I was going to have very little time to raise all of my support (I have until the end of the year) and until I was fully approved by AGWM, I would not have an active account. So the first thing for me was to praise God for his continued faithfulness throughout this journey. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to finally say that I am an AGWM missionary. I haven't doubted that this day was coming but that little green light lifted a weight off my shoulders... and added another.
I thanked and praised God my entire ride home. I was and am still very excited but now I am a bit nervous for a new reason. I have never been a very outgoing person when it comes to people. I am more quiet and reserved. I prefer to be in smaller groups of people. I am more of a listener, than a talker. I do talk sometimes. I guess I talk about things that I am passionate about. I'm not sure how that will work with my itineration. I feel kinda like how I think Moses felt in Exodus 4. I go back and forth with my prayer to God. Sometimes it is "Please Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue", wanting for Him to send me an Aaron, all the while knowing that His response is "go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say." Other times I am reminded of advice from some itinerant missionary friends of mine (the Smiths) who received this advice from other missionaries (the Coles) that "God already has all our support prepared for us, and He will prompt the hearts of those who are to give towards our journey. All we need to do is walk in obedience to His calling."
That is the point when I remember all of the things God has done for me and through me (Josh 4) and allow it to encourage me. It changes my prayer to "God, I surrender. Lead me where to go, speak through me and have me say what needs to be said. This is all about you and you being glorified in all nations."I had heard many stories saying that my final approval could take from two weeks to two months. Mine took TWO DAYS! God is amazing! I also am thankful for all of the people working behinds the scenes at AGWM. My online account was supposed to take up to a couple weeks to get active, but it is up an running. Thanks to the tech guys who made it happen. I appreciated your hard work. Time to get started!
6"Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' 7then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off ' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever."
So, my last post was about how I was going to have to wait a little longer for the application process to move along. Instead, the past two and a half weeks have been some of the most stressful days of this entire process. It actually started the very next day. On wed the ninth, I was off from work so I got to sleep in a little. I woke up and got dressed and ready before sitting down to do any work. After sleeping in late, showering and taking my time to get started, it was about 11 am est. That is when I checked my email and first got the news.
I woke up and had an email, facebook message and skype message about "something important" from a friend in Venezuela. The "something important" was about Chris Nelson, the AG Missionary I will be serving under in Venezuela. I haven't really posted much about him yet but let me tell you a little about him.
I met Chris a few years ago when he was a youth pastor in North Carolina. He was invited to preach at Elevate (then Impact), the youth ministry I served in. One of my favorite sermons I have heard about being "moved in your bowels" for people, was a message he preached. I knew his family and him for a few years before getting the news that they would be moving to Venezuela to become missionaries. At that point, I had helped lead a few youth missions trips but at this time really didn't have a grasp on everything they were about to do. My admiration and respect in this regard, has grown tremendously over the last few years as I have become more missions focused.
We talked about how long the process would be for him and his family (wife Angela and three young boys) to get established and ready to host a team. It was going to be a few years so we let them know that as soon as they were ready, we would look into bringing a youth team to assist in whatever he needed. Eventually a time was set, July 2010. Up until this point, Chris had been like a relative that I would see every once and a while (I usually don't get to see my natural relatives often). We would see each other maybe a few times a year, bond instantly and catch up, maybe have a meal and have a good time, but most of the year we would wouldn't really talk. We weren't best friends by any means but he was someone I respected, and cared for. The trip in 2010 changed all of that in many ways.
Scott, Chris and I
The preparation for the trip involved them being on my mind more often then before. I of course prayed more often for the family and their ministry. After going on the trip and being in the field with them and the conversations we had during and since the trip, I can say that I feel a lot closer to him. Chris is as close as a brother to me and I know that I can count on him. He is never the one to back down to a challenge and it will be both a pleasure and an honor to do the Lord's work along side of he and Angela.
On March 9th Chris Nelson, and two of his staff members were in a serious accident. This accident destroyed his Speed The Light provided Vehicle. (Thank you to all of the youth who donate to STL and provide the much needed vehicles and audio gear for our missionaries. With the quality resources you provide, people are able to hear about the love of our savior!) The accident occurred when a bus apparently lost its brakes and then lost control. The bus swerved off of the road to it's right and then apparently over corrected and crossed the median and struck his vehicle.
The initial report said that 1 person had died in this accident and that 10 others were hospitalized. In the video below you can see the aftermath of the accident. Fortunately the initial report was incorrect. The Lord was with Chris Nelson and all who were injured in the accident. I can say with certainty that God was protecting him on that day. At the end of this post you will see some photos of the Land Cruiser with the entire driver side ripped off. Over the summer Scott Smith (a mechanic), Chris and I (both manly men... stop laughing) attempted to fix the window, which had come off track. This was not possible for us because that thing is built like a tank. Without the tools to fully disassemble a car, we were not getting to the inside of that door. When you look at the photos, you will be able to guess at the amount of force it would have taken to do that much damage to that tank of a car.
The Video (the video does get dark midway through)
Lets just say that the accident led to a very exciting few weeks. Including flights back and forth to Venezuela, getting stuck in Miami (twice) and being stuck in an elevator. Those are stories for another time. I am happy to report that Chris is doing well and is getting the medical care that he needs. He has successfully undergone a few surgeries to repair multiple breaks and fractures. I ask that you continue to pray for his complete and swift healing. Also pray for peace for Angela and the boys. I will give you some good news in the midst of this. There are at least 6 confirmed salvation decisions that are a result of a conversation had by the ever vigilant missionary Chris, with another patient while in the ICU. This conversation got to the patient's family and they came to visit Chris as a result of this. The Holy Spirit did His work and now there are six more names in the Book of Life.
On a side note, one of my green lights has gone yellow again.I was assured that it is not a bad thing and more of a reminder but it has added to my stress level over the past few weeks. Today I am laughing about it but two days ago I was not. I have learned to trust in God's sovereignty and timing in everything but sometimes I need a little help. Somehow though all of this he has working on me and how much I trust Him and His timing. Trust how He will work all things out for His purpose. Oh, that and I have 8 less months to raise my funds. :) Thank you for partnering with me and continuing to pray for me and the Nelsons. Thank you for helping to send me and encourage me throughout this time of preparation.
14 But how can they call on someone if they haven't trusted in him? And how can they trust in someone if they haven't heard about him? And how can they hear about someone if no one is proclaiming him? 15a And how can people proclaim him unless God sends them?
Romans 10:14-15a (CJB, Complete Jewish Bible)
