Sending Well-Prepared Workers

Pre-field preparation is crucial. On the Global Frontier Missions website this statement is made: “Studies show that many missionaries planning to go to the mission field long-term are only lasting about two years, and experts agree that quality pre-field missionary training can help workers bear more fruit and last longer on the fields.” 

 

Imagine being a parent of a young boy who, after watching the Super Bowl, wants to play football. Imagine sending the enthusiastic lad out to that “foreign” field where he would be knocked around by the opposing team. Imagine he is excited to win games but has no idea of the risks on the field, no equipment, no coach and no physical conditioning. If all he has is enthusiasm, will he learn to play the game, let alone survive it? Not likely. I think you will agree with me that appropriate pre-season training and daily preparation with on-going coaching and development, once on the field, is vital to becoming a successful player. *

 

Now, imagine a person newly called to serve the Lord in foreign missions. That’s wonderful. Would it be wise to send him or her out as quickly as possible because they are excited to get started? Would it not be wiser to train, equip, mentor and send them fully prepared? 

 

In 1984-‘85, Jeff and I participated in an internship program designed by Woody Phillips. At the time Woody was the missions pastor of Edina Baptist Church (our sending church which is now Grace Church Eden Prairie). We are very grateful for the year-long training the church provided for us and believe it had a great impact in our being on the field for thirty-three years.  

 

Several years ago Woody and Carl Palmer wrote an article about the role of churches in missionary preparation. It is called “Candidate Preparation: The Responsibility of the Local Church.” The article raises the question, “Isn’t there some way to reduce [the preparation time] so that the missionary gets to the field sooner?” Phillips and Palmer responded, “Inadequate preparation is a major reason for missionaries not staying on the field. Nothing is lost in the… years of preparation, and so much is gained. If we are to send out the best, we must equip them carefully.” 

    

Sadly, very few churches are equipped to provide that kind of training. When I surveyed our team a few years ago and asked if they had received any missionary  training from their sending church, only one couple responded that they did.

    

A few years ago I was appointed as International Coordinator of Missionary Training and Development. My role is to coordinate training for members that will make a difference in the effectiveness of their first term and beyond. I believe that if the church and agencies fail to encourage pre-field preparation and development, the cause of missions will be greatly hampered. 

 

Early departure from the field due to avoidable circumstances is very difficult and can result in shattered lives, disappointed sending churches, delayed or discontinued projects and immense costs. There may also be a disruption in the spread of the Gospel among the people where God sent them to serve. The Lord is faithful and gracious so these are not hopeless situations, but when a worker is well prepared they have the tools needed for long-term fruitful ministry. 

 

It has long been a dream of mine to have a site where we could host people to build into their lives what is needed as they prepare for the field. We don't have one location for this purpose so Jeff and I have develop a training program for our agency's missionaries called Skills Conference. In each conference we cover many crucial topics but we also encourage ongoing training through other programs designed to prepare missionaries for fruitful field service. As we pray for workers to be sent out to the harvest, we also pray God will use us to help them to prepare well. 

My word for 2019 is PERSEVERE

PERSEVERE- to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly; to sustain or uphold. 

Psalms 51:10-12 (NIV 1984) 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast (right) spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

We spent the last week with both our kids, their spouses and all 4 grandkids. Usually we are thousands of miles apart at Christmas. The last 2 years my husband and I celebrated away from family in the Philippines. This year we are on furlough so we had our first ever Christmas with our kids and grandkids. This Christmas was noisier and full of joy and commotion. When we left and flew over the city, my heart was full of gratitude for our precious family down below. I thought "my precious loved ones are down there." I felt the Lord's reassurance that He will take care of them. I felt the Lord say to me, "I see you too. I know where you are. I have not forgotten you." He assured me that He sees us and knows the plans He has for us in 2019 and He will accomplish it. I was blessed to have a seat by myself (my husband was upgraded to first class) so I could listen to my favorite playlist and listen to what the Lord was saying to me. I wept most of the way home. During the flight the Lord made it clear to me that after this furlough we are to return to the Philippines. This is hard for me -- not because I don't want to go back but because of my longing to be near my family. Just when I thought my tears were done, we landed in Minneapolis. The Lord spoke to me again and assured me that He will care for my elderly parents too. In 2018 my word for the year was Ready. I thought my word for 2019 would be WAIT because I didn't know what was ahead for us. Now I know the word I will focus on for 2019 is PERSEVERE. Although we have a brief reprieve near our family now, we are still in the battle and there is much work for us to do.

I looked the word up on my phone dictionary and it says "to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement." The example given for using the word in a sentence was "Even though he was tired, he persevered and finished the race."

Until the Lord returns or I meet Him face to face, I am to persevere in… 

• my efforts to lose weight
• exercise
• my calling as a missionary to the Philippines and globally
• my Bible reading

My word for 2018 is Ready

1 Peter 1:13-14 (CSB) 13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.

1. Ready every morning for my day
2. Ready with healthy meal and exercise plans weekly
3. Ready to meet life's challenges by being healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually
4. Ready to share my personal testimony
5. Ready for greater ministry
6. Ready for the return of the Lord

I will walk with you!

Recently I took a walk through two of the world’s largest airports. I chose to wear the wrong, untested shoes. They were comfortable at first but I got a blister after awhile. My right leg hurt in the calf and hip so my pace greatly slowed down as I tried to walk without bursting the blister. We had plenty of time so I wasn’t worried. I walked on the movable walkways when they were available. Jeff has long legs and a fast gait so he was often many yards ahead of me. At one point he rolled my carry on bag so I could walk easier. But still, I walked alone most of the way and only caught up with Jeff a few times. The thing that was so hard for me about this was not that Jeff didn’t walk with me. I knew he needed his exercise and he felt compelled to get to each destination quickly. I did not want to drag him behind just to walk with me. I knew I could find the way on my own. The thing that troubled me was walking alone and wondering what it will be like when I am more elderly and perhaps even slower. Will I be walking alone? 

Two days later I am still pondering this but this morning the first thought on my mind was “I will walk with you. You will not be alone!” Wow! What a comfort. Imagine that, God can walk my speed. He promised never to leave me and this morning He reassured me that He will walk with me through my future challenges. Some times I wonder who will help me when I am old or just ill. Where will I live? Who will cook for me and drive me to appointments? Who will help me remember things? What is it gong to be like? In my walk through the two huge airports, these thoughts troubled me. I didn't have an answer. But the Lord reassured me that He will be there. He will walk with me to the end of my life, be it sooner or later. Thank you Lord!

What is our purpose?

Today I want to give more questions than answers. The greatest impact of what I share now is going to come from taking some time before the Lord to answer these questions.

You are unique! Why? How?

God appointed place and time of your birth

God appointed your physical attributes—color, shape, genetics, etc..

God appointed where you are living now

God appointed your talents 

God appointed your spiritual gifts—if you have trusted him as Savior

God appointed a purpose and a task for you to do

God appointed your calling

Dear friend, if you are trying to be like someone else, then those around you are missing out on what you have to contribute, which is unique to you. 

What is YOUR purpose?

On the Damascus road Paul asked: "Who are you Lord? What would you have me do?" (not "What would Jesus do?")

Acts 17:24-28 (ESV) 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for

"'In him we live and move and have our being';

as even some of your own poets have said,

"'For we are indeed his offspring.'

(ESV) Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep...

You're not too young to begin discerning it (Lake Harriet story)

1 Samuel 3:1-14 (ESV)  Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.  The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down. 

And the Lord called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again."

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." Then the Lord said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever."

Jeremiah 1:4-8 (ESV) The Call of Jeremiah

4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." 7 But the Lord said to me,

"Do not say, 'I am only a youth';

for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,

and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8 Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

declares the Lord."

Isaiah 6:8-9 (ESV) 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me." 9 And he said, "Go, and say to this people...

Calling of Moses, Naaman's servant girl, Jonah, Peter, Paul, many

What is your passion in life, your God-given ambition?

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God's plan for our lives. He made it really simple - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." How does your passion fit into this?

What are your talents? What skills could you develop to help you fulfill what God has called you to do?

Galatians 6:4-5 (ESV) 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT) 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

What are your Spiritual Gifts? Are you using them to serve in the church and in ministry? What is your calling?

What Scripture verses has the Lord given you that have given you some guiding principles in your life? What life markers have you experienced that have shaped you?

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV) 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

"These Spiritual Gifts, then, perhaps more accurately can be called ministry istry areas, or areas of calling. Paul does, however, make it clear that these Gifts are to be used for the betterment and advancement of the Church: "to equip the saints [members] for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Through the centuries, Christians have sought to identify and put into practice their unique Spiritual Gifts or callings. Identifying your talents isn't intended to take the place of identifying your Spiritual Gifts, but rather, it can be a powerful way to enhance your Gifts and calling. Your Spiritual Gifts help you find what the ministry is that God wants to see you accomplish; your talents are God's way of showing you how you will accomplish it."

Albert L. Winseman;Donald O. Clifton;Curt Liesveld. Living Your Strengths: Discover Your God-Given Talents and Inspire Your Community (p. 30). Kindle Edition.

http://giftstest.com/

https://spiritualgiftstest.com/

How will you fulfill your calling?

1. Seek the Lord. Ask "Who are you, Lord?" Acts 22:7
2. Ask the Lord "What shall I do, Lord?" Listen for the Lord to reveal to you what He is calling you to do. Acts 22:9
3. God's plan for our lives. He made it really simple - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." How does your God-given ambition fit into this?
4. Start doing ministry in your church to gain experience but also to fine tune your understanding of what God is uniquely calling you to. Discover your spiritual gifts and understand your talents.
5. Seek counsel with your church leaders and godly people in your life.
6. Obey. Do not be afraid. Say "Yes, Lord!"

Expand from there

• Psalm 139:13-18
• Jeremiah 1:4-5
• Acts 6:1-7
• Matthew 25:14-30
• Galatians 6:4-5
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-5; 12-26
• Acts 2:43-47
• Romans 11:29
• 1 Peter 4:10-11
• John 15:16 
• Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Why the title "Crushed Myrrh"?

Back in the mid-70s, my dad published a book called "What's In A Name?" He had done a couple years research on the meanings of people's names and how they could derive a character quality from that meaning. In his research he learned that "Mary" means "bitter." The origin of the name Mary comes from a bitter resin from the sap of a myrrh tree. When that resin is dried and then crushed, it gives off a sweet aroma.  It was a costly and rare spice that was used in healing, beauty treatments and embalming.  It has an extremely bitter taste, but it has a sweet scent that is released when it is pierced or wounded. When extracted, it forms of a yellow fluid that collects and hardens in small lumps known as tears. Then they must be crushed into powder for the fragrance to be released. The sweetest myrrh comes from the resin that comes out naturally. 

Myrrh is referred to a few times in the Bible and it is interesting how it was used. It was given to Jesus as a gift along with gold and frankincense by the Wisemen at the time of His birth. One source I read said that it may have the drug effect like Valium which may be why Jesus rejected it when it was mixed with vinegar and offered to him while he was on the cross. Myrrh was wrapped on Jesus’ body at his death. Names from the Bible that get their meaning from Myrrh are Miriam, the sister of Moses, Marah, the bitter waters that the Children of Israel complained about in the wilderness. Naomi said to call her Mara because she was bitter over losing her two sons and husband. And Mary has its roots in this word. Myrrh is mentioned often in the Song of Solomon as a symbol of love. It was used in Esther’s beauty treatment. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in exchange for myrrh. It was one of the ingredients in the Anointing Oil that was put on the priests in Exodus 30:22-29. They had to be worthy to wear this oil.

In the same way that the gum from the myrrh plant can be released naturally or by piercing, Jesus offered up himself as a sacrifice and he was pierced. Myrrh reminds us of the outpouring of Christ’s love in a bitter but fragrant death.

My middle name is Ann which means “full of grace.” Myrrh reminds me of my need to have any bitterness in my life crushed, by God’s grace, dying to self and my rights. Only then will the sweet aroma of Christ come out of my life.

Integral Missionary Development

Last May our mission leaders met in the UK for what they call International Council meetings. During that time Jeff turned over his position of Associate International Director to another man named Daren Beck. Jeff took on Daren’s role of Asia Regional Coordinator. We will be writing more about this new role in our upcoming newsletter. I was appointed as the International Integral Missionary Training Coordinator. It is in regards to this role that I am writing. Jeff on my task force since we will be developing a training program in the Philippines—primarily for ACTION missionaries but it can be expanded to others as we are able. It will include both classroom (with ourselves and other leaders) and on the street aspects to the training.

We are concerned about unnecessary missionary attrition that happens during the first term of service. It is our desire as a task force to investigate ways of better preparing missionaries to avoid pre-mature departure from field service. We will be investigating how we can do a better job of selecting potential missionaries and then guiding them to the point where they are ready to serve and be effective in their first term of service. Missionary preparation encompasses four aspects (at least) which our task force will be working on. Although I list them in a linear sequence, each aspect overlaps. 

1. The individual or couple, their calling into foreign missionary service and their own preparation, schooling and personal development

2. The churches' guidance, mentoring and ministry training opportunities

3. The application process and orientation with their mission agency

4. The training provided by their mission agency which is specialized to that organization

Jeff and I will be primarily focused on the 4th aspect for missionaries who are joining our organization but we want to investigate the first two aspects. When someone is called of the Lord to become a missionary, what steps can they take to begin preparing themselves for foreign service? What disciplines, training or character qualities need to be developed? Then, what role does the church have in helping that individual or family to be prepared for missionary service? How can they provide a venue for ministry within the church prior to being deployed to the field? 

Where is home?

Someone asked me a few months ago if it is good to be "home." Then she said probably by now the Philippines is my "home." I told her I have no sense of home. No matter where I am, I am away from someone I miss. I feel things very deeply in my life. I'm not able to turn off the pain of always having to say goodbye to someone I love. I have somewhat learned to say goodbye, but it is not easy. We spent two weeks with Amos and Micah and their families. I usually can leave without crying, but not this time. I wept when I said goodbye and I wept on the airplane. This article ministered to me today. I accept the paradox because I know that when I am in Heaven, I will be home and there will be no more "goodbye" for those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ.

Blind woman celebrates Christmas with lots of lights

Yesterday I was at my parents' apartment having lunch with my mom and sister Janna. Janna cleans their place for them so she was doing that after lunch. My mom wanted to take us up stairs to visit another resident who has quite a light display in her apartment. Every room is filled with something that lights up. It was beautiful but the amazing thing is that she is blind. She cannot see her own lights but she does an amazing job of setting it all up. The blind woman is incredibly joyful. She knows who you are once she hears your voice. I have never seen her down or discouraged but she is always cheerfully greeting everyone. She told us that she had just been to Feed My Starving Children helping with packing food. She said her task that day was to put the labels on the bags. They were packing for a shipment that was headed to Cambodia. On our way to her unit, we passed someone's door who was playing beautiful hymns and Christmas music on the piano. As we passed by, my mom pointed out that the woman playing the piano is deaf. Amazing. I don't have talents like these women and I wonder what's my excuse for that? I was blessed.

Rest, Know God, Take action

Our mission has the motto "Know God, Take Action." As many of us will admit, we love taking action but knowing God takes much purposeful and thoughtful work. I recently read two devotions on the Precept website about resting, especially from Psalm 46:10. "Be still and know that I am God." 

   Be still (cease striving)

        Rest, relax, chill out, stop fighting, drop your weapons

   Know that I am God

        Learn that I am God, or "see that I am God", "Get to know me better"

The blogs go on to say that resting is a matter of trusting that God will continue to work, even when we rest. The Israelites began their day in the evening. They rested before they worked. That was a new idea to me. I thought that we rested because we worked. I have frantically been trying to get caught up with my "to do" list so I can rest. Maybe I have it backwards. Maybe my personal motto should be "Be still, know God, take action." Or "cease striving, know God, take action." 

Finishing APC Responsibilities

Today I concluded a three-year term serving on the ACTION Philippine Council. My term had many twists and turns that I did not anticipate. I was nominated to the position by my husband who held that role for roughly 20 years. His term was extra long because when he was Field Director his term did not have the 3-year limit. After our last furlough (2011) he wanted me to have the opportunity to serve. I replace Paul Ellis on the APC when he concluded his three year term and his daughter Pami is now replacing me. How cool is that?!? I thought serving on the APC would be a good chance to use my strategy and troubleshooting talents but there is so much more involved in leadership than I realized. Now, at the conclusion of my term, I admit that I did not know what I was getting into and it was an incredible learning experience. My challenge to the APC today is that they use that venue to work purposefully and intentionally to develop leadership skills among the APC members. They will be going through an excellent book "Leading from the Sandbox" by T. J. Addington. One thing the book talks about is how to have good "robust dialogue." That has been a challenge at times since my "troubleshooting" attempts at times led to being misunderstood and criticized by some. I guess that is part of leadership. You can't always tell people all that goes into a decision so they don't always understand. But for the most part, I think I was able to be helpful.

Walk and don't faint

Isa 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)

Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (KJV) 

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches; But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord. (AMP)

Have cane, will travel

We are home and pouring sweat in Manila. All flights went very well. Using the wheelchair was a huge blessing at each location. I did go through a panic in Tokyo though. I asked Jeff what time it was in Tokyo before we landed there. He said "quarter to five". All I heard was "five" so I changed the hour setting on my watch to 5:45 instead of 4:45. Our next flight was at 6:25 so I started to get concerned when our plane had to be towed into the gate and then wait for the wheelchair guy to get others into their wheelchairs. Fortunately he brought us to the head of the security check line. We got to the gate with about 5 minutes to spare. But the door to the gate was roped off so I was afraid we had missed the flight even though I saw the plane sitting there. It finally dawned on me that we had an hour and 5 minutes. Phew. It really took me some time to relax after that even though Jeff had prayed that all would go well. He didn't realize I was looking at the wrong time. Anyway, I needed a little adventure at that point. I didn't realize how easily I can self-create adventure based on wrong information (it wasn't said wrong but it went through my grid wrong).

We got through the Manila airport faster than ever and it was a huge help to have the wheelchair guy get all our bags on the cart for me. I had lots of help with our baggage and only needed to get it on the first cart in Minneapolis so that part went smoothly. The security check areas were the roughest part of the trip since I needed to deal with both Jeff's and my own gear and make sure we didn't leave anything behind. Jeff traveled very well. His hip and left foot managed without any problems. Next time we travel he will not be using the cane so that will be helpful--but then we probably won't be using the wheelchair. Dave Majam was there to pick us up and the waiting area wasn't crowded like it usually is. Jeff really enjoys getting the update from Dave and we appreciate his helpfulness as well as from many along the way.

Family

One of our challenges as a missionary family is that our family is spread apart in the US by thousands of miles and then we are another 8 - 10 thousand miles from any of them. It was a blessing to be with family over the Christmas holiday. We started in Minnesota and had the chance to see my folks, several of my siblings and spouses, nieces and nephews and other friends and family. Amos and Laura came from California and we were able to have a reception for them in my parent's building. Laura's parents also came from Sioux Falls to join in the celebration. Then we went to Spokane to celebrate Christmas with our daughter Micah, husband Danny and granddaughter Constance. It was also fun to spend time with Danny's parents, brother (and girlfriend who is now his fiance) and grandparents. All these times make special memories. We were able to get a family photo before we all separated ways. I was especially blessed to have this time with our kids and their spouses and our granddaughter all together as we get to know each other as a family.

What's in a name?

I just had a great talk with my Dad. I was thanking him for how he and my mom have encouraged me to grow in my love for God's Word. We were talking about reading all the names in the Old Testament and he said some day he might meet those people (not all of them listed in the Bible of course) and he wants to say to them "Oh, I read your name in the Bible. Nice to meet you". Like, did you know there is a woman in the Bible named Noah? He told me he found his 100 page thesis he wrote on the Tabernacle for his graduation from Northwestern College. I want to get a copy of that. He reminded me that Jesus said that Moses and the Prophets wrote about Him so we need to be looking for all the shadow references of Jesus when we read the Old Testament. We had a precious conversation about many things and updates on the Hartzellites. And I reminded him how he shared Acts 17 with me before we left for the mission field. We were giving up our home and we knew that as missionaries, we would no longer identify one place in the world as our home. How we cherish that Heaven is our home and when we are there, we will not be longing for home anymore. In the meantime, we are to seek the Lord through His Word. He greatly encouraged me and he said I encouraged him. Oh, how I miss them. My heart is now in 4 places on this earth and one in my eternal home in Heaven.

All Day, All Night, Mary Ann

We visited four feeding sites yesterday near the north area of Manila Bay. The City of Manila is the most densely populated city in the world. As we were leaving the area to go home, a group of children gathered around me who had just been fed a delicious mean of pancit and rice. They took turns holding on to my hands and arms as we walked for quite a distance. All I could think is that they needed a loving touch from a Lola (Tagalog for Grandma).

I also remembered the song that was popular when my parents gave me the name "Mary Ann". It was the song "All day, all night Mary Ann, down by the seashore sifting sand, All the little children love Mary Ann. Down by the seashore sifting sand." As we walked by a group of moms who were doing laundry they were laughing at the site of us and said I should take them all with me. I think some of the children did want to come with me.

Reflections on 9/11

Here is a blog entry I wrote in September 2006. I'm reposting it to remember.

For us, the events of 9/11/01 happened late in the evening, after we had gone to bed. Jeff had to get up about 3am the morning of the 12th to make a trip out of Manila. He turned on the news. Wham! He woke me up to tell me and then cancelled his trip out of town. Whenever something happens like this in the US, we American missionaries are on high alert in Manila. We had actually received a warning from the US Embassy a few days before hand that Osama Bin Laden was planning an attack so we were alerted to be vigilant. The typical "lay-low" and "change your routines" protocols came into effect.

When Micah got up at 4am, ready to go jogging, we told her she could not go out. She was bummed but had prayed that the Lord would make it clear to her if she ever was not supposed to go out running at that hour. It was particularly dangerous for her to jog in the dark, alone, as a foreigner and as a female. Around 5 I found her crying as she was getting ready for school. I told her she did not have to go if she didn't want to. The impact of what had happened had not fully hit her. She was not sad about the attacks but that she had to miss her normal morning run. She wanted to go to school so she left. Little did she know how much her life would change because of 9/11. She has a bar on her uniform commemorating that she joined the National Guard after that date.

I feel sometimes that I didn't do a very good job of teaching our children American patriotism. That is a topic for another day but when they grew up seeing extreme poverty, hunger and children-at-risk on a daily basis, it is hard for them to grasp how America can be so prosperous and consume so much of the world's resources yet so many complain that they don't have enough. They don't know America like Jeff and I do but we wonder the same thing.

A little later in the morning, we had to go to the bank and cash a dollar check. We got there when the bank had just opened. I sat there for a hour waiting for the bank to get news of what the exchange rate was going to be. I had thoughts of this is how we anticipated Y2K might turn out to be, a breakdown in international banking. I panicked as I sat there but eventually they got the exchange rate and it was the same as the day before. I was able to cash our check.

In church that Sunday, I was full of sadness. The pre-planned worship service had not been changed any due to these serious events. It was a worship service of lots of happy, upbeat, joyful music. I became so overwhelmed with grief during the songs, I had to sit down and cry. No one noticed. The disaster was mentioned briefly in the pastoral prayer. I remember having a distinct feeling as if I was in mourning over losing a family member but was not able to go home for the funeral. I knew America was grieving and the churches would be focused on prayer for our nation, the victims, protection, calling out to God, repentance. But I couldn't mourn with my nation and I was surprised at how painful that was. I was in church thousands of miles away singing happy songs. My heart was breaking beyond words.

There were actually 2 people (non-Americans) who offered their condolences to us and it meant so much to me. One was Patrick McDonald, the director of Viva Network in Oxford, UK. He is actually Dutch but he sent us an email and expressed his sincere sympathy. The other was a Filipina named Nerie who is a secretary in our ACTION office.

The rest is a blur. I felt weak for several days. I could only manage to do little tasks at a time and then had to stop and weep and pray. Micah went to school, Jeff went to work. I felt very alone in my grieving. Americans didn't get together here. We don't fly an American flag here because we don't want to draw attention to ourselves as Americans. It can make us a target, especially at times like this. When the US started attacking Afghanistan and then Iraq, missionaries living in countries like this have to be very careful and strive to stay out of sight.

We had just returned from a difficult 13 month furlough in July. I had to say goodbye to Amos at the airport (that was the last time visitors could come in to the waiting area to send us off on our return to the field). We spent several weeks looking for a place to live and striving to get resettled. We finally had moved into the apartment where we now live but it needed to be painted. I had work crews here for the previous 3 weeks and September 12 was their last day of work. I was glad to see them go, but I was an emotional wreck. I had very little energy to get our family settled and set up a home.

A couple weeks later, I was talking to a friend on the phone. She asked me 3 questions and I couldn't answer any one of them. But her questions sent me on a search for the answers and gave me a hope and future to look forward to. She asked me: What are your spiritual gifts? What are your talents? What is your passion? I was on a quest to find the answers.

Now 5 years later, I can answer those questions. The grief is over but there is definitely a more seriousness about life. We've had Philippine typhoon and mudslide disasters, Tsunami, Katrina, War on Terror, Jeff's mother had cancer on top of her other physical sufferings from brain damage, it has been 5 long years separated from our son and a couple years from our daughter. Micah served a deployment in Iraq in the army. I've suffered from thyroid problems that made me emotionally precarious for a couple years. Jeff has been the field director which has been a huge and challenging responsibility. Life moved on.

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:13-14

Note: Today a man came to clean our air conditioners and he was telling me that today was his daughter's 5th birthday. I don't remember his daughter's name but they named her after one of the survivors. He told me they had been watching the events of 9/11 while in the hospital and were deeply affected by what happened. I was blessed that some people still remember.

Apples of Gold in a Silver Setting

A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11 (Amplified)

The apples of gold in settings of silver suggests some kind of decorative piece or centerpiece on a table. Or, this may refer to a carving done in gold over silver. Either way, the emphasis is on an exquisite beauty, value and artistry that our speech should resemble.

The image represents godly speech (a word fitly spoken, i.e., suited to its occasion). … like gold jewelry; that is, stunningly beautiful and valuable (possibly because of its rarity).

Silver Platter: I would like to think of the silver platter to represent understanding. It is the “word fitly spoken” in Proverbs 25:11. (New Oxford American Dictionary)

One definition of understanding is to “perceive the intended meaning of words, a language, or speaker:
• perceive the significance, explanation, or cause of (something)
• be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or nature of
• interpret or view (something) in a particular way

Sometimes we may use a word that fits the occasion but the wrong meaning of the word results. It is important to work hard at being sure our words are understood the way we intended. You need to work hard at understanding what the other person means.

The apples of gold are like the different words we can speak and actions we can do to encourage understanding. When these words and actions happen at the right time and in the most appropriate way, they bring great encouragement and understanding.

Here are some apples of understanding.

1. Love and Affirmation
One great way to encourage your husband is to affirm every good thing that you see. Be verbally affirming of every work of grace in a husband's life. When Jeff was waiting for the retina specialist to check his eye, he said to me that his eye does not see clearly, but he can see the Lord clearly. I responded by saying “More importantly, He sees you clearly.” Those fit words ministered to him.

1 Corinthians 13:4 tell us how love behaves. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; Suffers long speaks to me of patience.

Ephesians 4:14-16 (New Living Translation) … we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

2. Loyalty and Faithfulness
A wife needs to be loyal to the Lord. If she is loyal to the Lord first, then it will naturally follow that she will be loyal or faithful to her husband.

1 Kings 8:61 "Let your heart therefore be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day."

Proverbs 31:10-12 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

3. Listening
I heard say, “I never learned anything when I was talking.” When we listen carefully and hear what is said, we will gain understanding of what is on the heart and mind of our spouse. Open ears are a sign of an open heart. There is a connection between hearing, listening and understanding. When I give orientation to new missionaries I encourage them to learn and strive to understand what people mean by what they are saying and don’t be quick to jump to conclusions based on our own background.

Proverbs 18:13 (ESV) If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

When Solomon became king he prayed for a “hearing heart” in 1 Kings 3:9 (Amplified Bible) 9So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad.

James 1:19-20 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness[c] God desires.

When Jesus was teaching in Luke 14:35 “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

4. Hope in suffering
This may seem like a strange thing to talk about at a bridal shower but you will experience suffering or affliction at one point or another. Make sure your hope is the Lord and His Word. Don't put your hope in your husband, keep it in the Lord. Man will fail. Husbands will fail. The Lord will not fail.

Psalm 119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.

Lamentations 3:26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.

Not only should you hope in the Lord, but you should wait quietly for the Lord. When times are tough, do your best to not get all upset and fretful. This only causes undue stress for your husband and you. Wait quietly.

Another aspect of hope is learning how to speak words of hope to one another during very difficult times.

Isaiah 50:4 (New Living Translation) The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.

In 2 Corinthians 6:6 Paul said this when he described his hardships: We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

The source of afflictions:
a. Natural calamities, even if you are a strong believer, natural calamities affect you. Fire, earthquake, tsunami, floods
b. We are part of a fallen society: crime, violence, physical assault, bombs, theft
c. Personal sins and weakness: drugs, alcohol, AIDS, breakdown
d. Satan: enemy of God and humanity
e. God’s permissive will: Naomi’s complaints Ruth 1:20-21 [Naomi] said to them, Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?

Naomi complained, asking why? We should not ask why because God is permitting it. Naomi could not foresee that her daughter-in-law Ruth would be an ancestor of Jesus.

5. Tenderness
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; kindness, humility, meekness, patience, a gentle and quiet spirit all speak of tenderness to me.

1 Peter 3:1-6 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones". Proverbs 16:24

Tenderness does not include nagging. Women are so good at nagging. We call it just reminding... but our husbands see it as nagging.

6. Forgiveness with Humility
Forgive and seek forgiveness. Forgiveness is a vital part of marriage and gaining understanding. When we have offended or done wrong toward our husband, we must ask forgiveness. We also must forgive when our husband offends us. We need to be amazed that we are forgiven and less concerned about being right. When we feel offended, sometimes we need to determine of the offense was intended to be hurtful or was it just a different way of thinking. For example, in Philippine culture it is polite to laugh at someone’s misfortune because they are helping to ease the embarrassment. To a Westerner who does not understand, this can be offensive. Strive to understand the intended meaning.

James 3:2"For we all stumble in many ways If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Col 3:12 As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly. (ESV)

Ephesians 4:32-5:2 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.... And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”

Proverbs 25:12: A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

John Piper said: So pray, affirm the evidences of grace you see in his life, and find the most helpful and hope-filled moments to talk about the short-comings… If [a wife] has concerns and he is not doing what he ought to be doing, instead of striking out at the moment the failure happens, find a neutral time when things are good between you and say, "Could we just talk a little bit about this?" Then bring up the issue at a moment where he might have the emotional resources to acknowledge the difficulty, instead of when he has just failed and is likely to bristle with self-defense.

7. Building up Faith
Encourage your husband by praying earnestly for him. Your own faith and walk with the Lord will encourage him.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Romans 15:2 We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith.

Jude 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

When we have true faith in God, it will be a working faith. If we say we trust God, then we need to act like it. Our faith at work will speak volumes to our husbands and they will be blessed by it.

8. Laughter and joy
Proverbs 15:23 A man (or woman) has joy by the answer of his (or her) mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Be careful that what you say is appropriate. Don't make a joke if it is going to embarrass your husband. Say things that will lift him up in front of others. This will bring joy to your relationship. Be willing to laugh at yourself. Be happy. Be joyful in the Lord. This is what Prov 2:10-11 says

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Nehemiah 8:10 "...the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Proverbs 3:13--Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

Psalm 40:16--“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

Proverbs 2 (NLT)
1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 19:14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.

Thoughts for wives

Ephesians 5:15-24 -Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don't be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.

1. Remember the meaning and purpose in life. Live your lives together for God's glory. In the Philippines and even here in the US there are many people who have no clue about the meaning and purpose of life. Don't let yourselves be wishy-washy in your living for God. Firmly fulfill His will that is uniquely suited for you as a husband and wife.

Ephesians 5: Don't get your stimulus from wine (for there is always the danger of excessive drinking), but let the Spirit stimulate your souls. Express your joy in singing among yourselves psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making music in your hearts for the ears of God! Thank God at all times for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:4-7 - Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in him at all times. Have a reputation for gentleness, and never forget the nearness of your Lord. Don't worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

2. Delight in the Lord at all times. As you find your delight and joy in the Lord, develop a habit of bringing all your needs to the Lord and prayer and develop a heart of gratitude. This will not bring immediate resolution to the situations you are facing, but you will find peace and that will be pleasing to God.

Ephesians 5:22-24 And "fit in with" each other, because of your common reverence for Christ. You wives must learn to adapt yourselves to your husbands, as you submit yourselves to the Lord, for the husband is the "head" of the wife in the same way that Christ is head of the Church and savior of the body. The willing subjection of the Church to Christ should be reproduced in the submission of wives to their husbands.

3. Learn to adapt to your husband. Marriage often reveals to us our selfish desires. But learn to fit in with what God is doing in your lives as a couple. Submitting to your husband will be a beautiful picture of the church submitting to Christ who is the head. We may thing we have the harder task, but actually our husbands do because they are required to present us spotless before the Lord and to love us as Christ loved the church.

Philippians 4:8-9 Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you.

4. Fix your mind on holy and pure things, don’t allow it to get worked up. Develop a habit of fixing your thoughts on the things of the Lord and the stresses of every day life will fade and you will find the peace of God. Begin practicing this during the next month as you prepare for your wedding and ultimately, as you prepare for your marriage.

Dr. Anderson and Staff Sergeant Anderson

This summer Jeff and I made a trip to Minnesota to be with our kids and to celebrate what God has done in their lives. This has been a time for a lot of reflection on what God has done in and through our family these past few years. As you can imagine, before our family went to the Philippines in 1985, there was a lot going on in my heart and mind. I had a tendency to be fearful of many things but I mostly was afraid for my children. I wondered how I could put my young kids on a bus without me to travel across a huge city to school every day. The thought was overwhelming. I was also deeply concerned about what their adjustment would be like when they left home—would they adapt or grow bitter? And what about having a sense of home? Would they feel like they belong somewhere?

One day before we went to Manila, I told my dad about my fears and leaving home. He shared Acts 17:26-27 with me that God is the one who determines the times and places where man will live. He has determined what family we will belong to, our passport country (as we say) and where we will live so we can seek Him and find Him. We will find and learn more of Him when we place ourselves in the center of where He wants us to be. We learn that whenever and wherever we are in His will, we will be at home.

Our family has been through a lot these past 24 years; typhoons, a volcano, coup attempts, drought, intense ministry demands and trials of many kinds. We have sought God, and found Him faithful to us and to our children. Jeff and I have been keenly aware that God had His loving, guiding hand on Amos and Micah as they grew up and today we celebrate what God has done. There have been many people who have prayed for them through the years and we are extremely grateful. We are delighted that both kids have remained debt free through their schooling and they have inspired me to continue working toward my own degree.

When Amos was in elementary, I discovered his intense passion for learning, especially math and science. He was a good student and finished high school with several Advance Placement credits. This enabled him to earn his college degree in Chemistry at the University of Minnesota in 3 years. Then after almost 6 years on a full scholarship, Amos has earned his Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from Caltech in Pasadena, CA. Within a month he got a job in a field related to his degree close to his church and Caltech. Being a missionary kid has shaped who Amos is today and broadened his world view. He loves being in a multi-ethnic mega city like LA so he is glad to stay in the area.

Micah just completed her 2nd tour of duty in Iraq. She served well and learned a lot. God has led her to join ACTION so she is seeking His direction for her life. She is currently volunteering and going through orientation in our USA office for a few weeks while working on a Master’s Degree from Liberty University. In mid-October she will join us in Manila for a couple of months. You can contact her at the ACTION office (address to the left) if you want to support her or receive her prayer letters. Pray for God’s guidance in her relationship with Daniel Scott, an ACTION missionary who is the assistant to Nelson Reed, ACTION’s International Director. Danny is also coming to Manila in October to learn more about our ministries.

God has taught me to trust Him more because His plans are higher than mine. I wouldn’t want Him to lower His plans to my level of capability. I want Him to raise me up to what He is calling me to do. I continue to learn to love God more than my children and only when I do that can I rest in what He has in store for them and I can release them to do whatever and go wherever He leads. We are extremely grateful for your prayers and support for our family through the years. To God be the glory.