Paradox

August 26, 2007

It is a paradox. I met this woman before church began. Her tent is behind her. Her 1 year old son named Joseph cannot stand on his legs. They are too thin and weak. But that isn't the only sadness in her life. Only 10 days ago, during a major typhoon in Manila, she lost her 5 week old baby. But here she was at church, finding fellowship, belonging and freedom to worship the Lord. We sang the same worship songs in our large, air-conditioned church that these joyful folks sang at their church made of bamboo slats, tarp roof, cement floors and make-shift wood benches.

Here I Am to Worship
Tim Hughes

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in Heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

On our way home from this church of extremely poor believers, Dave Majam had a CD playing. The Christmas song "Joy to the World the Lord has come" was sung by a choir. It was beautiful. These people can sing for joy, sing that nothing but Jesus satisfies, sing about how glimpses of God's glory satisfies and there is nothing they desire but the love of God. Powerful.

Once again I am very challenged by the Filipino workers who so faithfully work in these areas. People like Pastora Esmerelda, a very short woman who leads 2 churches. People may say a church should not be led by a woman. But I ask... where are the men? Only one shy man stood when they asked who in the congregation was a father.

I am overwhelmed again at the awesome privilege it is for me to experience such worship in the midst of such suffering. The needs are so great. What a privilege to have a small part in making a difference in this country. What a strange paradox I feel today. Joy and heaviness. God is good.

This morning gave me renewed motivation and an overwhelming excitement for my ministry of assisting new missionary candidates to come to the Philippines or be sent out to other countries. What a privileged life we have. You have to experience it to understand what I am saying.

Happy 26th Birthday Amos!

August 15, 2007

Happy 26th Birthday Amos!

It was great to see you earlier this month. Emails and phone calls are never as good as being together in person. I wish we could be there for your birthday. We are very proud of you.

Dad and I continue to pray for your future and the plans God has for your life. We believe He has a special purpose and He is preparing you for what He is going to do. We enjoy watching you grow, learn and mature. We appreciate how you have so many interests and you think things through. We pray daily that your insight into God's Word would increase as you grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep up the good work and do not grow tired or weary. We love you and are praying.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths."
--Proverbs 3:5-6
Love,

Mom

Trip to WA and MN

August 13, 2007

It was great to make my recent trip to Washington and Minnesota even though it was so brief. Before I got there, I spent 2 and a half days at our office in Mountlake Terrace. I met with Nelson Reed, Scott Gillespie, Pearl Kallio, Brian Stewart and Jenny Mark (she was the photographer too so she did not get in the pictures). We had a lot to talk about and I am still trying to keep up with the assignments. I stayed with Doug and Margi Nichols and I always enjoy my time with them. It was great to spend time with other friends there too. I'd like to go back next April.

After my days at the office, I went to Minnesota to spend some time with Micah. We had fun and got caught up on a lot of stuff. I was happy to buy some smaller size clothes due to my losing weight (albeit slowly). I also spent some time with my parents and making videos of Micah's skating. Jeff and Amos arrived a week later. The open house for Micah was a highlight and pretty much the only time I got to see some people.

We have been back for a week now and there has been much to do. We also realize that there needs to be some repairs done to the floors in our apartment. This will be a major task and I pray I can find the right person to do this work. Most of our summer short termers are gone now. One of the things I've been working on is getting this new website set up. Eventually we'll close the old ones. So all in all, this has been a very busy but fruitful summer.