I've asked the team members to share some thoughts about the upcoming Russia Mission Trip and what God has been doing in their lives through the past few months as we have been preparing. Below is a response from Brad.
GOD CARES ABOUT MISSIONS. This may seem cliche, but it is worth saying. James 1:27 says, "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." God cared so much about my mission trip to visit orphans that he took a decisive step in my life to make sure that I become unstained by this world. It has been the most difficult time that I can remember, but one where I realize more about the character of this God I serve.
GOD LOVES ME. This may seem cliche, but it is worth saying. During this difficult time, I asked God to let me know if He loves me. He very clearly placed into my mind the image of Ben and Sam (my 3 and 2 year old sons) doing their little happy run barefoot in the backyard. I know He loves me, not just because the Bible says so, but because He is my Dad. Romans 8:15, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"
PRAYERS MATTER. This may seem cliche, but it is worth saying. My wife was in the dentist's chair talking about our children when someone popped their head in the room and asked if her husband was going to Russia. After many surprised looks, we found out that Arleen is a member of our church (a lady whom we did not know) and she had picked up my mission card and has been praying for me. I also have learned that there are many others praying for me. I have come to depend and rely heavily on these prayers, so please continue.
All in all, it seems that when you "stand at the crossroads and look,... ask where the good way is, and walk in it" Jeremiah 6:16 that the cliche things of God are not so cliche. Instead it is the power of the grace of God and it is worth saying.
Brad
Monday, July 14, 2008
Counting Down to Russia
In just 10 days, these beautiful people...
...Jeremy, Chris, Ryan, Chris, Brad, Vivian, Susan,, Susan, Rachael, Micky and Cheryl ...
will be on a plane to Russia. We'll be staying at an orphanage in Lopuhinka, Russia - a village outside of St. Petersberg.
It seems much more real after this past Saturday when packed all the bags we'll be taking - the VBS supplies, recreation equipment, party supplies and gifts. We filled 14 bags - that's 700 pounds!!!!
This Sunday at church we will have a more detailed prayer guide that gives you specifics about our trip. Until then, pray for the final preparations that we each must make for our trip and with our families.
Most of all, pray that we will spend time with our Lord and in His Word during these next 10 days preparing our hearts and souls so that we may share with the children and caregivers from the overflow of His goodness and love.
...Jeremy, Chris, Ryan, Chris, Brad, Vivian, Susan,, Susan, Rachael, Micky and Cheryl ...
will be on a plane to Russia. We'll be staying at an orphanage in Lopuhinka, Russia - a village outside of St. Petersberg.
It seems much more real after this past Saturday when packed all the bags we'll be taking - the VBS supplies, recreation equipment, party supplies and gifts. We filled 14 bags - that's 700 pounds!!!!
This Sunday at church we will have a more detailed prayer guide that gives you specifics about our trip. Until then, pray for the final preparations that we each must make for our trip and with our families.
Most of all, pray that we will spend time with our Lord and in His Word during these next 10 days preparing our hearts and souls so that we may share with the children and caregivers from the overflow of His goodness and love.
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