James returned from Singapore with lots of excitement and a better understanding of his new position as Admissions Director and what adjustments we would have to make as a family.
After about 27 hours on the airplane, he was ready to get off. Upon arriving at 2:30 a.m. and in bed at 3:45 a.m., Dr. Beeson had him at the office by 7:15 a.m. that morning. No time to give into jet lag! He was blessed by the hospitality of the Director and his wife during his stay in Singapore. He also got to visit and know several of the other missionaries there at the International Community School.
We have put a slideshow of some of the pictures of the school on the right.
Praise Reports – Give thanks to God for His provisions and faithfulness! Dianne and the kids did well as they continued to work and go to school and begin sorting through stuff at home. Dianne’s mother and grandmother came to visit a few days while James was gone. James returned with a confirmed sense of God’s direction for our family to minister in Singapore.
Prayer Requests - We will finish our ministry here at Nevada Baptist Church the last Sunday in May. Please pray for the Pastor Search committee as they seek a Pastor for our church family.
Pray for continued stamina to finish the school year well- for Dianne and James as they teach and the children as they study.
Pray that we will be able to find good housing for our family that is close to public transport prior to or immediately following our arrival in Singapore on July 10.
Pray that God would continue to raise up prayer and financial partners to join us as we minister in Singapore.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
On the Way to the Cross
As I talk to or e-mail many of the new, first time missionaries who have been appointed to serve in Singapore where we will be, I often hear them say that they are excited, but also very overwhelmed. The excitement and adventure of being in a new place and yet the reality of it all comes crashing in when they think of being on the other side of the world, away from family and friends, not knowing where they will live, working with students from 20 plus different countries, and many other unknowns.
Since serving overseas in two different locations, I can understand some of what they are going through--what I'm sure I will go through again--which I call “my Gethsemane.” Henry Blackaby called it your “Crisis of Belief.” It is where you know that you are doing what God has called you to do, but the doubt and unbelief sets in so hard and so strong, you almost lose your focus. I can’t even imagine what Jesus experienced while He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mattthew 26:38 says, "Jesus said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” Oh, Jesus knew that the cross was the Father’s will, but yet, He even He struggled with the will and plan of God. He wasn’t sure if He was ready or able to pay the price that had to be paid. No doubt, we can’t compare the insignificant sacrifices we make here on earth to what Jesus did for us, but yet, we do know that we all must come to the place in our hearts and minds where we say as Jesus said, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
As we approach the wonderful Easter Celebration in just a few short days from now, may we never forget the price that was paid for the victory and freedom of sin that we have because of what Jesus went through on the cross for you and for me. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Since serving overseas in two different locations, I can understand some of what they are going through--what I'm sure I will go through again--which I call “my Gethsemane.” Henry Blackaby called it your “Crisis of Belief.” It is where you know that you are doing what God has called you to do, but the doubt and unbelief sets in so hard and so strong, you almost lose your focus. I can’t even imagine what Jesus experienced while He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mattthew 26:38 says, "Jesus said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” Oh, Jesus knew that the cross was the Father’s will, but yet, He even He struggled with the will and plan of God. He wasn’t sure if He was ready or able to pay the price that had to be paid. No doubt, we can’t compare the insignificant sacrifices we make here on earth to what Jesus did for us, but yet, we do know that we all must come to the place in our hearts and minds where we say as Jesus said, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
As we approach the wonderful Easter Celebration in just a few short days from now, may we never forget the price that was paid for the victory and freedom of sin that we have because of what Jesus went through on the cross for you and for me. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Take Someone with You!
There are few joys in life like that of sharing life with others. In the summer of 1995, we visited a church in view of a call for James to be the Youth/Education Minister of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. Upon arrival, two of the first people we met were Tracy Grimm and Andrew Frazier. James soon became the new youth minister and Tracy was in his youth group. Soon after the two married, they became apart of Dianne’s Sunday school class. Now, almost 13 years later, Andrew and Tracy with their two children, Ethan and Faith, will minister with us in Singapore at the International Community School! We were at the service when the Lord was calling them into missions, and now we will get to minister together with them in their first missionary assignment. Praise God with us for this family and remember to pray for them in the coming days as they also prepare to make this major adjustment and move to Singapore in July. Tracy will be teaching Kindergarten and Andrew will be the Facilities Manager. We are so blessed to have them serve with us in Singapore and have no greater joy than seeing our friends and loved ones serve Christ! You can visit their website at www.missionsingapore.com.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The "Stuff" of Life
“The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ (Luke 12:16-20)
Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe all the things, or should I say the “junk,” that we have accumulated over the last three years - things that are weighing us down and causing us undue stress. From an earthly perspective, these things are of great value and worth. However, from a heavenly perspective, they are nothing more than stuff – stuff that makes our lives more comfortable and perhaps enjoyable, but stuff all the same.
Like the “fool” mentioned above, the Lord has placed a demand on our lives. Not only has this demand been placed on us, He has placed it on all of His children, including you. What is His demand? His demand is life-long obedience to His Lordship and leadership in our lives. So, as you consider what the Lord demands of you, remember the final question of verse 20: “The things you have prepared, whose will they be?”
On another note: in a little more than a week now, I’ll be making my way on a two week adventure to what will be our new home come July. On this trip, I will get to experience Singapore on a first hand basis for the first time. Not only will I visit the school and receive some training for my new job, I will be able to finalize my work permit, explore some possible housing opportunities, and enjoy some Singaporean cuisine.
Thanks for journeying with us, and thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We are forever grateful to you! Please keep in touch!
Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe all the things, or should I say the “junk,” that we have accumulated over the last three years - things that are weighing us down and causing us undue stress. From an earthly perspective, these things are of great value and worth. However, from a heavenly perspective, they are nothing more than stuff – stuff that makes our lives more comfortable and perhaps enjoyable, but stuff all the same.
Like the “fool” mentioned above, the Lord has placed a demand on our lives. Not only has this demand been placed on us, He has placed it on all of His children, including you. What is His demand? His demand is life-long obedience to His Lordship and leadership in our lives. So, as you consider what the Lord demands of you, remember the final question of verse 20: “The things you have prepared, whose will they be?”
On another note: in a little more than a week now, I’ll be making my way on a two week adventure to what will be our new home come July. On this trip, I will get to experience Singapore on a first hand basis for the first time. Not only will I visit the school and receive some training for my new job, I will be able to finalize my work permit, explore some possible housing opportunities, and enjoy some Singaporean cuisine.
Thanks for journeying with us, and thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We are forever grateful to you! Please keep in touch!
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