Life in Indiana is going well, but still trying to get use to the temperature of early winter. We have already experienced the tornado sirens going off, to blustering winds, to a day of snow already! And we are only in the first full week of December!
I know, I know.....it will only get worse (weather wise!) Other than the weather, our greatest challenges have been learning our way around and getting to know people. We have had some great opportunities to meet people representing different areas of our ministry. We have met with folks from the State convention, other ministry leaders, pastors, and of course international students. Arriving here in the area at the end of the semester appears to be to our advantage (thanks to the Lord!) because it is giving us a chance to get to learn our "environment" first before offering our "services." The other awesome thing is how God has sounded the trumpet of our arrival based on His reputation of providing us a house. We have people coming up to us, when they find out our name, and say, "I heard about how God got you here!" We are constantly reminding our family and those who we meet that this is ALL God's doing! He gets the credit! Now we are getting settled in, trying to get adjusted, but also, earnestly seeking the Lord to see where He is working and to join Him. We know without a shadow of a doubt that we are to be here! It is now praying for discernment and wisdom in daily decision making for our home and ministry. Please continue to pray for us!
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I attended a long and intense 4 days of conferences in Columbia, SC. I got to know, listen to, and glean lots of wisdom and knowledge as to what God is doing around the United States and Canada in the "world" of international student ministry. I was incredible and yet challenging! The greatest message that I have learned and been challenged with is the issue of disciple-making.
This is the greatest challenge and disappointment of the American church (as a whole) because it is what we were commissioned to do at the end of Christ' earthly ministry in Matthew 28:18. The disappointment has come because it doesn't fit in our lifestyle as typical Americans. We believe that the challenge was issued to only a few then and only applies to a few today. The common layperson in the local church either doesn't want to "disciple-make" or they don't know how (which means they are a failed product of the ones before them). At some point, we must get this issue dealt with. There needs to be a renewed passion to disciple-make! We are called to "go and MAKE disciples!" "Making" disciples WILL require a lot from each of us. This job can't be left to the pastors of our churches. He is only one man. It can't be left to the "more spiritual" people of the church. If you are saved, born again, a follower of Christ, a Christian, or any other title you would want to give yourself, then you are must be a disciple maker. In order to change a society or culture, it takes more than one generation of a people. There can be a start with just one generation, but for it to be a long-lasting culture change, it has to take place over more than one. But, how can that happen? It can only happen, when something that is genuine and authentic is passed down from one person to another, no matter the connection between the two people involved (as long as they are within the same culture). Let me be clearer and put this in better words. In order to change our American culture (or another) and to have it last, we must teach one person to another and then that person teach another, the precepts of God and His commands in a way that changes lives. It must be done with love and compassion, but it must be true and relevant. We must let each follower of Christ know that they are important to the Kingdom/Body of Christ. They must know that they were not called to occupy a pew or chair. They were called to impact this world! This message must be proclaimed to every culture. God's ways are not our ways! You may have heard that statement before, but it is always comforting when that you see it come to pass. When things are not working out the way I thought they would, I catch myself doubting what is going on. "God, why? Why this or that?" But when, something is done in such a way that only He can receive the glory, I am thankful! So thankful!!!
So often, I just want to see something go my way, which I think is the only way. Ultimately though, I WANT GOD TO DO WHAT WILL BRING HIM GLORY! A couple of years ago, I did not think this way. I wasn't looking out for God to do His way. I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't the priority. I was doing my thing and God could do His. I believed that He was in control and that I was functioning within, but I was looking for His way with anticipation. These days, I am learning to anticipate and long for His ways. Now, the hard part about this is when His ways mean suffering or discipline. When it is one of those two, I just ask Him to reveal what is it that I am to learn or how am I to bring Him glory? When you go through times or seem to be suffering, do you ask God to show you His way and how you are to grow through it? Or are you looking for the easy way out? We have received blessings one after another, but then when one thing happens that doesn't fit under that category, I'm asking God for an explanation. As if I am due one?! Our purpose as a follower of Christ is to bring God glory. |
AuthorDennis Runner- a witness, a follower, a student, and a lump of clay in the hands of my God and Savior. Archives
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