Merry Christmas from the Barone family!
May you remember what Christmas is all about and stand in awe of His fathomless love.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
12.22.2007
12.05.2007
I Corinthians 14:18
Sometimes we are concerned about the negative impact deputation will have on our girls. It is so hard to maintain consistency with routines and disciplines. Sometimes God reminds us that He is in control. Yesterday He reminded us...
We were about to pray before our meal when Natalia said, "I pray!" We were not really sure if she was asking to pray or stating the fact that we were about to pray.
Unsure of these unchartered waters we asked, "Do you want to pray?" Natalia replied with an emphatic, "YES!"
Honestly, we were not sure what was about to follow, if anything. Natalia then closed her eyes and started praying. It was one of those once in a lifetime moments that a parent gets to experience. With tears in ours eyes, Pappa grabbed the camera while she was praying...
The following is the end of what transpired...
This was the first time she had ever tried to pray! This was worth the sleepless nights and the times we think we have no idea what were are doing. May the Lord continue to help us shepherd her heart.
12.03.2007
Proverbs 24:27
Every time we are preparing for a meeting, Erika always makes a big deal out of packing. It is like an Olympic event to her. She has all these silly checklists of things to pack. She constantly encourages me to do the same, however what is the big deal?
All we need to bring for…
- Several outfits – for both warm southern weather and cool Rochester
- Shoes
- Diapers – lots of them
- Books and toys for Natalia to play with
As for Erika:
- The usual clothes
- Hair products and makeup
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- At least a few pairs of shoes for each color in the rainbow
Then Michael:
Erika does all the packing. All she asks is that I get all my stuff out I need her to pack. Then she puts everything in the suitcase so that it is nice and neat. It really is a good system.
So there we were all the way in
Erika: “Well, of course. I mean, I packed everything you got out for me. I did not miss anything.”
Michael: (with even more concern) “Honey, that is the problem. I do not think I got them out for you to pack.”
10:30 at night...
…church in the morning…
and no ties.
…not good when you are a Baptist!
In utter disbelief, I began asking questions like, “Does Walgreen’s sell ties?" and "What about that Hess gas station down the road?” Erika just stood there fighting back the “I told you so” and also trying not to laugh at the thought of me wearing a tie I bought at Walgreen’s.
It was not a pretty situation. Let’s just say that humbly borrowing a tie from the male of your host home is not a fun feeling. I will put more thought into packing from now on. Next time, I will have a checklist.
11.20.2007
Philippians 4:9
Lessons along the way…
One of our prayers from the start of deputation has been that we would not miss the lessons that God is trying to teach us throughout this process.
Michael and I have been involved in the Jr. High ministry for around four years. Michael was the Jr. High pastor and I led the Teen Choir. We absolutely loved the students and the ministry and counted it a privilege to serve them.
Honestly, the hardest part of deputation so far has been letting go of something we loved so much.
Handing over leadership is not easy. No one said it would be easy. It surely is not. This past Sunday I began to realize that the teen ministry has gone on just fine without us leading it. The students are still growing without my husband being the one behind the pulpit. The teen choir is still singing...without me directing it…
Recently, a friend asked me if it was hard handing over the leadership of the choir. I did not hesitate to answer, “Yes.” Part of me still wishes I was directing the choir and Michael still pastoring. However the more I thought about it, I realized that God has called Michael and me to plant churches in
11.06.2007
Matthew 12:46-49
This week we are at Grace Baptist Church in Miami, FL. This is an exciting church that just four years ago were running 45 people and now have over 700 people on a Sunday morning! The pastor is an exciting man of God that is really being used of the Lord in this city.
Grace’s missions conference begins with a Saturday festival with the missionaries dressing up like the country they are going to minister to.
The church also had little stations representing different countries. Each display had food, music and people dressed like those in the particular country. Many were really creative and visiting each station made for great fun and a full stomach.
Saturday was also my birthday. My birthday is really is not a big deal, however while driving to the church that day the thought came to my mind that I wish I was home spending the day with family and friends. I mean, spending the day in a car driving five hours to this meeting was not the ideal birthday.
We soon got to the church and began meeting people during the festival. The diverse church is so friendly and we quickly bonded with them and the other missionaries at the conference. At one point I was reminded that it was my birthday and immediately God brought to mind my previous thoughts as well as the passage Matthew 12:46-49. Earlier in the day I wished I spent the day with family and friends. Now I stretch forth my hand and say...
“...Behold my mother and my brethren!”
Grace’s missions conference begins with a Saturday festival with the missionaries dressing up like the country they are going to minister to.
The church also had little stations representing different countries. Each display had food, music and people dressed like those in the particular country. Many were really creative and visiting each station made for great fun and a full stomach.
Saturday was also my birthday. My birthday is really is not a big deal, however while driving to the church that day the thought came to my mind that I wish I was home spending the day with family and friends. I mean, spending the day in a car driving five hours to this meeting was not the ideal birthday.
We soon got to the church and began meeting people during the festival. The diverse church is so friendly and we quickly bonded with them and the other missionaries at the conference. At one point I was reminded that it was my birthday and immediately God brought to mind my previous thoughts as well as the passage Matthew 12:46-49. Earlier in the day I wished I spent the day with family and friends. Now I stretch forth my hand and say...
“...Behold my mother and my brethren!”
10.20.2007
I Timothy 3:2
There are several aspects of deputation that take getting used to. Life on the road. Going to different churches and experiencing different church cultures. And one major part - which is staying with people during a missions conference.
Some things run through our minds as we are preparing to spend a week with people we have never met...
Is this going to be a good fit?
Are we going to be in the way?
Are two little girls going to be a problem for the people?
Are they going to get mad when Natalia spills juice on the tablecloth?
Will there be a velvet picture of Jesus on their wall?
This week finds us at Bethel Baptist Church of Prospect, New York. The family that we are staying with are the Calabrese’s. The conference has been amazing. Honestly, the thing that has overwhelmed us here is the Calabrese's hospitality!
We have had such a wonderful time with this family, we are going to hate to leave! Frank and Sandy are so sweet and the fellowship and prayers together have really been encouraging.
Some things run through our minds as we are preparing to spend a week with people we have never met...
Is this going to be a good fit?
Are we going to be in the way?
Are two little girls going to be a problem for the people?
Are they going to get mad when Natalia spills juice on the tablecloth?
Will there be a velvet picture of Jesus on their wall?
This week finds us at Bethel Baptist Church of Prospect, New York. The family that we are staying with are the Calabrese’s. The conference has been amazing. Honestly, the thing that has overwhelmed us here is the Calabrese's hospitality!
We have had such a wonderful time with this family, we are going to hate to leave! Frank and Sandy are so sweet and the fellowship and prayers together have really been encouraging.
The whole family has been loving on our girls, which makes us feel so happy and puts us at ease. The kids Josh and Alyssa, love playing with our little ones. Watching them read and color with Natalia or cuddle with Ellia is so special.
The idea of staying with people we do not know can make us nervous, however after staying with the Calabrese family, we are excited about meeting more families. God already knows who we will stay with and this week was a special blessing.
10.04.2007
II Peter 1:10
I know I am in the will of God! I know God has called me to be a Baptist missionary to Italy. How can I be so sure?
I played my first round of golf today.
This week we are at Hunters Creek Bible Baptist Church. Often times during a mission's conference the host pastor will take the missionaries to do activities during the day. Sometimes it is sight seeing and other times, eating out. Today the schedule called for golf. Yeah.
I had never played golf before today. That great truth was apparent to everyone who came to Archie's golf course today! It was certainly apparent to me as I found myself countless times walking through brush looking for my ball. It was also apparent to the swans in the various ponds who had to keep getting out of the way when I took a swing.
There was one time when I hit the ball great. Man it took off. When it landed - it was buried in a sand trap.
Paul charged us to understand what the will of the Lord is for our lives. Peter wanted us to make our calling and election sure. I know that my calling is sure. I am called to be a church-planter to the country of Italy - not a golfer.
I played my first round of golf today.
This week we are at Hunters Creek Bible Baptist Church. Often times during a mission's conference the host pastor will take the missionaries to do activities during the day. Sometimes it is sight seeing and other times, eating out. Today the schedule called for golf. Yeah.
I had never played golf before today. That great truth was apparent to everyone who came to Archie's golf course today! It was certainly apparent to me as I found myself countless times walking through brush looking for my ball. It was also apparent to the swans in the various ponds who had to keep getting out of the way when I took a swing.There was one time when I hit the ball great. Man it took off. When it landed - it was buried in a sand trap.
Paul charged us to understand what the will of the Lord is for our lives. Peter wanted us to make our calling and election sure. I know that my calling is sure. I am called to be a church-planter to the country of Italy - not a golfer.
10.01.2007
Psalm 23:5
Our very first Missions Conference! What a way to start deputation. Madison Avenue Baptist Church has treated us much better than we deserve. This sacrificial church in the inner city of Paterson, NJ has gone out of their way to treat their missionaries like special guests.As missionaries newly on deputation it has been our goal and expectation to go to churches and try to be a blessing. Through ministry and service we have planned to go and work in any way we can. This week however, we were pleasantly surprised by the reversal of this expectation.
The kick-off of the conference on Wednesday night set the tone for an exciting week learning about missions. We were extremely blessed! Then on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday the pastors and members of the church continued to bless us with fellowship, food (and lots of it!) and fun!
The warm brothers and sisters in Christ at MABC went above and beyond to bless us. MABC put us up in a beautiful hotel and took us out to amazing restaurants. At the end of the final service the pastor announced that they had a special gift for us. He handed us a basket filled with hundreds of dollars in gift cards for such things as gas, food, and much to Erika’s joy - Target.
It has really been an amazing testimony to us of a congregation that God has used to support over 70 missionaries. We have ended up having our cup filled abundantly! What could we have possibly done for them compared to the endless ways they have blessed and given to us. We are so thankful for that church family and feel that our church family has grown in this short time here.
Did we work hard? Yes. Did Michael get to preach/teach eight times? Yes. Did our children get to make new friends? Oh, yes!
We praise God for such a great conference. We are overwhelmed by the love we were shown and are beyond thankful for each person at Madison Avenue who have so graciously welcomed us into their missions family.
9.18.2007
I Peter 5:17
Sometimes I worry. I know I am not supposed to, but sometimes I cannot help it.
I think about the daunting task of deputation ahead of us. I listen to my husband make calls trying to book meetings and worry about finding partners in ministry. I think about our girls and wonder how they will adjust to life on the road. I worry about how they will behave in the car and in churches. I wonder if in all the busyness of deputation we will miss the lessons God is trying to teach us.
Last night was our first ladies prayer meeting for our ministry in Italy. My good friend Brie volunteered to host a monthly prayer meeting for our ministry at her house. It was such a nice time of fellowship and bonding.
I brought before the ladies my cares, the things that I have listed above, and together we brought them before the throne of grace! I am so thankful for those praying for us! It is a gentle encourager...for me to hear Godly women praying for our ministry (James 5:16). To think that these ladies took a night out of their week to pray for me! Wow! It is ever so humbling...to hear sisters in Christ lifting my family up to our Father!
Last night I was reminded that the only way we can minister on deputation and get to Italy is for God to answer prayers and do a mighty work in our lives. Prayer helps me to recognize how absolutely incapable I am of doing anything without Him and how amazingly powerful and in control He is.
Today I am casting all my care upon Him, because He cares for us!
Sometimes I fail to look unto Jesus and begin to worry. Today I am not worrying.
- Erika
I think about the daunting task of deputation ahead of us. I listen to my husband make calls trying to book meetings and worry about finding partners in ministry. I think about our girls and wonder how they will adjust to life on the road. I worry about how they will behave in the car and in churches. I wonder if in all the busyness of deputation we will miss the lessons God is trying to teach us.
Last night was our first ladies prayer meeting for our ministry in Italy. My good friend Brie volunteered to host a monthly prayer meeting for our ministry at her house. It was such a nice time of fellowship and bonding.
I brought before the ladies my cares, the things that I have listed above, and together we brought them before the throne of grace! I am so thankful for those praying for us! It is a gentle encourager...for me to hear Godly women praying for our ministry (James 5:16). To think that these ladies took a night out of their week to pray for me! Wow! It is ever so humbling...to hear sisters in Christ lifting my family up to our Father!
Last night I was reminded that the only way we can minister on deputation and get to Italy is for God to answer prayers and do a mighty work in our lives. Prayer helps me to recognize how absolutely incapable I am of doing anything without Him and how amazingly powerful and in control He is.
Today I am casting all my care upon Him, because He cares for us!
Sometimes I fail to look unto Jesus and begin to worry. Today I am not worrying.
- Erika
9.05.2007
Philippians 1:27
I do not want meetings anymore!
I decided this after I had lunch with a pastor recently.
I was a little taken back at a lunch meeting recently when the pastor asked, “So, you want a meeting right?” Honestly, I do not remember how I answered the question at the time. As I rehearsed the question in my mind afterward, I realized my answer to his question. Believe it or not, my answer is "No!" I do not want a meeting. That is not my goal. If a meeting is my family showing up at a church, I preach, they possibly take us on for support, and then we just become another picture on their missions wall - I do not want a meeting.
My goal is not meetings. I want partnerships. I want the church to know us personally, and believe in what we are doing. I want more than just a meeting. I want supporting churches that want to strive together with us for the faith of the gospel. I want them to feel they are truly a part of our ministry in Italy, not just another missionary they send support to.
I am convinced that churches should support less missionaries but support the fewer missionaries better. Better contact. Better communication. More interest. More prayer on their behalf. I am not sure how likely this is, but I am going to do my part to have a group of supporting churches that we did not just have a meeting at. I am going to try with everything I have to have a group of supporting churches that truly want to partner with us as we reach the unreached villages of Italy.
I decided this after I had lunch with a pastor recently.
I was a little taken back at a lunch meeting recently when the pastor asked, “So, you want a meeting right?” Honestly, I do not remember how I answered the question at the time. As I rehearsed the question in my mind afterward, I realized my answer to his question. Believe it or not, my answer is "No!" I do not want a meeting. That is not my goal. If a meeting is my family showing up at a church, I preach, they possibly take us on for support, and then we just become another picture on their missions wall - I do not want a meeting.
My goal is not meetings. I want partnerships. I want the church to know us personally, and believe in what we are doing. I want more than just a meeting. I want supporting churches that want to strive together with us for the faith of the gospel. I want them to feel they are truly a part of our ministry in Italy, not just another missionary they send support to.
I am convinced that churches should support less missionaries but support the fewer missionaries better. Better contact. Better communication. More interest. More prayer on their behalf. I am not sure how likely this is, but I am going to do my part to have a group of supporting churches that we did not just have a meeting at. I am going to try with everything I have to have a group of supporting churches that truly want to partner with us as we reach the unreached villages of Italy.
Romans 14:17
The Difference Between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God
I really like taking pastors out to lunch. I like going to lunch with pastors because it gives us 45 minutes of time to discuss my call and burden for the field of Italy as well as so much more! It also gives me the opportunity to talk about missions with experienced men of God and glean wisdom from the pastors.
Well, during these lunch meetings it also gives pastors an opportunity to ask me questions. They usually ask about our plans for the field and missions philosophy and about my family. Sometimes they ask about doctrine.
Recently I was having lunch with a pastor when he stated, “Michael, I am going to ask you a question that the possibility of you having a meeting at my church hinges on.”
I replied, “Okay” - really hoping I had the right answer to the question up my sleeve!!
He asked, What, if any, is the difference between the terms “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God”?”
I started laughing out loud when he said it, hoping that an opportunity at his church truly did not hinge on this question because I thought for sure I was not going to answer the question how he wanted me to.
I answered it truthfully. I refuse to be something or someone I am not. I told him I understood the issue and I gave my supporting verses for why I believe that they are.....(well that is another topic)
He replied that he completely agreed. (Whew!) He proceeded to state that he was kidding about the meeting hinging on the question. We laughed.
I really like taking pastors out to lunch! It is fun!
I really like taking pastors out to lunch. I like going to lunch with pastors because it gives us 45 minutes of time to discuss my call and burden for the field of Italy as well as so much more! It also gives me the opportunity to talk about missions with experienced men of God and glean wisdom from the pastors.
Well, during these lunch meetings it also gives pastors an opportunity to ask me questions. They usually ask about our plans for the field and missions philosophy and about my family. Sometimes they ask about doctrine.
Recently I was having lunch with a pastor when he stated, “Michael, I am going to ask you a question that the possibility of you having a meeting at my church hinges on.”
I replied, “Okay” - really hoping I had the right answer to the question up my sleeve!!
He asked, What, if any, is the difference between the terms “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God”?”
I started laughing out loud when he said it, hoping that an opportunity at his church truly did not hinge on this question because I thought for sure I was not going to answer the question how he wanted me to.
I answered it truthfully. I refuse to be something or someone I am not. I told him I understood the issue and I gave my supporting verses for why I believe that they are.....(well that is another topic)
He replied that he completely agreed. (Whew!) He proceeded to state that he was kidding about the meeting hinging on the question. We laughed.
I really like taking pastors out to lunch! It is fun!
8.25.2007
Romans 1:15
When putting together our video for deputation, we desired to emulate the video that the Apostle Paul made as much as possible.
In Paul's doctrinal treatise on Christianity, the Book of Romans, he expressed his great desire to preach to those that were in Italy. We share this same desire. As we are on deputation, we are presenting this video to the churches. We hope that in this video you will see the need for the Gospel to Italy, and also our heart's desire to serve God in that country.
So you will see that much like the missionary video the Apostle Paul put together... well, never mind.
8.09.2007
Ephesians 5:16
Ahhhh.....the phone calls!
The moment so many have been waiting for. I started making calls this week trying to connect with like-minded pastors. It seems so easy -
1. I call the number of the church.
2. I ask the Secretary if I could speak with the Pastor and she pleasantly says "Sure, just a second..."
3. The pastor comes on the phone and we talk about my packet and the Great Commission.
4. He tells me that he is excited about what God has called me to and invites my family to his church.
Yeah.
Here are some examples why I am starting to think the above scenario is more of an "ideal" than reality! : ) These examples made me smile and I hope they make you laugh as well!
I call the number -
"DOO DO DOO - The number you have called has been disconnected, please try your number again."
I call the number -
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. (12 rings later) Ring. Ring.
I call the number -
Recording - "Hi you have reached *Such and Such* Baptist Church - our office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 - 3:00"
I call the number and then ask to speak with the pastor -
Secretary: (Trying to hold back the giggles) "Um, he is not available right now, can I take a message?"
- I love this stuff! Please pray.
The moment so many have been waiting for. I started making calls this week trying to connect with like-minded pastors. It seems so easy -
1. I call the number of the church.
2. I ask the Secretary if I could speak with the Pastor and she pleasantly says "Sure, just a second..."
3. The pastor comes on the phone and we talk about my packet and the Great Commission.
4. He tells me that he is excited about what God has called me to and invites my family to his church.
Yeah.
Here are some examples why I am starting to think the above scenario is more of an "ideal" than reality! : ) These examples made me smile and I hope they make you laugh as well!
I call the number -
"DOO DO DOO - The number you have called has been disconnected, please try your number again."
I call the number -
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. (12 rings later) Ring. Ring.
I call the number -
Recording - "Hi you have reached *Such and Such* Baptist Church - our office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 - 3:00"
I call the number and then ask to speak with the pastor -
Secretary: (Trying to hold back the giggles) "Um, he is not available right now, can I take a message?"
- I love this stuff! Please pray.
7.30.2007
Hebrews 10:25
In a person’s lifetime there are generally a few major events that are extra special and are remembered forever. Engagements, weddings, and new births are just a few that we can all relate to. For us however we experienced two special events in one week. The birth of our precious daughter Ellia and Italy Night at First Bible.
I have been replaying Italy Night in my head over and over and am so excited and blessed at how it came together. From the very planning and preparations to clean up at the end, our friends volunteered to work so that every detail was taken care of. The teenagers in my choir were all so willing to help do any task last night. At the reception I saw people serving and running around which was especially humbling.
The attendance was very encouraging to us, especially for a Sunday evening service in the summer! I know that I am biased but my husband was overflowing with energy as he preached a message the Lord gave him some time ago. He was so excited that I could not help but laugh and thank the Lord for the passion in his message. The teen choir sang “Above All” in Italian and I felt so honored that I was able to lead them for the past several years.
We give God the glory and praise for every detail of the evening and we are so excited to begin deputation! Thank you friends and family for coming out to support and encourage us!
7.25.2007
Psalm 127:3
Yesterday Erika woke up early with a list of errands to run. She needed to stop by Kinko's to pick up our display for our missionary table, drop off the letters at church we are mailing to our church family, as well as a host of other odd "to do's" in preparation for Italy Night!
Some time before noon I got a call from Erika who was at Barnes & Nobles buying a baby book. I was pleasantly suprised to hear her say, "Today is the day!" We needed to go to the hospital because our second baby girl was going to be born!
Ecc. 4:9 - Two are better than one!
Our little Ellia Mariela Barone was born on July 24th at 7:44 PM. She is 20.5 inches long and weighed in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces. So tiny and beautiful and of course she has the trademark "Barone brown" hair!
The little mini cries are so cute - ahhh...ahh...ahhh.... Erika and I are very excited for Natalia to get to meet her baby sister. We cannot believe that our baby is a big sister! Natalia has been very loving with her mama's belly and loves kissing her baby dolls, so we think it will be a wonderful bond.
Some time before noon I got a call from Erika who was at Barnes & Nobles buying a baby book. I was pleasantly suprised to hear her say, "Today is the day!" We needed to go to the hospital because our second baby girl was going to be born!
Ecc. 4:9 - Two are better than one! Our little Ellia Mariela Barone was born on July 24th at 7:44 PM. She is 20.5 inches long and weighed in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces. So tiny and beautiful and of course she has the trademark "Barone brown" hair!
The little mini cries are so cute - ahhh...ahh...ahhh.... Erika and I are very excited for Natalia to get to meet her baby sister. We cannot believe that our baby is a big sister! Natalia has been very loving with her mama's belly and loves kissing her baby dolls, so we think it will be a wonderful bond.
7.18.2007
Philippians 1:3
Today I was putting some of our packets together to send to pastors and I realized how thankful I am for true servants of Christ who used their talents for the Lord and helped us with our materials.
Jen Hale deserves a thousand thank-yous for her willingness to help with our banners, folder, brochure, and prayer card. Every pastor I have shown our materials to has commented how nice of a job she did. Pastor Grace was literally taken back by how well the materials looked.
Andy Hinds spent countless hours working on our website. I am sort of a perfectionist (Jen might agree as well) and Andy was completely patient as we would sit there until 2:00 am drinking coffee and working on it. He ended up putting together what Pastor Billy Wood called "The best website" he has ever "seen for a deputizing missionary."
Andy Johnson put our DVD together despite being overloaded with all his other tasks. There was one night I met him at the church and was there with him until 10:00 pm working on it! I am overjoyed with the way it turned out. He really put together a first class video!
Honestly, I have no idea where we would be without friends like these. I thank my God for their work and labor of love.
Jen Hale deserves a thousand thank-yous for her willingness to help with our banners, folder, brochure, and prayer card. Every pastor I have shown our materials to has commented how nice of a job she did. Pastor Grace was literally taken back by how well the materials looked.
Andy Hinds spent countless hours working on our website. I am sort of a perfectionist (Jen might agree as well) and Andy was completely patient as we would sit there until 2:00 am drinking coffee and working on it. He ended up putting together what Pastor Billy Wood called "The best website" he has ever "seen for a deputizing missionary."
Andy Johnson put our DVD together despite being overloaded with all his other tasks. There was one night I met him at the church and was there with him until 10:00 pm working on it! I am overjoyed with the way it turned out. He really put together a first class video!
Honestly, I have no idea where we would be without friends like these. I thank my God for their work and labor of love.
7.16.2007
Hebrews 6:10
Why do missionaries complain about deputation?
I am on the plane riding back from my trip to California and the above thought came into my mind. While in CA a pastor graciously opened up his home to me for my stay in San Francisco. The Pastor's family was a joy to be around and their hospitality is more than anyone could ask for. He allowed me to use a car, gave me a wonderful place to stay and his wife prepared outstanding meals each day. They really count it a privilege to be in the company of missionaries and really are a blessing.
In addition, it has been profitable fellowship with the missionary to Italy and I have learned a great deal more about missions in Italy as a result. The fellowship with the Pastor and missionary has been uplifting and challenging.
In this short trip I have learned so much and have been so encouraged. I am not pretending that I did not miss my family terribly, or that relentless travel will not take its tolls, but the time in churches communicating our vision and the fellowship with the body of Christ will outweigh these things. If the deputation trail is a series of meetings like this, it would be a special time for us.
I am on the plane riding back from my trip to California and the above thought came into my mind. While in CA a pastor graciously opened up his home to me for my stay in San Francisco. The Pastor's family was a joy to be around and their hospitality is more than anyone could ask for. He allowed me to use a car, gave me a wonderful place to stay and his wife prepared outstanding meals each day. They really count it a privilege to be in the company of missionaries and really are a blessing.
In addition, it has been profitable fellowship with the missionary to Italy and I have learned a great deal more about missions in Italy as a result. The fellowship with the Pastor and missionary has been uplifting and challenging.
In this short trip I have learned so much and have been so encouraged. I am not pretending that I did not miss my family terribly, or that relentless travel will not take its tolls, but the time in churches communicating our vision and the fellowship with the body of Christ will outweigh these things. If the deputation trail is a series of meetings like this, it would be a special time for us.
6.25.2007
I John 5:14
What a blessing! The Lord really burdened my heart on Friday to spend the day in prayer. I spent the day praying as though everything depended on God. I prayed that He would continue to provide for the upcoming trip to San Francisco, that He would open up doors for meetings and that He would show His mighty hand in our deputation. Oh that this deputation would not be about me making thousands of calls to churches, trying to set up meetings to no avail! Rather, we want this deputation to be about Him and His glory!
A little while after praying, I had an opportunity to look at the computer – I had two e-mails. The first email was from some one saying he thought that he would be able to find a place for me to stay free of charge while in San Francisco. What a God! The next e-mail was one that stated they think they can line up a few meetings for me when I am in San Francisco! What a direct answer to prayer!
Each day our faith increases as God is showing us that He is in control, and that as long as we utterly depend on Him – “God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor
What a mighty God we serve!
A little while after praying, I had an opportunity to look at the computer – I had two e-mails. The first email was from some one saying he thought that he would be able to find a place for me to stay free of charge while in San Francisco. What a God! The next e-mail was one that stated they think they can line up a few meetings for me when I am in San Francisco! What a direct answer to prayer!
Each day our faith increases as God is showing us that He is in control, and that as long as we utterly depend on Him – “God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor
What a mighty God we serve!
6.21.2007
Matthew 7:7-11
Our prayer has been that our Road to Italy would be a work of God and not a work of man. We humbly acknowledge that task we have been called to is too big for us and without Him we can do nothing.
Startup costs are expensive. Prayer cards, brochures, letterhead, missionary table, mailings, the list just goes on. Startup costs are expensive! On top of that, I really want to visit a missionary to Italy while he is in the states and the best time for me would be when he is in San Francisco. Flights to San Francisco are well...yeah...expensive.
We have really made it my prayer lately that God would provide for these things and show Himself strong on our behalf. Just the other day I was in a conversation with a brother in Christ regarding him joining a ministry when out of the blue he states that he has a ton of frequent flyer miles and was "just wondering" if I wanted a free flight anywhere. When God is in it, flights to San Francisco can be...well…free!
This may seem little to others, but was a great reminder to me that God desires for us to be in Italy and is going to provide! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning!
Startup costs are expensive. Prayer cards, brochures, letterhead, missionary table, mailings, the list just goes on. Startup costs are expensive! On top of that, I really want to visit a missionary to Italy while he is in the states and the best time for me would be when he is in San Francisco. Flights to San Francisco are well...yeah...expensive.
We have really made it my prayer lately that God would provide for these things and show Himself strong on our behalf. Just the other day I was in a conversation with a brother in Christ regarding him joining a ministry when out of the blue he states that he has a ton of frequent flyer miles and was "just wondering" if I wanted a free flight anywhere. When God is in it, flights to San Francisco can be...well…free!
This may seem little to others, but was a great reminder to me that God desires for us to be in Italy and is going to provide! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning!
6.19.2007
Jeremiah 18:1-6
With great zeal we began making calls last week while trying to plan out the best way to go about raising support. We have worked hard to get all our materials together, and felt that we were in good shape to start our pre-field ministry. That same week our daughter Natalia (17 months) had a horrible incident in which she began having a seizure, fell to the ground and hit her head on our tile floor. Our little one followed this with two additional seizures the next day. Natalia has had other scary seizures before and each time we go through this God teaches us a lesson.
The illustrations that come with the potter and the wheel seem appropriate here. We are just clay that needs to be spun, pressed, tossed, formed and molded to be beautiful. Michael and I are realizing more and more each day how God is the Potter and is in complete control of His children. It is humbling to realize how completely helpless we are and how Almighty, All-powerful and magnificent Christ is.
Natalia had an CT and the tests came back negative. That is a fancy way of saying we still do not have answers as to what has caused her repeated seizures. The Lord knows and is in complete control. What a great thought to acknowledge that He is Sovereign and makes no mistakes.
The illustrations that come with the potter and the wheel seem appropriate here. We are just clay that needs to be spun, pressed, tossed, formed and molded to be beautiful. Michael and I are realizing more and more each day how God is the Potter and is in complete control of His children. It is humbling to realize how completely helpless we are and how Almighty, All-powerful and magnificent Christ is.
Natalia had an CT and the tests came back negative. That is a fancy way of saying we still do not have answers as to what has caused her repeated seizures. The Lord knows and is in complete control. What a great thought to acknowledge that He is Sovereign and makes no mistakes.
6.18.2007
Romans 8:29
We are in the beginning stages of our pre-field ministry and decided to chronicle the “Road to Italy” through this blog. We have called our deputation this because we believe this is a necessary step in getting to Italy and we are excited about the training we will receive as we begin this learning process. This blog will be used to share the challenges and blessings of deputation. With anticipation, we trust that the Lord will use this time to demonstrate His glory as well as try and test us.
We are trusting God to refine us and make us more conformed to His image through it. We covet your prayers as we begin this journey that God has called us to. Please pray for God to be glorified in and through us.
We are trusting God to refine us and make us more conformed to His image through it. We covet your prayers as we begin this journey that God has called us to. Please pray for God to be glorified in and through us.
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