Continuing the Search...

20% or 80%...

2012-01-29T20:19:00.000-08:00

I was on my way to work the other day, feeling totally overwhelmed and anxious. As song came on saying "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, His anointing is empowering…" Right then peace washed over me and i knew that no matter what the day held, it was going to be ok.

When i felt the Lord leading me to do missions work, He was always very clear that no matter if it was job skills or fundraising He would always provide my every need. What a blessing it is to serve a God that is faithful and never changing!

The song i heard, the promise i was reminded of earlier this week in the car was a springboard into a conversation with a friend that very same day. Somehow we went from work stuff to the topic of tithing. We have all heard about the importance of tithing a tenth. Often i think we forget, its not just 10% that belongs to God, but everything in Heaven and Earth. Sure we tithe our earnings, maybe our devotional time with the Lord, but do we ever stop and think about the gifts the Lord gave us…are we tithing our gifts? We were all given these special things from the Lord, are we using them? Take a minute and think how different the church would be, if we tithed our God given gifts?! There would be less burn out among lay church workers, volunteers would be overflowing and there wouldn't be the saying "well you know 20% of the people do 80% of the work."

It doesn't matter what we have done in the past, what our norm is…begin to ask yourself what are the gifts and skills the Lord has placed in me. Am I sharing that with my church family? Am I giving it back to the Lord? Am I part of the 20% or the 80%? The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, His anointing it empowering, and He will ALWAYS equip us to do what He has called us to do. God has recently given me an opportunity to share a gift He put in me long ago…although i'm not always 100% confident in that gift, i can say His anointing is empowering!

So until next time…what is God empowering you to do...

Been Planted?

2011-09-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for inspiration for weeks...literally i have had this same page open for at least two weeks. Finally today Pastor Monroe said something at church that really got me thinking.

"A seed has to be willing to die to live in order to reproduce...
It is the hand of Christ that plants that seed...
Where has God planted you so you can reproduce..."

I grew up on a farm so this whole seed thing kind of makes sense to me. When you really stop and think about it just the fact that you put a little seed in the ground and then it does its thing and there is multiplication, is totally crazy...what an awesome God we serve! When i think back to the farm days, i remember when spring came around the farm got busier than normal. There was seed that was brought in and the guys would take it bag by bag out to the field and plant it, pray for right amount of rain and sunshine so that there would be good yield come fall.

Now let's stop and put this into context for us. Just like the seed on my Dad's farm, i too didn't know what field i would end up in. For a long time i wasn't happy with my location. I felt out of place and didn't see God's reason for placing me in South Florida. People still question why i am here, especially since my family is all up north. But when God moves you and plants you, you just know you have to follow the Farmer - He knows best!

Over the past 9 months Florida has become home. God has began to show me why He has me down here. When you step back and look at it, it doesn't make sense...i would have never put me in the lives of some of the people God is showing His love to. But that's the great part about the whole growing process. We are just along for the ride, God gives in the increase. Having me in place with people i never thought i could reach, gives the Lord an opportunity to show that is He is Alive, He is Love and He desires to have a relationship with us.

We are always eager to reap the harvest, but have we allowed God to plant us first?

We're all a little like Garfield...

2011-05-13T11:05:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, after a long and stressful couple of days i had reached the limit. It was impossible to pretend that everything was "cool" and i felt completely defeated. As i was talking to a friend i said "wouldn't it be great if we could just live in good happy times?!" We both agreed it would be pretty awesome, but the more i thought about it, the more i realized "i bet we wouldn't learn anything if we only lived in the happy times."

Four years ago when i started my missionary journey i remember thinking a lot about Mountain Top and Valley experiences we have in life. We traveled all over South Africa and seeing the landscape brought these experiences into focus. Type "valley" and "mountain top" into your google search engine and you will see pictures similar to what i found in South Africa. Valleys tend to be very green, have vegetation and the terrain is livable. Mountain tops tend to be rocky and bare but the one benefit of the mountain top, you can see the whole world from there...little is left out of your sight.
I think the valley gets a bad rap. Yes, we all love the happy times, times of victory, success and conquer. Its too easy to forget that the mountain top can only be achieved when we have fought, worked hard, lived, breathed and walked through the valley. The mountain top can't be the mountain top without the valley!

We are all a little like Garfield the Cat. We all know Garfield hates Mondays, i believe there was even an episode when there were no more Mondays, and although Garfield enjoyed it for a while, eventually Tuesdays became the new Monday. We may love the "Happy - Mountain Top" times, but if we never experienced the valley, mountain tops wouldn't exist. In the valley we live, grow, learn and are stretched to our limits...as a result of the valley we can enjoy those mountain top experiences.

Until next time...let's try to be a little more thankful for the valley, or in Garfield's case "Mondays"...

Photos were taken in Bad Plaas, Mpumalanga, South Africa on Prayer Mountain. I'm convinced it is called prayer mountain because you're praying that if you make it up there you can also make it back down. This is also when i decided climbing mountains really isn't my thing!

Never the same...

2011-04-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today, April 26, 2001, i made a decision that changed my life forever...

At the time i had no idea how this decision would affect my life, i just knew it was Truth.
At the time i felt i could never dig myself out of this hole i was living in, i just knew i needed Saving.

On this day ten years ago...

From the outside my life looked good, effortless and fulfilling, but i was in search of Purpose.
From the outside i appeared to be a steady,but inside i was full of fear, i was in search of Peace.

On this day ten years ago...

I knelt before God, broken and in need of Restoration.
I knelt before God, desperate and in need of a Relationship.

On this day ten years ago...my life was changed forever...

Today, I live in Truth, knowing Jesus died for me.
Today, I have been Saved by the Grace of a loving Savior.
Today, I have Purpose to know God and make Him known all over the world.
Today, I have Peace because i know i serve a God who will never leave me.
Today, I have been Restored and my heart has been made whole.
Today, I have a Relationship with God Almighty, He's my best friend and one who will never leave.

On this day, my life is different than what i had planned...

I'm not a music teacher, but i have the privilege to teach leaders all around the world how to share the Gospel with kids.
I don't own a house or have a family, but i have houses and families all around the world.
I told God i could never be a Missionary, but its amazing how He can change our hearts and do the impossible.
My paycheck hasn't always added up to my total expenses, but God has always provided my every need.

On this day, i can see that i am not the same person i was ten years ago.
I am grateful for all God has done.
I am grateful for all God will still do.
I am grateful that although i will fall, God is there to pick me up.
On this day and each and every day, God help me live for you.

On this day, ten, twenty, fifty years from now may i never be the same...

Defining Moments...

2011-03-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

In life there are moments that we never forget...memories that have such an impact, that whether good or bad, we will never in our lives forget those moments.

As i have had an opportunity to reminisce about all the different trips i have had been able to take, the memories that have been made, the people i have been able to meet and work with and the circumstances i have been in - it is inevitable that there have been defining moments these past 4 years. Many of my friends would say that graduating college, their wedding day, first day of their real job and their first child are some of their defining moments. At that moment they knew life would never be the same.

My defining moments however look a little different...i have done my best to capture them...

1) My first trip overseas...my thought process in this picture "You have to be kidding me Lord, i can't do this!"

2) Overcoming Fear - after throwing a tantrum like a 2 year old, refusing to share my story with high school kids, the Lord gave me one more shot. The school that day was cancelled and we went back later that week...where i had a chance to overcome that fear that paralyzed me. Shout out to the Big Guy upstairs who gave me the strength to follow through!

3) Chaos - during an outreach event in Durban, SA...giving bread and clothes away goes bad...mob like situation sends Andrea to the car, angry and never wants to work this type of event again! Results: God showed me what poverty really is...and He has started to soften my heart for the homeless here in America and all over the world.

4) Hangin' out in a taxi at night in Madagascar - anxiety takes over and i begin to shut down...not a huge fan of situations that i cannot control. This night God showed me the power of His peace reigning in my life. Fear held me back from making decisions...but when the PEACE of God flows through my life - His strength rules over my weakness.

5) I started to see the bigger picture - I will never fully understand or even be ok with the fact that i lost my mom when i was 18...but at times when i stand before a large group of kids who are orphaned and share my story, and see HOPE enter their lives..it sure starts to make sense. I came across this video OneHope produced the other day and it was just a really good reminder of why sharing our life STORY matters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqFsoMtULGU

Until next time...dig up those defining moments and be thankful for them...

December/January Services

2010-12-22T13:42:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Well here is a schedule for the services i will be taking part in for December and January...hope to see you guys come out to one of them!!

Write it on your calendars...i would really love to see you there!

When: December 26th
Where: Triumphant Christian Center, 1129 Southtowne Court Greenville, OH 45331
Time: 6:00 pm

Also for those who are looking for another service to attend that i will be speaking in come and join us at One Hope Community Church!

When: January 2nd

Where: Little Britain Farm Carriage House
5309 Idlewild Rd
Burlington, KY 41005

Time: 10:00 am

God brought me here...

2010-05-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

As i prepare to go back to South Africa it brings back wonderful and challenging memories of my first year and a half of missions work. There are days i sit and wonder how in the world a girl from Ohio country ended up being a world traveler. There is only ONE reasonable explanation...its simple...God brought me here.

I was raised by wonderful parents. They taught me the difference between right and wrong, to work hard in life and that i could do anything that i put my mind to. They taught me that being faithful to your word - and that going to church was important. I was raised in a Catholic home. We went to church every Sunday and as kids we attended Catechism every Wednesday night. Friends, sports and anything extra took back seat to going to church. If we didn't feel well enough to go to CCD on Wednesday then we wouldn't be well enough to go to a friends house on the weekend. The values and morals my parents taught me carried me through life. But i went to church because i had to go. It didn't mean anything. I didn't understand who Jesus was or that it was even possible to have a friendship with Him like i would anyone else. Fear of disappointing my parents, encouraged me to make good decisions in high school. But no matter what i achieved or had in my life...there was still an emptiness that remained.

When i was a junior in high school a friend started to take me to church. It was different than any mass i had ever been to. There was drums, singing, hands clapping and everyone was so full of joy! They were so welcoming and made me part of their family. As the pastor preached i knew that this was the something missing in my life. I knew my life had to change and on April 26, 2001 i made a decision that i was going to give Christ my whole life, and i wanted to love and serve Him all the days of my life.

As i continued to learn more about who Jesus was I found purpose and belonging. I began to say "Lord i will do anything for you...but PLEASE don't make me a missionary...i could never do it!" What a sense of humor the Lord has...

As life went on, it had its twist and turns, disappointments, joys and failures. But when the unexpected happens it can definitely shake the foundations. In late 2001 my mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. They told us it was the kind that could shrink but would never go away. This was scary, i was only 18 and my youngest sister was 15. I was due to go off to college in six months. As a family we walked through radiation, chemo and all the effects that it brought. There would be nights Mom would go to bed asking for us to pray because she was in so much pain.

It was a week before i headed off to college that my Mom passed away. This heart crushing news brought a lot of emotions. Bitterness, anger, questioning, doubt in going onto school and leaving my sister. I won't lie and say that i wasn't upset with the Lord and these feelings definitely didn't go away quickly. I fought and worked through them for years. And there are still days now that i have to deal with them.

It wasn't until i sat in a primary school in South Africa in 2007. I was asked to share my story with the kids. We found out that these kids are shuttled everyday, and most of them have lost one parent if not two. These kids could relate my story...and see that even though loss is such a hard thing to deal with - there is HOPE. Hope of living a life of joy and purpose. Purpose that can only be found through a life with Christ.

We all have different stories...but i know God gave me a heart for Africa for a reason. Thousands and thousands of kids are orphaned every day in Africa because of AIDS, starvation, war and other causes.

God brought me here because not everyone can relate to that child...and I am determined to share with everyone i know that there is hope, purpose and joy that we can all have in our lives.

Until next time...who can you relate to?

Beauty of Africa...

2010-04-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

As i sat in the OneHope office in Ghana last week i struggled to find the words to explain my little African adventure. I could hear the roosters crowing, the bleating of goats and the hustle and bustle of everyday Ghanaian living. There's always a lot of horns honking and people moving. When you are stopped by heavy traffic there's always someone trying to sell you something to make your wait just a little more pleasant. On the side of the road you can buy your lunch, water, chewing gum, a toy for the kids, sunglasses, phone chargers, car seat covers, juice, nuts and just about anything else you have ever needed while sitting in a car...the side of the road always provides just what you need! Just one detail of Africa's beauty...

We attended a GodMan showing on Friday night. I love being at GodMan showings, or book distributions or anything where i get to interact with the kids. What i love about kids is, they are fearless...they will ask you anything...and they are always honest! Definitely provides for endless entertainment. As we finished setting up there was already a group of kids on the out skirts of the "parking lot" we were using to show the movie. I told my friends "I bet right now they are daring each other to be the first to touch us, or talk to us or if they are real brave ask us to be their friends." Sure enough a few minutes later a few brave ones approached the crazy white girl and said "My friends dared us to ask you to be my friend!" What a beautiful way to begin a friendship!

Thus the journey began. Mavis, David and Daniel became our "proper friends". The questions started: where are you from, what do you eat in America, why are you here, can you come to my school, how old are you, can i come back to America with you...and so on. I would have say that my favorite by far was when little David, age 10, piped up and said "Andrea, have you ever given birth before?" Now because of the accent i thought i might have misunderstood...but he said it again and it was clear as day "have you ever given birth?" Usually people ask me if i have kids, but hey i guess it is just another way of getting an answer to the question. So i answered David "no...ha ha..no David i don't have any kids." David was satisfied with my answer and we walked over to sit down and watch the movie together.

David and I shared a chair throughout the whole movie, and when the kids were asked if they would like to pray and ask Jesus to be part of their life...David went up. How precious to see a 10 year old realize that he can't live a life with out a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Pray that God continues to work in David's life! This is an example of true African Beauty.

Until next time...ask some questions and enjoy the beauty of Africa...

Africa seeps deep in the cracks of your heart...

2010-04-09T20:34:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that it is only a short 5 hrs before i leave for the airport to head to Ghana. Nothing like waiting until the last minute to update.

This is my first time to Africa in a year. It is hard to believe it has been that long. Before i took my first trip in 2007 to Africa i heard this phrase "The red dirt of Africa is not only embedded into the soles of your shoes, but it seeps deep into the cracks of your heart..." How true this statement is! I still have shoes that have a red tint to them and pants that will never be blue again. And a heart that was forever changed by the things that Africa taught me.

I leave tomorrow for Ghana. It is my first time to Ghana but i know the people are amazing! I look forward to seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones. I will be there a week doing some set up for trainings we will be doing in May. We will also be working with a new program called 17 Stories.

It is so easy to go from place to place, follow the normal drill and allow it to become part of life. My prayer the next week, is that i will allow the Lord to change my heart again. Speak new things into my life, grow my passion for people and stir my heart.

Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, surprises, changes and different people. Its amazing to know that through the craziness of life - the Lord never changes and always stays the same. My goal and purpose in life is to make sure that everyone around the world know who Jesus is. That He loved us so much that He died on the cross.

There are people in Africa who may have never heard this message...so let's do it..this is the year i pray that Africa sees Jesus!

Until next time, pray for Ghana...

Living as though He is enough...

2010-03-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

It is so easy to get wrapped up in life. Pursuing goals, maintaining relationships with family and friends, being involved in "church activities", and for me - my most recent endeavor is finding a life in the place that is called home. One thing i don't know if it is a personal thing or a human thing. But why am i always seeking the next thing in life? Why can't i enjoy the now?

As i was driving home from church the other night, singing along with the music like i always do. Singing a song that i have heard too many times, but this time it really caught my attention. Its a song called "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North. This is what it says:

"Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go"

Every time i try to add things to my life to make me feel more normal, or even after i achieve this ONE thing it will be enough its like saying "Lord you just aren't enough..i need more of something else." Wouldn't it make more sense to say "Lord, i need You more. I need to be closer to You, because only in You will i ever find my purpose. God help me learn to live knowing that You are enough and to live it out daily."

So until next time, ask yourself: Do i live as though He is enough...

Back in the groove...

2010-01-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

The past four days i have been looking for the time to update this blog, i've even had the tab open for that long! Last night i finally gave up, closed the tab and thought i would get to it maybe this weekend. But lone behold..i only had one email in my inbox this morning - so i am taking advantage of the few extra minutes!

After three weeks in Ohio raising this next years budget, visiting with family and enjoying some time off i am now ready to get back to the work that needs to be done. My three weeks in Ohio was a precious time. I was able to spend much needed time with family and friends. I was also able to go visit and share at One Hope Community Church and Miamisburg Assembly of God, two of my like family, partnering churches. It was an amazing time to celebrate all God has done in the past two years and gear up for what's coming up next.

In the next year as a missionary with OneHope i am working with the new Hope for Kids project that has been developed with Kids Evangelism Explosion. As i shared about this amazing ministry that is being developed we talked about the importance kids have in God's eyes. What an asset they can be to sharing the Gospel if we would just equip them to do so! When Jesus fed the 5,000 it was a small boy that gave of his bread and fish. Think of the faith, willingness and obedience it took for that boy to give of his family's livelihood! The disciples didn't see the potential in what the boy had to offer for they even said "what is this among so many?" But we are able to see the amazing way God used what that child had to offer.

It's time we start believing in our children. Equip them to share the Gospel, when a child knows something is true they are always eager to share it. We are told to have child like faith...so why don't we equip our children to share theirs. They are capable, willing and such a powerful tool in God's tool belt. They can change the world...its time for us to let them.

In the next five years this OneHope/Evangelism Explosion partnership is going to teaching 20 million kids how to share their faith. Each child will be challenged to share with 10 of their friends. In the next 5 years at least 200 million people will be effected by kids...think about that...its powerful!

Until next time...believe in a child...

Sari Day...

2009-10-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

I went into town on Friday. It was the day before the Dewali festival (Festival of Lights) that the Hindus were celebrating and town was buzzing. Purchasing fireworks, buying food and there was a beautiful display of colors. The day before Dawali Day is Sari day when all the women wear their saris. They were beautiful, flowing with color.. yet something lacked in their eyes. Hope...

The hustle and bustle of a festival is only an excitement temporarily, once it is over there is an emptiness that remains. Not knowing the One who can give them an everlasting light for them to carry in their lives. After the lights are turned off, fireworks have finished and the family has returned to their homes -- they remain in darkness...

How many people have celebrated Dawali in our own communities? How many exchange students in the universities a few miles down the road, don't know the true Light? What have we done to reach them?

Until next time...share your light with someone who doesn't know...

Kana, Kana!

2009-10-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Kana...Kana..Eat...Eat! Besides "Naka" which means "thank you" these are the first Fijian words that i learned. After breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and evening tea...the words Kana...KANA was the last thing i could think about doing. The food is great, but this American girl couldn't eat anything else!!

So my first few days of adjustment have been going well. Meeting new people, learning more about Fiji, learning some of the Fijian words, and realizing that the Fiji we see in the brochures is really on the coast - with the big resorts, hotels, and all the fancy houses isn't reality. Don't get me wrong Fiji is a beautiful place is this is how we see most of Fiji in this first picture. But behind the glitz and the glam there are regular people, with regular problems. There are people who struggle to feed their family, have a safe place to live and those who have never heard of Jesus before.

Much to my surprise there is a very large Indian population in Fiji. Its like 45% Indian and 55% Fijian. You can see the major influence the Indians have on the culture here. All the beautiful colors, businesses, Hinduism and all of Fiji even celebrates an Indian holiday called Dawali. Whether they are Fijian or Hindu or a tourist from another far away country...they all need to hear about Jesus.

Fiji is a beautiful country made up of many different dynamics, cultures and people. But these different things are what make up this beautiful country. Whether it is the glam you see in the photo above or the real Fiji you see in this picture i took outside my back door i am excited about the next few weeks. Equipping people to share Christ with others in their own countries, learning more about Evangelism Explosion and working on the OneHope/Evangelism Explosion partnership...it will be a few weeks of unknown adventure.

So until next time...Kana...KANA...

Packing List...

2009-10-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

The time is nearing and i have to keep reminding myself that i need to start packing and getting ready for Fiji. Besides the dreadful 12 layover i have in LA on Sunday afternoon i am very excited about my trip. As i have been thinking about packing, what to take, what the weather will be like, what kind of meetings i will be a part of, the amount of shampoo and conditioner i need to take...i realized that i haven't packed for a trip longer than 10 days since i was in Madagascar last year! YIKES! After being gone for a week here and there for the past 9 months, to pack for a month is taking a lot of energy. I haven't thought about what i am going to pack like this since i fist started this crazy adventure with OneHope!

Desperate times call for desperate measures...and dare i say it but i have thought about writing a....PACKING LIST! Now that i have written it and said it out loud i know the rest of my fellow missionaries will probably shudder and tell me i need to grow up and become a "real" missionary!

May the rat race of packing, moving, tying all the loose strings, completing projects, starting new ones and preparing for the next month begin. This time next week packing will be the least of my worries, but unpacking, starting projects, meeting new people, getting ready for the conference and trying to answer the questions that i have no idea how to answer. God give me grace and wisdom, for it is only through You that i can do all things!

I look forward to coming back and sharing all the great stories and pictures of my time in Fiji. Pray for me as i travel and work in Fiji for the next month. I will return on November 6th.

Until next time...what's on your packing list...

Good Bye Summer...

2009-09-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Oh how time flies! It seems like summer just began and now we have seen the last of sweet corn, watermelon and outdoor swimming pools. This summer was full of amazing 10 day teams and precious time with my family and friends. I watched three friends get married, one graduate, had a crazy pool and party day with the family, went to the Dixie Stampede and my niece Faith turn 1 year old.

As the summer came to a close with the GREAT DARKE CO FAIR, me and Dad drove down the van, known as "Ruby" to Florida. It was fun getting to spend almost a whole week just me and my Dad. It was time that i know i will treasure forever and now maybe i can get him to come visit again sometime!

Now that Fall is here and the leaves are changing colors, kids are going back to school (Dalton started Kindergarten), Ian and Grant have birthdays and we have started to look forward to Thanksgiving. I am back in FL, getting back to life as "normal"...well normal as it can get. I've been working in the OneHope office and getting ready to head to Fiji in October.

If you are reading this and you haven't received my most recent Summer newsletter please contact me and let me know, i would love to email it to you!

Until next time...enjoy some corn on the cob and a good 'ol BBQ...

Taking a Picture...

2009-09-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my newsletter these past few days, and as i filter through the many pictures i have taken these past 2 1/2 years i am reminded how blessed i am to have this opportunity to meet all these amazing men, women and children all around the world. I also wonder how i would feel if a bunch of crazy people came to visit my village, school and even sometimes homes and took pictures of me. Well when i was in Nicaragua just a month ago we were at a school and for the first time i saw a little girl pulled out her own camera and take pictures of these crazy Americans.

My prayer, that as she snapped those pictures and remembers the day that we were there, even more she remembers the message we shared and the love of Christ she experienced!

Until next time...think about who you are taking a picture of...

Word from Pastor Nate Carter

2009-08-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

In the bulletin at my church here in Florida, we were greeted with a word from our Pastor. It definitely spoke words into my own life and i wanted to pass it along to you. I hope you enjoy this little tidbit from Pastor Nate Carter.

"Aren't you glad he didn't redeem you and leave you on your own? If He had saved you and said, "Here's a road map, see you in heaven some day," you would never make it. Listen to this PROMISE, "He leadeth me beside the still waters." Why? To restore you when life is too much. Sometimes we get so busy that we don't take time to read His Word, or talk to Him in prayer, or wait quietly in His presence for the strength we need. As a result, we finish up "running on empty." At times like that He'll make you lie down while He does a work of restoration in you. Remember, He's much more interested in what you ARE to Him, than what you DO for Him.

Listen again, "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness"...right direction for my life. As i look back at the problems and painful situations I've been in, i confess that it was my best thinking that got me there. So i need His guiding, protecting hand in my life every day. How about you? Child of God, your Shepherd knows where the wolves are lurking, where the poison pasture is waiting, or how close you are to the ditch. You don't! So trust Him, follow Him, commit everything to Him, and He will take care of you."

Pastor Nate Carter
Frontline Christian Center
Boca Raton, FL

Saving the world..one page at a time...

2009-05-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

In my most recent adventure i traveled to Uganda. This was my first time to Uganda and east Africa. Many people believe all of Africa is the same but i am quickly learning that no matter where you go in Africa whether countries or communities each have their very own special touch. One of the things i love about Africa is roasted maize...yumm..it is like corn on the cob that is roasted by the fire - minus the butter and salt, but still very good!

As we were on our way to get dinner one evening the smell of roasted maize in the air, we had no choice but to stop! This didn't happen every day in South Florida so i wanted to make sure we got some maize while the opportunity presented itself. After a few minutes Leah and Edmond piled back into the truck handing back the very hot maize. As i looked down i realized that this maze was wrapped in some very familiar paper.

Could it be....no...wait...yes...oh my...it was true i couldn't believe it...they had given us maize wrapped in pages of the Book of Hope!!! In this case our national staff didn't have an idea to get God's Word out in a different way but somehow this particular lady selling roasted maize was spreading the Gospel and may have never known it.

The Bible says God's word never returns void...so i am just believing that whoever is hungry and receives their maize in the Book of Hope - will be satisfied by the words they read. To satisfy their hunger for maize and God at the same time...

Coincidence...i think not...

Until next time...think about how awesome our God is...

No hablo espanol...

2009-03-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

As you know my most recent trips have been to Spanish speaking countries. This has proved to be a challenge in the past, and although i can understand a little bit more i can't speak at all! Many times after you have asked a child how they are in Spanish they don't believe you when you tell them you can't speak Spanish. In Colombia i found it very helpful to find a child who does believe me when i tell them i can't speak Spanish.

I would like for you to meet my buddy Andres. We met because he thought it was cool that we ALMOST had the same name. After talking to him in my limited Spanish, he thought it was funny that i couldn't speak anymore...after a while more and more kids came up to me talking away and i would of course give them a blank stare with a smile. When i would tell them i couldn't speak, they would shake their heads and never believe me.

This is when Andres came in real handy. He would gently pull them to the side and explain to them that, it is true "she doesn't speak Spanish". After a while i would just look at him and say "you wanna tell them??!" He would smile and nod.

Such a delightful kid! The next evening i had to stay back and do some office work while the team went on to do a service. Andres was at church that night asking for me because he had a very special note he wanted to give me. He gave it to Daneli and asked that she give it to me and read it to me. It was a lovely note saying he hoped we came back.

It is always refreshing to meet kids like Andres, who are so sweet, special and innocent. Pray for Andres - that he will continue to serve the Lord as he grows up and that he will be a light to his friends at school.

Until next time...help someone out...

Thankful: The Series...

2009-01-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks i am going to do a little series. The month that spent at home was wonderful and i found during that time that i am very thankful for many things. Over the next few blogs i am going to write about a few of those things.

So this time i want to start with a member of my family. My Dad. I was blessed to be able to spend more time with him than i usually do while i am home. We had a good 'ol time. Going to dinner at Clara's Pizza, watching Super Stars of Dance, going Line Dancing, IHOP and hanging out before and after his surgery. It seems simple, but when you are only around for such little time - every moment counts.

My Dad is a wonderful man who has always supported me in everything that i do. Even when i have messed up or it seems crazy like traveling around the world. I am blessed with an amazing earthly father...it helps me understand how our heavenly Father is so much more amazing.

So Dad if you read this, thanks for a great time the past month...i am thankful for you! Thanks for letting me gallivant all around the world - your prayers are heard and God honors you for trusting Him.

Readers by the way: my dad can cut a mean rug, best line dancer i know!

Until next time...learn a line dance...

Church Services

2008-12-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!

Well i just wanted to give you a quick update and let you know what is going on. I have finally arrived in COOOOOOOLLLLDDD Ohio, starting to think that if it wasn't because i loved spending time with my family i would definitely still be in the warm florida 80+ degree weather!! But i am glad to be home and looking forward to a great Christmas with my wonderful friends and family!

I will be sharing at a few different churches while i am home. So here is my schedule, if you have any additional questions please let me know and i would be happy to get you directions, or answer any other questions you may have.

December 28th AM Serivce - 10:00 am
Cedar Grove Church
373 Love Rd
New Paris, OH 45347

December 28th PM Service - 6:00 pm
Triumphant Christian Center
1129 Southtowne Ct
Greenville, OH 45331

January 11th PM Service - 6:00 pm
Tidal Wave Youth Ministries
Miamisburg Assembly of God
501 N 9th St
Miamisburg, OH 45342

January 18th - AM Service - 10:15
Miamisburg Assembly of God
501 N 9th St
Miamisburg, OH 45342

There is one other service i am confirming and will get that information to you as soon as possible! Thanks for your support and i look forward to seeing you at a service! Please come out and hear what the Lord has been doing all over the world! Love you all, have a Merry Christmas!!!!!

Madagascar Summary...

2008-11-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well i have officially been back in the states for a whole week and making all the normal adjustments. Simple things like the food, people speaking English, missing my adopted family in Madagascar and living what seems to be a much more complicated life. My time in Madagascar was very different from any other trip so far. The country itself was very unique, the poverty was like nothing i have ever seen before, the sexual immorality was heart breaking but the hearts of the people were like gold. I've always been told not to be impressed with what the devil has done but know how big of a God i serve. There were definitely things in Madagascar that will forever break my heart, like the fact that less than 50% of children have the opportunity to go to school, the life expectancy is less than 50 years, they have the highest STD rate in the whole world, some parents teach their kids that it is useless to learn how to read and the poverty is hard to ever put into words.

We can dwell on all the bad things for years, but i want to tell you about the good things that happened too! There were many great things that happened too. You see while we were there we trained at least 8 different ministries and groups of people to do Book of Hope in their own community. We trained the new national coordinator, Gwladys, and she is already accomplishing great things and has a vision to see Madagascar reached with God's Word.

Madagascar has tons of potential to be a God fearing nation all across the country...i am excited to hear the stories that come out of that country. It is exciting to see what has been done but even more importantly, what is going to happen.

Thank you for you prayers, support and encouragement during this time i spent on the island of Madagascar - God will bless you for your willingness to give of yourself. I pray He keeps you and guides you during this Christmas Season!

Until next time...give a helping hand to someone in need...

I fed a lemur,,,

2008-10-02T07:25:00.001-07:00

I am not sure if i have announced that i fed a lemur but i did and it was amazing! They have very soft hands which surprised me since they do everything with their hands. I wanted to share a few pictures of this amazing event with you...enjoy!

What Price Would You Pay?

2008-10-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Our time spent here in Madagascar so far has been a real eye opener. There are times as I ride down the street in a taxi I think to myself how unfathomable it is to me to live like so many of these Malagasy people do. I often feel like I am paying the price to serve the Lord when I don’t get Mexican food for 3 months…but the stories of pastors who have truly experienced the cost to serve Christ has amazed me.

One of the missionaries here Jay Rosterfer (for those of you who go to MAG – our church actually supports them monthly – they are amazing by the way!!) was telling us a story the other day of a pastor in the south of Madagascar. This particular pastor moved his wife and kids down to the southern part of Madagascar. When they first moved there to plant a church they had no place to stay and therefore were living on the streets. The church started to grow but no one in the congregation was at a place to barely feed their families, so therefore the new believers didn’t see tithing as an option. The pastor was struggling to find a place to live and now his children were showing signs of malnutrition. For most of us it would be out of the question to sleep on the streets but this pastor had a vision. As his children became more ill he gave his wife and children the choice: do we stay or do we go? His wife and children chose to stay. In the following months he lost two of his children. But he stayed…continued doing what the Lord had asked them. Shortly after his second child died a man came to church who was a faithful to tithe. The pastor was able to feed his family and find a home. Financially things were going well for them. This faithful man was seeking the Lord one day when he felt like the Lord said “I am calling you…” The man didn’t know what this meant so he asked his Pastor what he should do. The pastor knew this young man had call on his life so he was faced with another choice? Did he release this faithful man who was feeding his family to go serve the Lord and become a pastor himself ? The pastor knew he had to encourage the young man to go to Bible school and follow God’s will so he did just that. God blessed this pastor for his obedience even after he had paid such a high price with the lives of his children, and now was releasing his only faithful tither into the ministry. Because this pastor in the south was faithful to the Lord, God has blessed him, his family and the ministry. He was blessed with more children, a home, people who were able to tithe faithfully and the church has grown. The pastor has a children’s church just about as large as the adults in the church. The story doesn’t end with this faithful young man who tithed. He is a pastor now to, and an active player with Book of Hope. His church is growing in adults and children and he is a frequent visitor to the bush where they travel to find those who have never heard about Jesus. The Lord has blessed these men for their faithfulness and obedience. But there was a price to pay. Things that happen in our lives don’t always make sense, but God has purpose in every one of them. Before we are quick to get angry at a circumstance why don’t we ask God what he wants us to do instead of asking him “why”?

The Lord is using Madagascar to teach me this. What in my life haven’t I given to the Lord, what stands between me and Him? If I am truly his servant I have to be willing to do whatever His will is. I share this with you as a challenge and an encouragement to see what is really happening all over the world. This isn’t an uncommon story in Madagascar but just one of the few…

Until next time…seek closeness with the Lord…

Even Babies Know...

2008-09-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

I have been racking my brain trying to think of what I could write for this first blog. It is hard to explain Madagascar. There are so many things that make it like no other place in the world. There are places you go and it is like I would imagine being in Asia. Other times you walk down the street and it feels like you have just walked into any African country. You can be sitting by two different Malagasy people and think that they are from completely different parts of the world. The streets are packed with people. Some people are carrying their job on their head, others pulling it in a cart, riding a wagon pulled by oxen or sitting at the fruit stand selling fruit, phone cards and bike parts. Words can’t explain this country, and I am not even sure that visiting it will ever make sense, but there are a few things that even babies know…

Even babies can recognize a vassa. (Vassa = a foreigner/white person.) We hear kids who are just starting to talk whisper “vassa, vassa”. So we smile and wave to them, even when they look frightened at the sight of someone who doesn’t look like them. Sunday morning on the way to church we always ride on what is called a Taxi Bay. (Taxi Bay = public transportation in bus/van form.) Taxi bays are always a cultural, interesting and entertaining experience. One particular Sunday after starting in the back of the bus I had finally settled beside a young lady who was holding baby. The baby couldn’t have even been a year old. But he just starred and starred at me. He wasn’t confused; he knew he was looking at a vassa even though he could say it out loud yet. Even babies know when something is out of place. It is very uncommon to see a “vassa” on public transportation. We as “vassas” tend to like our personal space something that isn’t optional on the taxi bay. I have no doubt that that baby was laughing on the inside, because even babies know when something is out of place…

Until next time…take public transport and sit really close to the person next to you…

(photos to follow)

Learning...

2008-08-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

School is going to start again soon and everyone is gearing up to start learning new ideas and concepts. No matter how old we get i think everyone looks forward to getting good deals on school supplies. You just can't beat 57 cents for a school box!! I have also found now that i have been out of all education facilities that what we are told as kids is true, we really never stop learning.

Sometimes we learn things we don't want to learn like how to grieve, tight budgeting, dealing with gas prices, working on our communication skills and not to speak Spanish when we have no experience with the language.

Sometimes we learn things that we are excited to invite into our lives like new people we meet, new job opportunities, how to drive, a sweet deal on school supplies and about a new country (Madagascar) that is about to be part of your life for the next four months.

Then other times we learn things that we didn't even see coming. I guess that is what i have experienced the past week or so since i have been home. These are some of the things i have learned:

-I don't understand everything that happens in life...
-We may not always understand God's plan...we just have to trust Him, He is God...
-Coming home and leaving again will never get easier...
-When we feel like we are in a valley we know God is going to teach us something amazing...
-You may go to 2 doctors but only a family doctor can write you a malaria prescription...
-Being a cool aunt is easy...just push them on the swings...have fun...and promise to get in the pool after nap time...
-Most recently i have learned more about God and how healing is just as much of God's plan as salvation. Start in Psalm 103:3 "He is the One who forgives all your sins, the One who heals all your diseases" We know the first part of that is true because it is in God's Word. Why then do we say if it is God's will He will heal? If we say that then why not ask if it is God's will then maybe you will be saved. NO! By His grace we are saved...and He heals our diseases! Isaiah 53:6 is very familiar we all know it "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed" God is teaching me to not just believe what i read when it is convenient for me. ALL of God's Word is truth. My mom died of cancer and for a long time i was angry, bitter, blamed God and blamed myself. God has taught me to remember the good things, it wasn't my fault i prayed and i know He gave her strength during those days of pain. He reminded me that none of us are guaranteed our next breath. When it is our time we will go no matter what the circumstances are...Mom's in heaven now she is in the place we all can't wait to get to. This is what God's Word says right...i believe it all! If the enemy thinks that he is going to stop me from praying for the sick, he has another thing coming...he is getting whooped. God's Word never changes...He is true to His Word...and His Word says a prayer offered in faith will make the sick well. So when we get the first part right...we are living for God and found righteous and repent when we make a mistake then our sickness WILL be healed...
-No matter if we see results right away or not God always starts something when we pray...just stand on His Word...
-God is God...He says it...i have to believe it!

So i just have a question...what is God teaching you??

Until next time...talk to God...

Lost in Translation

2008-07-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

As some of you know throughout the trip i expressed some concern and slight frustration because of my Spanish skills...which are basically the same as my Zulu skills if you get my drift. Toward the end of the trip something happened that made me realize that i should never speak without my translator by my side...and that is the story i am going to tell you today.

It was a large high school we had to visit two times in one day because they were so big. Located in the city Chincha, they were at a temporary sight because of the earthquake damage had been so extensive a year ago that they had to set up a temporary school for over 2500 students. Because of the set up and chaos we had a teacher help lead us to each classroom.

I went from classroom to classroom making sure that everyone had enough books so i spent some time with this particular teacher. It can get pretty awkward hanging out with someone for more than 2 minutes and not speaking to them so Senor took the first step. The first time i just smiled and tried to tell him that i didn't speak Spanish, the second time i caught something about the United States. This is how the conversion went.

Andrea: Oh am i from the United States?
Senor: (nodded his head yes)
Andrea: Si Si Si i am from the United States.
Senor: (his eyes got real big)
Andrea: (got real nervous)

A few minutes later my translator returned and after a few words with Senor began to laugh uncontrollably. He then said "Andrea did you tell this man that you would take him with you back to the states???!"

Andrea says: NO NO NO i said that i was from the United States FROM the United States...

Needless to say something was lost in translation and i didn't exercise my Spanish skills for the rest of the trip...it was a scary experience...

Until next time check your Spanish dictionary...

Peru

2008-07-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

The past month has gone so fast and i can't believe that i haven't updated this blog since before i left. But i promise that i will make it up to you all. I am working on getting some stories together and will be posting them in the next few weeks while i am in the states. I look forward to talking with you while i am home. Keep checking for new posts and pictures coming soon!!

Until next time...use a translator...

On the Road Again...

2008-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

It's true I am on the road again. I arrived in Florida Monday afternoon and have been preparing for the Peru team to arrive for training on Friday.

Currently there are a lot of things unknown but i will update you as i receive the information. I do know that we will be working for a time in the villages up in the mountains which is exciting. Book of Hope hasn't been in this particular area for 10 years and we have the opportunity to give the kids here the Book of Hope..it should be awesome!

My time at home was wonderful and a great time of rest and recharging for what the Lord has coming up next. I was able to spend time with family and friends and experience a little bit of stability for a few short weeks. But i guess i am beginning to realize why they call us "Nomads". Nomads are a people group who move according to the readiness of the harvest. No matter how exciting home is, there always comes this point when you know it is time to go. Time to move back into the fields because the fields are ripe and the Lord will use anyone who is willing. I am ready to move! Who knows how much time is left we have to keep working...

The next few weeks i will keep you updated on what's happening on this field...so until next time...

Get out in the fields....

My Apologies...

2008-05-27T14:34:00.001-07:00

I am so sorry that i have neglected to update this blog with new information about what is going on at home and stories from the field. So to make up for my negligence i have began to upload pictures onto a flickr site. You can find the link just to the left. Click the link and you will see photos from all over Africa. As i continue to travel in Latin America this summer and continue searching all over the world i will update these photos as often as i can as well as this blog!

Health Update: All of my tests have come back fine and so i am just waiting on one last release.

Currently i am scheduled to be in Latin American the end of June through the first of August! Begin praying for the kids we will come in contact with. Pray for favor with the national government and churches in the places we will be working!

If you have any questions please let me know and i can do my best to help! Thank you for your patience and i hope you enjoy some new photos and coming soon some stories from Africa!

Until next time... take a picture...

Home...

2008-04-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am "home" in the states that is. I arrived yesterday afternoon and will be arriving in Ohio on Saturday.

For the next few weeks since i am stateside i will be posting stories from the field. Things that happened the past few months.

Keep reading...i will do my best to make it interesting.

Until next time pack your suitcase...

Zimbabwe

2008-04-11T08:27:00.001-07:00

So I hadn’t heard much about Zimbabwe before I started to travel around these African countries. Basically all I knew until the end of March was that they were in a lot of trouble. The inflation rate is 30, 000,000 to one American dollar. It has come to the point where you just can’t buy fuel let alone bread in the country. The government won’t print money anymore so people do it on their own. Zimbabwe is also known as either number one or number two most corrupt countries in the world.
After deciding that we were going to go to Victoria Falls, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, we had two choices. Go on the Zambia side which was four times as expensive or go to the Zimbabwe side which was cheaper and the rumor was that it was more beautiful. So we decided to take our chances and go to the Zimbabwe side. This is just a recap of our adventure.
Border Crossing into Zimbabwe – border crossings are always interesting anyways but we didn’t know how it would all work out…

General Rules:
1) Stay calm
2) Act like you always know what you are doing
3) Make jokes to keep the workers happy
4) No unnecessary questions
5) Leave the office when you are done, don’t wait around causing more chaos

So keeping this all in mind the workers were the friendliest workers we had all day after already crossing two other boarders (that’s right three countries in one day). Even better we got through in no time. As Kim and Jeremy worked on getting the stuff we needed for the car we sat in the cars and talked. I remember saying “man those guys were really nice it is so sad that the whole country gets a bad rap for the choices of the government.” We were all loaded up now and getting ready to go through the gate when we were stopped. Apparently Kim and Jeremy didn’t go to meet the guy on top of a cement platform with a single desk about insurance. After going from $100 per car to $10 (American) for both cars they realized it was a scam and they finally let us through the gate…WEIRD…maybe it isn’t just the government hummm….
We arrived to Victoria Falls safely and ate at a Whimpy (a burger joint) except all they had were a few sandwiches and coke…we ate a meal for over 1 billion dollars in their currency which equaled around $50 (American) CRAZY!

The Falls were beautiful as you can see on the pictures that I have posted…it is something I think that everyone should see in their life time. A few of the boys decided to go bungee jumping so we ventured down to the bridge were it was taking place. During our time there we were asked repeatedly to buy souvenirs that we didn’t need, watched a few people run for the border illegally and then raced back to the car so we could make all three borders by 6:00 pm. We crossed back into Namibia at 5:59 pm..WHOA!

It was an amazing day and one I will never forget in my life. I wish I could express in words how amazing it was…if you are ever even 20 hours away from Victoria Falls you have to make the trip…oh by the way the Zimbabwe was way more beautiful than I’ve heard the Zambia side is.

Until next time…keep crossing borders…

2008-04-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well I may have mentioned previously how amazing the church we have been working with has been to us! We’ve made a lot of new friends and they have just blessed our socks off. One Thursday we went to lunch with Dion, a wonderful business man who attends the Thursday morning business men prayer meeting. After we ate lunch he informed us that they had arranged for all the ladies to have their hair done.

You will see in this blog a before picture…note Andrea on the far left…looking a little mangy. Then take a look at the after picture…who knew my hair could do that! My hair is curly again but needless to say it is much thinner, lighter and I am really enjoying the new do.

Until next time…comb your hair…

thankfulness

2008-03-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

As I stood under a blanket of stars surrounded by teens of different backgrounds, races and walks of life there was one thing that we all had in common. We all stood giving thanks to God for who He is and all He has done. It was a few hours where differences were set aside and everyone in one way or another gave thanks to God. We arrived in Phalaborwa a few weeks ago welcomed by everyone we came in contact with. It has been amazing how the people have just taken care of us and blessed us in such a way that we are daily just blown away by it. We’re so thankful for the relationships we’ve developed, kids we’ve be able to minister to, volunteers (Sam, Joe, DiDi, Jinx, Mercy and Pastor Cashwell) we’ve been able to train and take into the schools with us, the partnerships the local people have made with one another, the unity that has come and so much more I can’t even begin to list all of them. The past two weeks have also been a time of challenges and confusion. You see since I’ve been here a year now there are times when I think that I have South Africa as a country figured out. I have come to realize that South Africa is very much like an onion…you can just find layer after layer of stuff…good things, shocking things, sad things, terrible acts, unity but still there can be disunity that spreads like cancer and eats away at the national church like a cancer does. These are only a few layers I have discovered.
Maybe above has given you a little idea what was going through my mind on a Friday night when over 100 teachers, students, Americans, Afrikaners, Africans got together to give thanks to God. We met at Frances de Toit, the town’s high school. This particular school is known for an amazing success story of mixing the blacks and whites one of the best in the Limpopo province and even throughout the country. Although it is a major success story we still hear of the challenges that it is presented with. But I was just so overwhelmed that this particular night everything was set aside to give thanks to God. It didn’t matter the race, what country you were from or even what denomination you were a part of…all differences set aside over 100 young people worshipped the Almighty God under the stars together. God showed up in an amazing way, people were saved, hearts were freed and restoration began in my heart and I know other hearts to.
I am so thankful that God saved my soul, freed me from guilt, shame and sins of my past. I am thankful for every experience painful or joyful that God has allowed me to go through. Not only because of the things it has done for me, the people I’ve been to minister to all over the world…but because I know that all the Glory belongs to God…so I thank God and will praise Him for the rest of my life!

Mobs

2008-03-15T02:37:00.000-07:00

(this is my get into the car face!) (after the fact)

Well there's always talk in Book of Hope of the potential mobs. So far this semester things have gone pretty smoothly and i started to feel like maybe i gave my team the wrong impression of what it could be like here in South Africa in a mobs situtation...but my stories where confirmed yesterday at our last schools.

Sometimes looks can be deceiving. Our last schools yesterday when we arrived the children lined up in perfect little lines. I even said to Kate "man we can just give them their books as they standin their lines. They even sang us a few songs and were beautiful singers...probably the strongest i have heard all semester. The first part of our presentation went very well and they seemed content. But as we began the Walk of Life the pushing started which led to moving the kids so they could see which ended in chaos. So we sent them to their classes and moved on to pass out their books.

Just when you think it is safe...you give one boy walking through the school yard a hug and then those kids just come from places you never knew existed...a few minutes later i can barely stand...being hugged by more kids than you can imagine. As more of the team came towards the car they attacked them and left me. In this transition i got jacked in the jaw. I headed for the car as i yelled "retreat...retreat...get in the car!!"

This morning as i was washing my face i ran over my jaw and realized that i had a bruise from that incident! Can you believe that...i got punched in the face! All this to say...mobs can always be a surprise, something unexpected and can be very dangerous. Listen to someone when they say get in the car, don't ask questions....just do it!

photos as promised!

2008-03-08T02:47:00.000-08:00

Here are the photos i promised from the cape buffalo experience...it was awesome!

Phalaborwa

2008-03-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

Well the good news is...we have arrived safely in Phalaborwa. We worked hard today getting some schools set up in the town we are staying in. Please be in prayer about the following:

-Open doors
-Headmasters to meet with us. Many are hesitant because of some bad experiences they have had with other organizations coming in and not doing all they have said and given the students inappropriate materials.
-Scheduling schools
-the students here that they will be open to receive God's Word and life in their own lives!
-Our team
-health
-Safety

Love you all and will keep you posted!! Thanks for reading...talk to you soon!

Why Should You?

2008-02-26T04:02:00.001-08:00

This is why you should come to Book of Hope...

Just one of many reasons!

I'M ALIVE!!

2008-02-26T03:43:00.000-08:00

I am alive, healthy and doing very well! Here is just a quick story about things that i have been happening on the field! Love you all!

“This is SOOOO Cool!”
I would love to introduce you all to two of my newest friends. On Friday, February 22nd we went to our last school. It was a small school no more than probably 50 kids. This was a school specifically for kids who have learning disabilities. As we walked in all the kids sat in their chairs, swinging their feet and they all had big smiles on their faces. We introduced our selves and a few of the kids would say “HELLO ANDREA” back to us. They loved the hello song and the illustration called chappie. Finally the time came to give them their own Book of Hope. They could hardly sit still in their seats as we approached them and they quickly opened up their books. During the presentation I was watching two of the boys of the front row. One was so happy he could hardly stand it and the other enjoyed the presentation but was pretty cool for school. I approached them both and said hello and asked them if they liked their books. Initially I figured they couldn’t speak much English so I figured that I wouldn’t get much of a response. Before I knew it I had met Anthony and DJ who were both in the second grade and full of questions. The conversation went a little something like this “Ah, what’s this? Is this when Jesus went to heaven? Why did Jesus stay there? Why did He die? THIS IS SO COOL! Look at this game, I can’t wait to play! Oooooo what is this? Is this book really mine? Thank you so much! Can I give you a hug? Thank you so much for coming…can you come back? Wow this is so cool!!” That was a short version of all the questions these curious little guys had. It was refreshing to see and hear the excitement about the Book we had brought them. The excitement in their voices and eyes was priceless and charged me up for the busy weeks ahead. Pray for Anthony and DJ that the Lord plants the words in their hearts and continues to show them His love for them. Pray that the excitement of knowing Jesus will be their biggest testimony!

Peace!

A Typical Day?

2008-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Well I do apologize that it has been so long since I have updated you guys on some of the adventures that we have experienced thus far in South Africa. But I can ensure you that we have indeed had some great adventures. I will post them in moderation but I know some will make you laugh, some will leave you in disbelief and some may make you want to come here and see for yourself what it is like. You may wonder what it is like in a typical day as we travel around the world…and I must say it is just a daily variation of events and weird quirks that just remind you that you are indeed in another culture, language, and country. Our first Saturday here was a little different than a normal Saturday but then again everyday is an adventure and we have to be ready for anything! Here is what our first Saturday looked like…
7:15 am – Andrea gets up to start getting ready for the day…still half asleep and doesn’t really like to talk for the first half hour she is awake…
7:17 am – Jen comes through the door talking about the farm workers needing our help moving Cape Buffalo...
7:18 am – Andrea continues her way to the bathroom completely confused and disoriented…
7:20 am – The confusion has been confirmed, in a matter of ten minutes our group of 12 Americans will jump in the back of a bakkie (pick-up truck) and go to help physically lift a Cape Buffalo into a truck so that it can be transferred to the other camp…
7:30 am – Andrea has found herself squished into the back of a truck with about 15-20 other people…
7:35 am – We are now flying at top speed down a bumpy dirt road to the site in which the Cape Buffalo have been shot with a tranquilizer dart…
7:40 am – OH NO! We are stuck in the mud…
7:41 am – Andrea begins to realize that tranquilizer darts are temporary and being stuck in the mud isn’t an ideal situation…
7:43 am – The men have successfully pushed the bakkie out of the mud…
7:45 am – We are once again flying across the African plain…
7:50 am – We have spotted the Cape Buffalo, they are down, and what?…oh man we are stuck in the mud again…
7:51 am – Andrea has found herself frolicking through the high grass to see what these Cape Buffalo really look like…
TIME OUT: THIS MAY BE THE APPROPIATE TIME TO TELL YOU THAT A CAPE BUFFALO IS ONE OF THE BIG FIVE IN AFRICA…THIS MEANS THAT THEY ARE NOT JUST THE HARDEST TO KILL IN AFRICA BUT ALSO ONE OF THE TOP FIVE MOST DANGEROUS ANIMALS IN AFRICA…TERRITORIAL AND WILL KILL YOU IF YOU INVADE THEIR TERRITORY.
TIME IN!
7:51 am – Andrea continues to prance across the field, praying the snakes decided to stay home today…
7:52 am – We have now arrived at the scene of the “crime”…Did you know that buffalo can still breathe and move a little even when they are out…
7:53 am – After investigating the size and strength of these animals, Andrea decides to step back while they wake these beasts up from their nap with a taser.
7:55 am – The female buffalo has been drug with a rope through the fence to the other side and left alone with one of the farm workers Moses…
8:00 am – The professionals are now waking up the male and beginning to transfer him to the other side…when we hear “YEBO….UH…YEBO…” The female has now gotten up and Moses is left alone with her while her eyes are still covered with a blanket...needless to say this has made Moses a little nervous…
8:02 am – The female has stumbled off into the distance and the male…not as friendly…is upset and ready to be on the other side…
8:15 am – The transfer has been complete and you hear a faint clapping rising from the distance in which the Americans stood.
8:30 am – The package has been dropped and we have all settled into a wonderful breakfast where we can all sit and say “as far as this goes…all is well with my soul…”

Please check back in for an interview with the Cape Buffalo and their take on this whole experience…this will be posted in a few days…

God's Faithfulness

2008-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well it is no secret that God is always faithful to His children. I know that i just can't keep all God has done in this past few weeks to myself any longer. This is just proof that when God asks you to do something He will always meet every need along the way and during the adventure. You see God has asked me at the point in my life to work with Book of Hope for at least the next two years. Something i never thought i would do - work as a missionary, far away from home for months at a time - but something i am so excited about! There are always responsibilities that come along with anything the Lord will ask you to do. One of my first responsibilities is raising a monthly budget. Something that can take often times six months to a year maybe even more to raise a monthly budget. So i know what God has asked me to do but when it seemed like i would have to wait God always proves Himself faithful!

In a matter of less than a month the Lord has brought in 78% of my minimum budget and my entire cash budget. Every day the Lord continues to do something amazing getting me closer to being in Africa in just a few weeks. Keep praying that the remainder of the monthly budget comes in quickly.

I know God will remain faithful, He calls - He will equip! If you are planning on partnering with me in what God is doing in Africa and all around the world and you've yet to fill out your commitment card please don't forget! Contact me with any questions or concerns...PLEASE!

Have a blessed week and enjoy God's faithfulness in your own life!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

2008-01-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

Weird to say 2008, but it is and there is something special going on this Sunday January 6th. I will be speaking at:

One Hope Community Church
Little Britain Farm Carriage House
5309 Idlewild Rd
Burlington, Kentucky 41005

Service Time: 10:00 am

For more information about One Hope Church check out their website at www.onehopecc.com

Sunday Evening at 6:00 i will be speaking at the Tidal Wave youth service at Miamisburg Assembly of God.

Please let me know if you have any questions or additional information! Thanks! Blessings!!

Remembering and Refreshing

2008-01-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Another year has pasted and a new one is just beginning. It is time to remember the great things that have happened in the past year and look forward to the promises of God for this next year!

2007 was a year full of new experiences, challenges and lifestyles. As i was thinking about this past year i remembered that it was just two years ago today that the Lord gave me a vision for Africa. A vision of the continent knowing Him and restoration of all the African people. God has made a promise and is beginning to raise up the nations of Africa. This year was just the beginning of being able to be a part. This past year I've had the honor of being able to see thousands of kids in South Africa, Namibia and Swaziland hear about Jesus. Over 130,000 kids received God's Word this year. It has been a year of new culture, new friends, new challenges, new victories and kids hearing about Jesus maybe for the first time in their lives.

2008 is going to be another year of new things. A new 2 year commitment to work with Book of Hope as a Response Team missionary. New opportunities, experiences, partners, friends and so much more.

I hope to be ready to go with my budget raised by mid January so that i can help co-lead a team in Southern Africa this January-May. God is doing great things in Africa and all around the world. I am so thankful that He is allowing me to be a small part of that and so thankful that there are such wonderful people who are partnering with me so see Africa and the world changed!

May God bless you this new year and lead you into the things that He has promised you!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2007-12-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!! (A little late i know) And a HAPPY NEW YEAR (early...awww yeah!)

Well i hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful holiday season! Just a few updates.

Sunday Dec 30th I will be speaking at the following places:

Cedar Grove Church
373 Love Rd
New Paris, OH 45347

Service times: 9:00 am and 10:30 am

Triumphant Christian Center
1129 Southtowne Court
Greenville, OH 45331

Service Time: 6:00 pm

Hope to see you there! It will be a blast! If you have any questions please let me know and i will be happy to help!

Upcoming Plans

2007-12-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well I've been back in the states for a week now and been making all the adjustments you can make before you hit the real home base. It has been different than last time so far. The busyness of life sometimes seems to take over before you can begin to make proper adjustments and then before you know it you are caught off guard by the sadness of not being in Africa. I wish that everyone could experience Africa...there just aren't words to explain how Africa can capture your heart. Maybe these picture can begin to give you a look at what i mean.

So now what you may be asking what's next? I will be arriving in Ohio on Dec 15th. I will be speaking at churches in the area in between the dates of Dec 16th-Jan 14th. I will be posting an updated list of churches that i will be speaking in including service times and contact information. Hear is what i would like to ask you to start praying about. I know it is a quick turn around but i am looking to raise my $2500 a month budget during this time that i am home. Book of Hope would like to see me back on the field in January. But before i can return i have to raise that budget. Please begin to pray that God will open the right doors so i can return to Book of Hope in January! Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Photos as promised..

2007-12-03T20:43:00.001-08:00

If you have seen these theives please contact the South Africa Police Dept thank you!

Africa...oh Africa...

2007-11-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

Well the time has gone so fast but my time here in Africa is coming to a close. We will be leaving Thursday and arriving back in the states on Friday. I will be spending some time in Florida for Response Team training but arrive back in Ohio on Dec 15th. I will be spending some time in Ohio working to raise my monthly budget. I will be sharing at churches in the area and will keep you updated on the dates and times of those church services.

I am excited to see everyone and share all that God has done in my life!! I love you all, see you soon!!

Monkey Business

2007-11-23T03:49:00.000-08:00

Well as you know we have had a few run ins with them stinky monkeys since we have been in Africa. So i would just like to take the time to tell you a story. One that is shocking, funny and emotional all at the same time.

Well it was Sunday afternoon and the team had just gotten done going to God's house and then out to Mugg & Bean for a little afternoon lunch. It was a delightful day in the neighborhood and all was in good spirits. Upon our arrival at Petra College (where we were staying) everyone skipped to their rooms ready for a good ol Sunday afternoon nap. When two of our girls (Jen and Briana) opened their door they came to a quick halt and found their room had been broken into. That's right there was clothes strung all over the room, cliff bars missing, pretzels all over the room, even fiber pills had been taken (keep this one in mind). Just when Jen thought it couldn't get any worse she found that her beloved bag of granola the whole thing couldn't be found. Could it be true was the whole bag taken???? YES IT WAS TRUE! So then we began to think about who could commit such a crime without using the door and being able to get to the second story with bars on the window. After much consideration we could figure that it was none other than....the STINKY MONKEYS!!! They struck again and got away with the loot.

Little did we know that this wouldn't be the last time they left their grimy prints on something the next day the broke into the kitchen and completely destroyed it leaving their remains from those fiber pills behind and later that night they got into the boys room through a tiny window in the bathroom taking nothing but their candy bars.

Needless to say there is a great reward for anyone who catches these thieves....that's right they are wanted...DEAD or ALIVE! Identification posters will be posted at a later time...

You know you're in Africa when...

2007-11-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

There are many times that you forget that you are in Africa but then every once and a while you have those subtle little reminders of the reality "I'M IN AFRICA!!!!!"

You know you're in Africa when...

You have to go to the mall to buy groceries.

You wake up after a restful night of sleep with over 60 bug bites all over your body.

Everything is held together with sticky tack.

You crave taco bell everyday.

You wake up at 5:30 in the morning and think something is jiggling your curtains.

You change beds as much as you change your clothes.

You wake up at 6:30 in the morning to see a monkey sitting on your air conditioner unit (that doesn't work) sticking his hand in the window jiggling your curtains.

People think your combi (van) is a taxi and give you a dirty look when you don't pull over.

People leave a very important key to the Book of Hope warehouse at Whimpy, a local restaurant, in an envelop marked "Leah" nothing else just "Leah".

You walk out to your car and find that those stinky monkeys have left prints all over your nicely washed vehicle.

Banana pudding is made with mayonnaise.

You learn to stop special ordering your food, for example "can i have a hamburger without pickles" because you will end up with a chicken sandwich with pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions and some unidentified sauce.

You have to drink so much coffee that it keeps you up at night.

Now the list could go on but i think you get my drift...oh the adventures you have in Africa...I love this place!!!

Did i mention there are penguins here???? Weird i know...

Challenging thoughts...

2007-11-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

I know i have written a lot about what has been going on here in South Africa but i am just going to take a few minutes to share a little bit about what has been going on in my own life and things God has started to show me. He has been bringing me to these ideas that are just really challenging and honestly i am not sure what to do with yet but i know He is going to just totally turn my world upside down with them. Bare with me because they are still just a few ideas, but i challenge you to think about these to in our own life.

I think about my life and what God has asked me to do and sometimes i am speechless. I know i can't do any of these things with out His help. But at the same time our society pushes all this other stuff on us, expectations and standards that may sound good but do they really line up with God's will for our individual lives? The world tells us to graduate school, get a good/high paying job, get married at the age of 23-25, have a family, work hard your whole life and retire at a ripe age of 62. But can i ask you a question? If you look just at this what eternal value does this have?

God has called us all to serve Him, to bring Glory to His Name. It isn't about us, it isn't even really about other people....it is about Him! What in our lives do we settle for? Do we jump the gun because an opportunity looks nice, seems like it might be God's will but after we are too far involved and we think it is too late to get out do we realized that we settled for 2nd best. We settled for something that simply looked nice, or settled for the expectations of those around us.

I don't know what God is going to do with my own life or the places He may send me. But i do know i am tired of settling for the things that look nice. I want God's best. I don't want to be King Saul in 1Sam 15 who held back things for himself, or followed the traditions of war...i want to be obedient to God and what He has...do you...join me in asking God to search my heart, show me my motives and ask Him to direct me step by step. He lights our path, He doesn't give us directions.

Just a few thoughts, but i feel like God just might change my life with these thoughts...how about you?

McDonalds...

2007-11-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

After being out of the country for a period of time one usually gets excited about a McDonald's visit here and there. So it was about that time and i wanted some McDonald's after a half of a day of hard work. It was past lunch time and i was ready to eat. Sometimes when you eat something that seems so American you forget sometimes that you are still in Africa! So let's just do a small comparison and see what i learned on this special day!

McDonald's in the States: Open 24 hrs a day
Africa: closed for tea time, lunch and dinner time (they "said" they had a power failure...sure...)

States: Order in front of a menu
Africa: Pull to the 2nd window, no menu, ask one question and you get a rude response

States: If they are out of a certain food you can't order it
Africa: You pay and wait for a while and then finally they ask you if you can substitute a milk shake for an apple pie

...all the while there are kids in the back of a pick-up truck with no seat belts, to ride in lunch time traffic while sipping on their cokes and eating lunch in a "safe" vehicle. Then once again i was reminded...TIA...This Is Africa!

Regardless of my humorous trip to McDonald's things are still going very well in Cape Town and we plan on being here another week and a half until we move back up north to do some orphan work. Be praying for the students we have reached and will reach in this area!

Update Straight From the Bush...

2007-10-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Straight from the African bush, where time is never an issue, there are people everywhere, a taxi is considered on of the most dangerous "animals" on the road, thousands of people die everyday from HIV/AIDS, kids feel like they don't have purpose or a future and people cry out for just a little bit of hope...

I am excited to say that in the past 3 weeks we have had the opportunity to give over 40,000 children and youth in Mpumalanga province, South Africa hope. Hope in the form of a book that shares the Gospel...hope that has and will produce life!! As we have talked to different students, people in town we have found that the cry here in this area is very strong and people are looking for a best friend who will never leave them. We have had the chance to talk to many people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior right there on the spot, kids who ask "How can Jesus be my Best Friend and much much more! God is doing amazing things here in South Africa and I want to say THANK YOU for playing such a major role in reaching thousands of kids every day!!!

Although amazing things have been happening we are still in need of your prayers...pray for our safety as we travel we did arrive in Cape Town safely and are staying with a wonderful family in Sommerset West. Continue to pray for this area and that their hearts would be open to receive Jesus as the truth!! Love you guys and thank you so much for you support and encouragement!!

Why your prayers are important...

2007-10-04T10:58:00.001-07:00

1)Bad, squealing brakes, ready to go out at any minute
-thank God a friend knew a mechanic who fixed them for free
2)The clutch goes out in Swaziland
-thank God for Mgugu, the best national coordinator who helped us get them fixed in a timely manner
3)One trip to Nelsprit...one...no two flat tires and a sick girl on the side of the road
-Thank God the first flat was right beside two rhinos
-Thank God that even though the 2nd tire was shredded, the spare was flat, then once it held air it didn't fit, the 2nd gas station we found was open, our awesome new security friends were able to get a friend out of bed to fix the tire and get us home after a long 11 hr trip to Nelsprit
-Thank God that he kept us safe as we waited for it to get fixed on the side of the road

*Did i mention we have replaced the brakes again and all of these events have happened in a matter of one week!?!?! Did i mention that we treasure your prayers and need them everyday!?!!? Did i mention that God hears your prayers and we are all safe, healthy and know God is our protector?? Thank God for your prayers...keep up the good work!!

Relapsed...

2007-09-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

I have relapsed….

It is true, I thought that I was in a state of recovery but I have indeed relapsed. Ever since I returned home over the summer I knew I was dealing with a serious addiction. An addiction that at times seems so silly. You travel everyday with no permanent home, you live with 6-9 other people who you have never met in your life, you see thousands of kids every day and give them God’s Word, you work with awesome national teams and then weeks later you have to say goodbye – only to meet another national team-build friendships and then say goodbye again. There are times where this kind of lifestyle seems a little bit to be desired. But then you get in front of the kids, act silly, see them laugh, tell them about Jesus, a best Friend who will never leave, and then see it in their eyes a realization. A realization that they are important and matter to God. A realization that they have hope and a purpose for their lives…and this is when the relapse sets in. I confess I am addicted to giving God’s Word to children all over the world; to share Hope with children and youth who have never heard…to continue to search for those who still don’t know about Jesus.

So what am I going to do about this addiction? I am going to feed it until God places something else in my heart. I will begin raising a monthly budget to become a Response Team Leader Missionary with Book of Hope. I am hoping to have my budget raised by January 2008 so I can begin my two year commitment. Thank you all for your support during my journey and I am so thankful for all of you! Thank you for your prayers, financial support, encouragement and every email!! If you would like to continue to support me in the search for those who don’t know Jesus yet, please let me know! Thank you for everything and I love you all!!

On the search again

2007-08-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

As I have sat and thought about what the perfect blog would be before i head back out on to the field i don't feel like have i have been very successful! So i have just reflected on where i have been, what i have done and where i am going back to. During my reflection i stumbled upon a blog i posted on MySpace right after i got back...and i think it suits this occasion of pre-going back feelings...

"I thought as i entered the world of freshly cleaned and dried (in a dryer) clothes, new haircut and color, endless hair products, non-timed internet use, my cell phone and some of my favorite foods would be great and fufill that emptiness that i feel in my heart right now. But i have come to realize that all this "stuff" that we consume ourselves with is all meaningless. Everything we consume our lives with means nothing to eternity. And as I sit here and force myself to stay awake a little longer so i can beat jet lag i am starting to realize and remember why i am doing what i am doing...and why i want to continue to do what i've been doing. Being silly infront of kids, doing drama and school presentations, handing out God's Word and hugging kids as i tell them about a Best Friend is tons better than endless internet and hair product will ever be!! In the end all that stuff goes away, but some day there will be tons of children who know Jesus because of a book they were given. The Fame of God's Name...and a search for kids to love and give the opportunity to receive the Ultimate love...that's the key...and that's why we do what we do...."

As i read this i am reminded why i am ok with all the hard goodbyes (again), the lack of hair product and accessibilty to internet and anything else i can dream of. The Lord reminds me once again that He hasn't asked me to live in comfort or pursue the things the world tells us to pursue, but to continue to search! Search for the lost, hurting, sick, bound people and those who have never heard of His Name. The next three months i will see all the things i just listed and i will come in contact with hundreds of kids everyday...pray God will guide us to those who don't know, to encourage those who do and to submit ourselves completely to Him!

You see it has never been about us...its ALWAYS been about Him, and for others to know Him...pray as we search for these people that thousands of lives will be changed...

Searching to "the end" of the earth...

2007-08-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

My first thought this summer in Namibia was, we’re going where??? That’s right to Opuwo, Namibia which translates as “the end.” I thought this last week of ministry would be the hardest and most challenging week of my life. It turned out to be one of the best weeks of my trip! We would be sleeping in tents, have tons of bottled water, gas for a week, canned food, only a possibility of running water and not even sure where we could find a bathroom.

Meet Musé, a young girl who is in third grade. She has a sweet personality and a loving heart, but she just like any other African child, at a boarding school, just wants to be loved. Musé and I met after a school presentation during the 3 1/2 hour span before we were going to show the GodMan at her school. She was just one of the children who I had the honor to play with during that time. We played follow the leader, read the Book of Hope together, had a photo shoot and the best part was just hugging them and telling them Jesus loved them and so did I! Later that evening as Musé sat in my lap and we watched the GodMan I remembered why all the challenges are worth it. At the end of the movie there was an invitation to make Jesus their best friend. Right there as I held this little girl she said the sinner’s prayer in herero, her native language. Pray with me that God will keep Musé and she will grow up to serve God will all her heart!

Can You Tell Me What True Love Is?

2007-08-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

It was the end of day one Tuesday, February 27^th; we had done a few primary schools and now a secondary school. To be quite honest secondary schools have always made me a little nervous. I found myself having to get pumped up to face hundreds of secondary students, all who are mostly much larger and ‘cooler’ than I.

At the conclusion of the presentation they were instructed to return to their classes. When I turned around I saw a group of girls hanging out looking like they had some questions. As I approached them I knew they were searching for answers.

After I had answered a few questions to the best of my ability, one girl proceeded to ask two of the questions that showed me just how deceived this generation in South Africa is. She timidly asked “What is true love?” Wow! I sure wasn’t ready for that one! I quickly gathered my thoughts and asked the Lord to give me the right words to say. Faithfully, He reminded me that the true and ultimate love is the love that He has for us. So I explained to her that the Man in the Book, my Best Friend Jesus is what true love is all about. His love for us is unconditional and no matter what we have done or the mistakes that we make He will always love us! As I finished the sentence she was ready with her next questions. A question that I believe every young African girl has running through her mind, one that has deceived and left young Africans feeling hurt, rejected, abandoned and with HIV/AIDS. She then boldly asked “So if a guy pressures you to sleep with him…he doesn’t really love you then, right?” I quickly responded by telling her if he really loves you he will respect you. A real man will respect and value you.

As I watched the girls walk away I prayed God would change their lives; that they would open the Book of Hope to read about a Father who is the perfect example of love; That they would strive to overcome the cultural norm, realize that they are valued, and loved by a Man who will love and respect them no matter what!

Thank you Thank you!

2007-07-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

I want to say thank you to all of you who have supported me during this search throughout the world to find those who still don’t know about Jesus!

In the past five months we have reached 82,923 students in Southern Africa with the Word of God and the love of Jesus! Thank you for playing such a big part in that!!

I pray God will continue to bless your lives for your obedience and willingness to reach these children of Southern Africa!

Continuing the Search...

2007-07-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 28:19-20 it says "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen."

Many of us have heard this preached on a Sunday morning, used by a missionary visitor or in reference to reaching out to those of all nations. Yes I agree, this is an amazing scripture that commands (not optional) us to go and share the love of Jesus with all people. ALL PEOPLE, ALL NATIONS, EVERY TRIBE and EVERY TONGUE...why?? For the fame of His Name. God wants His Name to be known and glorified by all people.

As I am coming to somewhat of an understanding of this scripture I want to ask you to join me on a search. A search throughout the world to find those people...the ones who don't yet know about the One and Only True God. I will do my best to keep you updated on my search throughout the world to find those nations, tribes and tongues who have not yet heard about the greatest Name of all...JESUS!