Into the Field - a 30 second glimpse

"I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations." Psalm 108:3

Putting Purpose to Your Passion

What is your passion?

Is it children?  Cooking?  Knitting?  China?  Gardening?  Christ?

How does your passion show up in your life?  Is it something that you do or experience by yourself?  Or do you use your passion to bring joy to the lives of others?

I recently spent a long weekend in the state of Washington with a group of people passionate about both Christ and China.  Together we stepped through a time of focused strategic planning and the result is chinaconnect - a ministry with the mission to share Christ's love with the Chinese people through service and relationship.  They willl create and provide opportunities for people of all ages, on both sides of the Pacific, to to serve and share their faith.  To learn more or see how you can get involved, check 'em out here.

I've been meeting with a couple who have a passion for addressing the immediate needs of widows and orphans.  A trip this summer to Romania resulted in the meeting of a missionary who introduced Nicolle to widows living in mud homes which will likely collapse under the winter's first snow.  She has a renewed sense of urgency for putting her call to serve others into action.  Stay tuned...some great stuff is about to happen!  Keep your Eyes Wide Open....

For Christmas this year, my sisters and I have decided not to give "physical" gifts to each other, but rather find some way to serve, to bring joy, or meet the need of someone else.  I'm still fine-tuning what I'm going to do, but I know it'll involve kids who are not experiencing many of the blessings that life has to offer (I have 3 nephews, one sister is a teacher) and likely Christmas cookies (my sisters and nephews all like making, decorating, and eating them). 

I encourage you to take a couple of minutes to check out this video on The Advent Conspiracy.  Maybe it will give you some ideas about how we can bring focus back to the real meaning of and for Christmas.

So, what is your passion?  How can you put some purpose to it to impact the lives of others?  Think about it.  Then do something about it!  You'll be glad you did!

Two weeks and thousands of miles away...but still on the top of my heart...

In some ways, it seems like far more than two weeks have passed since my heart-touching trip to Ukraine; in other ways, it was just yesterday.  But regardless of the days or miles that separate us, the people - big and small - I met and the memories I experienced are still very much on the top of my heart.

Every time I pick up my cell phone I see Sveta and her big cross-eyed smile grinning back at me.  Multiple times each day I think and share about the blessings and contrasts that I witnessed:

• The cold eyes and demeanour of the orphanage director who only wanted to talk about financial support for remodeling and murals;
• The kind, warm, deep eyes of the director who spoke of his dislike of designated giving and his desire to focus on meeting the needs for the children's food, care, and programs instead of some of the much evident repairs;
• The children who looked and smelled of wet diapers quietly rocking themselves for comfort since they knew that their cries would bring no response;
• The children who laughed and played, who listened to Christian CD's in the hallway and had posters of their favorite sports teams hanging over their beds;
• The 21st century version Ukrainian orphanage version of the quilting bee...10 toddlers sitting in a circle working on potty training;
• The therapy space that was pridefully showed to us, but which was obviously unused since it had mirrors and other equipment laying in its midst;
• The beautiful murals painted by orphanage teachers, on their own time, at their own expense, so that the children could have brighter surroundings;
• The joyful giggles of toddlers racing after plastic mushrooms - seeing who could gather the most - while their teacher played a jubilent tune on the piano;
• Malinka problinka (my poor spelling)...small problem...camp without electricty...bus without a wheel...;
• Experiencing the joy and delight with a new, special friend at her first stay in a hotel;
• The sophistication and brilliance of a gold-domed, painting and image filled church;
• The simplistic beauty of three wooden crosses on a sandy hill at a camp in the woods;
• The hearts of new friends working to translate the hearts and passions of others we met, helping to forge relationships filled with hope and faith as we crossed the country;
• The excuisite ornamentation and professionalism of the ballet featuring dancers from around Europe and Asia;
• The self-composed songs sung around a candle lit table in the middle of the woods, while cooking and eating dinner, playing cards, collapsing chairs, and working to stay warm (and yes, Olexiy, I have a video);
• The reminder that God is good...all the time...even when it looks like He is hiding...and that happiness, joy, and blessings that can be found in the simplicity of a balloon or a sticker can remove the darkness of the world, barriers, and any situation surrounding us, if we will only remember to pause and look;
• The joy of Jesus in a hug, a smile, the squeeze of a finger, the changing color of a leaf, the peace of a sleeping baby, the passion of those striving to serve Him regardless of their language, education, financial status, or outlook on life; 
• And oh so many more....

Pray big...believe big...big things happen...

Children of Ukraine

Miracles and Darkness

Our God is one who does miracles and it is exciting to have a front row seat to watch them in progress.  And He has the power to overcome and bring light to the darkness.

At the beginning of August two containers filled with more than $20,000 of baby supplies left the United States for Ukraine with the hope and prayer that they would arrive in time for our team to distribute them at the orphanages which we would be visiting.  The week before we left, we received a message saying that the supplies would arrive on time, but that customs would be holding on to it and not releasing for distribution until AFTER we had returned to the USA.  Several of us began praying and claiming that God would intervene and the supplies would be released.  Well...on the road out of Ivanik, 20 miles from Cherynobyl, while leaving an orphanage, after meetings with several people, lots of prayer, and an "expediting fee", we got word that the shipment is being released!!  We're still working on figuring out how we're going to get it from Kiev to Donetsk, since we've now left Kiev and are 7 of 14 hours en route to Donetsk.  But we know that because He released it, He'll also help us get it into our hands.

We left the celebration of the "miracle of the container release" to enter the darkness...through the power of the Internet, Facebok, and networking relationships, we were introduced to an American missionary (Andrew Kelly) who is in the process of building a camp in Ivanik.  We pulled up to the drive of the camp - Pine Branch (www.jeremiahshope.org) - to discover that the bus could not drive down it due to its sandy nature (as in, welcome to the Ukrainian beach in the middle of the woods)...so out of the bus we tumbled, bags in tow, and through the woods, past the pumpkin patch we went.  In the process learning that the camp had lost its electricity, which also meant that it did not have any heat.  After a quick team meeting, it was decided that we would stay - even though temperature projections were for the low 40's.  What a wonderful adventure it was.  Candles were lit and blankets piled on.  Nothing could diminish the joy felt, experienced, and memories being made.

Today was a much harder day at the orphanages.  It was one where the director placed a higher priority on renovations than on care, and where we were not permitted to touch, photograph, or even play with the children - some of which were severely handicapped.  But we know that God is there, even in the middle of their darkness.

Tomorrow it is another 7ish hour drive and more adventures to be had. 

Sveta...the light...

We made it safely to Kiev, and have been on a whirlwind, non-stop adventure.

Yesterday, Saturday, was our first day visiting the orphanages.  The first was what I believe will be the "gold standard" of those we visit.  It has a number of sponsors currently, including the Ukrainian national soccer team.  There were bright colors, a happy play ground, and a display proudly sharing the pictures of their children which had been adopted into their forever families. 

I was a part of a group of 5 that went into the first room with the 2 year olds.  And there I met Sveta...a precious, precocious little girl with crazy curls pulled back into pony tails, big glasses, crossed eyes, colorful tights, and a smile and giggle that would not stop.  She loves to laugh, hug, and was fascinated playing with the balloons we brought.  One could not help but feel brighter being with her, even though she lives in an atmosphere where she there are not many high expectations for her future...and her name, appropriately, means "light."

Today I met Olga.  Olga + Balloons = Joy.  Olga is 2 and lives in an orphanage outside of Kiev in an area filled with pine trees.  We entered into Olga's room which was filled with toys, bright colors, and nanny's which have an obvious love for her and the other children under their care.  Olga and her friends were seated at their table and when tossed balloons erupted into contagious laughter which could only be described as pure joy.  While Olga and her roommates all have Down's Syndrome, it is not what you first notice when you enter the room.  It is the joy that radiates from the inside out, completely unaware of the limitations that her life might hold.  Certainly a lesson that we can all learn from.

Tomorrow we depart for Ivanick (not sure if I spelled that right, but that's how I hear the name to be).  We'll be in a small village, visiting a maternity hospital, and staying at a Christian camp that a missionary I was introduced to via Facebook is building.

Pray big...believe big...big things happen!

A new adventure...heading out Into the Field...

At 4am tomorrow (Thursday, October 1), I head off for a new adventure!  I will be traveling with doma international to Ukraine!  This is a new country, a new ministry, and wonderful new friends for me! 

I am excited about the opportunity to love-on and serve the orphans and others that we'll meet.  I am curious about the experiences we'll have, the cross-cultural learning and ministry that will take place, the laughter which will undoubtedly be abundant (especially when I attempt my limited Russian vocab), and the opportunities for personal stretching of faith and comfort.

I can't wait to see how and where God show's up! 

I'm not sure what my internet access will be like, but I'll post updates as I'm able!  You can also stay in touch with us via Julie Clark's blog (she's the founder of doma).

Pray big...believe big...big things happen!

Prayer, Praises, and Miracles

I don't know about you, but I don't spend enough time praying, praising, and expecting miracles. 

Throughout the Bible we are repeatidly told of the importance and power of prayer.  Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoice in home, be patient in tribulation, be in constant prayer."

The Old and New Testaments speak verse after verse of God's people praising Him for the good and the bad times in their lives.  James 5:13 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise."

We know that He can do and has done miraculous things across not only our lives, but all of history.  Why then should we not have an attitude of expectation that He will continue?

Today I pray for specifically for friends who are experiencing significant health challenges; that the Ultimate Physician might do His work in them.

I give praise for all of the incredible blessings - big and small - that I have been given.

And I ask for, and expect, miracles to take place which will lead to the release from Ukrainian customs the containers we have shipped in order that we can distribute their contents to the orphanages while we're there October 1-11.

Thank you, Lord, that you can do all this and so much more than we could ever think to ask.

Don't Wait - Thrive!

How much of our lives are spent waiting?  Of this, how much is our own self-imposed waiting? Sure, we are supposed to wait for traffic lights to turn green to go, wait until we turn 16 to drive, wait until after dinner to eat dessert...

But how how often do we wait because emotionally (or culturally) we think it is something we are supposed to do?  We think we have to wait until we have more money...until we have a better job...until we're marrried...

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

Where did we get this notion that we're supposed to wait?

"GO".  Not "slow down" or "check back later".

If you are single, or know someone who is, I would like to extend the invitation to attend Thrive '09 - the Ohio Christian Single's Conference on October 16-17, 2009.  Keynote speaker Chris Coppernoll will lead us through the conference theme of Faith, Hope, and Love.  As one who typically runs in the opposite direction of anything labeled "singles", I can tell you that I was very pleasantly surprised when I attended last year.

Interspersed through the conference will be interviews with those who have made the decision not to wait.  But to go and to do.  For those who are interested, there will also be several ministries participating and ready and anxious for you, to get plugged in.  Interesetd in running?  Maybe you'd like to get plugged in with Team Up 4 Orphans.  Do you like coffee, are looking for a fundraiser, or want to serve Honduras?  Then Heart to Honduras may have what you're looking for...

Who knows who you might meet or what you might hear that causes something to click or stir within you?

Won't you join us?  Stop waiting.  Go.  Thrive!

Trust

"And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with him."

Colossians 2:6

Blind Faith?

In what do you put your faith? For as long as I can remember I have had a great sense of direction. When my great aunt was alive, she would tell stories about how, when I was just 3, I let her know when we were lost and driving in circles in New York City.

Well...confession time...today I was headed from my house in Columbus to see my sister and her family outside of Philadelphia. Dad told me to drive his car since it gets better mileage than mine and has the GPS. He swears by his GPS. So instead of doing my usual "Map quest" printouts, by blind faith, I decided to let Mildred (that's what we named to "lady" in the GPS) to lead me safely there.

To quote Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman", "Big mistake! HUGE!"

I turned on the car and turned off my brain. Mildred said "turn", I turned. Mildred said "exit", I exited. The next thing I knew, I was approaching Marietta - which is NOT along the route that I am supposed to be following. I called Dad. I won't tell you exactly what he said to me, but needless to say, I confirmed the route I was supposed to be taking.

I turned around (Mildred's detour cost me an extra hour and a half on my journey). She kept telling me to get off and go the other direction. But this time I had the details, was in contact with someone who had driven the route many times before, who I could call upon when confused, and knew the way I was supposed to be going.

The next 6 1/2 hours, Mildred kept trying to tell me to get off the road and go another direction. A couple of times I checked in with Dad to confirm that yes, I was still really going the way I was supposed to. And finally, FINALLY, I arrived.

How many times in life do we blindly go along, basing our thoughts, opinions, and critical decisions on what someone else says, on an article we read, a news report we see, an innuendo someone makes? I don't know about you, but I'm finding it more and more difficult to discern what our culture believes to be truth, and I'm not sure that I want to buy into its definition.

What do you put your faith in? Where do you consult to make sure you're staying on the right "route"? Might I recommend the Bible? It doesn't change, if you consult it - and let it - it'll direct your steps. It'll even let you know when you need to make a u-turn. If you have an opportunity to participate in it, I would encourage you to check out The Truth Project. It'll help to open your eyes and clarify your route.

(By the way, my nephew thinks that the reason the GPS kept leading me astray was because she didn't like her name...he has renamed her "Annie"...we'll see if the name change makes a difference.)

What is YOUR passion?

What is your passion? What keeps the wheels in your head going round and round...even when your body is saying "it is time to sleep"? I have been having a lot of those kinds of nights lately, and I think it is a direct result of all of the passionate people that I have been meeting and spending time with.

Take my friend, Karen Burkhart, for example. Karen has one of those absolutely spectacular voices that I think can only be described as a gift of God. One of her passions is to use her voice in celebration of her faith and to bring people into a time of praise and worship. Karen launched her debut CD this past spring - you can listen to some of it on her website! (Karen is from across our northern border and will find out on August 27 if she has won one of Canada's awards for Christian artists! GO KAREN!!)

Karen and I went to dinner the other night and through the course of our courses, spent time talking about a vision she has for developing a special time of singing and worship. A time where people can come together and sing and celebrate and praise and worship. A time where we're not bound by a certain number of allotted minutes for announcements, for offering, for the sermon...in order to get out of service in time for the next one to begin. A couple of years ago my church had a time like this as we were celebrating our Jubilee and bringing forward some pretty significant gifts. I remember leaving that time thinking - "WOW! I have no doubt that God was there and directing the choir of angels!" It was one of those goose-bumpy times when you knew something special was going on. (I'm by no means saying that I haven't felt God at church since then, that was just an example of one of those really amazing times.)

Ever since our dinner, I've found myself thinking about how often we allow our passion, our mission, our ministry, our faith, our ________ (you fill in the box) to become limited because we have only allotted a certain amount of time. What would happen if we just said, "OK, God. It's all yours. I've got other stuff going on, but I'm going to let you take the lead and I'm REALLY going to follow you. I'm going to resist the temptation to apply my definitions, my calendar, the limits of my mind."

What could...would...really happen if we were to get out of our own way and let His will be done? I know that I'm in my own way ALL THE TIME! Whether it be with my weight, my quiet times, my fund raising, my relationships...you name it...the #1 roadblock tends to be me.

Part of the reason for the name Into the Field is because I believe that we're all called to go out into the field to serve. The field is going to be different for each of us. For Karen it may be music. For Doug it might be with orphans. For my Dad it might be in prison ministry. The key thing is for us to go out.

I'd like to put forth this challenge...think about...pray about...what really is your passion? What is your "field"? Try to determine what are some of the ways that you are the "road block" and keeping great things from happening. Once you've figure some of them out, move 'em. Challenge yourself to get out of the way. Let go and let God. And see what will happen. I think we might all be surprised.

Oh..stay tuned...don't be surprised if Karen's vision and passion for a special time of praise and worship comes to be...I'll let you know...!

It's a Small World After All...

My nephews (and their parents) just returned from a fantastic trip to Magic Kingdom where they (ages 4, 6, 36, and 36) experienced all of the wonder and excitement that Mickey and his friends have to offer kids of all ages.

The 4 year old told me that one of his favorite rides was the beloved "It's a Small World." (Ok...are you singing the song in your head?). I've been thinking a lot lately about how small our world really is.

Two months ago I wouldn't have said that I knew anyone working with orphans. Now, I know four. It started with Doug who founded Orphan World Relief. Then I met Julie who founded doma. Turns out that Doug and Julie (and her husband, Dan) know a lot of the same people but had never been able to connect face-to-face with each other.

I was talking with my dad about my upcoming trip to the Ukraine (with doma) and he said that I should meet his friend, Alex, who grew up as an Orphan in Russia. Turns out that "Dad's Alex" is "Doug's Alex". (Doug and Orphan World Relief work with and support Alex's organization - The Harbor - in Russia.)

When Doug and I were meeting, he suggested that I get in touch with Vicki who has an orphan ministry for children with HIV/AIDS (Montana de Luz) in Honduras. I'm meeting with Vicki in 2 weeks. I want to see about introducing Vicki to Heart to Honduras (who is celebrating their 20th anniversary and with whom I participated in a short-term trip in January).

And I want to introduce Vicki and Heart to Honduras to Mike (who lives in South Carolina and who I met through another loop'd-loop connection) who has a ministry called Reading is Power which works to get books to rural Spanish speaking communities. (If you're going on a mission trip somewhere where they speak Spanish, Mike has developed these great "libraries in a box" which meet airline requirements for a 2nd piece of luggage...might be a great gift for you to take with you to those you're going to serve!!!)

Phew...no wonder I'm feeling tired (in a very good way)...hearing the song repeat over and over in my head accompanied by images of the little children dressed in their native clothing...for such a big planet, it sure is a small world! Especially when you're working to serve others and live your life faithfully! How small is your world?

Celebrating? ABSOLUTELY

Today I am celebrating. One year ago today I left my full time job to more intentionally serve others on a daily basis. Into the Field was formally established on May 1, 2008, but on August 1, 2008, it became my "job". (I put "job" in quotes, because I believe that anytime you're doing something you love and are called to, it doesn't seem as much like a job, but rather a joy.)

I've been asked if I knew then what I know now about what was going to happen in our economy (think back to the balances in your portfolio in July and then October/November), would I still have quit my job. My response, "ABSOLUTELY".

Are my financial accounts a bit slimmer? ABSOLUTELY.

Has fundraising for Into the Field and some of the other ministries I'm working with been more challenging than I anticipated (primarily given the significant changes in the economy)? ABSOLUTELY.

Have I met some incredible people? ABSOLUTELY.

Have I stood in humbled awe of the amazing ways that people are serving others around the corner and around the world? ABSOLUTELY.

Would people say that I'm a happier person today than I was a year ago? ABSOLUTELY.

Am I excited to see what God has in store and where and how He'll lead me next? ABSOLUTELY.

God is good.

What Makes YOUR Heart Smile?

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to meet Amie at a women's retreat at church. My heart felt an immediate connection with her. I've had the opportunity to visit and serve in China and currently am a part of the board for China Service Ventures. Amie has a heart for China's children. So big is her heart for them that her family is in the process of welcoming their fourth child into his "forever family" (this will bring their family count to 8 great kids!!!). As I read her blog - "Heart Smiles", it makes my heart smile knowing the impact she is making not only on the lives of the children that are being welcomed into their family, but the lives of their other kids, and the lives of those they meet as they live their lives. (That's a lot of lives!)

What a wonderful example of a family serving around the corner and around the world! They are bringing the world right here...around the corner!

Living, sharing, and serving your faith doesn't have to require big gestures. Not many of us are in the position of Amie and her family to welcome new kids into our families the way that they have. (Although I sure would love to!) But I can carry a couple of extra bottles of water or food bars in my car to share with someone standing with a sign on a street corner...I can share words of gratitude and appreciation with someone in the service industry who usually goes unacknowledged (think about the person who cleans the restroom at a hotel or the airport, or who clears off the tables at the restaurant...)

When we pause in our lives to serve another, it not only makes their heart smile, but I've found that my heart smiles...and I'm sure that God is smiling, too!

What makes your heart smile? How will you bring that smile to the heart someone else today?

The Deeds and Miracles of Jesus are NOT actions of the Past.

Last summer my parents went with my sister's pastor on a trip to the Holy Lands.

Outside of one of the sites they visited, near the Sea of Galilee, there was the above plaque that reads:

"At Thy word I will let down the net." Luke 5:5

"The deeds and miracles of Jesus are not actions of the past. Jesus is waiting for those who are still prepared to take risks at His word because they trust His power utterly."

So, are you? Do you? If so, how?

Fly for Good!

Do you travel internationally as a part of your mission/ministry? I just recently learned about http://www.flyforgood.com/. They are able to offer "humanitarian" rates for non-profit organizations (their volunteers, staff, and families) on international flights. To qualify, the non-profit must go to the site, set-up an account, and go through their verification process.

What mission team wouldn't want to save on their airfare?

Thanks to Fly for Good and other businesses and organizations who are out there helping to serve the servants!

Me, a "blogger"?

I don't know about you, but lately I've been discovering more and more just how SMALL our world is and being reminded just how BIG our God is!

Since taking the leap mid-2008 to more intentionally follow what I believe is God's passion in my life, I have been reminded time and time again how we are but a piece of HIS mighty plan. And how incredibly blessed are we to play a role in it?!?

I have had the opportunity to serve in short-term capacities in multiple locations around the corner and around the world. I have seen the many incredible people working through many phenomenal organizations doing things for others which are sometimes beyond definition. With every conversation, with every interaction, not only do I have my faith affirmed, but I learn something new - about my faith, about my God, and how I can better serve Him.

I hope that this blog will become another resource, a place where I can share, where you can share, and where we, together, can enhance how we serve.

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. at the right time we will harvest a good drop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get a chance, let us work for the benefit of all..." (Galations 6:9-10, The Message)

Pray big...believe big...big things happen!

Jen