In the Moment with Grady

One of the things that I love about Chinese Christians is their beautiful faith.  I love to worship with them.  Unlike many of us in the United States, when they sing, their focus is on who they are singing TO, not who they are singing WITH.

As you listen to Grady's rendition of "Our God is an Awesome God", pay attention to the passion in his voice.  He is in the moment and so is his Father.

Click here to read more about Grady and the stories of some of his friends.

I just learned the very exciting news that the $45,000 that was needed for his spine surgery (all options were searched...in the US it would have been in excess of $1,000,000) has been raised!  God is Good!  Please pray for the surgeon and those who will use their expertise to care for him, that a bed will open in the hospital for him, that the surgery goes smoothly, that he stays clear of infection, and his 5-7 weeks in the hospital are uneventful.  I can't wait to see the way that God is going to use this great kid!

I am thankful for the blessing of Grady in the lives of all who have the privilege of meeting him!

If you would like to learn more about Grady or travel with Into the Field to China (June 14-26, 2012!) where we will be serving him and others, send us an email!  We would love to have you join us!

The Price of a Princess

Last night I, along with about 250 of my closest girlfriends at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, had the opportunity to be blessed by the message and ministry of Jennifer Beckham.

Like most little girls, Jennifer had the dream of being a Princess.  Unlike most little girls, her dream came true.  She lived the fairytale life of a Disney Princess.  While beautiful in many ways, also held unanticipated realities.  What is the price to maintain the illusion of perfection?  Do you dare share any of your scars?  Will you ever be enough?  In a stadium, in Tokyo, she discovered the truth.

Jennifer's message is a powerful reminder that so much of life is a matter of perspective.  Our world is full of people, places, and things who want to tell us that we're not good enough, that we're not pretty enough, that we're just not enough.

Throughout our time together, she reiterated that we have to be careful because often the lies which we are told are laced with just enough truth that they are difficult to see for what they are.  We were created in the image of God and are HIS princesses.  Any "flaws" that we have are intended and put as a part of who we are for a purpose.

Who is speaking to you and changing your perspective away from that of God?  Who or what is the voice that is telling you that you are anything less than a precious child of God?  Who told you that you're not all that God intended for you to be?

Because you are.  You are His Princess.  You are His Child.  You are Enough.  You are all that God intended you to be.  No matter who is speaking lies into your life, remember that you are His.  And that is enough.

Bibles for China

I don't know about you, but I regularly take for granted the blessings all around me --  whether that when I turn on the facet water comes out (not only that it flows, but that it is safe for me to drink), when I'm hungry I can either go the pantry, refrigerator, or store to find something to eat, or I'm tired and I go to sleep on my soft bed filled with pillows.

If you were to look around your bookshelves, how many Bibles would you see?  Probably more than entire villages in areas of the world where the Word is restricted and not easily available. 

Last October, when in China, I was in a meeting with a pastor, a government official, and others.  The topic of a new rural church which the current church is building came up.  When we asked the government official (who usually we do not have much interaction with and who has the ability to send us out of the country if we say something incorrect about our intentions regarding faith activities) if we could help purchase Bibles for those who would be attending the new church, many of whom are poor and could not afford to buy one on their own, he said, "Sure.  No problem."

Recently a friend of mine, who is living and serving full time in China passed through town while home for a summer break.  Into the Field was able to give her money which she has now taken back with her and will go to the church where she will work with the pastor to make the purchase and get the Bibles into the hands of those who need them.  What an amazing opportunity to be able to help provide the Word to those who crave and deeply desire it!

Passion into Purpose

I had the opportunity to write a brief article for Connections magazine (printed by Sola Publishing) which scratches the surface in telling my story and thoughts about "Passion into Purpose: God's Gifts Becoming His Impact."

If you'd like to read it, click here.

Do you have thoughts or your own story to share? I'd love to hear it!