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Starbucks and the Gospel

Today was Becky's first Starbucks experience. That was exciting-- but not as exciting as what took place there.

Our time was wonderful-- thank you so much for your prayers. The LORD's strength is perfect in my weakness. All I need to know is Christ...and Him crucified.

The most exciting part of our conversation was her realizing that she was a Christian.

She mentioned something about not being Catholic or a Christian or anything- but then said she wanted to be a Christian. I asked to her to help me understand what she was saying- I was confused.

She said, "Well, I haven't been christened or anything yet."

I told her that to become a Christian, all she had to do was believe in her heart that Jesus died for her sins, that He rose again, and to say it out loud. I asked if she'd asked God to forgive her for all of her sins, and put her trust in Jesus. She said yes.

"Well, girl, then congratulations! You're a Christian!"

Her eyes got WIDE. HUGE smile on her face. "Really?!"

As we talked about the Gospel for the next hour, my heart was filling to overflowing. This is the BEST news EVER! What hope! What joy we have!

I also loved the look on her face when she asked, "What about sins in the future?" and I got to remind both of us that past, present, and future sins were all laid on Christ. She was ecstatic. As was I!

I count it a tremendous privilege and honor to be positioned in a way to watch God at work in Becky. Please keep her in your prayers.

A small glimpse

Friday night we had VJ extra. (Kids from the neighborhood we bus in to share the gospel with-- but not with all the fun and games and inflatables- this one is for more questions and conversations.)

Elso shared his testimony...

...and it looks like one of the girls got saved!

I'd chatted with her for a while before the "talk" bit- catching up on how she was doing and what was going on in her life. The conversation seemed to be going well, and I'd hoped to set up a starbucks date with her sometime soon.

Next thing I know, she's texting me all day yesterday things like, "Is it a sin to swear and smoke?" or "I feel like a huge burden has been lifted- this is the best decision I've ever made." Today she told one of the other girls today she feels like she's "chosen life."

What's so unusual, is that this girl has no church background. It's tempting for me to wonder if she just knows the right words to say...but she DOESN'T know the right words to say. She came to church this morning (for the first time!), and we have a coffee date tomorrow. Please pray. I have no idea what she'll ask, or what we'll talk about. I am so weak. Help.

As she stood next to me during worship and we sang, "All voices join with the thousands who know mercy because of the cross- all sinners washed in your precious blood...together we will sing!" I couldn't help but think of That Day. And have my heart soar with eager anticipation. This is a glimpse. A taste. Oh the miracle of regeneration! The mystery of salvation!

Praise and glory be to Jesus Christ-- He is the Life Changer!

Nails, Fondue, and FUN!

This week is "half term" which is a week that the high schools have off 3x a year. Nice, huh? Today I was released from normal, everday GAP Team responsibilities to spend time with my LIFE girls. We had a fondue and spa party. Being a girl is so FUN!



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Thank you to so many of you who've asked how my dad is-- He's doing great. Surgery went very well, thank you for your prayers!

Happy 21, Joy!

If you haven't picked up on it yet from previous posts...I love my sister. Today, she turns 21; making me feel very old.

Three words come to mind when I think of her. Passion. Pursuit. And purity. She is such an inspiration and encouragement to me. Her passion for the LORD is contagious. Especially this past summer I noticed a tremendous increase in the affection she had as she talked about her Savior and His cross. Her love for others has sky-rocketed as a result- she always wants to know "What is God teaching you?" Or "What's God up to in your life?"

Side note: I love the way that living in Michigan has given her a little accent when she says the word "God." She really accentuates the "o"-- almost sounds like an "ah" sound. So cute.

She is passionate about many things. Sports (or really, anything involving competition), doing things logically, working hard, and doing something until its reached perfection. But she is most passionate about the LORD. She loves her local church. She has become a prayer warrior- and is passionate about whatever God is currently teaching or showing her.

Pursuit. Joy pursues a TON of things. She is one of the most disciplined people I've ever encountered in my life. Her schedule is always very full. Sports. Schooling. Church. Dear friends. But mostly, her pursuit of her Maker is what strikes me. Even when we were younger, I'd go into her room- and she'd just be sitting on her bed reading her Bible. I had no idea people actually did that-- especially people younger than me!

Purity. Now, this is one I could rant about forever. My sister made a commitment at an early age (completely on her own- with no teaching on this or friends along side her) to "wait for God to write her love story." She's still never had a boyfriend. Proverbs 31 says that the heart of her husband trusts her all of his days. I'll never forget the day she shared with me how this impacted her-- that being faithful to her husband doesn't start when she gets married...it starts NOW- (or, then.) ALL of his days. All of her days. A lot of people have thought she's "missing out." Oh...but she's not. I had this conviction later in life- when I was about 18- to not date as a sport or just for fun- and since then, Joy and I have had many conversations over the phone encouraging each other that this is worth it. It will be worth it on our wedding days...and each consecutive day after that. She, (if you took one look at her you'd understand) has been pursued by many guys over the years. With each one, she has been faithful to have "the relationship conversation" (as we've now dubbed it) early on so they know where she stands. She has learned how to lovingly communicate her convictions and ask others questions when in group discussions. I am so excited to meet her husband should the LORD will marriage for her one day. I trust he will be a humble, strong leader.

Joy, you're amazing. I wish I'd taken more notes from you when we were younger. In many ways, you're the big sister. I love you so much, and hope you have a wonderful birthday!

This weekend...

I was entirely spoiled on Friday- I can't remember the last time my birthday was celebrated this much! I've been bombarded with cakes, chocolates, flowers, cards, gifts, hugs, and encouragement. Thank you so much.

The Gappers got us off work for a few hours in the morning, and surprised me with brunch and cards. I was so blessed.


We had 10:31 (which is like Deluge) that night, and I was freshly convicted of my failure to worship the LORD as He is worthy to be worshiped...and grace flows afresh...

The GAP boys bought us a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of flowers on Valentines Day! How sweet!

Vikki Lloyd came over and was up at the crack of dawn making an amazing roast lunch to celebrate mine and Ivy's birthdays. She slaved all morning, we invited the guys over, and it was oh-so FABULOUS!

I babysat for the Gawedas (Guh-veh-duhs) on Saturday night-- also lovingly known as the "Gweedos." Leah is 3, Caitlin is 1, and Noah is 5. UH-DORABLE. So well behaved. LOVE these kids. Dan and Cat went out for dinner and when they got back home, we played scrabble and a couple rounds of speed scrabble. (Thought of you, Kristen, and Meghann and Steve!!!)

Sunday was Ivy's 20th birthday! Sarah and Mike threw her and I a joint birthday party at the GAP boys house- complete with cheeseburgers and brownie ice cream sundays! Several of the pastor's families were able to make it, and Ivy and I were both so blessed. Peter lead us in a hysterical game of "Big booty" (nothing to do with big booties) as Ivy's been begging to play for months.

This weekend, we also had Peter's older sister, Sharon visit us on her way back to the States from Uganda! It was so much fun having her here! She gave us all the ins and outs of what to do and bring when we go to Uganda in May. We were sad she had to leave.

Well, it certainly has been a full weekend. Today's been a great day recouping.

My dad went to the hospital around noon today- his surgery was about 1 or 2 ish. No word yet, but I talked to him this morning and he was doing well. Thanks so much for praying! I'll keep you posted.

A Mary heart on Valentines Day

Saturdays in my life are usually "Martha" days. (Luke chapter 10.) So much to do- people to serve, a week to recover from, another to get ready for...

But even if my actions are like Martha, my heart should be like Mary's. Sitting at the Master's feet. Listening to Him. Enjoying Him. Communing with Him.

As we run about today in Martha ways, lets position our hearts to be Mary's praying. Given the holiday (which Hallmark made up-- I know there was a St. Valentine, but, really...Hallmark took over)...let's take the opportunity to be praying for marriages.

Marriages are something that need lots of prayer, and I don't intercede for these relationships enough.

Let's pray for men to have new eyes to see how to live with their wives in an understanding way. Boldness and wisdom in gentle leadership. Humility. Fresh desire to woo their wife's heart- enjoyment in showering her with love. New joy in the Gospel. Hope in what God is doing in and through their families. Renewed passion for the Savior- and increasing gratefulness for what He's done...and who He's chosen as their wife. Appreciation for the innumerable ways she serves him to be stirred afresh. Faithfulness.

Let's pray for women to have humbly submissive hearts. To be regularly searching for how to help in creative ways. Esteem and honor for her husband to increase. Words of encouragement and kindness to regularly be on her tongue. Greater trust in the LORD through her husband's leadership. Deeper appreciation for his protection and care. Love for the Savior increasing as she is reminded that God sees, and her service is not in vain. Rewards are waiting. A heart that loves her husband, but loves the Gospel more, and frequently releases him to serve.

Let's pray for names, and faces- friends, neighbors, family members, church bodies...we need strong marriages!

As we pray, let's rejoice that the wonder and beauty of marriage is a reflection of the wonder and beauty of the cross!