I'm sitting here (but not where you think), just a year, almost to the day from the start of the big fish adventure. A lot has happened this last year. We have lost much. Family, friends, possessions, a little peace and sanity here or there. We have gained much too. Friends, perspective, cherished memories, and new outlook on life and ministry. Though grand as this adventure has been, there is a time and a season for everything, and this adventure has come to an end. Today we received final word, and Jon is now the proud staff employee of Shelter Ins. It is only fitting that his first day is September 2nd, the exact date we started our little adventure a year ago and left for Hurricane Ike. It is a good job, making good money, and it has great benefits. One of those benefits is that we can afford to have a brick and mortar home in a city we can afford....Oklahoma city. Oklahoma is where we left five years ago to come to Dallas, so it is only fitting that it is where we return after our long journey. Though we hadn't accomplished as much as we intended to this past year, I do believe none the less that it was a God appointed journey. Through the twist and turn, trials and triumphs of adventure, God taught us unwavering trust in his hand of providence; peace in our dependence on our loving creator, and He lead us to the little church in Atlanta where He began to stoke a new fire for our ministry and evangelism.
It is bitter sweet looking at a now empty "big fish" (yes, we bought a house already and have mostly moved in!). It was home for so long, but now it seems so small. I hate to see it go, but I'm so excited for our new home and plans. I'm also going to miss the travel, but again, having the kids back in their activities will be good for all of us.....oh and a yard for Caedon....he will be happy! I want to thank you all for praying for us. there were times just the knowledge that friends were lifting us up kept hope alive. and for me, having some sense of friendship and connection with someone outside my tiny home meant more to me than you will ever know. To our friends in Dallas.....You haven't heard the last from us!!! We still have family there, and for that matter you are our family too and we plan on visiting often; but still....we will miss you terribly. As for the big fish adventure.......well that may have come to an end, but another adventure awaits us. God has awakening in us again the desire to reach the lost. Paradigm: White Field. Jesus said just look and you will see that the fields are white for harvest....so that is what we plan to do here in OKC....look....and harvest!
Blessings to you All!!!!
Emily
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
In the mean time......
Well, we're waiting on the inevitable hurricane, but we need to make some money in the mean time. By the providence of God, Jon has a job working with his dad. Most of you know how great this will be for Jon. We will be staying in Oklahoma City either until this job runs out, or until there is a hurricane. We are really going to miss our friends and family in Dallas, but I know we will be seeing you soon. There is neither a Costco nor a Sprouts, so I will be making biweekly trips to Big D to shop!!! God is really stirring something in Jon and I right now. We are trying to put our finger on what He is up too, but it's like when you accidentally get an eggshell in your egg. You can see it, you know it's there, but no matter how hard you try and scoop it out, it evades your grasp. Please pray with us as we're making this omelet of life. We need to grasp God's direction and intent. But I know it's phenomenal, whatever it is!
Blessings,
Emily
Blessings,
Emily
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Adventures in Oklahoma
Our trip to Oklahoma City was uneventful. Nothing broke at least, and actually it seemed more like an hour than three to get there. Maybe everything will seem like a short drive after our trip to NY!
Yesterday we drove two hours to Altus, OK and met with a small church there to teach them about what we're calling Power Evangelism. I was so proud of Jon. It has been many years since I have seen him be able to teach with such abandon. He has been squashed and censored by so many he had lost the passion that made him so great a speaker. But he was back yesterday! Of course it helped that this church was crazy about God and reaching their community. These guys are going to turn Altus on their heads! They were so excited about what Jon had to teach them and they went after their neighborhood that afternoon with fervor. We sent out six teams for an hour and everyone of them came back with multiple stories of being able to pray for people with illness, financial crises, and other problems. If I told you all the stories you would be reading the rest of the night, so I'll just tell you mine. Pastor Marc and I started walking down the street not feeling any particular tug from the Lord on where we should go first. I saw a man far down the street standing outside and said we should head there. By the time we got there he had just walked in. Pastor Marc said we should knock anyway. A young woman answered the door and a little boy played in the background. We gave the schpeal. "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and we would like to pray for you if you have a need." And like more times than not when you ask a person this, she answered, "Yes, actually things are very difficult right now and I would like to have some prayer." After interviewing her a bit we find out that last year her husband was murdered. Not only that, but the trial is coming up and she has to testify. That coupled with now being a single mom, of course has lead to ongoing stress and trauma in her life. We were able to pray for her and she felt the presence of the Lord as she began to cry. She thanked us and we let her know that someone would be coming to check on her, but if she needed anything in the mean time, the church was right down the street.
How amazing is that!!!!
There are at least 10 other stories like that, from one hour of "work" done by 12 people. Imagine only 12 people changing an entire town for Jesus.......Oh wait....I think there might be a story about that already. Yep! I remember, it was 12 men that changed the WOLD! By doing what? Preaching "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! We are here to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and free the oppressed."
So Jon is out on the streets with another church tonight having taught them this afternoon the principles set out by Jesus about advancing the Kingdom. Me and the kids are resting from a long weekend in the heat. I'll let you know how tonight goes and also if there are any updates from the Altus church.
VRV folks: We looked at the future building for the church in Altus. You might consider a building there....as a stand alone building 3X the size of ours blocks from down town was being sold for $20,000. Their other possible site, a rented store front, a little smaller than our current space.....$50/month. Of course any savings might be eaten up in commuting....lol!
Blessings,
Emily
Yesterday we drove two hours to Altus, OK and met with a small church there to teach them about what we're calling Power Evangelism. I was so proud of Jon. It has been many years since I have seen him be able to teach with such abandon. He has been squashed and censored by so many he had lost the passion that made him so great a speaker. But he was back yesterday! Of course it helped that this church was crazy about God and reaching their community. These guys are going to turn Altus on their heads! They were so excited about what Jon had to teach them and they went after their neighborhood that afternoon with fervor. We sent out six teams for an hour and everyone of them came back with multiple stories of being able to pray for people with illness, financial crises, and other problems. If I told you all the stories you would be reading the rest of the night, so I'll just tell you mine. Pastor Marc and I started walking down the street not feeling any particular tug from the Lord on where we should go first. I saw a man far down the street standing outside and said we should head there. By the time we got there he had just walked in. Pastor Marc said we should knock anyway. A young woman answered the door and a little boy played in the background. We gave the schpeal. "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and we would like to pray for you if you have a need." And like more times than not when you ask a person this, she answered, "Yes, actually things are very difficult right now and I would like to have some prayer." After interviewing her a bit we find out that last year her husband was murdered. Not only that, but the trial is coming up and she has to testify. That coupled with now being a single mom, of course has lead to ongoing stress and trauma in her life. We were able to pray for her and she felt the presence of the Lord as she began to cry. She thanked us and we let her know that someone would be coming to check on her, but if she needed anything in the mean time, the church was right down the street.
How amazing is that!!!!
There are at least 10 other stories like that, from one hour of "work" done by 12 people. Imagine only 12 people changing an entire town for Jesus.......Oh wait....I think there might be a story about that already. Yep! I remember, it was 12 men that changed the WOLD! By doing what? Preaching "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! We are here to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and free the oppressed."
So Jon is out on the streets with another church tonight having taught them this afternoon the principles set out by Jesus about advancing the Kingdom. Me and the kids are resting from a long weekend in the heat. I'll let you know how tonight goes and also if there are any updates from the Altus church.
VRV folks: We looked at the future building for the church in Altus. You might consider a building there....as a stand alone building 3X the size of ours blocks from down town was being sold for $20,000. Their other possible site, a rented store front, a little smaller than our current space.....$50/month. Of course any savings might be eaten up in commuting....lol!
Blessings,
Emily
Friday, June 19, 2009
Please Pray
Hey Guys,
My Uncle John who was diagnosed with lung cancer right around the time my grandfather died, decided to refuse any more chemo last week. We got the call today that he has about 4 hours. Please pray for my mom. This is a lot for her. Please pray for Mikala, his wife of about 9 months who has been so awesome during this time, and her boys who were finally going to have a dad, but are now loosing one instead. Pray for John. He is completely aware of what is happening, and though he has given himself to our Lord, the fear of death is ever present. Pray that he can reconcile with loved ones and with God. He feels cheated, as he spent his whole life in sin, and when he finally gave it over to God, he finds out he has cancer. Pray for his complete healing; for either God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, or for John to be perfected in God's will IN heaven. Either way...God's will be done and that means no pain and no cancer and no anger and no fear. Amen.
Blessings,
Emily
My Uncle John who was diagnosed with lung cancer right around the time my grandfather died, decided to refuse any more chemo last week. We got the call today that he has about 4 hours. Please pray for my mom. This is a lot for her. Please pray for Mikala, his wife of about 9 months who has been so awesome during this time, and her boys who were finally going to have a dad, but are now loosing one instead. Pray for John. He is completely aware of what is happening, and though he has given himself to our Lord, the fear of death is ever present. Pray that he can reconcile with loved ones and with God. He feels cheated, as he spent his whole life in sin, and when he finally gave it over to God, he finds out he has cancer. Pray for his complete healing; for either God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, or for John to be perfected in God's will IN heaven. Either way...God's will be done and that means no pain and no cancer and no anger and no fear. Amen.
Blessings,
Emily
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Your Kingdom Come!
Ok..so we set it up to do "visitation" at our church like they are doing at North Gate. Our great friend Todd showed up to go with us. After an hour of soaking in worship we got a list of words of knowledge for the people we might meet that night. Here is the list
hearing loss
possible brain issue
Marriage with lots of conflict
Douglas
boy with glasses and dark hair that answers the door is thinking about suicide (I quietly wrote this one down because I thought it was to specific and I would be embarrassed to give it, but I wrote it on the pad just in case. hehehe!)
As we're walking out, a lady comes in. No one comes into the church on Tuesday evenings. She is actually there for a meeting for another church that is sharing our space, but she has the date wrong. We ask her while she's there if she would like prayer. We find out that she is the one with conflict in her marriage! We got to minister to her and we had several other words for her that seemed to bless her. Now were pumped. We hadn't even left the church yet and we've got one word down!
So we walk down the first street and we talk to a couple of people. We say that we are from the church around the corner and that God has sent us to tell them that His Kingdom is here and we have been given the ability to preach the Gospel, heal the sick and free the oppressed. Then we asked them if we could pray for them.
At first people answered the door, and seemed very glad that we were there, but did not ask for prayer. We decided to try another street, but we grabbed the last one on that block before we went another direction. The door opened and a teenage boy with glasses and dark hair answered the door! He was very uneasy with us being there and said he didn't need any prayer. The guys, not knowing about what I wrote were ready to turn and leave, but I had to say something. I stepped forward and said "God says to you that he has a plan for your life and purpose. He says you're worth it!" He seemed a little shocked and then promptly shut the door. I hope it was enough.
We went down the next street which was a row of duplexes on one side and apartments on the other. We came to one house where a man was sitting in his garage watching TV. We gave our schpeal and he said he didn't need prayer. When we turned to go we saw a man walk out on his balcony of the apartments across the street. We yelled up at him, could we pray for him. He said yes and came down. He was a new, brand new Christian and was really seeking fellowship and answers. He wanted prayer because he had lost his father. Todd was able to minister to him, having lost his father recently as well. We prayed for other areas in his life as well as offering to come back next week and answer any questions that he might have. He seemed very excited.
When we turned to go, the man watching TV was now at the street waiving us over. When we got there, he sat down with his back to us and said, "You guys are going to think I'm weird." We assured him we would not. "I just got back from the doctor and they have diagnosed me with Neuropathy. I've lost feeling in my feet and it's progressive. It's going to go to my brain. And I think it's really strange that I just got back and then you guys show up asking to pray for me." We prayed for healing and he received greater movement in his ankles which he didn't have. We said we could come back next week and pray again. Our new friend triple checked with us on several occasions before we left to confirm that we indeed would return.
It was getting late now, so we headed back to the church and there were two men walking toward us down the street. We ask them if we could pray for them and they seemed really blessed as we prayed for their family life and a jobs. They wanted to know when we would be coming back that way as well!
Whew! Praise you Jesus!
Can't wait for next week!
Blessings,
Emily
hearing loss
possible brain issue
Marriage with lots of conflict
Douglas
boy with glasses and dark hair that answers the door is thinking about suicide (I quietly wrote this one down because I thought it was to specific and I would be embarrassed to give it, but I wrote it on the pad just in case. hehehe!)
As we're walking out, a lady comes in. No one comes into the church on Tuesday evenings. She is actually there for a meeting for another church that is sharing our space, but she has the date wrong. We ask her while she's there if she would like prayer. We find out that she is the one with conflict in her marriage! We got to minister to her and we had several other words for her that seemed to bless her. Now were pumped. We hadn't even left the church yet and we've got one word down!
So we walk down the first street and we talk to a couple of people. We say that we are from the church around the corner and that God has sent us to tell them that His Kingdom is here and we have been given the ability to preach the Gospel, heal the sick and free the oppressed. Then we asked them if we could pray for them.
At first people answered the door, and seemed very glad that we were there, but did not ask for prayer. We decided to try another street, but we grabbed the last one on that block before we went another direction. The door opened and a teenage boy with glasses and dark hair answered the door! He was very uneasy with us being there and said he didn't need any prayer. The guys, not knowing about what I wrote were ready to turn and leave, but I had to say something. I stepped forward and said "God says to you that he has a plan for your life and purpose. He says you're worth it!" He seemed a little shocked and then promptly shut the door. I hope it was enough.
We went down the next street which was a row of duplexes on one side and apartments on the other. We came to one house where a man was sitting in his garage watching TV. We gave our schpeal and he said he didn't need prayer. When we turned to go we saw a man walk out on his balcony of the apartments across the street. We yelled up at him, could we pray for him. He said yes and came down. He was a new, brand new Christian and was really seeking fellowship and answers. He wanted prayer because he had lost his father. Todd was able to minister to him, having lost his father recently as well. We prayed for other areas in his life as well as offering to come back next week and answer any questions that he might have. He seemed very excited.
When we turned to go, the man watching TV was now at the street waiving us over. When we got there, he sat down with his back to us and said, "You guys are going to think I'm weird." We assured him we would not. "I just got back from the doctor and they have diagnosed me with Neuropathy. I've lost feeling in my feet and it's progressive. It's going to go to my brain. And I think it's really strange that I just got back and then you guys show up asking to pray for me." We prayed for healing and he received greater movement in his ankles which he didn't have. We said we could come back next week and pray again. Our new friend triple checked with us on several occasions before we left to confirm that we indeed would return.
It was getting late now, so we headed back to the church and there were two men walking toward us down the street. We ask them if we could pray for them and they seemed really blessed as we prayed for their family life and a jobs. They wanted to know when we would be coming back that way as well!
Whew! Praise you Jesus!
Can't wait for next week!
Blessings,
Emily
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Kingdom stuff...Let's Go
Dear Friends and Church Family,
Most of you know that Emily and I have been working in Atlanta for the last several months. During that time, we spent a lot of time at Northgate Church in Woodstock, GA. We have wanted to hang out with the leadership of this church for some time because of what we have seen and heard about their outreach ministry to the urban areas of Atlanta. Needless to say, this was a priceless blessing and opportunity for our family.
This church has several teams consisting of a majority of their church body literally going to the streets of the Atlanta metro area. Their Sunday Morning service is mainly for equipping, edifying, kingdom direction, and a send out. I have never seen a church so committed to the great call as this one. They believe and head the call of the disciples in Luke 10: 1-17 literally. Every week, 2 or 3 days a week, they GO, they declare God’s Kingdom when people answer the door, the present the gospel, they heal the sick, they deliver people from addictions and demons, and they lead people to Jesus.
Me and Emily came back home with a clear and obvious direction. We need to GO and do likewise. So let’s go.
Next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (June 16, 17, & 18th) we are going to be up at the church at 6pm. We will seek and soak in God’s presence for 30 minutes to an hour, and then we will go to a local neighborhood and knock on doors until the sun goes down or God tells us to stop. Emily wants to try and be available for childcare if needed for those who want to join us. Please let her know in advance. We are inviting and asking anyone and everyone we know that loves Jesus and is willing to step into this part of His Kingdom work to go with us.
Please pray for us and consider joining us on any or all of these days. Love you all and thanks again for your priceless prayers and support.
Most of you know that Emily and I have been working in Atlanta for the last several months. During that time, we spent a lot of time at Northgate Church in Woodstock, GA. We have wanted to hang out with the leadership of this church for some time because of what we have seen and heard about their outreach ministry to the urban areas of Atlanta. Needless to say, this was a priceless blessing and opportunity for our family.
This church has several teams consisting of a majority of their church body literally going to the streets of the Atlanta metro area. Their Sunday Morning service is mainly for equipping, edifying, kingdom direction, and a send out. I have never seen a church so committed to the great call as this one. They believe and head the call of the disciples in Luke 10: 1-17 literally. Every week, 2 or 3 days a week, they GO, they declare God’s Kingdom when people answer the door, the present the gospel, they heal the sick, they deliver people from addictions and demons, and they lead people to Jesus.
Me and Emily came back home with a clear and obvious direction. We need to GO and do likewise. So let’s go.
Next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (June 16, 17, & 18th) we are going to be up at the church at 6pm. We will seek and soak in God’s presence for 30 minutes to an hour, and then we will go to a local neighborhood and knock on doors until the sun goes down or God tells us to stop. Emily wants to try and be available for childcare if needed for those who want to join us. Please let her know in advance. We are inviting and asking anyone and everyone we know that loves Jesus and is willing to step into this part of His Kingdom work to go with us.
Please pray for us and consider joining us on any or all of these days. Love you all and thanks again for your priceless prayers and support.
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