Submitted by Jason
Engaged in my morning work routine of filling my thermos with ice and water the other day, I was reminded of the scene in "Castaway" where Tom Hanks stood alone amidst the tables full of catered food. The welcome party was over and without words the director emphasized the irony of him amidst perfectly arranged trays of food that were barely touched. There I stood in the driver's room at 2:30 am, alone with a choice of free beverages before me that could nourish an entire village. It was then that it occurred to me how easy it has been for me to overlook the simple benefits of living the life that I have to this point.
I am grateful to the Lord and everyone that has played a part in my life thus far. Everyone from the coach that I didn't like because he didn't stand for my nonsense to my immediate family that has loved me through thick and thin. From the casual acquaintance with a strength that I observed from afar and learned from to the pastors that have allowed me into their lives in a way that has taught me how to walk the narrow path that the Lord has laid before us. Everyone and every situation or experience in my life has made me who I am today.
Without providing too much detail, I began to feel the call to the nations in June 2008 and the Lord has used many people, situations and circumstances to solidify this call and make the way clearer as time went on. I believe that our heart to listen with the willingness and intent to obey and our level of faith that has continued to increase over time through relationship with Him has attracted the heart of the Father and hopefully His favor in our lives according to *2 Chronicles 16:9. I hope to have a chance to share this in greater detail with you in the future.
The Lord has greatly accelerated His plan in our lives in the last week. After much prayer, we've reached an agreement with some extraordinary individuals in which we will be renting a house that they are custom building for us on 2 acres of land in the Spanish Lookout area of Belize.
With much peace, I am pleased to announce that after 13 1/2 years of employment with USFoods, Sept 12th will be my last day and on Sept 14th we will close the chapter of our lives in SC.
While we are fully confident in the Lord's ability to provide all of the provision necessary to carry out His will for our lives, we believe in allowing others the opportunity to team with us in impacting the surrounding communities of Spanish Lookout. We, as a ministry team, are believing for the finances to construct a separate living structure for families or teams to come minister alongside of us or just experience Belize first hand. If you are interested in partnering financially with us in any way, whether a one time gift or a monthly pledge, please contact us. There are several ways that you can join us, including a tax deductible option.
Due to the Lord's aforementioned acceleration in our lives, it appears that our desires to have an opportunity to visit with all of our family and friends before we leave will not be possible. However, we hope to coordinate some sort of local gathering to celebrate this season in our lives before we depart. In the meantime, please take it upon yourselves to contact us and set up a time to come visit us. We would be honored.
Thanks in advance for your understanding and your prayers for our family as we transition from one season of our lives to another.
* 2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)- For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (completely) toward him...
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
New doors
Submitted by Jason
I remember myself thoroughly enjoying the end of the NFL season last year. While my beloved Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention, I turned my attention to what was unfolding in Denver. Tim Tebow had the attention of the whole country as he found ways to perform at high levels at the end of several consecutive games and leading his team to victory in most improbable ways. The sports world was a buzz with discussions about his faith and his willingness to give God the glory at every possible chance. While watching one of these games, I recall having the thought, "Wouldn't it be impressive if one of these high profile athletes, in the peak of their careers, walked a way from it all to answer the call of the Lord in their lives.". Little did I know, just several months later, the Lord would be speaking to me about doing exactly that.
One week has gone by since our return from Belize. It has been exciting this week to watch new ministry opportunities present themselves to us as we continue our correspondence with potential future neighbors. One of these new ministry opportunities stemmed from a "random" conversation that appeared to be coincidental at the time. I walked to the far corner of one of the available properties with my friend Rick to take pictures of the property from different angles. There were two men there returning to their pickup truck that was parked just a few feet from where we were standing. These men were there doing surveying work for the owners. Rick and I introduced our selves to the first man that approached us. His name was Victor. Victor told us that he pastors a small church just over one of the hills and he surveys for extra income. We shared our vision with Victor and what we believe the Lord is calling us to do. At the conclusion of the conversation we prayed a blessing over Victor as we parted ways.
Earlier this week, Victor, aware of the fact that both we and the Reeds homeschool our children, expressed a need for higher quality schools in the area to the owners of the properties. This idea was presented to us via email by the owners. Apparently, the families in the surrounding communities are discouraged with the local schools. With the right financial support, proper planning and of course the blessing of the Lord, we may have an open door to the hearts of the community through planting a new school. At this point, this is only an idea at it's earliest stage, but the potential to have a near immediate impact on a community is humbling and a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
I mentioned previously that I would share our vision as a ministry with you. The Lord has given each of us our own unique vision for ministry. While some of this vision is short sighted and immediate, others may be long term generational callings. I will share some of the things that I feel are part of our calling as a team.
-ministering to orphans and widows.
Caring for orphans has been our desire as a team from the beginning of our ministry discussions. After sharing this with several of the people that we met in Belize, we have been told that there is more of a need for ministry to young boys and men growing up without father figures in their lives. While we still desire to minister to orphans and widows, we recognize the other needs and will be prepared to meet them as the Lord directs.
-connecting missionaries and ministries.
Several factors can contribute to missionary families and ministries losing their passion and hope. We hope to strengthen and connect ministry minded families by establishing greater communication networks than those which currently exist. We hope that this network extends throughout all of Central America and possibly into South America.
-provide opportunities for short term missions teams
Our desire is to eventually establish a base from which teams or individuals can come and minister alongside of us, stay while passing through or come for rest, encouragement and restoration.
-meet the needs of the community
Seeing and meeting the immediate needs of the surrounding communities will be an essential part of gaining the trust of the locals. If done properly, this will open other doors to minister.
-break prejudices and stereotypes
There are existing prejudices and stereotypes that the Belizeans have labeled American missionary families with. The experience of the locals tells them that we won't be there very long and that we aren't truly interested in their needs. This is a pattern that we expect some time to break, but with provision from the Lord and a consistent display of the Lord's love from us to them, we are confident that this can be accomplished.
These are just a few of the things that the Lord has put on our hearts. I fully expect our vision for the upcoming season in our lives to be expanded. As this happens, I'll gladly share more with all of you.
As always, thanks to all who continue to stand with us in prayer.
I remember myself thoroughly enjoying the end of the NFL season last year. While my beloved Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention, I turned my attention to what was unfolding in Denver. Tim Tebow had the attention of the whole country as he found ways to perform at high levels at the end of several consecutive games and leading his team to victory in most improbable ways. The sports world was a buzz with discussions about his faith and his willingness to give God the glory at every possible chance. While watching one of these games, I recall having the thought, "Wouldn't it be impressive if one of these high profile athletes, in the peak of their careers, walked a way from it all to answer the call of the Lord in their lives.". Little did I know, just several months later, the Lord would be speaking to me about doing exactly that.
One week has gone by since our return from Belize. It has been exciting this week to watch new ministry opportunities present themselves to us as we continue our correspondence with potential future neighbors. One of these new ministry opportunities stemmed from a "random" conversation that appeared to be coincidental at the time. I walked to the far corner of one of the available properties with my friend Rick to take pictures of the property from different angles. There were two men there returning to their pickup truck that was parked just a few feet from where we were standing. These men were there doing surveying work for the owners. Rick and I introduced our selves to the first man that approached us. His name was Victor. Victor told us that he pastors a small church just over one of the hills and he surveys for extra income. We shared our vision with Victor and what we believe the Lord is calling us to do. At the conclusion of the conversation we prayed a blessing over Victor as we parted ways.
Earlier this week, Victor, aware of the fact that both we and the Reeds homeschool our children, expressed a need for higher quality schools in the area to the owners of the properties. This idea was presented to us via email by the owners. Apparently, the families in the surrounding communities are discouraged with the local schools. With the right financial support, proper planning and of course the blessing of the Lord, we may have an open door to the hearts of the community through planting a new school. At this point, this is only an idea at it's earliest stage, but the potential to have a near immediate impact on a community is humbling and a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
I mentioned previously that I would share our vision as a ministry with you. The Lord has given each of us our own unique vision for ministry. While some of this vision is short sighted and immediate, others may be long term generational callings. I will share some of the things that I feel are part of our calling as a team.
-ministering to orphans and widows.
Caring for orphans has been our desire as a team from the beginning of our ministry discussions. After sharing this with several of the people that we met in Belize, we have been told that there is more of a need for ministry to young boys and men growing up without father figures in their lives. While we still desire to minister to orphans and widows, we recognize the other needs and will be prepared to meet them as the Lord directs.
-connecting missionaries and ministries.
Several factors can contribute to missionary families and ministries losing their passion and hope. We hope to strengthen and connect ministry minded families by establishing greater communication networks than those which currently exist. We hope that this network extends throughout all of Central America and possibly into South America.
-provide opportunities for short term missions teams
Our desire is to eventually establish a base from which teams or individuals can come and minister alongside of us, stay while passing through or come for rest, encouragement and restoration.
-meet the needs of the community
Seeing and meeting the immediate needs of the surrounding communities will be an essential part of gaining the trust of the locals. If done properly, this will open other doors to minister.
-break prejudices and stereotypes
There are existing prejudices and stereotypes that the Belizeans have labeled American missionary families with. The experience of the locals tells them that we won't be there very long and that we aren't truly interested in their needs. This is a pattern that we expect some time to break, but with provision from the Lord and a consistent display of the Lord's love from us to them, we are confident that this can be accomplished.
These are just a few of the things that the Lord has put on our hearts. I fully expect our vision for the upcoming season in our lives to be expanded. As this happens, I'll gladly share more with all of you.
As always, thanks to all who continue to stand with us in prayer.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Door Is Open
Submitted by Jason
Our first full day back in the states has been a day of adjustment. I'm surprised by the personal adjustment time necessary just to bring myself to a place where I can function as I used to before the trip. I'm not sure what this adjustment period is supposed to look like or how long it will take, but I just know that my life has been forever changed, just as I had predicted.
Our trip was full of many surprises and challenges. I found myself in a place that I can best describe as "sensory overload". From the wildflowers to the well planned rows of coconut trees, from the serene setting of the Belize River gently flowing by to the troop of Black Howler monkeys across the river sounding off to establish territorial boundaries, from the chaya (tree spinach) mixed with rice to the fresh avocados served with breakfast, from the Mayan ruins to the rolling hills of Spanish Lookout, from the towns with strange names such as Black Man Eddy and Duck Run 2 to the more conventional names like Belize city and Belmopan, from the iguanas scurrying for cover to the wild groups of parrots flying overhead, everything that Belize had to offer was everything that I expected and more.
We were privileged to share our hearts and vision with several families and individuals of like mind and faith. I believe that these relationships and contacts that we have established will all have a purpose in why we are feeling led to this land. Several doors have been opened to us and we will be praying for discernment on which door to walk through.
I have much more to share about our week in Belize and look forward to doing so as time permits. In the meantime, please continue to stand with us in prayer for discernment and direction.
Our first full day back in the states has been a day of adjustment. I'm surprised by the personal adjustment time necessary just to bring myself to a place where I can function as I used to before the trip. I'm not sure what this adjustment period is supposed to look like or how long it will take, but I just know that my life has been forever changed, just as I had predicted.
Our trip was full of many surprises and challenges. I found myself in a place that I can best describe as "sensory overload". From the wildflowers to the well planned rows of coconut trees, from the serene setting of the Belize River gently flowing by to the troop of Black Howler monkeys across the river sounding off to establish territorial boundaries, from the chaya (tree spinach) mixed with rice to the fresh avocados served with breakfast, from the Mayan ruins to the rolling hills of Spanish Lookout, from the towns with strange names such as Black Man Eddy and Duck Run 2 to the more conventional names like Belize city and Belmopan, from the iguanas scurrying for cover to the wild groups of parrots flying overhead, everything that Belize had to offer was everything that I expected and more.
We were privileged to share our hearts and vision with several families and individuals of like mind and faith. I believe that these relationships and contacts that we have established will all have a purpose in why we are feeling led to this land. Several doors have been opened to us and we will be praying for discernment on which door to walk through.
I have much more to share about our week in Belize and look forward to doing so as time permits. In the meantime, please continue to stand with us in prayer for discernment and direction.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
-Submitted by Jason
We have been in ongoing communication with the owners of two properties of interest in Belize. One of which, invited us to visit with her for a week. She has graciously proposed to us an offer in which we will stay with her as she; shows us her property, as well as the other property of interest, introduces us to other ministry-minded families, familiarizes us with the surrounding area & culture, takes us to visit nearby Mayan ruins and much more.
We have decided to accept this invitation. Tomorrow, August 5, 2012, we will be flying to Belize to see the land that we are feeling led to. We will be accompanied by Rick & Brooke Reed along with their toddler Josh. The Reeds are a family also feeling the Lord's calling to the mission field and committed to His service enough to leave the comfort of the US in obedience to that call.
We will be returning Aug 12, 2012. We are confident that upon our return we will have a clearer picture of the way in which to go. I'm hopeful that we'll have lots of pictures and stories to share with all of you. I fully expect our lives to be forever changed from the moment we board our plane in Charlotte, NC tomorrow.
Our cell phone service and internet access will be limited during this time. Please use e-mail as a primary source of correspondence. We will check our e-mails as often as possible and will respond when possible.
We have spent much time communicating with the Lord about this next step in our lives before we publicized this information. We are well aware of the thoughts and concerns of our families and friends. You are all important parts of our lives. For this reason, I am asking that you, out of respect, take some time of your own with Him before you publicize your concerns.
Thanks in advance to all of you who stand with us in prayer. I look forward to sharing the vision that we, as a ministry, have for the new season in our lives with all of you.
We have been in ongoing communication with the owners of two properties of interest in Belize. One of which, invited us to visit with her for a week. She has graciously proposed to us an offer in which we will stay with her as she; shows us her property, as well as the other property of interest, introduces us to other ministry-minded families, familiarizes us with the surrounding area & culture, takes us to visit nearby Mayan ruins and much more.
We have decided to accept this invitation. Tomorrow, August 5, 2012, we will be flying to Belize to see the land that we are feeling led to. We will be accompanied by Rick & Brooke Reed along with their toddler Josh. The Reeds are a family also feeling the Lord's calling to the mission field and committed to His service enough to leave the comfort of the US in obedience to that call.
We will be returning Aug 12, 2012. We are confident that upon our return we will have a clearer picture of the way in which to go. I'm hopeful that we'll have lots of pictures and stories to share with all of you. I fully expect our lives to be forever changed from the moment we board our plane in Charlotte, NC tomorrow.
Our cell phone service and internet access will be limited during this time. Please use e-mail as a primary source of correspondence. We will check our e-mails as often as possible and will respond when possible.
We have spent much time communicating with the Lord about this next step in our lives before we publicized this information. We are well aware of the thoughts and concerns of our families and friends. You are all important parts of our lives. For this reason, I am asking that you, out of respect, take some time of your own with Him before you publicize your concerns.
Thanks in advance to all of you who stand with us in prayer. I look forward to sharing the vision that we, as a ministry, have for the new season in our lives with all of you.
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