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posted by Donald on 04/29/09

May 14, 1948 is the official day that Israel was reborn. But on the Hebrew Calendar, with months that stay true to the phases of the moon, the date was yesterday, Iyar 5, the fifth day of the second Hebrew month in the year. Originally the month was called Zif (“zeev”) meaning bright or splendorous, and splendorous it is even now, marking the State’s astounding resurrection as well as the resurrection of life in the spring for the northern hemisphere.

“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us: whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south” (Psalm 126:1-4).

Rejoice with us. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, a peace greater than logical understanding and more real and lasting than the somewhat overused word itself; and whenever it is that you come across this post, leave a comment on what Israel means to you.

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Michael on 04/28/09

After reading of some folks’ concerns about a sustainable human future on our planet, I am reminded of the words of God: “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth;” Luke 21:26 Their primary concerns are poor environment, overpopulation, and unsustainable economy. Yet these pale in comparison to what very well may threaten us later – “and except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved” Mat. 24:22.

Ironically, Christians in the past have been troubled by wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. They predicted the end of the world while God plainly tells us just the opposite of these very things: “see that ye be not troubled: for all must come to pass but the end is not yet… all these are the beginnings of sorrows” (Mat. 24:6-7, Mk. 13:7-8). We’re good at being troubled at the things we are told not to be troubled about.

A better indication of the last days is that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Mat. 24:14 God also told Daniel of “the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased”.

The real peril of the end of the world deals more with the character

(more…)

7 Comments » | posted in Possessing the Land, Tidbits

posted by James on 04/26/09

There is always that thrill of excitement–come this time of the year–when talk of preparing for the ATI Regional Conferences actually becomes reality. Everyone at Headquarters is involved in the preparation work, but only a few are able to minister at the actual locations. As the weeks and days before the Big Sandy Conference passed quickly by, it became apparent that I would not be among those attending. Instead, I was reserved to help hold the fort back at Headquarters. Of course, this was slightly disappointing.

We all face disappointing circumstances. When our hopes are bashed, regardless of the degree, our natural response is to dwell on the good we will miss and the normality with which it will be replaced. The problem is, this response is very selfish; the focus is on our own comfort and happiness. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, but the new man, Christ dwelling in us, sees the perspective of God. Instead of focusing on self, true contentment comes when we focus on what God is doing in a given situation.

To accomplish this perspective, it is very helpful to list out the benefits of  the situation. I did this in my situation. It was quite surprising to see how many benefits there were for not going to Big Sandy! Not only were there many projects that I could work on which I wouldn’t otherwise be able to, but there was the fellowship of those who were staying behind and the time of rest and catching up. Listing the benefits brought contentment, and I was actually looking forward to holding the fort.

But then came Wednesday morning. Three days before the van would pull out for Texas, plans for a massive portraiture project in Big Sandy was launched. Nikki, the photographer, needed an assistant and I happened to be the first choice. Within a few minutes, it became apparent that I was needed to go after all. Details were discussed that night, estimates drawn up the next day, and the proposal was ready to be brought to Mr. Gothard by Friday morning.

But there was a check in my spirit. I have been training a graphic artist for the past several months; Anna is a hard worker and enjoys photography. I knew she wanted to go to Big Sandy as much as myself. The question hit me: “Why don’t you ask if she could go instead of you?” At first I didn’t like the thought. “Hadn’t God rewarded my efforts to gain His perspective?” But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was the right thing to do. Plus, I  couldn’t keep last year’s events out of my mind: I was previously in Anna’s position when Britton, the graphic artist I was training under at the time, willingly let me go to Big Sandy as the photojournalist in his place. Now I was in Britton’s position. I had to reevaluate my motives, list the benefits, and die to myself . . . again.

This is what you call a double death of a vision. I decided that instead of mentioning Anna as an option, I would make her a recommendation.  Once I decided that, I had true contentment again. I was back in neutral. I was ready to go and I was ready to stay back; I was ready for whatever Mr. Gothard’s decision was. In fact, I actually looked forward to letting Anna take my place.

Well, to make a long story short, I talked with Mr. Gothard in the morning about the whole thing. To my great surprise, he emphatically stated that he wanted me to go, despite my recommendation. By noon, on Friday, I was set to go to Big Sandy.

I honestly don’t know why God made it work out this way. It would be a perfect ending if Anna was the one going. I really wish she could have come. But this one thing I know: contentment comes only after I’ve listed the benefits of both sides and have truly shifted to neutral. Ministry in Big Sandy is secondary to the joy of knowing I am in God’s will!

5 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by David on 04/25/09

One of my favorite Christmas presents were two kinds of clay that Mom bought for me. One is pure white and stays soft until baked in the oven. After it is baked it is ready to be painted. The other is already colored and can be used over and over. Jonathan and I have had a great time molding clay creations.

After I made the bear head I realized that the directions said it was too thick to be baked. This is why it is not painted. The second one was the dolphin. I made sure to make it the right thickness but while in the oven it broke. The same thing happened with Jonathan’s snake. By this time I was quite discouraged, but with patience and a little work we put them back together and they turned out just fine. Jonathan is not completely  finished painting his snake, but his flag and Psalms 81 plaque turned out extremely well.

I made the monkey with the colored clay. It was a lot of fun to create the surroundings and the fallen log he is perched on. I did the same with the dinosaur except I used the white clay.

7 Comments » | posted in Art Work

posted by Donald on 04/23/09

The members of the church I attend here in Chaojhou have been tremendous examples of generosity. The pastor and his family have provided long-standing encouragement in just about every area and a “Thank You blog” could be pretty long . . . . I will hit some highlights here.
I didn’t have my camera with me the day we celebrated my birthday but the joyfulness of the Sunday School children is vivid in my memory. The Pastor also lent me a good jacket (and a word of advice) for the Yu Shan climb. Other tangible gifts included ready-made dumplings, fruit, a Chinese hymnbook, an invitation to visit the famous Doulos ship in Kaohsiung and, this week, a surprise that probably surpassed them all: a virtually brand new audio Bible in Chinese. Compact and easy to use, it was not only a huge savings for me in terms of money compared to buying the Bible on CD, but actually more convenient and durable. Next to the ‘bpmf’ pronunciation Bible, it’s my single most valuable language comprehension tool. Thank you Pastor James.
Also I am grateful for a place to store my chalk easel–another thing that may have been hard to find elsewhere. The church storage room has a tile floor (which is easy to clean), an overhead fan, and plenty of receptacles. In addition, there is a church elder, the owner of an electrical supply store that I came across early on during my time here purely by “accident”, who not only carries blacklight bulbs but is skilled at manufacturing and has provided easel parts when needed.

I am compelled to give God the glory when I see the kind of brothers and sisters He has placed me with here in Taiwan. One of the ways I aspire to repay their kindness is by maintaining with the Lord’s help the same spirit of all-encompassing generosity when I return to the States. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

6 Comments » | posted in Family News