Tuesday, December 24, 2019

" What Ifs " for Christmas

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us)." 
Isaiah 7:14


My Mom's " What If " questions for Christmas - 


What if Isaiah's prophecy means God is true?


What if the star's heavenly body was the Body of Heaven shining down that night?


What if the shepherds whose home was the hills, showed God's honor for the lowly?


What if God's choice of teen Mary meant that the young and inexperienced can be used as His vessels?


What if a dark cave says that pomp and palace mean nothing?


What if nameless magi from faraway bringing gifts, are the picture of all people coming from afar to offer their hearts?


What if God's vulnerable baby Son coming to earth, speaks volumes about mercy and love to all in darkness?


What if Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is the cure for the curse? 

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Give Hope



Click the link below for some ways you can give hope around the world this Christmas!

Saturday, November 23, 2019

How do we pray?

As I was reading Jesus' parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, I was thinking about how we pray when we face difficulties. 

Knowing the beautiful end of the parable, would we have prayed that the son not suffer physical hunger, or that God would satisfy the son's physical hunger in the place with the pigs?


If the son did not face any difficulties, would he go back to his father? 

When he goes back, his father takes care not only of his physical need, but all his needs, including reconciliation and restoration. 


If the son did not feel need on the physical side, would he have taken the steps to receive what his spirit needed?

The son's hunger brought him to his senses to humble himself, and to go to his father. 

Knowing the end of this parable and what God wants for all of us, wherever our difficulties come from and whatever form they take, how should we pray when we face them?

Should we pray that the difficulties go away, or should we pray not to have them?

Yes, we can pray this.

But could we pray that our difficulties would drive us to the waiting embrace of our loving heavenly Father?

Could we thank God, as terrible as our difficulties are, because He will take care of all our deepest needs? 

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Family

With my much loved nephews and nieces!



My niece wearing her shirt from Mozambique.


My brother and brother-in-law in their Africa gear.


After too many summer pictures had already been taken...

~
I love my family!

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Last week

Thank you so much for lifting me up in prayer. My trip to Mozambique went very well, and I praise God! 


I took a new monthly medication before I left and it seemed that my head pain was far more manageable during this last month, which included my time in Mozambique!

Spending sweet time with my missionary colleagues and kids in Maputo!

Visiting and sharing with the church in Mavalane.


At the CLC bookstore in the Maputo Biblical and Theological Seminary with Abel, who does a wonderful work with youth in Kongoloti, purchasing Portuguese Bibles for some of my Mozambican brothers and sisters.

A special time of prayer and sharing with Anabela's family. 

My little namesake, Aimee, turns 4 this month!

I submitted my documents for the renewal of my yearly visa, and I was able to apply for the 5-year visa. Please pray for God's will in these processes.

I praise God for His goodness and faithfulness and I thank you for your prayer!

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Inhambane


We visited with the women in Cala. As we walked the paths together, I was able to listen to Ermelinda and share with her with the story of Joseph's life as an example of faithfully following God through many difficulties.

Fellow missionary, Courtney, and two of our Mozambican sisters from Maputo, Vitoria and Luisa, helped me in the house and on our visits. I was thankful for meaningful conversations, times of sharing from God's word and praying together. 

We stayed at the house in Quissico, where I was happy to see several of my neighbors and especially a young boy named Dilercio, who I used to help with his English homework. I was glad to hear how he's doing and to have the opportunity to pray for him there on the path in front of my house.  

The plumeria plant in my garden that looked dead when I left has bloomed and multiplied!


"See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the early and latter rains."

James 5:7


Thank you for your prayer!

Monday, August 26, 2019

Mozambique Trip

What a privilege it is to be a part of God's eternal work where ever we are in His world! Thank you for praying for His eternal work here in Mozambique.

My team and our Mozambican counselors.


Praying for our missionary sister, Michelle, as she returns to England after serving here in Mozambique these last 3 years.

It's been a blessing to join her in pray and support from a distance. Please pray for God's hand on her life as she continues to be a part of His eternal work back in England.


A special visit with the Njango family as they faithfully serve in Kongoloti.

It's been a joy to visit some of our church groups here to encourage my Mozambican brothers and sisters in Christ.

~
Would you please pray for my trip to Inhambane this week, that God will guide, provide, and be glorified in all that I am, all that I do, and all that I speak. 

Thank you!

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Thank you so much for your support throughout this time. I will be able to seek renewal of my Mozambican visa again this year. 


I would greatly appreciate prayer as I travel to Mozambique from August 15 - September 5.


I continue to trust in God's higher thoughts and ways for all that He is doing. 

"Be of good cheer! It is I (Jesus); do not be afraid." 
Mark 6:50

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Share your Story

I'm so grateful for everyone who faithfully prays and partners with me as I live my life for Jesus.

Much loved Leonard and Norma Jean have supported me for many years. Leonard is now with Jesus, and at his memorial his church showed a short video with his story.   


I hope Leonard's story encourages you, and I hope you share your story to encourage others!


"I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you."
Romans 1:8

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Words from the mouth of God

My mom's cat likes to be where I am, and usually right in the middle of what I'm doing. 

While reading my Bible on my lap, here he is embracing the Scripture...


I could not make it through this time without God's daily words for me. They are truth and life and they are for all of us. 


"Because of the Lord's great love 
we are not consumed, 
for His compassion never fails. 
It is new every morning; 
great is His faithfulness." 
Lamentations 3:22-23 


"Now for a little while, if need be, 
you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 
1 Peter 1:6-7


"In all their affliction He was afflicted..."
Isaiah 63:9


"My sisters and brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
As you know, we count as blessed those who persevered. 
You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. 
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." 
James 5:10-11


"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, 
for He who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23



"Wait on the Lord; 
Be of good courage,
And He will strengthen you heart; 
Wait, I say, on the LORD!"
Psalm 27:14

Sunday, May 26, 2019

A 7 Month Reminder

I just saw a picture of myself that was taken last year on November 8, which was my birthday. 

It made me think of how very quickly situations can change and how very little we know of our future.


The next day, November 9,  my mom's kitchen and dining room was flooded, due to a leak in the structure of the house. 

It was also the day that the Woolsey fire reached Malibu. We turned off the water and evacuated the house. 


During the evacuation, we stayed with friends and family for the rest of November, and then as we dealt with insurance, demolition, and reconstruction, my dad provided a place for us to stay for these last 6 months. 

We are now moving back into the house, and we are so thankful for God's help and loving care during this whole time. 


As I continue to trust in God, I've been encouraged by this 7 month reminder that we know very little, and our situations can change very quickly. But God knows everything, and He is with us!

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Cyclone Idai - Beira Update

My colleagues, Melvin, Michelle, Andre, and Jeff traveled to Beira, the Mozambican city hit directly by cyclone Idai.


 Melvin writes, "we have seen widespread devastation but we were greatly touched by the resilience of the people. The faith and steadfastness of church leaders and missionaries is exemplary." 


They connected and helped missionaries, a Bible school, several church groups, preschools and a community Christian school.

Melvin asks prayer for, "good health and wisdom as they seek to minister to people on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. Also pray for emergency relief and aid organisations serving in the region. Pray also for all evangelistic efforts in refugee camps and in the communities around the churches."


pastor Nhazeze and mama Fatima

Michelle asks prayer, "for Pastor Nhazeze in his role as provincial pastor for the Nova Aliança churches:15 churches in the area were completely destroyed. Pray for wisdom for him as he hears of the needs of many church members."


Please pray also for Northern Mozambique which has just been hit by cyclone Kenneth.



Monday, March 25, 2019

How to Help



From my colleagues in Mozambique:

Cylone Idai hit Beira during the night of 14th to 15th March bringing widespread devastation to the city and wider region.  Reports indicate that about 90% of the buildings and infrastructure has been adversely affected in Beira, the second largest city in Mozambique.  While the cyclone ravaged all in its path and left most of the region under water, the sheer amounts of rainfall further inland as far as Zimbabwe has compounded the situation.  This natural disaster has led to a huge humanitarian crisis with a raising death toll by the day.

We appeal for prayer for the estimated 1.7 million Mozambicans that have been directly affected.  Pray also for those also affected in Zimbabwe and Malawi. 

One Mission ministries and missionaries are based further south in Maputo (1000km) and have not been affected by the cyclone.  In terms of those directly related to us, members of a church in Mopeia, Zambezia province lost their homes, belongings and crops.  We are preparing to respond in solidarity with those affected.  We intend to join forces with mission partners in the region to offer relief and support for the rebuilding of peoples lives in the worst affected areas.  All donations to OMS Mozambique Disaster Relief # 402600 are greatly appreciated. Pray that doors would open for the gospel to be shared in Word and deed by Christians locally and globally. Colossians 4 v 3.

One Mission
Mozambique

If you would like to help, you can use this link:


Fill in:
 Amount you would like to give 
Frequency is a "special gift" 
Missionary/Project is "Mozambique Disaster Relief # 402600."  

Thank you!

Monday, March 18, 2019

Cyclone Idai

Please pray for all those in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique who were affected by Cyclone Idai.


Please pray for the rescue efforts, and for the love and comfort of Jesus for all those who lost loved ones. 

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Harvest

My mom's banana tree here reminds me of the harvest around us.


After everyone had a banana at one of our conferences in Mozambique, this picture was taken of Abel, who has a great sense of humor! My co-workers and I have had the privilege of walking with, encouraging, teaching, and investing in him.


I praise God that Abel, in the middle, continues to follow Christ and he works with the young people in his local church. 


"...Jesus said to His disciples, "the harvest is great but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest."
Luke 10:2


I've gotten to know many Mozambican students over the years. In Quissico, where my house is, there are 3 large schools and plans for 2 more schools to be built.


I've only done a little informal English teaching, but when I've asked many students about their hopes and dreams, one of the things I've heard the most is that they want to learn English to be better equipped for a variety of jobs.

~
Would you join with me in asking God to send out workers to His harvest in Mozambique, including people called by God to help and serve in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) with students in Quissico? 

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Exceeding and Eternal

I thank God for faith to trust He is at work for what is exceeding and eternal. 


I'm encouraged by the life of Helen Roseveare, in her afflictions and in her faith, who heard God's loving question - 

"Can you thank Me for trusting you with this, even if I never tell you why?"

 ~ Helen Roseveare

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Encouragement for the New Year

I was reading my Bible and I asked God for a verse for this new year. 

Psalm 30:5  


Whatever your circumstances, I hope this is an encouragement to you too.