"Lose your life to find it" (Matthew 10.39)
"I'm the only one, true God. But I'm also two other guys" (John 17.3)
"Eat and drink me" (Matthew 26.26-29)
"Here, let me just rub some spit on that for you..." (Mark 8.22-26)
Jesus says a lot of semi-confusing and difficult things...of them all, the most challenging was spoken to me roughly one year ago. His statement? More of a command, really: "Come. Follow me." He didn't leave much wiggle room for procrastination or excuse. So, I did the only thing I could do: I packed my bags and asked, "Where are we going?"
"Gi-gi and Rosally need to be bathed and tucked in at the orphanage in Malaybalay, Philippines. Dara needs your bible, and Sophal needs someone to help him memorize scripture in English in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Next you'll go to Janet's house in Port Kang, Malaysia-she's got a good word for you. Patty and Sow at Freedom Bar in Phuket, Thailand need to be reminded that they cannot sell their bodies to men because I've already purchased them with my blood. Fi-fi in Kanombe, Rwanda needs a snuggle and some shoes. In Bungoma, Kenya you'll meet Arnold-he'll need prayer and protection from his abusive mother. PIA in Morogoro, Tanzania needs growth and encouragement in their congregations. Then you'll travel to Ongole, India, where you'll meet Joshua and Master-make sure they get plenty of cold water, and sing them a few songs-they love that! Subash needs fellowship and Darjay needs freedom from the monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Then we're going to Dragonesti, where you'll love a few of my sons-Orange, George and Alecs-they need a sense of belonging and brotherhood. When you're finished there, I've got some Aussies and Dutchies that need encouragement and truth spoken to them in Ivankiev, Ukraine. And while you're there, give Sasha and Danielle a hug and a friend. Let them know that I'm coming for them. After you've finished all of these things, return to the United States and seek me patiently and eagerly for further instruction."
Here I am, eleven months later, looking back on every place and every person that I've seen God reach out and touch. He really does fill all things in all ways. All of this traveling has taught me something: coming home and unpacking my bags is only the beginning. As the world race draws to an end, I begin to see more clearly the next stretch of the course awaiting me. I've been called to something far greater than an eleven-month trip around the world. Please, don't misunderstand me-this has been an INCREDIBLE adventure for me! But in the grand scheme of things, my calling and purpose far-outshine the flashiness and appeal of what we've been doing for the past year.
I have been called to bring God's kingdom to this earth. I've been chosen to love radically, with holy passion and unreasonable faith. I've been chosen to receive the Lord's inheritance. I am God's beloved. I am the bride of Christ. I am royalty-the daughter of a king! I am a preacher, a nanny, a friend, a teacher, a writer, a bathroom-scrubber, a sister, a nurse, an artist, a chief, a storyteller...I am the Lord's anointed. And with Him, I can do ALL things.
And I will
.
People often ask, "What will you do when you finish the race?" I have three answers to that question:
"Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled"
~Luke 14.23
"I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever. With my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations." ~Psalm 89.1-2
"Oh sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the lord all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods!" ~Psalm 96.1-4
10 days. I can hardly believe it! So close to the end, yet so very far from the finish. <><
Over the course of this month, we've watched several teams of volunteers come and go, all brought to camp for one reason: to declare and display God's love for the children of Ivankiev, Ukraine. For the last eleven(ish) days, we've had the honor of partnering with an energetic, passionate (criminally insane) group of 20-somethings from Holland. Before the "Dutchies" arrived, we were blessed with the fellowship and friendship of a younger group of teenagers from Brisbane/Queensland, Australia.
We enjoyed having the Aussies on campus (an extreme understatement!). Aside from Jesus, our friendships were founded on sarcasm, laugher and fun(ny) foreign sayings such as "Calm your farm" and "Did you just pig truffle?". This small group of teenagers brought much-needed refreshment and encouragement to my team and I. Through them, the Lord taught me about Godly desire and selflessness. Allow me to explain, as I introduce you to a few of Australia's finest:
Meet Jasmine (Jaz). She's one of the most chill and outgoing girls I've met on this trip. She's an incredibly hard worker. At age fifteen, she decided to get a job, save up, and spend her earnings (and her school vacation week) on a trip to one of the poorest areas of Ukraine, simply to love on kids who come from abusive and impoverished homes. Her ability to love genuinely and openly came as a refreshment to me-especially at such a young age. Jaz has this "rawness" about her. She's a free spirit-one of those "what you see is what you get" kind of people...and she shines because of it. You can count on her for realness, honesty, and sarcasm J Upon learning her story, I was amazed. What fifteen year old saves up thousands of dollars and decides to spend them on abused children in neglected countries? This girl loves the Lord-praise Him!
Meet my fourteen year old little brother, James: when he wasn't fixing his hair, rubbing sand in ours, or falling out of hammocks, he was usually busy loving on the group of kids that he was in charge of for the week. Andrew (our fearless & crazy camp director) wisely placed James in a position of leadership. God has hand-crafted our little bro to be a creative and thoughtful soul. His many talents (music, writing, kick-boxing, singing, etc) assure me that God has incredible things in store for him in the years to come-wherever He leads him. James isn't a Christian YET, but (his words, not mine) he's well on his way. In John, chapter twenty one, Jesus tells us to feed and take care of His sheep. I am confident that James was created for this! As I think about James' protective instincts and his creativity (a strange, but powerful combo), God reminds me that James can uniquely relate to (and bless) all types of people in many different ways! God has equipped James to take care of His diverse and beloved sheep! Will you pray for him as he steps into this role? Will you pray with us that he begins to understand the love that awaits him? And that God grows our cute little brother into a man of wisdom, holiness, and GREAT faith!
There are five other people on the Aussie team that I could write entire essays on. Jackie's passion for loving the lonely, Mitchell's fun and unique fellowship, Isaac's illuminating laughter and ethusiasm for God's word, Pia's compassion and joy, Louise's steadfastness in the Lord, etc...seriously, I could write about these incredible kids all day. Praise the Lord for family around the globe!
I'm trying to remember what I was like when I was fourteen. Braces. Frizzy red hair (that never really changed...). Obsessed with glitter jeans (they were cool, I swear).c Starting to wonder if boys really aren't that gross. Ocupied with popularity and staying up-to-date on movies and music. Certainly not passionate about God or His will for my money, my time, and my life. I look at this group of teenagers and I see HOPE. I see a young generation, rising up and chosing to fear the Lord simply because He is GOOD.
Praise. God.
Aussies-I miss you. All of you! But I praise the Lord for the work He's doing in you, and through you. I pray that you grow daily in your trust and faith in Him! And when the struggles of high school come-because they will-I pray that you'll find your comfort and help in the Holy Spirit. When life gets rough, strap on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and know that your victory is secured in Christ alone. Thanks for everything you've taught me while you were here at camp. Thank you for the laughter and the sarcasm. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord at such a young age. THANK YOU for helping to make our last month of this trip an incredible one. The God who calls you is faithful! Keep seeking Him! He loves you! And so do I.
Family and Friends,
In just sixteen days my feet will be standing on American soil (!!!). Until then, my eyes are fixed on the "here and now". The last stop on our journey is a children's camp ("Jeremiah's Hope") in Evankiv, Ukraine. Here you'll find PLENTY to keep busy: volleyball, tetherball, soccer, swimming, arts & crafts, playground equipment, badminton, Bible classes, camp Olympics and more! There are tie-dyed t-shirts, scheduled naps, small cabins for the kids to sleep in, and sand in the bed sheets. Everything you remember about camp as a kid...it's all here!
During our stay, we've had the pleasure of working with INCREDIBLE teams from Australia, Holland and Texas/USA (you know who you are!). As the teams come and go, it's difficult for us to watch them leave, but the blessing they've been to the campers and our team far-outweighs the pain of (yet another) round of goodbyes. For the past two weeks, we've been hosting groups of campers from social service homes. The kids arrive on Monday morning, and leave on Saturday afternoon.
Many of the children here at camp come from troubled homes. For most, things like physical and verbal abuse, neglect, alcoholism, drugs and abandonment are part of their everyday lives. Our oversized van drives through their villages on Sunday night to invite them to camp, and comes around again on Monday mornings to gather those who've packed their bags and are outside waiting for us, ready to escape for a week.
Jeremiah's Hope provides these children with food, a warm bed, how showers, clean clothes, and new friends who share in their same struggles. Through sports, bible classes, arts & crafts, movie nights, camp Olympics, funny skits (etc...) we're presented with countless opportunities to love on these kids-to show them a glimpse of Heaven through laughter, safety, provision, friendship and protection.
Our team is loving the way God is moving through this camp. As we clean toilets and brush out pony tales, set the table and tuck kids in at night, play duck-duck-goose for the umpteenth time and mop (and re-mop) the floors...we see God's love in action. It's softening hearts. It's comforting. It carries with it a banner of hope and strength. God's love is forming a shield around His children, and when they leave this camp, it continues to cover them. Praise the Lord!
Given the relationships we've been able to dive into with campers and staff these past few weeks, I can joyfully and honestly declare that there is no place I'd rather spend the last month of my race than here, at this camp. I praise God for His unconditional love for us all, and for the ways He chooses to display it right before my eyes!
Stay tuned for stories of our amazing kids! They're coming!
If you'd like to browse through a few photos of our first week of camp, please click here! :)
I'm four years old. You're taking Alyse and I for a walk around "the
loop" with our strollers and dolls. We're wearing winter coats with
fluffy fur lining the hood. I'm annoyed that you make me wear the hood
up-it's really not that cold outside. Over time, the stroller and dolls
are swapped for a tree house and a swing set that you built in the back
yard. And so I add a few years.
I'm six. Alyse and I are running through the living room as you chase
us around the couch. When you catch us, you swing us up on your
shoulders and drop down on all fours. You morph into "buckin' bronco"
until our stomach's ache from laughing so hard. The carpet in the
living room is blue. That blue carpet is now a tile floor. And so I add
a few years.
I'm nine. Devin, Alyse, Mitch and I are crammed in the back of the car,
sucking down our 7/11 slurpies. It's almost midnight-we're coming home
from the late showing of a movie. You're quizzing us on the plot.
Instead of answering your questions, we laugh at you because...who does
that? And then we cave and answer, because...who would have guessed...they
were fun. I drive myself to the movies now. And so I add a few years.
I'm thirteen. I'm coming home from my first cross country race in
Carson City. You came and cheered me on from every mile marker. Our bus
pulls into the middle school parking lot, and as I step off, you wave
me into the car. You drive me all the way back to Carson to buy me an
ice cream cone from Shell-the best kept secret in that little town. My
uniform has long since been retired. And so I add a few years.
I'm fourteen. A few hours ago, you had announced to Alyse, Mitch and I
that you and mom were considering a divorce. I walk into Mitch's room,
and there you are, sitting on his bed. You're reading your Bible and
praying aloud. I went into my room and did the same. That was the night
I learned to talk to/trust in God. You and Mom are still married. God
is still good. And so I add a few years.
I'm fifteen. We're coming home from our first trip to Colorado. We're
in the A&W and you pay for our dinner with the last of your pocket
change-it's all the money you have left on you after two weeks of
spoiling your kids. There aren't enough coins for all of us to eat. You
buy us lunch, and decide to eat when we get home. This one will always
be my favorite. But because I'm no longer fifteen...I add a few years.
I'm seventeen. Mom is grocery shopping. Cierra calls, wanting to go to
the movies. I run to the garage to ask you if I can borrow the other
car...and I realize that you've taken it to the church. You're mowing the
lawn for the umpteenth time that summer. I begin to realize the
humility and sacrifice in your servanthood. You're still mowing the
lawn at the church, and so I add a few years.
I'm eighteen, sitting in the back of the van, surrounded by boxes of
clothing, books, and bedding. We're on our way to Hubbard Hall-I'm
moving to MSU. I am determined not to cry. Mom asks me if I forgot
anything, and as I think through my packing list, I glance into the
rear-view mirror and see tears rolling down the corner of your eyes. I
look out the window and pretend to double-check my packing job, trying
to hide my tears. You've dropped me off at Hubbard Hall a thousand
times since then, and so I add a few years.
I'm twenty one. You've owned your ipod for at least a year at this
point, and you're laying on the couch-JUST now learning that your
"iphone" plays radio stations, too. You're still awful with technology
today, so I add a few years.
I'm twenty three. sitting at the table in my kitchen at the mission
house in Dragonesti, Romania. Tears streaming down my face, I pull out
memory after memory after memory of my amazing dad.
My dad, the buckin' bronco.
My dad, the swing set builder.
My dad, the deacon.
My dad, the cross country cheer team.
My dad, the movie quizzer.
My dad, the ATM.
My dad, the nurse.
My dad, the selfless giver.
My dad, the humble servant.
My dad, the night light.
The hero. The provider. The protector. The teacher. The example.
My dad. My friend.
Everyone is allowed to say that their dad is the best dad on Father's
Day. And for that one day...it's probably okay. But for the remaining 364
days of the year...you're still at the top of the list.
Dad, I love you. I miss you. Happy Father's Day! I'll see you soon :)
Love,
Lesserann :)
We've made it to Europe! Hello from Romania--where the showers are hot, the drinks are cold, and water from the tap won't give you strange diseases. We're living at a ministry house in Dragoesti for the month, partnering with local full-time missionaries. We'll be helping around the neighborhood with a few community service projects, bible studies, sports camps, and children's ministries.
Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to travel to Bulgaria for a brief evangelism outing. On the Romania/Bulgaria border, there's a Romanian-speaking community in desperate need of love-saturated truth. We handed out bibles, cd's. and tracts to random passersby's on the streets. In the evening, we attempted to hold a youth meeting in the park, but God had other plans for our time, as He sent rain for most of the evening. We paired off and spread throughout the city. Janell was my partner for the day, and we had a really great time loving on the locals. One encounter will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers.
We noticed him from across the street. Probably in his mid-sixties, he resembled the stereotypical homeless man: ski hat, dirty, unkempt hair, worn out shoes, and a stained jacket. He sat alone on a bench outside the corner shop. We walked up to him and introduced ourselves. He pointed to himself, and said "Dennis". That was all we got out of him. He didn't speak any English....this was going to be difficult. We pulled out a Bulgarian bible, and pointed to it, trying to explain with hand gestures that we were Christians from America. He nodded to communicate his understanding. He reached for his wrist, and pushed his sleeve up to reveal a wooden charm bracelet of Jesus and the saints. Before I could glance at his bracelet on display, my gaze drifted to his forearm. When he slid his sleeve up, he revealed to us three swastika tattoos. I was shocked. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I pointed to the tattoo and held my hands up in the air as I asked him, "Why?". He then took his long-sleeved t-shirt off, to show us the rest of his...collection. On his arms were tattooed Hitler's full name and face, five swastikas, the dates of WWI, demons, and many other evil marks. He smiled as he pointed each of them out to us. And it hit me: He was proud of them. We tried to communicate with him, but the language barrier, coupled with the shock of what we were seeing, frustrated all of us. Eventually we asked him if we could pray for him. He said no, and shooed us on our way.
We made our way down the street, continuing to hand out tracts, introducing ourselves to random people. As we were speaking with a mother and her teenage daughter, Dennis came around the corner and sat on a bench a few yards from us. After Janell and I finished our conversation with the women, we decided to try and pray for Dennis one more time.
"Dennis!" I said with a smile, as if I'd known him my whole life. I held up my hand and he smiled as he returned my high-five. I pointed to the cross necklace he was wearing, and then to the Jesus charm on his wrist, as I asked one more if I could pray for him. This time, Dennis nodded his head in agreement. Janell and I didn't waste any time! We began to pray for a miracle. Among other things, we asked God to remove the tattoos on his arms as he slept that night-a physical cleansing to remind him of the spiritual one that awaits him. When we were finished, Dennis took his bracelet off and shoved it into my hand. I tried to give it back, but he refused. I tucked it in my bag. When I got home, I wrote the letters of his name on it, one letter on every charm. The bracelet now serves as my constant reminder to lift him up in prayer.
Did Dennis wake up with clean arms? God only knows. But he did teach me something. Dennis is a lot like you and I. We're both full of sin. Dennis chooses to tattoo his on his body for all to see, and I attempt to keep mine hidden as if they don't exist. The only difference is that my sins are not permanent. They're forgiven, washed clean by the blood of Christ. I'm praying that Dennis allows God to soften his heart toward Christ-that he finds the forgiveness and the love that are offered so freely to him, before it's too late.
Dennis,
Wherever you are, know this: God looks beyond the scars you've put on your arms, and sees the ones on your heart. He can heal them, if you let Him. Heaven holds a seat for you, brother. And I will pray until your very last moment that you find it.
Love,
Leslie
Here I sit. On the floor. Dirty. Exhausted. Teeth and hair unbrushed. Sporting sweatpants and a paint-splashed t-shirt. No makeup. In desperate need of a shower and a nine hour nap. Currently camped on the floor of Starbucks in the Istanbul (Turkey) Airport...slowly working my way through a seven hour layover--Romania is just around the corner. One more flight and we're there. As I sit here scribbling in my journal, asking God what to update you on, tens of dozens of people walk past me--each group more trendy and beautiful than the last. For the past nine months I've been living in run-down, poverty-stricken areas. Dirt floors. Rice. More dirt. More rice. I've seen more people walking barefoot than I have people who own a pair of shoes. And now?
This airport is really throwing me off. I look to my left: hair cosmetics, makeup, perfume. To my right? Clothing, bags and shoes. Further down the hallway--all the food, books and jewelry you could possibly want. Everything about this place screams "you are not good enough, try harder". Although we're entering a place where white skin is now the norm, something in the atmosphere presses on me here, letting me know that I am stll an outsider. Only this time it's different--it has nothing to do with my skin color, and everything to do with my posessions. To be honest, it feels awful. And I begin to wonder if this is what Jesus felt like.
I've realized a few things about myself (these long layovers are good for something)...God painted me with messy, red hair--CLEARLY i'm not created to blend in. The Jesus in me longs to cry out, "So what!?". But my fighting flesh is desperately trying to drown itself in the acceptance of this world. Why is this so difficult? Why are such temporary things of such great importance to me?
And then it hits me:I do not have a grand enough image of Heaven.
How many times have you gone through a mall, found a cute pair of shoes, and thought about them at least one more time, other than when you were in the store looking at them? ....Next question: How many times have you read a description of Heaven and gone back later in the day/week to meditate on it?
If I truly treasured what awaits me in eternity, things that moth and rust could never destroy...I wouldn't dare give a second thought or glance to the things of this world (more specifcally, this airport). But I do!! I purchase the t-shirt that's on sale. And jeans to match. But that's it. Until I find the perfect shoes to go with it. And after that, I'm finished. But then I find a purse that would look great with...
Before I know it, my closet is full of pretty shoes, and Fi-fi in Rwanda is even hungrier today than she was yesterday. I'm not saying it's blasephemy to buy a pair of shoes. I'm just challenging myself to think a little, here. So I have to ask myself...can I gain a grander image of Heaven without loosening my grip on the things of this earth?
Nope.
I've tried to justify it. Oh, how i've tried! On this trip, I've often used, "We had a hard month. We've had to bathe in buckets and sleep on hard floors, eating rice and bananas for five weeks straight...I deserve this". But for some reason, sitting on this starbucks floor reminds me that my place in this world is not in front of a cash register. It's at the feet of God's people. My place in this world is on the floor--a servant at the foot of God's throne.
Somewhere along the way, I've lost sight of what Heaven truly means to me. I've traded in the pearly gates for strands of pearls. I've forgotten that GOD HIMSELF is the reason why Heaven is so grand--not the golden streets or the crowns that await us. So i'm starting over. I'm embracing my label: outsider. In the last hour or so, I've been filled with a new peace about my appearance and belongings. The stains on my t-shirt? Pediasure and food spit-up from loving on sick babies in India. The holes in my sweatpants? Torn from hiking up a montain in Nepal to preach the gospel to a Monk who'd never heard of Jesus. Beautiful.
So, let's try this again: Here I sit. On the floor. Dirty. Exhausted. Teeth and hair unbrushed. Sporting sweatpants and a paint-splashed t-shirt. No makeup. In desperate need of a shower and a nine hour nap. Currently camped on the floor of Starbucks in the Istanbul (Turkey) Airport...meditating on the glory of God, and the eternal home that awaits me--and all the other outsiders--where we'll forever sing of His fame.
And so begins my quest for a clearer, grander glimpse of the ONLY thing worth having.
Join me?
"Therefore, they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore. The sun shall not strike them, nor any scortching heat. For the lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eye."
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
For "poison control" and the smell of cookies wafting through the house... For our family motto, permanently engraved in my mind... For the wisdom to know what lil' ladies do and do not do...
For all those years of giant, puffy bangs, frilly easter dresses, and matching outfits with Alyse...
For Flintstones orange sherbert push-pops when I was sick...
For pretending it's our turn for "kid's tree" each Christmas...
For sticking up for me when Dad makes fun of my strategically disheveled hair and non-matching clothes...
For parking me in front of the trailers until I "got it"... For mopping the floor on your hands and knees...
For teaching me how to love others humbly from the sidelines...
For working hard to take care of our family--no matter how miserable people have tried to make it for you...
For finding the silver lining when it was invisible...
For using your talents to bless those around you...
For care packages in college...
For always having hazzlenut creamer in the fridge when I come home...
For letting me make my own decisions...and mistakes...
For your open door policy with all of my friends...
For your provision, protection, and trust...
For the smile on your face when the whole family gets together...
For teaching me how to give until it hurts...
For being my mom first, and my friend second, when I needed to be straightened out...
For your discipline, and your grace...
For your incredible work ethic...
And for the way you love me likeno one else can... THANK YOU. Mom, I honor you.
I love you.
I respect you, and I miss you.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom! This one's for you :)
Proverbs 31.29 "Many women do noble things, but YOU surpass them all."
Yesterday was a GREAT day; I'm going to walk you through it. The morning started with a skype call to my friend Erika (pictured, right) back home. The power went out in mid-conversation, but I got to hear her beautiful voice for nearly 45 minutes. It brought the encouragement I needed to make it through the next fourteen hours of my day. The chat with Erika was immediately followed by a bowl of oatmeal and an hour of intentional worship with my team. Music stops at 10am, and we're out the door by 10:05.
We pull up to the children's home and swing open the gate. In a matter of seconds, we transform into human jungle-gyms. First on our "to-do" list: clean the nurse's station. We clear out and organize the clutter, wash mattresses, change sheets, mop the floor, etc. And then we walk to the back corner and push the yellow door open. (Any guesses as to what's in there?) Yes, it's time to clean the squatty potty!!! Pause here for a brief attitude check: we don't HAVE to scrub poo off of walls, we GET to scrub poo off of walls. (Jesus, you are worth it!) When we're done cleaning the squatty, we take a moment to bask in the glow of the now-shiny, clean walls, as we enjoy the fresh lemon scent wafting through the nurse's station.
Time for the next act of love: de-licing the kids. Hair wrapped, comb and conditioner in hand, we sit all eighty children down and begin to comb through their hair. Good times. A couple of hours later...kids are good to go, and it's time to head home for some grilled cheese and tomato soup. Lunch followed by a 30 minute nap. Wake up. Return to the children's home. This is my favorite part of the day. My friend Carly and I asked the caretakers which of the immobile boys didn't get very much attention. She gave us four names, and then Jesus showed us how to love them. We grabbed some wheelchairs, strapped our new friends in, and went for a walk around the neighborhood.
I looked down at one of the boys in my wheelchair. Because I stood behind him, he couldn't see me. He had no idea where we were going, or how long it would take us to get there. Any unexpected turns or bumps in the road he welcomed with a smile--he was simply enjoying his time out in the sunshine (which, in India, there is PLENTY of). He trusted that I would keep him safe, and bring him home in one piece. Can you see God at work, here?! Much like my young friend, I often cannot see the force that is pushing me. Sometimes God's presence isn't as visible as I'd like it to be. And there are many days when I find myself facing unexpected turns and bumps in the road. I don't know where He's leading me. I don't know how long it's going to take to get there. And to be honest, this freaks me out.
This is when God probably speaks the loudest to me, and I stubbornly refuse to listen. He's yelling, "Les, just sit back and enjoy the ride. I'll take you where you need to go. You can't get there on your own. Just trust me. When you can't see me leading you, know that i'm pushing you from behind".
We brought the boys back to their house, and grabbed a "rick-shaw" ride home. On the way, I heard God whisper, "Les, sit back and enjoy the SONshine". Okay, God. That sounds lovely.
Hello fromOngole, India!Despite the hot, hot heat, we're excited for the ministry God has called us to in India! My new team (team Exodus)and I will be working alongside team Pleres this month. For the next few weeks, we'll be partnering with two organizations: ICM (India Christian Ministries) and SCH (Sarah's Covenant Home). As we partner with ICM, we'll be traveling to orphanages in the surrounding area each week, painting bedrooms and loving on the kids! The bulk of our ministry this month is with SCH. We'll be spending most of our days at Sarah's Covenant Home--a home for abandoned children with special needs. For the next few weeks, we'll be loving over eighty children with specal needs in any way we're able--this could range anywhere from bathing, health checks and feedings, to nap time, games, and physical exercise. As a team, we're really striving to empty ourselves out for these kids. We're fully relying on God to refill us daily--and we believe He will! Would you keep "team Plexodus" in your prayers, please? That God would continue to shower His endurance and strength over us as we fully commit to loving these kids with everything we've got? (THANKS!) After travel day, we were given two days of (much-needed!) rest. We've enjoyed a trip to the beach, orientation, and a few lengthy naps! Now that we're rested and healthy, we look forward to our first full day of ministry in Ongole tomorrow! Updates, stories and photos soon to come! :)
It's often difficult (for me) to ask God for the ability to fully invest myself in a ministry (especially one as trying as this), when I know that in four short weeks, I'll have to pack up and walk away from it. As we prepare for ministry tomorrow, i'm reminded of Isaiah 43.13....God tells us, "No one can undo what I have done". Isn't it amazing how God's word holds every comfort that we need? I may not be able to save the world. Shoot...I can't even save myself. (Thank you, Jesus!) But the work that God does through me, in EVERY place He leads me to, cannot be undone. No matter how great or small....the work God does through us cannot be undone. This reminder brings with it a newness of spirit--an eagerness to be emptied, only to be refilled once more.
Praise. God. <><
NEPAL UPDATE: As of May 01, 2011 God has provided (through YOUR giving!!!)$440for the family whose home burned down last month. I praise God for your compassion, prayers, and generous gifts! We're planning on sending the money to Nepal on June 01...so if you'd like to send a gift, there's still time! Again, THANK YOU for the way you've played a part in God's provision. May you be blessed as you bless those around you!
As always, thanks for following along! I love and miss you all!
Team EXODUS: Sarah Patterson, Janell King, Leslie Redman, Carmen Oswalt :)
Earlier this week we had the privilege of visiting a man in great
need of prayer. His name is Minos. He's twenty-six years old, and has the most
joyous smile you'll ever see on a human. Married, he lives with his wife,
two-year old son, and mother-in-law. Their home is simple. Two bedrooms are on
the upper level, each hardly big enough to hold the bed. The lower level is a
small, open room, housing their pet goat, and a few pots and pans. To get from
the lower level of their home to the upper level, you have to climb a wooden
ladder. Their home is made of dirt and clay, and has no electricity or running
water. It's located at the very peak of a steep mountain. (Lots and lots of
stairs to get to him!)
Minos was born crippled and almost entirely mute. His legs
don't bend and straighten properly, and walking is nearly impossible for him.
He was raised Buddhist, but three years ago, our Nepalese dad (Megh) shared
Christ with him and they've been worshiping God together ever since! Once Minos
joined Megh's church, Megh started sending church members to pray for him. Over
the course of two years, Minos' legs straightened enough for him to walk. His
tongue and mouth muscles relaxed enough for him to speak a handful of words
(still extremely difficult to understand his speech) and God began to restore
his body both physically and spiritually.
Megh brought us to Minos to pray for healing and physical
restoration. For the last three months, Minos' legs have not been strong enough
to climb up and down the mountain to attend church. He's confined to his small,
dark home, because he can't walk anywhere. We laid hands on our brother and we
prayed. As the words poured from my mouth, tears streamed down my cheeks. I
tried to hold them back, but I couldn't. I was overwhelmed by this man's faith.
By his endurance. By his strength.
Despite his physical disabilities, he climbed up and down
his mountain to go to church (this took him HOURS to do!) for three years. I
was ashamed of myself. My church is a 30 minute drive from home, and there were
several mornings when I didn't want to wake up early and drive to church in my
comfortable, air conditioned car. And here is Minos, severely handicapped, and
climbing down a mountain for three hours to attend a short worship service. Which
makes me wonder....
How eager am I to worship?
God didn't physically heal Minos that afternoon. But He did
stir up a lot of challenges and questions in me. How EAGER am I to worship? How
far am I willing to go to glorify my Father? How much work am I willing to do
to witness to others? And most importantly...despite my deformities of sorts,
will I still carry Christ's joy as I seek to please Him in all I do?
Please continue to pray for our brother, Minos. Strength and
healing are coming-whether in this life, or the one to come, we WILL see our
brother dance with joy before the Lord. Praise God.
snuggle and some shoes. In Bungoma, Kenya you'll meet Arnold-he'll need prayer and protection from his abusive mother. PIA in Morogoro, Tanzania needs growth and encouragement in their congregations. Then you'll travel to Ongole, India, where you'll meet Joshua and Master-make sure they get plenty of cold water, and sing them a few songs-they love that! Subash needs fellowship and Darjay needs freedom from the monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Then we're going to Dragonesti, where you'll love a few of my sons-Orange, George and Alecs-they need a sense of belonging and brotherhood. When you're finished there, I've got some Aussies and Dutchies th
at need encouragement and truth spoken to them in Ivankiev, Ukraine. And while you're there, give Sasha and Danielle a hug and a friend. Let them know that I'm coming for them. After you've finished all of these things, return to the United States and seek me patiently and eagerly for further instruction." 
on't misunderstand me-this has been an INCREDIBLE adventure for me! But in the grand scheme of things, my calling and purpose far-outshine the flashiness and appeal of what we've been doing for the past year. 
preacher, a nanny, a friend, a teacher, a writer, a bathroom-scrubber, a sister, a nurse, an artist, a chief, a storyteller...I am the Lord's anointed. And with Him, I can do ALL things. 
Meet Jasmine (Jaz). She's one of the most chill and outgoing girls I've met on this trip. She's an incredibly hard worker. At age fifteen, she decided to get a job, save up, and spend her earnings (and her school vacation week) on a trip to one of the poorest areas of Ukraine, simply to love on kids who come from abusive and impoverished homes. Her ability to love genuinely and openly came as a refreshment to me-especially at such a young age. Jaz has this "rawness" about her. She's a free spirit-one of those "what you see is what you get" kind of people...and she shines because of it. You can count on her for realness, honesty, and sarcasm J Upon learning her story, I was amazed. What fifteen year old saves up thousands of dollars and decides to spend them on abused children in neglected countries? This girl loves the Lord-praise Him! 
t he was in charge of for the week. Andrew (our fearless & crazy camp director) wisely placed James in a position of leadership. God has hand-crafted our little bro to be a creative and thoughtful soul. His many talents (music, writing, kick-boxing, singing, etc) assure me that God has incredible things in store for him in the years to come-wherever He leads him. James isn't a Christian YET, but (his words, not mine) he's well on his way. In John, chapter twenty one, Jesus tells us to feed and take care of His sheep. I am confident that James was created for this! As I think about James' protective instincts and his creativity (a strange, but powerful combo), God reminds me that James can uniquely relate to (and bless) all types of people in many different ways! God has equipped James to take care of His diverse and beloved sheep! Will you pray for him as he steps into this role? Will you pray with us that he begins to understand the love that awaits him? And that God grows our cute little brother into a man of wisdom, holiness, and GREAT faith! 
There are five other people on the Aussie team that I could write entire essays on. Jackie's passion for loving the lonely, Mitchell's fun and unique fellowship, Isaac's illuminating laughter and ethusiasm for God's word, Pia's compassion and joy, Louise's steadfastness in the Lord, etc...seriously, I could write about these incredible kids all day. Praise the Lord for family around the globe!
him if we could pray for him. He said no, and shooed us on our way. 
friend Erika (pictured, right) back home. The power went out in mid-conversation, but I got to hear her beautiful voice for nearly 45 minutes. It brought the encouragement I needed to make it through the next fourteen hours of my day. The chat with Erika was immediately followed by a bowl of oatmeal and an hour of intentional worship with my team. Music stops at 10am, and we're out the door by 10:05.
Time for the next act of love: de-licing the kids. Hair wrapped, comb and conditioner in hand, we sit all eighty children down and begin to comb through their hair. Good times. A couple of hours later...kids are good to go, and it's time to head home for some grilled cheese and tomato soup. Lunch followed by a 30 minute nap. Wake up. Return to the children's home. This is my favorite part of the day. My friend Carly and I asked the caretakers which of the immobile boys didn't get very much attention. She gave us four names, and then Jesus showed us how to love them. We grabbed some wheelchairs, strapped our new friends in, and went for a walk around the neighborhood.
idea where we were going, or how long it would take us to get there. Any unexpected turns or bumps in the road he welcomed with a smile--he was simply enjoying his time out in the sunshine (which, in India, there is PLENTY of). He trusted that I would keep him safe, and bring him home in one piece. Can you see God at work, here?! Much like my young friend, I often cannot see the force that is pushing me. Sometimes God's presence isn't as visible as I'd like it to be. And there are many days when I find myself facing unexpected turns and bumps in the road. I don't know where He's leading me. I don't know how long it's going to take to get there. And to be honest, this freaks me out. 
