Humble

I have a sweet little friend who has been battling pride lately. She just can't seem to see it....but everyone else sure can. Yet, when I read the blogs of my other friends in ministry...in Spain, Mexico, and other non US places I am amazed by the humbleness. They never really feel like the are accomplishing much. Yet, I am sitting on my couch watching the Disney channel and praying for these friends who are shifting nations. My little prideful friend can't understand when they say...am I doing anything? Have I done anything right...after all...the romance of "missions" is very euphoric. What happens when the romance wears off and all of a sudden you wake up face to face with the reality of the ministry you are married to. I know that when the rubber meets the road that you chose wisely. And you really are willing to give your life for your calling. My prideful little friend will be heading to on missions trip in 3 weeks...maybe? A few more years and I think she will have fought enough to be considered mature. Should be interesting to watch...at least better than Disney.

Bonnie

How interesting is life. I was in Mexico last week and began to talk with a girl from Boston. She attended Moody in the 90's. So of course I asked her if she knew Bonnie. You see I went to the Philipines for 8 weeks in 1996 and Bonnie was part of our team. Bonnie, five foot nothing, red hair and all personality. We had tons of fun. I was in a beautiful house with 5 star meals and ceiling fans. She lived in a one room house and ate rice with rocks and fish everyday. Half way through the trip Bonnie had decided to fly back to the states. You see, she decided she didn't want to believe in Jesus anymore. The discussions began. Can you lose your salvation? Can Christians be demon possessed. On and on it went, round and round. Bonnie was fighting against everything and was truelly at the point of turning her back on everything to do with God. It was not a game nor was it just for attention. Andrea, the team leader, prayed all night long with Bonnie. Deliverance major! But the next day was the beginning of a new Bonnie. Her whole face had changed. She absolutely glowed. She rededicated her life, was baptized in the ocean and committed to the Lord 100%. She said no matter what I am yours Lord. I will live for you...I will die for you. My life is your life. It is my humble honor to serve you in all I do. Bonnie impacted my life. I watched one of the most amazing transformations I had ever seen. So, in Mexico, March 2007 I asked this girl from Boston if she had ever known Bonnie. And indeed she had. I was so excited to hear of my friend. The news this girl shared was not what I expected. You see, Bonnie was martyred. That's right. The bundle of life lost her life for Jesus. She was ministering in Lebanon. Opened the door to the medical clinic and was shot three times in the head. The muslim people did not appreciate the message she was sharing. It was all over the news but someone how I had not heard that Bonnie was killed. I heard it on a trip to Mexico 10 years later. Once again...Bonnie has impacted my life.
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/US/West/12/01/missionary.killed.memorial.ap/

Christians

I have been thinking that most people who say they are christians really aren't. If they should fit 1 Cor 13 then I guess I say...the shoes DOES NOT FIT! Most people Christian or not ARE NOT kind. If we can't even be courteous how can we say we are Christians?


John 13:34-35 (NIV)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Matthew 28:18a
Therefore go and make Disciples of all nations.