Marty: "Be Still...."

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

- Psalm 46:10a

I have difficulty being still. Sure, I like to kick back and relax. But sometimes it's a struggle for me to slow down to a point where I can relax. There's so much to do, after all: responsibilities with church, trying to get 'caught up' at work, spending time with family, meeting with my small group, tending to the dog, the myriad tasks that are ever-present at home; all that plus making preparations to move to the DR in April. No, being still just doesn't fit in.

I'm reading a book in preparation for an upcoming mission trip (The Art of Listening Prayer, by Seth Barnes). For the benefit of those who know me well, it's assigned reading, and I probably won't finish the assignment before the trip. Very early on in this book, it became very clear to me that in order for me to benefit from the concepts presented, I need to seriously work on this 'stillness' thing.

Ever since hearing Luke's account of Mary & Martha (Luke 10:38-42), I've identified more with Martha. She's the 'take charge' person who gets things done. She makes sure everyone is fed, and cleans up after dinner. I suspect that while dinner was cooking, she took care of feeding and watering the visitors' donkeys. Naturally, she had to keep the house tidy since visitors came pretty regularly. Every home or workplace needs a Martha, right?

And then there's Mary. While Martha is busy getting everything done, Mary just hangs out with Jesus, getting up to date with all His ministry work, and learning as He teaches her lessons of supreme importance. That was probably just fine early in the day. After all, it kept Jesus busy so Martha could do what needed to be done. But later on - when the dishes needed to be done - Martha has had enough, and tries to get Jesus to make Mary do some work. (We've all been there, haven't we? Ok... well, I've been there!).

This is one of those accounts where Jesus lays out some instruction that is undeniably clear. Black and white. He's not speaking in parables here. “'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:41-42, emphasis added).

It's clear that I frequently choose to spend my time on what is less important. And the fact that they seem more important to me tells me I need to allow the Holy Spirit to do some prioritizing work in my life.How about you? Are you choosing the 'better' thing?

- Marty

Lisa--What will life look like?

Over the past few months I have gotten asked that question quite often.  What do you think your life will look like once you are in the Dominican?  The questions have been varied--for example--
                       *what will you eat?
                      * what will you do all day?
                      *won't you miss what you have here?
                      *won't you miss your family and friends?

And I could write so many more.  The truth is I don't have all the answers to those questions. I pretty much know what I will eat and I am very grateful I like rice and beans.  There is a wonderful market in town where we will be able to get fresh fruits and veges and the freshest chickens around--prepared as we wait, if you know what I mean--haha!  I'm not sure how I will fill my day except to say that I hope to be serving the people of the DR whether in the clinic or in the bateys or in our home.  Only God knows how the picture will be painted.  And the truth is I will very much miss my home, my family and my friends.   I am sure I will cry at the goodbyes and maybe even question "really God, this is what you are calling me to do?"

But in my heart the Lord has placed this amazing calling on my life and I have answered yes to Him!  How exciting to serve the Creator of the Universe and how humbling that He has called my family in this way.  God has not given me all the answers to what the future will look like and He has given me no guarantees of comfort or safety.  What He has given me is a spirit of obedience to Him and the promise of an amazing ride if I choose to follow Him.  God has left this decision up to me.  The decision to join Him in His work in the DR.  God has a plan and a purpose for all of our lives and all he wants is a yes to His plan and He promises to never leave or forsake us in this life as we live out our purpose-- whatever that may be.

My prayer is that you will join me in saying yes to God for your life and may you feel the same joy and anticipation that I feel about the next step in this journey.  Life was meant to be experienced and enjoyed, with laughter, smiles and each other.  Please know that we would welcome any and all of you to come see us in the DR and work along side of us.  The place is beautiful and the people are more beautiful.  Let me know if you would like any information about a trip to the DR, whether just you or a group from your work or church.  This journey was meant to be shared together as we spread the love of Jesus to all the corners of the earth.  Thanks for you prayers and keep those questions coming--one day soon I will be able to blog about the answers!  Love you all!

                

There's an Army Rising Up

Eight months.

I remember when the countdown started (at least for me) five years ago.  At the time God had only given me a deep love for the people of the Dominican and a vision for long-lasting, dramatic change in their lives.  As the days have melted away He has revealed more and more of what His plans are for me and my parents there, and every moment I am more excited, more scared, and more filled with love for the Dominicans than I ever thought I was capable of.  There are reminders of my friends and loved ones everywhere, and while my heart aches that I can't be there with them right now, God has continued to bless my family as we continue to make preparations.

We have been in the process over the last few weeks of sending out support letters.  This is our official start of fundraising.  A lot of people seem to have anxiety and stress about raising money, but for me it has actually been one of the biggest blessings in my life.  Yes, it is a little hard; when I extend an invitation to join me in my ministry, it is a very vulnerable position.  It is me explaining my passion and vision, and baring my heart for everyone to see.  But that's why each response I have received has been so mind-blowingly beautiful.  Just knowing that someone, like me, believes in what God is doing in the DR and wants to join me in this ministry is beyond humbling.  It's almost too humbling to bear. 

I have never doubted that God would provide for everything my family needs on the mission field, but I am so glad that He has allowed the provisions to come from amazing people like you.  In one of my favorite worship songs there's a line that says, "There's an army rising up, to break every chain."  It gives me chills every time, and I think of the powerful support team that is being raised up even as I write this.  With our time, money, and prayers, we are gearing up for the battles we will be facing in the Dominican Republic.  And with God as our leader, this army is going to change that country forever.  I have already seen what God is doing there; I can't wait to see what more He has in store.

Keep praying.  Keep preparing.  Because God has already started His work, and in eight months this army will be more than ready to join Him.

Marty: Mission Work? Really?

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  -John 15:5

Since Lisa, my dear wife, mentioned me in her recent post (read it here), I feel compelled to tell a little more of the story to which she alluded.  First, though, a little more about my family and me. Lisa and I will celebrate 29 years of marriage (and around 35 years of friendship) in just a few months. She is my best friend and has been instrumental in my Christian walk. We have one son, Stephen, and two daughters, Erin & Jessica.

So back to Lisa's post. I pretty much "grew up in the church," but never really took God seriously. After all, I believed in Him and dutifully attended church most Sundays, so what more could He want from me? Well, He got my attention on a retreat I attended in 1993. It was then that I first understood that Jesus wanted a full-time relationship with me - not just a standing appointment on Sunday mornings. I learned more, and grew, and started serving and sharing what I was learning. And the longer I walked with Jesus, the more I was unsatisfied with my vocational life.

That brings us to that fateful conversation about eight years ago. I can vaguely recall that we were on a family vacation at the beach, talking about where God may be leading us in the future. Lisa told me about her missionary leanings, and I told her about wanting to open a business. Somehow, the business idea happened (she was right - I wasn't ready for the whole mission-work business; I had to change that direction quick!). 

In July of the following year, The Coffee Table was born. God had allowed me to realize a near-lifelong dream to open a cafe! The business was short-lived, as it closed just four years later. That process was a tough one, but I would not have traded the full experience - from planning to opening to operating to closing -for anything. I personally learned much and grew in faith through it all, and as a family, we had many positive experiences and met many great folks!

Since then, I have served on a church staff for about eight months, and am now serving on staff at the Frederick Rescue Mission. If you asked me 20 years ago if any of this would have been in my future, I would have said, "no way!". But, as I look back, I can see how God has used each of my experiences to build on the next, and to prepare me for future assignments. And this is the reason I am able to now say I am ready for this mission-work business! Because I know that He has prepared me for the next step, and will continue to teach me as I remain in Him!

-Marty

On another topic, we've heard from a couple of people that it has been difficult to post comments. We've changed the settings so you may post a comment using only your name (choose the 'Name/URL' selection) or anonymously. Thanks for your words of encouragement!