To live is Christ, to die is gain!

There are billboards up in the Dominican Republic and all over the world right now saying that Christ is returning May 21st.  There are folks concerned the world is coming to an end because the Mayan Calendar ends in 2012. 

Let's just pretend that we KNEW when our last breath on Earth would be.  Of course the Bible says that no one knows when Christ will return.  It will be like a thief in the night.  But God does know when and how you and I will end this life on Earth as we know it.  Whether death or the return of Christ, we all will face God.  If we knew the timeline, how would we live our last days?  Would we go on as we did today? 

I don't know about you but if you are like me, I wasted some time today.  I messed up several times, was selfish, and lazy.  If I were to walk off the planet today, I would not feel like I finished the race strong.  I know the Father would still embrace me with loving arms and declare I am His but...hmm.  I know there are no tears in Heaven (so not sure I will have regrets) but there are rewards.  Would I get one for today?  What can I offer Christ in return for giving His life?

If asked why Jesus came to Earth most of us would say He came to die for our sins.  But He also LIVED!  Why was he born on December 25th, die December 26th, then 3 days later come back to life? Why did He have to live 33 years to complete His mission? It must have been important for Him to live. I wonder though...  What if Jesus lived his first 32 years of life like I lived mine.What if He was lazy. What if He lived for Himself? What if He didn't hang with nasty people who were less than Him but only people He was comfortable with.  What if He didn't leave home and just was a Carpenter until time to die.  No miracles, no disciples, no sermons...just a easy life.  He must have known when His last days were, He was fully God.  Why didn't He just relax until it was about time to go to the cross.  Sounds dumb but that is how we live isn't it. I've heard folks say that they don't want to "get religion until they get older." We wait to get serious about our life with Jesus and serving Him until we get news that Christ is returning or a bad report from the doctor. 

Some of my friends here are concerned about the May 21st date.  Of course, we cannot add to our salvation.  It was completed by Jesus 100%  but we will be held accountable for how we lived and used the gifts the Holy Spirit has equipped us with.  So how would you live today over if you knew it was your last?

I know I would have spent a lot more time with the Father and people who need Christ.  I would be spending time making sure Jamie and Elliott knew Christ and were committed to living ALL their days with Him...not messing around with Face book, working overtime, dumb TV shows, sports,or hobbies...I would give it ALL to living with intentionality.  I would spend time with Brian and tell him how much he means to me.  I would make amends with anyone I needed to ask forgiveness to. I'd be giving away my "stuff" to folks who need it.  I would share the good news of Jesus with as many people that would listen.  I would encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ to RUN HARD THE RACE AND FINISH STRONG!!!

So with that said...starting now, what would you do different?  I wonder if you and I will commit to take up a challenge and live the last week of April and the month of May as if  Jesus was coming May 21st!  What would your mission field look like?

March Madness/ March Miracles

 This March we have been blessed with  Miracles so perhaps we should rename it to
March Miracles instead of March Madness? 

      MGM  had two groups the month of March.  One at the beginning of March and one at very end.  When groups are in session, MGM hires teen boys for various jobs around the center.  Not only do they get paid, they get to eat the days they are scheduled to work.  Without the groups, some of the boys have found their way to our house for meals and entertainment.  We want very much to meet their needs but were discouraged at the cost involved. Not only financial but time investment.  As we looked at our financial situation and homeschooling, we felt concerned about how we could take care of so many.

     Grandma Ginny arrived with a care package!  What a blessing to see so many encouraging notes, treats, and MONEY!!!  YEP!!!  She brought with her a gift of money from a lady from home. We were able to take the teen boys with us to the pool and the beach that week.  We were able to feed them almost everyday at least one meal if not more. Not only that, Grandma Ginny has inherited a few more Grand babies. Thank you for helping!  Miracle 1

    The next week  we stressed again wondering how to take care of the flock. We know that  the scripture says, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat... What you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."  Our solution was to feed the boys on Sundays and take them to church with us. Sundays would be the day we would set aside for them. If Brian needed help from one of them during the week, we would feed them for their work.  We felt that was the best we could do.  It was necessary so that Jamie and Elliott had quiet time without the boys hanging out to accomplish schoolwork.  We had the boys over for dinner that evening and told them the news, although our hearts were aching the whole time.

       We watched the Blindside and Jamie said we were like that family on the movie. Our hearts broke again.  We just told the boys only Sundays. We prayed and asked God to help us make a better solution for the teens and us. 

        The next day we went grocery shopping.  We brought along one of the teen boys to help us translate.  With his help, we spent less money and got lots of food!   We were pumped.  Jen made dinner and don't you know...there was plenty of leftovers!!!  The next night, same thing, and the next!!!  It was as if the Lord took our fish and bread and multiplied it! Miracle 2

         Jamie and Elliott got behind in school with Grandma Ginny's visit.  Within a week  they are now caught up and ahead!  Jamie and Elliott worked hard this week and doubled up on their schoolwork.  Brian was able to work with some of the boys outside the house and we had mostly quiet days. Late afternoons the boys were invited to join  MGM"s basketball team.  The evenings were quiet because the boys have school at night. Our family had some needed down time. Everyone  had their needs met.  Miracle 3

         We noticed that giving was down the month of February.  It was a little discouraging yet we told the Lord He was in control.  We got good news this week that we get an income tax return!  Praise the Lord!  We also got notice that First Baptist Church sent us a support check!  Just to top it off, we were told that a gift of money came from an independent donor family!  How big is our GOD!!!  Miracle 4

          Brian was approached by a young man to build a table for his apartment.  He is all alone.  His mom left when he was 7 and his dad kicked him out.  Brian told him he would help him build it but he needed to come and work with Brian.  Brian was able to find enough scrap pieces from the earlier groups to help him build a table.  We delivered it this week!  It was amazing to see his place, how little he had compared to us and yet how how grateful he was to get a table.  He offered to pay Brian.  No way!  God used Brian's gifts and your support to help bring a blessing to our new young friend.  Miracle 5

          We will finish March with our last group until June. We look forward to April and May, how God uses us and the resources He has supplied to meet the needs here. We are thrilled to serve a God who not only hears us but gives in abundance to take care of His people.  We are glad to be used as His hands and feet.

            So what do you think?  March Madness or March Miracles?  You know what we think!

Brian and Jen, Jamie and Elliott and the boys



February Highlights

DEEP THOUGHTS: Another month is almost behind us and we are certain that the Lord has us here for this time in our lives.  A quote that Jim McDonald challenged the groups with in morning devotions was this, "The Christian life is only a struggle when you're in control."  When God is in control, the outcome is always for the good.  It may not "feel" like it or "look" like it, but we can know that "He works ALL things to the good of those He loves and who has been called for His purpose."  Sometimes pruning is necessary. Pruning produces bigger fruit.  At times we will experience a dark night of the soul,  but we take heart in His promise and provisions.  "Absolute surrender is the most significant thing in your life after salvation."  How are we doing with that?

NOT SO DEEP THOUGHTS: We have had some great adventures this month.  From chasing a rat around our living room at 11:30 pm with baseball bats to going to the most spectacular beach we've ever seen! Elliott turned 6 years old on the 9th and we celebrated in style with surprise visit from 3 clowns!  We enjoyed hosting a couple movie nights with our Dominican friends in Spanish with English subtitles. We watched the superbowl with pizza! Had a few eat outs (including McDonalds- they serve beer!) and visited some churches.  We have made many friends and have experienced so much love. We have enjoyed meeting many Americans and Dominicans/Haitians. 

Our work here is filled with learning experiences.  We are finding our way, adjusting to the new culture and expecations placed on our family.  It proves to be an adventure almost daily and we are enjoying the ride!  We do miss our loved ones from home and the conviences of America but we are grateful for this season of ministry God has brought us to and embrace it.

We are grateful to everyone for your prayers, messages, support and care packages!  WOW!!  We are glad to be your missionaries and look foward to YOU coming for a visit! Come and see what Meeting God In Missions is all about.  We bet you will never be the same.

P.S.  For all of you that keep saying you can't make it here because you are afraid of spiders or rats...Jen has  seen 3 snakes and still here!  So no more excuses!

                                                                                                         Loads of Love,
                                                                                                 Brian & Jen, Jamie & Elliott

Phew!

The first month went by so very fast!  Amazing how much ministry happened in such a short time.  I am not a numbers type of person but I can confidently say, MANY lives were transformed this month!!!  It was a blast to be part of it all.

This week we enjoy a break from the teams and hope to catch up on some needed rest, play, and connecting with team and neighbors. 

I thought it would be fun to share our top 10 biggest adjustments to living in the Dominican Republic as missionaries:

                                        1. SPANISH!  language is a huge prayer need.

                                        2. Missing family and friends from home- but enjoying mgm team so much!

                                        3. Food- no pretzels on island??? really!

                                        4. No flushing paper down toilet.

                                        5. Transportation- sporting scooters to get supplies is always an adventure

                                        6. Don't drink the water!  Don't  put your toothbrush in the water! Try it for a day!

                                        7. Bugs- MANY of them and they are HUGE!

                                        8. Power goes out daily- sometimes up to 4 times a day

                                        9. Church- LOUD and LONG!!!  and SPIRIT FILLED!!!!  LOVE IT!

                                       10.There's no snow here. NONE! 

 So there you have it.  Hope you enjoy the playful list and look forward to your comments! 
                                                                                                        Dios te Bendiga
                                                                                                   Brian&Jen, Jamie&Elliott

First days in the Dominican Republic

We made it to Hato Mayor on Dec 30th around 5pm.  After a sleepless night we were thrilled to finally be home!  We were greeted by some of the staff with a wonderful dinner.  Right from the beginning we felt loved!

As we settled into our house that night the sounds of the Dominican Republic seemed extra loud.  We knew we were not in PA anymore!!!  Brian and I both wondered if we did the right thing but gave anxious thoughts and fears over to Christ and went to sleep. 

Our first full day was full of unpacking, cleaning, inventory, mgm meetings, fixing broken things, and trying to understand our roles as the following day the first group would be arriving.  It was quite overwhelming.  That night, we were invited to a bonfire to celebrate New Years.  It would be a New Years we will always remember, our first, as missionaries to the Dominican Republic!

Jeremiah 1:17 "Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you." 
"For I am with you, and I will take care of you." Jeremiah 1:19

Our prayer is when confronted with a task, that we be ready to be used by God as His instrument, knowing He is holding us close and will protect us.  We are ready for action!!!  No room for fear because God's promises are TRUE! 

It's Time!

These last few days were filled with family, friends, and food!  Lots of all of that mixed in with Christmas and packing...we are finally HERE!!!! We leave tomorrow for Pittsburgh then off to the Dominican Republic.  We hit the ground running with the first group coming the following day.  Just how we like it...busy! 


We are grateful for all the provisions to get us to this point and look forward to the next season of ministry the Lord leads us in.  We want to encourage all of you that we all are on a mission from God!  Make no mistake, you are exactly where He wants you to minister or He would move you.  Serve Him right where you are!  We look forward to hear how God uses you in your mission field for such a time as this!


As you think about New Years Reslolutions we encourage you to ask the Lord if He would lead you to go on a short-term mission trip this year. We believe Americans more than ever need this.  Why?  Come and find out!

Spread the word about our blog.  Please remind folks they have to sign up to recieve updates.     

                                                                     Until the Nets are Full,
                                                                    Brian, Jen, Jamie, Elliott



Christmas as missionaries

This Christmas season is proving very different!  How do you celebrate Christmas as a missionary?  Well there have been several adjustments for our family this year...
   1. limited space has cut back decorating
   2. limited space means no holiday parties to host
   3. leaving a few days after Christmas means lots of packing, no room for presents.
   4. missionary salary is limited so our list of who we buy for has been cut
   5. how do you buy a present for your kids and figure out how to pack it to take with us
How is it better?
   1.  Jesus!!!! Our eyes are focused on Him, not the activities we used to be busy doing.
   2.  More time to visit family and friends because we aren't running around decorating and shopping
   3.  Jesus left His home to be with us.  We are leaving our home to be with Dominicans. 
   4.  The music and food...we are living it up since I have more time on my hands to cook and bake!
   5.  The joy and wonder in our kids faces as we enjoy time together- watching movies, looking at Christmas lights, and sharing Christ's love with folks around us- priceless!

As you prepare for all the activity this Christmas Season, whatever your traditions, that it will be FULL of JESUS! 

Merry Christmas!
Brian, Jen, Jamie, and Elliiott