More Than Just Go

Sitting at our little table, a family smack dab in the mission field, serving for years, I dared to ask?  Biting my lip, I held my Bible and read over and over again our family's heart cry.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

Go ... we had lived the word, from orphanages in Thailand, to the jungle huts of Panama.  Disciple, we served in a discipleship school, opening our home and lives to share with young people the joy of knowing God and making Him known.  Teach, we taught the Word, straight up.

But how to do it all ...  Baptize them in all names.  Then smack dab it hit me, I flipped through to find what happened at Jesus' baptism.

When Jesus made the plunge, God himself spoke telling His Son how much he loved him.  Baptize them in God's love.  Shout it loud.  Splash around if you have to, making sure people are saturated with His love.  Walk in it.  Know it.  Live it.  Share it.

Jesus himself, isn't He the Word.  Soak them in the Word of God.  Wash them.  It gets the junk out of lives, cleans off the dirt, sets people on the right path as it lights the way.

And the Holy Spirit, plum came and baptized people as well.  Power that changed men's lives.  Cowardly, afraid, in hiding the disciples waited.  When the Holy Spirit came, His power changed their lives, ruined them for the ordinary.  Once men shaking in their boots, these same men stood boldly in the streets and proclaimed the message of true joy.

Wrapped up in a verse, more words than just go.

Love   Truth   Power

May we love with abandon and lead people to God's love.  May we always walk in the truth of the Word, saturating our lives daily.  May we never give up, walking in the power to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus.

Little Hands Change the World

Our world changers, leading the way on the dirt roads in Kenya, Africa

When the world seems too overwhelming, sometimes children close their eyes, tight. Shutting out the hurt and pretending it away.

When the world seems too overwhelming, sometimes children open their eyes, wide. Letting love sink deep down and spilling it all over those around.

Our boys, ages 7 and 10, have seen quite a bit in their lifetime, passports bulging full with stamps and visas to the nations. Feeding children in trash dumps, tribal jungle treks, AIDS orphanages, inner city homeless ... their eyes have beheld.

Cultivating. Learning. Changing. Loving. Their hearts tugged on by the millions of Dalits, considered the untouchable lowest of lows, of India. We have yet to touch soil with feet. Their prayers have shaken mountains.

They banded together, sorted through their toys, searched through our learning supplies, and radically gave up. Marking prices. Selling favorite treasures. They gave, so they could share Jesus with these children in India.

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." - Amy Carmichael

Continuing to share a thanks moment, say gracias, for little hands that change the world.

hearts of children wide open to give and love and sacrifice

brothers searching through their toys

delightful voices 'lets sell this for the kids in India, Mom'

little fingers pricing treasures

piles of favorites books, cherished toys and games piled high on the dining room table

friends that came to shop, and buy, supporting world changers' dreams

Bridges of Hope, connecting young boys with the nations

reaching their goal, miraculous

lives changed for eternity, in our home and India

and somewhere a water buffalo proclaiming His praise

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When A Seed Falls

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." -John 12:24

We received word last night. A seed had fallen to the ground.

I share today in mourning, in hope, in faith, looking to the harvest and asking you to join me in prayer.

Our family served in YWAM as missionaries, having the privilege of traveling and sharing Jesus in Kenya at the Athi River base. Early Friday morning, this base was attacked.

The Kremer family, Ebel and Lora with their precious children appear to have been the target of the attack. Thieves broke into their home on the YWAM base and Ebel, a missionary from Holland, was killed.

Ebel had a vision to build 12 large homes for the unwanted and neglected children of Kenya. These homes would be occupied by a mom and dad who would care for 12 children as their own, raising them with love and hope. His dream began as the first house was completed and the 2nd is in process. Ebel left a legacy of obedience, generosity, love and laid down his life for his Jesus.

Will you grab hands with me today and pray. Pray for Lora and their small children. Pray for all of those serving at the Athi River base. Pray for Ebel's vision. That what the enemy meant to destroy by killing, would surpass even Ebel's dreams. That the seed that fell to the ground would produce a harvest. A harvest of Kenyan children being raised in hope, in Jesus, walking in the ultimate love.

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

- John 12: 24-26

Click here to read the official YWAM press release.

Weathered Beauty

Her eyes captured me. They tell a story of a life. High in the rainforest village of Panama, this Ngobe woman shares a glance of weathered beauty. Its as if the lines weave together her tapestry of what she has seen, the wisdom she has gleaned, the life she has lived.

Saturday posts, simply taking a moment to revisit photos taken from my side of the lens. Reflecting back on memories, medical outreaches to impoverished indigenous villages with rain beating down. An elderly woman reaching out for treatment, her photo reaches me.

Someday, I hope that my portrait captures weathered beauty and tells a story. A story chalk full of love, passion, living boldly, and maybe even a few gray hairs.

A Child's Smile

His smile captures my heart. Always has, always will. It's the mommy in me, beating strong, heart tied to a grin with dimples. A mighty tool for our Jesus, this little smile.

As a babe, His smile opened doors for the gospel in Thailand. After the Tsunami ravaged this beautiful country, we left to share hope. Everywhere we walked, arms reached for our children. People knew our hearts of love for them through a child's smile.

In Panama, traveling through the rainforest villages, instant connections made with other families through this smile. We were there to share Jesus, as a family, side by side. Friendships forged, bridge for the gospel, through a child's smile.

Kenya, Honduras, Costa Rica, United States, the trend continues. There is power wrapped in a smile. He moves my heart with a simple grin. Imagine what delight it brings our Abba God in heaven to see a smile spreading on our face. His child's smile.

I love Saturday posts ... simply a time to sneak a peak at my old snapshots and smile. Would you keep me grinning today and share something that makes you smile!

Sharing with a Smile

Two babes, worlds apart, brought together by the love of Jesus. Saturday posts for me, a way to look back, remember, sort through old photos, bit and traces of memories, a heritage of all that God has done and doing. This photo grabbed me today and simply held on tight.

My little guy (the blond one) and his big brother packed up their toys in a huge dufflebag, filling to burst. Our destination, Kenya. They wanted to share their treasures with those who had little. During our outreach we shared Jesus in villages, bomas, orphanages, streets, and schools. We gave of ourselves. And my little one gave away all of his baby toys to the abandoned babies ravaged by AIDS in the orphanage. Nose to nose, sharing Jesus' love with a smile.

Can we outgive? Absolutely not. I may not have baby toys in a memory box to cherish. Instead, I have a photo and a memory of my youngest learning what it means to love like Jesus.

When You Break the Hut

A young missionary wife and momma, in an indigenous village, sleeping on wooden planks of hut built high above the ground. Screeches of rain forest drizzle, sleepy eyes to keep under mosquito net, seeing a culture through a toddler's heart, sharing hope with those who need to hear. But what happens when you forget - step only on support beams. Standing in middle of floor, scoop up a little bundle and the weight of the two of you creates a cracking sound. Instantly a momma leg breaks through, dangling 7 feet above the ground. Now I giggle, and even laugh at the memory. A bit embarrassing, a bit hilarious. Who would have ever thought that I would break a hut.

I shared, now I open for others? Share a giggle, a memory, an oops that looking back, makes you smile.

Hand in Hand

Brothers. Walking hand in hand. Dusty trails of Kenya, Africa.

Mommy. Sitting now in the US. Piles of photos, memories, years on the mission field. I'm five years behind on albums. Capturing their childhood worth every moment as I choose, edit, and save our memories in leather bound.

Slipping this one into the page, tears trickled down. Tears of joy for all that I have walked through, intense difficult times like this in Kenya, and never alone. A precious reminder for me today that I always have someone holding my hand. I never walk alone.

Close your eyes and listen with me today.

I can feel His hand in mine, that's all I need to know.

New Season

A new season. Surrendering everything to know Him.

Stepping out of full time ministry.

Years on the mission field took a toll on our family.

Focusing, rebuilding, seeing a God size change.

My marriage. My boys. My me. Lovingly transformed.

Growing closer. Rekindling love.

Walking along the path of restoration.

Swimming in His liquid love. Learning to breathe it in.

Not because of what I do, simply because I am His.

Laying it down, 12 years of creating this life of ministry.

Resting in Abba's best for our family.

Dancing in abundant love. Seeking Him with all.

Reveal. Rejoice. Restore.

We never envisioned this happening on our returning to the US, but we are so thankful that God saw a true desire in our hearts to know Him with everything that we are. He truly is refining us, that we may know Him more intimately and reflect Him more accurately.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and love as we served in missions as a family. Thank you also for rejoicing with us in this new season. God is doing a beautiful work in our family.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord.” -2Corinthians 3:18

This is my story, being scripted on the pages of my life. How is God's love transforming yours?

Thai Smiles

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted." - Isaiah 12:4

5 days after the Tsunami ravished the country, we boarded a plane. To be His hands and feet. To proclaim what the Lord had done in our lives. The Lord moved mountains and provided miraculously for our team, providing a way for us to share the hope of Christ with those who had never heard.

8 adults, 5 children, a group of believers learning to live our faith out loud. We shared Jesus through relationships. Taught at local churches. Discipled young believers. Ministered God's love at orphanages. Interceded at Budhist temples. Baptized in the river. Shined on tuk-tuk's and sungtels sharing the life we have in Christ. So much more.

At night, tucking my 2 year old into his piece of foam on the floor he whispered sweetness. "Mommy, I like serving with Jesus." And it was just the beginning. Serving with Jesus, a way of life for all His children.

Besitos from Costa Rica

Sleepy eyes, joyful expectations, teardrops mingle together as I sit here tonight.

Words could never capture the essence of our time on the mission field. To confine my heart tonight, shackling it within the bars of syllables, impossible. Costa Rica, run free in my memories and in my dreams of eternity.

We captured our ministry a year ago, never envisioning that these pictures would usher us into a new realm of radical obedience and surrender. I share them today, as a living testimony to our Lord. A wave of gratitude washing over my memories, for all who believed that our family could impact the nations for Christ. And it's just the beginning.

As dawn kisses our day, our new mission field will appear on the horizon.

"I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. "

- John 4:35

Pink Polka Dots of Iron

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17

On the mission field in Costa Rica, God rained down pink polka dots of iron in my life. They have challenged me, sharpened me, even caused a few sparks for the sake of my character. Truly I am a better wife, mother, friend and daughter of the King because of their iron lives sharpening mine.

I made a bold decision, to omit the word 'goodbye' from my vocabulary. In finality, in harshness, in permanence, it never truly fits my needs. So, today it is evoked from the dictionary of my life.

I don't know how to say goodbye, and so I am proudly refusing to use the word, but the tears still come. Flowing from a heart of thankfulness to the dear women that have enabled me to grow and emit a sweet fragrant aroma of Him.

Blooming in His garden, He has cultivated sweet blossoms of friendship all around me. To say goodbye would mean to cut the stems, place them in a glass of water, and watch them fade and wither. The beauty of their friendship could never be confined to a vase, it will continue to flourish in the garden of my heart.

Pink polka dots of iron, I love you and I always will. And Lord, please keep raining polka dots of friendship in my life wherever you lead.

Sharing Jesus Around the World

Beach Blessings

Serving in Costa Rica for almost three years, we have yet to enjoy the beach as a family, until now. Our hearts were longing for a time of refreshment and you gave us a present wrapped in your creation, drenching us in your love and beauty. A wonder filled with tide pools, waves, sand castles, and kayak expeditions.

We fell asleep to the sound of gentle waves. We awoke to the fresh scent of a new day. Hammocks to lounge in, tide pools to explore, sand castles to build and time to linger in Your presence. You poured your peace and love into our family. Tears of thankfulness slipped from my eyes as we left. You promised I would take the peace and the rest with me. I have. Your best gifts we carry in our hearts as reality, not just as memory.

Learning to Mop

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men," - Colossians 3:23

Here in Costa Rica, they have saying "If the floor is clean, the house is clean." I have honestly struggled with this cultural concept. I truly like a clean house, but don't quite understand why the floors (which will be walked on again with dirty shoes) must sparkle and shine. But I am learning, learning to mop.

To enable me to embrace this phenomenon, God gave me white tile in our apartment. Our last house had dirt colored tile and mushroom mold growing on our walls. When God gave us a clean place to live, every part was His blessing.

Today it was time to make the floors sparkle! As I scrubbed and mopped, I rejoiced. Remembering less than a year ago when I barely had the energy to get dressed and stay awake for an hour at a time before collapsing. My heart soared. Thank you Lord, for your healing hand on my life, and thank you, for teaching me to mop!

The God of the Impossible

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” - Matthew 19:26

At times, the process of adoption seems overwhelming, almost impossible. Always remember, we serve a God of the impossible. When God places a dream in our hearts, He provides the wings and teaches us to fly.

As a young family, we dreamed of serving on the mission field.

Impossible with Bible college debt, a toddler and a baby on the way. Wings came as God canceled our debt, and gave us our little Caleb right before our missions training. Impossible to go as a family to Thailand 7 days after the Tsunami to share God’s love with the ravaged nation. God used our little ones to minister His grace and love and to be in a remarkable place after a tragedy.

Impossible to leave for the mission field full time with little financial support. We bought our tickets with our tax return and God has provided the rest. We have been serving in Central America for almost 5 years now.

Impossible to lead a team of Costa Rican missionaries to Kenya for an international outreach. Our family gave our tickets and God multiplied the money just like the fish and the loaves, providing for new tickets for us and the extra expenses of the team.

Impossible to adopt a child from Ethiopia while living in Costa Rica. Yesterday, we received official word that we have been accepted to adopt from Ethiopia.

We serve a God of the impossible. Thank you Lord, for giving our dreams wings to fly and teaching us to soar.