Do we know?

  My morning routine consists of spending time in the Word with my Heavenly Father and praying for those whom I know personally.  I also pray for Togo in general and then specifically for all the teachers and students as they grow closer to the Lord.  However, rarely do I spend a significant amount of time praying for my fellow believers from around the world.  However, this morning I felt a need to pray for the body of Christ throughout the world who deal with persecution and turmoil.  Minutes later, I received an email from a pastor in Togo for prayer concerning the Central African Republic.  I feel ashamed to say that I didn't even know there was a problem.

    In the Central African Republic, a group called the seleks are seeking revenge against the anti balaka group and vice versa.  It has become a fight between religions, ethnic groups, and political affiliation.  The infrastructure of the country has crumbled leaving the place empty of schools and hospitals.  To the north, is the country of south Sudan who has seen a displacement 200,000 people as there is also political unrest and innocent people being murdered due to their ethnicity and religion.  If that isn't enough already, Christians in the northeast and southeast of Nigeria are being persecuted by anti-Christian groups.  Where is the end of all of this suffering?   And I have only touched on three countries amidst others going through the same thing. 

       Not to cause a damper to your day, but I guess I think it is important to be aware of the persecution being done to the church body.  As I sit here in a house surrounded by an outside temperature below zero, there is not much I can do other than pray.  Maybe praying seems like a cliché to some but it is the only answer because God is the only answer through suffering.  We must pray for changes in hearts, and that we spend every moment being a testimony of God. 

  Although today seems bleak, Christ is returning someday soon for His kingdom.  The suffering will be finished and He will conquer all.

  
   At the  moment, there is no great persecution being done in Togo like in other African countries.  After hearing about all these problems, it gives me an urgency to be back in Togo.  The Togolese and all people groups need to know the peace that only rests in Christ.  The Christian Schools have the awesome opportunity to share Christ with 3000 students who can then share with their parents and neighbors.  Through a solid Christian education in Togo, the students can be equipped with the tools to evangelize and stand up for their faith through love.  As much as I yearn to save all those who don't believe, we must do our part to be a light in the dark world wherever God has asked us to serve. 

Broken

  Cars break.  Electronics break.  Even relationships break.  Our lives are filled with broken things that just cause clutter and leave us wanting the next big thing.  Like the iphone commercial, we sometimes have the desire to break things on purpose in order to receive something more suitable.  Although the start of this blog sounds dismissal, I am getting to a hope driven point. 


    Being home these past six months has been difficult.  I felt that I don't have a purpose, not sure of a ministry, and missing out on ministry in Togo.  However, instead of feeling empty and wishing for materialistic things to fill the hole, I have been thankful for my brokenness.  Through this emptiness, I have found that the only thing missing is my trust in Christ.  When I am weak, He is strong.  When I feel like I am  nothing, I am allowing God to be everything in my life.  Do I want to be missing out in the opportunity to serve in Togo?  Of course not!  However, I honestly can say that through this time at home, I have learned new ways to serve those around me and most importantly to be still before the Lord.  When all the mission field, it is easy to get busy and in the midst of doing "ministry for the Lord" and actually not take time be in the presence of the Lord personally.  At the present moment, I have had time to think, reflect, and be in awe of the Sovereignty of our Savior.  Without a hesitation, I am thankful to be broken and so I can allow Christ to fill in the missing pieces.  I am not looking for more of me, or to keep the clutter around, as Christ has taken it all and I want to leave more room for Him. 


   We all go through moments of brokenness, loss, and despair.  How we fill that brokenness is what matters.  We can't find hope in things of the world and nothing else can bring Joy and fulfillment than in knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. 


    As I continue to wait on God's perfect timing to return to Togo, I will continue to rest in God's strength.  Nothing, absolutely nothing else, can be more satisfying than being in the arms of Christ and allowing Him to control my life instead of trying to unsuccessfully control my own. 




I am now at about 75%.  At times when I thought I would never reach 50%, God continued to be faithful and I will not give up now that God's work will be done through His body in Togo and throughout the world.  How awesome that we serve the only true God who cares about all of his people throughout His universe. 

Speaking Freely

     After 4 years of teaching in Christian schools, I have grown custom to speaking freely about my faith in Christ.  After all, the whole point of a Christian School is to steer the children towards trusting in Christ and help them strengthen their relationship with the Lord.  When a student was afraid for a loved one, we prayed.  When two students didn't agree on a part of the Bible, we looked a scripture.  When we were just down right all tired of each other, we spent time singing songs of prayer and reading verses about love.  I loved every moment of openly sharing Christ with my students when the time was right.  I love encouraging them to work hard as the Lord was with them and I enjoyed watching their inquisitive faces when they really understood what I was telling them.  I guess I took for granite the fact that 2800 students were encouraged from the Word of God each day and were sharing this truth with their parents.  I didn't realize how awesome this is until I started subbing in public schools. 

    Now, I am not trying to bash public schools because my sister teaches in a public school district and I think she is an amazing teacher and witness to her students!  However, one da when I was subbing it broke my heart when I was not able to openly share about Christ.  I found a student crying  during recess and she was able to tell me that several family members were having surgery soon.  I wanted to comfort her but everything that flooded my mind was not possible to say as it revolved around Christ and His comfort.  It was a horrible moment as I knew what she needed but was not allowed to offer it to her.  I couldn't tell her that Christ loved her and the situation was in his hands.  I couldn't offer bible verses of encouragement nor could I pray for her.  How awful!
I am so thankful for the Christian Schools in Togo where the teachers and I can publicly pray for the students and offer Christ's comfort in time of distress. Nothing will dissipate our feelings of hopelessness unless we are on our knees before our Mighty Savior.  The Christian Schools in Togo are making a difference for eternity as children are knowing that they are loved so much that Christ was willing to die for their sins.  They are then able to share this truth with others.  Please continue to pray for the students and teachers as they boldly stand up the encouragement found in God's word and that they are able to share the Truth with others in Togo. 

Do you trust me?

If someone asks you to trust her(or his) opinion on an ice cream flavor, the consequences aren't that devastating. Trusting someone to pick out a movie, new restaurant, or a hotel, won't result in devastation.  Although these seem like ridiculous trusting situations, we find ourselves in moment where we are skeptical and don't want to trust any opinion or advice.  After all, does anyone trust the government?  Does anyone trust the news or what is actually in our food?   There are actually a lot of things in life that we can distrust.  I was thinking about trust one day in church, (dad I was paying attention!) when I realized am I actually, truthfully able to say that I trust the Lord.  When the Lord asks me, "Do you love me?"   and then, "Do you trust me?"  Are we actually willing to say yes and to follow through with it.  Do you actually realize what it means to trust Jesus?  Of course I trust Jesus when I have a job, a car that runs, a loving family, and so forth.  On the other side, I find myself currently without a steady job, not many friends, wondering when I will return to Togo, and so on with my pitiful story.  Why continue to sob and stay down trodden when I just walk each step in faith.  What does this look like?  I always go back to the Israelites who had to cross into the Jordan River into the Promised Land.  The priests showed their trust in the Lord by stepping into the river before God stopped the water.  We have to take the step of faith before we really see the whole picture or maybe it takes more steps into the water until we see even a small part of the picture.  We are hardly ever going to see the large picture, and to be honest, that is okay because it is too much for us to handle.  Remember that God only gives us what we can handle and although we want to see all that will happen, we are better off without it because it is too much for us to bear.  Instead, of saying, "why?"  we need to commence with "yes, I trust you!" and actually step out into the river in lieu of saying it.  Here I am, asking, why can't I make a real income?  Why am I called to Togo?  Why can't I go now? It sounds a lot like complaining to me!  Although I am an exceptional complainer, it isn't an ideal trait to possess and one that isn't flattering as I am trying to follow my Savior.  Laying that aside, I have decide to trust the Lord.  No, it isn't an easy step at all but when I say, "I trust you Lord" I am putting aside my selfishness, my worries, my agenda and relying on God's perfect time.  I will return to Togo.  I do not know the day and instead of focusing on the negative, I will hold up my hands in submission to my king.  I will surrender the reigns and rest in peace that God has everything taken care of because really He does! 

God has the plan of getting me back to Togo.  Have a part in it by being a prayer of financial supporter. 

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

There is a commercial on TV, I think for expedia, that asks people if they would leave immediately for any destination around the world.  Cathy and I concurred that we would agree to this arrangement also.  However, when I thought about where I would want to visit, I could only think about one place.  Yes, there are million of beautiful places around the world that I would love to see with my eyes, but there is only one place that my heart yearns to be.  Any guesses?  Yes, Togo!  It was such a comfort to know that I really would only want to be in Togo because it isn't a destination to me, it is home.  Now this is where my grandmother would insert, second home.  Yes, Indiana with my family is still home but I know that the Lord has laid Togo on my heart so I can love the people and share Christ.

     There is a month left until school begins and there is still so much that they are trying to accomplish in Togo.  Please pray that they can finish all of the textbooks and will have the funds to print them.  Please pray for Bea as she leaves on the 15th for the states.  Pray for the leadership in Togo, especially for Koudjoji, who lost his wife from cancer.  The Lord is mightier than all the problems and He will continue to sustain us as we bring Christian Education to the children of Togo. 
      I don't know the day when I will see Togo again, only the Lord knows.  I am working towards returning in January, but in the meantime I will learn to faithfully follow my Lord and Savior. 

Walking Faithfully

A year ago at this time, I was in Ghana but not remaining in Ghana like I had the previous 3 years.  I was transitioning into a new ministry, a ministry that would stretch me but help me rely more on God.  I moved to Togo, West Africa to train teachers at 14 Christian Schools.  The Lord used us through our weaknesses to show His power as we have 2800 students in 14 schools.  That is only through the Lord’s provision !  God is using Togolese teachers to reach the youth for Christ.  If they have a strong foundatin in Christ, they can become the next leaders in the Church and win more souls for Christ.  We are empowering the Togolese Youth to be the next Togolese Christian Leaders and God has sustained us through each step of the way.  Although I have not written since last November, due to computer and internet problems,  I have seen the Lord provide in tangible ways.  He has sent money the minute we needed to pay teachers, He has brought students to Christ, He has enabled teachers to clearly share the message of Christ with students, and He has used the students to witness to their parents.  I have now been in the states for a month and a half and I am thrilled to be around friends and family.  However, my heart has stayed in Togo as I know that the Lord has burdened my heart for the people and I must return.  I cannot return until I raise 100% of my monthly support needs.  This is not my ministry, it is the Lord’s ministry and it only can be sustained through prayer and a team of supporters.  Yes, I have the opportunity to serve there, but everyone supporting the ministry is a vital part as you give encouragement to keep working diligently for the Lord.  Thank you for partnering with the Christian School Ministry in Togo.  Please continue to pray that the Lord will put this ministry on more hearts so I may return soon to continue the work for the Lord. 

Open-Door Policy

Have you ever looked out the door while sititng in church and watched chickens pass over the doorstep? Neither have I until now when this is a weekly sight, especially since I sit right by the side door.  All of the doors are always open during church and instead of windows, the top half of the walls are all hexagon shaped openings to allow the breeze to enter.  With all this openness, it brings many welcomed sounds, sights, and smells(although those are not always welcomed.)  While I was looking out the door last Sunday while I was listening(trying to) I realized that it does make the church so more inviting when you can almost see everything going on from the outside and hear everything from a block away.  This makes the church a welcoming place, that shows others that we are not ashamed to show how we are worshipping the Lord.  It also allows people to come in freely, I mean they can't disturb church with the creak of a door when they are already open.  Now, I am not suggesting that every church in America should keep their doors open and cut out holes instead of windows in their walls. This would welcome many snowstorms during the winter and I understand this would not be a great idea.  However, are we willing to be open as Christians to others?  Are we willing to stand for the name of Jesus, and even let down our guard to share our struggles, so others can ultimately see His glory?  I want to proclaim to the roof tops and show it in my demeanor that "I am not ashamed to be a Christian, and to be an open book so people can see the work the Lord has done in me!"  If you know me well, you know I have my struggles, many struggles, but I am a living testimony that God does work miracles and turns everything for His good when we turn towards Him.  So, you might not be able to keep your doors open during church but how can you, and me, think of ways to keep "our doors open" to others so we can share Christ with others and they can witness His saving grace. 

This past week(I am speaking from the 22nd to the 29th of October)  was another blessed week of getting to know the students more and finding ways to help the teachers.  We spent Wednesday visiting the Kpalime schools which are facing some difficulties with lack of teachers and who to hire.  Please pray for the pastors, that they will have wisdom in this matter and look for ways that will glorify the Lord and be the most beneficial for the students.  I visited another school where they just started a KG and they have no materials.  So my task at the moment is finding things for them to do.  I will return next week to share ideas to begin centers and develop a curriculum. 

I also had the privilege of helping in the KG room at La Lumiere, where I teach.  She has 40 students and when they normally arrive in the morning, they just sit there with their backpacks on.  She won't give them anything to do because they will put it in their backpacks.  So the first order of business was hanging up the backpacks with clothespins so they were out of the way.  Then I set out different activities around the room so the children could choose an activity to do.  She was shocked that it actually worked as the children were quiet and less of them cried when they entered the room.  By the end of the week, she was putting out the centers on her own and very proud of herself!  It just takes showing them that change can be good and work but I have to actually do it with them.  This is a problem with the other schools as i am not there all the time to implement it but we are taking one day at a time.  I do love working with my middle school students and they are starting to pick up English rather fast.  They are starting to realize that there are other ways to learn English than just memorizing all the words.  Wednesday afternoon, I spent time just playing games with the girls which was a lot of fun to get to know them outside of the classroom.  Of course none of them show up on time but they do show up eventually.  We spent time playing Uno, jumping rope, and of course playing soccer.  These girls spend a lot of time working in the fields or helping their parents at home so it is important to give them time to play and just be kids.  Most important, through my love for them, I want to show them that they have a God that loves them more than anything.  Thursday afternoon, I spent time teachign them how to make friendship bracelets.  We are just trying to find small ways that maybe they could make money so they can rely on themselves instead of boys for things.  I will also be doing a bible study during the time but not all of the girls came in time so we will begin officially next week with that.  Friday was a day off but some of them still came to learn friendship bracelets or to play soccer.  Of course I wanted to get work done but it is important to be available for them and show that I am willing to take time to help them.  Please pray for more opportunities to talk to the girls and that the Lord would give me the right words in French.  I did ask some of the girls if they went to church and why they did so.  They said, of course to learn about the words of God but I am not sure if they understand that they can rely on him for every moment.  One of the girls asked me to go to her church, which is the other Baptist church not very far away.  I said I would go this coming week and now she asks me every day if I am still going.  I don't think she has anyone else to go with her and so I am thrilled to do this with her.  God continues to be good and faithful to us all here.  I pray you are all enjoying the first day of November and staying warm as I continue to sweat!