god's hair

Near Clarkston is the largest Hindu temple of its kind outside of India--the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. i have toured the mandir five or six times (honestly, i lost count). It is exquisitely constructed, taking over 1 million hours of volunteer labor to complete. At the top of each tower are spires with flags, representing what they believe to be "god's hair."

When i visit the mandir, i am overwhelmed by the reality of the darkness God brought me from and the darkness of those who still do not know Him. Every time i went this summer, i would watch the same elderly man fall prostrate before deaf and blind idols. It is disgusting and heart-breaking, and steals my heart for the lost who devote themselves to the 300 million deities of the Hindu faith. As they prayed to their gods, i prayed to mine the only sentence i could cognate: "Jesus, save them!" 

The last time i toured was after one of those crazy, Southern storms that brings fierce lightning. When we were inside their room of worship, i noticed a huge light rigged up to the side of the central dome. i had never seen it before, so after the tour i asked our guide about it. He said, "During the storm last week, lightning struck one of the spires on the roof and knocked out all our power and messed up some of the electrical work." On the outside, i was like, "Oh, sorry," while inside i was screaming "Praise the Lord!" i felt like God was showing up and showing out His power. This and a thousand other things give me hope that He is indeed at work among the Hindus of Clarkston. The gates of hell cannot stand against Christ and His Church.

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visit

http://atlanta.baps.org/photo-gallery.html

for more photos of what's in your backyard

The Day Everything Went Right

Nineteen: the number of things in one day that did not go how i wanted, starting the moment i woke up...late.

It's probably a good thing that I can't remember now everything that went wrong. Let's just say "it was one of those days."

At one point, all I remember is having a phone in one hand and a list of calls to make in the other. Two of my cp-workers walked up, each taking one out of my hand and commanding I stop to eat lunch (which I then realized I had forgotten to do). Next thing I know, my boss is leading me outside without saying a word. I thought, "Great! I've really done something wrong...and I don't even know what it is!" We walked into a prayer garden behind the building and just sat there for who knows how long. Suddenly, he starts laughing. He proceeds to tell me a story about his first trip as a youth pastor...and everything went wrong...and I mean seriously wrong. His continuous laughter confused me, on top of my emotional rollar-coaster morning.

But he shared that story with me to say this: "Sometimes, you just have to laugh at yourself." How dumb am I to think that I am responsible for my circumstances or that their outcomes are my fault. NEWS FLASH! i'M NOT GOD! So why am I placing God-sized expectations on myself?

I would like to say that after some desperate words of prayer, I was fine, but I would be lying. I continued to struggle...but I was trying to at least listen to the LORD. And listening paid off, because it led to two opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus with women from the Kunama people group from Eritrea. These women are now my sisters in Christ. There is now a Bible study starting among that people group.

That day, everything seemed to go wrong...but God stopped me to say, "Today went exactly the way I wanted it to." God did the most amazing thing I've ever seen in Clarkston on the day when I thought the most unlikely, when I felt the most wretched and inadequate. All to see that when we give God what He asks for, which is everything we have, He can do more than all we ask or imagine.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20,21

"On their return the apostles told [Jesus] all that they had done. And He took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed Him, and He welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces." Luke 9:10-17

First Time For Everything

Part of my job this summer was teaching ESL. Let me say this...i am not a teacher. It is not my spiritual gift. i have never been good at it and i have never enjoyed it...until now.

For whatever reason, i adore teaching grown women how to say "broccoli" correctly. Haha. But in all seriousness, there's just something about that moment when they finally get it. i see the lightbulb go off and a smile stretch across their face. Ya know, the one of sweet satisfaction that says, "YES! I can do this! I'm gonna make it here!" Any amount of frustration is worth that moment. I wonder how the satisfaction of the teacher compares to that of the student?

i taught simple things like "she cut the cake" or "I cook cabbage." But, you know God...He's a Master when it comes to doing mysterious things.

When i taught fruits & vegetables, i would have my students make lists: "I like..." or "I don't like..." Then, i would ask them: "Nini, do you like carrots?" to which she would reply "yes, i do like carrots" or "no, i don't like carrots." Once The Sisterhood (7 their thousands of children) joined my class, it was more efficient to have them ask each other. There was an odd number of people one day, so i had to work with someone. Fatima tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Jordan, do you like Jesus?" After i picked my jaw up off the floor (figuratively, of course), i said, "yes, i do like Jesus." She smiled and went back to quizzing her mom about peas.

That was the only time i ever spoke of Jesus with The Sisterhood. One quiet little moment in the midst of a chattering room of English, Arabic & Chin. But all God needs is that one little moment. Jesus never beat anyone over the head with a Bible. He loved them. Again, though i spoke of Jesus once...but these women saw Him. They experienced His love. They have someone who is glad that they exist and wants to be their friend.

The LORD is opening Fatima's heart. She is curious. Please remember to pray for her and The Sisterhood. When any of them come to faith, the hardest thing for them will be to be separated from their community...may the LORD be merciful and gracious is saving all of them, that they may be their own community of believers.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."

2 Corinthians 10:3,4

"...that they should seek God..."

For those who tried to follow me on here, i apologize for not writing a lot. There came a point where i made the decision to get much needed rest rather than blogging. Now that i'm back in Troy for the fall, i actually have time to process and blog about my summer.

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One of the passages that i taught to all of our short-term teams this summer was Acts 17:16-27. When Paul was in Athens, he saw all of the shrines and the way people worshipped there. He began teaching about Jesus and about the resurrection. Philosophers in the city asked Paul to tell them more and they brought him to the Areopagus. He said, 

"Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is not actually far from each one of us" (v.22-26).

At RTN, we believe that every refugee in Clarkston is there for a reason. Specific place. Specific time. Specific people. We take no contact made as an accident. Coincidences don't exist there.

One night at a Backyard Bible Club, i invited a couple Nepali families to come hang out with us on the playground. Only one man, Nar, spoke English, so we started the typical get-to-know-you conversation. "Where are you from? How long have you been in America? Do you like it? Who's in your family?" Some of our Nepali church members were at the BBC, so i told him i'd like to introduce them. Me being American, he replied with surprise, "You have Nepali friends?" After making introductions, our church members visited Nar in his home. When the invitation to church came up, he began explaining that he and his family wanted to go to church in Nepal growing up, but their devout Hindu grandmother wouldn't let them. 

"She told us that we could go to church after we died. So when we moved to America...we sent her to Texas."

(insert laughter here)

"Nar, do you know why you are here and your grandmother is not?"

"No."

"So that you could come to church and learn about Jesus and know God."

Nar has been coming to RTN off and on, and our Nepali church members are visiting him and his family. He is hearing the Word of God. Jaymasi! ("Praise the Lord" in Nepali)

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Please pray that the Spirit would continue to work in Nar's heart and draw him to faith in Christ alone. Coming from a Hindu background where multiple gods are worshipped, one way to pray specifically is that Christ would reveal Himself as the One True God.

Trendy Christianity

As Bill debriefed a team this morning, these words probed me deeply:

"Is your Christianity trendy or biblical?"

Talk about a wake up call. Right in the middle of my summer internship, God stops me dead in my tracks and gives me something to chew on all day. i seriously have not been able to get my ming off of examining my heart and my motives. 

Is my desire to go overseas a calling or just me thinking it's glamorous and somehow holier to be on "the frontlines"? 

Why do i do Clarkston things in Clarkston, but Troy things in Troy?

Two of our ministry partners were talking last night and one asked the other how they knew she was supposed to live in Ethiopia for the last two years. She replied, "i was just following Jesus and that's where He led me."

In the midst of trying to discern the thoughts and intentions of my heart, i am comforted. Wherever God leads me, whether it be where i would prefer to be or where i think i would best fit, He will lead me in faithfulness as i follow Him.

"All the ways of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His commandments and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will He instruct in the way he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring will shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear His name, and He makes known to them His covenant." Psalm 25:10-14

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25

No. 2 Rule of Missions: Perseverance

Abbas is a 62 year old Iranian man who desperately wants to learn English....fast! Everyday, he interrupts my lesson to explain to me (again) that "me no understand" English, "i vant, i need talk talk in English" and, "me, Farsi; you, English; no understand." And everyday, my heart breaks for this man who needs a friend, especially because i cannot fill that gap in his life. i can see the frustration and the sadness on his face. i'm no teacher, but i have learned how to read people's frustrations and see what they sometimes fail to understand. Abbas is a slow learner, but he doesn't think so. He wants to speak perfect English tomorrow. i just want to get it through his head that he's got to go slow or else he won't retain it.

Tonight, as i thought back over my day, i realized that i am the same way with God. i get so flustered when i feel the same promptings from the Holy Spirit about the same old sins, over and over and over again. i wonder if God is like me when i'm trying to teach Abbas...wanting so bad for me to understand what He's trying to teach me. Abbas' problem: he's not teachable. My problem: i'm not teachable. Maybe that's why i feel so much compassion for him and try so hard to help him learn--because, in a sense, i identify with him.

Abbas needs Jesus. God is using English class to bring Abbas to Himself. i need Jesus. God is using things in my life to bring me to Himself--things that are difficult, foreign, and pain-staking. He is  teach me slowly and growing my roots deep. It is not the funnest thing i've ever done, but it the most hopeful, the most eternally rewarding.

Learning to speak a new language is not a weekend project. It's a marathon and you've got to be committed to running it for the long haul. English...obedience...love...compassion... All these are languages, tools used to communicate something of importance. O, how it is my prayer that Abbas learns English, but more so that he learns to understand the language that the Holy Spirit uses...through Jesus' obedience on the cross...through Jesus' love on the cross...through Jesus' compassion on the cross. It is my prayer that i will be made pliable in the Potter's hands, that i would be given a teachable spirit, and that i would "count it all joy" to face trials, all so that Jesus is seen through me.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:1-3

Oh, middle of the night thoughts...

I wonder if God granted us the stars...smiles...laughter...puppy dog eyes...favorites...sunsets...newness...flavor...pleasantness...All to give us a taste of almost-perfect? To make us hunger for complete perfection & delight. Isn't it interesting how each of us has different things that thrill us...some of those things being more thrilling than others. Adventure...surprises...guessing...chances...wonder...amusement...why do these things cause enjoyment in our heart of hearts? Could it be that they lead our souls to taste & therefore long for more...more, not of the same, but of something better?

Why do we love going back to the same thrills over and over again...we somewhat know what is coming, but there is still excitement in the action of it...maybe to point us to the inexaustability of God's nature? Or maybe to point us to His never-ending love, forgiveness...

Maybe He gives us blessings on this side of eternity in order to point us to the riches found on the other side...namely Himself. Like...all the comfort of a best friend, or a blanket & a cup of tea & a good book on a cold, rainy day, or a good run...none as wholly fulfilling as Him, but pointing us to Him and causing an ever-deeper longing for more...for Him.

Oh thank You, Lord, for the freedom to enjoy Your blessings in this life...they point me to You! May I not get wrapped up in creation and thereby forget the great Creator!

Streams in the Desert

Muslims do not believe that Jesus died. Therefore, He is not considered Savior.

Hindus have 300 million + gods, all of which are believed to be manifestations of one supreme being.

Buddhists believe that any and all desire is carnal and evil, even the desire to love God.
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Working in Clarkston has made me question whether what i believe is really all that different from what the locals believe. Do i believe that Jesus really died, rose and saved me? Do i place Him above every other thing, considering Him the One True God? Do i believe that the desires that i have are all fulfilled in Jesus?

"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Luke 9:23-25

No excitement in the truths of the gospel...not praying in faith that God hears me or will answer...or even cares...

This is the dryness i have been feeling lately. Faith is all i've had to cling to in times like this. But Praise the Lord (someone hit a button...haha) because today, He brought a ray of light back to my life. i have been very humbled today. Whether it be dealing with clashing personalities, coming up with plan B all day long, realizing how selfish i am, or being able to encourage someone out of my past struggles, God has brought me low today...only to lift me up. Finding all joy in Him and His grace has been my help, my light, my song today. He has led me to Him in the most surprising ways.

i wonder what God thinks when we pray to Him and get this mental idea of how He's going to answer it. i can just see Him say, "How boring! Did she forget that the reason I answer their prayers in creative ways is because I'm the most creative being in existence?" i also imagine this sort of "DUH" look on  His face...that is if He actually has one.

He does hear us when we cry to Him. He does care about us. He does answer us. He does love us.

Have faith, my friend. Our God is faithful!

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who shows steadfast love to those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9

God's grace is sufficient

At a Backyard Bible Club Thursday night, i saw a group of Nepali adults sitting off to the side, so i went to speak with them. Some of our Nepali church members were with us and our Nepali pastor’s wife, Alice, spoke to Nar, the English speaking guy i spoke with. She asked Nar if he had any Christians in his household. He said no and proceeded with the following story:

“Growing up, we wanted to go to church, but our grandmother (a very devout Hindu) told us that we could go to church after we died. So when we moved to America two months ago...we sent her to Texas and we came here.”

Bahahaha! i laughed my head off when Alice told me what Nar said. Alice continued, asking Nar if he knew why they ended up meeting. Again, he replied no. “So that you could meet God,” Alice replied. Now, Nar is coming to church on Sunday and i am praying for his soul and his family. May God draw them near and open their eyes to Him.

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Yesterday was a day off, filled with rest and grace from God. i took two...count them TWO...naps yesterday. Naps are such rare occurrences, and therefore i’m so thankful for them, especially since they were in a hammock in the woods with nothing but green above me to look at. Went for a trail run/walk and Geocached for the first time in forever. Then grilled out with all the missionaries. All in all, i spent a beautiful day outside.

This summer, the missionaries are challenged to pick a few areas to grow in spiritually. One place i desire to grow is in my understanding of the Word. i want to know it like the back of my hand (hello life-time goal!). i want to learn to fight with Scripture. i want my soul to be governed by it. After a good talk with Bill about the Word and avoiding legalism, we came up with some action plans toward growing. This is a new way to be stretched this summer, but nothing worth having is easy. God’s grace is enough to pull me thru, and it’s all for His glory.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Crosses are Heavy

"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Luke 9:23-24

i am amazed at how God answers prayer. Just two hours ago, i sat in a room full of high schoolers who were remiscing about who they won't forget & what they will take back to tiny Arab, Alabama. As i listened, i remembered my first time to Clarkston. Atop Stone Mountain, my leader Zach told the story of Moses on the mountain with God. When Moses came back down, his face shown with the glory of God, and the people were afraid. Zach asked, "When you come down off this mountain, will people be able to tell that you encountered God?"

15 months later, i can say "Yes!" For prayer tonight, Bill asked us to think of one person God has used us (as individuals) to touch this week. When the silence in the prayer came, we were to speak the name of that person. i spoke four and thought of a couple more as time went on. i say that to brag on the Lord, not myself.

The story of the loaves & fish was shared last night. Jesus told the disciples "You feed them!" i can just imagine the sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach. Doubting Thomas & i probably feel about the same way..."Us? But we're just 12 people. How can we be used to meet these extensive needs." But the disciples brought to Jesus what they had (which wasn't even actually theirs' but a boy's who was there), but look what God did with the little that given to Him..."and taking the loaves and fish, He looked up to heaven and said a blessing...the disciples gave [the loaves] to the crowds. And they all ate & were satisfied..." (Matthew 14:19-21). No matter how huge the need is in Clarkston and the world or how inadequate i feel (and am), God is faithful when we are obedient.

Video blog

Stretching is not just for your body

Team #2 is here, a high school group from good 'ole Alabama. Not only is God working thru them, but He is working in them. Both prayer walking teams i've had have been great, with students who are being pulled out of their shells and laboring on behalf of the lost people in Clarkston and abroad. Last night, i sat with some Sudanese women and watched as 40+ kids sat still for more 3 seconds, captivated by the story of creation.

This team has been open and near fearless in meeting new people, trying new foods and all around being super flexible. Flexibility is necessary to mission work, especially with internationals.

God has been stretching me, too. Flexibilty is something i learn every trip to Clarkston. I'm learning to lay myself down in order to fulfill my committment to my God and my team. I'm learning how to discern the difference between giving 110% and not resting enough, both spiritually & physically. I struggle to find alone time to be still & quiet. My mind is racing with "What's next?" and "Am i prepared?" I long for stillness that lasts, but sadly that's hard to come by.

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in all the earth." Psalm 46:10

The Aftermath

Whew! my first week has been a whirlwind. my team is awesome. my church is awesome. my pastor is awesome (and he's also my boss). my purpose is awesome and my Jesus is awesome!


Friday night, i met an Iraqi girl and her mom. We hung out and i played with her baby boy all evening while we had a cookout. Yesterday, i went to visit them with a couple people from the weekend missions team we had in (shout-out to First Baptist Montgomery). We found out this team had a guy who could speak Arabic, so he went with us. He ended up talking with the dad of this family for the entire two hours we were there, and apparently was able to talk with him about salvation (i had no idea what they were talking about while we were there). Meanwhile, me and another girl stood in the kitchen with the two oldest daughters and their mom while the made lunch (at 2:30 in the afternoon, mind you). The oldest is a senior in high school and asked us lots of questions about college life and what not. i am excites about being able to spend time with her this summer and help her college hunt! They invited us to stay and eat with them (yum!) which we did and they asked if we were coming back tomorrow! Ha! When i told them i would be here all summer...i've never seen so many people smile so big in my life! No joke!


Out of all my time in Clarkston, this was my favorite house visit ever! i've never been so comfortable with a family as i was with this family of seven, soon to be eight (i'm actually going to be in town when she has her baby!) i am VERY excited about getting to know this family better, especially being able to spend time with the three girls and the mom (who is trying to pass her driver's test...please pray that she does as she has tried before and failed). Also pray for Sara (the oldest) as she begins looking at colleges this summer and throughout her senior year. This family is a HUGE prayer need, as they are Muslim. Please also pray for me, that i would be sensitive to the Spirit as He leads. Pray that God would grant e a solid relationship with this family and that they may see who Isa (Jesus) really is through me. Since the dad seems to be open about talking about his beliefs, there are definitely some open doors.


i do not believe God brings people together for no reason. In Acts 17, Paul is speaking to the people of Athens. After seeing an alter there to "The Unknown God," Paul tells them who this God is...Jesus.

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us."(v.24-27)

God allowed me to find favor in the eyes of this family and i intend to follow His lead. These Iraqis are beautiful people and kind. i desire that they have the hope i do, know the God i know, know Jesus as i know Him...personally.


Paul also talks about the Christian life being warfare, and the Christian being a soldier.

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Paul teaches us that we have the upper hand. We have weapons that can break down Satan's best efforts at keeping the Gospel out of earshot (and therefore out of the hearts) of the lost and dead people of this world we live in. Do you believe that prayer in Jesus' Name above names can breakdown walls of unbelief...hardness of heart...the rut of tradition and culture? i do. my team does. That's how we pray because that's what works.


In Matthew 16:13-18, Jesus reminds us of the victory we work from, not for:

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

The rock Jesus was referring to was not Peter, but the truth Peter confessed: that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God." This is the truth that Satan hates, that he tries to suppress, that he tries to keep from being proclaimed from the hilltops and in underground house churches. But his efforts will fail and the wimpy white picket fence he puts up around those who follow him cannot withstand the people of God who will storm the gates of Hell on behalf of those who don't know who's side they're on.


Some people, when they can't give money or resources to help, say, "Well, at least we can pray." NO! At most, you can pray. Because the war we're fighting, my brothers and sisters, is not won by paying off the enemy. It's won by calling on the only One who can defeat Satan...JESUS! Will you fight with me?

This Iraqi meal has been my favorite home cooked meal so far. the small bowl of red in the top right is a mixture of corn, tomato sauce and spices. Sounds like Mexican, right? A lot of this food reminded me of Mexican flavors. Interesting! And we each got our own small plate. Sometimes ate off of that and sometimes we ate right off of the large plates with our fingers of with the bread.

Day 5

Wow! What a ride so far. Had the afternoon yesterday to just walk and ride around Clarkston with my team. Had Nepali for lunch AND dinner. Finally passed out at 11:30. WHEW!

Bill (our supervisor) told us that for the first few days, he would be exposing us to all the different aspects of ministry that RTN is involved in. Through this process, we should be able to find places we enjoy and fit well in and places that we're just not intended for. So, last night, we got to get our feet wet at ESL, helping Burmese women learn how to boss their kids around. We took turns telling them to "wash your face" or "brush your teeth" and they would act it out. Then, we switched roles and they had to tell us what to do. We also got to teach them things to tell their kids NOT to do ("Don't leave the house," for example). Honestly, i was scared to death to jump right in without much introduction to teaching English, especially since i can't teach worth a flip. But, by the end of the class, i was hooked. Who knows, maybe i can teach something after all?

From ESL, we went to Bible study with one of RTN's house groups. This was a Nepali study, with probably 25 people packed in a tiny apartment living room. Being able to sit among these beautiful people and watch their attention to the Word of God being proclaimed and taught was wonderful and convicting. We worshipped in three languages. Tegga, our African pastor and my host parent for the summer, taught us all to sing "Thank You, thank You, Jesus" in Swahili. If i thought learning a song in Nepali was strange, i can't imagine what it was like for Nepalis, Indians and Americans to be learning Swahili. It was awesome! Something that i heard taught a long time ago has stuck with me. A worship pastor was introducing a new song, and told us that, even though the words would not be on the screen, that didn't mean we couldn't worship. He told us to just think about God and sing whatever praises came to mind...thankfulness for how God has moved, crying out to Him for help, or simply standing in awe of who He is. This has been SO helpful to me in worship, both personal and corporate. Last night, as drums and guitars played and voices were raised in foreign language, i was reminded that God speaks all languages AT THE SAME TIME. Just because they were worshipping in Nepali didn't mean i couldn't worship in English. In all the multi-cultural, multi-lingual worship services i've been in, i've never worshipped like last night, just enjoying God for who He is and how far His love reaches. i look forward to worshipping with RTN this summer.

Pray that the hearts of our Nepali brothers and sisters will be burdened to reach out to their own people (and others) in Clarkston and that God would guide me, Bill and our team in equipping them to do so. Also pray that Chinee, Andrew, Mary and i would learn how to take what we learn and do here and apply wherever we go in the fall...and the rest of our lives.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Lunch at Katmandu Cafe. The brown on the far left is fried potato; the large red piece is Tandoori Chicken; the small red pieces above it are chicken too, a little spicier than Tandoori. The rice had chicken in it, as did the green beans; the yellow at the bottom is curry-like chicken (my favorite); and the orange stuff on the right is dessert...some form of carrots and sugar.

Future home of Reach the Nations Community Church (as of June 1). There are three classrooms to the left of this wall.

Our new  facility will have a full kitchen, too!

Day 2

My boss for the summer asked our team tonight to think about what we each want to learn this summer, as far as personal spiritual growth. As i began to think, my desire, above anything else the summer, is to simply delight in who God is. I want to treasure the Jesus i'm surrendering my life to. Verses like Psalm 16:11 and Matthew 13:44-46 promise His worth. In His Word i trust (or i'm trying to). So i want to really know, really encounter and enjoy this Father that i now have. Someone out there in the universe desires to know me in the most intimate way possible...so i want to know Him, too! This, brothers & sisters, is a way you can pray for me. I also was reminded of how broken and not unified the Church in America is. I will be working with a 1.5 year old church plant that is beginning to really see some establishment. Something interesting i learned about Clarkston (and RTN specifically) is that believers here don't really see a need for them to engage in ministering to their own people, Ethiopians to other Ethiopians for example. They see that Americans are coming to Clarkston to do thatN so they don't see a need to do it themselves. Don't get me wrong, Americans are still needed, as Clarkston is SUCH a huge opportunity for the Gospel to explode on the rest of the world. The Church here, though, is still young and still learning the basics, especially RTN. So what i will be largely involved in this summer is teaching & training girls in our church that are my age (and a little younger) how they can serve RTN once i leave. So i will be modeling what their role can and will be. This is a huge responsibility on my shoulders, and one that can only be borne thru relying on God's grace. Obviously, this is a HUGE prayer need. I love how God works! This past year, i have: -joined a local body in Troy (shout out to First Pres! Love and miss y'all!) -learned what my spiritual gifts are and begun to learn how to work within those (and learned how wearisome it is to work outside those bounds...God designed gifts for a reason!) -learned A TON about discipleship, thru failure and success -been burdened with a desire for the youth in Clarkston, especially girls God has expertly hand-crafted the last year of my life so i could be right where He wants me in Clarkston. Seeing His sovereignty brings such rest to my anxieties. He indeed is enough! I'm so glad He sees the big picture. After all, He did make it! Psalm 33:4-5 "For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD." I also met two of my teammates today. Two words: love them. Chinee & Andrew, i look forward to a wonderful, adventurous, jaw-dropping, exciting, challenging summer with you! Please pray for them! May God's grace, peace and love be upon you, my brothers and sisters!

Day 1

First day in Clarkston and i can already tell that this summer is going to be much more adventurous than i anticipated. At dinner, my boss shared the vision for our church plant. Reach the Nations Community Church (RTN) is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church. This plant has been in motion since January of 2011. I didn't realize until tonight that when i first came to Clarkston in March 2011, that i was helping the very beginning of this plant. Nor did i think that i would end up here again a year later. But alas, here i am, in the middle of the most diverse square mile in the entire country.

I also learned today that, as of tomorrow, RTN will have a place to meet as a congregation. This is very exciting, as RTN has been praying for a place to meet. We will be able to meet there come June 1. Please pray that this venue will be blessed. We thank God for this building.

I will be meeting the rest of my team tomorrow as we head out of town for our orientation. Please pray for unity, good communication and for our personal spiritual lives. Spiritual warfare is definitely something we will be encountering this summer, so pray we learn how to fight.

Please keep our Fijian pastor, Kumar, in your prayers as he & his son will be leaving the states for a month to minister in Fiji. They will be doing relief work there and will be gone for about a month. He leaves town Thursday.

And i ask you to pray for my parents, that they have a peace about me being away, with people they barely know. May they be blessed for allowing me to come to Clarkston.

I am expecting to learn so much this summer and return to Troy a changed person. May God receive every ounce of the glory! Thank you!

A Little Respite

Four days to go...i'm excited! And yet anxious. i read The Church at Brook Hill's blog today, interviewing their summer missionaries. One question asked was "What is your biggest fear for the summer?"

i've been home for a week and all i can do is lay around the house, sometimes not even mentally able to do something as simple as read a book! i'm tired all day, but all i do os sleep til noon. Why? Because i practically ran around like a chicken with my head cut off every day, trying to get everything done on time. Being home has shown me just how hard i pushed myself.

This week has brought about one of my biggest fears for the summer: not getting enough rest. When teams are in, i'm expected to be in leadership. "But what if i'm just plain tired?" "What if i just can't keep going?"

These thoughts swirl around in my head as Sunday draws nearer. i long to find that sweet rest in the LORD everyday. But when those days come along–like today–when i can't hardly even focus on God, how can i keep going?

This is definitely a concern of mine. Prayers for strength and opportunities to rest are much appreciated! Thank you to all those following me this summer and praying for Clarkston. Glory to God!

The Calm Before the Storm

After another year of college, i'm finally enjoying a few days of rest. But in 6 days, i'll be immersed in a city filled with foreign cultures, languages and beliefs for 3 months. Clarkston, GA is near to my heart for many reasons: the people, the culture, the food, but mostly the need, both physical and spiritual. Refugees from every walk of life live here. Clarkston is home to 120+ nationalities, 50+ languages and a wide array of beliefs, largely including Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.  Many have never heard a clear presentation of the good news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Most are are poor, having many children and little means to provide for them. The teen generation is in confusion, trying to be American to fit in at school and Indian, for example, to fit in at home. The children are bursting with energy. Some families have been in the States for 15 years, others 15 days.


While in Clarkston, i usually feel like i've left the country. Despite all the differences, the needs of these precious people are the same as mine and yours. We all want to feel like we belong. That we have a reason to exist. That there's something more than this unsatisfying world we find ourselves in. That there's an answer to our questions. That there exists something big enough to fill the emptiness we feel inside. They hunger just like we do...and their only hope is the same as ours. Only Jesus can bring the joy they yearn for, the answers they seek, the fullness they crave. And God has given us the privilege of telling them that there is hope. 


"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:14-21


i love Clarkston. My trips there are some of my favorite weeks out of the whole year. but being there has taught me something about every day life. Why is it that i am willing to give my summer to move to a tiny city filled with people that are largely different in belief and just about every other aspect of life...willing to give up fun time and sleep in order to potentially be rejected and mocked for my faith...why am i willing to go and do these things, but not stay and do the same things the rest of the year? Is missions and event...or a lifestyle?


"And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20


"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8


i've heard it said that "missions exists because worship doesn't." If everyone worshipped Jesus, there would be no missions...but they don't. Therefore, we must go. Jesus Himself commanded His Church to bear witness to Him and make disciples of every nation on the planet. It's not a calling for some, but a command for all. Christian, whether you ever leave the town you were born in or you move to the other side of the world, are you living the life Jesus calls you to? Are you bearing Him witness? Are you making disciples?


As far as Clarkston in concerned, here are some prayer needs:


1. Our pastors: Our pastoral team seeks diligently to submit themselves to the will of God and His direction.  Please pray for their families, health, and spirits as they seek to follow Christ and be good shepherds of the people God gives them.


2. A place to meet: RTN is seeking a place to meet for corporate worship.  We long to see a day where the nations worship together on this side of heaven.


3. Small groups: Please pray for our small groups that are meeting every week.  RTN longs to see new small groups; so pray for God to raise up leaders.


4. Community: Please pray for the communities and leaders of Stone Moutain and Clarkston.  Our community is filled with different faiths, people, and needs.  Pray for God to heal, restore, and set them free for His glory.


i will be posting updates, stories, and thoughts throughout the summer. Though there will be many more to come, here's some photos to whet your appetite. Pray for these dear people. The nations are here. They are real and they have real needs, real hearts. And our hope is very real. Jesus is risen!

Troy BCM

me and Yuwainy, from Sri Lanka

Troy BCM with a Nepali family on their 28th day in America

Retu, one of my favorite kids. He'll barely speak a word to you, but he loves to color!

Go therefore...

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:7-11 (NIV)

So, investigating the Hebrew a little closer, i found the line "provide the poor wanderer with shelter" in verse seven has much more significance than the NIV translation shows.

PROVIDE: bô': to come, to go, to bring, to take, to be brought

POOR: 'ānî: needy, poor, afflicted, oppressed, often referring to a class of persons of low status and lacking resources

WANDERER: mārûd: homeless, wandering (with an emphasis on poverty)

SHELTER: bayit: house, building, room; by extension, family, clan tribe, household

FLESH AND BLOOD: bāśār: flesh, soft body tissue; by extension, humankind, living things

So, it seems to me (which means there's a huge chance i'm wrong because i'm human) that this line could read/really means: "Bring the despised and impoverished into your family." Wow! what a challenge? How many of us are willing to take that challenge? Obviously, this is not always possible. But think of Tuohy family taking in Michael Oher. Think if the difference the love of God made in Michael's life through the Tuohy family. What if they hadn't? Where would he be?

When i first read "your own flesh and blood" i had no idea what it meant. but after looking up the Hebrew and reading the note from my study Bible, it was much ore clear to me that Isaiah was referring to other people, not just your friends or family. To many of us, this can be a very real struggle. It is incredibly difficult to love those we don't like, or hate to even be in the same room with because of how they act, talk, dress, or carry themselves. But, the love of God is inside His people, so therefore we are compelled to love as He did: completely and selflessly. "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NASB)

Isaiah continues in verse ten, saying, "spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed."

SPEND: pûq: to bring out, furnish, promote

SATISFY: śāba': the filling or even overfilling of appetites or desires

Again, to me it sounds like Isaiah meant, "promote the cause of those who can't promote themselves and provide for them beyond their needs."

Verse eleven reads, "The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."

SATISFY: see above

SUN-SCORCHED LAND: śahśāhôt: bare, (sun)scorched land (i love the way this word sounds)

STRENGTHEN: hālaș: to strengthen, to be armed

Ahhhh! How awesome! To know the God of the universe will arm us for the day of battle! :)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)

So go forth, making disciples of all nations. Go in the strength of the LORD YHWH. Have no fear.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:17-20

a Gospel-centered life

Most of you reading this are in Florida (i miss you all so much) and have been asking me how i like Birmingham, to which i replied, "i love it. i'm going to blog soon." It took me a while, but i'm finally coming through on that promise. Since i've been in Birmingham, i've met a ton of fantastic people. i am continually amazed at how quickly God's children can form real relationships, and not based on shallow, worldly things, but based on the unity of the Gospel and of the Holy Spirit.

By the providence of God, i got plugged into an awesome Bible study (thank you Tim Winters). i've been incredibly challenged by what God has been teaching us. For the past month, we've been discussing what a Gospel-centered life looks like and how the Gospel is not only used in our salvation but affects all areas of our lives. i never realized that before. And truly, if we don't understand the Gospel ourselves, how are we to preach it? If we're not daily being affected by the reality of what Christ accomplished on the cross, how will our lives testify to the Gospel to those around us?

God especially showed this principle to me through my new and dear friend, Emily Moore. The first time we met at Starbucks for discipleship, her first two questions were, "What's your testimony?" and "Will you tell the Gospel to me?" Talk about challenging. By God's grace, the Gospel just poured from my mouth. i've never shared the Gospel with anyone before so this came as somewhat of a surprise to me, although it shouldn't have (Matt. 1019,20). And again, at small group last week, she asked me to share again. What a beautiful example of accountability. Afriend who realizes the importance of meditating on and being daily changed by the Gospel and challenging me to preach it to myself daily. i've never had anyone do that to me before, so it was awesome!

So, the weight of my sin has been great lately, realizing that i am completely inadequate in and of myself. But to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God's grace is sufficient for me (2 Cor. 12:9,10) has been my strength. Two quotes have aided the process of this idea becoming reality.

"Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world." Martin Luther

"The reason many people do not enter the kingdom of heaven is not, by popular conception, because the standards are too high, but because the standards are so low for entry that our pride will not allow us to accept such a great free gift." John Piper

Oh! to be so humbled by the Gospel that we could simply accept it. This is only possible by His grace in our lives. Of course, this is easier said than done. But God has granted to us to share in Christ's sufferings (Phil. 1:29, 3:8; 2 Cor. 4:8-11). To rejoice in our sufferings, not only after the fact, but in the midst of them-how beautiful!

May we suffer well. Together.

There's so much more i could write, but i know how turned off i am by insanely long posts, so i'll save it for another time.