Outside my Comfort Zone

GUEST BLOGGER:  Celeste Malin 

2^nd Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Isiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Getting out of my comfort zone was not easy. Let me begin by saying that I am a follower of Christ Jesus, a born-again believer. I also believe that all are called to be on mission once they believe in Christ Jesus as their savior. With that being said however, I have some limitations. Because of trauma at birth, I have Cerebral Palsy. My CP is not a severe case, but it does cause me to have some difficulties. When I first started thinking about stepping into a place where it was more about trusting God and less about the bondage of the enemy, it was a new and honestly terrifying feeling. I was afraid of failure, but that was again me holding on to my disbelief and the lies of the enemy. It is not my strength, but the strength of the Holy Spirit that allowed me to follow the calling of God in my life. In the beginning, I felt like Moses. Who am I that I can do this thing that you have called me to do? God answered me in the same way he answered Moses saying, “I am with you. I am your God.” I do believe that God gives all of us spiritual gifts, I just needed to trust that God could work through me. When I made it more about glorifying him and less about my fear, wonderful opportunities came my way.

I started out slowly. I was involved with numerous local missions that I still continue work with. These local missions are quite satisfying and truly bring honor and glory to God. If you are wondering if you could be involved in local missions, you can be. The Church at Sandhurst provides countless opportunities to get involved.

After much prayer about seeking God’s will, I was given the opportunity to go on my first cross-cultural mission trip: Belize. During this trip, I was blessed with working alongside some amazing leaders and wonderful youth. I was truly humbled by the experience, and many of the teens stepped up and helped me fit right in. We did numerous outreaches into the community with much centering around children which I thoroughly enjoyed. While I am sure they were blessed by the outreach into their community, we in turn were indescribably blessed by them. We also did some cross-cultural experiences, which were very eye opening and well planned out. This is a large part of short-term mission trips at Sandhurst. We were given many opportunities to utilize our gifts and help out in different ways. Through this trip I learned to not set limits on God for he is limitless and all powerful. God can use anyone he chooses to.

The next summer I was given the chance to be an intern and spend a whole month on mission in Peru. This trip allowed me to grow in ways I would’ve never imagined, such as having the opportunity to give my testimony in a few different places. With the assistance of an interpreter, I was able to share my testimony at an underground church. Many people were moved by my sharing, which was truly humbling for me. Although we did not share a similar language, that did not stop the love of Christ from being shared. Even though we could not understand the music, we could feel the spirit of the Lord moving in that church. The Lord also gave us the opportunity to do mission outreaches to a girl’s home and low-income housing (Shanty Towns). We also were able to present a new wheelchair to a special needs girl living in poverty. Being able to travel to numerous locations throughout Peru expanded the experience in many ways. We got to take part in cross-cultural events and learning experiences to truly be exposed to the Peruvian cultural. I made lifelong friendships that I trust God will continue to strengthen.

In closing, I would like to share John 8:16. “So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” Let God’s promises break you out of bondage and into a full life in Christ.

Celeste Malin

GUEST BLOGGER this month is Barb Alexander, a member of the Sandhurst Missions Team.

MISSIONS 102... Beyond Missions 101, taking your next step.

Our church is a church of missions.  We all know that if we have been here more than 6 weeks!  We tell others proudly, “ We spend 1/3 of our budget on missions.  We support over a zillion missionaries.  We have a missions pastor, and missions conference every year.”  But what part, we must ask, am I personally playing.  How involved am I?  We know we can’t all go but what am I doing while I am staying?

Glad you asked!  Romans 12:13-“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. “ Here are some practical ways to be involved.  Consider one or two. 

1.     Get your copy of our missions directory, either from the shelf at home or church office, and pray for the missionaries listed each week in the newsletter. 

2.     As an individual or a family, choose one family to establish communications and build a relationship with.  Send an email once a quarter.  I Peter 4:9 – Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

3.     Suggest to your small group that you “adopt” and communicate with one missionary or family. Do some research and be ready to suggest someone. 

4.     Make plans now to be present and participate in Movement 19 – to be held on January 26^th and 27^th.  This will be a great time to educate yourself and /or your family about “our” missionaries and their sending boards.

5.     Volunteer to host one of our guests in the  coming year for a meal or an overnight stay.  Hebrews 13:2-“Do not neglect to show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” You will be blessed and enriched in surprising ways.  Our annual missions conference will be in and February and opportunities will be provided for those looking to be involved.  Contact Barbara Alexander @ 843-260-3044, or Kristy Tellis at the church office @ 843-662-2021. 

 

6.     Pray for our missions pastor, Greg Stuckey and his wife Jamie.  They serve tirelessly for all of us and are on a short sabbatical now.

7.     Consider if you might be available to serve a term or the missions committee if asked.  Let someone on the committee know you are interested. You don’t sign up because of the good salary, but the benefits are wonderful!  

In short, don’t find yourself in the place of telling the Lord what you will do.  ASK HIM what He wants of YOU!

The Home Missionary

     These dear servants have a real challenge.  Believe me, I know, I have been one of them.  Who are they?  They are the home based missionaries.  "What's that" you ask.  They are missionaries who have a U.S. based address while serving internationally.  Since we are at the Church at Sandhurst in Florence, SC,  I can just stick to the examples we have at hand.  Though you can send them mail with a single postage stamp and you may see them on some Sunday mornings, their hearst, their daily services are focused on the international world.  For example, we have the Jacksons who live here, but they are leaders for two worldwide mission organizations, one that focuses on medical burn ministry (Burncare International) and one that trains local church leaders abroad how to lead in missions (Envoy International).  We have the Powers (Reliant Ministries), while they live in Clarkston, GA, they are squarely focused on church planting and discipleship in Eastern Europe.  Their daily lives are filled with Skype calls where they are coaching and encouraging, plus they travel abroad over 100 days a year.  We have Randy (Southeastern Medical International. whose very heart is Cambodian but he lives on Thunderbird Drive and he is always coordinating medical outreach and training in Cambodia, Belize, Dominican Republic, India, etc... . The Macchios work hard everyday for OM Ships keeping a ministry ship (Logos Hope) fueled, financed and filled with books/supplies but if you ask them out, they can meet you at the local coffee. The Johnsons (Amazon Focus) are in the Amazon as much as Florence, equipping indigenous leaders. The Browns (Here's Life) are providing support and encouragement for India ministry leaders daily and Angela heads up a medical/water ministry in Peru even though she is here currently taking care of her parents.
     Let these folks know you love and appreciate them.  It is hard being "here" and serving "there".  Why?  Because too often we don't think of them as missionaries... but they are.  They are worthy of the support we offer as a church and hopefully from us as individuals.... over and above our church support.  When people consider who they will support, they are too often overlooked.  Their task is tough.  Some work from home. It's a tough thing when people make a comment... "must be nice to get paid for doing nothing, your car is in your driveway all day".  All the while they are in meetings via the internet, writing curriculum, prepping training manuals, developing courses, assisting with complex challenges overseas, fundraising for projects and much more.  Let these hard working missionaries know you identify with them and are praying for them.  They would welcome a chance to punch in at 9 a.m. and then out at 5 p.m. .
     This is part of being a missions minded church... understanding the many different parts of the task involved.  Give them your prayers, love and support.

Missions Without a Passport
(A place called Clarkston)

A lost passport, every mission trip leader's nightmare... at least for this upcoming cross-cultural mission trip, no passport is needed.  Church at Sandhurst is gearing up for a mission trip to the state of Georgia.  Specifically, we are Clarkston bound.  Clarkston is known as the most diverse square mile in the USA.  Can you believe of the 20,000 residents, 14,000 are refugees from around the world?  Representing over 50 countries, these legal immigrants are looking for a new life, safety and hope.  We are partnering with Global Frontier Mission and our missionaries who serve there to bring the hope of Christ to a housing complex with a predominantly Malaysian community.  When you pull into Clarkston from Highway 285 it is like entering another place on the planet.  The storefronts, restaurants and little shops all indicate you are "not in Kansas" anymore.  Pick a direction and watch the unintended pageantry unfold as adults and children from Colombia, Burma, Nepal, Iraq, Ethiopia and Sudan appear before you.  Acts 1:8 still contains our marching orders as we go to the ends of the earth, from our Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth... what an age we live in when the ends of the earth come to us!

If you can't go to Clarkston, invest some time in finding the nations that live right where you do.  No doubt, you have ample opportunity within 10 minutes of your home or less.  Greet the people you meet, let them know you care and that you will pray for them.  Invite them to your home, learn portions of their culture.  Not sure how?  Here are some examples that are personal to me and my family.

-The convenience store 3 blocks from our house is Indian owned.  We learn a new Indian phrase almost every time we go in the store.  It opens doors.
-We go to several Latin tiendas (stores) just down our street.  We get to practice spanish every time we go, not to mention the tamales are great!
-We visit a hispanic church quite often where we get to know friends from Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras.
-At our local YMCA, we exercise and work out with several Chinese friends.
- We are blessed to have OM Ships (Operation Mobilization) in our community... at any given time there are young people and families from Germany, Switzerland, Peru, Indonesia and too many more to name.  We get to invite them into our homes.

So see, you don't need a passport to be involved in International Missions.  Pray that the Lord will put new friends in your so you can reach out.  Please send me some other examples from your lives!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

We are God’s Voice

I’m a missions guy, anyone who knows me is aware of that.  Acts 1:8 is a tremendous missions passage and typically our focus is on the geography of the verse as we think about our call to serve those near us, those different from us and those far away.  Today I was on a drive and had the rare opportunity to listen to a radio broadcast from Chuck Swindoll.  The familiar strains of his voice reminded me of nights living in the jungle of Central America and desperately trying late at night to tune in my little short wave radio to get this broadcast before my batteries would wear down.  Today, dear old “Uncle Chuck” was driving home the reminder that we are called to be witnesses of Christ… to call attention to Him, to be His mouthpiece, His voice.

His witness… to speak of Him.  We seem to be quick to tell what church we are from, or what mission organization we serve with but truth is our church or organization has never saved anyone or even offered hope to anyone.  Our message is solely Jesus.  No matter where missions is taking place.  We need to offer His truth straight from His Word.  When we put aside our prejudice (loving Samaritans) we clearly demonstrate His voice and heart.  This is a challenge for every person, seems we all have Samaritans we need to embrace.  Whether it is racial reconciliation in our community or learning to love a neighbor that is “different” than we are, doing so clearly demonstrates God’s heart and voice. 

I don’t know about you but I take solace in the fact that Christ promises we are empowered by the Holy Spirit for these tasks.  If we are taking part in being God’s heart and voice for the world, any impact we have is because he indwells us. 

Do yourself a favor and go to www.insight.org and take 25 minutes to listen to the June 8 broadcast, part 2 of the series Kick-Starting a Plan to Reach the World.

Yesterday was like finally dialing in the extra tricky and finicky shortwave signal at 2 a.m. in the jungle.  I pray you are encouraged to consider what it means to be God’s voice in a world that desperately needs it.

Persecution, Up Close and Personal

We hear about persecution of Christians, but somehow we gloss over it.  We tend to get wrapped up in our first-world problems that crowd out the reality of suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.  Perhaps this is a good time to consider our instruction to "help carry one another' burdens."(Gal. 6;2).

Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege to be in Northern India with a team of believers from home and we partnered with a very special group of believers there.  Since we left,  three of our friends in India have been arrested, one man and two ladies.  As of this post, they are awaiting a third hearing and have been denied bail.  The charge, being Christian.  They are in jail.  Their families are hurting, jobs have been lost (since converting to Christianity is a crime) and their futures are uncertain.  A Christian pastor in that same region was beheaded last week.  Just a couple of days ago, Andrew Brunson, a missionary in Turkey is still in prison and hearings have been postponed for months.  We have been praying for years for Alim in China as he endures a labor camp sentence with years to go... thankfully his charge was reduced from a death sentence for treason.  

What is our response?  Certainly we need to be praying.  Another thing we can do, make it personal.  Find out about those being persecuted and pray for them by name.  Make it your business to find out about places in the world where persecution is a harsh reality and lift those places up.  Those who are hurting are not some distant people in distant places.  According to Scripture, they are family. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 3:13)

One resource among many is opendoorsusa.org .  There you can find out the latest info on persecution and arm yourselves with information for prayer and action.  Get in there, get engaged... make it personal!

Take the Next Step

I was with a friend of mine last week as I was taking him out to see my daughters artwork at the university where she will soon be a brand new graduate... way to go JL!  As my friend and I were on the way out there, he looked over at me and announced he thought he would live to be a hundred years old.  Well, I got a startling call yesterday at about 7 a.m. , my friend died yesterday at 59.  What a way to start out a new blog huh?  Hold on, it gets more encouraging.  My friend was currently taking a course on missions and our place as believers in God's plan... the Perspectives Course on the World Christian Movement.  I challenged him 10 weeks ago to get busy doing the "next thing", since I was coordinating the course, I had the opportunity already in mind.  The point is, there is always a next step we can take.  There are many other steps out there to take in missions, no matter who we are or where we are in life.  We can't afford to stay static.  For the athlete, regardless of how much training has been done, progress begins to be lost within 48-72 hours of inactivity.  Here are a few of many next steps to consider.

• Take a course on missions 
• Read some books on the topic 
• Start corresponding with a missionary
• Host missionaries when they come to visit
• Take a short-term trip (in country or out of country)
• Get involved in local missions right around you
• Be an advocate for missions in your church body
• Serve on a missions team in your church body
• Volunteer at missions events near you
• Get to know others in different ethnic groups in your community
• Host a backyard summer Bible Club

The principle of growing and taking the next step is highlighted in 2 Peter 1:5-8 as believers are encouraged to add their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance.... for if we possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive.  What is your next thing?  Contact me, I am more than glad to make suggestions.  Let's grow together. Based on all I can see, now is a good time to get growing.