I've recently transitioned into doing ministry at the local church. My time on staff at church has taught me the invaluable role that the local church plays. But it has also taught me the value of a solid leadership team. 

The leadership team that I was blessed to be placed under taught me way more than one blog post could allow, but the one thing they taught me that stands out far about the rest is a lesson on prayer. Expectant prayer. 

​They pushed me and encouraged me to pray like I never had before. Expectantly and specifically. Constantly reminding me that the more specific my prayers were the more glory God could flash when He answered them. 

I began to pray fervently over my life. My family who doesn't know the Lord. The congregation we would minister to every Sunday. I would pray for a revival to shake Denver, CO.  I would ask God for the feeling of His presence. I would expect God to show up, to come through, and to do His work. 

Then someone on that leadership team asked a question that I will remember ​forever:

Well, would you? I did. That question wrecked me. I was praying over final exams and production ministry transitions, but I wasn't praying for my brothers and sisters who desperately needed Christ. 

The question changed my prayer game. Forever. Take out families in Syria and replace it with anything. People at McDonalds. Those you do ministry with. Those you minister to. Any number of chaotic countries. 

Fight for them in prayer in a way that if they heard your words they would feel loved, they would feel supported, and they would want to pray more.

 And then, have faith that God is going to answer those prayers. 

The president of Master Plan Ministries always talks about "the room in heaven that's filled with all the stuff people didn't ask for." While I'm not sure that room exists, it is a great mental image. God has everything right at His finger tips waiting to give it away. 

God IS love. He can't help but be love. He can't help but shower blessings. 

​We just have to ask (to expect) in faith. 

​Jacque is the Missional Women Intern and a college student in Denver, CO who balances her time between trying to go to class and learning about His saving grace and perfect love as much as she can.  She is a twenty something, DIY attempting, Jesus loving, Denver living, small town rooted, Colorado sports fan.  She loves black coffee, long conversations and watching people do what God created them for. You can find her Christian Twenty Somethings blog at Desperately Dependent. ​

All the walls around me were stark white as I stood in front of the doctor for my leprosy screen.  Yes, leprosy.  Yes, me wearing next to nothing for a leprosy screen.  I remembered thinking, “ I didn’t even know leprosy was still a thing.  Really?”
 
With a sigh I tried not to roll my eyes when the doctor remarked disdainfully about my red toenails. I guess this Hungarian doctor was not accustomed to such toes. 
 
To live as a missionary in Hungary many years ago, I had to complete a series of medical tests in order to receive my visa.  And you know, when I signed up to be a missionary nobody told me that.
 
Nobody said, “hey, by the way, after you get there you will have to go and take off all your clothes so their doctor can make sure you aren't a leper. You will also have to have a chest x-ray done in a machine that most certainly leaks radiation.”  Of course, if someone had mentioned that I very likely would have changed my mind altogether.
 
Such were my days in Hungary.  For two years I lived in a small Hungarian town sharing the gospel with the the university students who resided there.  Those two years were filled with memorable moments both of the marvelous and exasperating variety.
 
My missions experience there turned out to be . . . not what I expected.  Not in the least. 
 
I certainly did not expect the whole leprosy thing, or the craziness of the post office bill paying system, or riding the wrong trains in the wrong directions, or the mouth-watering goodness of their food, or the helpful nature of its people.  I least of all expected to fall in love while living there.
 
For me, living in Hungary was a turning point in my life, a stepping stone into a future I did not expect.  Those two years turned into eleven years of full time foreign missions.  Now, I'm back.  Back in the land of my birth and itching to tell my story in the hopes that I can encourage other women to step upon the stones waiting for them. 
 
Read my book and journey with me and laugh at me as I share with you the years that changed everything. 
 
With love and thankfulness – Stacy Dyck

Stacy Dyck grew up in Weatherford, Texas, and later graduated from Hardin-Simmons University. After graduation she moved to Hungary to fulfill her part of the Great Commission. During two years of service she met and fell in love with her now husband, Johann. Eleven years later, after living in Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria, Stacy is returning to her Texas roots with her husband and two boisterous boys. They live in the Dallas area, where Stacy enjoys a new life as a missions advocate.
​
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We are in an arena filled with people. Multi-colored spotlights span the crowd. It is the opening night of Cru15. Steve Sellers, the Vice President of Cru and the US National Director, shares his personal experience with the Pray2020 initiative.

Each day an alarm is set for 20:20 (8:20pm EST). No matter what is happening, he and his wife, Christy stop what they are doing to pray for the world. From the Pray2020 About page:

We picture a day when there will be movements everywhere across the globe so that every person on the planet knows someone who follows Jesus. To that end, we are trusting God to raise up 10 million Christ-centered multiplying disciples by the end of the year 2020.

As Steve is talking, what impacts me the most is how he is being changed. It is clear that his heart is being molded by God through keeping this simple discipline. This is what I need too!

You might be saying, ‘Wait! Stop right there! Isn’t this prayer initiative about the Great Commission and reaching the world?’ Yes, it is. But, it is also about our own hearts being transformed too. This is what God wants to do through each and every prayer.

How does this happen?

1)It happens through posture. Whenever we pray, we instantly remember God is God alone. We let go of our ability to change a situation. We lay down our lack of faith that God can change it.
As I have begun praying at 20:20, I realize how little I believe God can do this work. It has been very humbling. I have learned to confess my lack of faith. I have pled with God to increase my faith as I echo His heart for the world.

2)It happens through purpose. When the alarm goes off in the evening, I am often just beginning to relax after a long day with kids. A lot of times I want to ignore the sound, and sometimes I have. But this is too important. There is nothing God cares more about than His glory. Ultimately, His Glory is displayed as Jesus is lifted up and all people are drawn to Him.
Even if it is for a minute, I need to remember this.

3)It happens through presence. As believers, Christ is always present with us. Yet, when we choose to humble ourselves and exalt Him we take this active step into the heart of who He is. In developing this simple discipline, we align ourselves with God’s great work in the world. And in our spirits, we join others around the world who are taking this same step!

Some days, my voice has felt small and thin. I am sure this little prayer with little strength will not mean much. But, I remember I am praying, with lightning bright clarity, exactly what God wants to do. I remember I am a part of something so much greater as many all over the globe pray in these same moments.

Some days, as I have prayed with my Venezuelan sister-in-law, I feel strong and powerful. She has poured out her heart for God to heal her land and raise up His church there.  I, in turn, have prayed for the places where I have lived and loved—the U.S., Spain and Hungary. We have reminded each other of who God is and allowed our hearts to be broken again.

God is at work and is calling us to join Him. It is not about ‘one more thing’, but about molding our hearts to be like His.
​
Please follow this link for more information and resources!

Pssst.... this post is apart of the 5th Annual Not About Me November Series. Check the rest of the posts out here.

I have a confession to make:  I’ve stopped watching the news.  I stopped watching because it either makes me incredibly sad, or it fills me with fear.   I still follow the headlines a bit on twitter and the internet, but I refuse to watch another one-hour news report that is more like an episode of Jerry Springer than an informative documentary.  

One thing I think we can all agree on is that these are dark times.  The Bible warned us that as The Day of Christ’s return approaches we will face greater persecution.  

Matthew 24: 6-13 explains: 

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.


“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.  And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

I want to endure to the end.  I want to stay faithful to Jesus in these difficult days.  I want to be counted as one of the People of the Cross. 

Recently, my pastor reminded me that the People of the Cross have always faced persecution and opposition.   Paul was stoned for proclaiming his faith.  Why am I surprised when suffering is part of the life of a believer? 

In looking at the life of Paul, I see that he was a man who believed in the power of prayer.   He often asked the church to intercede on his behalf so that he could proclaim the Gospel with freedom.   Following his example, I want to fight on my knees for my brothers and sisters around the world.

5 Power Prayers for the People of the Cross: 

    Pray for boldness of His children to proclaim the Good News in a dark place.

 “… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20, ESV).

    Pray for God’s Word to be alive in their hearts and strengthen their faith.

“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again.  You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many”  (II Corinthians 1:9-11).

    Pray for protection from evil forces that seek to discourage and destroy them.

“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,  and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.  And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.  May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (II Thessalonians 3:1-5).

   Pray for joy and peace to fill their hearts in the midst of suffering and affliction.

 “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,  as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:18-21).

   Pray for expansion of God’s Kingdom work in closed countries.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--  that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:2-4, ESV). 

In Acts 18 we see that the Lord appeared to a persecuted Paul in a vision by night.  He had been rejected at every turn, but the Lord encouraged his spirit with these words:  “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

Sisters, let’s continue sharing the Good News boldly.  Let’s persevere in prayer for one another, and be the People of the Cross.  God has more people to reach in your city.  Never give up.  Pick up your cross and follow Him until the end. 

 

Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

For us who live overseas, summer is a much-anticipated time of visiting family and friends in our home country.  We are excited for many reasons, to shop at familiar stores with clothing in our size, to indulge ourselves in our favorite foods, to drive a car (maybe for the first time in months), and of course to spend time with our loved ones.  In the end, we make the trip (30 hours of travel for me) on a plane with our babies and tons of luggage, to see you - our beloved family and friends.  This will be my first year making that journey, and as I look forward to it with anticipation, I also have in my mind those words of warning from close friends who have told me that while they are excited to visit, these trips are often laced with disappointment and some difficult emotions.

So, as we enter this season of traveling across the world to see our friends and family, I offer these tips, from someone in the field, as to how to show your loved ones who are coming home that you love them.

1. Trust us that we know, as much as you do, how difficult it is to be away from people that you love.  We also know that you didn't choose this, we chose this for you.  We chose to have your granddaughter grow up 12 time zones away from you. We chose to celebrate Christmases in a foreign country apart from you. We grieve with you over the missed moments, but please understand that we thought about it, and we truly believe that we are choosing God's best for our family.  So, instead of asking us when we are moving back home, tell us that you miss us.  We miss you too, all the time.
2. Speaking of home, realize that “home” is a difficult concept for us.  For our children born overseas, America isn't really home for them.  For us, we feel as if we have many homes.  Don't be offended by this or think that we care less about the hometown we grew up in.  We just live with our hearts in many places.
3. When you learn about the country we live in, even just a little bit, we feel immensely grateful and loved.  We have so many experiences that we would love to share with you, but often we hold our tongue because we are afraid you aren’t interested.  When you learn about our new life and ask questions, we feel so loved. 
4. Make time in your schedule for us.  We completely understand that time doesn't stop when we come to town.  We know that you have obligations and busyness of your own, but we come across the world to spend time with you!  Please carve out some time to make new memories together.
5. When we go back overseas, don't forget us.  The simplest piece of mail can light up our week, especially if it is related to some holiday or tradition that our host country doesn’t recognize. The simple tastes and smells that we took for granted before can be so difficult to replicate here, and are so treasured when get a glimpse or a taste of them!

If you have family visiting from overseas, or if you are the one doing the visiting, I hope that you are both blessed and that you are a blessing to others.  Please share your experiences in the comments, I would love to hear!

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Living in Cambodia, our mission staying open depends on Godʼs provision through His people. We have been on the highest of mountains, and in the lowest of valleys. There are months we are fiscally very healthy. Other months, well, not so much, “Maybe in 3 days it all shuts down.” But this work is all Godʼs doing, so we have faith it wonʼt close.

The ministry in 9 years has grown from 250 church plants to over 1,000, a single restoration home with a school for sexually trafficked girls grown from holding 24 girls to 68; over 500 girls successfully reintegrated into communities. Also, God added 3 transitional homes, 4 employment centers, computer labs, 2 outreach beauty salons, a free health care clinic, a thriving church set in a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah with a robust Kidʼs Klub, an Emergency Foster Care program, a Lordʼs gym (with professionally trained kick boxers), school for 360 children with plans for expansion to accommodate 1500, a tool to prevent trafficking as well as education. Humanitarian aid providing for hundreds to sometimes thousands every month. 

There are so many miracle stories from here to there. Our beginning budget in 2005 was 70,000 USD a year. Today it is over 3 million. At this time of year, we normally find ourselves in the financial valley. Each time God is faithful, we have our faith that has been tested and refined. A staff that has stayed with us throughout the good and the bad for 9 years and experienced tremendous growth. Today, Pastor Chantha of Rahabʼs House in Svay Pak had us both in tears. We needed to hire 5 new house moms for the Emergency Foster Care program this month. We have no money for salaries, not for any staff. Yet these new 5, not knowing when God will provide, accepted the positions knowing He will. “Just for Godʼs glory, because of their faith in Him, for the care, protection and restoration of the children, they said we donʼt care. We know in His time God will provide. We start now, ok?” I live and work with incurable abolitionists on fire for Christ, I am blessed and encouraged indeed.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-14 "We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Bridget and her husband Don live in Cambodia where they founded programs that fight sex trafficking holistically. These programs include a restoration home, an aftercare center for rescued girls, a school, employment centers, and a kickboxing gym where pimps, traffickers and dealers can be ministered to, among many other programs. Today, their work and the programs that they’ve established impact over 10,000 people annually. Don and Bridget have 4 adult children and 12 grandchildren and live in Svay Pak, Cambodia most of the year. You can read more about their ministry at AgapeWebsite.org In her free time, Bridget enjoys cooking and spending time with the young girls they rescue. 


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“Mom, I need $2700.00 in three days,” she calls from across the ocean.

“What? We already sacrificed so much for the first part of this mission? O.k., I guess we’ll just take it from saving.”  I think to myself, but say nothing.

After all, she is eighteen. What does she really know about the reality of finances? Or does she remember that time we needed six-hundred more dollars to take our family on a mission’s trip to Guatemala; getting our shoes on to go to the bank, a check showing up at our front door at that exact moment, for $1000.00.

Maybe it was me that needed faith, trusting the same big God my teenager sees clearly?

“Don’t worry Mom, I am going to get the money.  I just know it.”

And I get that she is determined, worked hard to save and fund-raise, and now believes that God will provide…but $2700 in three days?

And sometimes when we feel called to “go”, and we wonder if God will financially equip us; we can hesitate and doubt, or even miss the call all together because we fail to trust the caretaker of the sparrow, the keeper of the lilies. 

We can forget that Jehovah Jireh, our provider, is the title given to our Savior.

And we can wonder if what scripture tells us is true, God really will provide all our needs, according to His riches and glory.  We can sit idly by and wait, or we can trust what scripture tells us about God providing as we live missionally His calling through us:

1)     God provides as we follow His leading and step out in willing obedience. Often we want to see the way before starting the journey.  But remember the Israelites?  It wasn’t until they left Egypt that God revealed His provision. i.e. Water from a rock, parting the seas, manna from heaven. You get the picture. (John 15:16, 1 John 3:22)

2)     God provides as we abide, seek, and keep Him the focus of our lives. No good thing can grow apart from the vine. He is the vine, we are the branches. John 15:7 tells us, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (Hebrews 11:6, Matt 6:33)

3)     God provides when we walk by faith and not by sight. This wouldn’t be a “walk of faith” life if everything made logical sense. As Christians we are called to step out of the boat, simply because Jesus is leading us. Scripture is filled with stories like the Centurion, having great faith, seeing great healing. And yet I think sometimes, we forget that Jesus was more than a man, He was both our provider and our healer. (Matt 8:5-13, Mark 11:24, Matt 21:22)

4)     God provides when we trust His character and lean on His goodness, character, and understanding.  When we have a right view of God, when we learn He is for us and not against us, everything changes. (Phil 4:19, Luke 12:24, Matt 7:11, Rom 8:32)

And although God is far from a genie or some distant Santa Claus we write “want-lists” to….sometimes we go to the opposite extreme and live as if God has no power at all.

I get a text; a donation of $1000 from someone unexpected; then $100 and another $100, over and over again this happens, continually without stopping.  Some people giving twice, other donations from people who have never given anything in their life. Some from teachers, pastors, people who we never imagined might give at all.  

Yes, a miracle. 

$2280 in three short days donated to my daughter who had the kind of faith that truly moves mountains.

Missions costs, yes; but walking humbly, a life of faith, God just might bless us far greater than anything we might ever have dreamed.

Will you trust Him to provide as you live missionally, His calling for your life? 

Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations.  Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios.  Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s.  Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family.  You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda .  Jen is also on facebook. 

This is part of the Not About Me November series. Check out the rest of the series here.

It’s Sunday and I am preparing to take Communion at our church here in Hungary. The entire service is in Hungarian and some weeks are better than others as far as what we understand of song and sermon and prayer. But, each week we meet with God and in some ways, I have never felt His Presence more fully than in this church where I understand the words most poorly.

The parade of churches throughout my life passes through my mind as the Nicene Creed is read. And I am closer to the cost of this confession that is now spoken in another tongue. It’s a sacred beauty of which I am an itsy bitsy part as I cling hard to God in this missionary calling.

I am reminded too of all of the places and forms in which I have partaken of this sacrament. When I start taking communion after I am baptized at eight, it is with shiny silver plates and small plastic cups in matching silver holders that hold broken crackers and grape juice. This experience is consistent through college in a different church yet similar form and ritual.

Then, as I begin to travel the experience changes, grows. I celebrate with  the summer as an urban youth worker. Then, I study abroad in Spain and have wine and fresh bread. In between there are varied languages and manner. I kneel at altars, go up to receive at the front of the church, remain in my padded folding chair or pew and now, stand in a circle at the front of the church with others.

The grape juice turns to watered wine through my European experience. Sometimes the bread is a wafer and also, my favorite, a delectable homemade buttery square. Today, it’s fresh bread broken from large loaf purchased at a local bakery and there is yeast that has worked through the dough.

It all comes together for me this communion Sunday, the second Sunday, each month here in Gazdagret, the name of the community in Budapest where we live and our son goes to Hungarian school and we all go to church. I am stilled by the sacred hush and in wonder before the Holy Spirit as I bask in such a gift to have experienced so much of the broken body and blood of Christ.

At times I look at my story as a type of wilderness wandering as I run toward calling and too, it chases me hard in my comfort. But when I think about my life as one in which I have partaken of communion. How it is all through faith in Jesus Christ, Only Son of the Father, born of a virgin, who lived, died and rose again and in so doing sheds His Spirit abroad in the hearts of all who confess him. I hear the echoes through the ages and the tongues and it all feels a lot like the promise of Heaven.

I am then, strengthened, this morning in Budapest as the bread is handed to me and the body of Christ broken for me is spoken over and into me in a beautifully complex language that humbles me and comes to make a home in a heart that is bowed low in worship. I am inspired to live a life overflowing with thankfulness as the blood represented by the wine flows through me and I hear the chorus of the saints who stand before the Lamb Slain gathered ‘round as this glorious cloud of witnesses. My roots deepen in this faith that bears a legacy of saints who walk through time as prophets, martyrs, pioneer missionaries and a whole lot of day in and day out faithful that binds us all together throughout history to lift up a Jesus who wants to draw this whole world to Himself.

I am wife to a wonderful man, mama to three precious now-little-but-soon-will-not-be loves. Each born in a different place--two states including 2 states and 2 countries. I am a farm girl who found her heart in the city. I can now claim fluency in 3 languages :: English, Spanish & Hungarian.This combined with the all-too-true 'mommy brain' explains much regarding my mental state most days;) I am a sojourner longing for Home. Yet, in my messy and broken, I embrace the moments given with all I have. I am seeking, praying, and learning again and again that it is for His Glory I live. My prayer is that my little life would make much of Him! I write regularly at Abigail Alleman.

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It was no surprise to me.  As I read over the survey forms that were returned to me from missionaries all over the world, I saw a common thread that ran through most of them.

These were men and women from all walks of life and denominational backgrounds, and their ministries ran the gamut from church planting to aviation and medical missions. And yet they had one thing in common: 

A sense of disconnect and loneliness.

Many expressed feeling disconnected from their home base as they still struggled to integrate into their new culture.

No longer could they simply call up a girlfriend for coffee, or a buddy to go shoot hoops. Play dates were a thing of the past.

That need for human connection goes unmet, and soon depression sets in.

To be sure, this is to be expected when one answers the call to foreign missions. I am sure that this is not a struggle unique to our generation.

What is unique is how passively connected we are to community.

You see, social media allows us to remain connected without every really connecting on an intentional basis. We can scroll through status updates and see that our missionaries ministered at a church in a small native village. We like their status, and perhaps even comment with “praying!” and feel like we’ve connected.

And when their monthly update hits our inbox or arrives in the mail, we don’t necessarily feel a need to read it thoroughly because we feel we’ve already connected.

All the while, they sense a greater need for more intentional connection because for them there is a great “connection deficit”.

I would like to share with you three reasons why you should write your missionaries.

1. When you write your missionary, you bless them. Handwritten letters are something to be treasured. But when you’re far from home, they are an even greater treasure. Even a simple note on a pretty postcard means so much. Writing and mailing a letter takes time and intention, and it says to the one who receives it that they are worth the time you’ve invested in such a simple act.

2. By writing your missionary you gain even greater understanding of their ministry. Do you want to really bless your missionary? Ask them to share with you something about the country they are serving in and the ministry they are doing. Ask specific questions. I guarantee you, they will have a lot to share and they will be so happy to share it! Asking questions says to the person that you are interested in them and want to get to know them better.

3. When you write your missionary, you partner with them in their ministry. This small and seemingly insignificant act of writing your missionary is actually a great investment. Your letters help to encourage them, and that encouragement builds strength. Your prayers are a spiritual investment in what they do. By blessing them and investing in them, you invest in their ministry.

Do you need help remembering to make this investment? Don’t be ashamed! We understand that. As a way to help remind people to remain intentionally connected, I created two free downloads.

This Missionary Prayer Card has room for addresses, dates for special occasions (such as birthdays and anniversaries) and, of course, specific prayer needs.
 

This Missionary Kid Pen-Pal Stationary is a colorful and fun way for your child to write a missionary kid. Sometimes we forget that the children of missionaries also struggle with deep loneliness and a need to connect with children from his or her home culture.

These downloads are free. Please feel free to download as many copies as you’d like and share them with others.

 And take some time this week to pop a letter or card in the mail to your missionary – be a blessing!

Rosilind is an American girl married to a Bosnian guy who lives in a small village just outside of Zagreb. They have two crazy boys 3 and under who are as opposite as boys can be. When Rosilind isn't writing, she is dreaming up recipes and searching for ways to organize her home better. You can find her at A Little R & R where she writes about missions, marriage and family, toddler activities, and her recipes. You will also find her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

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Ever feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, caught up in a whirlwind of business? 

I step on the soil in Dominic Republic.  Off the grid; no running water, only a short time each day on a generator with electricity; dust and dirt everywhere.  

Still, somehow I settle into a peace I have desperately needed. 

We take cold, bucket baths behind resurrected steel; poured down like grace, washing away our filth.  And I am reminded by this awakening….

His mercies are new every morning, regardless of where we live.

And yet somehow I miss those promises back home, where I carelessly wasted
resources, failing to let grace wash over me thinking, for some reason, I couldn’t be dirty…simply because I could not see my own filth.

It is there, dark glasses hinder me from acknowledging the light of an abundantly blessed culture, and I miss thanksgiving, though I have so much to be thankful for.

Yet in Dominican, I seem to live wearing proverbial glasses of gratefulness; though water is cold, food scarce, poverty lurks, and my resources are lacking in every sense of the word.  

And why is it, sometimes, our deficits reveal our need for God, our necessity for other people?

At night in DR, I thank Him for my blanket-less bunk, in the corner of one brick room, twenty people crowded near each other.  I find thanks in the little creatures crawling across wood fences; for the small voices I still hear outside playing carelessly. 

Looking carefully, I see more.  Needing grace, I listen more.  

It is here I am forced to stop the whirlwind, and plant my feet in a land more like the farm in Kansas than Dorothy’s brick road going nowhere.

Still, back at home, my own dark-skinned adopted daughter catches me, as if begging, “Slow
down”.  Soccer, swimming, all those “important” things around me carry me spinning in circles until I can’t see straight.  

And could it be, I am the one allowing the whirlwinds to blow me, here in my very
own home, when grace is just as fresh and full, where His goodness and peace are
still available despite the little piece of soil we each individually stand on in this world?

I unpack my one roll-on from the plane. A few pants, a couple tee-shirts, that’s all I needed then. Behind me taunts my walk-in-closet, full of clothes, surfacing the reminder of my deep seeded consumerism. 
 
Why is “stuff” continually deceiving, trying to convince me…I must have more?

But what if we silenced the voices of discontent in each of us?  What if we simplified, and refused the winds by telling those insistent naggings, “no”? What if we chose moments,
hearts, people, and the hearts of our children, instead of business or stuff?  
 
How might our lives change?

What if grace is an attitude of thankfulness, stopping to see His goodness in little things; Christ-centered glasses the answer to everything?  Would our nothingness then be enough?  

Some days I still long for the visible dirt roads I traveled daily in Dominican Republic; for the one room brick building, children eagerly surrounding.  For life rises in those still places winds die in, where nothing is taken for granted, and the filthiness of our souls finally becomes clear. 

And when whirlwinds stop, isn’t that when grace becomes most visible?

Where Dorothy’s like us can land our feet, welcoming stillness and the silence of simplicity; choosing glasses of thanks, eyes focusing on His buckets of grace.  A grace that truly is sufficient…

Regardless of where we live.

Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations.  Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios.  Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a
world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s.  Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family.  You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda .  Jen is also on facebook.  

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