Old and New Collide

These were things that fascinated me on our first trip to China. The absolute collision of ancient architecture with the rapid expansion and building of new towers and buildings. The 2 story Wal-Mart stores with escalators. The well oiled machine of McDonald's that knows the commodity in ice fit for consumption within our Cokes. All this against the background of ancient tradition, language, and art.

In researching Christianity in China, I have been surprised. My understanding was that Christianity in China was a certain path toward persecution. However, the opposite is becoming more and more the norm. China is ready for the harvest. The people are thirsty for truth and the government is becoming more excepting of it than during the times of the Cultural Revolution. This is a prime opportunity time for the gospel in China. God has prepared China for such a time as this and His Spirit is moving!

On another note...we are cleaning out the old...in our house! If we are going to make this move, we need to be ready. We are in the process of cleaning out clothes and toys. Preparing for a garage sale and trying to get our financial house in order. This seems like a really big task. We have so many things to consider:

1. Do we sell the house?
2. Do we sell both cars or just one?
3. What times do we set up meetings with mission organizations?
4. Who will buy my old homeschooling curriculum from me? (anyone?)
5. Most importantly...stop and talk with God constantly to fortify us spiritually as a family and as His children for the task at hand.  

Please pray for discernment in these areas. We are so blessed to have Him on our side and help us in this battle within an unknown territory!

Puzzle Pieces

Photo taken from the Light of Hope Asia Foundation Website

Last night, while at a wedding of a sweet friend, God was in the business of showing us little bits and pieces of China. I have since come to the realization that God sometimes puts things together like a puzzle. As we submit to Him, he places in another piece of the puzzle. In time, that puzzle creates a full and beautiful picture.

While at the wedding, we were able to talk with a family that had lived in China for sometime. While their goal in China was a bit different than ours will be, the information was great. We all have a mission - God has us placed where we are to be His missionaries.  Sometimes He tells us to "pick up our mat and walk". The question is will I walk or will I lay next to the pool wishing someone will just help me get in. I am choosing to walk. My steps maybe wobbly at first, but God has my arm.

God's hand on the children of China:

http://www.lightofhopeasiafoundation.com/orphanages/

Book Recommendation!

 

Reckless Faith by Beth Guckenberger

Our family is reading "Reckless Faith" by Beth Guckenberger. It has been such a blessing for us to curl up and read together. This is a highly recommended book. We have been moved to tears and our hearts yanked for the burden that God has placed on us. Please pray that he will help us to gain wisdom and understanding into the call that He has on our lives. Pray for the courage to make "reckless" decisions and boldly go in His direction and not one that is accepted by the world. When our society is gaining the "perfect" this and the "perfect" that. I only want to gain my God who is PERFECT!

Recklessness

Reckless...Reckless...Reckless...

I have never been a "reckless" person. I am starting now. I haven't had the faith I needed to be "reckless". It's happening as my fingers hit the keys of this computer keyboard. I have never solidified the stirring that God has placed on my heart in black and white. It has, up until now, been a constant conversation of "what if" and "maybe one day" statements. God has placed a stirring in my heart to not desire the best of the world, but the least of the world. He is placing a thorn in me that can not be covered up by make-up and pretty hair, it can not be captured in the perfect photograph, it can not be found in the perfect husband, or bought with all the riches of this world. This thorn is one that has a face, a face that looks nothing like mine. I have a heart for the orphan...God is in the process of sending us to a far off place where some how and some way we are being called to put aside the world and care for his children.

China...China...China...

And you are saying "You're crazy...crazy...crazy." All I can say is your right...crazy about all that God has planned for me and my family.

I have no idea how to get there, how to do it, where to go, or how to raise my children in a new place....but God does and that is what we are leaning on.

Join us on our reckless, crazy China journey as we are KEPT in God's arms, promises and love!