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20 April 2008
11 March 2008
Moscow Lenten Prayer Focus
Moscow - a city of 12 million people, the capital of a world power with a bright future of economic prosperity, the center of an influential church whose history spans two centuries marked by persecution and compromise, and home to 1.1 million college students, the future of an entire nation apathetic to and uninformed about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We dream of a day when small groups of students on each of Moscow’s 250 college campuses are reaching out to their classmates with the truth of the Gospel. We dream of a day when the Gospel will spread throughout Moscow and on to Russia.
We, the Moscow Metro team, are trusting God to do the miraculous. We are a team of 13 foreigners chasing after all of Moscow’s 1.1 million students, and we need your help.
The Russian Orthodox season of Lent begins March 10 and lasts until the Orthodox Easter Sunday, April 27. During this time many Russians will fast and attend church services. Imagine if thousands of believers across the globe were praying for Russians in a time when their culture already recognizes parts of the truth. How could God use our prayers in the life of a nation whose heart is already turned toward Him?
Please join us in praying for Moscow during the Orthodox season of Lent. We ask that you choose a day of the week and pray for Moscow for 20 minutes on that day each week. We will provide weekly prayer requests on our website, www.moscowfocus.com
Sign up on our website and we’ll email you the requests each week. We’ll also provide video updates on our site every two weeks.
We invite you to be creative and to get as many people involved as possible. Pray in your car on the way to work or class, form a weekly prayer group, print off requests and post them where you will be reminded daily, etc.
“...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
We are excited to see what the next seven weeks will hold for our team, for the students of Moscow, and the future of a nation, and we invite you to seek the Lord with us!
There is also a short video clip on YouTube to accompany this letter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLlQ8hnVEc
We dream of a day when small groups of students on each of Moscow’s 250 college campuses are reaching out to their classmates with the truth of the Gospel. We dream of a day when the Gospel will spread throughout Moscow and on to Russia.
We, the Moscow Metro team, are trusting God to do the miraculous. We are a team of 13 foreigners chasing after all of Moscow’s 1.1 million students, and we need your help.
The Russian Orthodox season of Lent begins March 10 and lasts until the Orthodox Easter Sunday, April 27. During this time many Russians will fast and attend church services. Imagine if thousands of believers across the globe were praying for Russians in a time when their culture already recognizes parts of the truth. How could God use our prayers in the life of a nation whose heart is already turned toward Him?
Please join us in praying for Moscow during the Orthodox season of Lent. We ask that you choose a day of the week and pray for Moscow for 20 minutes on that day each week. We will provide weekly prayer requests on our website, www.moscowfocus.com
Sign up on our website and we’ll email you the requests each week. We’ll also provide video updates on our site every two weeks.
We invite you to be creative and to get as many people involved as possible. Pray in your car on the way to work or class, form a weekly prayer group, print off requests and post them where you will be reminded daily, etc.
“...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
We are excited to see what the next seven weeks will hold for our team, for the students of Moscow, and the future of a nation, and we invite you to seek the Lord with us!
There is also a short video clip on YouTube to accompany this letter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLlQ8hnVEc
31 January 2008
Questions, Questions, Questions!
In the 4 1/2 years that I have been privileged to serve with Campus Crusade for Christ, I've received many questions...from the simple, to the absolutely unique! I thought I would provide an open forum for any and all questions that people are wondering about. So if you have a question, please post it in the comments section on this site, or email it to me: Kim.Buck@uscm.org It can be about anything really - my life, my ministry, financial support raising, or even my all time favorite "Are you EVER going to get married?" :-) I've posted some of the most common ones below. If the question you're just dying to ask isn't here, PLEASE send it my way. And if you want your question to be anonymous, that is totally fine with me! For the most part, my life is an open book! Thanks for playing and contributing!
~Kim~
~Kim~
Frequently Asked Questions
Seriously, Kim, DO you want to get married? WHY aren't you married yet? Are you EVER going to get married? (You really would be shocked how much I've been asked this recently.)
Wow. I sure hope so! Yes, for those wondering minds, I really do want to get married and have a family. Now, with my current choice of job occupation (moving to Russia for an unspecified amount of time...), some people might doubt my true desire for this. But, I know in the bottom of my heart that God wants me in Russia right now. It is a calling that I cannot ignore. Despite this, I believe in the power of God to bring the right person into my life (and me into his life) in His perfect timing. Maybe it will be in Russia...maybe America...I like to believe that he's a friend of mine that I already know and that our love will grow the longer I am away (I am not thinking of anyone specific...just showing my romantic side!) But the short answer? I would LOVE to be married and I have not lost hope to share my life with someone great that God has picked out!
Are you taking your cat with you to Russia?
Yes, that is the plan! I am still trying to work out the logistics, but I do hope to have him with me in Russia. He is like my baby, I couldn't just leave him with his grandparents for the rest of his life!! (a.k.a. my mom and dad!)
What is the most recent book you have read that you really enjoyed?
That would HAVE to be "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. You MUST read this book. I actually think it could be the best book I've read in years. GET IT!!
I just started a book by the author of one of my other favorite books, "Strong Women, Soft Hearts." (by Paula Rinehart) This new book is called "Better Than My Dreams: Finding What You Long for, Where You Might Not Think to Look." The jury is still out, but I'm expecting good things!
What is your favorite TV show right now?
LOST! I'm so excited about the season premiere, which is TONIGHT! (1/31) There's just something about those lost people who are looking for meaning where "the universe" has placed them in life....hmm sounds like something I do for my full time job! :-) It totally intrigues me!
What do you use for your personal devotions with God?
Well, I use a lot of different tools. Right now I'm going through Oswald Chamber's daily devotional, "My Utmost for His Highest." It's AMAZING. I generally really enjoy Beth Moore Bible studies, and just started her new one on the Psalms. Also - one of my favorites is something my church in Austin - the Austinstone Community Church - introduced me to. It's a Bible reading method called REAP (Read, Examine, Apply, Pray). I love it because it really helps me get into the Word...the true meaning of what I'm reading and how it applies to my life. When I use the REAP method, I really see that I REAP eternal benefits in knowing and understanding the Lord in new ways.
More details about REAP:
REAP stands for Read, Examine, Apply, Pray. You read a Bible passage, then, if you are journaling, you would write down the scripture(s) that spoke to you the most or that you felt best summed up what you've just read. Then you examine what you've read and write down your observations about those verse(s). Next, you write down or think about how to apply it to your own life. In the application, you are asking the scripture "what is it telling me to do; what should my response be to what I have just read?" Finally, you pray. Pray over what you just read or what you feel the Word is saying to you. The good thing about journaling is that you can always refer to it later on and see how God answered prayer or showed you one thing or another.
And now, the most common financial support question that I receive (at least once a month...you are not alone!) :-)
Why are staff members required to raise their own support, instead of being paid directly by Campus Crusade?
CCC is a non-profit organization, and has no central funds. Like many mission organizations, CCC depends upon the consistent financial support of concerned individuals and churches in order to carry out their ministries. These contributions are the only source of income to fund the ministries of our staff members. All missionary staff, including the president of our organization, raise financial support to cover a modest salary, both the employee and employer portion of the taxes, medical and dental benefits, and ministry expenses. Central fundraising would GREATLY limit the number of missionary staff possible. Our method allows for the rapid growth that is essential if we are to accomplish our objectives of reaching the whole world with the Gospel of Christ. As a result of our many staff members, hundreds of thousands of people around the world hear the truth of God's love and forgiveness. In addition, there is tremendous value in having a personal team of ministry partners who are committed to one or more missionaries' ministries through financial and prayer investments. And though CCC does not provide funds for its staff members, they do provide many support services, resources, training, and benefits that staff members could not get on their own.
Is raising support Biblical?
Throughout history, God has freed up His full-time workers financially to be able to carry out His work. Both Numbers 18:21 and Numbers 35 point out the Israelites' responsibility to use their tithes to fund the work of the Levites (God's full-time workers in the Old Testament). In Luke 8:1-3, we see that Jesus and his disciples depended on the support of others for their livelihood and ministries. (No, Jesus did not multiply the loaves and fishes every single time one of them needed something to eat! :-) Philippians 4 shows that the church at Philippi supported the Apostle Paul financially and that this pleased God (see verses 10, 14-16 and 18). In 2 Corinthians 11:7-9, we see again that Paul depended upon the support of others. 1 Corinthians 9 teaches that those who do the Lord's work should be provided for financially. In fact, almost all of 1 Corinthians 9 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 are a rebuke to the church at Corinth for not supporting God's people. By the end of the New Testament, we see that supporting Christian workers had become the norm. (See 3 John 5-8)
I get a lot of mail from CCC. It bothers me. How can I limit this?
Like any non-profit organization, Campus Crusade maintains a mailing list. They send out several mailings a year to raise funds for specific appeals, crisis areas of the world needing aid, and various ministries. It is also a way for Campus Crusade to communicate further about their ministry involvements. It is each person’s choice whether they wish to give to these or not. If you do not wish to receive the additional mailings, you can call Campus Crusade (1-888-CRUSADE) and ask them to place you on the “no mail” list. However, you must initiate this action. I (Kim) as the staff member am not permitted to take your name off of the mailing list.
More QUESTIONS and ANSWERS to come as YOU send them in to me!! :-) Be blessed!
Seriously, Kim, DO you want to get married? WHY aren't you married yet? Are you EVER going to get married? (You really would be shocked how much I've been asked this recently.)
Wow. I sure hope so! Yes, for those wondering minds, I really do want to get married and have a family. Now, with my current choice of job occupation (moving to Russia for an unspecified amount of time...), some people might doubt my true desire for this. But, I know in the bottom of my heart that God wants me in Russia right now. It is a calling that I cannot ignore. Despite this, I believe in the power of God to bring the right person into my life (and me into his life) in His perfect timing. Maybe it will be in Russia...maybe America...I like to believe that he's a friend of mine that I already know and that our love will grow the longer I am away (I am not thinking of anyone specific...just showing my romantic side!) But the short answer? I would LOVE to be married and I have not lost hope to share my life with someone great that God has picked out!
Are you taking your cat with you to Russia?
Yes, that is the plan! I am still trying to work out the logistics, but I do hope to have him with me in Russia. He is like my baby, I couldn't just leave him with his grandparents for the rest of his life!! (a.k.a. my mom and dad!)
What is the most recent book you have read that you really enjoyed?
That would HAVE to be "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. You MUST read this book. I actually think it could be the best book I've read in years. GET IT!!
I just started a book by the author of one of my other favorite books, "Strong Women, Soft Hearts." (by Paula Rinehart) This new book is called "Better Than My Dreams: Finding What You Long for, Where You Might Not Think to Look." The jury is still out, but I'm expecting good things!
What is your favorite TV show right now?
LOST! I'm so excited about the season premiere, which is TONIGHT! (1/31) There's just something about those lost people who are looking for meaning where "the universe" has placed them in life....hmm sounds like something I do for my full time job! :-) It totally intrigues me!
What do you use for your personal devotions with God?
Well, I use a lot of different tools. Right now I'm going through Oswald Chamber's daily devotional, "My Utmost for His Highest." It's AMAZING. I generally really enjoy Beth Moore Bible studies, and just started her new one on the Psalms. Also - one of my favorites is something my church in Austin - the Austinstone Community Church - introduced me to. It's a Bible reading method called REAP (Read, Examine, Apply, Pray). I love it because it really helps me get into the Word...the true meaning of what I'm reading and how it applies to my life. When I use the REAP method, I really see that I REAP eternal benefits in knowing and understanding the Lord in new ways.
More details about REAP:
REAP stands for Read, Examine, Apply, Pray. You read a Bible passage, then, if you are journaling, you would write down the scripture(s) that spoke to you the most or that you felt best summed up what you've just read. Then you examine what you've read and write down your observations about those verse(s). Next, you write down or think about how to apply it to your own life. In the application, you are asking the scripture "what is it telling me to do; what should my response be to what I have just read?" Finally, you pray. Pray over what you just read or what you feel the Word is saying to you. The good thing about journaling is that you can always refer to it later on and see how God answered prayer or showed you one thing or another.
And now, the most common financial support question that I receive (at least once a month...you are not alone!) :-)
Why are staff members required to raise their own support, instead of being paid directly by Campus Crusade?
CCC is a non-profit organization, and has no central funds. Like many mission organizations, CCC depends upon the consistent financial support of concerned individuals and churches in order to carry out their ministries. These contributions are the only source of income to fund the ministries of our staff members. All missionary staff, including the president of our organization, raise financial support to cover a modest salary, both the employee and employer portion of the taxes, medical and dental benefits, and ministry expenses. Central fundraising would GREATLY limit the number of missionary staff possible. Our method allows for the rapid growth that is essential if we are to accomplish our objectives of reaching the whole world with the Gospel of Christ. As a result of our many staff members, hundreds of thousands of people around the world hear the truth of God's love and forgiveness. In addition, there is tremendous value in having a personal team of ministry partners who are committed to one or more missionaries' ministries through financial and prayer investments. And though CCC does not provide funds for its staff members, they do provide many support services, resources, training, and benefits that staff members could not get on their own.
Is raising support Biblical?
Throughout history, God has freed up His full-time workers financially to be able to carry out His work. Both Numbers 18:21 and Numbers 35 point out the Israelites' responsibility to use their tithes to fund the work of the Levites (God's full-time workers in the Old Testament). In Luke 8:1-3, we see that Jesus and his disciples depended on the support of others for their livelihood and ministries. (No, Jesus did not multiply the loaves and fishes every single time one of them needed something to eat! :-) Philippians 4 shows that the church at Philippi supported the Apostle Paul financially and that this pleased God (see verses 10, 14-16 and 18). In 2 Corinthians 11:7-9, we see again that Paul depended upon the support of others. 1 Corinthians 9 teaches that those who do the Lord's work should be provided for financially. In fact, almost all of 1 Corinthians 9 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 are a rebuke to the church at Corinth for not supporting God's people. By the end of the New Testament, we see that supporting Christian workers had become the norm. (See 3 John 5-8)
I get a lot of mail from CCC. It bothers me. How can I limit this?
Like any non-profit organization, Campus Crusade maintains a mailing list. They send out several mailings a year to raise funds for specific appeals, crisis areas of the world needing aid, and various ministries. It is also a way for Campus Crusade to communicate further about their ministry involvements. It is each person’s choice whether they wish to give to these or not. If you do not wish to receive the additional mailings, you can call Campus Crusade (1-888-CRUSADE) and ask them to place you on the “no mail” list. However, you must initiate this action. I (Kim) as the staff member am not permitted to take your name off of the mailing list.
More QUESTIONS and ANSWERS to come as YOU send them in to me!! :-) Be blessed!
13 January 2008
Carolina in my mind....
That's right. I'm in Columbia, South Carolina. For the next 4 1/2 months I'm living in a room, in a house (with 2 other roommates) on a street....which leads me to two other streets...that end up at the Russian Language institute at the Institute for Strategic Languages and Cultures. Of course I know in my heart that I am here for a reason. An important and STRATEGIC one in fact. But still, only 7 hours after mom (she came with me to help me get settled - what a great mom!) got on a plane to head back to Texas - I feel lonely. And while we can't always listen to or depend on feelings - I think this just goes to show and prove how much we were all created to live in community, within the Body of Christ.
I know I'm only living here for 4 1/2 months. And its just one step closer to reaching my actual new HOME in Moscow, Russia where I will be serving in ministry to reach others with the life-changing truth of the message of Christ. But still - not knowing people, not having friends and deep community - well, it STINKS. :) I visited 2 churches today, and sadly, I can't imagine that I'll ever find a church even remotely like my home church, the Austinstone. I miss the solid teaching and continual reminder in worship to lift my voice and my heart to the God of the Universe. Mostly, I miss my friends. And if any of you "Aystinstoners" are reading this....the Stone truly is the most amazing church. We are so blessed! And I miss you all dearly!
I need prayer right now. I feel I'm entering this program at somewhat of a disadvantage, only taking 1/2 of the year-long course. There is so much to learn. I need prayer that God would supernaturally give me the gift to speak in the Russian language. It is so important for the success of our ministry in Russia. I KNOW God is big and powerful. He is MORE than enough for this task. Let's pray big prayers my friends!
Sometimes I wake up and think, what in the WORLD am I doing here? O Lord, that I would keep my mind fixed upon your eternal kingdom work, the ultimate purpose and calling on my life.
Classes don't start until next Monday. This week I am taking the time to settle in, prepare my heart, prepare my mind (Lots of Russian to study!), and get into a routine. And I will be thinking of many of you, praying for you, and loving you from Carolina..
:-) Kim
I know I'm only living here for 4 1/2 months. And its just one step closer to reaching my actual new HOME in Moscow, Russia where I will be serving in ministry to reach others with the life-changing truth of the message of Christ. But still - not knowing people, not having friends and deep community - well, it STINKS. :) I visited 2 churches today, and sadly, I can't imagine that I'll ever find a church even remotely like my home church, the Austinstone. I miss the solid teaching and continual reminder in worship to lift my voice and my heart to the God of the Universe. Mostly, I miss my friends. And if any of you "Aystinstoners" are reading this....the Stone truly is the most amazing church. We are so blessed! And I miss you all dearly!
I need prayer right now. I feel I'm entering this program at somewhat of a disadvantage, only taking 1/2 of the year-long course. There is so much to learn. I need prayer that God would supernaturally give me the gift to speak in the Russian language. It is so important for the success of our ministry in Russia. I KNOW God is big and powerful. He is MORE than enough for this task. Let's pray big prayers my friends!
Sometimes I wake up and think, what in the WORLD am I doing here? O Lord, that I would keep my mind fixed upon your eternal kingdom work, the ultimate purpose and calling on my life.
Classes don't start until next Monday. This week I am taking the time to settle in, prepare my heart, prepare my mind (Lots of Russian to study!), and get into a routine. And I will be thinking of many of you, praying for you, and loving you from Carolina..
:-) Kim
12 October 2007
A glimpse into my time with the Lord today...
Can I just say how much I love my church? The Austinstone is amazing, and the people there, the leaders there, they are even more amazing. Right now, our whole church (well, I assume a large majority anyway) is reading through the Bible in a year - TOGETHER. But we aren't just reading. We're interacting with Scripture in a new way. And I dare say - it's going to change the unity of our church in a mighty, amazing way as we all are united in one Body, focusing our hearts and minds on the Word of God, TOGETHER. The Body of Christ - that is what it is all about!
I just feel that I have to share what jumped out at me today from Scripture. Don't you just love it when you read a Scripture passage that you've probably read 100 times, and it just suddenly takes on a whole new meaning for you? This happened to me today and I just LOVE it. Praise Him!
"But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." ~Titus 3:4-7~
My A-ha!!
God saved us (gave us eternal life...and even moreso - the promise of abundant life in the present!) because of HIS goodness, HIS kindness, HIS love. Because of who HE was - not because of who we were, or what we did. It had nothing to do with us really. Our righteous works or any of the "good" we did in the World? That wasn't why He saved us at all! It didn't have anything to do with us, other than, you know, He did it FOR us. But, it was about His deep love for us. Because of His mercy. He saved us by making us a new people - a different kind of person entirely! When He gave us His Holy Sprit...that made us completely different on the inside. He did it through Jesus, who died on the cross and was resurrected. How many times have I heard that (and said that) in my life? But how awesome is this?? We were made RIGHT before the throne of God (spotless...sinless...) - all because of who God is - His grace on us, for us - but not BECAUSE of us. BECAUSE of HIM and His Character. In doing this, God gave us, His followers, the hope (solid expectation!) of eternal life!!
People, this is the GOSPEL. Plain and simple. We need the Gospel so much. I need to preach this to myself everyday - so that I never again pick up the false belief that the grace I've received in Jesus - that that has anything whatsoever to do with me and my so-called "goodness." It's HIS goodnes, HIS lovingkindness, HIS love, HIS mercy, HIS Holy Spirt gift within us, HIS death & resurrection, HIS grace, HIS gift of eternal life!
This makes me want to scream YES , YES, YES! This is eternal life! Let us tell THIS GOSPEL to people every single day!!!!!
I just feel that I have to share what jumped out at me today from Scripture. Don't you just love it when you read a Scripture passage that you've probably read 100 times, and it just suddenly takes on a whole new meaning for you? This happened to me today and I just LOVE it. Praise Him!
"But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." ~Titus 3:4-7~
My A-ha!!
God saved us (gave us eternal life...and even moreso - the promise of abundant life in the present!) because of HIS goodness, HIS kindness, HIS love. Because of who HE was - not because of who we were, or what we did. It had nothing to do with us really. Our righteous works or any of the "good" we did in the World? That wasn't why He saved us at all! It didn't have anything to do with us, other than, you know, He did it FOR us. But, it was about His deep love for us. Because of His mercy. He saved us by making us a new people - a different kind of person entirely! When He gave us His Holy Sprit...that made us completely different on the inside. He did it through Jesus, who died on the cross and was resurrected. How many times have I heard that (and said that) in my life? But how awesome is this?? We were made RIGHT before the throne of God (spotless...sinless...) - all because of who God is - His grace on us, for us - but not BECAUSE of us. BECAUSE of HIM and His Character. In doing this, God gave us, His followers, the hope (solid expectation!) of eternal life!!
People, this is the GOSPEL. Plain and simple. We need the Gospel so much. I need to preach this to myself everyday - so that I never again pick up the false belief that the grace I've received in Jesus - that that has anything whatsoever to do with me and my so-called "goodness." It's HIS goodnes, HIS lovingkindness, HIS love, HIS mercy, HIS Holy Spirt gift within us, HIS death & resurrection, HIS grace, HIS gift of eternal life!
This makes me want to scream YES , YES, YES! This is eternal life! Let us tell THIS GOSPEL to people every single day!!!!!
06 October 2007
On Community...
I've been thinking a lot about community lately. Something I really discovered in a huge way when I lived overseas several years ago, is that we grow and thrive best when we are living in community with others. It goes back to Genesis where God tells Adam that it isn't good for him to be alone. I don't think God was just talking about giving Adam a wife. He was talking about community and the Body of Christ.
On Monday, I drove to Houston to see a couple of my friends who live there and to raise some more financial support - God willing. But on Tuesday, I woke up with major intense pain in my back that worsened throughout the day. I was having sharp pain shooting through my body, and it was so painful - at times I was crying from the pain. And basically for the following 2 days, I layed on my friend's couch resting and praying for my back pain to be healed.
In those 2 days, I felt so useless. I was upset because I couldn't really be there for my friends the way I wanted to. They were taking care of me in my pain, yet it surprised me how much I wanted to resist that. Alicia would say "I'll go pick up your prescription for you," and I would think, "No, you don't need to do that for me!" I wonder what it is in each one of us that makes us want to be independent, not needing or gaining things from others in the Body of Christ?
I have experienced the great depth and joy that can be found in intimate community with others. And yet at times, my flesh wants to run from that. Perhaps it is because when we are separate and independent from the Body of Christ, it is much easier to stay stuck in our sin, or in the status quo - not pushing ourselves to new places in our walk with God. It's probably also because being with people - like REALLY being in their lives - it's messy. Because people are messy. Everyone has got problems and issues. And when you throw two or more people together, you've got lots of problems and issues competing with each other!
On the other hand, the true joy and intimacy that can be found when we are in community, in deep relationship with others - well, I don't think anything can replace that. It is what we were CREATED for! We were first and foremost created so that we could be in relationship with God. And then after that is the great blessing of being in relationship with others.
You know, even though I didn't really want to accept the love and care that Nathan and Alicia were trying to give me this week - I didn't really have a choice. :-) And in the end, I'm so glad I did. I've gotten to see a greater picture of the Savior because of those 2 days lying on their couch.
Here's to community!
23 September 2007
Top 10 Things I Learned when God told me to WAIT
In April of 2005, all of my plans for MY life, came to a screeching halt. I had been serving in Russia with Campus Crusade for Christ for 2 years on a short-term missions team, and had applied to return to Russia long-term. I knew exactly what my life was supposed to be like. I would return to Russia, continue the ministry there, and life would go on EXACTLY as I had always dreamed and always planned. Little did I know, that MY plan, was certainly not HIS plan. On that day in April, as the long term coordinator told me I needed to be in America for 2 years or more to grow in ministry skills and grow in some other areas of my life, I was absolutely shocked. I couldn't believe what was happening. This wasn't what was SUPPOSED to happen! Remember God, I already have this all figured out! In the time that followed, I experienced a whole host of emotions: anger, resentment, selfishness, resolve, and eventually...acceptance, peace, and then amazingly...JOY. I'd like to share with you the top 10 things I learned when GOD told me to WAIT:
1. Waiting can be a time to heal & to rest.
My 2 years in Russia were REALLY hard. And, I didn't even realize that at the time. The Lord wanted me to rest my weary soul in Him, not jump back into a high-stress situation. I remember so many times in the months after coming home, being thankful that I could just rest in a familiar place, live a normal life. I hadn't realized that I had almost reached burn-out. It was not God's heart for me to burn out and struggle to regain the abundant life that He promises.
2. Waiting is an opportunity for growth.
I was told that 2 years or more in America before returning overseas would be an opportunity to grow in some areas of my life. I really didn't get that at the time. I have an opportunity for growth no matter where I am, right? But, yet again, the Lord was right about this one. The things that I learned in the past couple of years, I could only have learned in the context of relationships, community, and ministry that I have been in in Austin - emotional growth & healing, depth of relationships, my greatest contributions to life and to others...
3. God is NOT holding out on you.
Where in the world did we ever get the idea that WE know best, and God's just the big man in the sky who is keeping the chocolate chip cookies for himself while we chew on celery? It's just not true! God is not holding out on us, and He desire the greatest good for our lives, as we submit to him. In April of 05 I looked down and was bitter about the celery in my hand, only to look down 2 years later, and realize I had had a chocolate chip cookie all along. :-)
4. To know oneself better.
Like I mentioned in #2, I learned a ton about my gifts, abilities, and passions in the past 2 years. We grow and learn about this all our lives. But, the best possible place for me to gain some understanding and perspective on God's specific call on my life was...in the waiting. I learned about my spiritual gift of helps - coming alongside others to empower them to do what it is God has called them to do. I learned that being administratively gifted doesn't mean you have to work in an office. I also learned that serving others is sometimes the most effective use of one's time and resources in order to make the Gospel message spread! I understand my heart better, my longings better, my family and friends better...and, myself better.
5. Because He is testing our faithfulness.
Will we follow Him when it's hard? Will we obey when its the last thing we really want to do? Believe me, the 6 year old temper tantrum part of myself wanted to haul off and make a fit and tell my leaders - I won't do what it is you think....I know what's best for me....YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!!!! Now, that wouldn't have been godly, and it would have shown a clear lack in trust in the Father. The Lord wants us to be faithful to the very end, even when it doesn't seem to make sense.
6. To give us good things!
I made some of the closest friends in the World while I lived in Austin...I have a new & different kind of relating with my Dad that I'm so thankful for, I've learned a deeper essence of what the Gospel really is. I have experienced immense joy!
7. To know God and His heart for us differently that we did before.
I see the Lord very differently now. His heart for me is huge. He desires my greatest good. He is sovereign in ALL things. His plan is SO much larger than we can see. And He truly has no limit of love and grace and compassion for His people. I understand my Jesus on a completely different level than I did. I am desiring for that to grow more and more!
8. To learn patience.
Um, yeah, I can be the most impatient person in the world! And when we are asked to wait, we have to be patient for whatever is coming up next. I felt impatient at times while I was trying to be patient...and eventually I rested in patience, expectant, but not demanding of the next leading God would send my way.
9. It is God's perfect provision for you.
No matter what it is that we're waiting for....the time in our lives, right now, where we are...it's God's perfect provision for us. We cannot deny his sovereignty in our lives as we trust in and submit to him. He makes all things new each morning. I can't wait to see what He has for me today - what His perfect provision in my life is!
10. To love Him better, and more that we did at the first.
Sometimes we get solid answers about our waiting period, and sometimes we don't. I'm sure there are 10 or 20 other reasons that I needed to wait that God could list here for me, that I don't even know about. But because of the waiting - I love Him better. I love Him for the 2 years I spent waiting to return to Russia. I love what He taught me. I love what He did in my life. I love the God I came to know in a much deeper way, and I'm so thankful.
So -the next time YOU are asked to wait - whether its to go to Russia, or have a baby, or even just waiting in line at the grocery store....try to remember....it's God's perfect provision for you right now....and much will come of it that you do not even know.
Be blessed dear ones!
Kim
1. Waiting can be a time to heal & to rest.
My 2 years in Russia were REALLY hard. And, I didn't even realize that at the time. The Lord wanted me to rest my weary soul in Him, not jump back into a high-stress situation. I remember so many times in the months after coming home, being thankful that I could just rest in a familiar place, live a normal life. I hadn't realized that I had almost reached burn-out. It was not God's heart for me to burn out and struggle to regain the abundant life that He promises.
2. Waiting is an opportunity for growth.
I was told that 2 years or more in America before returning overseas would be an opportunity to grow in some areas of my life. I really didn't get that at the time. I have an opportunity for growth no matter where I am, right? But, yet again, the Lord was right about this one. The things that I learned in the past couple of years, I could only have learned in the context of relationships, community, and ministry that I have been in in Austin - emotional growth & healing, depth of relationships, my greatest contributions to life and to others...
3. God is NOT holding out on you.
Where in the world did we ever get the idea that WE know best, and God's just the big man in the sky who is keeping the chocolate chip cookies for himself while we chew on celery? It's just not true! God is not holding out on us, and He desire the greatest good for our lives, as we submit to him. In April of 05 I looked down and was bitter about the celery in my hand, only to look down 2 years later, and realize I had had a chocolate chip cookie all along. :-)
4. To know oneself better.
Like I mentioned in #2, I learned a ton about my gifts, abilities, and passions in the past 2 years. We grow and learn about this all our lives. But, the best possible place for me to gain some understanding and perspective on God's specific call on my life was...in the waiting. I learned about my spiritual gift of helps - coming alongside others to empower them to do what it is God has called them to do. I learned that being administratively gifted doesn't mean you have to work in an office. I also learned that serving others is sometimes the most effective use of one's time and resources in order to make the Gospel message spread! I understand my heart better, my longings better, my family and friends better...and, myself better.
5. Because He is testing our faithfulness.
Will we follow Him when it's hard? Will we obey when its the last thing we really want to do? Believe me, the 6 year old temper tantrum part of myself wanted to haul off and make a fit and tell my leaders - I won't do what it is you think....I know what's best for me....YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!!!! Now, that wouldn't have been godly, and it would have shown a clear lack in trust in the Father. The Lord wants us to be faithful to the very end, even when it doesn't seem to make sense.
6. To give us good things!
I made some of the closest friends in the World while I lived in Austin...I have a new & different kind of relating with my Dad that I'm so thankful for, I've learned a deeper essence of what the Gospel really is. I have experienced immense joy!
7. To know God and His heart for us differently that we did before.
I see the Lord very differently now. His heart for me is huge. He desires my greatest good. He is sovereign in ALL things. His plan is SO much larger than we can see. And He truly has no limit of love and grace and compassion for His people. I understand my Jesus on a completely different level than I did. I am desiring for that to grow more and more!
8. To learn patience.
Um, yeah, I can be the most impatient person in the world! And when we are asked to wait, we have to be patient for whatever is coming up next. I felt impatient at times while I was trying to be patient...and eventually I rested in patience, expectant, but not demanding of the next leading God would send my way.
9. It is God's perfect provision for you.
No matter what it is that we're waiting for....the time in our lives, right now, where we are...it's God's perfect provision for us. We cannot deny his sovereignty in our lives as we trust in and submit to him. He makes all things new each morning. I can't wait to see what He has for me today - what His perfect provision in my life is!
10. To love Him better, and more that we did at the first.
Sometimes we get solid answers about our waiting period, and sometimes we don't. I'm sure there are 10 or 20 other reasons that I needed to wait that God could list here for me, that I don't even know about. But because of the waiting - I love Him better. I love Him for the 2 years I spent waiting to return to Russia. I love what He taught me. I love what He did in my life. I love the God I came to know in a much deeper way, and I'm so thankful.
So -the next time YOU are asked to wait - whether its to go to Russia, or have a baby, or even just waiting in line at the grocery store....try to remember....it's God's perfect provision for you right now....and much will come of it that you do not even know.
Be blessed dear ones!
Kim
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