Bob:
After submitting my final grades for fall, Chris and I flew from Indy to Fort Lauderdale—a wonderful transition (from 8 degrees & snow to 75 degrees and sun)! Since our upcoming move takes us to the Pacific coast, we had planned to spend time with our daughter Rebekah (TU 2007) and son-in-law Jorge, who serve on the staff of His House Children’s Homes of Miami (www.HHCH.org). We would stay in their Miami Beach apartment from December 16 through 28, a nice respite before “taking the field” in Los Angeles. These plans changed as I spoke by phone with my parents who live in Beaufort, SC, and who view our move to California as remote and foreign. So, the same day we arrived for our Florida respite, I caught a flight to Savannah, where my sister picked me up for the drive to Beaufort. Arriving that night we learned that my father had been admitted to the Beaufort hospital with a broken leg. Dad’s diabetes and heart disease made this a life-threatening condition, so I went directly to the ER where I found him alone, awaiting the doctor. He is also legally blind, but when he realized I was with him he immediately asked for prayer. His condition was listed as unstable and we spent the night together in the ER, as I read the psalms aloud to him and prayed. The next day I napped for a couple of hours before returning to spend another night with him, this time in PCU (one step below ICU). He was mostly unresponsive due to pain medication, and his reduced kidney function concerned the doctors. Over the next few days my mother, sister, and I faced first the possibility of saying goodbye to Dad until Heaven (he’s a believer), and then of how to best arrange for his long-term care. My visit was timely since my mother is elderly and my sister’s husband is facing treatment for stage 4 cancer. Please pray for these two women—my mother and my sister—as they face losing their husbands. It was emotionally difficult for me to leave Beaufort with so much unresolved, but wonderful to be back with Chris, Rebekah, and Jorge, for a few wonderful days prior to our departure.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Right Where You Are
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Micah 5:2, ESV).
God shows up in out of the way places. If we miss out on what God wants to do among us, it is because we expect that he can do great things anywhere but here! For ancient Israelites, Judah was foremost and Jerusalem was the place to be. Bethlehem was nowhere. Micah’s prophecy overturned that perspective: Jerusalem’s rulers had cannibalized God’s people (3:2-3) and little Bethlehem would become a nursery for a new ruler who would shepherd God’s flock in the strength of the Lord (v.4). The place was well named (Bethlehem means “house of bread” and Ephrathah, “fruitful place”) since it was home to Ruth, Boaz, and David, and would become the birth place of the Messiah.
Lately there have been times when I strongly desired to be two places at once, but this was not to be: omnipresence is a trait the Almighty reserves for Himself! Even if somehow I could have been with my wife and daughter in one place while remaining with my sick father in another, my divided self would have done little good in either place. God is able to keep his word—to work all things together for good—in any situation, even in my absence. Wherever I am He is there also, and is able to make my heart and mind a fruitful place.
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Micah 5:2, ESV).
God shows up in out of the way places. If we miss out on what God wants to do among us, it is because we expect that he can do great things anywhere but here! For ancient Israelites, Judah was foremost and Jerusalem was the place to be. Bethlehem was nowhere. Micah’s prophecy overturned that perspective: Jerusalem’s rulers had cannibalized God’s people (3:2-3) and little Bethlehem would become a nursery for a new ruler who would shepherd God’s flock in the strength of the Lord (v.4). The place was well named (Bethlehem means “house of bread” and Ephrathah, “fruitful place”) since it was home to Ruth, Boaz, and David, and would become the birth place of the Messiah.
Lately there have been times when I strongly desired to be two places at once, but this was not to be: omnipresence is a trait the Almighty reserves for Himself! Even if somehow I could have been with my wife and daughter in one place while remaining with my sick father in another, my divided self would have done little good in either place. God is able to keep his word—to work all things together for good—in any situation, even in my absence. Wherever I am He is there also, and is able to make my heart and mind a fruitful place.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What are you looking forward to?
The countdown to Christmas 2010 is in its final days. Advent is a season of anticipation, when believers reflect on the sign of Immanuel given by the Lord about 2,750 years ago! “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign” Isaiah told the king, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV). This is not what King Ahaz was expecting. In that day the national threat level was elevated from yellow to orange as Jerusalem faced the threat of invasion by foreign powers. The people were terrified and the king schemed for a political solution. So the announcement of the birth of a child was not exactly what the king was looking for. God is gracious, however, and if the king missed the significance of the name of this child—Immanuel, “God with us”—Isaiah was there to explain that this birth signaled the demise of the threat the nation was dreading (Isaiah 7:16).
For today’s Americans the threat level is also elevated, and the Church season of Advent is oddly mirrored by a different sort of anticipation in the shopping malls and online. As I write this, Chris and I are awaiting our departure from the Indianapolis airport. This morning we locked-up and left behind the home where we have lived comfortably for the past 15½ years. The specially-equipped van Chris has used to get around in for the past 8 years is also locked-up and parked in the driveway, awaiting its next owner. Our final days in Upland have been marked by friends and loved ones asking some version of the same question: “what do you anticipate you will do in Los Angeles?” While we can (thankfully) offer some specifics—teaching classes with The Urban Ministry Institute, supporting the ministry of the Los Angeles Christian School and local church plants, mentoring, being involved in prayer ministry, etc.—more broadly we anticipate God’s work of building the kingdom, and look for indications of what the Lord is doing in the city. If God is for us, and Immanuel is with us, who can successfully oppose us? (Romans 8:31).
For today’s Americans the threat level is also elevated, and the Church season of Advent is oddly mirrored by a different sort of anticipation in the shopping malls and online. As I write this, Chris and I are awaiting our departure from the Indianapolis airport. This morning we locked-up and left behind the home where we have lived comfortably for the past 15½ years. The specially-equipped van Chris has used to get around in for the past 8 years is also locked-up and parked in the driveway, awaiting its next owner. Our final days in Upland have been marked by friends and loved ones asking some version of the same question: “what do you anticipate you will do in Los Angeles?” While we can (thankfully) offer some specifics—teaching classes with The Urban Ministry Institute, supporting the ministry of the Los Angeles Christian School and local church plants, mentoring, being involved in prayer ministry, etc.—more broadly we anticipate God’s work of building the kingdom, and look for indications of what the Lord is doing in the city. If God is for us, and Immanuel is with us, who can successfully oppose us? (Romans 8:31).
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sharing our Journey of Faith, part 3
Bob
Hebrews 11:9 says, “By faith Abraham went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.”
This verse completes the twofold pattern of Abraham’s journey of faith: In obedience to God’s call Abraham first went out (verse 8) and then went in (verse 9). By faith he went out from his father's homeland and by faith he went to settle in the land that God was giving to him and his children as an inheritance. Just by listening to God, Abraham found himself a long way from home and family. When he came into this strange land there was no welcoming committee, no travel information centers, no one to show him around to the best field and wells for his flocks. He had continually to live as a foreigner; some of us have had a little taste of this experience. More than this, Abraham had to live as a foreigner in a land God promised to give to him as an inheritance. He had to live out his days as an exile; he had to navigate Canaan by the same old road map that had brought him from Haran: by faith, by faith, by faith.
Hebrews 11:10 says, “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
The faith in Abraham’s heart was an unwavering trust in the promises of God. This was a trust that did not require daily signs and wonders yet continually scanned the bushes for a ram. Such trust could be described as a world view, but in the life of Abraham faith is portrayed more like a GPS: a Guiding Purpose System. Now, Abraham was a herdsman, so he had to find pasture and water for his flocks, but that was not his guiding purpose. God’s purpose for Abraham was expressed in these words: “he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” This purpose stands in stark contrast to the city of man described in Genesis 11, where the men of Shinar declared “let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves….” Knowing that that city was destined for destruction, Abraham aimed for an eternal city, a city of God.
Each one of us, like Abraham, is on a journey; the question you must ask yourself is, “am I on a journey of faith or am I simply wandering about in the woods?” The answer to that question lies in your purpose and ultimately in your identity. During my time at Taylor my search for purpose at times lost its focus and direction, and I would compensate by demanding certain things and by declaring certain things about myself (and hoping others would agree). On good days, by God’s grace, I stopped worrying about what kind of a college professor I was, and started asking Why am I college professor?If you haven’t asked yourself a question like this lately, it’s time to ask! Ask yourself Why am I a student?, Why am I a teacher?, Why am I...
In other words, find your ultimate purpose and let that guide your daily purpose, by faith, by faith, by faith. In my own case, asking the question Why am I a professor? has led us to the next stage in our journey of faith.
Chris Prayer
Lord, You give the gift of faith for salvation. You continue to give us faith in order that we may hear Your voice and follow the path You lay out before us. Thank You for the work You are doing in the life of each person here. You have a purpose and plan for each of us. We may not know exactly where you are leading or why You are leading in a certain way, but we know You. You are good. You are love. You are faithful.
I pray for those who have been sensing Your call yet have been unsure about it. Show them the next step to take. Fill them with faith to take that step even though the whole path is not lit before them. Give them a sense of wonder and excitement that they are part of an eternal, heavenly Kingdom plan to bring glory and honor to You, Lord Jesus Christ. Remind them of that during the dark times and hard moments and during the everyday activities as well. May we all live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hebrews 11:9 says, “By faith Abraham went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.”
This verse completes the twofold pattern of Abraham’s journey of faith: In obedience to God’s call Abraham first went out (verse 8) and then went in (verse 9). By faith he went out from his father's homeland and by faith he went to settle in the land that God was giving to him and his children as an inheritance. Just by listening to God, Abraham found himself a long way from home and family. When he came into this strange land there was no welcoming committee, no travel information centers, no one to show him around to the best field and wells for his flocks. He had continually to live as a foreigner; some of us have had a little taste of this experience. More than this, Abraham had to live as a foreigner in a land God promised to give to him as an inheritance. He had to live out his days as an exile; he had to navigate Canaan by the same old road map that had brought him from Haran: by faith, by faith, by faith.
Hebrews 11:10 says, “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
The faith in Abraham’s heart was an unwavering trust in the promises of God. This was a trust that did not require daily signs and wonders yet continually scanned the bushes for a ram. Such trust could be described as a world view, but in the life of Abraham faith is portrayed more like a GPS: a Guiding Purpose System. Now, Abraham was a herdsman, so he had to find pasture and water for his flocks, but that was not his guiding purpose. God’s purpose for Abraham was expressed in these words: “he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” This purpose stands in stark contrast to the city of man described in Genesis 11, where the men of Shinar declared “let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves….” Knowing that that city was destined for destruction, Abraham aimed for an eternal city, a city of God.
Each one of us, like Abraham, is on a journey; the question you must ask yourself is, “am I on a journey of faith or am I simply wandering about in the woods?” The answer to that question lies in your purpose and ultimately in your identity. During my time at Taylor my search for purpose at times lost its focus and direction, and I would compensate by demanding certain things and by declaring certain things about myself (and hoping others would agree). On good days, by God’s grace, I stopped worrying about what kind of a college professor I was, and started asking Why am I college professor?If you haven’t asked yourself a question like this lately, it’s time to ask! Ask yourself Why am I a student?, Why am I a teacher?, Why am I...
In other words, find your ultimate purpose and let that guide your daily purpose, by faith, by faith, by faith. In my own case, asking the question Why am I a professor? has led us to the next stage in our journey of faith.
Chris Prayer
Lord, You give the gift of faith for salvation. You continue to give us faith in order that we may hear Your voice and follow the path You lay out before us. Thank You for the work You are doing in the life of each person here. You have a purpose and plan for each of us. We may not know exactly where you are leading or why You are leading in a certain way, but we know You. You are good. You are love. You are faithful.
I pray for those who have been sensing Your call yet have been unsure about it. Show them the next step to take. Fill them with faith to take that step even though the whole path is not lit before them. Give them a sense of wonder and excitement that they are part of an eternal, heavenly Kingdom plan to bring glory and honor to You, Lord Jesus Christ. Remind them of that during the dark times and hard moments and during the everyday activities as well. May we all live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Sharing our Journey of Faith, part 2
Bob
Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going.” This verse recalls Genesis 12:1 that says, "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.'” In other words, between the “Go” and the “I will show” is a “not know.” And this is not the only time God sent Abraham on a mission without a map!
One of the special memories I will take with me from Taylor University is a course called Inductive Study of the Bible. Every semester the students and I unpack the story told in Genesis 22 known to Jews, Muslims, and Christians throughout the world as the Aqedah, the binding of Isaac. The passage begins as God commands Abraham, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” One of the first observations students make is that God’s directions to Abraham are not very specific! God points Abraham in the direction of Moriah, but then adds that he will reveal to Abraham the exact location when he gets there! Hebrews 11:8 confirms for us that the call of God in Abraham’s life involved some uncertainties: "and he went out not knowing where he was going." It was those uncertainties in Abraham’s journey which created a space that faith alone could fill.
Chris
Abraham headed toward Moriah, knowing only he was to sacrifice his son. For us this call has a painful component as well. “Leave your daughter, your only daughter Rebekah, whom you love. Leave your son-in-law Jorge and the children they will one day have. Leave the opportunity to live near them and see those grandchildren grow. Leave the chance to pour into them your love for Me on a day-by-day basis. Leave them behind in Miami and follow My call to LA.” Now we are not being asked to put our daughter to death, but the Lord is asking us to put to death the dream of being hands-on grandparents. In Hebrews 11:19 we read that Abraham believed that God was able to raise the dead, and that he did receive Isaac back from the brink of death. And we know that the Lord will more than fill our hearts as we follow Him by faith.
Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going.” This verse recalls Genesis 12:1 that says, "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.'” In other words, between the “Go” and the “I will show” is a “not know.” And this is not the only time God sent Abraham on a mission without a map!
One of the special memories I will take with me from Taylor University is a course called Inductive Study of the Bible. Every semester the students and I unpack the story told in Genesis 22 known to Jews, Muslims, and Christians throughout the world as the Aqedah, the binding of Isaac. The passage begins as God commands Abraham, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” One of the first observations students make is that God’s directions to Abraham are not very specific! God points Abraham in the direction of Moriah, but then adds that he will reveal to Abraham the exact location when he gets there! Hebrews 11:8 confirms for us that the call of God in Abraham’s life involved some uncertainties: "and he went out not knowing where he was going." It was those uncertainties in Abraham’s journey which created a space that faith alone could fill.
Chris
Abraham headed toward Moriah, knowing only he was to sacrifice his son. For us this call has a painful component as well. “Leave your daughter, your only daughter Rebekah, whom you love. Leave your son-in-law Jorge and the children they will one day have. Leave the opportunity to live near them and see those grandchildren grow. Leave the chance to pour into them your love for Me on a day-by-day basis. Leave them behind in Miami and follow My call to LA.” Now we are not being asked to put our daughter to death, but the Lord is asking us to put to death the dream of being hands-on grandparents. In Hebrews 11:19 we read that Abraham believed that God was able to raise the dead, and that he did receive Isaac back from the brink of death. And we know that the Lord will more than fill our hearts as we follow Him by faith.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sharing our Journey of Faith, Part 1
It was an honor to be asked to share our new adventure in a chapel at Taylor University! Before a thousand or more students, faculty, and staff, Chris read Hebrews 11:8-13, and Bob began by unpacking the passage…
Bob: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called." These words capture the significance of Father Abraham’s legacy. They are words you might expect to find on the Patriarch’s tombstone, but we have something better that that--Hebrews eleven’s litany of lives lived in total surrender and praise to God! And Abraham is not the only example in chapter: By faith Abel offered…By faith Noah constructed...By faith Abraham obeyed… By faith, by faith, by faith. This repetition makes the author of Hebrews sounds more like a preacher driving home his point! You can almost hear him pounding the pulpit, "By faith, by faith, by faith!" He exhorts his hearers to live by faith. But what exactly does that mean, and how has that looked in our lives?
Chris: About 5 years ago I attended a gathering held by Hank & Johanna Voss, Taylor alum, as they updated friends on their work with World Impact. Hank spoke of his involvement with The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), a ministry of World Impact that provides Biblical and theological training for urban pastors and other leaders in the church. As soon as I heard about TUMI, I knew that Bob’s gifts, training and experience were a good match for this ministry. I took home as much material as Hank could spare. Bob was impressed with TUMI, but the time for transition had not arrived.
The Holy Spirit had prompted us to pray in some general ways, “Lord, give me your heart for the lost.” “Lord, open my eyes to a kingdom view.” “I desire to live totally for you.” “What do You have for us in this next season of life?”“Enable me to release comfort and empower me to be faithful and to do your will.” “And would a warmer climate fit into Your plans somehow?” We had no idea how the Lord would answer those prayers. We sensed that the Lord had a new direction for us. Our only child, Rebekah, graduated from Taylor in 2007. She became a houseparent for His House Children's Home, a Christian social service agency providing, among other things, residential foster care for children in need in Miami/Dade County, Florida. It was there she met Jorge Veitia. They were married in January, 2009. Last November (2010) during Taylor's World Opportunties Week, Hank and Johanna were in town and hosted another gathering. Dr. Keith Philips, the founder and president of World Impact, also shared at their gathering. Bob attended that meeting and returned home looking a little like a deer caught in the headlights. “I think we need to look into World Impact.” And so we did.
As Bob and I have been on this journey, we have had to make decisions to respond to the Lord in obedience by faith. Some of these decisions have not made logical sense on the surface. In June of this year, before we completed the application process with World Impact, and so before we were invited to be on staff, Bob submitted his formal letter of resignation to Taylor. Why resign from a fulfilling position before knowing that the new door is totally open? Because the Lord called us to be obedient by faith. A couple of friends offered to take our stuff--furniture, books, clothes, books, photos, books, kitchen gadgets, books, dishes, books (you get the idea)--to take our stuff to LA during Taylor's fall break. We are not yet fully funded and thus are not eligible to be on the field as missionaries in training. Why take advantage of this generous offer and send most of our things ahead when we don't even know when we will be there? Because the Lord is calling us to be obedient by faith.
To be continued…
Bob: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called." These words capture the significance of Father Abraham’s legacy. They are words you might expect to find on the Patriarch’s tombstone, but we have something better that that--Hebrews eleven’s litany of lives lived in total surrender and praise to God! And Abraham is not the only example in chapter: By faith Abel offered…By faith Noah constructed...By faith Abraham obeyed… By faith, by faith, by faith. This repetition makes the author of Hebrews sounds more like a preacher driving home his point! You can almost hear him pounding the pulpit, "By faith, by faith, by faith!" He exhorts his hearers to live by faith. But what exactly does that mean, and how has that looked in our lives?
Chris: About 5 years ago I attended a gathering held by Hank & Johanna Voss, Taylor alum, as they updated friends on their work with World Impact. Hank spoke of his involvement with The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), a ministry of World Impact that provides Biblical and theological training for urban pastors and other leaders in the church. As soon as I heard about TUMI, I knew that Bob’s gifts, training and experience were a good match for this ministry. I took home as much material as Hank could spare. Bob was impressed with TUMI, but the time for transition had not arrived.
The Holy Spirit had prompted us to pray in some general ways, “Lord, give me your heart for the lost.” “Lord, open my eyes to a kingdom view.” “I desire to live totally for you.” “What do You have for us in this next season of life?”“Enable me to release comfort and empower me to be faithful and to do your will.” “And would a warmer climate fit into Your plans somehow?” We had no idea how the Lord would answer those prayers. We sensed that the Lord had a new direction for us. Our only child, Rebekah, graduated from Taylor in 2007. She became a houseparent for His House Children's Home, a Christian social service agency providing, among other things, residential foster care for children in need in Miami/Dade County, Florida. It was there she met Jorge Veitia. They were married in January, 2009. Last November (2010) during Taylor's World Opportunties Week, Hank and Johanna were in town and hosted another gathering. Dr. Keith Philips, the founder and president of World Impact, also shared at their gathering. Bob attended that meeting and returned home looking a little like a deer caught in the headlights. “I think we need to look into World Impact.” And so we did.
As Bob and I have been on this journey, we have had to make decisions to respond to the Lord in obedience by faith. Some of these decisions have not made logical sense on the surface. In June of this year, before we completed the application process with World Impact, and so before we were invited to be on staff, Bob submitted his formal letter of resignation to Taylor. Why resign from a fulfilling position before knowing that the new door is totally open? Because the Lord called us to be obedient by faith. A couple of friends offered to take our stuff--furniture, books, clothes, books, photos, books, kitchen gadgets, books, dishes, books (you get the idea)--to take our stuff to LA during Taylor's fall break. We are not yet fully funded and thus are not eligible to be on the field as missionaries in training. Why take advantage of this generous offer and send most of our things ahead when we don't even know when we will be there? Because the Lord is calling us to be obedient by faith.
To be continued…
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
One generation shall commend your works to another,We had the privilege this morning of speaking in Taylor's chapel. Our topic was "By Faith," and the passage was Hebrews 11:8-13. What a joy to share our journey of faith with students, staff, faculty and visitors! Each time we have this kind of opportunity, we are energized. The Lord does speak to each of His children. The Lord does work through each of His children. Our prayer is that our journey of faith will encourage others.
and shall declare your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4 ESV)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Praise & Prayer
PRAISES:
- We are at 80% of our financial goal and have 12 prayer partners!
- We closed on our house on Wednesday, October 27!
- Bob is having a good final semester at Taylor.
- Chris is appreciating the time she can spend with friends here.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- We still need about $600 more a month to be at full support. Pray for 12 more financial supporters at $50/month.
- We are asking the Lord for an additional 18 (at least!) prayer partners.
- We are asking the Lord to continue to prepare our hearts for the transition.
- We desire more opportunities to share about the call the Lord has given us in a way that encourages others.
- The World Impact—St. Louis ministry center has been robbed 3 times in the past week. About $200,000 of damage has been done to the facility. Pray that this damage and loss can be repaired so that the people of the community can hear the Gospel through the Word and deed.
Please let us know how we can be praying for you.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Timeline
About 5 years ago: Hank and Johanna Voss,World Impact missionaries, hosted a gathering of family, friends and supporters in Indiana. Chris attended that event. Hearing Hank share about his work with The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), Chris "knew" Bob would be a good match for this ministry. She took home as much material as Hank could spare. Bob was impressed with TUMI, but the time for transition had not arrived.
November, 2009: Hank and Johanna Voss,World Impact missionaries, hosted a gathering of family, friends and supporters in Indiana. Bob attended that event. Hearing Hank and Johanna share, as well as Dr. Keith Phillips, Bob came home and told Chris he believed that they should consider becoming World Impact missionaries!
March, 2010: While in Southern California attending a conference, Bob visited World Impact--LA. Bob and Chris were both praying that the Lord would give clear direction. And He did! So they began the application process.
March, 2010: With our written applications completed, Bob headed to Wichita, KS, for the TUMI Summit. Being a part of worship, sessions, and fellowship was another confirmation of the call.
April, 2010: We traveled to LA for our in-person interviews. ("Tammy knows everything about me now!" says Chris :-)
June, 2010: We went to Wichita for Candidate Assessment Program (CAP). This was an intense, fun, and amazing week of being challenged, encouraged, and, yes, evaluated. We were invited to be World Impact missionaries!!!!!
July, 2010: Finally, the mailing list was submitted to World Impact and our first letters went out.
October 14-17, 2010: Two generous friends offered to drive our possessions to LA during Taylor University's fall break. World Impact--LA staff unloaded the truck. Thanks to everyone who helped with this part of our transition!!!!!
October 22, 2010: At 77% of our support.
The Lord leads in amazing ways.
November, 2009: Hank and Johanna Voss,World Impact missionaries, hosted a gathering of family, friends and supporters in Indiana. Bob attended that event. Hearing Hank and Johanna share, as well as Dr. Keith Phillips, Bob came home and told Chris he believed that they should consider becoming World Impact missionaries!
March, 2010: While in Southern California attending a conference, Bob visited World Impact--LA. Bob and Chris were both praying that the Lord would give clear direction. And He did! So they began the application process.
March, 2010: With our written applications completed, Bob headed to Wichita, KS, for the TUMI Summit. Being a part of worship, sessions, and fellowship was another confirmation of the call.
April, 2010: We traveled to LA for our in-person interviews. ("Tammy knows everything about me now!" says Chris :-)
June, 2010: We went to Wichita for Candidate Assessment Program (CAP). This was an intense, fun, and amazing week of being challenged, encouraged, and, yes, evaluated. We were invited to be World Impact missionaries!!!!!
July, 2010: Finally, the mailing list was submitted to World Impact and our first letters went out.
October 14-17, 2010: Two generous friends offered to drive our possessions to LA during Taylor University's fall break. World Impact--LA staff unloaded the truck. Thanks to everyone who helped with this part of our transition!!!!!
October 22, 2010: At 77% of our support.
The Lord leads in amazing ways.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Answered Prayer
In recent years, several prayers have been in our hearts.
“Lord, give me your heart for the lost.”
“Lord, open my eyes to a kingdom view.”
“I desire to live totally for you.”
“Enable me to release comfort and empower me to be faithful and to do your will.”
God is answering these prayers through the call to World Impact.This is certainly beyond what we thought or even imagined (Ephesians 3:20-21)!
~~Chris
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
An Open Letter
August 2010
Dear Friends,
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
We do know where we are headed, but we are still walking by faith.
For 20 years Bob has been teaching in Christian colleges located in the rural Midwest (Northwestern College, Orange City, IA; Taylor University, Upland, Indiana). For several years we had been sensing the Lord had a new direction for us. Our only child Rebekah graduated from Taylor in 2007 and moved to Miami. While working as a house parent at His House Children's Home, she met Jorge Veitia. To our great joy, he became our son-in-law in January, 2009. We prayed that the Lord would show us what this new season would involve. In November, 2009, Keith Phillips, President of World Impact, spoke at Taylor's World Opportunities Week. Hank & Johanna Voss, long-time friends and World Impact staff, hosted a gathering of their friends and supporters. Bob was able to attend. Dr. Phillips spoke at that meeting as well. Through these interactions, we knew the Lord was directing us to apply to World Impact. It has been quite an adventure thus far, culminating in CAP (Candidate Assessment Program) in late June and our acceptance.
Now we are asking the Lord to put together our ministry team. We need people who will pray for us on a regular basis as well as support us financially. We believe that the Lord has a team for us already, hearts that have a vision for the spread of the Gospel in the inner city. Is He calling you to be part of our team?
If you are willing be pray for us, please let us know. Also, contact us if you have any questions about our call, our needs, or what we will be doing. We would love to share this vision more fully with you, your church, and others who may be interested.
God bless you as you seek and serve Him!
Bob & Chris
For those who have asked, here is "The Link" that allows anyone to support any World Impact Missionary online.https://www.worldimpact.org/donate/donate.php?rid=0f9dd94c9ee8&gsource=National+Online+Donation-FB&desig=2537
Otherwise, anyone wanting to contribute to our ministry financially may mail a check made payable to World Impact (don't put our names on the check but write "for account #2537" in the subject line). You may also put a post-it note ("for Bob and Chris Lay") in the envelope if you wish. Mail to: World Impact2001 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90007
Dear Friends,
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
We do know where we are headed, but we are still walking by faith.
For 20 years Bob has been teaching in Christian colleges located in the rural Midwest (Northwestern College, Orange City, IA; Taylor University, Upland, Indiana). For several years we had been sensing the Lord had a new direction for us. Our only child Rebekah graduated from Taylor in 2007 and moved to Miami. While working as a house parent at His House Children's Home, she met Jorge Veitia. To our great joy, he became our son-in-law in January, 2009. We prayed that the Lord would show us what this new season would involve. In November, 2009, Keith Phillips, President of World Impact, spoke at Taylor's World Opportunities Week. Hank & Johanna Voss, long-time friends and World Impact staff, hosted a gathering of their friends and supporters. Bob was able to attend. Dr. Phillips spoke at that meeting as well. Through these interactions, we knew the Lord was directing us to apply to World Impact. It has been quite an adventure thus far, culminating in CAP (Candidate Assessment Program) in late June and our acceptance.
Now we are asking the Lord to put together our ministry team. We need people who will pray for us on a regular basis as well as support us financially. We believe that the Lord has a team for us already, hearts that have a vision for the spread of the Gospel in the inner city. Is He calling you to be part of our team?
If you are willing be pray for us, please let us know. Also, contact us if you have any questions about our call, our needs, or what we will be doing. We would love to share this vision more fully with you, your church, and others who may be interested.
God bless you as you seek and serve Him!
Bob & Chris
For those who have asked, here is "The Link" that allows anyone to support any World Impact Missionary online.https://www.worldimpact.org/donate/donate.php?rid=0f9dd94c9ee8&gsource=National+Online+Donation-FB&desig=2537
Otherwise, anyone wanting to contribute to our ministry financially may mail a check made payable to World Impact (don't put our names on the check but write "for account #2537" in the subject line). You may also put a post-it note ("for Bob and Chris Lay") in the envelope if you wish. Mail to: World Impact2001 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90007
A New Beginning
In November, 2009, we clearly sensed the Lord directing us to apply with World Impact. Since then we have been on an amazing adventure. We completed the application process in June and began to raise our support. We close on the sale of our house next week. Last week two friends drove most of our possessions to LA! We will keep you up-to-date on our adventures. Stay tuned!
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