Well I've dotted the t's and crossed the i's on my last final today and I think all of the academia is getting to me(as seen in the previous mix of words). I'm certainly ready for a long break. Now I can focus back on three aspects of life: My Wife, Work, and God's plan for us in Rwanda.
My two course this semester, Counseling Theories and Abnormal Psychology, have made a huge impact in how I come to understand and counsel people. I'm excited about the places this education may take me once on the ground in Rwanda.
I'll be honest though, for now I'm glad to take all of it off my mind. The last chapter of my studies in Counseling was on Family Therapy. It made a good impression of what problems may come if i don't put good effort into preventing them. This next month is going to be a great gift to me. I really hope to focus more of my time just getting to be with my wife with no other hindrance's such as school work. We've got plenty to do together as Christmas time nears and our retreat with the team gets worked out. But this is all fun stuff.
One blessing God has given me over the past month is time to read for pleasure. Its kinda been my way of procrastinating on school work, but still with good intentions:) I've finished two books that will affect my ministry in huge ways. I'll share the synopsis and applications of these books in later blogs.
I'm gonna get a little more work done here in the office, then get out of here and enjoy some 65 degree temps in December.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Month by month
Well its been about another month since my last post. I really hope to pick up the consistency of my blogging as time goes on. It is certainly not the lack of new information that keeps me from writing, it is more the lack of devotion to writing about it.
This past weekend was a huge milestone for Christ Church Rwanda, as well as for myself. Since Sara and I's joining of a team of other families to go to Rwanda, things have been a little different than I anticipated. It has required a lot of patience on my part to allow God to conduct our team in a way that will bring Him Glory. This weekend, God revealed to a larger group of people participating in the work in Rwanda, that this mission is going to be very significant for the Country and God's Kingdom. It certainly reignited my fire for going to Rwanda.
On the plate for now are the plans for our upcoming retreat. I've also been working on a Missions Plan Overview. This Overview will be an introduction to the final mission plan I hope to finish in the next 6 months. If you or anyone you know may be interested in the mission plan, please send me an email. I'll look forward to getting the plan out to as many as I can. Let it be known that this plan will forever be dynamic in its nature. God will have His way in the end.
Love you all,
Thomas
This past weekend was a huge milestone for Christ Church Rwanda, as well as for myself. Since Sara and I's joining of a team of other families to go to Rwanda, things have been a little different than I anticipated. It has required a lot of patience on my part to allow God to conduct our team in a way that will bring Him Glory. This weekend, God revealed to a larger group of people participating in the work in Rwanda, that this mission is going to be very significant for the Country and God's Kingdom. It certainly reignited my fire for going to Rwanda.
On the plate for now are the plans for our upcoming retreat. I've also been working on a Missions Plan Overview. This Overview will be an introduction to the final mission plan I hope to finish in the next 6 months. If you or anyone you know may be interested in the mission plan, please send me an email. I'll look forward to getting the plan out to as many as I can. Let it be known that this plan will forever be dynamic in its nature. God will have His way in the end.
Love you all,
Thomas
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Missions Update
I sent out an email containing an attachment with this letter in it. I thought I'd post it on here to give an overview for all who read this!
Introduction
When God put a desire on my heart to go places beyond my experiences or imagination, I believe he also had expectations of me to live a life beyond that which can ever be predictable. It has been a blessing to have you in partnership with me in all that God is working through me. I wish to tell you that none of it has been without immense gratitude in my heart for the prayers and financial dedications you have provided. I am eager to hear how God has returned the blessing to you because of your support with-in the past 18 months. I want to share with you a review of what the Lord has done through me the past year and a half.
The Past 18 Months
In June of 2005 you helped me board a plane to Kara, Togo for 6 weeks as an intern with the Kabiye Missions team. While in West Africa I spent a full month in language learning with the 8 other interns that accompanied me for the summer. This experience taught me the constructs of many African languages, often using letters not in our own 26-letter alphabet.
Following 6 weeks in the heart of Kabiye land living with the missionaries on the field, I hopped in a truck and rode 19 hours north to survey the Dogon people of Mali of their receptivity to the Gospel. This trip immersed me into a culture that was 80% Islamic and only 10% Christian. Through this experienced I gained a greater understanding of the power the Gospel can portray in such a strong Islamic community. The experience of being on survey also taught me the process of planning and executing a venture into a land where I am an alien.
Upon my return to the states I began my last semester of school at Harding University. In October I was invited by two very experienced missionaries, Amos Allen and O’Neal Tankersley, to return to the area they planted churches for 19 years. I accepted the invitation on a step of faith, trusting God would provide for me if it were His will. Indeed, within a 2 month period you helped send me back to Africa in January of 2006. I spent almost a month traveling from Nairobi, Kenya across to Kigali, Rwanda.
My second trip to Africa taught me many valuable lessons on the phases of missions in East Africa. Many of the churches I visited in Kenya were 5-15 years old. I was able to experience the long-term affects of different mission’s approaches in a matter of 5 days in the Eldoret region of Kenya. Not many other places in all of Africa is this possible, but your support gave me the opportunity. After my time in Kenya I ventured across other parts of East Africa experiencing the facilitation of different mission works in Jinja, Uganda; Kampala, Uganda; Mbarrara, Uganda; and Kigali, Rwanda.
The work I observed in Western Kenya was begun in the late 1970’s, where as my time in Rwanda was spent with missionaries Dave and Jana Jenkins who had just moved to Kigali less than a year prior to my coming. This amazing spectrum of missions from 1970’s to the present has given me a unique perspective on tested and tried mission’s principles throughout all of East Africa. Thank you so much for taking me there.
Looking Ahead
September 2, 2006 marked my life long commitment to Sara Beth Ritchie. Sara is a dedicated woman of God who has agreed to follow my lead where ever God takes us. Little does she know how much her trust in God has inspired me to take my faith above and beyond what it was prior to my meeting her. Sara Beth and I have both committed to pursue a dream God has shared with each of us… full-time mission work in Rwanda, Africa.
October 14, 2006 marked another significant event in our lives as God confirmed his plans for us by providing three other families committed to the work in Rwanda with us. Little has been determined in the development of our team, however I want to invite you to begin praying for this great blessing. We have, however, set a target launch date of August of 2008. Over the next two years Sara and I will be traveling the country in search of congregations and individuals willing to partner with us in this long-term mission work to the people of Rwanda.
If you know of any churches searching for a partnership in the work of the Gospel outside of America, please feel free to contact me. If you know of someone who would like to receive this Quarterly newsletter please tell them to contact us at the information provided below.
Because of Jesus,
Thomas and Sara Ritchie
Introduction
When God put a desire on my heart to go places beyond my experiences or imagination, I believe he also had expectations of me to live a life beyond that which can ever be predictable. It has been a blessing to have you in partnership with me in all that God is working through me. I wish to tell you that none of it has been without immense gratitude in my heart for the prayers and financial dedications you have provided. I am eager to hear how God has returned the blessing to you because of your support with-in the past 18 months. I want to share with you a review of what the Lord has done through me the past year and a half.
The Past 18 Months
In June of 2005 you helped me board a plane to Kara, Togo for 6 weeks as an intern with the Kabiye Missions team. While in West Africa I spent a full month in language learning with the 8 other interns that accompanied me for the summer. This experience taught me the constructs of many African languages, often using letters not in our own 26-letter alphabet.
Following 6 weeks in the heart of Kabiye land living with the missionaries on the field, I hopped in a truck and rode 19 hours north to survey the Dogon people of Mali of their receptivity to the Gospel. This trip immersed me into a culture that was 80% Islamic and only 10% Christian. Through this experienced I gained a greater understanding of the power the Gospel can portray in such a strong Islamic community. The experience of being on survey also taught me the process of planning and executing a venture into a land where I am an alien.
Upon my return to the states I began my last semester of school at Harding University. In October I was invited by two very experienced missionaries, Amos Allen and O’Neal Tankersley, to return to the area they planted churches for 19 years. I accepted the invitation on a step of faith, trusting God would provide for me if it were His will. Indeed, within a 2 month period you helped send me back to Africa in January of 2006. I spent almost a month traveling from Nairobi, Kenya across to Kigali, Rwanda.
My second trip to Africa taught me many valuable lessons on the phases of missions in East Africa. Many of the churches I visited in Kenya were 5-15 years old. I was able to experience the long-term affects of different mission’s approaches in a matter of 5 days in the Eldoret region of Kenya. Not many other places in all of Africa is this possible, but your support gave me the opportunity. After my time in Kenya I ventured across other parts of East Africa experiencing the facilitation of different mission works in Jinja, Uganda; Kampala, Uganda; Mbarrara, Uganda; and Kigali, Rwanda.
The work I observed in Western Kenya was begun in the late 1970’s, where as my time in Rwanda was spent with missionaries Dave and Jana Jenkins who had just moved to Kigali less than a year prior to my coming. This amazing spectrum of missions from 1970’s to the present has given me a unique perspective on tested and tried mission’s principles throughout all of East Africa. Thank you so much for taking me there.
Looking Ahead
September 2, 2006 marked my life long commitment to Sara Beth Ritchie. Sara is a dedicated woman of God who has agreed to follow my lead where ever God takes us. Little does she know how much her trust in God has inspired me to take my faith above and beyond what it was prior to my meeting her. Sara Beth and I have both committed to pursue a dream God has shared with each of us… full-time mission work in Rwanda, Africa.
October 14, 2006 marked another significant event in our lives as God confirmed his plans for us by providing three other families committed to the work in Rwanda with us. Little has been determined in the development of our team, however I want to invite you to begin praying for this great blessing. We have, however, set a target launch date of August of 2008. Over the next two years Sara and I will be traveling the country in search of congregations and individuals willing to partner with us in this long-term mission work to the people of Rwanda.
If you know of any churches searching for a partnership in the work of the Gospel outside of America, please feel free to contact me. If you know of someone who would like to receive this Quarterly newsletter please tell them to contact us at the information provided below.
Because of Jesus,
Thomas and Sara Ritchie
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Catching Up
I'm not very good at keeping up with this blogger thing. So much to write about. My life is split up between four main, but not equally significant, parts...
Work
School
Rwanda
and my beautiful wonderful wife.
With the help of God, I will get the most out of all of them...
Work is going great. I'm establishing great relationships with all the people I work with. Its incredibly encouraging to work along side Christians who act like Christians should. Since I first came on here at Harding, a few things have changed. I thought I would be the new guy for a while, but it turns out that we've hired 4 new people since i started working in May. Amongst the changes I got a new officemate. Debbie Plybon is sitting accross the desk from me now. Deb speant many years in New Hampshire before her and her family moved south the Searcy. Its fun being able to converse with a fellow Northerner. Carol Kell is more of an immediate supervisor to me. She's one of the most encouraging people I know. It has been a blessing to have her laughing and having fun at work. Not only that but her encouragement of me to pursue missions really means a lot.
School is chugging along. I had a dream of getting all A's in Grad school. Turns out I'm just not made for that. But I will do my best to maintain B's or atleast a B average. The two classes I'm enrolled in are Abnormal Psychology and Counseling Theories. These classes have blessed my life so much through learning how people work. My professor for Counseling Mr. Patten, has a heart for missions that I've really connected with. We've had a few really good conversations about missions and reaching out to people through some of the techniques we learn about. I hope he will continue to be active in the work in Rwanda I'm pursuing.
About Rwanda... We've got a team!!! Saturday, Oct. 14th, Three other couples commited to work together on the ground in Rwanda. Chris and Jill Shelby have a 10-year old son they adopted one year ago. Chris is a youth and Family minister at League Street church of Christ and Jill is a Elementery school teacher residing in Sulpher Springs, TX. Heath and Rebecca Amos are in Lubbock, TX both teaching there. Finally Sam and Nancy Shewmaker have committed all they feasibly can to function as team members with us. This is only the beginning of something really big. We look to add more team members along the way, should God provide them.
We have already begun planning events and team building retreats. We also hope to take a survey trip to Rwanda the beginning of August in preperation for a move to Rwanda in August of 2008. Please pray for all of us as God molds out team into a force Satan can not break apart. Also that we will find Congregations willing to partner with us in this mission.
My Wife. So much to say about the past two months with my wonderful Sara. Life together with her has been packed full of newness. We know that God is looking down on us pushing us this way and that. I'm hoping i can start to let go of some of my strong holds in order to allow God to mold us into a tighter Oneness in Him.
I gotta get back to work...
Thomas
Work
School
Rwanda
and my beautiful wonderful wife.
With the help of God, I will get the most out of all of them...
Work is going great. I'm establishing great relationships with all the people I work with. Its incredibly encouraging to work along side Christians who act like Christians should. Since I first came on here at Harding, a few things have changed. I thought I would be the new guy for a while, but it turns out that we've hired 4 new people since i started working in May. Amongst the changes I got a new officemate. Debbie Plybon is sitting accross the desk from me now. Deb speant many years in New Hampshire before her and her family moved south the Searcy. Its fun being able to converse with a fellow Northerner. Carol Kell is more of an immediate supervisor to me. She's one of the most encouraging people I know. It has been a blessing to have her laughing and having fun at work. Not only that but her encouragement of me to pursue missions really means a lot.
School is chugging along. I had a dream of getting all A's in Grad school. Turns out I'm just not made for that. But I will do my best to maintain B's or atleast a B average. The two classes I'm enrolled in are Abnormal Psychology and Counseling Theories. These classes have blessed my life so much through learning how people work. My professor for Counseling Mr. Patten, has a heart for missions that I've really connected with. We've had a few really good conversations about missions and reaching out to people through some of the techniques we learn about. I hope he will continue to be active in the work in Rwanda I'm pursuing.
About Rwanda... We've got a team!!! Saturday, Oct. 14th, Three other couples commited to work together on the ground in Rwanda. Chris and Jill Shelby have a 10-year old son they adopted one year ago. Chris is a youth and Family minister at League Street church of Christ and Jill is a Elementery school teacher residing in Sulpher Springs, TX. Heath and Rebecca Amos are in Lubbock, TX both teaching there. Finally Sam and Nancy Shewmaker have committed all they feasibly can to function as team members with us. This is only the beginning of something really big. We look to add more team members along the way, should God provide them.
We have already begun planning events and team building retreats. We also hope to take a survey trip to Rwanda the beginning of August in preperation for a move to Rwanda in August of 2008. Please pray for all of us as God molds out team into a force Satan can not break apart. Also that we will find Congregations willing to partner with us in this mission.
My Wife. So much to say about the past two months with my wonderful Sara. Life together with her has been packed full of newness. We know that God is looking down on us pushing us this way and that. I'm hoping i can start to let go of some of my strong holds in order to allow God to mold us into a tighter Oneness in Him.
I gotta get back to work...
Thomas
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Back on track
I'm ready to go.
Ready to get life back on track.
Ready to go full steam ahead and live the way God has always wanted me to.
Ready to never hold back.
God has made life very new for me again. I'm officially writing you as a happily married man. Sara and I legally authenticated the bond the God started in us many months ago. As planned, we have begun to refocus our eyes on Rwanda where we both still feel convicted to do full-time mission work. This weekend is going to be a wonderful time to connect with other brothers and sisters, some we know and some we don't, who are interested in Rwanda as well. Sara and I are both so excited about this gathering and are praying for God's wisdom in words with those we come in contact with.
Hold on for the ride.!.!.!..!!..!!..!!...!!!...!!!.......!
Ready to get life back on track.
Ready to go full steam ahead and live the way God has always wanted me to.
Ready to never hold back.
God has made life very new for me again. I'm officially writing you as a happily married man. Sara and I legally authenticated the bond the God started in us many months ago. As planned, we have begun to refocus our eyes on Rwanda where we both still feel convicted to do full-time mission work. This weekend is going to be a wonderful time to connect with other brothers and sisters, some we know and some we don't, who are interested in Rwanda as well. Sara and I are both so excited about this gathering and are praying for God's wisdom in words with those we come in contact with.
Hold on for the ride.!.!.!..!!..!!..!!...!!!...!!!.......!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Education
I've completed one full week of Advanced Educational Technology with considerably more to ponder on than I expected coming into this class. The subject matter is rather elementary to me, mostly because of my experience in technology, but i have been able to think about the skills i've gained from a new perspective. I've also learned a whole lot about the state of technology in Schools today. The issues brought up in my class have really begun to mold how i approach teaching technology in a classroom environment. Even more so, I've learned more about how to raise children in a hyper-technological society.
Lots of good questions have come up in this class about how much we use technology in schools. How much of basic learning do we let the computer replace? Expounding on that topic, where is technology appropriate and where isn't it. The biggest issue i've come to understand isn't the lack of or saturation of technology in schools, but its the lack of appropriate training for teachers and those using the technology.
To me, that seems like such a simple fix. But I also know many many computer people, and they aren't so hot at communicating effectively to none computer people. This creates a barrier that I believe is letting more advances in Technology go to Waste. What do you all think?
Well some of you may be wondering why all this matters in a Pray Rwanda Blog. I'll tell you. Examining how America is using and abusing technology, allows me to understand the best approach to teach those in developing coutries how to appropriately use computers. I'm grateful for the unexpected lessons i'm learning in this class.
On another note, Sara Beth has been away from me for two weeks with another 10 days before i join her in Virginia. God has blessed our time apart with more confidence in the choice to walk this earth forever together. Its been hard being apart in many ways, but the time afforded to us to do somethings has been very beneficial.
Sara has had a up and down adventure in East Tennessee where she is working at a missions camp. Her experiences with the people that surround her has been priceless. She has grown close to the Meeks and Greeks, two families living in Jelico, TN. However, she does miss home and is anticipating visiting my homeland soon. On Sunday her laptop was stolen while the missions camp group was visiting a church in Louisville, KY. We don't plan to see the laptop again, but We trust God will provide her everything she needs.
I'm gonna wrap this up for now, but life has continued to press on full steam. We hope to send out Wedding Invitations in the coming week.
Lots of good questions have come up in this class about how much we use technology in schools. How much of basic learning do we let the computer replace? Expounding on that topic, where is technology appropriate and where isn't it. The biggest issue i've come to understand isn't the lack of or saturation of technology in schools, but its the lack of appropriate training for teachers and those using the technology.
To me, that seems like such a simple fix. But I also know many many computer people, and they aren't so hot at communicating effectively to none computer people. This creates a barrier that I believe is letting more advances in Technology go to Waste. What do you all think?
Well some of you may be wondering why all this matters in a Pray Rwanda Blog. I'll tell you. Examining how America is using and abusing technology, allows me to understand the best approach to teach those in developing coutries how to appropriately use computers. I'm grateful for the unexpected lessons i'm learning in this class.
On another note, Sara Beth has been away from me for two weeks with another 10 days before i join her in Virginia. God has blessed our time apart with more confidence in the choice to walk this earth forever together. Its been hard being apart in many ways, but the time afforded to us to do somethings has been very beneficial.
Sara has had a up and down adventure in East Tennessee where she is working at a missions camp. Her experiences with the people that surround her has been priceless. She has grown close to the Meeks and Greeks, two families living in Jelico, TN. However, she does miss home and is anticipating visiting my homeland soon. On Sunday her laptop was stolen while the missions camp group was visiting a church in Louisville, KY. We don't plan to see the laptop again, but We trust God will provide her everything she needs.
I'm gonna wrap this up for now, but life has continued to press on full steam. We hope to send out Wedding Invitations in the coming week.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Adventures
God fills our life with Unexpected adventures I believe. However, most of us miss it because of our lack of perspective. How many of us get frustrated at the manotany of work. Or what about when weekend plans dont go our way. Or when people dont turn out to be who we thought they were. Why do we catch ourselves being disappointed when somethings never change, and again when things change but not how we wanted. I've been learning a lot about looking past just what we can see and to explore the battle going on behind it all.
Jesus made it pretty clear that the battles of this earth aren't the ones fought with our hands, but they are spritial battles. Most who have been to Africa and other less modern places of the world may contend that so many Christians in America have lost touch with the spritual realm. I certainly experienced that after my trips to Africa. In Africa everything seemed to be related to the spiritual realm. Their Christian walk was involved in everything they did. Back here in the states i've been reading Wild At Heart and learning more about the battle within our selves. A lot of battles, I believe, are battles for Godly perspective. Just to be able to see things the way Jesus did, will enable us to see life in a more spiritual way.
We bring everyday life into the spiritual realm because we who believe in Jesus Christ as our savior know that He has won the victory over Evil. So Why not bring everyday life into the spiritual realm is what i ask. The more i see the small adventures and victories over evil He is winning for me each day, the more i see how God is alive and active everyday.
I've gotten myself involved in a lot over the past couple months with starting a new job, deciding its time to get married(wedding planning), and on Monday I start Grad School. With all this going on, God has still provided me with overwhelming peace to charge ahead in life. Trust God with all your heart, and he will provided you with all that you need. I say all these things just to convey the message that we have a God who is alive and working continously in our lives. Daily He is providing us with twists and turns that make each day unique. He gives us those things not that we may just get a good laugh, cry, or even get mad b/c it didn't go how we wanted; I believe he gives us those adventures so that we again have the choice of who we are going to serve and give praise to...God, Man, or Satan. You choose.
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirits fire"
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Jesus made it pretty clear that the battles of this earth aren't the ones fought with our hands, but they are spritial battles. Most who have been to Africa and other less modern places of the world may contend that so many Christians in America have lost touch with the spritual realm. I certainly experienced that after my trips to Africa. In Africa everything seemed to be related to the spiritual realm. Their Christian walk was involved in everything they did. Back here in the states i've been reading Wild At Heart and learning more about the battle within our selves. A lot of battles, I believe, are battles for Godly perspective. Just to be able to see things the way Jesus did, will enable us to see life in a more spiritual way.
We bring everyday life into the spiritual realm because we who believe in Jesus Christ as our savior know that He has won the victory over Evil. So Why not bring everyday life into the spiritual realm is what i ask. The more i see the small adventures and victories over evil He is winning for me each day, the more i see how God is alive and active everyday.
I've gotten myself involved in a lot over the past couple months with starting a new job, deciding its time to get married(wedding planning), and on Monday I start Grad School. With all this going on, God has still provided me with overwhelming peace to charge ahead in life. Trust God with all your heart, and he will provided you with all that you need. I say all these things just to convey the message that we have a God who is alive and working continously in our lives. Daily He is providing us with twists and turns that make each day unique. He gives us those things not that we may just get a good laugh, cry, or even get mad b/c it didn't go how we wanted; I believe he gives us those adventures so that we again have the choice of who we are going to serve and give praise to...God, Man, or Satan. You choose.
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirits fire"
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Life Update
I must appologize to all who have been trying to keep up with the events of my life. The past couple weeks have been packed full of life. My internet time has been invaded by a mile long to do list at work and a lot of quality time with Sara Beth before she leaves for East Tennessee for 4 weeks. God continues to do great things with Sara and I.
We have traveled to Colorado and back with a lot of good quality time with her father and his wife Carla, and also time with other important family(Andy, Aaron, Sheila, David, Hillary, Brittany, Matthew, Samantha, Rachel). I was put to the test in large ways; socially, physically, and emotionally... I'm still alive so I passed.
Things I did while in Colorado:
Ate Steak
9 miles of Moutain Biking
Picnic at the Park
White Water Rafting the Royal Gorge
Hike the front side of Pikes Peak(Total of 12 Miles, 14,110 ft Altituted, 10 hours)
Ride the Cog train down
Plan a wedding
We have traveled to Colorado and back with a lot of good quality time with her father and his wife Carla, and also time with other important family(Andy, Aaron, Sheila, David, Hillary, Brittany, Matthew, Samantha, Rachel). I was put to the test in large ways; socially, physically, and emotionally... I'm still alive so I passed.
Things I did while in Colorado:
Ate Steak
9 miles of Moutain Biking
Picnic at the Park
White Water Rafting the Royal Gorge
Hike the front side of Pikes Peak(Total of 12 Miles, 14,110 ft Altituted, 10 hours)
Ride the Cog train down
Plan a wedding
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Patriotism
Sara Beth is a real person, here's some proof...
I'm sensing a theme in the colors ;-)
Rwanda National Flag
I'm sensing a theme in the colors ;-)
Rwanda National Flag
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Motivation
The past year of my life has been the my favorite by far, but whom shall i give credit to at the end of the day. I can't begin to list the events in the past years that have been shaping who i am, but I do know where it is taking me, closer to God.
When I realized all the times I have been blessed to experience in the last year and especially few months, it becomes easier for me to step up proudly and say "All those things that I have done, that is who I am and they define where im going." But there has got to be more than that. From World Mission Workshop, to Graduating from College, trip to East Africa, Tulsa Workshop, Acceptance into Grad school, and now a wonderful missions minded fiance; those all have helped shape the vision that has been put on my mind. However, I believe the more significant thought should be, "what is my motivation?"
To stand on the events that have guided me thus far, and claim that they are the reason im pursuing the life that i am, is pretty weak. Those may be what we would call "defining moments" but they do not make a "firm foundation" for us to build a life on.
Let us all be open to have God define us through the daily events of our lives, but let us most of all be confident in who God is First. It is in those times of intimate connectedness to God that you will discover true motivation.
Live by it.
When I realized all the times I have been blessed to experience in the last year and especially few months, it becomes easier for me to step up proudly and say "All those things that I have done, that is who I am and they define where im going." But there has got to be more than that. From World Mission Workshop, to Graduating from College, trip to East Africa, Tulsa Workshop, Acceptance into Grad school, and now a wonderful missions minded fiance; those all have helped shape the vision that has been put on my mind. However, I believe the more significant thought should be, "what is my motivation?"
To stand on the events that have guided me thus far, and claim that they are the reason im pursuing the life that i am, is pretty weak. Those may be what we would call "defining moments" but they do not make a "firm foundation" for us to build a life on.
Let us all be open to have God define us through the daily events of our lives, but let us most of all be confident in who God is First. It is in those times of intimate connectedness to God that you will discover true motivation.
Live by it.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Love
Big News...
Following a scenic drive in the beautiful foothills of the Ozarks I proposed to Sara Beth Matheny in a cow pasture of the Bush Family's Ranch in Romance, AR. As evidence to God's amazing grace, she said Yes!!! She and I are more than excited to began a life together and hope that you all will share in this excitement with us.
Every day, the Lord has increased our confidence in this union He has inspired and led. Both our families have voiced wonderful words of support and encouragement in this happening, which has blown us away. We also want to recognize all those who have been praying for this to happen, we feel like the prayers we have prayed weren't all that ushered this amazing relationship.
The big Wedding is planned for September 2nd, 2006 in Searcy, AR. A more exact location will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Until then, there's lots to do!!!
For better or for worse..
Following a scenic drive in the beautiful foothills of the Ozarks I proposed to Sara Beth Matheny in a cow pasture of the Bush Family's Ranch in Romance, AR. As evidence to God's amazing grace, she said Yes!!! She and I are more than excited to began a life together and hope that you all will share in this excitement with us.
Every day, the Lord has increased our confidence in this union He has inspired and led. Both our families have voiced wonderful words of support and encouragement in this happening, which has blown us away. We also want to recognize all those who have been praying for this to happen, we feel like the prayers we have prayed weren't all that ushered this amazing relationship.
The big Wedding is planned for September 2nd, 2006 in Searcy, AR. A more exact location will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Until then, there's lots to do!!!
For better or for worse..
Friday, May 19, 2006
Prayer Time
Thanks to those who have already volunteered to pray for me and this venture. I'll hold off on listing the names of those who have responded for the sake of all those praying without my knowledge. It is incredible to see that God is alive and working out all the details. I'm anticipating Him revealing things to me at the right time.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Lots to say
Well I have great news from the home front, I am now officially employed by Harding University. I was recommended the job by Jon Roberts, Financial Aid Director for Harding and Son-in-law of Sam and Nancy Shewmaker. I owe Jon a lot for getting me the hook-up. Its also nice that my father went to school with my boss, but what ever it was, I count as a blessing. This job will certianly help pave the way for a lot of my up coming ventures. Such as Grad school.
Small steps are still being taken to be enrolled in the Masters of Science in Education program at Harding. Getting this new job nailed down took a lot of precidence as I try to take care of my needs here and now. I've had to look deeper into arranging my school schedule for the next year and a half as not to conflict too much with work. This has been a difficult task. I'm sure the two parts of my life will come into conflict more in the future, but I have great faith that the good Lord will take care of it if its His will.
Sara Beth and I have just wrapped up a weekend trip through Nashville and then to Kentucky.The purpose of our trip was to attend a wedding and then visit close family of Sara. Thoughts of a future together are continually being fed into our minds, but its nothing that scares us, its acctually really exciting. Before the weekend was over, I believe Sara's grandmother, Betty Lou Matheny, was ready to call me one of her own. Sara's family has really taken me in and expects great things to come of our relationship. So do I.
My Rwanda mission plan is still coming together. Given the events of last week, not a whole lot of progress was made. The way life unfolds between Sara Beth and I has brought up a lot of questions between us, again about the future. We've both participated in a week of silence on the subject of Rwanda to be sure that country is not our motivation for the relationship. Its not. So we've proceeded on with a life together and a pursuit for the Way God would want us to go. For More information call me or wait for the next post.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Small steps are still being taken to be enrolled in the Masters of Science in Education program at Harding. Getting this new job nailed down took a lot of precidence as I try to take care of my needs here and now. I've had to look deeper into arranging my school schedule for the next year and a half as not to conflict too much with work. This has been a difficult task. I'm sure the two parts of my life will come into conflict more in the future, but I have great faith that the good Lord will take care of it if its His will.
Sara Beth and I have just wrapped up a weekend trip through Nashville and then to Kentucky.The purpose of our trip was to attend a wedding and then visit close family of Sara. Thoughts of a future together are continually being fed into our minds, but its nothing that scares us, its acctually really exciting. Before the weekend was over, I believe Sara's grandmother, Betty Lou Matheny, was ready to call me one of her own. Sara's family has really taken me in and expects great things to come of our relationship. So do I.
My Rwanda mission plan is still coming together. Given the events of last week, not a whole lot of progress was made. The way life unfolds between Sara Beth and I has brought up a lot of questions between us, again about the future. We've both participated in a week of silence on the subject of Rwanda to be sure that country is not our motivation for the relationship. Its not. So we've proceeded on with a life together and a pursuit for the Way God would want us to go. For More information call me or wait for the next post.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Welcome All
Hello Friends and Family,
For those of you reading this for the first time, Thank you for your interest in my story. This blog is meant to be a place for me to write about the road God is taking me down, not neccessarily a slate for me to post pertinant information regarding my trip. As exciting news is revealed to me, I will be sure to post it, but there will also be more formal means by which i will notfiy everyone of milestones in my journey. Hold on and enjoy the ride!
For those of you reading this for the first time, Thank you for your interest in my story. This blog is meant to be a place for me to write about the road God is taking me down, not neccessarily a slate for me to post pertinant information regarding my trip. As exciting news is revealed to me, I will be sure to post it, but there will also be more formal means by which i will notfiy everyone of milestones in my journey. Hold on and enjoy the ride!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Moving Along
A curriculum has been estbalished for me to have a Masters of Science in Education with an emphasis in Behavioral Sciences. According to the plan I will have it completed by next Summer. There are still a few things to be accomplished before i can begin classes, such as letters of recommendation and MAT testing, but thats all just ground work. Pray that God will provide me the strength to accomplish great things during this adventure.
Meanwhile i would also like to introduce Sara Beth Matheny into the blog. Sara Beth decided last Fall that she would be committing atleast three years of her life to the small country of Rwanda. I've always looked up to her level trust in the Lord to make that decision as a single female, but there was also a hint that felt like she was just stubborn to let a guy into her plans.
It all began with an innocent and adventurous bike ride. Now we both have seen that God has much much much bigger plans for the both of us. Its a time that can be best described with words such as: Exciting, Truthfulness, Peacful, Honesty, and Overwhelming Joy. Those are merely a few of the words that should be used to describe the bond being constructed between Sara Beth and I.
We both have come to know the Lord on our own in such a confident way, that we recognize his dominion over this relationship that is being built. As this exciting time of relationship building is going on, we both recognize His ability to open and close doors and opportunities. I will say however, that in the past couple weeks, he has not just opened doors between us, he has put us on the Fast train(like the one from London to Paris for those European Travellers) and sat us in First Class. We expect there to be twists and turns along the way, but so far its been straight. The future is in God's hands, we are merely here to obey.
So pray for this crazy time in our lives and what this may mean for our future plans in the country we desire to become a part of.
Meanwhile i would also like to introduce Sara Beth Matheny into the blog. Sara Beth decided last Fall that she would be committing atleast three years of her life to the small country of Rwanda. I've always looked up to her level trust in the Lord to make that decision as a single female, but there was also a hint that felt like she was just stubborn to let a guy into her plans.
It all began with an innocent and adventurous bike ride. Now we both have seen that God has much much much bigger plans for the both of us. Its a time that can be best described with words such as: Exciting, Truthfulness, Peacful, Honesty, and Overwhelming Joy. Those are merely a few of the words that should be used to describe the bond being constructed between Sara Beth and I.
We both have come to know the Lord on our own in such a confident way, that we recognize his dominion over this relationship that is being built. As this exciting time of relationship building is going on, we both recognize His ability to open and close doors and opportunities. I will say however, that in the past couple weeks, he has not just opened doors between us, he has put us on the Fast train(like the one from London to Paris for those European Travellers) and sat us in First Class. We expect there to be twists and turns along the way, but so far its been straight. The future is in God's hands, we are merely here to obey.
So pray for this crazy time in our lives and what this may mean for our future plans in the country we desire to become a part of.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Steps
I'm in a stage of my missions planning where my visions of ministry becomes words on a page. Forming the visions takes lots of prayer and a good bit of research. Combining the two takes patience and understanding. Last week i began reading Rwanda's Vision 2020, hoping to discover the countries socio-economic goals and aspirations. Having this information would allow me to discover what part of it God has prepared me or is preparing me to help accomodate.
I have come to understand two different aspects of Jesus' message: Service and Ministry. Service focuses on the needs of the person, ministry focuses on the person. Thus i hope to signify what my service will be and in turn describe the people I hope to minister to.
By attending to the countries socio-economic needs, you imitate Jesus' model of meaningful service. From a worldly perspective, this will also help give me a more legitimate ticket into the country. Through my means of service, i will minister to those i form working relationships with.
In the Vision 2020 I saw three distinct ways that God may use me: Technology, Education, and Leadership. I have spent the last four years in college being educated on the proficient use of technology in an institutional environment thus satisfying the ability to use Technology as a means of service. I currently call Searcy, AR home, which gives me the resource of Harding University right accross the street. I will be searching out possibilities of attaining a Master's in the Science of Education all this week. Should it not come to fruition, i should still find ways to instruct students with my current level of education and understanding. Leadership is a gift God is revealing to me as I walk in His light. I hope to connect with "future thought leader's of the country" in ways that empower them to be men after God as they lead others on this earth.
Wellllll this is all a mouth full, some may be a surprise, some may not. Let it be the Lord who determines my steps(Proverbs 16:9)
I have come to understand two different aspects of Jesus' message: Service and Ministry. Service focuses on the needs of the person, ministry focuses on the person. Thus i hope to signify what my service will be and in turn describe the people I hope to minister to.
By attending to the countries socio-economic needs, you imitate Jesus' model of meaningful service. From a worldly perspective, this will also help give me a more legitimate ticket into the country. Through my means of service, i will minister to those i form working relationships with.
In the Vision 2020 I saw three distinct ways that God may use me: Technology, Education, and Leadership. I have spent the last four years in college being educated on the proficient use of technology in an institutional environment thus satisfying the ability to use Technology as a means of service. I currently call Searcy, AR home, which gives me the resource of Harding University right accross the street. I will be searching out possibilities of attaining a Master's in the Science of Education all this week. Should it not come to fruition, i should still find ways to instruct students with my current level of education and understanding. Leadership is a gift God is revealing to me as I walk in His light. I hope to connect with "future thought leader's of the country" in ways that empower them to be men after God as they lead others on this earth.
Wellllll this is all a mouth full, some may be a surprise, some may not. Let it be the Lord who determines my steps(Proverbs 16:9)
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Let the Journey Begin
Today I start my blogging adventure as I plan for a move to Rwanda. The road has been more exciting than any life path I've taken thus far. It has been from this that I come to know God to be a God who calls His people out of a life of complacency and normalcy, into a more invigorating, risk taking, faith building walk, sometimes run, with him. My hopes and prayers are that through this window into my world, you will get a better idea of the road less traveled by(its odd that so many people love that poem that Robert Frost wrote, but they don’t appear to comprehend what its encouraging us to do. Hmmm)
Well Until the next time, I’m headed to bed.
Well Until the next time, I’m headed to bed.
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