This weekend God gave us a gift of encouragement. A gift that was unexpected and as random as they come :)
God loves to encourage His children. Encouragement and hope is important for our souls! Proverbs 13:12 tells us, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."
And encouragement can come is so many different forms.
-All through the Old Testament, God is sending His prophets to encourage the people through verbal messages from God. Isaiah 40:1 "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God."
-Today, we have His Word which is an ever present reminder of His promises and encouragement to press on. Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
-Many times He gifts people as encouragers and we should be looking for ways to encourage others.
I Thessalonians 3:2 "and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and encourage you in your faith."
And- Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement", was used in a mighty way by God to bring Saul (Paul) into fellowship with the other apostles.
Back to the encouragement that God gave us this weekend . . .
It came in the form of two couples from Alabama. People we had never met and might never again. They were traveling to South Africa to enjoy God's incredible creation and get in some good scuba diving.
Their plan was to fly into Durban (2 hours south of us), drive to Richards Bay (our town) and spend the night before continuing on north. Out of curiosity, one of the wives googled "baptist missionary Richards Bay". Our website popped up! She read our information and contacted us about meeting that Saturday night.
What a delightful evening. The 9 of us sat around a table at a restaurant, telling travel stories, asking questions about each other, sharing the ministry of the Care Home and laughing a lot! They brought gifts for the girls and a box of solar powered audio Bibles (little MP3 players) for our ministry. We left with light hearts, fully encouraged by complete strangers who had followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and desired to be a blessing.
Sunday morning, they stopped by the Care Home on their way north. We introduced them to the patients, gave a quick tour, had a time of prayer and then our new friends were off. One of the wives quietly said to me, "Press on". Wow, those two words made my heart soar. Could anything be more powerful than another Christian, in recognition of the battle before us, whispering "press on"?
Monday, September 16, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Rhythmic Gymnastics
One of the great joys we have in our little town of Richards Bay is a wonderful Rhythmic gymnastic coach. Both Abby and Emily have been doing this sport for several years and completely enjoy it. It is a great mix of flexibility, strength and dance. For those of you who haven't seen it in the olympics, the girls compete with different apparatuses: ball, clubs, hoop, rope and ribbon.
Last Saturday ended the year's normal competitions.
Last Saturday ended the year's normal competitions.
Abby, Level 4, scored well enough to compete at Nationals Sept 21st!
Emily finished Level 2 placing 7th!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
BACK FROM THE STATES
So many of you prayed for my quick trip back to the States (maybe more prayers for Kyle and girls!) And I thank you so much. It was a great time to reconnect . . . see my brother's new baby girl, see my other brother living out in California, hang out at my cousin's wedding and eat a lot of fondue with the Fankhauser side of my family. I was only there for 5 full days, but we made the most of them (thanks Mom and Dad for driving me all over).
But, on a more serious note, I learned a lot. Learned a lot more about the grieving process - the process people go through when they are not physically present to grieve with other family members. We deal with sickness, death and grieving on a daily basis, but the grieving is done as a family unit and sometimes quite public.
Missionaries and others who are far from home don't have this support system to help them grieve. Sometimes the grieving doesn't even happen. We have a good cry, tell our coworkers, then move on. There's no funeral to go to and no hurting family members to hug. It is awkward to grieve far away!
I couldn't believe how healing it was to physically hug my aunt who had just lost her husband. To tell my cousins "I'm sorry" in person instead of on the computer. Until I got to Michigan with them, I didn't realized I had stopped the grieving process. Didn't realize how incomplete my process had been.
So what did I really learn. . . . to pray even more for my coworkers who lose loved ones while on the field. To encourage them to have as much contact with family as they can over the weeks following. And whenever possible to buy that plane ticket and fly back to be there.
Aunt Sherry and her just married son Tyler
My brother Dale, his wife Briana and new baby
Fankhauser Fondue
Meeka and Me :)
Tyler (my cousin), Ansley, his new wife
But, on a more serious note, I learned a lot. Learned a lot more about the grieving process - the process people go through when they are not physically present to grieve with other family members. We deal with sickness, death and grieving on a daily basis, but the grieving is done as a family unit and sometimes quite public.
Missionaries and others who are far from home don't have this support system to help them grieve. Sometimes the grieving doesn't even happen. We have a good cry, tell our coworkers, then move on. There's no funeral to go to and no hurting family members to hug. It is awkward to grieve far away!
I couldn't believe how healing it was to physically hug my aunt who had just lost her husband. To tell my cousins "I'm sorry" in person instead of on the computer. Until I got to Michigan with them, I didn't realized I had stopped the grieving process. Didn't realize how incomplete my process had been.
So what did I really learn. . . . to pray even more for my coworkers who lose loved ones while on the field. To encourage them to have as much contact with family as they can over the weeks following. And whenever possible to buy that plane ticket and fly back to be there.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
PICKING UP PATIENTS
It is always an adventure.
Sometimes it is nice paved roads and easy access houses.
Sometimes we are very thankful for the 4x4 and the GPS to track our route so that we can follow it back home :)
Many times it is discouraging to the see the condition the patients are left in and the lack of concern from family members (who many times live on the same property).
But, sometimes it is a blessing to meet the granny trying to care for her daughter or grandchild. Or the Auntie overwhelmed with the care of a sick loved one. To leave food packets and a Bible and see their relief to know that they are getting help.
Sometimes it is nice paved roads and easy access houses.
Sometimes we are very thankful for the 4x4 and the GPS to track our route so that we can follow it back home :)
Many times it is discouraging to the see the condition the patients are left in and the lack of concern from family members (who many times live on the same property).
But, sometimes it is a blessing to meet the granny trying to care for her daughter or grandchild. Or the Auntie overwhelmed with the care of a sick loved one. To leave food packets and a Bible and see their relief to know that they are getting help.
Friday, May 10, 2013
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE FRIENDS
Yes, I think we would all agree with this. But, sometimes I forget and recently we were reminded how important this is. Friendships that honor God are His gifts to us; to encourage, rebuke, come along side AND watch out for us.
Watching out for us- that's how we saw God's gift of friendship in action recently.
A social worker had brought two patients by bus to a neighboring town for Kyle to pick up and bring to the Care Home. We thought this a little odd, usually Kyle goes to the patients' homes to pick them up. But none the less, we did it their way.
A week later the patients were wanting to go back home. Our friend, Pastor Clement caught wind of this (his wife works at the Care Home) and quickly called Kyle. He laid out a very stern warning, asking Kyle to, "Please send them back by bus and never travel to their area. It's not safe!"
We were so thankful for his warning. We would have never know that their community differed from all the other townships we travel in and out of.
Below is a picture of Kyle and Pastor Clement. He has been a wonderful friend, language helper and culture teacher since 2007!
Watching out for us- that's how we saw God's gift of friendship in action recently.
A social worker had brought two patients by bus to a neighboring town for Kyle to pick up and bring to the Care Home. We thought this a little odd, usually Kyle goes to the patients' homes to pick them up. But none the less, we did it their way.
A week later the patients were wanting to go back home. Our friend, Pastor Clement caught wind of this (his wife works at the Care Home) and quickly called Kyle. He laid out a very stern warning, asking Kyle to, "Please send them back by bus and never travel to their area. It's not safe!"
We were so thankful for his warning. We would have never know that their community differed from all the other townships we travel in and out of.
Below is a picture of Kyle and Pastor Clement. He has been a wonderful friend, language helper and culture teacher since 2007!
Friday, April 19, 2013
GOD HAS HIS REASONS
And a lot of times I don't understand. But, it is such an incredible blessing when we gives us a glimpse of His divine plan. Sometimes we get to see His reasons in the middle of our confusion or frustration.
Frustration. That's what I was feeling. Lots of it. Calvary Care Home had set empty for several weeks. No patient referrals. How could we be in the middle of one of the largest AIDS pandemics and not have any patients? I kept asking God this question over and over.
Then finally, the calls came and we got several referrals. We were so excited. We called to workers to come in and Kyle made arrangements to go pick people up. But, it didn't go quite as planned. A social worker had arrived at the bus stop with two grannies, not HIV+ and not sick. They didn't fit our admittance criteria at all! Kyle took a few minutes to think through the situation and then by the prodding of the Holy Spirit, told the two ladies that we could take them for two weeks. He couldn't imagine putting them back on a bus when they were so excited to come.
When he told me about the two ladies, I was disappointed to say the least! "They aren't even sick," I thought. But then he proceeded to tell me their stories, to share what they had poured out to him . . . . The first lady had 7 children. Five have died with AIDS and her remaining two are "sick". She's preparing herself to bury all of her children in her lifetime. Her heart hurts.
The second lady is caring for her grandchildren, but some of the older boys have gotten into trouble with the law. The police have been out to her house and one of the grandsons was shot and killed. She's not sure of the future. Her heart hurts.
Christ is the only healing for that type of hurt! Our prayer for these strong ladies is that Christ would change their lives and give them the strength to continue. The grannies are really the ones holding the communities together. I'm so glad He brought them to us!
Then on Thursday, Kyle goes out to get another patient. He comes back and says, "She's 22 years old. Not HIV+. And has had a sore throat for a year."
Here I was frustrated with God again. Why can't we have HIV+ women who actually need our care? I was practically shouting this in my heart! It didn't feel like we were doing anything important.
But God had His reasons . . . .
After some thought, we decided to take the new young lady to the clinic here in Richards Bay (her clinic would only give her a pain medicine for her throat) and see if they would treat her. Well, the clinic was able to convince her to take an HIV test and it came back positive (explains the year long sore throat) and we are now waiting for the results of some further tests. But in the mean time, we will begin teaching what it means to live HIV+, talk about medications, and try to keep her immune system strong until she can get on medications. Kyle will continue to the Bible lessons and we will pray that God grips her heart.
I should learn by now that God has His reasons for EVERY person that He brings to us!
Frustration. That's what I was feeling. Lots of it. Calvary Care Home had set empty for several weeks. No patient referrals. How could we be in the middle of one of the largest AIDS pandemics and not have any patients? I kept asking God this question over and over.
Then finally, the calls came and we got several referrals. We were so excited. We called to workers to come in and Kyle made arrangements to go pick people up. But, it didn't go quite as planned. A social worker had arrived at the bus stop with two grannies, not HIV+ and not sick. They didn't fit our admittance criteria at all! Kyle took a few minutes to think through the situation and then by the prodding of the Holy Spirit, told the two ladies that we could take them for two weeks. He couldn't imagine putting them back on a bus when they were so excited to come.
When he told me about the two ladies, I was disappointed to say the least! "They aren't even sick," I thought. But then he proceeded to tell me their stories, to share what they had poured out to him . . . . The first lady had 7 children. Five have died with AIDS and her remaining two are "sick". She's preparing herself to bury all of her children in her lifetime. Her heart hurts.
The second lady is caring for her grandchildren, but some of the older boys have gotten into trouble with the law. The police have been out to her house and one of the grandsons was shot and killed. She's not sure of the future. Her heart hurts.
Christ is the only healing for that type of hurt! Our prayer for these strong ladies is that Christ would change their lives and give them the strength to continue. The grannies are really the ones holding the communities together. I'm so glad He brought them to us!
Then on Thursday, Kyle goes out to get another patient. He comes back and says, "She's 22 years old. Not HIV+. And has had a sore throat for a year."
Here I was frustrated with God again. Why can't we have HIV+ women who actually need our care? I was practically shouting this in my heart! It didn't feel like we were doing anything important.
But God had His reasons . . . .
After some thought, we decided to take the new young lady to the clinic here in Richards Bay (her clinic would only give her a pain medicine for her throat) and see if they would treat her. Well, the clinic was able to convince her to take an HIV test and it came back positive (explains the year long sore throat) and we are now waiting for the results of some further tests. But in the mean time, we will begin teaching what it means to live HIV+, talk about medications, and try to keep her immune system strong until she can get on medications. Kyle will continue to the Bible lessons and we will pray that God grips her heart.
I should learn by now that God has His reasons for EVERY person that He brings to us!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
WHEN KYLE IS GONE
Kyle just returned from a conference where he was gone 2 nights.
People often ask me if I'm afraid or worry about our safety when Kyle is gone.
I always answer, "Yes and No".
The "yes" part is because we are always on guard and always taking precautions. The break-ins, high-jackings, murder and crimes against women are always a threat. There is always that possibility even when you take every precaution you can think of.
BUT, the "no" part is bigger than the "yes" :) The "no" part involves God.
Our lives are in God's hands, our safety is in God's hands. That gives me incredible peace when home alone. The girls and I have tea parties, watch princess movies and eat ice cream. I sleep well and long. Precautions- yes, fears- no.
Some of you then ask, "what precautions do you take?"
At night: one dog sleeps outside, one dog sleeps inside down the hall with the bedrooms
our house alarm calls an armed response guard
our doors have gates and our windows have bars
we sleep with mace in arms reach
Below is a pic of the things at my bedside when Kyle is gone: cell phone, keys with panic button, mace gun, lg can of mace spray
People often ask me if I'm afraid or worry about our safety when Kyle is gone.
I always answer, "Yes and No".
The "yes" part is because we are always on guard and always taking precautions. The break-ins, high-jackings, murder and crimes against women are always a threat. There is always that possibility even when you take every precaution you can think of.
BUT, the "no" part is bigger than the "yes" :) The "no" part involves God.
Our lives are in God's hands, our safety is in God's hands. That gives me incredible peace when home alone. The girls and I have tea parties, watch princess movies and eat ice cream. I sleep well and long. Precautions- yes, fears- no.
Some of you then ask, "what precautions do you take?"
At night: one dog sleeps outside, one dog sleeps inside down the hall with the bedrooms
our house alarm calls an armed response guard
our doors have gates and our windows have bars
we sleep with mace in arms reach
Below is a pic of the things at my bedside when Kyle is gone: cell phone, keys with panic button, mace gun, lg can of mace spray
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