Honored and Humbled

    As Amy and I were commissioned at BFC this past Sunday, I couldn't help but think back to when I first arrived at Bethany First Church in 1999. I was sixteen years old, my mom had just died from Cancer and I was at a very low point in my life. The last thing I wanted to do was deal with my mother's death. I did not want to feel the pain so I found myself doing all sorts of things trying to escape. I was getting into trouble, hurting myself and my loved ones. I got to a point where I didn't really care about anything. I made decisions that were stupid and the fear of consequences wasn't enough to prevent them. There were many times when I would actually try and behave better, trying to be good. I was successful at these attempts for a short time, but found that I really couldn't do it by myself. I was too weak.
    
    All of this to say, I was a mess. Until one day, when Jesus came to me in a very real, supernatural way. I know he doesn't always work like this but that day, with me, he did. I felt that he was giving me another chance. I felt that if I continued to live in sin, something horrible would happen to me, perhaps death. I was very scared until I made a commitment to surrender completely to Him that night. Immediately after doing this, I was filled with His Spirit and was "on fire" for Him. I was so excited about what He had done and couldn't stop telling everyone! That was just the beginning of all that God has done in my life. Although I accepted Jesus when I was six years old (at Living Waters Churh of the Naz. in Swaziland), this was the first time I had surrendered to Him. I believe He has been there for me my entire life, I could here Him speak, I just wasn't obedient.
   
     I am truly humbled to be a part of the Swaziland Partnership. I know that I would not be given the privilege of serving if it weren't for Jesus and all the things he has done in my life. I hope that God will use my testimony as I share it in Swaziland. I am honored to represent the people at BFC and Lantana Community Fellowship. There is nothing Amy and I would rather be doing than serving this coming year! Thanks to everyone who has supported us and please continue to pray for us and the people of Swaziland.

Shine on Us

In our wedding we had Scott Daniels, Tim Mosshart and Paul Baker sing "Shine on Us."  One of my favorite songs, three of my favorite voices, and a prayer for our marriage.  This past Sunday we were commissioned at Bethany First Church as we are about to head out on our journey.  During second service they called us down to pray with us during a song.  The song was "Shine on Us."  I was glowing inside, something so simple, a song I chose for as a prayer for our marriage was now being sung as we embark on a new journey. God keeps bringing us comfort in ways we could never imagine. As you read these lyrics or listen to it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoYdQa6Cprc) we ask that you make this a prayer for us as we leave in 20 days!



Lord

Let your light, Light of your face
Shine on Us
Lord
Let your light, Light of your face
Shine on Us
That we, may be saved
That we, may have life
To find our way
In the darkest night
Let your light, Shine on us

Lord
Let your grace, Grace from your hand
Fall on us
Lord
Let your grace, Grace from your hand
Fall on us
That we, may be saved
That we, may have life
To find our way
In the darkest night
Let your grace, Fall on us

Lord
Let your love, Love with no end
Come over us
Lord
Let your love, Love with no end
Come over us
That we, may be saved
That we, may have life
To find our way
In the darkest night
Let your love, Come over us
Let your light, Shine on us

Legacy of Love

           This past week I (Amy) was able to share in a special time with my family in California.  A week and a half ago my sweet Grandma Jilbert (my mom's mom) went to the hospital. Through waves of emotions and events, her children decided to send her home with hospice. I purchased a flight and was out there within 24 hours.  Little did I know how precious this time would be.  I sat by her side: reading scripture, singing, and caring for her in many ways.
           On Saturday evening March 27th, her life long friends (Jim and Dolly Goss) came by to visit. He prayed and we all sang "It will be worth it all."  At the end of the song Grandma opened her eyes, and within minutes took her last breath. We were all by her side crying and cheering her on as she went to be with the Lord. Her memorial service was inspiring!  Many stories of how she loved people so naturally, and how through her effortless love they came to know Christ. Jim Goss spoke of how he became a Christian while attending my Great Grandpa's church where my Grandparents discipiled he and his wife.  He then became the youth pastor of that church.  While he was the youth pastor Fred Evans was in his youth group, and now we are working along side Fred Evans in Swaziland!  Wow!
         As silly as it sounds I'm so grateful this happened now, and not while we are in Swaziland.  Through this hard time God is still meeting the desires of my heart.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to see my family before leaving and I was able to see them.  In the midst of seeing my family I was reminded of the Christian heritage I have been a part of and how I am caring on the legacy as we travel to Africa.  My Grandmother was a lover of mission work and was so proud that I am going.