Aug 25 2010
Living frantically in peace…
One of the difficult things for me this time of year is that everyone is running on frantic, in a focused manner because we all know this is the most important part of the year. The relationships we make this time of year determine how the rest of the year goes, at least the next semester go. The busyness of it all drive us to become focused on doing… getting the job done. Some times we feel frustration from volunteers, other times we are excited about new students we meet. other times we feel like we just can’t do enough to keep up. For those of us with a base performance frame, it’s exhilirating but and intoxicating at the same time.
I’ve struggled with maintaining a grace orientation, one that rests on God’s work in and through me. Yet, it is especially important to see life that way this time of year. I often miss God’s plan in all the encounters and inconveniences during this time of year. I often miss the people of peace right in front of my face, I miss the life lesson my kids are shogin me right now… My desire is to walk expectantly with job and yet I often find myself expecting God to walk according to my latest plan and organizational strategy.
We also were part of a pilot program to preview a bunch of videos called “
In many ways this has all the indications of being a very emotionally draining week for me and my family. So many difficult things happened (see Prayer needs below). There were some sleepless nights and lots more prayer than usual. Still, God is here and working and for that I am truly grateful. We have lots of huge prayer requests this week. Please pray specially. The next couple of weeks will feel difficult and the effects of the last couple of weeks will start to be felt.
God gave our DFW team a wonderful, wonderful retreat. We looked at a new strategy for ministry for the DFW area that incorporates what we already do but looks to expand on it using a new paradigm. We will need some prayer warriors if this will work, but if it does, it could be really special. Let me know if you are interested in praying specifically for this for the next year in a concentrated way.
We had a wonderful banquet for the Chinese EMBA students at UTA where they got to hear from a wonderful Christian business man who spoke at their level and also they connected well with their friendship partners.
My grandfather in Japan passed away today. I did not know him too well as he was always so far but I do know he was a very special man who was a huge influence for my mother. I’ll never forget his wonderful laugh, his constant smile and his deep but simple wisdom. I just wish I could have gotten to know him better. I don’t believe he ever knew the Lord. That saddens my heart.
depend on God’s grace.
On Friday, the large neoeclectic home of our friends, Greg & Angela Speed, founder and owner of Speedsoft (
world, from Africa, the Mesopotamia, and Asia, shared the Christmas story through song, candles and storytelling capped off with departing student, Joy sharing about the signficance of the gospel and how people can choose to follow Christ. People left with much joy in their hearts, lots of pictures and a warm feeling about Christmas.
the students, from China, Japan & Korea enjoyed a sumptious lunch of sandwiches, cookies, etc. One of the more popular part of the trip was that all the students had the opportunity to drive a “tractor” around the property. Afterwards, we were able to feel the warmth of a huge bonfire that would make the Texas A&M bonfire proud next to the family pond as we rosted s’mores that many students were tasting for the first time. Interns Matt & Allison, who are 
leaving to live overseas this week, were able to say good bye to our students friends in a good and proper way. T-8 and C-5 got to enjoy some of the leisure life on hammocks and students wandered all over the former ranch-housing development. All students went home with goody bags and smile on their face as they were reminded of the many of our “ministry partners” who love and care for them.
We are grateful for everyone who lifts up this ministry before the Lord and contributes their resources so students can be impacted. Recently we have seen the power of prayer in some key areas. Our colleague Ron was able to lead Alex, a newly arrived student from South Korea, to Christ within weeks of his arrival. Their relationship started with an early morning airport pickup and coffee that led to their first spiritual conversation. Also, Lisa has been able to minister to Grace, an older student experiencing some adjustment difficulties. After a week of intense prayer for her, it seemed that some of her depression had lifted and we saw joy in her expression. Praise the Lord! You also might remember Ting, a student from Taiwan who came to Christ earlier this year. We have learned that he is now studying in Australia, and our friends the Phillips’ have been able to connect him to a church in that country.
Continue to pray as we juggle ever-increasing family responsibilities with daily ministry realities. Now that Roy is helping a lot with the TCU ministry, we sometimes feel our time is divided between 2 campuses. On October 31, we were able to combine the two groups and help with a fall festival at a church in Fort Worth. Regarding TCU, praise God for bringing Cassie on staff as an ISI intern there now that the Willis’ are leaving. She is also getting married in January, so has a lot of transitions to look forward to.
Please pray for Lisa as she ministers to Grace and also to Carol, a new believer and young mother from Taiwan, married to a UTA professor. Also keep Charlotte in your prayers. She and husband Canon have returned to Taiwan for an extended visit and for Charlotte to get some medical testing. Though she isn’t yet a believer, she is trusting God for answers to some perplexing problems. Pray that He reveals Himself mightily in her situation. We are also excited about a young student couple from Iran who have been coming to Bible study. Pray that God would soften their hearts to the gospel.
Lastly we covet your prayers for our family. We are adjusting to teaching J-12 (7th grade) at home this year through a virtual academy. Though we have had some struggles, it seems that things are starting to smooth out. Pray that we’ll have patience with him and that he’ll have a good attitude. He has also transitioned into the youth ministry at our church. T-8 (3rd grade) finished a season of kid-pitch baseball this fall that was challenging for him, but we’re proud of him for sticking with it and seeing his skills improve. He also got baptized in October. It was a special day because Roy got to baptize him. Pray for him as he learns to live out his faith, especially with difficult kids at school. C-5 is doing well in kindergarten and has made some new friends. It’s exciting to see her learning how to read and write. Sometimes she struggles with thinking we love her less than her brothers. Pray that she will know that we love all of our children equally, and especially that she will know she is loved by God.
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