Well it's been an eventful couple of days since we began our journey. We just wanted to update all of you and ask that you pray for the remainder of our travels back to the States.
Thursday morning started out normal enough; we settled the kids in the car, packed up our bags, checked and double checked to see if we had everyone's passports and started off for Zagreb. We had a pretty good idea of how we wanted our trip to Hungary to go; we needed to stop in Zagreb at the American embassy to renew Thomas' passport, that was supposed to take about a week so we had planned to stay with some friends in town while we waited, after that we'd continue on to Hungary where we could visit some friends until we would catch our flights out of Budapest on the 13th.
So, a little past halfway on the way up a mountain, something blew in the engine of our van. Thankfully there was a space to pull off the highway that was right by one of those emergency phones. Tim called the service and they came about forty five minutes later, they agreed with Tim that we would need a tow truck. The service men called the tow truck, who arrived after another hour, bringing a rental car with it so we could continue to Zagreb while they towed our van back to Split.
So, a short little trip that should have taken four hours at the most turned into an all day event! We arrived in Zagreb about 6:00 that night. We were able to use the rental car until Friday at noon and thankfully the airport where we needed to drop it off was close to the Embassy, because they are both out a bit out of town. So, we were able to get the paperwork done for Thomas' passport, we still need to wait about a week for them to process it.
So, it was a little more difficult using the public transportation around the city with the kids instead of our van It was an interesting day yesterday getting back to where we are staying, but the kids got to experience their first tram and bus! We are thinking we will take the train up to Hungary now, please keep that in your prayers!
We also ask that you pray for Oliver, this morning he woke up with a fever, threw up and has been pretty lethargic all day. Please pray that this sickness passes quickly and that it doesn't get passed around!
So, we know that while we may have planned our way, the Lord directs our steps. These circumstances may not have been according to our choosing but we know that the Lord has a purpose in all of it. We just ask that you keep our little traveling troupe in your prayers:
- Thomas' passport to come back as quickly as possible.
- The huge expenses we've incurred by our breakdown, tow, and rental. Not to mention the cost to fix our car when we get back.
- Oliver to get better quickly!
- Our travels up to Hungary.
- Our flight back to the States.
Thank you and much love from the Warholics!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Latest News....
"Let us run with endurance the race that has been set before us, looking unto Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith." Hebrews 11:1a
As we finish up this last week before leaving Split to begin our trip back to visit the States we are hoping that we have finished this season with endurance. It has been three years since our last visit to the States and we are so excited to see many of our family and friends! We have a bit more of an itinerary, at least a good idea of when we will be where. We'd love to see as many of you as possible so please let us know if you'd like to get together while we are in your area.
- We will be arriving in Las Vegas the 13th of December, where we will be spending Christmas and New Year's with Tim's family there.
- The first week of January we will be driving to southern California to attend the annual Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in Murrieta and Meet the Missionary Day in Costa Mesa.
- Around the 10th of January we will be traveling up to northern California to spend time with Grace's family, at this point Grace will be about two weeks away from her due date so we are staying up north until the new baby is born.
- A few weeks after the baby is born we will return to Las Vegas and will be staying there until we fly out the first week of March (due to the fact that expectant babies are hardly predictable we will have to play the last leg of our trip by ear).
So again, we'd love to see as many of you as possible!
Despite the fact that we are very eagerly anticipating our visit, we still have a busy week here before we leave.
This Thursday a small weekend team from the Bible College in Hungary will be arriving. We are planning on having them do a good amount of street evangelism as well as encouraging the believers on Sunday. Please pray that heart would be responsive to the Gospel, and that Ben and Emily would have opportunities to follow up with those shared with.
This Saturday, Grace and Emily organized a Women's Christmas Celebration. The vision for this event was to invite the ladies of the church for a time of fellowship, as well as to give some of the ladies we haven't seen in a while an opportunity to reintegrate, and for exposure with some non believer friends that have been invited. Please pray that the time would be blessed!
Tim has begun the renewal of his visa process once again, things seem to be going much faster this time and we are praying that we would hear back from the authorities this week before we leave. It would be an enormous relief to have that finished before we go, we are not sure how being gone during the process could effect our results, so please pray with us that we would obtain the visa before we leave Split on the first of December.
We will be leaving Split for Zagreb, the capital of Croatia earlier than we thought because we will need to spend about a week there waiting for Thomas' passport to be renewed. Children's passports only are good for five years so Thomas' expired this year (crazy that he is five already!). Because our flights are out of Budapest, Hungary and Zagreb is more than half way there, and because Tim, Grace and Thomas are all required to appear in person to renew the passport we thought it would be expedient to just stop on our way out of the country.
As much as we are looking forward to visiting the States and know that the extra time we have there because of the birth of the baby is a blessing, we are also aware of how long three months away from here will be. It's always that way- a seemingly short time to be with family, but a long time to be away from the life that the Lord has called us to here. We are so thankful that the Lord has provided Ben and Emily to serve with us and to be here while we are away. Please keep them, as well as the fellowship here in your prayers!
As always, we love and appreciate each on of you and the support you supply us and the ministry here. We pray that the Lord blesses each one of you!
In Him, the Warholics
As we finish up this last week before leaving Split to begin our trip back to visit the States we are hoping that we have finished this season with endurance. It has been three years since our last visit to the States and we are so excited to see many of our family and friends! We have a bit more of an itinerary, at least a good idea of when we will be where. We'd love to see as many of you as possible so please let us know if you'd like to get together while we are in your area.
- We will be arriving in Las Vegas the 13th of December, where we will be spending Christmas and New Year's with Tim's family there.
- The first week of January we will be driving to southern California to attend the annual Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in Murrieta and Meet the Missionary Day in Costa Mesa.
- Around the 10th of January we will be traveling up to northern California to spend time with Grace's family, at this point Grace will be about two weeks away from her due date so we are staying up north until the new baby is born.
- A few weeks after the baby is born we will return to Las Vegas and will be staying there until we fly out the first week of March (due to the fact that expectant babies are hardly predictable we will have to play the last leg of our trip by ear).
So again, we'd love to see as many of you as possible!
Despite the fact that we are very eagerly anticipating our visit, we still have a busy week here before we leave.
This Thursday a small weekend team from the Bible College in Hungary will be arriving. We are planning on having them do a good amount of street evangelism as well as encouraging the believers on Sunday. Please pray that heart would be responsive to the Gospel, and that Ben and Emily would have opportunities to follow up with those shared with.
This Saturday, Grace and Emily organized a Women's Christmas Celebration. The vision for this event was to invite the ladies of the church for a time of fellowship, as well as to give some of the ladies we haven't seen in a while an opportunity to reintegrate, and for exposure with some non believer friends that have been invited. Please pray that the time would be blessed!
Tim has begun the renewal of his visa process once again, things seem to be going much faster this time and we are praying that we would hear back from the authorities this week before we leave. It would be an enormous relief to have that finished before we go, we are not sure how being gone during the process could effect our results, so please pray with us that we would obtain the visa before we leave Split on the first of December.
We will be leaving Split for Zagreb, the capital of Croatia earlier than we thought because we will need to spend about a week there waiting for Thomas' passport to be renewed. Children's passports only are good for five years so Thomas' expired this year (crazy that he is five already!). Because our flights are out of Budapest, Hungary and Zagreb is more than half way there, and because Tim, Grace and Thomas are all required to appear in person to renew the passport we thought it would be expedient to just stop on our way out of the country.
As much as we are looking forward to visiting the States and know that the extra time we have there because of the birth of the baby is a blessing, we are also aware of how long three months away from here will be. It's always that way- a seemingly short time to be with family, but a long time to be away from the life that the Lord has called us to here. We are so thankful that the Lord has provided Ben and Emily to serve with us and to be here while we are away. Please keep them, as well as the fellowship here in your prayers!
As always, we love and appreciate each on of you and the support you supply us and the ministry here. We pray that the Lord blesses each one of you!
In Him, the Warholics
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
A sure expectation
First of all, I'm sorry for being such a flaky blogger. I have things to write down sometimes but they always come to me at the most random times, like when I'm making dinner, or giving the kids a bath, or putting them to bed. So when I sit down to write what was on my mind I usually can't remember exactly what it was, I know, sounds like I have attention deficit disorder or something. Maybe I do. Anyway, I was able to capture my thoughts this time!
Expectations are sneaky things, many times they build up in my mind or heart without my being aware that they are even there. I was thinking about expectations because I had expected that the summer season would have ended by now, and that fall (my favorite season) would be well under way now that it's the beginning of October. Having spent the afternoon at the beach today with Tim and the kids, all of us in our swim suits (it's the first time that I've worn my swim suit this far along in a pregnancy and that felt kind of funny!), I think its safe to say that summer has become that guest that though was welcomed at first, overstays their welcome and leaves you with no choice but to grudgingly accommodate them. So as I contemplate all of the lovely things I associate with fall and how it doesn't feel right to commence making spiced lattes or pumpkin bread (if I ever find any pumpkins) while it's still warm enough to have beach days I can't help but feel a little disappointed in the season's changing lack of prompt timing.
The weather however, is something of a bit lighter nature than some of the things I find myself disappointed in. Things more serious such as expectations in ministry, others and the most dangerous of all, expectations in myself, have all let me down at some point. As it says in Proverbs, "hope differed makes the heart sick," I've learned that there are many things that I need to guard my heart against and to examine the motives behind the hopes I may have. But as I said before, expectations are sneaky little things and it is so easy to get caught up in the possibilities of tomorrow.
I do have a sure hope though, an expectation that is safe to build my life on. As the old hymn goes, "on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.". Sometimes I need to be reminded to be content in the present circumstances, or to see the future through the lens of surrender. The only way that I am able to give up to Him those things that my heart might be prone to depend on is by reminding myself that the way Jesus does things is exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ever ask or imagine. It may take longer, and not turn out to be what I had thought, but Jesus always does things better, accomplishing along the way so many things that I would never have dreamed of.
.
My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us
Psalm 62:5-8
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Open hands, open hearts...
Once, a long time ago I had a conversation with a friend about keeping our hands open. It was at a time when close friends were beginning to go in different directions, courses were changing as life's dreams were beginning to be aspired to. Of course there was sadness in my heart as my friend kindly told me, "Grace, you have to keep your hands open; if you hold so tightly to the blessings the Lord has already given you may miss the blessings He wants to bring." whether it's friends, places, roles or ministries there is a time for every season. Some seasons we gladly say goodbye to, some we wish we could draw out indefinitely.
As I look back on the seasons that we've been in Split, I'm so blessed to see the Lord's hand in each of them. Always He has been faithful to lead and guide, so gracious in His provision. So, now we stand at a new crossroads; those of you who read our last newsletter know that the we really feel like the Lord is leading us to close the cafe. Of course there is some excitement at the thought of what could be coming next, but isn't it human nature to cling to what we know? When I think of the Global Cafe I think of all of the friends who have contributed to its being. Of all the hopes and vision that have been prayerfully considered, of sweet times of worship and fellowship, of many conversations with many students.
Sometimes, to be obedient is to look past what is logical. Recently I was reading the kids the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan river into the promised land. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant had to step into the water first, then the waves receded. I wonder if they thought Joshua was crazy, or if they remembered the Red Sea? I love in Psalm 34 when it says, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who puts his trust in Him." God's past faithfulness demands my present trust. I've tasted and seen that the Lord is good, every good and every perfect gift comes from my Father with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. So instead of standing on the shoreline, thinking I prefer the security of solid ground beneath my feet, I know that when we step out into the water He has already gone before.
We still have to find a place to meet on Sundays, a daunting task when we consider that before meeting in the cafe we were denied many places when the owners found out that we wanted to have "non-Catholic" Bible meetings. I'm confident that as we open our hands, letting go of what we see as practical, the Lord will fill our hearts and hands with new blessings, showing Himself strong on our behalf yet again.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July Update!
Hello everyone!
Here's an update for what's going on here in Croatia with our family and ministry. I guess we'll start out with the fun and exciting stuff, so here we go!
Family: We just recently found out that Grace is Pregnant with our 4th little bundle. She's about 9 weeks along and has been experiencing morning sickness and some tiredness, but thats to be expected and she is fine and the baby (from what the Doc said) is doing good. Thomas and Mila are enjoying summer and Oliver is running around screaming and pulling anything down that he can get his hands on. We're all doing well and are very blessed.
The Global Cafe: For those of you who understand what the Global cafe is you will be pleased to know that this past season it still functioned as a great place to meet and share with students that attend the near-by schools, and a place for the church to meet and have it's functions. However, it is with mixed feelings of sadness and excitement that we have to inform you that we believe the Cafe has run it's course as being part of our ministry. Over the time we've had it, it's been a great blessing and used to the full capacity of the vision the Lord had given us for it. Recently, we've received some fresh vision for the ministry and the Lord now has us going in a slightly different direction. The nostalgic part of us is sad to see this season pass, but we're so blessed to hear from the Lord and receive fresh vision from Him. We will try to focus a little more on the city center and we're looking for a place that we can just pay/use once or twice a week. Please pray for a place and this new season the Lord is bringing us into.
The fellowship is doing very well. Grace and I are so blessed by the people who are part of the body here and encouraged in the growth we see in each of their lives. We are currently studying though Genesis, and might I say, having a great time with the Lord as we continue each week.
Just a couple last things in closing, please keep the fellowship and the people here in this area in prayer. We so badly want to see the Lord touch many peoples lives! Ben and Emily Spector will be joining our team here in September and we're very excited to have them, especially since they will be taking over worship for Tim!! It's going to be 3 years since we've been to the States and we miss many of you dearly. We're planning on bringing the whole family over in December and letting some of you see kids you've never actually met in person! More details to come about that, but keep it in mind if you would like to get together when we are there.
God bless you all abundantly!! We love you and are so blessed that you are a part of this work our Lord has called us to.
~Tim, Grace and the kiddos
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The miracle of a Servant's heart
I am so loving the arrival of this Easter season, it's been a wonderful opportunity to explain to my children what Easter is all about and I love the look of wonder and amazement in their eyes when I explain how awesome Jesus really is. According to Thomas, Jesus ranks higher than Superman. =)
These last couple of days as I've been considering the cross and the resurrection, something that has been a recurring thought is the servanthood of Jesus. When I look to the cross I'm reminded of the verse that says that "He who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.", "that Jesus took on the form of a bondservant and subjected Himself to death, even death on a cross". Those words are so familiar to me, I memorized them as a little girl, and yet sometimes the enormity of them are lost to me. Jesus, the Son of God, put aside glory and stepped down to humanity. The sin that He been separated from suddenly surrounded Him, the filthy grime of mankind brushed against Him. When I think of the holiness of my Saviour I am amazed at His grace. The grace to walk among us, to stoop down to our level and offer His hand to pick us up. When I consider Jesus, I am humbled by what I shrink back from. His love crosses infinity, my love often falls short of reaching out to the people right next to me. So often as people I think we stay where we are comfortable, we do those things that we feel familiar with and shrink away from those that may stretch our limits of personal tolerance. But Jesus girded Himself with a towel and washed his disciples feet, the night before He would die for their sins.
When I consider Jesus, His death and resurrection, i'm reminded that these are things that Jesus submitted Himself to, choices He made. As I live to make Him known does my life reflect the servanthood of Jesus? Am I willing to make myself "of no reputation"? Does my heart desire to demonstrate love towards people when they are at that moment sinning against me? I pray that the part of me that clings to my rights, seeks my own way and fights so hard against that notion of "servanthood" would indeed be crucified with Christ, and that the life that I live would be a better representation of my Savior's heart for those around me.
Happy Jesus Resurrection Day, may His life be real in ours!
These last couple of days as I've been considering the cross and the resurrection, something that has been a recurring thought is the servanthood of Jesus. When I look to the cross I'm reminded of the verse that says that "He who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.", "that Jesus took on the form of a bondservant and subjected Himself to death, even death on a cross". Those words are so familiar to me, I memorized them as a little girl, and yet sometimes the enormity of them are lost to me. Jesus, the Son of God, put aside glory and stepped down to humanity. The sin that He been separated from suddenly surrounded Him, the filthy grime of mankind brushed against Him. When I think of the holiness of my Saviour I am amazed at His grace. The grace to walk among us, to stoop down to our level and offer His hand to pick us up. When I consider Jesus, I am humbled by what I shrink back from. His love crosses infinity, my love often falls short of reaching out to the people right next to me. So often as people I think we stay where we are comfortable, we do those things that we feel familiar with and shrink away from those that may stretch our limits of personal tolerance. But Jesus girded Himself with a towel and washed his disciples feet, the night before He would die for their sins.
When I consider Jesus, His death and resurrection, i'm reminded that these are things that Jesus submitted Himself to, choices He made. As I live to make Him known does my life reflect the servanthood of Jesus? Am I willing to make myself "of no reputation"? Does my heart desire to demonstrate love towards people when they are at that moment sinning against me? I pray that the part of me that clings to my rights, seeks my own way and fights so hard against that notion of "servanthood" would indeed be crucified with Christ, and that the life that I live would be a better representation of my Savior's heart for those around me.
Happy Jesus Resurrection Day, may His life be real in ours!
Friday, April 1, 2011
A romantic idea
I love when there is some tangible feeling of the changing of seasons, you know, when you glance outside and then realize that the sun is just now setting and it isn't even six o'clock yet, or the beginning of those tiny buds are starting to blossom in the apple trees. I think one of my earliest associations with spring have to be daffodils. Aren't they the quintessential spring flower? They're just so bright and cheerful, almost like they are daring the clouds to come out and rain on them. Anyway, they were always blooming at Easter time, and I love the memories of bringing home handfuls to put in a vase at home, though the vase usually turned out to be a mason jar.
I always get this springtime bug; this urge to go out and buy geraniums and petunias and fill my balcony with them. I usually end up only buying a few plants, mainly because there is a running joke in our home about my ability to keep plants alive, or would that be my lack of ability? I really want to make a trip to the "vrtni centar" or garden store, but I know any premature implementations will most likely get blown away. We have a wind here that has no respect of balcony items, whether it may be clothes hanging on the line, or pretty potted flowers or even our swing, all have been mercilessly upended by a howling wind at one time or another. So I'm spying on my more experienced neighbors, when they start adorning their balconies I will be happy to wander the aisles of flowers at the garden supply and dream of a what a magnificent balcony garden I could have if the romantic idea that I was a good gardener actually was true.
Romantic ideas are interesting things; I often get these thoughts of something I'd like to do, like exercising, or gardening or decorating, and the ideas are always perfect in my head. It's the execution of these things that I can get hung up on; sometimes I'd like to just throw in the towel when it doesn't look like things are going the way I thought they should. Sometimes, being a missionary can seem like a romantic idea. We can have expectations of what the response to our lives and ministry will be, and often times reality is much different. We can put seeds out, water and tend them, see the little signs of growth and then watch aghast when that wind blusters through decimating any progress that we had seen. It is hard too see those signs of life torn away, it's hard to watch the cares of this world to pluck away the seeds from someone's heart.
However there are also times when we get to see the Lord do a miracle in someone's life. There are times when we get to experience the Spirit's life changing work transform a life that has yielded over to Jesus. In our romantic ideals we would see this often, there would be overwhelming response to every endeavor to share the Gospel. But, something we've learned on this journey the Lord has lead us on, is that while the Lord cares deeply for each and every soul we share with, He also cares deeply for ours own. Our expectations often times omit the issues that are in our own lives, those lovely little details that the Lord wants us to surrender over to Him. I love that Jesus didn't save me to serve Him, He saved me to be with Him. And as I walk with Jesus, He gently shows me that if everything fit into the picture the way that I think it should I would often forget my desperate need for Him. I'm so thankful for those moments that initially seem to fall short of ideal, because in my lack He shows me His abundance.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask or think, according to the power which works in us. To Him be the glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen. Ephesians 3:20
I always get this springtime bug; this urge to go out and buy geraniums and petunias and fill my balcony with them. I usually end up only buying a few plants, mainly because there is a running joke in our home about my ability to keep plants alive, or would that be my lack of ability? I really want to make a trip to the "vrtni centar" or garden store, but I know any premature implementations will most likely get blown away. We have a wind here that has no respect of balcony items, whether it may be clothes hanging on the line, or pretty potted flowers or even our swing, all have been mercilessly upended by a howling wind at one time or another. So I'm spying on my more experienced neighbors, when they start adorning their balconies I will be happy to wander the aisles of flowers at the garden supply and dream of a what a magnificent balcony garden I could have if the romantic idea that I was a good gardener actually was true.
Romantic ideas are interesting things; I often get these thoughts of something I'd like to do, like exercising, or gardening or decorating, and the ideas are always perfect in my head. It's the execution of these things that I can get hung up on; sometimes I'd like to just throw in the towel when it doesn't look like things are going the way I thought they should. Sometimes, being a missionary can seem like a romantic idea. We can have expectations of what the response to our lives and ministry will be, and often times reality is much different. We can put seeds out, water and tend them, see the little signs of growth and then watch aghast when that wind blusters through decimating any progress that we had seen. It is hard too see those signs of life torn away, it's hard to watch the cares of this world to pluck away the seeds from someone's heart.
However there are also times when we get to see the Lord do a miracle in someone's life. There are times when we get to experience the Spirit's life changing work transform a life that has yielded over to Jesus. In our romantic ideals we would see this often, there would be overwhelming response to every endeavor to share the Gospel. But, something we've learned on this journey the Lord has lead us on, is that while the Lord cares deeply for each and every soul we share with, He also cares deeply for ours own. Our expectations often times omit the issues that are in our own lives, those lovely little details that the Lord wants us to surrender over to Him. I love that Jesus didn't save me to serve Him, He saved me to be with Him. And as I walk with Jesus, He gently shows me that if everything fit into the picture the way that I think it should I would often forget my desperate need for Him. I'm so thankful for those moments that initially seem to fall short of ideal, because in my lack He shows me His abundance.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask or think, according to the power which works in us. To Him be the glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen. Ephesians 3:20
Monday, March 14, 2011
The small things...
You know, it's the seemingly small things in life that have a way of making life seem either completely lovely, or on the other hand, horribly empty. It may seem shallow, but if I can't find my "pretty cup" to drink my coffee out of in the morning I just don't savor the moment as much. Sometimes I think we take for granted the little gestures of kindness within the body of Christ, sometimes we don't realize how desperately someone needs to be pulled back into the Lord's embrace by one of His members reaching out.
One of the aspects of Croatian culture that I love is that of their close knit family structure; many times the family share a house, the grandparents on one floor, while sons and daughters share additional floors with their own growing families. Afternoons are often spent over huge lunches, while every aspect of life is discussed. I love this facet of life here, it is so special to see bonds that are so strong. But almost always, in the middle of such gatherings I am struck by a loneliness that is so piercing. When I see the Bakas helping their little grandbabies to walk I am reminded that my babies don't have Grandma here to cuddle and spoil them. It's in these times that a shield of faith has to be raised high, to guard my heart from that barrage of arrows the enemy has ready to fire right through to my heart. I have to remind myself to cast my cares upon the Anchor of my soul because He cares for me, that He cares for my children. There is no tear that falls and is wasted in the eyes of my Jesus.
So, when I come to church and am all flustered trying to keep my three little one from being completely distracting to everyone who has come to be refreshed in their faith, and a kind heart reaches out and pulls my little girl onto their lap and pats the place next to them for my son it really does bring tears to my eyes and humility to my heart. Because you see, that is what the Body of Christ was meant to do, it was meant to shoulder each other's burdens, to remember that we each have our moments of weakness and we so desperately need each other. In the Body of Christ I have the family that my heart aches for, I still will miss those that are far away, but Jesus has blessed each one of His children by understanding that those small things are really larger than life.
One of the aspects of Croatian culture that I love is that of their close knit family structure; many times the family share a house, the grandparents on one floor, while sons and daughters share additional floors with their own growing families. Afternoons are often spent over huge lunches, while every aspect of life is discussed. I love this facet of life here, it is so special to see bonds that are so strong. But almost always, in the middle of such gatherings I am struck by a loneliness that is so piercing. When I see the Bakas helping their little grandbabies to walk I am reminded that my babies don't have Grandma here to cuddle and spoil them. It's in these times that a shield of faith has to be raised high, to guard my heart from that barrage of arrows the enemy has ready to fire right through to my heart. I have to remind myself to cast my cares upon the Anchor of my soul because He cares for me, that He cares for my children. There is no tear that falls and is wasted in the eyes of my Jesus.
So, when I come to church and am all flustered trying to keep my three little one from being completely distracting to everyone who has come to be refreshed in their faith, and a kind heart reaches out and pulls my little girl onto their lap and pats the place next to them for my son it really does bring tears to my eyes and humility to my heart. Because you see, that is what the Body of Christ was meant to do, it was meant to shoulder each other's burdens, to remember that we each have our moments of weakness and we so desperately need each other. In the Body of Christ I have the family that my heart aches for, I still will miss those that are far away, but Jesus has blessed each one of His children by understanding that those small things are really larger than life.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Spring Update!
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
We are so thankful that the Lord has commanded His light to shine into our lives, that daily we can experience the "Light of life" as we follow Him. But as we walk in the blessing of His illumination our hearts break for those who sit in the darkness, for those who love darkness rather than the light.
This Spring will mark our sixth year of ministry in Split, as we look back over the seasons the Lord has brought us through we are so thankful for His grace and provision. The last six months have been an interesting season; one that has definitely given us an opportunity to seek the Lord's direction and to be reassured that as He calls us to certain ministries He will always provide the means needed. At the end of November we received a surprise visit from an inspector at the cafe and long story short we had to close the cafe until the beginning of February. During that time we needed to hire a lawyer to make sure that legally the cafe has everything in order. We had previously thought that everything was fine, but apparently it was not. So, now the cafe is back open, and we are excited to see the students returning for their coffee, cookies and brownies, and to give us more opportunities to share with them. We are also so thankful that the Lord has brought someone to help with the cafe; Travis Wallace from Arizona arrived the beginning of January and it has been a huge blessing to have someone here to labor alongside us again!
As a church we have been blessed to see people growing in their faith; the last few months have given people a chance to step in and help with various things and it has been so great to see people respond to the needs of the body. We just finished up the book of Acts and Tim has now started James. We are excited to be exhorted by this practical book and pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to encourage and edify our little fellowship by the Word.
Our family is doing well; we had a lovely little Christmas break in December when we were able to go up to Vienna, Austria for our friends' wedding. The wedding was beautiful, as was Vienna at Christmastime! We took the kiddos to the Schonnbrunn Zoo (which, by the way is one of the oldest zoos in the world.) and it was so fun to see all of the animals out in the snow! Then we spent Christmas at the Schloss Heroldeck, which was so special because of the dear place the castle and the friends that are there have in our hearts.
Now, back in Split things have settled back into a routine. Tim is at the cafe most days of the week, Grace goes in some days but not so often now that Travis is here to help. Thomas is in Vrtic (preschool) and is enjoying it most of the time. Mila is Mommy's little helper and loves to be right there at he counter mixing and stirring whatever she can get her hands into. And "Baby Oliver" as he is affectionately called by his big brother and sister is now crawling and trying his hardest to keep up with everyone else!
We want to thank each of you for your prayer and support. You are all such an encouragement to our hearts and we are blessed that you are a part of our lives!
With much love, Tim, Grace, Thomas, Mila and Oliver
Praise:
The cafe's reopening
Travis' arrival
Growth in the believers
A sweet time in Austria
Prayer Requests:
Continual leading and guidance by the Holy Spirit.
That CCofSplit would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and be a light to the community.
Salvation of the students that we share with at the cafe.
Protection and health of our family.
Thomas to learn Croatian quickly in vrtic.
Our visas renewal process to go smoothly
We are so thankful that the Lord has commanded His light to shine into our lives, that daily we can experience the "Light of life" as we follow Him. But as we walk in the blessing of His illumination our hearts break for those who sit in the darkness, for those who love darkness rather than the light.
This Spring will mark our sixth year of ministry in Split, as we look back over the seasons the Lord has brought us through we are so thankful for His grace and provision. The last six months have been an interesting season; one that has definitely given us an opportunity to seek the Lord's direction and to be reassured that as He calls us to certain ministries He will always provide the means needed. At the end of November we received a surprise visit from an inspector at the cafe and long story short we had to close the cafe until the beginning of February. During that time we needed to hire a lawyer to make sure that legally the cafe has everything in order. We had previously thought that everything was fine, but apparently it was not. So, now the cafe is back open, and we are excited to see the students returning for their coffee, cookies and brownies, and to give us more opportunities to share with them. We are also so thankful that the Lord has brought someone to help with the cafe; Travis Wallace from Arizona arrived the beginning of January and it has been a huge blessing to have someone here to labor alongside us again!
As a church we have been blessed to see people growing in their faith; the last few months have given people a chance to step in and help with various things and it has been so great to see people respond to the needs of the body. We just finished up the book of Acts and Tim has now started James. We are excited to be exhorted by this practical book and pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to encourage and edify our little fellowship by the Word.
Our family is doing well; we had a lovely little Christmas break in December when we were able to go up to Vienna, Austria for our friends' wedding. The wedding was beautiful, as was Vienna at Christmastime! We took the kiddos to the Schonnbrunn Zoo (which, by the way is one of the oldest zoos in the world.) and it was so fun to see all of the animals out in the snow! Then we spent Christmas at the Schloss Heroldeck, which was so special because of the dear place the castle and the friends that are there have in our hearts.
Now, back in Split things have settled back into a routine. Tim is at the cafe most days of the week, Grace goes in some days but not so often now that Travis is here to help. Thomas is in Vrtic (preschool) and is enjoying it most of the time. Mila is Mommy's little helper and loves to be right there at he counter mixing and stirring whatever she can get her hands into. And "Baby Oliver" as he is affectionately called by his big brother and sister is now crawling and trying his hardest to keep up with everyone else!
We want to thank each of you for your prayer and support. You are all such an encouragement to our hearts and we are blessed that you are a part of our lives!
With much love, Tim, Grace, Thomas, Mila and Oliver
Praise:
The cafe's reopening
Travis' arrival
Growth in the believers
A sweet time in Austria
Prayer Requests:
Continual leading and guidance by the Holy Spirit.
That CCofSplit would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and be a light to the community.
Salvation of the students that we share with at the cafe.
Protection and health of our family.
Thomas to learn Croatian quickly in vrtic.
Our visas renewal process to go smoothly
Friday, February 25, 2011
First TIme...
So I feel like I'm a little late to the "Blog" scene... but it's been on my heart for a while now. Honestly I have been a little intimidated by the thought of starting something new, as I have my hands quite full with our three wonderful exhausting children; Thomas, 4; Mila, 2; and Olliver at almost 10 months. Also, I know my ignoble habit of starting things and then lacking the diligence to continue them. But, I think that if the Lord puts a pebble in our shoe we eventually have to come to the place where we acknowledge that it is there and take the time to deal with it. So, as we start this blogging adventure I hope it blesses someone's heart.
I am excited to use this blog as a platform to share our lives as missionaries in Split, Croatia. Maybe give a little glimpse into what our every day life is like, what excites our hearts and what can be discouraging, and most of all how very faithful our Jesus is to be our I AM, the provision for our every need.
So, a little background is probably in order... Tim and I met at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Vajta, Hungary. Tim is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada and I am from Hayfork, California (no, there couldn't be two places that could be more different!), Big City meets Small Town in an obscure village in Hungary. After being friends for a year we started dating, then after six months of dating Tim proposed on a bridge in Budapest and I said yes, or rather "yeah" (that would be the Hayfork in me coming out). We were engaged for four months and then married in California, two months after that we returned to Europe, beginning our wonderful adventure in Split, Croatia.
It has now been six years since that adventure began, our first year of marital bliss was spent on the 10th floor of a building that was built at a time when the Communist government was trying to get people from out in the villages to move into the city, a small little place that had an incredible view of the Adriatic Sea and and filled with memories that are still very dear to our hearts. Now, three places later and three children later we have settled into an apartment that is on the outskirts of the city and a short walk to the sea.
Why Croatia? Tim and I arrived at the place of desiring for the Lord to use us in whatever way He saw fit individually and before we started dating. As the verse in Proverbs says, "A man's heart plans his ways, But the Lord directs his steps." Well, our hearts planned to serve the Lord and He directed our stepts to join a team that had formed to come down to Split to plant a church. As I look back, I'm again blessed by the way the Lord leads us if we want to follow. Yes, there was a time of waiting and that time always seems longer when you are in it, but oh how precious as we look back and see the gentle hand of our Savior guiding us to the place He purposes for us to be, giving us those altars of remembrance that encourage our hearts in times of doubt.
I hope that as we share our lives someone will be encouraged that if the Lord can use us as His vessels, He can use anyone.
I am excited to use this blog as a platform to share our lives as missionaries in Split, Croatia. Maybe give a little glimpse into what our every day life is like, what excites our hearts and what can be discouraging, and most of all how very faithful our Jesus is to be our I AM, the provision for our every need.
So, a little background is probably in order... Tim and I met at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Vajta, Hungary. Tim is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada and I am from Hayfork, California (no, there couldn't be two places that could be more different!), Big City meets Small Town in an obscure village in Hungary. After being friends for a year we started dating, then after six months of dating Tim proposed on a bridge in Budapest and I said yes, or rather "yeah" (that would be the Hayfork in me coming out). We were engaged for four months and then married in California, two months after that we returned to Europe, beginning our wonderful adventure in Split, Croatia.
It has now been six years since that adventure began, our first year of marital bliss was spent on the 10th floor of a building that was built at a time when the Communist government was trying to get people from out in the villages to move into the city, a small little place that had an incredible view of the Adriatic Sea and and filled with memories that are still very dear to our hearts. Now, three places later and three children later we have settled into an apartment that is on the outskirts of the city and a short walk to the sea.
Why Croatia? Tim and I arrived at the place of desiring for the Lord to use us in whatever way He saw fit individually and before we started dating. As the verse in Proverbs says, "A man's heart plans his ways, But the Lord directs his steps." Well, our hearts planned to serve the Lord and He directed our stepts to join a team that had formed to come down to Split to plant a church. As I look back, I'm again blessed by the way the Lord leads us if we want to follow. Yes, there was a time of waiting and that time always seems longer when you are in it, but oh how precious as we look back and see the gentle hand of our Savior guiding us to the place He purposes for us to be, giving us those altars of remembrance that encourage our hearts in times of doubt.
I hope that as we share our lives someone will be encouraged that if the Lord can use us as His vessels, He can use anyone.
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