In Mississippi

Well I am on my way to Mississippi!

My family and I will be there all week for the Thanksgiving Holidays.

I will be away from email and internet so if you need to get in touch with me, please call my cell phone. (706) 264-8645. My phone reception may not be great but I will call back if I miss your call.

May God bless each of you greatly as you serve Him. I thank you for your patience.

Jason Kenney

This morning we load up a container for Jason Kenney, who, with his family, are going to Chile, South America.

God has used Jason in powerful ways while he has been on deputation. Jason has worked very hard, travelled many miles, and has been a joy to work with. I look forward to hearing how God continues to use him when he arrives in Chile.

I thank God for his helpmeet, Jenny, and how God has used her. They have four boys (Aaron, Seth, Caleb, Timothy) and one girl. (Ellie, born in April).

Please keep this family in prayer as they prepare to leave for the field!

Attempting The Impossible

While preparing for class at the Training Center, I came across this quote by Spurgeon on Matthew 28:18-20

"You have a factor here that is absolutely infinite, and what does it matter as to what other factors may be. 'I will do as much as as I can' says one. Any fool can do that. He that believes in Christ does what he can not do, attempts the impossible and performs it."

Today I pray that each one of us would perform the impossible. Judson performed the impossible. While he was in jail, a place many of us would have given up, he said, "The prospects are as bright as the promises of God". John Mott, stirred by God at Mt. Hermon was instrumental in the Student Volunteer Movement. May we get away from doing what we can do, may we allow Christ to work in us to do what we cann not. Believe God. He is able!!

Letter Writing Tips

As a missionary, letter writing will ever be before you! In my reading today, I came across some helpful things to keep in mind when writing a letter.

1. Did you grab the readers attention?
2. Did you briefly bring the person up to date with your life?
3. Does your burden and vision show?
4. Is your letter typed neatly?
5. Do you have sufficient "white space" and generous margins?
6. Are the paragraphs too lengthy?
7. Did you use graphics? Are they appropriate?
8. Did you have a well written p.s.?
9. Did you check the spelling? (a personal weakness!)
10. Will it accomplish the desired goal?

I thought these were good for all of us to keep in mind. May God bless you as you serve and honor Him.

Being A Friend

Today I spent around 40 minutes on the phone with a pastor in Florida. His challenges are great and his energy is spent. In the midst of our conversation, I was humbled and ached at what he said, "I do not know who else to call. I don't have anyone that I can be totally honest with and know they will try to help me and not hurt me. So I called you."

I have prayed for this brother all during the day and feel for him. The thought hit me, "How many other people feel the same way?" Who needed me to notice them and I was too busy to realize they needed a friend? I know there are things this dear brother could do to establish friendships in his area but am grieved that we are very superficial many times.

While you are on deputation, and travel meeting many pastor's, take the time to establish friendships. Really care about the people you come in contact with. God has you there for a purpose. Be someone that others can call in a time of trouble.

Like I have said before, Help someone today because you may be the one that needs the help tomorrow!

Wait One More Night

The following was written by a missionary with Macedonia and I thought it was tremendous. It is powerful and convicting. One to use in your messages for sure. Thank you Bro. Aaron for sharing this with us.

WAIT ONE MORE NIGHT

Today the Master said labor in my field
But to Him, my service I did not yield.
He said my harvest is plenty, ready and white
But today I’m tired wait one more night.

Today He said, you must work while it is light
But today it is hot wait one more night.
Today you must go the end is in sight
But today some have scorned me laughed and mocked
Just one more night

Master, today I will serve, no longer will you have to wait
But the Master said, today to serve you are too late
The harvest is past it has went to waste
For every man, death I did taste.
Yet many do not know Jesus is my name
I speak this to your shame

But for the harvest my laborers were few
Now their judgment you will view
Their blood will I require at your hands
You would not labor across the harvest lands

I was not willing for any to perish
I was sent to die, for the harvest I did cherish
Who do you know that will be in this lake of fire
All because to labor in my harvest you had no desire.

By: Aaron Short - November 8, 2007

For God

John 3:16 is the foundational verse that our children learn, sports fans put on signs and even the lost know. I fear, though, we miss the verses beauty and power. While meditating the other day I could not get past the first two words. "For God...."

While on deputation, if we are not careful, we lose the focus of what missions is all about. It is not about you raising money to get to the field. That is only a fruit. It is not about the lost being saved. That is only a fruit. It is not about raising up more missionaries to go. That is only a fruit. The reason for deputation is "For God". For His glory, honor and praise. It is so that God would be exalted, worshipped and adored. The other things listed are very important but the main focus for going into the world is God's glory.

Will God receive glory from your life today? Will men speak more of you than Him? Are we stealing God's glory when we go into churches? Let us remember afresh and anew that this is all "For God".