Deputation Tips

Discipleship

2008-01-31T05:30:00.000-08:00

I am praying that God would use you to raise up other missionaries in your travels. As you are being discipled (all of us should be learning) that you would also learn how to disciple another. These quotes are powerful but good.

Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Sometimes we don't need another chance to express how we feel or to ask someone to understand our situation. Sometimes we just need a firm kick in the pants. An unsmiling expectation that if we mean all these wonderful things we talk about and sing about, then lets see something to prove it. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious to discover his surroundings and all that the universe holds. But a person who is curious to know God is a rare find indeed. ~A.W. Tozer

The Jewish crowd has followed Jesus at any time and often He had given them what they wanted, and all they wished for was to use Him for their plans and dreams. Today this attitude still lingers in our minds. We want Him to give us everything without us giving anything; we want to use Christ for our gain instead of Him using us for His glory.~William Barclay

A Resource for making Contacts

2008-01-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me by missionary Ron Link. This may help with new contacts as you are setting up meetings. May God bless you greatly as you serve Him.

I have a great new tool that I wanted to tell you about, and if you think it is worthy, you can pass this along to all our missionaries on deputation.
The website is www.ifbtools.com (named for Independent, Fundamental Baptist Tools, so that should give you some confidence in the site) and it has just been put up by a missionary who was a computer programmer before the Lord called him into missions.
I suggest that everyone who uses the site should register, and you will see why shortly. Here is how it all works:
There is a button on the page listed as Find A Church. It brings up a page with two options; you can enter what information you have on a church you want to locate, such as Pastor's name, or the church name and city, or just a name and a zip code, etc, and the site will search its database to locate that particular church and provide the rest of the available information for that specific church.
The other option is at the bottom of the page, and I have found it to be very useful. You simply enter a zip code, such as for an area you already have a meeting booked, and then enter a search radius in miles (i.e. 30458,
15 miles) and it will search for all churches in the database within 15 miles (or whatever number you enter) of the zip code you entered. I have found many churches near places I have meetings booked, that were not in my ACT database.
The reason to register on this website it this: members can click on the name of the church that comes up in the search, and then edit incorrect or missing information. If you have a correct phone number, pastor's name, address, website, etc, you can update the info on that particular church.
That way, we all will have the latest and most accurate database information. You can also remove a church if you know it no longer exists.
Also, there is a button for Add A Church, which allows you to add to the database.
Coming soon is a tool similar to Google Calendar, with which you can manage your meetings online, through the website.
I use Skype for all my calling, and with Skype, all the phone numbers on the website generate a little Skype icon. I simply click on the icon and it automatically dials that church's phone number. No more misdialed calls! It is a great way to make calls.
I sent the website designer a copy of my ACT database and he found 93 contacts in my list that were not in his already, and he added them. And I have found many contacts on his site that are not in my database.
So, you can either use this website as your primary source for calling, or as a supplement to the one you already use. I think every missionary I ever heard of uses that Baptist Info website, and the ACT database we all seem to have has been passed down from missionary to missionary for a decade or more. This www.ifbtools.com website can be a great new resource if we all use it and update it with current information.

Wonderful Meeting

2008-01-24T03:46:00.001-08:00

What a powerful meeting we had at University Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA last night.

Pastor Gary Ledford allowed us to take some young men with us and I let them lead the singing and preach. Trent Cornwell, youth pastor of Vision Baptist Church, preached an outstanding message that truly stirred our hearts. There was great response during the invitation.

I do not know if you come in contact with churches that need someone for a youth night but remember Trent Cornwell's name. He will be a blessing to any church!!

God bless you as you serve Him today.

Thoughts from a Friend

2008-01-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine, Trent Cornwell, was talking with me today and I thought I would share some of the things we discussed. I pray they will challenge you as they did me.

Ignorant worship is worship prompted by the idea that God needs something from us. This is a huge mistake. When Jesus says in Luke 9:23 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” There were men scared of denying themselves, others did not want to take up the cross, but the common denominator among these deserters is that they did not know the “ME” in “follow after me”.

God is self sufficient. Your view of who He is will be reflected in your challenge to the people during you missions presentation.

A.W. Tozer was the editor of Missionary Alliance which stirred 1,000’s of people to give their lives for the cause of missions service. Here are some of his words concerning our missionary presentations and the self sufficiency of God.

“We commonly represent God as a busy, eager, somewhat frustrated Father hurrying about seeking help to carry out His benevolent plan to bring peace and salvation to the world…

Too many missionary appeals are based upon this fancied frustration of Almighty God. An effective speaker can easily excite pity in his hearers, not only for the heathen but for the God who has tried so hard and so long to save them and has failed for want of support. I fear that thousands of young persons enter Christian service from no higher motive then to help deliver God from the embarrassing situation His love has gotten Him into and his limited abilities seem unable to get Him out of. Add to this a certain degree of commendable idealism and a fair amount of compassion for the underprivileged and you have the true drive behind much Christian activity today.”

Ambition

2008-01-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

The word ambition comes from a Latin word that means, campaigning for promotion. It would be like a candidate trying to get votes.

In the day and age in which we live, a self serving ambition is filling our ranks. A desire to campaign for positions, meetings, support or power. I have been in one too many positions where missionaries have been around a pastor and the self serving ambition fills the situation. Name dropping, fake laughter, mock humility, and "look what I have done" are just a few of the symptoms of this dreadful disease. Lucifer in Isaiah (14:12-15) had this problem. The builders of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Absalom (II Sam 15:4) and Diotrephes (III John 1:9) were also guilty.

Jeremiah 45:5, Baruch was warned that he should not seek great things for himself. While raising support, be careful that what you started for God's glory does not turn into selfish ambition. Why will you make calls today? Why do you preach the way you do? How do you respond around other missionaries? Around other pastors? What lies within your heart today? Will you live to minister or be ministered unto (Mat 20:28)?

May we not forget God or our brothers as we seek to raise support. Be careful of campaigning for promotion (or support) today.

Samuel Brengle and Leadership

2008-01-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

It has been stated that one of the greatest things missing from our generation is strong, spiritual leadership. It my reading, I came across this quote that challenged my heart. I pray it does the same for you.

Samuel Brengle, a gifted leader who served for many years in the Salvation Army, outlined the road to spiritual authority and leadership:

It is not won by promotion, but by many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart searching and humbling before God; by self-surrender, a courageous sacrifice to every idol, a bold uncomplaining embrace of the cross, and by an eternal, unfaltering looking unto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but like Paul, by counting those things that are gain to us as loss for Christ. This is a great price, but it must be paid by the leader who would not be merely a nominal but a real spiritual leader of men, a leader whose power is recognized and felt in heaven, on earth, and in hell.

You will be the leaders of congregations and preachers. How are you preparing yourself today for tomorrow? Are you growing in your leadership? Who is following you? Where are you taking them? May, by God's grace, we grow in our spiritual leadership for God's glory.

Stay tuned. More on this tomorrow!

What are you seeking?

2008-01-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

I have just begun studying the life of a man named Baruch. I do not know much about him, so I thought I would look into his life. One of the things that Jeremiah told this man in Jer. 45:5 was, "And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not:..."

As I go through today, I want to ask myself a few questions:
1. Am I trying to build a great name for myself?
2. Am I looking for honor and respect?
3. Do I get frustrated and angry if people do not respond to me the way I believe they should?
4. Do I have rights?
5. Am I easily offended?
6. Is God really first in my life?

What am I seeking for my life today? Are the meetings for me or God? Will you get mad if pastor's do not give you the attention you feel you deserve today? Will your mindset be, "There is no use making calls today. Everyone knows pastor's will not be in their offices anyway." I seek great things for myself because I think I am great. Whenever I lift myself up, it means I must bring God down. Will I seek great things for myself or will I seek first God's kingdom?

May we put the God of heaven first in all things we do. When we put Him first, everything else falls into place (Matt. 6:33) Seek great things for Him today!

Swift to Hear

2008-01-16T04:51:00.000-08:00

In my Bible reading this week, I came through the book of James. In chapter one verse nineteen, James tells us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

When you are around a conversation are you o.k. with just sitting there listening? Do you feel an incredible urge to jump in and say something? Does your mind race around looking for just the right thing? Do you have to dominate the conversation?

A mistake that I see missionaries make, and I am sure I have done it as well, is to open their mouth when they should have just opened their ears. When you sit down with a pastor, be comfortable. Make a covenant to God that you will work on your listening skills. Hear what he is saying and then, if need be, respond accordingly. Do not let insecurity dominate your life and make it where you are a loud, dominating conversationalist.

The Bible teaches that even a fool is counted wise when he learns to keep his mouth closed. I praise God that there is hope for guys like me! Today may I be swift to hear, not speak. This Bible principle will help you as you seek to raise your support to get to the field. Learn to listen.

Pride

2008-01-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

As I was looking over some articles dealing with revival, I came across some penetrating questions.

1. Is it difficult to confess my sin to God? Yes or No

2. Do I find it hard to ask forgiveness from my family or acquaintances
when I sin against them? Yes or No

3. Is it hard for me to admit when I am wrong? Yes or No

4. Do I have a tendency to want credit for accomplishments? Yes or No

5. Do I desire to get ahead and get a big name and be a success
for personal gratification? Yes or No

6. Do I desire to be recognized? Yes or No

7. Is it difficult for me to publicly display my love for Jesus? Yes or No

8. Is it hard for me to express genuine love and appreciation? Yes or No

9. Do I try to get ahead even at the expense of others? (Am I an
opportunist?) Yes or No

10. Am I ever willing to sacrifice my own honesty and purity of life
in order to be a success? Yes or No

11. Do I defend myself when a fault or sin is pointed out in my life?
Yes or No

12. Is my primary drive to look out for myself rather than serve
others, esteem all others better than myself and help others be
a success? Yes or No

May the God of heaven search our hearts today and remove pride. God truly does resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. May God stir and revive our hearts. God bless each of you greatly today as you serve Him.

Lucky?

2008-01-14T19:14:00.001-08:00

George Stephenson was one of eight children whose parents were so poor that all lived in a single room. George had to watch cows for a neighbor, but he managed to get time to make engines of clay, with hemlock sticks for pipes. At seventeen he had charge of an engine, with his father for fireman. He could neither read nor write, but the engine was his teacher, and he a faithful student. While the other hands were playing games or loafing in liquor shops during the holidays, George was taking his machines to pieces, cleaning it, studying it, and making experiments in engines. When he had become famous as a great inventor of improvements in engines, those who had loafed and played called him lucky.

It is amazing how we credit someone as “lucky” not realizing the hard work that went into where they now are. Men on deputation that have a full calendar and good support are labeled “lucky” many times by men who work half as hard. Are you one of the ones that looks at everyone else and calls them “lucky” while you loaf? Commit today to be diligent about the Lord’s work. Put in a full day, and remember, you very likely will be one of the one labeled as “lucky” when it comes time to go home!

May God richly bless each of you.

Above Reproach

2008-01-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

In our ministry we strive to be beyond reproach in all that we do. Please read the following letter and take heed to the caution.

Dear Bro. Tony,
Pray all is well with you and your family. Hope you had a great Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.
I just wanted to give you a heads up on something that was brought to my attention. I was talking to a young man that has applied to Macedonia recently. He had come on a survey trip to _________ and spent a week or so with me and my family. I had talked to him about deputation and gave him a list of about 38 things that could help him get his support. One of the things on the list was never leave a message on the answering machine. Well he said he had friends (evidently not with MWBM) that would call and leave a message on the answering machine and not tell they were missionaries. I told this young man that was very dishonest and a lie. I would not recommend that kind of conduct. It is best just to try and find the pastor in his office or speak to the missions director. Well to make this short. I was talking to my pastor and he said that recently he had received messages just like this. They would say this is John Doe and could you please call me back. They would not say they were missionaries. My pastor would call of course and find out they were missionaries and be very upset because they were being deceitful. He said he would never give them a meeting or support someone with such conduct. He also said that several of the calls were from MWBM missionaries. He could not say who, because he did not remember. I just wanted to bring this to your attention. I think missionaries on deputation or otherwise should have a high standard of conduct and not do things that are deceitful or dishonest. I am sure you would agree.
I do pray all is well with you and your family. May God bless you and help you much in this coming year. Hopefully we will see you sometime this summer around the home office. We are planning on coming in sometime this summer for a short furlough. God bless again.

This letter was written with love and for your help. Please be careful and keep calling. If you leave a message, let them know who you are and what you do. Let's continue to be beyond reproach.

Keep on Knocking

2008-01-10T04:45:00.000-08:00

After calling around 25 of our families with Macedonia yesterday, (I will try to call the rest of you today!), I woke up with this thought on my heart.

In Luke 11:5-13 we find the story of a man who goes to his friend at a late hour for bread because he has a visitor. This man gives him bread because of his importunity. The man would not stop knocking and asking! We then hit the familiar verses of Ask, seek, knock and the promise of seeking, finding and having the door opened.

Deputation and getting meetings is not for the flashy, "gifted", etc. It is for the importunate. Those that will not get discouraged with 35 calls in a row of nothing but answering machines. Those who understand that being turned down or delayed for a meeting is just part of the process of finding those churches God has set aside for your support.

Have you already quit making phone calls and we are not even in the middle of January? Did you start off on fire....for the first ten minutes and then got a "belly full"? Some missionaries have very few meetings while others are already booked through half of '08. Why? The main thing is not the color of their hair, how tall they are or what church they are from. Some choose to knock and others choose to sit on the door step. Which are you?

May I encourage you today to just keep on knocking! I did not say be obnoxious. You have thousands of contacts to call. There are more states than just Georgia and North Carolina. God loves us so much. Verse 13 says how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? May the Holy Spirit lead and guide you as you knock, knock, knock through telephone calls today.

Hey, you might be like one guy I talked with yesterday. In one day he booked seven meetings. I think the record is around 12 but I would take seven any day of the week! You knock and see what God does today! God bless each of you.

Just Words?

2008-01-09T05:53:00.001-08:00

As I was doing my devotions this week a very powerful thought hit me from I Thessalonians 1:5
"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake."

When we present our field, is it in word only? I fear after all the churches we visit, presentations we give and statistics we share that it turns into a "word only" presentation. May we ask God for His power. May the words we speak be as a hammer breaking through stone. May it grab the attention of the most disinterested person. May it be in the Holy Ghost. Not a bunch of rehearsed flesh but fresh from the Holy Spirit of God. May in be in much assurance. Spoken with a depth and level of conviction that they have never seen before.

I heard a story years ago about two men leaving a meeting in England. As they left one asked the other what he thought. The response given is quite powerful. The man replied, "I have heard better preachers but I have never heard a preacher better." As you prepare to present your burden and preach, may it be more than idle words. May it be delivered in power, the Holy Ghost and much assurance!

Allegiance

2008-01-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

As we have started the new year, I am challenged by this illustration of how men followed their leader and how I follow Jesus Christ.

Several hundred years ago there was an Eastern king with his army who marched with much success as he neared the territory of the young tribal chief, Abu Taber. The king was ready to advance and overthrow this small village but first he sent an ambassador with terms of peace. After hearing this proposal, Abu called one of his soldiers to come forward and handed him a dagger and commanded "Plunge this into your heart", and without hesitation, the soldier obeyed and fell dead at his feet. Turning to the ambassador, Abu said "Go tell your king I have 500 men like that and when the battle is over, I will have him chained with my dogs". The king with his superior army advanced, but numbers were of no avail against the fierce loyalty of Abu Tabor's soldiers. After the battle, the king was chained with Abu's dogs.

Could I challenge you to think of some different ways that your allegiance and dedication to Jesus Christ could be deepened this year? I was stirred by this story but convicted that I would have the same type allegiance to Jesus Christ.

You know, if I had that kind of allegiance, others may want to follow Him as well. God help me to raise up disciples for you as I travel this year!

How do you view your self?

2007-12-19T04:22:00.000-08:00

As I was reading in Romans this morning, I came across chapter 12, verse 3. "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

As I was thinking about this verse in relation to our lives and deputation, these questions were raised:
1. How do I view myself?
2. Do I feel I deserve praise, respect and recognition?
3. Do I feel that I deserve an offering?
4. Do I feel that I deserve a larger offering?
5. Do I feel that I deserve their support?
6. Am I angry that the pastor asks me to send an info packet and does not book me right then?
7. Do I get angry that he does not book me at all?
8. Does it irritate me when another missionary gets support or recognition and I do not?
9. How do I feel when people just walk by my table and out the door without saying a word?
10. Am I upset at how they are treating missions or the missionary?

May God help us not to think of ourselves this day but to think of others (12:10). May we realize we neither live or die unto ourselves (14:7). This is a painful lesson. It is one that will have to be revisited many times in our lives. May God remove the bitter feelings that lodge in hearts today. Not because of how others treated us but because we thought of ourselves more highly that we ought.

God bless you and use you mightily this day.

School of Adversity

2007-12-18T04:56:00.000-08:00

At a banquet in Lyons, nearly a century and a half ago, a discussion arose in regard to the meaning of a painting representing some scene in the mythology or a history in Greece. Seeing that the discussion was growing warm, the host turned to one of the waiters and asked him to explain the picture. Greatly to the surprise of the company, the servant gave a clear and concise account to the whole subject, so plain and convincing that it at once settled the dispute. "In what school have you studied, Monsieur?"asked one of the guests. "I have studied in many schools, Monseigneur", replied the servant: "but the school in which I studied longest and learned the most is the school of adversity."

As this year is rapidly coming to a close, many of you have experienced difficult days. There have been trying times in your family, at church and on the road. Could I encourage you to take some time this morning, sit down and write out things you have learned this year in the school of adversity. It is not a matter that God is not trying to teach me, I just may not be learning!

Lessons learned in the school of adversity will follow you all through life and are the very ones that help others the most, no matter what part of the world they live in.

Accountability Resource

2007-12-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Russell Pruitt called me and said that he has an excellent resource on accountability.

I would encourage you to email him for this at preacherruss@aol.com

God bless you greatly as you serve the Lord!

Opportunities

2007-12-11T06:04:00.000-08:00

It has been stated, that we should not wait for extraordinary opportunities, but rather, seize common occasions and make them great.

"Is it possible to cross the path?" asked Napoleon of the engineers who had been sent to explore the dreaded pass of St. Bernard. "Perhaps," was the hesitating reply, "it is within the limits of possibility." "Forward, then," said the Little Corporal, heeding not their account of difficulties, apparently insurmountable. Everyone laughed at the possibility of transporting across the Alps but four days later the army was marching on the plains of Italy.

Weak men wait for opportunities, strong men make them. This is so true of many missionaries on deputation. One man can not get meetings, support or a kiss from his wife. Another missionary has more meetings than he can attend, support raised in two years or less and I will leave the last part alone! Are you making excuses for your life and ministry today or are you making the most of your opportunities?

We all have the same amount of time to study, pray, call, preach, etc. What are some opportunities that you will take advantage of today?

Is that a phone beside your computer? Pick it up. Dial the number and anticipate the opportunity that awaits at the other end of the line!

Devotion on Prayer

2007-12-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for Bro. Pruitt sending this devotion. I thought you would enjoy it as well.

May your services go well this weekend.

Matt. 26:38-46

Jesus Prayer

I) It was a lonely prayer: v. 39a “went a little farther..”
Different prayer is good
Family prayer
Social prayer
Group prayer
Church prayer they all are good.
But, they will not be sufficient, as a lonely prayer w/God. Where no one else hears you but God.

II) It was a humble prayer: v. 39a “fell on his face…”
Humility gives us a good foothold in prayer.

III) It was a prevailing prayer: v. 39-44
He went 3 different times until He prevailed.
Like the widow women in Luke 18:3-5 we need do the same.

IV) It was a resignation prayer: v. 39c, 42c
Luke 22:42 “never the less not my will but thine be done.
You yield/God yields
Let it be, as God’s will and God’s will determine the best
Be content to leave it in prayer in His hands who knows when
to give, how to give, what to give, what with to give and what to with hold.

Hibernating

2007-12-07T05:23:00.000-08:00

I have found that if I do not use my computer, it has a way of shutting down. What gets it going again is the punching of a keystroke, or some action.

During deputation, if one is not careful, you can get into hibernation mode. Your on, just not doing much. Not calling as you should, not updating your records, not sending correspondence, etc.... Let me give you a few things that will help.

1. Realize that you are in hibernation mode.
2. Evaluate this last year. (we will deal more with this later)
3. Set goals for yourself for the next month, three months and year
4. Get into a "going into work" mode.
a. set up your office space
b. get dressed
c. have specific hours you will call
d. do not get distracted (with "small jobs" around the house, children, etc.)
5. Have an accountability partner that can be honest with you
6. Start walking with God and doing your devotions again. I have found that when the work ethic has slowed down, so has our walk with God.
7. Start today. Putting it off till tomorrow has already been one of the problems, don't let it be one now.

These are just a few things. Maybe you have some things that keeps you at the task you would like to share. Please email me so I can share them with others.

May the good hand of our God be upon you as you work and labor for Him today.

Varying Support

2007-12-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

During my devotions this morning, I read once again about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. In John 11:17 the Bible records that Lazarus had been dead for four days. In vs. 6, after Jesus heard the news, he still waited two more days. So many times things that we think are late, actually, are right on time.

When your support comes into Macedonia, or your mission board, it is posted into your account. With Macedonia no money is taken out that you do not designate. You are never charged for what is done for you. It may be that your support came in after the reports were generated for that month. This would put that money on your next months statement. So you may see varying degrees of support due to when the support was received at the home office. That is why some months will not show support from a certain church and others will show it twice.

What I have found, though I may not like it at the time, that when the money is "late" God has it right on time. In all the things that God will work through in your life, He will work through your finances. Be a wise steward, trust God, and see Him work.

For those with Macedonia, I would encourage you to support the home office. Myself, and other men that work with the board, raise our own support. We are not paid by Macedonia. Yet there are many other expenses that are incurred by taking care of you, the missionary, that need to be met. Call Melton or Robyn today and set up your support for 2008. You know I am shy is sharing my opinions, (I see that grin), but I think it would be God honoring and right. Shall I take of that which cost me nothing?

O.K., so I chased a rabbit!! I love you guys and am praying for you, your ministry, and family. Have a great day.

Mailing List

2007-12-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

In the course of conversations over the last couple of days, I want to encourage you again to make your mailing list as large as possible. When someone books you for a meeting, immediately add their name to your mailing list. If someone sends you a special gift, add them to your mailing list. If someone smiles at you, add them to your mailing list!

Your mailing list may be snail and email. Either way, be sure to keep a copy of everything you send out for your records. Also, please remember, send Macedonia a copy of all your pray letters. These will be read and put on file. This is for your benefit. A pastor may not be receiving a copy of your prayer letter and think you are not sending one out. We then will be able to tell him you are and send him a copy. (This happened to me. I had all my letters on file so I sent him 8 months worth! Problem solved!)

So keep accurate records and keep your mailing list up to date. May I also suggest that you keep a back up of your mailing list somewhere. If you lose your mailing list, you are in for a bad day!

May God bless you as you serve Him and happy mailing!

John's Words

2007-12-04T04:39:00.000-08:00

Words are powerful. I have helped people, hurt people, cut people and consoled people with my words. My words have helped to bring people to Christ, Church and the mission field. I fear, they also have made some quit church, get a wrong view of God and think about everything but the mission field.

I have always been intrigued with John the Baptist. Honestly, if he were of our era, there are not many churches that would want him walking in on Sunday morning! (nor preaching for that matter!) Yet, as I read about him this morning, another aspect of his life spoke to me...his words and their affect on others.

In John 1:37, 40 - we are told that some men heard John speak and then followed Jesus. That sounds wonderful but these men had been disciples of John! How we want to build our name and forget our brothers. I wonder, when men hear us speak, do they desire to follow Jesus? John was not worried about "raising his support" or keeping "his" disciples, his concern was getting men to follow and serve Jesus Christ.

While you have been on deputation, are you raising up disciples of Jesus Christ? Are your words so full of God that they forget you and want to follow Him? As another year is rapidly coming to a close, realign some perspectives in your life for the new year. Ask God to use you to raise up laborers. Ask God to use you to stir men to follow Him more fully in the local church.

Would it not be a wonderful testimony that while you were on deputation that a host of people abandoned their lives for the cause of Christ and are serving Him around the world. They (the men) heard him (John the Baptist) speak and followed Jesus. May that be true in each of our lives today!

In Mississippi

2007-11-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-16T04:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

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".

The Life Of A Runner

2007-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

In talking with missionaries and those who deal with missionaries, there is a trend that I see being established beginning with deputation. That of running. Running from the responsibility and crucible of trials that mold us to be what we should. I am meeting more and more missionaries who want to go to the field before their support is raised. They do this under the umbrella of being spiritual but in reality they may be beginning the life of a runner.

Support has gone stagnant, meetings are not being scheduled, the body is weary, the family stressed out, etc... Could it be we want to go to the field to get a ministry started when at home we have a ministry that is not completed. Deputation is your ministry. Will you fulfill that ministry before you start the one on your "field". Have you grown lazy? Are you making phone calls? Setting up meetings? Doing your devotions? Preparing fresh messages?

Many good men have gone to the field prematurely. They complain of not having enough money, can not leave the field, losing support, etc... If they had finished the course, they may not be in the condition they are in.

Will you be a runner that will finish or run from your course? Raise your support and then go to the field. If your support is stagnant and meetings are slow, you may have grown slothful in your work. See this ministry to the end because your next one will depend upon it!

Advice

2007-10-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

This came from a brother who is finishing up deputation. On the monthly praise report ALL of you are to be sending in, this is what he wrote. It is good.

Advice you would like to share with others on Deputation:

BE DILIGENT - He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
WORK IN THE OFF SEASON - He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Proverbs 10:4,5
PREPARE - He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread Prov. 12:11

Questionnaires

2007-10-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

This question came from a brother not with Macedonia but is doing a great job as he prepares to get to Africa. (you will also notice that he is a smart-alec!)

As I was reading this deputation manual I have a question that I would like to ask you and your prestigious colleagues!!! How do I refuse to fill out a questionnaire? do I just not send it back or is there some general way to do this? I don't know so could you please help me. I do not mind filling out questionnaires that ask questions that are not personal, but when they ask about my sexual relationship I believe that is where I would draw the line. I have even had one ask me how many souls won , and how many I have personally led down the isle for baptism.... What do I do. I'm in one day and out the next.

If you receive a questionnaire from a church that asks questions that you think are not appropriate, throw it away. There are some questionnaires from churches that are fine and some are just looking for a way not to support you. Answer them honestly.

With the ones that ask about souls you have won, walked down the aisle, etc. Let them know your schedule and a testimonies of you witnessing on the road. Let them know that when you can you are visiting with the churches. Give them a two week schedule of driving time, meetings, church requirements, etc. I do not want you to make excuses just show them you lifestyle. Many pastors just do not know.

While you are on the road, hand out tracts and talk to people about the Lord. This is not what we do as missionaries but children of God. I never received many questionnaires. Of the ones I did receive I may have filled out three that I thought were worth the time. All in all you should not be spending much time with questionnaires.

Hope this helps.

Troubling

2007-10-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

You wonder why I am so strong in my training that you go into a church right and leave right. The following true story from a missionary with Macedonia reminds us once again of the responsibility we have. After you read the story, there are some comments I would like to make.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says we are ambassadors for Christ. I know I am far from an expert on deputation, but I sincerely want to help all my fellow laborers. I returned a pastors phone call this evening to hear those dreaded words " the meeting has been cancelled" , this is a disappointment. The pastors reason was a missionary had just dropped in for a meeting and really hurt the Church. What he described sounded like a hostile take over. He was not a Macedonia missionary! None the less it has caused me to loose a meeting for now. I am not bitter, The Lord is in control of all things, and some way this will work together for good. Brethren let us esteem other better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3,4). The Lord forbid me to hinder a Brother's ministry by not caring what happens after I am gone. We have been taught this over and over, but this was a reminder to me.

Notice the areas that this missionary damaged:

1. His own ability to get to the field by raising support. (also his relationship with his own family)
2. Other missionaries who need to get to the field.
3. A pastor who has more problems than He can handle.
4. Those without Christ. How many fields has this one man affected? How many missionaries were told their meeting was cancelled because of him?
5. God. The name of our Lord was reproached. That has got to hurt all of us deeply.

Those are but a few. Be careful when you enter churches. If you do not have a copy of the Deputation Manual, please get it. Let me know and I will help you. God bless you as you minister today in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What To Do When Your Pastor Resigns

2007-10-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

This question came in from a new viewer of the blog. I thought it quite good.

Any advice for a person on deputation and their current Pastor resigns. Our Pastor resigned on Sunday in order to start full time deputation to go to the Mission Field in Sudan. He will be the Pastor until January 1, 2008.

There are many reasons a pastor leaves a church. For yours to go to the mission field is one that is positive. It will be a little unnerving for you with a new pastor coming in until you get to know him and he gets to know you. Be sure to stay informed of the pastoral situation and meet the new pastor when he comes. To change right now would be unwise and in my opinion not Biblically based. Take your thoughts captive and do not let the devil control them. Pray for the leaders of your church and those inviting preachers to candidate. Ask God to guide them and give them great wisdom. Be sure with a new pastor to communicate well with him. He probably will not know you or your ministry. Let him be apart. Love and respect him and over time you will probably experience a wonderful friendship.

Keep me informed on how this goes or if you would like me to comment further.

Have a great day.

Insigth From Fred Kindhart

2007-10-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

The following in in response to today's blog by a good friend of mine, Fred Kindhart. Bro. Fred is the Director for Mexico at Macedonia World Baptist Mission. He is also deeply involved with the internet highway and pastors. What he has to say is worth taking note of.

Hello Bro. Tony and I wanted to write you a note and let you know how much I enjoy the “deputation tips.” There is always so much good information in there. I try to encourage ALL our missionaries to glean from it. You do a great job and we love you.

As I read your blog today I realize that right in the middle of the greatest “communication generation” we have ever known, there is very possible less true communicating than ever before. It’s hard to believe that back when it took weeks to get hand written letters back and forth from the mission field, they often communicated better than we do now with all the emails and blogs zipping around the world.

It made me realize that if I really want to communicate something, I can’t rely on the “email” to do it for me. We can of course use the email, and believe me I use it a lot, but we must remember it is our responsibility to communicate in that email. I see so many people saying, “well I emailed them,” as if that means I did all I could. I recently got a call from a Pastor who asked me why a missionary didn’t make it to his meeting that he was scheduled to be at the night before. After apologizing and doing “the twist, the tap dance and then the slow dance” with the pastor over the phone, I called the missionary. He said, “well I sent them an email to say I couldn’t be there!” (Now that I’m writing this I realize this has happened twice in the last month.) I know things like this happen, I’m just saying that sometimes my emails are like a few words out of the side of my mouth. Somehow we need to realize that even in an email, people can often see our heart.

Anyway, that’s my two cents worth about email today.

Fred

Pastor / Missionary Relationship

2007-10-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

I truly enjoy the questions you send. This next one is of utmost importance.

What are some key components to good communication between your sending Pastor and the Missionary while on deputation or on the field?

This is one area that a book needs to be written and by someone more qualified than myself.

A few key words to remember:

Communication - Both the missionary and pastor should stay in touch with one another. While on deputation, let your pastor know where you will be so that he can pray for you. Be accountable to him out of love. Pastor, the missionary is still part of your church. A pastor's greatest concern should not be whether the missionary is going to tithe or give to faith promise (though they should) it is how the church can still make them feel like a member of the church. They are like soldiers abroad. Stay in touch with them.

Respect - The pastor is to be respected by the missionary. Do not let what other missionaries say change your view. Respect what the pastor does and the load that he carries. Pastor, the missionary is a man of God also. Whereas you have one church, some missionaries have the oversight of multiple churches. It is not that one is better than another. All in the ministry have important roles. We are (should be) working for the same Lord to build His Kingdom and to see His name glorified in all the earth. As you both recoginize that you are men of God and children of God, it will help your communication. Be careful that it is not one sided.

Information - Missionary be informed as to what your pastor does and carries. His is a great load. If you have not been learning all your pastor goes through and does I do not know why we are sending you to the field. Pastor learn about deputation. What is his schedule like. How is family life like? what is it like to be on the field. Learn and be informed about the roles of a pastor and missionary.

There is much more that could be written. I have only given you a few things. Please let me know if you would like more. Have a great day.

Thanks!

2007-10-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

I thought this was encouraging. If you do not have one of the deputation manuals, and would like one, let me know. Have a great day.

Hey Brother Tony, This deputation manual is the best tool, for us missionaries on deputation. It covers everything from A-Z. What a wonderful book thanks so much for suggesting it... Praying for you and your family.... We Love you
Bro. Kenneth Ralph

Devotion From Russ Pruitt

2007-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here is another devotion by Russ Pruitt. He is doing a fine job. I love getting these so if you have one send it my way. If you do not want it on the blog, just tell me. Have a great day.

II Chro. 34:14-33

Finding out what the Word of God will do!

I) The Word will always surface up: v. 14-18
You can not hide it. Col. 1:26; I Cor. 4:5; 3:13

II) The Word will slay you: v. 18-19
It will kill our flesh. Heb. 4:12; Rom. 12:2

III) The Word will make you want to spread it: v. 20-21
You can’t hold it in of what God’s done for you.
Rom. 1:14-16

IV) The Word will sentence you: v. 22-28
Even after repenting the judgment still was coming.
John 12:48

V) The Word will bring you to submission: v. 29-32
v. 32 “stand to it”: submit, continue, abide
James 4:7

VI) The Word will make you sweep out the evil: v. 33a
“took away all abominations out”
John 15:3; Eph. 5:26; Jam. 4:8

VII) The Word will instructed us to serve: v. 33b
“and made all that were present in Israel to serve,”

VIII) The Word will cause us to stay in fellowship w/God:
v. 33c “they departed not from following the LORD,”

Live A Disciplined Life!

2007-10-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

This is from a tremendous blog that you need to get. It is by Austin Gardner. Bro. Gardner was a missionary in South America for 20 years. He has trained scores of missionaries and knows what he is talking about. (Dont tell anyone but he sat down and trained me before I started deputation. Boy I wish I could take credit for what I know!!) Click here to read the blog

As a missionary it is crucial that you live a disciplined life. You set your own schedule. You decide if you work or not. It is easy to get lazy and begin to take advantage of God’s people by not earning your keep.
Get up and go to work in the morning. Let your schedule be your boss. You may not have to report to anyone but you must report to God, yourself and your wife. It is very easy for your wife to begin to expect you not to work. You can easily develop habits that will embarrass you as soon as someone sees what you are doing.
If you are on deputation. Get up, take your shower, get on the phone, write letters, get meetings, study but at least put in 8 to 10 hours before you take time off for yourself. If you are on the field do not let little things distract you from your job. You may not go off to the office or the factory but you must be careful to go to work and stay at work.
Know that you are earning your keep. Never have to think to yourself or justify yourself for the reasons that you do not work like you should.
Confess your sin. Get up and get at it. Accomplish something every day. Have something to show for your time at work. Know that you are doing what you ought to be doing so that you can be ready to give an account of your service.
The fact that we are in the ministry does not give us an excuse to work less or to play more. It does not give us an excuse to take off during the day or to rename extracurricular activities as work to get by.
Well now that you are mad at me at least consider and think about this post.

Bloggers Comment

2007-10-04T07:31:00.001-07:00

The following is a comment made about the homeschooling blog. I thought I would pass it on.

When we were on the road, many times if we were only going to be short trips the kids would double up on their lessons a couple of days and then we wouldn't have to worry about it for a few days. Sometimes we would look for areas or points of interest close to where our meetings were and would use that for the lessons that day. I am all about continual teaching and learning and don't like to use a set curriculum all of the time.

To Play or Not To Play?

2007-10-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

I received the following question and wanted to share it with you. I have replaced the name.

You encourage us to spend time with the pastor as in go eat with them, or fellowship after service. My question is, what about sports? I was recently at a church that plays volleyball after Sunday night service. Yes they asked me to come play. I to, as you are, am very competitive. Is it wrong to stuff the preacher's wife at the net? I'm still playing to win. Jokes were made about not getting support now, but all in all I think it went well. Different pastor at a different Church, probably not so well. This did make me think. Do we play games after service? And if so what are the limits? You know how hard it is to tone down the desire to win, right? Thanks for all the help. God Bless you and your family.

I do encourage you to fellowship and be around the people as much as possible. This will help them to get to know you better. The competitive thing is not about support, but character. We want to be very gracious showing temperance. I stepped away from a lot of sports from a lack of self control in wanting to win. Losing bothered me too much. In my life, it was a reflection on me. Key word, me. When I died to my pride, I became more at ease with myself. When that happened other people became more at ease with me during sporting activities. Recently I was in Mississippi preaching a Missions Conference. One night after the service, they had a softball game and I played in it. It was the first time I played in years. What did I do? I popped up! I laughed, they laughed, we had fun. I still try hard!

This is just me. You may not have the same inward battles and insecurities. Have fun when you are around others. Play with temperance,grace and sportsmanship. Do not dominate the ladies, especially if she is the pastor's wife! Sometimes I let people win. It removes me from being a threat to them and as a missionary there are many things I want to be but a threat is not one of them. Jesus humbled himself and there are times we must do the same. Do not know if this will help. If you want to discuss this more, just email me at howeth@mwbm.org
Have a great day.

Wonderful Winter Retreat!

2007-10-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Coming up December 27-29, 2007 there will be a retreat in Gatlinburg, Tn called the Our Generation Summit. This retreat is for the whole church family. It is for missionaries, pastors, sunday school teachers, children, teens, parents, singles and silver saints! Take a look at the following link and get signed up!

http://www.skyalbum.com/album/tolsonmw/4703a9ba2a9/OGSUMMIT2007.swf

I will post more about this special event later. We will have a wonderful time.

Funny but Painful!

2007-10-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

The following I received from a friend. Though some of the points about preachers are funny, they still carry a little sting. May we purpose in our hearts to be well studied, prepared and anointed every time we enter the pulpit. Giggle....then cry. Love you guys.

1. You consider studying for sermons something that lib’rals do instead of soul winning.
2. You prepare your sermons on the way to church, which explains why you recently preached against tan lines, energy drinks, and men wearing pink shirts.
3. You actually make fun of preachers who use Greek and Hebrew in their sermons.
4. You consider volume a fine substitute for substance.
5. To you, “exegete the Greek” is a funny rhyme.
6. You decide on what sins to preach against based on who’s in the congregation.
7. You consider a pulpit more of a punching bag rather than a place to rest your Bible.
8. You have 35 sermon outlines prepared and ready to preach – as soon as you find verses for them.
9. In a 117 minute sermon, you spent 53 minutes telling stories from your childhood, 47 minutes telling stories from your early ministerial days, 15 minutes denigrating men who wear pleated pants, and 2 minutes explaining your text verse.
10. You have actually spent an entire sermon preaching against the evils of Barney the purple dinosaur.
11. Your favorite illustrations are Darwin’s deathbed conversion, the “microphone in hell” bit, and Spurgeon giving up his cigars. (all untrue by the way if you're still wondering!)
12. You quote John Gill as supporting your position against Calvinism.
13. You think people who know what “supralapsarianism” means need to get saved.
14. You think its okay to preach a verse out of context, as long as you tell your people that you’re doing it on purpose.
15. You love to apply Messianic prophecies to yourself.
16. When you preach, you can’t help but say “evangelical” effeminately.
17. You think “expositional” is someone who doesn’t take a position on anything.
18. You’re not sure what TULIP stands for, but you know you’re against it.

School and Deputation

2007-10-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

One of the ladies wrote in asking how to juggle homeschooling and deputation at the same time. To say the least, it is not easy! Some things to think about:

1. Does the material I am using for my children go well with travelling? Some material may work better than others. A Becka material can be gotten on DVD and the children can listen to it as they go down the road. PACE material can be used in traveling. Find the material that works best for you and for your children. Different children respond different ways in a home school environment.

2. Keep as strict a scedule as you possibly can. That very well may mean you will not be able to go to meetings during the week in the morning. Very graciously have your husband speak with the pastor and make sure he (the pastor) does not mind. I do not know of a pastor that would not understand your situation though I am sure there is at least one out there. Be organized and plan your schooling out. Doing it the night before will kill you and your family.

3. Understand your children. To say that all our children learn the same way and respond to situations the same is ridiculous. I have two children that could home school themselves and i have two children that homeschooling is quite difficult. The same type curriculum may not work for all your children.

4. Stay at it. This is one area that if you let up, you are a gonner. A day missed turns into a week, etc... You must be disciplined, organized and understanding for home schooling to work during deputation.

I would love some feedback that may help other ladies. Please send it to my email address howeth@mwbm.org I will try to post it for others to glean from. Thank you for your interest and questions.

The Power of God

2007-10-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Having the Power of God

This was also sent to me by Bro. Russ Pruitt. May we each truly have the power of God resting on our lives as we go into different churches sharing our burden. Have a great day.

Endued: means sinking into a garment, cover with or put on.

Jesus is telling the disciples that He is going to send the promise of the Father upon them, which is the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-31.
Then He is telling them to wait until the power endued them from on high.
O’ that we would wait in that place God tells us to get to for the endued power from on high. In John 14:12 Jesus is saying that greater works that we can do because He go to the Father, and then the Father will give us another Comforter that they may abide, manifest, and abode in us. John 14:16, 21, 23 So that we can do greater things but its got to come with the Power of God.

II Kings 2:1-14

How can we have this Power of God?

I) By having Patience: v. 1-6
(It’s a vital part of God’s teaching to wait on Him.)
Elisha waited patiently even though Elijah told him to stay at these cities. v. 1-6
Just as the disciples did in Acts 1:4.
Isa. 40:31; Lam. 3:25
We need to learn from these men by waiting on the Lord instead of going with our on power.

II) By having a Purpose: v. 8-9
Elisha wanted a double portion of the spirit of Elijah not for his on consuming, but that
God may get the glory. He wanted God to use him for His will.
How many times do we ask for something for our on consuming, or selfishness?
Jam. 4:3
Our purpose of having the power of God is that Christ be magnified, glorified, and exalted.

III) By having a Prayer life: v. 9-11a
If you look at Elijah as a picture of God and Elisha as a child of God look at what they are doing. They are talking with one another and asking for things from one another.
That’s the same way God wants us to be with Him.
Matt. 6:6, 21:22; Luke 6:12; Acts 6:4 I could go on and on.

IV) By Putting off self righteousness: v. 12
Mantle is a picture of power.
He had to put off, rent his old clothes before ever receiving the power from God.
Eph. 4:22

V) By Putting on the righteousness of God: v. 13
(It’s up to us to put it on)
Elisha after he put off his garment he than put on the mantle of Elijah’s.
He ha a choice to make either put it on or not.
Rom. 6:13, 16-19; Eph. 4:24-25

VI) By Proving it: v. 14
Elisha after putting on the mantle of Elijah he went to the waters and proved it. He tested
it with faith and believing by asking “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?”
The Power of God will come when God wants it to come not when we want it to.
It will come when we are total yielded to Him and filled with the fullness of God. Eph. 3:17-19 and it will come by the Spirit. Eph. 5:8-10, 18

Back in Luke 24:49 Jesus said tarry (wait) “until ye be endued with power form on high.” We need to be patience, have a purpose, have a prayer life, put off self-righteousness, put on the righteousness of God, and than prove it. Just go on with Him and believe.
Before we get up to preach, present our burden please don't do it without the power of God as we oft do.

A great book to read is “HOW TO OBTAIN FULLNESS OF POWER” by R. A. Torrey.

Russ Pruitt

2007-10-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy getting emails from your devotions and how God is speaking to you. Here is one from Russ Pruitt, missionary to Montana. God is really using Bro. Russ and I thank God for his ministry. Please keep his family in your prayers, espcially his wife Cheryl!!

Luke 24:44-53

Intro: v. 44 A) Jesus is reminding them "that all things must be fulfilled..."
1. In the Law of Moses.
2. In the prophets
3. In the psalms concerning Him.
v. 45 B) He is getting them to realize that all understanding comes from God.
1. Through His word.
2. Through His will.
3. Through His wonderful Spirit. 1 Cor. 2:12-14
v.46-47 C) He is reconfirming to them about,
1. His death, burial, and resurrection.
2. That they should preach repentance and remission of sins to all nations.
3. That they are witnesses.

Blue Print Of A Blessed Life - part three

2007-09-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

I. Steadfast – vs3 “he shall be like a tree”
He will be faithful
Men can’t be steadfast until they study, and they can’t study until they are separated.
But the man that is separated can study, and the man that studies will be steadfast.
He will be
Grounded – his roots will grow deep in God’s word.
Important part of a tree is the hidden roots
The root system is the roots are as deep as the tree is tall
c. This talks about the character of a man. The character of man is only as deep as his discipline, to be separated, to study and to be faithful.
d. The character of a man is measured by the depth of his actions not the shallowness of his words.

The man that is grounded will have
2. Stability – he can be depended upon
He will also be
3. Goodly – well favored – productive
a. Knowledge
b. Wisdom
c. UnderstandingA man that is feed can feed others
The purpose of a tree is to reproduce itself.
If you stop growing today you stop teaching tomorrow.
Jesus said in Mt.3:10 “every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire.”
Notice this:
In vs3 “he shall be like a tree”
“shall” – future tensea. Possibility of what you can become
1. You will not start out as a tree, but as a twig
a. a Twig is not faithful, but is unstable
b. But if you stay feed in God’s word, and favored
c. You will one day grow up to be faithful as an oak
2. Abraham when he started out he was
3. Unstable he carried family members with him.
4. But over time he separated himself and became favored by God.
5. God feed him and later he became known as the Father of Faith

Blessed is the man that is Separated, that Studies, that is Steadfast for he will be
II. Successful vs3 “whatsoever he doth shall prosper”
He will be fruitful
“bringeth forth his fruit in his season” – at an appointed time he will be able to rest and enjoy the fruit of his labor.
a. Abraham rested in the birth of Isaac
“his leaf shall not whither” – he will always have something to give
Abraham’s seed produced the Lord Jesus Christ that brings salvation to the entire world.
So you see a favored man will be a feed man, and a feed man will be a faithful man and a faithful man will be a fruitful man.
Conclusion:
Abraham started out as an unstable twig but
God separated him
God feed him
He became the Father of Faith
He became the Father of many nations – and every nation has been blessed because of the seed of Abraham – the Lord Jesus Christ
The Blueprint for a blessed life is to be a blessing to others.
A blessed man is a man that can bless others.

Blue Print Of A Blessed Life - part two

2007-09-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Here is part two of a three part series on a Blessed life from Travis Baker.

I. Studies – vs2 “his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
II Tim.2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God”
“study” – diligent
What you enjoy that is what you think about and pursue
What you enjoy is what feeds your soul
One of the reasons I believe we are starving spiritually is because we are feeding ourselves on worldly things that are temporal and expecting that to satisfy an spiritual hunger for God’s word.
The man that studies feeds his soul.
Look at what he is studying; he is studying
Right Message – “the Law of the Lord”
the Bible washes us, cleanses us, purifies us, sanctifies us, and conforms us.
Right Method – “Meditates”
Ps 119:11 “thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against the Lord.”
He makes it a constant practice to walk by God’s word
Right Manner - “day and night”
If we want to be favored by God then we must feed ourselves upon his word.
The way we treat our bible is the way we treat Christ, because the bible is his word.
Abraham was not only favored by God, but he was also feed by God.
Through his journey across vast deserts and wilderness plains God sustained all his needs.
Blessed is the man that is

Blue Print Of A Blessed Life - part one

2007-09-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is part one of three parts sent in by Travis Baker. May God bless each of you greatly and thank you Bro. Travis for this! Have a great day.

Blueprint for a Blessed Life
Psalms 1:1-3

Intro – A blueprint is a detailed layout of a building that gives a detailed layout of a finished product.
Psalms 1 is a detailed blueprint layout to show us how to build our lives to be favored by God.
vs1 ‘Blessed is the man”
- Blessed – to be favored, happy
Happiness is based on happenings
Joy cometh at all times – storms or sunny you can always have joy
If you want to be happy make something happen.

All of us here want to be blessed, favored and happy, but how can we obtain all three? How can I be blessed by God?
“Blessed is the man that is
I. Separated - vs1 “walketh not, Standeth not, and Sitteth not
God says for us to be a separated people. Most preachers like preaching separation because it gives them a big name. But God wants us to be separated from the world to be made conformable to his image. He wants us to be a holy people.
a. That means we separate ourselves from something, to something.
b. We do not separate ourselves to be pharisaical, but we separate ourselves to be purified by God.
c. Who are we to be separated from?
1. Sinful People vs1
a. Ungodly – those without God
b. Sinners – those that make a habitual practice of sin
c. Scorners – those that mock sin
2. Sinful Practices – vs1
a. Counsel – wisdom of the world
b. Way – socially acceptable
c. Seat – associated with their actions
3. Sinful Progressions – vs1
Sin never stays the same. They started out
Walking – a choice – to do right or wrong – you have a choice to be favored by men or favored by God
Standing - a more settled abode – you begin to accept sin
Sitting – determine in you heart to join them. You become guilty by association.
The reason we must separate ourselves from such wicked acquaintances is because there are three things that influence a person.
Books you read
Places you go
People you hang around
You are either what your friends are or soon will be.
I believe our separation reveals our devotion to God
Our devoutness to God I believe brings us in favor with God.
Who can tell me who the most favored man in the Old Testment was?
Abraham
He was called the friend of God
He was called the friend of God because he separated himself from the Ur of the Chaldees, and separated himself from his family – and because of his separation he was favored by God.

Upcoming Opportunity

2007-09-24T18:54:00.001-07:00

If some of you men are in the area, you may want to take part in this ministry opportunity. May God bless you richly.

Hi Bro. Tony,
How's things going? We are doing fine, just need your prayers that we will always stay focus on the Lord. I wanted to ask you to do something for us. Some of us American Missionaries are going to do a Mission Operation for a church (Edward Roads Baptist) in Kannapolis, NC on Oct. 12-13. It will be a all day thing of hanging bags with the church info. and tracks, and then have services both nights with the pastor and who ever will come each night. Will you please send out this info on the deputation tip to see if any other missionary that will be in the area on those dates to come to help. Thanks a lot. If any one needs info. they can call me or e-mail me @ preacherruss@aol.com.

Love in Christ,

Russell Pruitt

An Article On The Pastor And Missions

2007-09-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

I came across the following today. As with all articles from other sources take what you can use and leave the rest. There are some good points.

I also want to thank the pastor's for their interest and feedback. It is very encouraging. May God bless all of you greatly as you serve the Lord.

Over the past 60 or 70 years, the work of missions has been left largely to the sending agencies. I am very grateful for those agencies, and I deeply appreciate their labors. The business of missions, however, belongs to local churches. The agencies have ended up performing many tasks by default simply because local churches and pastors have been negligent.
The church in which I was reared was a mission church with a missionary pastor. He understood missions, preached missions, promoted missions, and exposed us to missionaries of many sorts. I grew up loving the work of missions. From the time I was a child, I have wanted to be a missionary, but the Lord has thus far led into other sorts of ministries.
Why would a pastor not want his church to be missions-minded? Why would he not want to expose his congregation to as many of the best missionaries as possible? Why would he not want the church to support missions generously?
Most pastors verbally agree that missions is important. Nevertheless, the zeal for missions has been on the wane for decades. We now have a generation of missionaries who are retiring from the field, and we do not have replacements to send. The missionaries who are sent are often undersupported, sometimes underprepared, and occasionally undersupervised. The responsibility for this situation does not rest with the sending agencies—they are merely service organizations. The responsibility for the future of missions rests with local churches and especially with pastors.
What can and should a pastor do to foster enthusiasm for missions in his congregation? Some churches seem to think that the answer to this question lies in taking large groups of church members—and especially young people—to faraway mission fields. Whether those trips are worthwhile expenditures of the Lord’s resources probably varies from case to case. Pastors, however, can and should find many ways to promote missions that do not require lavish outlays of cash.
First, and most obviously, every pastor should know the missionaries whom his church supports. He should know their names, their families, and their situation in life. He should know where they minister and what special challenges they face.
For a new pastor, getting to know the missionaries takes a while. He may not see all of the church’s missionaries for several years. But he should begin his pastorate with a personal letter to each missionary family, introducing himself and recommitting himself and his congregation to renewed interest in that missionary’s work. Then he should maintain a correspondence with each missionary. In the old days, we had to use international mailers to send letters to foreign countries. Now we can use e-mail. There is no excuse for a pastor not to be in touch with every missionary every couple of months.
Furthermore, the pastor should encourage the church to be contacting the missionaries regularly. At minimum, every prayer letter (whether paper or electronic) ought to receive an answering letter from some member of the congregation. The church should also send bulletins, sermon recordings, and other information about church events to its missionaries. Most missionaries of my acquaintance would love to be praying for their sending churches—only they never hear enough to know how to pray.
At least once each year, the pastor ought to place a telephone call to every missionary. Needless to say, the call should be made at a time that is convenient for the missionary. A voice from home may prove to be very welcome, and a missionary often will discuss issues with a pastor that he does not feel comfortable addressing in a prayer letter.
As easy as travel has become, in most cases a church should send its pastor to visit each of its missionary families in their place of ministry. Most pastors will return from such a trip with renewed missionary vigor, and I know very few missionaries who would not relish a visit from their supporting pastors. Nothing sparks a church’s interest in its missionaries like a pastor who has actually seen what they face.
Churches who have commissioned their own missionaries have special obligations toward those missionaries, but they also have special opportunities. The church will have to help the missionary arrange housing and travel every furlough, but it has a tremendous opportunity to have the missionary minister within the congregation. If possible, the church ought to provide an office for the missionary, who should be treated as a member of the pastoral staff. The missionary’s travel schedule ought to be planned in cooperation with the pastor, and under the pastor’s direction the missionary should actively promote the work of missions within the congregation. The missionary’s activity will include preaching and teaching, but it may also involve other ministries within the church and community. Who better to train a youth group in evangelism than a missionary who is home from the field?
An annual missions conference is traditional in many churches—and the tradition is a good one. But the pulpit should be open to missionary speakers throughout the year. A supported missionary should be given a whole service or even a whole Sunday. Missionaries should know how to preach a sound, expository sermon, but they should also be able to give the congregation a vivid picture of their field and their work. In many churches, the members will learn most of their philosophy of missions from what they hear missionaries say. Therefore, missionaries should not be reluctant to explain why they do things as they do.
In short, missions cannot be an afterthought. The pastor ought to have a vision for where he wants the church’s missions program to go, for how he wants to approach the unique problems of foreign and home missions, and for the church’s involvement in various missionary enterprises. Communicating this vision is part of the pastor’s ongoing ministry in the church. If we do not wish to see missions die, then it is a work each pastor must take seriously.

Passing Away of Stacey's Grandfather

2007-09-18T04:28:00.001-07:00

Please be in prayer for the family of my wife, Stacey. Her grandfather has passed away. The viewing is Tuesday and the funeral is Wednesday. Her grandmother passed away four months ago. I pray the annual conference is going well at Peoples Baptist Church. Once again the reality of death has hit me. Men, our time is short. May everyday be consumed with the reality of heaven and hell. I am so grateful her grandfather was saved! You all are in our prayers. May God work mightily in you and through you. Grateful for your prayers.

Pastor's Response

2007-09-17T05:19:00.001-07:00

The following was a very encouraging response from a pastor who has started getting the blog.

I thank God in heaven for this kind of man. We need to understand that there are some great men of God who are really trying. Let us covenant together to pray for these dear pastors.

Hey Bro,

I hope everything is going well with you, your family ,and the ministry God has placed you in!

Bro Tony,

I signed up for your deputation tips and have been reading them for the past few months. I have found them to be very fascinating, giving me a better understanding of what missionaries have to face and the things that concern them.

I was particularly pricked in my heart with the last email I received titled "pastors question". I plan to implement many of these ideas immediately here at RBC.

Thanks again for your faithful work and encouraging spirit.

Pastor's Question

2007-09-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

I received the following from a pastor that reads the blog. I only wish we had more pastor’s that would ask this type of question!

“Here's a question?

As a pastor what are some of the things we can do to encourage a missionary who comes to our church on deputation?”

There are many things that can be said, I will try to high-light a few:

Remember the meeting.
Call and let him know that you are excited to have them in your church. Let them know exactly what you want them to do and how long they will have.
Mail a letter with directions to the church and traveling money. This will be very encouraging considering gas prices.
Pump up having a missionary in weeks in advance. Hand out information flyers so that your people know their names and family before they get there. You can also include some information about their field on there to familiarize your people.
Treat the missionary with respect and dignity. Have their names memorized.
Give the missionary ample time. They should be thankful for anything but having ample time is encouraging.
Have special prayer with the missionary and his family at the end of the service.
Have someone take their car and fill it up with gas during the first part of the service.
Give a generous love offering. To get to your church, eat one meal, and travel back home is the least of your missionaries worries. What about his car payment, insurance, medical bills, rent, gas, electric, internet, etc…. Enable him to be able to pay a bill or two.
Support him. Not only with money but with love, prayers, phone calls, emails, etc.

These are just a few things. Take an interest in his family and field and you will have encouraged your missionary greatly.

Thank you to all the pastor’s who sacrifice so that missionaries can get to the field. You are a great blessing!

Ladies Reading List.....A Start

2007-09-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here is another request I got today.

I would like to ask if you could send out a recommended reading list for us missionary wives.

(The following were recommended to me by a missionaries wife. )

Created to be his helpmeet - Debbi Pearl
A Wife's Purpose - Cindy Schaap
Becoming a Woman of Influence - Carol Kent
Life, as Viewed from the Goldfish Bowl - Beverly Hyles
Train up a Child - Mike and Debbi Pearl
Cat and Dog Theology - Gerald Robison
A woman after God's own heart - Elizabeth George
Training kings and Queens - Cindy Schaap

If you have a book that has been a blessing to you, please let me know and I will put it on the list. May I also say, ladies, do not be afraid to read mission related materials. Things that deal with ministering cross culturally, culture shock, language learning, etc... As you read, you grow; as you grow, you will be able to better help your husband minister.

God bless you all greatly

When Promised Support Does Not Come In

2007-09-13T04:58:00.001-07:00

The following question was sent this morning by a fellow missionary.

What do you do when a pastor says the church will support you and after a few months hasn't?

I would recommend that you send the pastor a post card (not letter, they get too many of those and it may get lost) thanking him for the opportunity to be in the church, the wonderful service you had and also for partnering with you to get to the field. As you are about to leave you want him to know that support can be sent to Macedonia World Baptist Mission with your name and account number on it. Make it very positive and be very thankful for them. Go at it with the attitude that it was an over sight and not intentional. One of the worst enemies of a missionary is a bad attitude; keep your good one! With this, you are just lovingly putting a little reminder out there.

This is just one way of handling this. I will warn you that a complaint I get is that missionaries can be rude and pushy with getting meetings and support. Be careful, loving, and Spirit filled.

Some say to call the pastor. I have had a few pastor's say they would want a call. The pastor that would want you to call them and let them know you are not getting support are few and far between. Most of the time it will blow up in your face because the pastor thinks you think he is a liar, does not care about missions and he is embarrassed. If you call him, being careful would be an understatement.

May God bless you as you serve Him.

Do I Let My Children Go To Other Services?

2007-09-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for the response gotten from the blog. Your questions is what helps it remain relevant. Today I Will try to answer one that may be a bit touchy to some.

Do you send the children to Sunday School and Children's church both or do you keep them out for church service? If you are not sure of the church standards and teachings do you send your children to a children's church or Wednesday night masters club or something like that? I feel bad not letting my children go but I am not sure what they are being taught either.

If your children are old enough to go to Sunday School, Children's Church or the mid-week program, I would recommend letting them go. I say this for several reasons. I have met missionary children that do not meet other people well. If they do not meet people well while on deputation, then they will not do well when you start your own church away from everyone you know. Deputation is not only a great time of training for mom and dad, but the children as well. In all of our lives to grow, we go through uncomfortable times. Your child may be used to being around you so the when they have to go to Master Clubs they start crying. Dry the tears, love them and send them on. After church talk with them. The next time won't be quite so difficult. (for them or you!)

As far as not trusting what they teach, if you are going in like faith churches, that should not be a problem. There are always exceptions. So we talk with them after the services, find out what they learned, and if it is wrong we teach them.

In my family, my children loved the mid-week program but were uncomfortable at times going into Sunday School. They loved children's church. I found that the long miles, many meetings, and their dad preaching all the time made them start enjoying a little time apart in the different programs the church offered. It hurt my feeling too but you may find your children enjoying being away from you, with other children and not listening to dad preach "the same message again"!!

I pray this helps some. If you have further questions, please email me at howeth@mwbm.org
God bless and have a great day.

Spirituality and Sick Children

2007-09-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Continuing with questions from our "wives of deputation", here goes!

In regards to the first question (see blog for Monday, Sept 10th), how do you keep spiritually strong when you have been out of church for a whole week. I don't think I have ever in my life been out all week long from church even when I had my children. I was at church even if I felt tired and it always seem to be a blessing there at church.

First, I am excited to hear of your faithfulness to the house of God. May your tribe be increased!
Secondly church is a help to our spiritual life but it is not our spiritual life. Your question is one of the most important ones that missionaries and people in ministry need to really get a hold of. Right now is great preparation for when you get to your field. When you start a church, who is going to show up? will there be Sunday school classes? do you really listen to your husband when he preaches? We must all learn how to daily walk with God so that if church were never available we still have a spiritual walk. Some things recommended.
1. Have a time before the children stir that you can read your Bible. My wife is up at 5 am to get ready and have her personal devotions before the children are gotten up.
2. Do not just pick at random scripture to read. Systematically go through your Bible.
3. Take notes on what you have read and what it means to your life. Basic questions to answer are, What does this scripture mean, How does it apply to my life, What I do not understand.
4. Talk it over with your husband. If he does not know the answer he will find it.
5. Have an accountability partner. This morning, I sent my devotions to a friend and he sent me his. If you do not get their devotions after two days, just call them. Not with condemnation but compassion. Love them and see what is going on.

We must learn to be self feeders. Learning how to personally get something from God's Word is not something for a preacher but for a child of God. Learn how to walk with God.

This was an incredible question. More could be said. I pray this helps for now.

Article on Motivation

2007-09-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

There are some good points to consider in this article. As you go through it, make note of changes and additions you personally need to make. Have a blessed day.

Inspiration - How much does it matter if someone is motivated?Huge - 87% less likely to leave if motivated, less sick days, less health problems, less wasted hours, etc.
2) Whose job is it to keep me (as a leader) motivated? ME! How?a) Be Crystal clear on God's calling on my life - Seek God's voice regularly!b) Leverage my spiritual gifts in the way and at the level that God gave them to me.c) Make sure that team players are motivating and inspiring people or remove them.d) The books I read.e) Make a point to rub shoulders with EXCEPTIONALLY inspiring people occasionally.f) Participate in events that are EXCEPTIONALLY inspiring to me. g) Paying attention to my physical disciplines! (exercise, healthy eating, etc)h) Pay attention to my working environment - decorate my surrounding work space to lift my spirits!i) Having an inspiring recreation outside my work world. (Colin Powell fooled around with old Volvo's, Hybels boats, Pat races) j) Practicing daily spiritual disciplines that keep my faith fresh.
3) What is the best way to motivate those around me?a) Live a motivated life in front of them!! (see above - be a force multiplier!!)b) Connect everyone you lead to a compelling cause! Convince them that they are doing something valuable that is connected to the greater vision!c) Learn the inspiration language of everyone on your team and then speak it! People want to be inspired in different ways - it is inconvenient, but it is important!d) Identify and reduce every demotivating dynamic we possibly can! Frederick Herzberg researched - even highly motivated employees will leave an organization if the demotivating factors are not worked out. Sometimes we expect the calling of God to rise above the demotivators and messes at churches - it won't work! (benefits, office space, environment, lack of funds, etc.) e) Celebrate every sign of progress toward your teams shared goals! Set goals that are achievable on a frequent basis that lead to the "big" goal. 4) What would the church look like if EVERY member were inspired?a) Acts 2:42, the members were devoted (inspired, pumped up, motivated). Everyone was filled with a sense of awe! signs and wonders! People were so motivated and inspired that they began giving to the poor in unprecedented levels, they began to radically accept and receive one another, people all around the city were so astounded by what was happening at the church they were in awe. people were coming to Christ daily! The church lived out the dream of Jesus Christ! There can be and should be churches like this again! It is these kinds of communities that God is asking us to lead - why did God give you a leadership gift? To lead people into this kind of community.
For the glory of Christ and no other reason,

The Female Perspective

2007-09-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

I know that many times the things written in this blog are directed to the man. Over the next few days I would like to address some of the difficulties for the wife on deputation. The following question came from Christy Short, missionary wife to Wisconsin.

1. I have heard that most churches like to meet the whole family. Does it hurt if not all of the family can come because of sickness? Does it affect the support? I hate staying at home when I really need to be with my husband but I also have sick children. I have actually had my parents watch the kids just to be with Aaron but I hate imposing on them too. It seems that we have been sick a lot these past few weeks. We are finally all better except for colds.

The whole family not being in church hurts you unless it is for the right reason. Being lazy, tired, and unspiritual are not the right reasons; being sick is. If your husband lets the pastor know that you are home because of a sick child, it will not hurt your chances of support. Now make sure that the ones that stay home are sick. Healthy children staying home because one of their siblings is sick would not be recommended. Your husband can take the other children to church. It will actually help him for the church to see him as a preacher, missionary and father. Husband's may not like the idea, but it will do them good!

As far as your parents go, praise God for them. If they can help at times, wonderful. The likelihood of you being around where they can watch them because of sickness will become less and less as you travel away from home. So burnout is unlikely.

Something Stacey was militant about was taking hand sanitizer into the churches and after "hand-shaking" she would very privately pass it down the row and we would all use it. That would not be a bad idea for you guys, especially how many churches you will be in, people you will meet and hands you will shake!

Thanks for the question. If you would like further discussion, please just let me know.

John Wesley's Holy Club

2007-09-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here are 22 Questions asked each day by members of John Wesley’s Holy Club in their private devotions. One of the greatest things needed on deputation is God's power on your life as you go behind the pulpit. I found these questions challenging and pray that God would use them in your heart as well.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that
I am a better person than I really am? In other words, am I a
hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habit?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give God time to speak to me everyday?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist in doing something in which my conscience is
uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God I am not as other people, especially as the
Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, criticize, or resent? If so,
what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble and complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me today?

After reading through these I will meet you in the prayer closet.
May God use you greatly this weekend.

New Births

2007-09-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

Let me ask you to pray for the following families as they have had little blessing sent their way!

Robert and Sara Stover - missionaries to Peru - little boy - Josiah Andrew Stover
6lbs 8ozs

Jason and Heather Lowe - missionaries to Bahamas - little boy - Ethan wayne Lowe
7lbs 0ozs - 19.5 inches long

Congratulations to these dear families. May God raise up these young men to bring Him much honor and glory!

Winston Churchill

2007-09-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

I was speaking with a a friend of mine, John Pearson, and in the course of the conversation he gave me this quote.

"Some days your best is not enough; you have to do what it takes"
-Winston Churchill

That has to be one of the most powerful statements I have heard in a long time.

Deputation is a time of establishing relationships. 2John 1:12 "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full."

You have many forms of written communication that is very effective but nothing ever beats a face to face conversation. So when you set up meetings today, just remember this verse. When you are tired and do not want to go out with the pastor, remember this verse. Come to think of it, if you remember this verse, then the pastor and church may remember you!

Establish relationships. Go beyond your ability, and by God's grace, do what it takes. The end result was that their joy would be full.

Have a great day.

From Aaron Short

2007-09-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

I praise God for the response to this blog. It seems to pick up speed daily. Your insight and ideas are desired and appreciated. The following is from Aaron Short missionary to Wisconsin. His nickname is "cheesehead" but do not let that fool you. He is getting the job done, working hard and is very teachable. Just wanted to pass this along.
May God greatly bless you today.

Deputation tips from 9-4, Psalm 20:7-9 You were talking about trusting God and not doing nothing, is really not trusting God. This brought to mind a verse in Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maitain mine own ways before him. Thank you for the tips Brother Tony. May God bless you and your family.

Reaching Wisconsin for Christ,

Bro. Cheesehead

From Chris McBryar

2007-09-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

The following is a quote Chris McBryar sent me. Very challenging thoughts for us in the ministry. Thank you Bro. Chris for sending this.

"We need a generation of preachers who seek God and seek him early, who give the freshness and dew of effort to God, and secure in return the freshness and fullness of his power that he may be as the dew to them, full of gladness and strength, through all the heat and labor of the day. Our laziness after God is our crying sin. The children of this world are far wiser than we. They are at it early and late. We do not seek God with ardor and diligence. No man gets God who does not follow hard after him, and no soul follows hard after God who is not after him in early morn." - E. M. Bounds

Lover of Good Men

2007-09-05T05:24:00.000-07:00

In the qualifications of a Bishop, Titus 1:8 says, "But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;"

A lover of good men. In the midst of being holy, sober, not losing my temper, I am to be a lover of good men. Think of the people and pastors that we come in contact with daily. Would they say that we care about them? That we love them? That they really matter to us? I pray that in the midst of raising support and getting to the field that you do not lose sight of people. Take some time out today and just encourage someone. Put others before yourself. Pray for them. Try to understand them. Show them the love that Christ has shown you. I just wonder what might happen if missionaries, when entering so many churches, became known as lovers of good men.

While the phone is ringing and you are waiting to talk with the pastor, may the truth flow through your soul that we are to be lovers of good men. (and don't tell me you were justified in not loving them because they were not good according to your definition!)

Have a great day gentlemen.

Our Trust

2007-09-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call." Psalm 20:7-9

How my heart was refreshed and refocused with these verses this morning. Many on deputation put their trust in the wrong things. All the "chariots and horses" you may have at your disposal will never amount to what God in heaven can do. Learn, yet have no confidence in your learning. Practice your delivery, but do not trust your smoothness. Do all that you can yet remember it is God that is in control and our trust is to be in Him in all things. I started laughing when I read verse nine, "Save, Lord: let the king (pastor) hear us when we call." Trust God even when it comes to calling pastors to set up meetings!
Lessons -
1. Trusting in God does not mean I do nothing.
2. Doing nothing does not mean I am trusting in God.
3. As I am doing what I can I must ask myself, "Do I have greater confidence in my abilities or God?"
4. Where does my trust really lie today?
5. What changes do I need to make.

God bless each of you. May God use you greatly and open many doors for you.

Prayer Request

2007-09-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

I know many of you are heading or will be heading toward churches for tomorrow. I pray that God will give you great power as you stand before God's people. Please be conscious of the things written on presenting your burden lately. Take seriously the task that is before you.

On a personal note, please pray for my wife's grandfather. He is 95, fell and fractured his hip earlier this week, had surgery and last night had a heart attack. Please pray for the family. It would be our loss yet almost a relief for him to go on to heaven. He is saved, amen!!

Again, may God bless each of you this weekend.

Four Levels of Response

2007-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the principles used in business that are applicable to missionaries on deputation. Notice the four levels of response when a company markets their product that occurs:

1. Awareness - People becoming aware of a product. Knowing that the product now exists. You do like calling pastors but how do they know you even exist. I fear sometimes we have an over rated ego of thinking we are more than we really are. Hand out prayer cards, make phone calls and help people to become aware of who you are.

2. Affinity - People begin to develop positive feelings toward you. Learn how to meet people and be at ease with them. Learn how to listen. Show concern and be real. It is ok for people to like you.

3. Understanding - Affinity leads to greater investigation. At this point, good marketing helps consumers understand how and why the service provider benefits them or is right for them. Do pastors and churches desire to know more about you and your ministry? Do they see how partnering with you will be a "benefit" to them?

4. Value Threshold - This person is offering somthing of value to me, and I want it. On the church level they say, "This missionary will help our church reach the world we want to be apart of His ministry."

Remember these are business principles but are you and I not in the greatest of all "businesses"? As you go into churches this weekend, are you prayed up, prepared up, and focused where they would say, "we need this family and want to invest in their ministry."

I love you all and am praying for you.

Is God Well Pleased With Us?

2007-08-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me from Russell Pruitt - missionary to Montana. I thank God for the way this brother is growing during his time on deputation. I would also love to see/hear how God is speaking to you through His Word.
Thanks Bro. Russell.

I Cor. 10:5-6

The Old Testament is for our example, and that we should believe God’s word and live by God’s word, not because of others lives example, but because of what God’s word says.

I find myself not listening to what God has to say but what man has said. As I have been on deputation I find myself caught up with covetousness. What man says, “Get what you can and what ever way you can?”

God took me back to the Ten Commandment. Ex. 20: 3 & 17

I) “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” v. 3
Do we have anything in our life, which has priority over GOD? How about this; are so busy in our deputation that we forget to spend time with God alone. Or our mind is so keened on trying to get to the field and to save souls we forget that we are to give God all the glory and to magnify His only Son our Saviour.
Does our day begin with GOD, continue with GOD and end with GOD? Do we desire to remove from our lives, those things which compete for supremacy with a HOLY GOD? If we don’t do these things then we do have other gods before us!

II) “Thou shalt not covet…” v. 17
I said I don’t covet my neighbour’s house, his wife, his man/maidservants, or his animals; so I am ok from this sin. But am I? What about “any thing that is thy neighbour’s!”
God brought to my attention about something in this verse. Yes I don’t do these things but I have done something and that is Coveting my neighbour’s money. Not doing it willingly but I have found myself thinking well they ought to take us on for support because they know me, because God moved in the service, or just because I feel like they should; or I would ask myself I don’t know why they didn’t take us on; how about they didn’t give us any Love Offering. What does this sound like? Don’t judge! We all have done same thing! God calls this Covetous (SIN 1 Tim. 3:3). Do we look for opportunities or desire to gain from others mis-fortunes?
Go expecting to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Four things I now do as I go along on deputation:
I) That GOD be glorified.
II) That sinners might be saved
III) That saints might draw night to God
IV) That I leave having done the Will of God

Personal Brand

2007-08-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

When you think of Coke, Nike, McDonalds, Bill Clinton, Dr. Lee Roberson, Michael Vick, what comes to mind? It has been defined that your personal brand is the powerful, clear, positive idea that comes to mind when other people think of you.

A frightening thought is that the people you want to reach may never receive the Gospel at your hand. When you go into a church, very few have any type of knowledge or burden about your field. Many times they can not even find it on the map. Thay are not buying into a country or state they are buying into you. If they do not like you then you do not raise your suppport and a people group is left void of the Gospel. (I told you it was frightening!!)

Think about the following:
1. Who are you?
2. What do you do?
3. What makes you different or worthy of investment?

May God help you to go into a church and show them that you are different. You are not like "all the other" missionaries. Let them see your courage, passion and commitment. You train harder, study more, pray and walk with God. You are the special forces of ministry and by the time you leave they know it. Be real. Be authentic. Do not "work up" emotion. Let it flow from the inner man. Handling yourself well before people does not mean we sacrifice being ourselves and being authentic.

So what do people think when your name is mentioned?
Is that what you want them to think?
What do you need to change?

I love you guys and am praying for you.

Preparing Your Support Materials

2007-08-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

For those missionaries with slides/videos, I thought the following pointers quite interesting. Make sure your video presentation leaves a positive impact when finished.

The key to preparing your actual presentation is to remember that less is more. If you want to share your information with people who couldn’t be there, try writing an article. Even detailed presentations have something missing. A few common, and good to know, guidelines to a good presentation:

Keep text to a minimum. No more than 5 bullet points per slide and if you can keep them to one core idea—that’s better. People will tend to read this stuff and not pay attention to what you’re saying.
Check the contrast and font size. Make sure that if you have text on the screen that people can read it.
Use pictures to get your idea across. They’re easier to remember, less distracting and make more impact. Have stories ready and use imagery to set the backdrop.
Avoid complicated charts and graphs, they’re hard for your audience to follow. Keep visual ideas very simple.
Check the resolution of your presentation. Maybe go with 800×600 to be safe. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen slides that don’t fit on the screen. You never know for sure how it’s going to work out when you get things set up if you don’t have full control over the environment.
Have simple to follow notes to go along with your slides and major talking points. They should serve as a reminder, not something for you to read from.
Prepare more than you can speak to, but also be prepared to get cut short. Time flies up there.

How To Give A Great Presentation

2007-08-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

In the following article, what principles could you apply when presenting your ministry. The information that is sent you way, is not for reading purposes only. May God help us all to relay His truth the best way possible.

Public speaking can be very stressful. I know that whenever I get up in front of a crowd I go through a panic moment. It takes a lot of discipline, practice and preparation to put on a good presentation and even knowing what you need to know can be hard.
A year or so ago I wrote on the subject of first time speaking. Since that time I’ve been able to use many of those tips as well as some new tricks to help get myself ready for speaking engagements. I also had a chance to spend time with a speaking coach which helped more than I’d have ever guessed.
Now when I’m speaking, while not 100% comfortable, I do feel much better and I’m able to not only make it more fun for me, I think I pass along that good feeling a bit more to my audience. I’ve got several good tips, tricks and resources that will hopefully help some of you. These things should help whether you’re speaking at a large conference, giving a small internal presentation to you coworkers or classmates or giving a sales pitch. They’re pretty universal.
Mental and Physical Preparation Before Your Presentation
I’ve found that the more prepared I am, the more confident I feel. This makes for a better presentation. As you get comfortable speaking you’ll naturally feel more confident and the need to prepare (and time it takes) will not be so important. For newer and first time speakers I think you should spend as much time as you can getting ready. Well, don’t make yourself crazy, just make sure you know and feel comfortable with your material and practice a few times.
If you’ve never spoken before a meeting with a speech coach can really help. They talk with you, get an idea of your style and will offer you some specific advice on how to address the crowd, what your particular problems might be and more. For example when I went I was told:
Speak slower.
Talk to individuals in the crowd.
Think before you speak. Take pauses.
These things were (and still are) very, very helpful for me to remember when I’m speaking. Going over them before I get up there reminds me and helps me be more calm and confident.
A few other ways to prepare yourself:
Drink lots of water.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat.
Breathe.
Visualize a positive outcome.
Hang out with the other speakers (if there are any) and ask them questions and for advice. This always helps me as they will usually build you up.

Seven Steps To A Better Presentation

2007-08-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

This article deals with secular presentations but has some points to take note of. We should be better in our presentation than any other.
I love you guys and pray God uses you greatly for His glory.

I've noticed a lot of talk about Powerpoint lately. About how it's so terrible and how it enables awful presentations. But the problem isn't Powerpoint, of course. The problem is bad content delivered poorly.
I speak for a living, and hear lots and lots of presentations at the conferences I attend. Here are some notes I wrote up for someone who is about to give his first ever public presentation.

1. Tell stories. Seriously. People could care less about the five ways some XML vocabulary will enable enterprise whatever. Rather, put a screenshot of your project up, tell people what you learned while doing it, then give them a slide that reiterates those ideas in easy to digest bullets. That'sdo not go from bullet-point slide to bullet-point slide trying to tell people what to think.
2. Show pictures. Got a good metaphor? Use it. "The Web is like a school of fish." But go to images.google.com and type in "sardines" or "school of fish" or whatever. Make it a slide. Then say the Web is like that. Much more powerful and memorable.
3. Don't apologize. Ever. If something is out of order, or if something occurs to you as a mistake during the presentation, keep it to yourself. They'll never know. Besides, nobody cares about the presentation itself. This is really hard, because you know the whole backstory, and you'll be tempted to explain why something isn't quite perfect. Skip it. Also, you don't need to apologize about the color on the projector, or the fact that your mic just popped off your lapel, or that a staff person spilled a pitcher of water. Commiserating is fine, however. "If it gets another 5 degrees colder in here, I'll be able to see my breath!"
4. Start strong. I can't believe how many presenters forget this. Do not get up there and say, "Um, well, I guess we should probably get started." Instead, say, "Hi, I'm Jeff. It's really great to be here, and thank you so much for coming to my session. Today, we're going to talk about...." Make sure those are the absolute first words you say out loud. No need for a joke or an opening or any of that. Just start strong and confident.
5. End strong too. "...so that's why I like social software. I appreciate your attention today. Thank you." Then stand there and wait. Everyone will clap, because you just told them you were done. When they've finished, ask them if they have any questions. If nobody asks anything, break the uncomfortable silence with "Well, I guess I told you everything you need to know then. [heh heh] I'll be around after if you think of anything. Thanks again!" and start packing up your stuff.
6. Stand. Away from the podium. Out from behind the presenter table. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Take off your conference badge (the lights will catch it and be distracting). I pace a little bit around the stage, timed with my points, saying one thing from over here, and another from over there. But don't move too much.
7. Pause. When you say something important, leave a gap after it. Let it hang there for a few seconds. Try it when talking to your friends. "You know what I think? (pause...two...three...four...) I think Bush is bankrupting this country for the next twenty years. (pause...two...three...four...) Here's why..."

News From Peru

2007-08-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

The following is from the blog of Chris Gardner, missionary to Peru with Macedonia World Baptist Mission. Please also pray for Mike Staley,Greg Anderson, David Bolos and Joe Kotvas. These men are also missionaries with Macedonia in Peru, SA Please pray for their families.

August 16, 2007
Earthquake in Peru on the anniversary of Arequipa
Well, the 15th of August is always a day of great festivities. It is the anniversary of Arequipa. Yesterday evening, Peru had the strongest earthquake that it has had in over 40 years. My wife was at the church in the choir when everything started shaking. We have quite a few tremors in Peru so we don’t get too jumpy with everything moving but it just kept on moving and wouldn’t stop. My wife said that some of the church members were looking at there watches and claimed that the earthquake went for 38 seconds. A few miles from Ica was the epicenter of the 7.9 earthquake. The electricity and phone services in the country were all shut down for a while to later be restored. I ask you to pray for the people in Peru right now. Some news agencies say that between 115 and 330 people have died. I am sure that the number will rise for the next couple of days.

Run,boy,run!

2007-08-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

As I prepare to teach class today at the Our Generation Training Center in Alpharette, GA, I came across the following.

At the close of the old film "Camelot", we find Arthur weak and unable to resolve the conflict in himself about Guinevere and Lancelot thus ending the "impossible dream" of the Camelot utopia. As the story closes, the entire plot is captured in the last scene as Arthur and his remaining loyalist are waiting, in fog and mist, the questionable outcome torturing everybody's heart. A young boy who calls himself, "Tom of Warrick" appears in the scene, a "volunteer" for the Camelot dream. Arthur explains the dream to the boy, and then gives him an assignment. Arthur refuses the boy his request to fight as a knight of the Round Table, and tells him instead to go and tell the Camelot dream to others, and thus keep the dream alive. He tells the boy to run, to run and tell the dream. The film dies from your sight with the throaty voice of good King Arthur shouting at the departing boy, "Run, boy, run! Run, boy, run! Run, boy, RUN!

May you and I RUN with the Gospel to a lost and dying world. May we also be in the business of training others (discipleship) that they may do the same. I encourage you dear men, learn to train someone here so that when you get to the field, you can train them there.

3 Ways To Keep Your Attitude Positive!

2007-08-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

I thought it a little ironic after writing the blog yesterday and coming across this today. Chew on it and see what you think.

3 Ways To Keep Your Attitude Positive!
Sam Glenn

It happens! Life can knock the kick right out of us. Our kick is our best attitude working for us. But sometimes adversity comes along in the form of a negative person, a change, a challenge or something unexpected, and it can shake our very foundation.
Keeping a positive kick is not hard, but it requires simple reminders. When we have a lot going on around us and within us, we tend to forget the most important things. These simple reminders will keep our kick alive:
1. Keep Your Sense of Humor. Stuff happens, but you always have two ways of looking at every story. You can respond with negativity, or with a sense of humor. Practice looking for the humor. Once you find it, your mood will change quickly, affecting your attitude in a lasting way. Before I grasped this, I was the guy who got home and complained about the traffic. Now, I see traffic as an opportunity to listen to music, decompress, think, pray, or notice the little things: just the other day I saw somebody picking his nose! As you can see, the traffic is the same as it was, but the state of my attitude can turn it into two different experiences.
2. Keep Your Right Mind. It’s easy to lose your right mind when you get stressed out and frustrated. You want to snap at people, your blood boils and you can become toxic. The key is finding what keeps you in perspective. When you lose perspective, you lose yourself. Years ago, I lost my perspective; I sold my car to pay for gas. The key to keeping your right mind is to step away from any situation that is making you hot.. Take some deep breaths. Take a shower. Go for a walk. Rest. Separating yourself from something that frustrates you is healthy because it allows you to think over your response, so you don’t overreact. When you overreact, nothing good can come from it. Overreactions equal regrets. Be like the daddy who walked out and saw his 4-year-old girl using his toothbrush on the dog. Instead of exploding at her, he simply said, "Honey, the next time you use Daddy’s toothbrush on the dog, you need to tell Daddy." The little girl responded, "Okay Daddy, but what about all those times in the past?"
3. Feed Your Attitude. Whatever you feed your attitude is what it becomes. Your attitude is something that is always at work – working for you or against you – and you determine which. It’s the first thing people experience when they meet you. It determines where you are, where you are going, and what you get in life. What you feed your mind will be processed and output through your work, relationships and life. If you don’t like your behavior (your output), then you need to begin to change your input. Begin to read good material. Listen to positive words and music. Surround yourself with people of character. This means you have to get rid of some of the "trash" – the negative stuff you are feeding your life. A lot of times we want to change others or situations, but the key is in knowing that we can’t… But that we can change ourselves and our attitude by how we deal with others and situations.
A wise person said, "What we ignore becomes weak and dies. What we give attention to gains strength and life." Give your attitude a little attention and it will keep the "Kick" solid in your personal and professional life.

Positive Attitude

2007-08-14T07:03:00.001-07:00

It is good to be back with you. I have been away from the internet and even the one at Krystal’s was down!

A few questions to get us started:

How did you wake up this morning?

What was you first reaction to the day?

Are you harboring disappointment from a meeting that did not go exactly the way you thought it should have gone?

Did you come up on the short end of the stick when travel expenses and love offerings were compared?

Did another missionary report how great things are going for them and it is not going that way for you?

Phil 4:8 gives us a list of things to ponder and think on. Keeping your eyes on God and remaining positive will be a great treasure to the man and family on deputation.

A positive attitude will:

1. A positive attitude will help you to enjoy this time rather than endure it. Think about the privilege we have to preach, challenge people with missions, inform them about your field and love pastors.

2. A positive attitude will help you get support. A pastor and church have enough problems without a missionary coming in down and discouraged. A smile, faith and joy attract others who will want to be apart of your ministry.

3. A positive attitude brings joy to our heavenly Father. Our goal is not raising support but bringing glory to God. When God is glorified, the support will come in.

Forgive me for smiling right now, but God has allowed me to be in the ministry! I get to represent Him, help churches and work with some of the finest men I know. I love you guys and am praying for you. Today I will call out each of your names and family to the Lord. Why don’t you list ten things that others would say are bad and thank God for them. God is still in control!

Can You See It?

2007-08-11T18:34:00.001-07:00

As we enter into chapter two of Nehemiah, I stand amazed once again how the king saw the sorrow of his servant and wanted to know how he could help.

When the reality of what is happening on our field and around the world settles in, it will have an affect upon us. Nehemiah’s burden did not let up or loosen it’s grip. Rather it grew and so engulfed his life that he could not hide it from the king though he tried. Are you so consumed with your field that people are impacted by your burden? True sorrow is hard to hide. Oh, I have been in the meetings with the “worked up” missionary and I have met “Bro. Faker”. Oh that we would understand that people see right through this garbage. If you allow the true sorrow and burden of your heart to come through, people will want to know, “How can I help?” Can people see your sincere burden or do you find yourself having to “work it up”?

Lakeland, Georgia

2007-08-06T08:07:00.001-07:00

I am down in Lakeland, GA preaching for Lakeland Baptist Church and Chad Bailey. Today we are having a youth meeting and tomorrow I will preach for both the morning and evening service. Please pray that God would stir the heart of someone today concerning missions.

May God richly bless each of your services this weekend. Remember the love the man of God and tenderly minister to his sheep. What an overwhelming privilege we have. May each of us make the most of it!

From Russell Pruitt

2007-08-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

I received this today from Russell Pruitt, missionary to Montana. It convicted and challenged my heart and I pray it will do the same for you. Thank you Bro. Russell for allowing me to use this!

Hi Bro. Tony
I was doing my devotions this morning when you came to my mine.
Pro. Chpt. 18

I) Help me not to have a Fool's lip: v. 6-8 (stupid or silly) Jam. 1:19

II) Help me not to be a Failure: v. 9-10 (slothful) slackared, lazy
our strength is in the LORD!

III) Help me to have Freedom from pride: v. 11-16 (humility) Jam. 4:6 & 10; I Pet. 5:6
That Christ will get the Glory!!

IV) Help me to put others First: v. 17-21 Watch my tongue, it's hard to win them back. Jam. 3:5-12

V) Help me to always have Favor with The Lord: v. 22-23 Favor: delight
a. stay in peace w/our wife. v.22
b. stay in earnest prayer. v.23

VI) Help me to be Friendly: v. 24 That I may have friends and that I may win them to the LORD!!
Luke 11:5-10

God was working on my heart about all these things in our deputation. I had to ask myself, have I done these things? Yes on some and on the others, I needed to repent. Bro. I hated to say, but I feel like I am guilty of them all. Please pray that I will stay on track, and focus on the LORD.

Love in Christ,

Russell Pruitt

Realization

2007-08-02T05:25:00.001-07:00

“Your what!?!?”, I asked my wife. Of course she told me that she was pregnant. We had a son that was a little over two a six month old, and now, another one on the way. As the truth, reality and responsibility settled in on me, I started laughing. My wife of course did not see the humor in it at all and quickly asked, “what is so funny?”. I told her the truth, “I can either laugh or cry….I am choosing to laugh.”

Can you imagine how the news of Jerusalem and the Jews hit Nehemiah? As the reality of the situation began to sink in, it broke him. When he heard the news, he sat down, wept, mourned, fasted and prayed. Has it sunk in that people are dying and going to hell all around the world…that includes your field of service. Is it a reality in your life concerning the conditions of your field? Is all the information abstract or has it got a face, name and family? You know so much about your field. You know about their religion, economy and living conditions. You can quote their population, pledge and produce. Yet all of it is like looking at something through a telescope or the events of a dream. It just doesn’t seem real. Let the information, condition and need of your land sink in. I mean REALLY sink in. When it is real with you, it will be real to others. Let the truth sink in. Let it eat your lunch and follow you around. Pray, fast, mourn, and weep. When it all starts sinking in and becomes real, you will begin to be able to share your burden effectively.

An Informed Burden

2007-08-01T05:02:00.001-07:00

Nehemiah asked a simple question in chapter one verse two, “How is everything going back home?”. The answer to that question changed the course of his life. Upon finding out their affliction, reproach, and condition of the city, Nehemiah sat down, wept and mourned. Notice what helped to arouse and strengthen his burden:

1. Information – (1:2) He wanted to know the condition of both the place and people.

a. How many people are in your country?

b. What is their major religion?

c. Do people faithfully practice that religion?

d. Do they have idols, temples, incense?

e. What are their church services like?

f. How about their funeral services?

g. How are they walking in spiritual darkness?

h. Literally ask twenty questions!

In verse three, they tell of the physical (great affliction), spiritual (reproach) and material (gates burned, walls broken) condition of the land. This may be a starting point for you to think on concerning your field.

Lamentations 3:51 tells us that our heart is affected by our eye (what we see). Let your heart be stirred by “seeing” the information you read about your country. Put before people information (not stale facts) that will stir their heart. When Nehemiah was informed he was burdened. Be an informed missionary that informs others, and they too, will begin to feel the burden.

Your Burden

2007-07-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

As the young man sat across from me crying, I felt like crawling under my desk and dying. This all transpired when he asked the question, "What did you think?". My wife cringes when she hears others ask me this. It has never been my intention to purposefully hurt anyone; yet it seems more likely than not, when asked, "What do I think?", somebody gets hurt.
The reason this young man was crying was I told him what I thought. I was pastoring at the time and explained to him that if he did not have a burden for the people (England) then do not get mad at my people if they did not. He was a nice guy but just did not know how to share his burden for the field.
If you were to ask the pastor of the church you were at most recently, "What do you think?", would you like the answer? Do people know, feel and care about your burden (field) when you finish speaking with them?
Do some self evaluation and I will see you tomorrow to discuss this a little further.

Bitterness

2007-07-27T14:32:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered why one missionary received support and you did not? Has it ever made you angry? Why was your love offering smaller? You have five children, traveled twice as far as anyone else, stayed for the whole conference and received the same amount of money. Have these feelings ever gotten the best of you? I am afraid that too many people in the ministry have grown rather bitter over their circumstances. What someone said or did not say; what someone did or did not do, etc…

May you and I remember that God is preparing us. He allows things to happen because He knows the experience will help us be able to minister better in the future. So the first thing that I must do to overcome bitterness is repent. I must turn from the sin of doubting God, His character and plan. God has not allowed things to get out of hand and He has not turned His back on me. I must turn from these thoughts and realize that God is at work in every situation in my life. Pray and ask God to forgive your doubt, fear and anger and rejoice that He loves you, watches over you and is in control of what happens in your life. Bless the Lord today for His goodness and love in your life!

Powerful Challenge From Spurgeon

2007-07-26T06:11:00.001-07:00

I came across this while studying. May it challenge you as it did me.

I understand this, first, in this sense: be separate unto Christ. These men were to leave their pursuits; they were to leave their companions; they were, in fact, to quit the world, that their one business might be, in their Master's name, to be fishers of men. We are not all called to leave our daily business, or to quit our families. That might be rather running away from the fishery than working at it in God's name. But we are called most distinctly to come out from among the ungodly, and to be separate, and not to touch the unclean thing. We cannot be fishers of men if we remain among men in the same element with them. Fish will not be fishers. The sinner will not convert the sinner. The ungodly man will not convert the ungodly man; and, what is more to the point, the worldly Christian will not convert the world. If you are of the world, no doubt the world will love its own; but you cannot save the world. If you are dark, and belong to the kingdom of darkness, you cannot remove the darkness. If you march with the armies of the wicked one, you cannot defeat them. I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church. Nowadays we hear Nonconformists pleading that they may do this and they may do that—things which their Puritan forefathers would rather have died at the stake than have tolerated. They plead that they may live like worldlings, and my sad answer to them, when they crave for this liberty, is, "Do it if you dare. It may not do you much hurt, for you are so bad already. Your cravings show how rotten your hearts are. If you have a hungering after such dog's meat, go, dogs, and eat the garbage. Worldly amusements are fit food for mere pretenders and hypocrites. If you were God's children you would loathe the very thought of the world's evil joys, and your question would not be, 'How far may we be like the world?' but your one cry would be, 'How far can we get away from the world? How much can we come out from it?'"

Productivity

2007-07-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

One of the great challenges to deputation is feeling as though you have no control over your life or time. Below are some suggestions on being productive.

1. Use times of focused effort on select projects excluding all non-emergency intrusions. If you are going to make phone calls for five hours, then make phone calls. Do not try to fix something around the house after thirty minutes, take a "break" that turns into a vacation, and do not talk on the phone unless it is a pastor. Stay focused on the task at hand and you will be surprised at what you can get accomplished. (This goes for preparing sermons, devotions, familiy time, etc...)

2. Take time to plan and prioritize your day, week, month, etc. Before you go to bed, list the things that need to be done the next day. List them in the order of priority. There are times the thing that needs to be done is what you do not want to do. Do this first and get it out of the way. Plan your day and then stick to your plan. Do you have any direction for today? Do you have a list of what needs to be done? At the end of the day will you say, "I sure did not accomplish much."? As the old saying goes, "Plan your work and work your plan".

3. Stay disciplined. People who accomplish much on deputation have the same amount of hours as you and me. The only difference is that some stay disciplined and some do not. In what ways today does your life exhibit discipline? Are there areas you need to "tighten" up on? We only have one life, may we be disciplined and count.

Andy Simpson

2007-07-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading each month how God is at work in your lives. Below is a portion of Andy Simpson's monthly report. It challenged and encouraged my heart, and I pray it will do the same for you. If you have not emailed yours to me, please do so at howeth@mwbm.org
Thank you Bro. Andy for your testimony. We are praying for you.

Ways God moved through your ministry this month: Though sickness and surgery cancelled our departure on June 10th, the time has allowed us to contact many of the churches we will be working on in the West. The past month has given me ample time to draw closer to the Lord in prayer. At first I was extremely frustrated, but now see this time as a way of God fully preparing our family for the field.

Requests for special prayer: At first the doctors told us that the wound on my back would take at least 6 months to heal. Now they have reduced the time to only three more months. Please pray that I will heal quickly and that our family will be in Montana by November. - Pray for fast recovery - Pray that our home sales - Pray that churches will remain faithful in their support while we recover - Pray that we will be patient - Pray for the financial burden placed on us from the hospital stay and home health care

Area in your ministry that you would like help in: We now have over 30 lesson books translated into Spanish. These are available on CD at no charge to missionaries to Spanish speaking countries. Have any missionary interested to email us.

Advice you would like to share with others on Deputation: I am trying to learn to "glory in my infirmities." When becoming sick, my first thought was "Why?" Patience is a great virtue. Developing it is a great task!

Blog

2007-07-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted to tell you about a blog that I have been doing that I want the guys on deputation to sign up for.

It is deputationtips.com

For those on the field or finished with deputation I would love your input.

Thanks for the help and sorry to bother you.

Bro. Tony

Lesson learned on Deputation

2007-07-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

In an article I read, a man noted some things he learned while on deputation.

1. Increased confidence in God and self.
2. Flexibility. You must be ready at all times for all things. You must be ready to teach the children or silver saints. As one man put it, "Be ready to preach, pray,or die at a moments notice."
3. Patience. I think you get this one!
4. Learn to meet new people. If you can not do it here, you won't do it there.
5. Learn to be an alien. You go into churches where you do not know anyone and are the "outcast". Welcome to the mission field.

All of these things will be exactly what you will face on the missionary field. You will have a growing dependence upon God for you can not do it. You will have to be all things as the church is being started. You will learn how to stand in line just to pay a bill. You will meet new people and many times feel like an alien. (You are!)
The lessons you are learning today on deputation are making you into the person God will use on the field.

D.L Moody and money

2007-07-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Many of us are humbled by the life of George Mueller and his prayer alone for money to come in. You could engage in prayer alone, you could pray and and give some information to the need or you could pray, give information about the need and ask for their financial help. Moody would type hundreds of appeal letter to be sent out, spread them out for the ink to dry (they did not have copiers), and send them out. Moody felt that faith was doing something as well as believing something. He said, "I show my faith when I go to men and state to them the needs of the Lord's work and ask them to give to it."
Moody, even in his time, raised millions of dollars for the different schools and ministries he was associated with. Prayer, information and appeal were all part of his ministry.

A Good Pespective

2007-07-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

The following is a quote I came across in my reading.

If the Lord has called you into full-time Christian ministry, it is His plan that you be supported by other Christians except in unusual cases. It is His plan, not just your or the missions.
Support raising is a ministry. It is not begging people for money. Rather it is an opportunity for you to share your vision. People must be challenged to have a part in the Great Commission through you.
Support raising provide opportunity for blessing to those who give to you. And God gives them credit for your fruit. (Phil 4:17-19)

Partnering in your ministry is so much more than money. It is spiritual fruit to their account. Be sure that you are a worthy investment.

Disciples

2007-07-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

As we think about Luke 8:1-3 again, I noticed that Jesus had His disciples with Him. Everywhere you find Jesus, you will find these men. Men He was training, loving and equipping for the ministry ahead. When you get to the field, you will also need disciples. May I encourage you to begin praying now before you get to the field that God would be raising up your disciples.
Pray for:
1. Men to be converted even now.
2. Men who would be open to your Gospel message.
3. Men who would have a teachable spirit.
4. Men who would be knit together with you like Saul had.
5. Men who, one day, would be listed as mighty men like David had.
6. Yourself. Pray you would be the kind of man they could follow.

Prepare yourself during this time to disciple and raise up men to do great and mighty things for our God. Your disciples will be an extension of yourself. Pray today that God would already have the hearts of men prepared before you even get to the field. We are leaders training leaders.

Missionary Jesus

2007-07-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

It is an undeniable fact that Jesus Christ is the greatest missionary ever. He came to a "foreign" land, "learned" a language, and even had people that supported Him. In Luke 8:1-3 we find Jesus going from town to town preaching the Kingdom of God and training His disciples. He cured people of disease and cast out evil spirits. The amazing thing is that He also had people that supported His ministry. In verse 3 we are told that these women whom He had helped supported Him of their substance. If Jesus used and "needed" the financial aid of people, so do we. An amazing thing about deputation is your opportunity to minister to others. When you meet people or go into churches, minister to them. I am a firm believer that as you help others, when they are able, they will help you. Ask God to help you today to minister to the needs of people. Think about the churches you have been in this month. How have you helped them? How have you been an encouragement to them? Many missionaries do not get the help and assistance of others because they were not a help to them. That may be a little strong, but true. You have a wonderful opportunity before you, take full advantage of it.

Why People Give

2007-07-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

While raising your support, you will hear many myths as to why people give. Let me offer to you some reasons people give.
1. God moves them. Remember God is in control. We must remain obedient.
2. Your ministry stands for a value personally important to the giver. Do they believe in what you are doing?
3. Your work makes a difference in the lives of people. In your presentation, show them where you will be making a difference.
4. You connect with the people. People give to people. You may represent a field, but they will be giving mainly to you.
5. They are included and have a sense of ownership. Keep churches and individuals informed to what is going on and how their help made it possible.

With your own money, your desire is to invest it in something that will yield a return. With the money that people and churches support you with yield any return? Sometimes we wonder why people do not support us. Could it be that they felt it would be a risky investment? May you present yourself and ministry with the power of God that people would look at you and say that you are the real thing. Be sure your ministry yields fruit to their account.

Your Attitude While Raising Support

2007-07-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

Question: What attitudes in your life might be hindering your ability to raise support?

Have you ever noticed a missionary that seemingly had everything in order? The display board, prayer card, sharp dresser; yet there was something that you could not quite put your finger on. I have not met a missionary who did not get supported because of a bad prayer card or a simple display (though both ARE important) yet I have met many that did not get supported because of a negative attitude. What could be the attitude in your life that is hindering support?
1. Pride – You are better than these “little” churches you visit.
2. Sloth – Always putting off for tomorrow what should be done today.
3. Arrogance – After all YOU are the missionary.
4. Greed – Every where you go they are SUPPOSED to give you something.
5. Faithless – You just don’t know if you are going to make it, churches are not supporting you like they should and God is basically dead.
6. Pessimist – Things are just always tough for you. That glass will never get full enough of water will it?

I could go on and on but you get the basic thought pattern. Let us go back to the question in the beginning. What attitudes in your life might be hindering your ability to raise support?

Support Raising

2007-07-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Below are a few aspects of raising support for you to think about.

Support Raising:
1. Stimulates and encourages missionary vision in the body of Christ.
2. Broadens the base of financial support for the mission.
3. Develops you as a person.
4. Stimulates fellowship among other believers.
5. Opens opportunities for to witness.

“Missions was and is God’s idea, and it is a real privilege to speak to God’s people about God’s program and to enlist their petition”

In what ways do the above apply to your life? In what ways should they apply to your life?

May your calls go well today and may you see fruit for your labor.

Setting Goals

2007-07-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

I read a quote concerning deputation that stated, “You are about to embark on what can be one of the most maturing and spiritually fulfilling ventures of your life.” How very true that is. In an article entitled, “The Tin-Cup Image Can Be Shattered”, Daniel Bacon looks at deputation accomplishing three goals:
1. The Missionary is a model for missions. A missionary is a walking testimony of obedience to world evangelism. It must ever be before our churches and people.
2. The Missionary is a mobilizer for missions. Financially and through prayer you provide believers the opportunity to participate in God’s program of world evangelism. May people see your passion for the world and be stirred to join the ranks.
3. The Missionary serves as a minister for missions. You bring together world evangelism and the local church. Bacon says, “The missionary obviously needs the church for support, but the church needs the missionary to extend, in obedience to the great commission, its ministry worldwide.

I thought these interesting and wanted to share them with you. These, of course, are three of many. The question I have for you is, “What is your goal of deputation and are you seeing those goals fulfilled?” Please remember that the man that shoots at nothing will hit it every time.

May God bless each of you dearly as you serve Him.

Help Is Here For Your Website

2007-07-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

A good website can be an excellent asset to a missionary to enable him to connect and present himself and ministry clearly and convincingly to pastors that you have never met. The world, including pastors, do their research on the internet and will be grateful for an informative website to set them a little more at ease about having you in. The quality of your website will directly affect the impression that your supporters have of you. Shabby website, shabby ministry. But, the reverse is true. A sharp website can make a world of difference in that all important first impression and could put you one step closer to support and the field.
So, I encourage you to make the investment of time and money to have a website that is first class.
A good website is both be useful and informative. Make sure it includes:
- an excellent design
- pictures of you and your family
- past text of prayer letters - not where they are required to download them
- About your field
- how to contact you
- a sign up for email updates (constant contact, etc.)
- all information in your information packet (doctrine, recommendations, etc.)
- information on how and where to send support
- your deputation calendar
- biography of you and your wife
- photo album of ministry that you already have
- a link to your blog
- your informational video
A normal price for a website is up to $1500 or more to set up at most places. But, a great resource I have found for excellent custom designed websites is http://www.baptistwebsites.org/. You may also contact Philip Bassham at 817-565-2499 for further assistance. He will do a fine job for you!