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.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Jason Kenney
This morning we load up a container for Jason Kenney, who, with his family, are going to Chile, South America.
God has used Jason in powerful ways while he has been on deputation. Jason has worked very hard, travelled many miles, and has been a joy to work with. I look forward to hearing how God continues to use him when he arrives in Chile.
I thank God for his helpmeet, Jenny, and how God has used her. They have four boys (Aaron, Seth, Caleb, Timothy) and one girl. (Ellie, born in April).
Please keep this family in prayer as they prepare to leave for the field!
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!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Attempting The Impossible
While preparing for class at the Training Center, I came across this quote by Spurgeon on Matthew 28:18-20
"You have a factor here that is absolutely infinite, and what does it matter as to what other factors may be. 'I will do as much as as I can' says one. Any fool can do that. He that believes in Christ does what he can not do, attempts the impossible and performs it."
Today I pray that each one of us would perform the impossible. Judson performed the impossible. While he was in jail, a place many of us would have given up, he said, "The prospects are as bright as the promises of God". John Mott, stirred by God at Mt. Hermon was instrumental in the Student Volunteer Movement. May we get away from doing what we can do, may we allow Christ to work in us to do what we cann not. Believe God. He is able!!
"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!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Letter Writing Tips
As a missionary, letter writing will ever be before you! In my reading today, I came across some helpful things to keep in mind when writing a letter.
1. Did you grab the readers attention?
2. Did you briefly bring the person up to date with your life?
3. Does your burden and vision show?
4. Is your letter typed neatly?
5. Do you have sufficient "white space" and generous margins?
6. Are the paragraphs too lengthy?
7. Did you use graphics? Are they appropriate?
8. Did you have a well written p.s.?
9. Did you check the spelling? (a personal weakness!)
10. Will it accomplish the desired goal?
I thought these were good for all of us to keep in mind. May God bless you as you serve and honor Him.
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.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Being A Friend
Today I spent around 40 minutes on the phone with a pastor in Florida. His challenges are great and his energy is spent. In the midst of our conversation, I was humbled and ached at what he said, "I do not know who else to call. I don't have anyone that I can be totally honest with and know they will try to help me and not hurt me. So I called you."
I have prayed for this brother all during the day and feel for him. The thought hit me, "How many other people feel the same way?" Who needed me to notice them and I was too busy to realize they needed a friend? I know there are things this dear brother could do to establish friendships in his area but am grieved that we are very superficial many times.
While you are on deputation, and travel meeting many pastor's, take the time to establish friendships. Really care about the people you come in contact with. God has you there for a purpose. Be someone that others can call in a time of trouble.
Like I have said before, Help someone today because you may be the one that needs the help tomorrow!
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!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Wait One More Night
The following was written by a missionary with Macedonia and I thought it was tremendous. It is powerful and convicting. One to use in your messages for sure. Thank you Bro. Aaron for sharing this with us.
WAIT ONE MORE NIGHT
Today the Master said labor in my field
But to Him, my service I did not yield.
He said my harvest is plenty, ready and white
But today I’m tired wait one more night.
Today He said, you must work while it is light
But today it is hot wait one more night.
Today you must go the end is in sight
But today some have scorned me laughed and mocked
Just one more night
Master, today I will serve, no longer will you have to wait
But the Master said, today to serve you are too late
The harvest is past it has went to waste
For every man, death I did taste.
Yet many do not know Jesus is my name
I speak this to your shame
But for the harvest my laborers were few
Now their judgment you will view
Their blood will I require at your hands
You would not labor across the harvest lands
I was not willing for any to perish
I was sent to die, for the harvest I did cherish
Who do you know that will be in this lake of fire
All because to labor in my harvest you had no desire.
By: Aaron Short - November 8, 2007
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
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
For God
John 3:16 is the foundational verse that our children learn, sports fans put on signs and even the lost know. I fear, though, we miss the verses beauty and power. While meditating the other day I could not get past the first two words. "For God...."
While on deputation, if we are not careful, we lose the focus of what missions is all about. It is not about you raising money to get to the field. That is only a fruit. It is not about the lost being saved. That is only a fruit. It is not about raising up more missionaries to go. That is only a fruit. The reason for deputation is "For God". For His glory, honor and praise. It is so that God would be exalted, worshipped and adored. The other things listed are very important but the main focus for going into the world is God's glory.
Will God receive glory from your life today? Will men speak more of you than Him? Are we stealing God's glory when we go into churches? Let us remember afresh and anew that this is all "For God".
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".
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Life Of A Runner
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Advice
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
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
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.
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.
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