tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231912032024-03-13T12:16:32.447-05:00The M BlogThoughts, experiences, and things learned on the mission field.J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.comBlogger816125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-5343010680354528282023-02-06T11:31:00.002-05:002023-02-06T11:53:08.972-05:00Listening to one another's stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmS_PKJRM51_PhqNteXpyRge5F_lweEvEw6PfJl7keqHG7C8q1xSo3xudtjPrc00iGsxW4wiZh_h38nlDGvgLpZlPv1loUsurF4tIDUGmt26XQOiIFvWrhr0BK9MGeiLNaTI531wwLWM60PF03ssaCIR1lIKPDZ_6fR_XVGc4I0tAPyXRDZI/s1855/P3240026%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1855" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmS_PKJRM51_PhqNteXpyRge5F_lweEvEw6PfJl7keqHG7C8q1xSo3xudtjPrc00iGsxW4wiZh_h38nlDGvgLpZlPv1loUsurF4tIDUGmt26XQOiIFvWrhr0BK9MGeiLNaTI531wwLWM60PF03ssaCIR1lIKPDZ_6fR_XVGc4I0tAPyXRDZI/w400-h289/P3240026%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Of the 50+ <i>one anothers</i> in the New Testament, I am not aware of any that exhort us to listen to one another's stories. Yet, I know of no better way to begin fulfilling the one another passages than by listening to each other's stories.</p><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Listening to one another's stories:</b></div><br />-brings us together<br />-unites us<br />-makes us more human<br />-gives us context for understanding each other better<br />-reveals our hearts<br />-corrects misconceptions<br />-draws us together<br />-makes us more of a "real" person<br />-reveals what we have in common<br />-makes us appreciate others more<br />-reveals areas we were unaware of before<br />-reveals how much more we have in common than differences<br />-fills in gaps about the "why's" of people's actions/behavior<br />-rids us of false impressions we might have had<br />-clarifies things we only vaguely knew before<br />-and a lot more...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The sum total of the above is that we are drawn together to better:</strong></div><br />-be of the same mind toward one another<br />-be devoted to one another<br />-give greater preference to one another<br />-help to not judge one another<br />-build up one another<br />-accept one another<br />-bear one another's burdens<br />-care for one another<br />-serve one another<br />-tolerate one another in love<br />-be kind to one another<br />-be subject to one another<br />-consider one another more important than ourselves<br />-bear with one another<br />-forgive one another<br /><br />These and other similar exhortations draw us closer to fulfilling the command of Christ to truly love one another as God loves us.<br /><br />Sadly, we often define people by a few skewed perceptions. We are quick to label a person based on what someone else has said about them or our own quick conclusions from distorted or partial facts. People seem a lot different when we know their stories.<br /><br />I am guilty of this in my own life. I tend to define people by a single action, word, attitude, behavior, or impression. It only takes a brief encounter and I unconsciously label people: boring/interesting, liberal/conservative, shallow, uninteresting, creative, crybaby, know-it-all, hick, bad/good, useful, proud, etc. How can we be so quick to define an entire person's life solely on the basis of a quick impression, out-of-context facts, a single incident, appearances, a word spoken, or hasty conclusions?<br /><br />I don't like it when others define me as something I am not. It hurts to be unfairly labeled by distorted conclusions based on fragments of my story.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Suggestions for telling our story:</strong></div><br />-allow time for "small talk" but suggest listening to one another's stories<br />-break the ice by being the first to share your story<br />-take the time needed to really hear one another's story<br />-ask questions allowing for further clarification<br />-share only what you are comfortable sharing, but enough to allow others to get to know the real you<br />-share family background and upbringing<br />-share struggles (people tend to identify more with weaknesses than achievements)<br />-influences in one's life, key people<br />-how we got to where we are now<br />-who I am in my own eyes, how do I see myself?<br />-key milestones in my spiritual journey<br />-how I met Jesus<br />-events/experiences that have helped shape my life<br />-likes/dislikes<br />-passions, interests, hobbies<br />-dreams, goals<br />-mistakes and what we learned from them<br />-pray for the person after hearing their story<br /><br />What is important in all the above is that we get to know each other beyond that which is superficial. What makes people interesting is what is on the inside. The more we know one another, the easier it is to love and accept them for who they are. We want to know the real you, not the masks we hide behind. <div><br /></div><div>To know is to know.</div>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-51900672135431263442022-05-06T09:50:00.000-05:002022-05-06T11:32:01.106-05:00¿Diezmos al alfolí o al reino de Dios?Para mí en lo personal, el problema no es tanto si un seguidor de Cristo debería diezmar, sino <i>a dónde llevar</i> los diezmos y ofrendas del Señor. <div><br /></div><div>En Malaquías dice que debemos llevar los diezmos al alfolí para que haya alimento en la casa del Señor. Desde el año 70 d.C. no existe un templo en Jerusalén dónde podemos depositar nuestros diezmos para que haya alimento en la casa del Señor. Se supone que hoy en día el alfolí ha llegado a ser la iglesia local dónde uno se congrega. Pero antes de saltar a esa conclusión, ¿no deberíamos ver lo que el mismo Jesús dice en cuanto al tema? </div><div><br /></div><div>En mi biblia solamente existen dos páginas entre este pasaje de Malaquías 3 y el Evangelio Según San Mateo. Comenzando con Mateo 3, Juan el Bautista aparece en la escena predicando <i>Arrepentíos, porque el reino de los cielos se ha acercado...</i> En los evangelios Jesús menciona a la iglesia <u>dos veces</u>. Pero habla <b>127 veces en cuanto al reino de Dios</b>, o reino de los cielos. </div><div><br /></div><div>57 veces en Mateo </div><div>19 veces en Marcos </div><div>40 veces en Lucas </div><div>4 veces en Juan </div><div>7 veces en Hechos </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesús vino predicando el mensaje del reino de Dios. Él mismo manda a sus seguidores, <b>buscad primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia... </b>(Mat. 6:33). Es un <i>mandato</i> de Jesús, no una <i>sugerencia</i>. Buscar primeramente el reino de Dios abarca mucho más que cumplir con el programa de una iglesia local. </div><div><br /></div><div>Por supuesto, la obra de la iglesia local ciertamente cae bajo el dominio del reino de Dios, pero la iglesia local no es sinónimo con el reino de Dios. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Y será predicado este <u>evangelio del reino</u> en todo el mundo...</i> (Mateo 24:14). Para que todo el mundo pueda responder, nuestros reinos tienen que menguar y Su reino crecer. Invertir menos en nuestros "reinos" y más en el reino de Dios fuera de las cuatro paredes dónde nos congregamos. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mi problema no es con el diezmar--siempre lo he practicado desde la primera vez que logré ganar un ingreso. Lo que sí me sorprende de muchos pastores es que enseñan a sus congregaciones que sus diezmos tienen que ser llevados enteramente al alfolí--o sea la iglesia local dónde se congregan. El argumento va enlace a la idea que si uno "come espiritualmente" en una iglesia, ese alimento debería ser "pagado" en forma de diezmos y ofrendas. </div><div><br /></div><div>El único problema con este argumento es que ni Jesús o Pablo, o ninguno de los apóstoles, o Cristianos en la iglesia primitiva, ni en las generaciones que les siguieron, interpretaban esta enseñanza que hoy aceptamos como la "norma" en las iglesias evangélicas. </div><div><br /></div><div>¿Qué, entonces, fue lo que enseñaron Jesús y Pablo en cuanto al tema? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jesús:</b> buscad primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia (Mat. 6:33)</div><div> </div><div><b>Jesús:</b> Dad, y se os dará; medida buena, apretada, remecida y rebosando darán en vuestro regazo; porque con la misma medida con que medís, os volverán a medir (Lucas 6:38). </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Pablo:</b> El que siembra escasamente, también segará escasamente; y el que siembra generosamente, generosamente también segará. <b>Cada uno dé como propuso en su corazón</b>: ...porque Dios ama al dador alegre (2 Cor. 9:6-7). </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Jesús:</b> ¡Ay de vosotros, escribas y fariseos, hipócritas! porque diezmáis la menta y el eneldo y el comino, y dejáis lo más importante de la ley: la justicia, la misericordia y la fe. Esto era necesario hacer, <b>sin dejar de hacer aquello </b>(Mateo 23:23). </div><div><br /></div><div>Este último es el único pasaje que encontramos en el N.T. dónde Jesús--quién era Judío y bajo la Ley de Moisés--afirma que los escribas y fariseos que también <u>estaban bajo la Ley</u>--deberían diezmar al alfolí/templo de Jerusalén.
Pero a mi parecer es un claro ejemplo de <i>eisegesis</i> (mala hermanéutica) al insistir en lo que Dios dice en Mal. 3:10 sea interpretado como un mandamiento para que todos los diezmos y ofrendas sean traídos al alfolí de las iglesias locales.
Si vamos a usar la ley de Moisés como argumento para que los hermanos traigan todo su diezmo al templo local, ¿no deberíamos también insistir que cumplan los hermanos con toda la ley y no solamente este versículo aislado? </div><div><br /></div><div>Creo firmemente que un discípulo de Cristo debería dar <u>más que el 10%</u>. Los primeros cristianos dieron todo lo que tenían para el servicio del Señor (Hechos 2:44-45). Todo lo que tenemos, no nos pertenece, sino que ha sido "prestado" por Dios para sus propósitos. Somos mayordomos de lo que él nos ha confiado para que busquemos su reino. </div><div><br /></div><div>Si las iglesias van a continuar exigiendo a sus miembros que diezmen al alfolí, <b>también esas mismas iglesias deberían diezmar</b>. Es hipocrecía insistir que cada miembro diezma cuando la misma iglesia no lo hace. Una iglesia puede "robar a Dios" tanto como sus miembros. Vea el presupuesto de su iglesia local. ¿Aporta con el 10% de lo que ingresa para ser utilizado fuera en el reino de Dios? </div><div><br /></div><div>Me gusta soñar de lo que podría ser. Imagine como sería si haríamos solamente dos cambios: </div><div><br /></div><div>1) DUPLICAR de un día a otro los sueldos de todos los obreros (misioneros/pastores/líderes quienes se dedican al evangelio), e 2) INVERTIR los demás dineros directamente en las causas que apoyan al reino de Dios--o sea, todo lo que busca primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia en el cielo y aquí en la tierra. </div><div><br /></div><div>Así hubiera más que suficiente para cumplir con la última palabra de Jesús de <i>hacer discípulos a todas las naciones... </i>(Mateo 28:18-20)</div>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-49134894297314945322021-06-05T17:48:00.003-05:002022-07-11T20:28:31.862-05:00Our return to the USA - Guy and Linda Muse PrayerNewsletter (June 2021)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-DF1jL-Pz4/YLwAcKn-7xI/AAAAAAAA0kc/xxs8lBphP8wUjFHOTCLSv0PVdIRCxRIlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1706/IMG_20210428_134711002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1706" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-DF1jL-Pz4/YLwAcKn-7xI/AAAAAAAA0kc/xxs8lBphP8wUjFHOTCLSv0PVdIRCxRIlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210428_134711002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span><a href="https://mailchi.mp/e8b79a340f54/musenews-aprilmay-update" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I</span><span style="color: black;">In our April/May PrayerNewsletter Update</span></a><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;">we shared of our return to the U.S.A. in June. For the past 35 years, we have lived and served God as missionaries in Ecuador. We feel the time has come to leave Ecuador and return to the United States. Though we both turn 65 this year, we are not retiring, but transitioning into a new phase of work and ministry. For more than a year now Linda and I have been talking, praying and seeking the Lord’s will as to what he would have us do next.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is a strong sense of God leading us to continue the mission we have been on for many years now but to pursue it from a mobilization focus.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">What is mobilization? Our friend, Donya Kesler once explained it this way,</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><em><span style="background-color: white;">“Mobilization… involves helping a person focus their vision, and <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">get</span> what it is they need, <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">to go</span> where that call is leading them. Mobilization involves everything from training to counseling, to help with finding sources of funding and everything in between.”</span></em></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">This definition fits our gifting and vision for reaching Ecuador and the nations. As a couple we can do only so much as field missionaries. <em>The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…</em>We need more workers serving not only in Ecuador, but everywhere God would lead.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">The way we envision this happening and our own personal involvement is to set up a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called <em><strong>“Mobilizing E2A”</strong></em><strong> </strong>(Mobilizing Everywhere To Anywhere). Mobilizing God’s people everywhere to go anywhere God is calling them.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our role in mobilizing “everywhere to anywhere” involves two fronts:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">1) Mobilizing U.S.A. partners to engage the yet unreached regions, towns, cities in Ecuador; and</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2) Mobilizing God-called Ecuadorians to wherever in the world the Lord is leading them.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">The recent house purchase here in El Matal fits perfectly with facilitating these two objectives. Besides serving local needs and a center for evangelistic outreach on the north coast, we now have the space and resources for training missionary candidates headed to the nations. Our years of partnering with <em>Impacto Mundial</em> (Ecuador’s global missions sending agency) have led to a strong alliance built around the conviction that we <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">must do whatever it takes</span> to get those God is calling to where He is leading them.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Once we are back in the States we will begin the process of setting up the new non-profit 501c3 </span><em>“Mobilizing E2A”</em><span>. When this has been accomplished, we would invite any who feel led of the Lord to do so, to begin sending gifts and donations to the new non-profit. We will continue as missionaries with Shepherd’s Staff through December 31, 2021 at which time our relationship with this wonderful missions organization will come to an end and we will fully transition over to the new non-profit.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong>Finally, we do ask you to pray for us.</strong> It is not easy for us to leave “home” to return to the U.S.A. Guy has lived a total of 46 years overseas. Moving back to the States is a step of faith for us. When we moved to El Matal three years ago, we had no idea all the Father had in store in bringing us here. We now again take a new step of faith trusting Him to lead step by step in this new chapter of our lives.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">From the bottom of our hearts, we <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">thank you </span>for your faithful support over the years through your praying and giving, making it possible for us to live out our call in this beautiful country. We believe God is not yet through with us in our work in Ecuador, but it is time for a change.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our departure date from Ecuador back to Texas is June 15. We hope to see many of you in the weeks and months ahead!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">In Christ,</span></p><p class="last-child" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Guy and Linda Muse</span></p>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-29708375603613176332021-05-23T11:19:00.003-05:002021-05-26T20:50:54.209-05:00Nuestra Salida del País - Carta abierta a todos nuestros amigos y hermanos en Cristo en el Ecuador<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLSYH_srrWM/YKp70EMnkeI/AAAAAAAAzuA/CEQRCEUpWMMp0-_CJoN-8Er497cU32sSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GuyLindaMuse%2528Apr2021%2529-El%2BMatal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLSYH_srrWM/YKp70EMnkeI/AAAAAAAAzuA/CEQRCEUpWMMp0-_CJoN-8Er497cU32sSACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/GuyLindaMuse%2528Apr2021%2529-El%2BMatal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Saludos de
Guido y Linda Muse en El Matal, Cantón Jama, Provincia de Manabí. Después de 35
años de servicio misionero en el Ecuador, mi esposa Linda y yo estamos a pocos días
de nuestra salida del país para volver a Texas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Permítanme
este espacio y su amable atención una última vez para compartirles lo que llevamos en el corazón.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Podría
llenar este espacio con recuerdos, agradecimientos, y un resumen de nuestros
años de servicio, pero la verdad es que a estas alturas nos identificamos más
con las palabras de Jesús, <i>"...cuando
hayáis hecho todo lo que os ha sido ordenado, decid: Siervos inútiles somos,
pues o que debíamos hacer, hicimos" </i>(Lucas 17:7-10). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Salimos no
con una satisfacción por nuestra pequeña parte en la tarea, sino con gran gratitud
al Señor por su gracia y fidelidad a través de los años. Nuestra copa rebosa de
tantos gratos recuerdos de ustedes nuestros queridos hermanos con quienes hemos
servido lado a lado en la viña del Señor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Pero
también salimos con una carga en el corazón por las almas esparcidos a lo largo
del Ecuador que aún no han tenido la oportunidad de oír y conocer a nuestro amado
Señor y Salvador en tantos pueblos, cantones, y regiones aún no-alcanzados con
el evangelio.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Desde el 16
abril 2016 hasta el presente nuestro enfoque ha sido sobre una de las zonas del
país menos alcanzados: <u>el norte de Manabí</u>. Me refiero a las
aproximadamente 230.000 almas en viven en y alrededor de Bahía de Caráquez, San
Vicente, Jama, El Matal, Tosagua, Chone, Pedernales y Canoa. Estudios
realizados en esta zona cuentan con menos de 20 iglesias evangélicas conocidas
y menos de 500 creyentes bautizados. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Nuestro
regreso a Texas no es para jubilarnos. Sino para movilizar a iglesias y grupos
en USA para venir a ayudarnos cumplir la tarea que aún falta hacerse en el
Ecuador. Especialmente queremos compromisos que adopten estos cantones,
pueblos, y ciudades pequeñas que no cuentan con una presencia evangélica. Por
ejemplo, entre San Vicente y Chone hay más de diez pueblos no-alcanzados sin
presencia evangélica. ¿Quién se compromete ir y adoptar uno de estos lugares?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Por muchos
años creía que el Ecuador ya no necesitaba la ayuda de misioneros del exterior
ya que la iglesia nacional era suficientemente fuerte y desarrollada para así solas
terminar lo que falta hacer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Pero en los
últimos años he cambiado de parecer. Aunque la iglesia ecuatoriana sí es
fuerte--aún falta visión misionera. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">La gran
mayoría de iglesias Bautistas (y evangélicas en general) no salen de su
Jerusalén para abarcar Judea y Samaria. No piensan, no oran, y no dan por las
naciones del mundo aún no alcanzadas. Es por eso que sentimos de parte del
Señor volver a USA, y con la ayuda de Dios, levantar fondos para las misiones, movilizar
a más grupos e iglesias de seguir viniendo para obrar en una de estas regiones no-alcanzadas. ¡Por
supuesto la invitación queda abierta también a todas las iglesias del Ecuador
unirse a la gran tarea encomendada por nuestro Señor hace 2000 años!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Los
Bautistas del ataño tenían un dicho: <i>"Una iglesia Bautista que no hace
misiones no tiene derecho de utilizar </i>Bautista<i>
como parte de su nombre." </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Hoy en día
todo el mundo Cristiano habla de las misiones pero pocas son las iglesias que realmente hacen misiones. O
sea, la mayoría somos como dice Santiago 1:22, <i>oidores </i>y no <i>hacedores</i> de
la palabra engañándoos a nosotros mismos. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Como
Bautistas sabemos cuidarnos en tener una sana doctrina. Tenemos buenos programas.
Un liderazgo maduro. Somos organizados y con estructuras y excelentes materiales. Pero en
medio de nuestro orgullo espiritual olvidamos las palabras de Santiago <i>"...la fe, si no tiene obras, es muerta
en sí misma…Muéstrame tu fe sin tus obras, y yo te mostraré mi fe por mis
obras."</i> (Santiago 2:17-18) Y de todo lo que hacemos como Bautistas, ¿qué obras superan a las que fueron dadas por
Jesús de amar a Dios, amar a otros, y hacer discípulos? Estas tres deberían ser
nuestro enfoque principal sin dejar de hacer todo lo demás que hacemos.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Cuando mis
padres, Jaime y Patricia de Muse, llegaron al Ecuador en 1962 habían 5-6 pequeñas
iglesias Bautistas en el país. Hoy, 71 años después del inicio de la obra
Bautista en 1950, ciertamente hay más iglesias, gloria a Dios. Pero la visión
misionera de esos primeros pioneros fue de plantar sus vidas en llevar el
evangelio a TODA LA NACIÓN, a cada rincón, cantón, provincia, y pueblo. Esa
visión tristemente aún no forma parte del ADN de la mayoría de nuestras
iglesias de la C.B.E. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Pregunto,
¿Dónde están las obras misioneras de nuestras iglesias? ¿Podemos seguir
llamándonos bautistas sin hacer misiones? ¿Cómo podemos justificar delante del
Señor que nuestra visión se limita en solamente llevar el evangelio a nuestra
comunidad dónde vivimos? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">En vez de hacer
discípulos en Jerusalén, Judea, Samaria y el mundo, hoy lo hemos sustituido con
conferencias en Zoom, intercambios de videos interesantes, información sobre el
Covid, devocionales y meditaciones en Facebook y WhatsApp, y la nueva modalidad
de cultos online. Todos son actividades vistas como legítimas pero, ¿Estamos
usando la pandemia como una excusa para olvidarnos que hay siervos en el campo
que necesiten más que nunca nuestras oraciones, nuestro apoyo económico, y
palabras de ánimo? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Por ejemplo,
la hermana misionera nacional con quién trabajamos acá en El Matal ha vivido y
ministrado aquí por cinco años bautizando más de 70 hermanos y abriendo seis
iglesias en casa. Gracias al apoyo de Impacto Mundial, está por abrirse un nuevo
centro comunitario para llegar a las madres solteras, adolescentes y niños. Ha hecho una hermosa labor. Pero en estos
cinco años de labor intensa ninguna iglesia le ha enviado una ofrenda. Ella ha vivido por fe durante todo este tiempo
de las oraciones y ofrendas de hermanos quienes la conocen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Pregunto
Hno. Pastor, ¿Usted serviría cinco años en el lugar dónde el Señor le ha puesto
sin apoyo económico? Creo que no, pero así somos con los siervos quienes dejan
todo para ir a lugares donde nadie más quiere ir. Ciertamente lo hacemos por
amor al Señor y su llamado, pero ya es tiempo que la iglesia asume su
responsabilidad de abarcar no solo en palabra, sino con hechos nuestra Judea,
Samaria, y lo último de la tierra. Si nosotros no podemos ir a estos lugares
aislados y difíciles, por lo menos podemos apoyar a los misioneros que sí están
dispuestos hacerlo. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">En los tres
años que hemos estado obrando en El Matal, además de la ayuda continua e
incondicional de los hermanos de <i>Impacto Mundial</i>, han llegado exactamente DOS
grupos de hermanos de iglesias bautistas para ayudarnos con la obra en esta
zona. Hemos tenido algunos grupos e
individuos de otros países, pero casi cero ayuda de las iglesias del Ecuador. Una excepción es la Iglesia Bautista Nueva
Jerusalén de Guayaquil que sí están trabajando en la zona desde el 16A en Jama
y hoy tienen una linda misión en Jama. Como he compartido muchas veces con el
Pstr. Freddy Jara, ojalá las otras iglesia ven su ejemplo y empiecen a hacer lo
mismo en los tantos lugares donde no hay obra Bautista, ni evangélica. Pero
hasta la fecha, desconozco de otras iglesias bautistas obrando en esta vasta
región poblada. En verdad me extraña que las iglesias bautistas de Manabí
quienes han recibido obra misionera por décadas, no toman en serio hacer lo
mismo en su propia provincia.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">En verdad
vamos a extrañar inmensamente al Ecuador con nuestra salida. Yo he vivido 46
años de mi vida en este bello país. ¡Me siento más ecuatoriano que
estadounidense! Al escribir lo anterior varias
veces me salieron lágrimas por nuestra salida y aún tanto por hacerse en ver a un Ecuador para Cristo. Nuestro corazón está con ustedes y con una
pasión que aún arde por los pueblos y gente desde “el Carchi al Macará” que aún
no conocen del Salvador. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-EC">Pedimos sus
oraciones por nosotros durante este tiempo de transición. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="ES-EC">Les amamos en Cristo.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">-Guido y
Linda Muse</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="ES-EC">Mayo
2021</span></p></div>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-35598862744152925072021-05-15T16:51:00.005-05:002021-05-15T16:56:35.444-05:00C. H. Spurgeon on house churches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi8i2y6Bago/YKBC6gf9wLI/AAAAAAAAzT0/BPv3AKNkieIIQ-sUveA3TeDPnEehe_KaACLcBGAsYHQ/s244/spurgeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi8i2y6Bago/YKBC6gf9wLI/AAAAAAAAzT0/BPv3AKNkieIIQ-sUveA3TeDPnEehe_KaACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/spurgeon.jpg" /></a></div><i>An excerpt from a C. H. Spurgeon message entitled, </i>"Building the Church: Additions to the Church" <i>April 5, 1874. </i><p></p><blockquote>I want you to notice this, that they were breaking bread from house to house, and ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart. They did not think that religion was meant only for Sundays, and for what men now-a-days call the House of God. Their own houses were houses of God, and their own meals were so mixed and mingled with the Lord's Supper that to this day the most cautious student of the Bible cannot tell when they stopped eating their common meals, and when they began eating the Supper of the Lord. They elevated their meals into diets for worship: they so consecrated everything with prayer and praise that all around them was holiness to the Lord. I wish our houses were, in this way, dedicated to the Lord, so that we worshipped God all day long, and made our homes temples for the living God...<br /><br />Does God need a house? He who made the heavens and the earth, does he dwell in temples made with hands? What crass ignorance this is! No house beneath the sky is more holy than the place where a Christian lives, and eats, and drinks, and sleeps, and praises the Lord in all that he does, and there is no worship more heavenly than that which is presented by holy families, devoted to the fear of the Lord.<br /><br />To sacrifice home worship to public worship is a most evil course of action. Morning and evening devotion in a little home is infinitely more pleasing in the sight of God than all the cathedral pomp which delights the carnal eye and ear. Every truly Christian household is a church, and as such it is competent for the discharge of any function of divine worship, whatever it may be. Are we not all priests? Why do we need to call in others to make devotion a performance? Let every man be a priest in his own house. Are you not all kings if you love the Lord? Then make your houses palaces of joy and temples of holiness. One reason why the early church had such a blessing was because her members had such homes. When we are like them we will have “added to the church those who were being saved.”<br /></blockquote><blockquote><i>--C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)</i></blockquote>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-40562733966561499282021-05-03T23:37:00.000-05:002021-05-03T23:37:12.013-05:00Mi dependencia en el Señor en medio del caos<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP4kIOsxJQM/YJC1IMCzClI/AAAAAAAAy3I/CK0UU1eLYhsOaNiIr2epU1bEB8l2rhScgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LindaMaritzaMartinicaManta_20210429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1906" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP4kIOsxJQM/YJC1IMCzClI/AAAAAAAAy3I/CK0UU1eLYhsOaNiIr2epU1bEB8l2rhScgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/LindaMaritzaMartinicaManta_20210429.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bendeciré a Jehová que me aconseja;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aún en las noches me enseña mi conciencia. </i>Salmo 16:7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Amados hermanos en Cristo, escribo de El Matal esta carta de noticia para abril 2021 a ustedes con un corazón lleno de gozo y de agradecimiento al Señor. Que la gracia y el amor de nuestro amado Padre Celestial esté sobre cada uno de ustedes.</p><p>Bueno, de verdad que <b>esta carta es de buenas noticias </b>a pesar del caos que estamos viviendo no sólo aquí en nuestro país sino en todas las naciones por ese virus feo, por la crisis financiera, por la degradación inmoral que cada día el hombre se sumerge y el aumento de la apostasía.</p><p></p>En este mes de abril el Señor me enseñó que cuando sus hijos creemos de corazón que para Él todo es posible, que no existe nada que el enemigo pueda evitar, Él puede obrar a nuestro favor, conforme a Su voluntad y ver Su gloria. <div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RV7I6L24wM/YJDN8yyqCFI/AAAAAAAAy4Q/W-x-rjmY8Z0lafB1gZc3aJGQWxEiSX94wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC01074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RV7I6L24wM/YJDN8yyqCFI/AAAAAAAAy4Q/W-x-rjmY8Z0lafB1gZc3aJGQWxEiSX94wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC01074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b style="text-align: left;">En abril hubo bautismos de 8 nuevos miembros.</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></i></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Me gozo cuando veo a mis hermanos dando ese paso de obediencia </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">en donde dicen que quieren seguir a Cristo.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJXASK6PVD0/YJDOU-iTyJI/AAAAAAAAy4Y/tsk2Dq1xdvEUFzO_d4Zlr7cBPEmxD6g9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC01137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJXASK6PVD0/YJDOU-iTyJI/AAAAAAAAy4Y/tsk2Dq1xdvEUFzO_d4Zlr7cBPEmxD6g9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC01137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i><span><!--more--></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span></span></i></div><div><div>La segunda buena noticia que les voy a compartir de verdad me tocó llorar, doblar rodillas y mantenerme firme en el Señor porque el enemigo me declaró la guerra. Cuando el Señor Jesús va a bendecirnos el enemigo se mueve para que dejemos de confiar y no seamos persistentes en la oración pero con una réma que el Señor me dio el 18 de octubre del 2020 fue la que me sostuvo hasta el último momento, me tocó confiar a pesar de que no tenía nada. Es una historia todo esto.</div><div><div><p>El año pasado cuando a nivel mundial se declaró la cuarentena, las finanzas no llegaron completas, escuchaba que muchos obreros abandonaban el campo por falta de finanzas porque las iglesias dejaron de ofrendarles. En una de mis conversaciones le abrí mi corazón a mi Señor Jesús y le dije: “Señor, las finanzas están bajando y no sé si vaya a tener para seguir pagando el alquiler de la casa en un futuro porque la situación económica de muchos hermanos que me sostenían está mala, muchos han perdido sus trabajos, etc. Señor yo no quiero abandonar tu obra por falta de finanzas, si es Tu voluntad que yo permanezca aquí no me dejes ir, provee para seguir sirviéndote aquí en El Matal”. Pasaron los meses y fue en octubre que me dan a conocer que se estaba vendiendo una propiedad que por cierto siempre me gustó por su ubicación y por su funcionalidad para lo que estaba puesto en mi corazón. Cuando escuché esa noticia fui de rodillas a preguntar al Señor si sería posible obtener esa propiedad y que me confirmara si eso es obra de Él. Yo no tengo el dinero para comprarla pero Tú eres el dueño del oro y la plata y si es Tú voluntad, háblame.</p><p>Bueno el Señor me contesta a las semanas mientras dormía diciendo: “Es mi heredad, cómprala”, automáticamente me despierto y abro la Biblia porque sabía que esa promesa estaba ahí y así fue me encuentro con el pasaje en <i>Jeremías 32:6-7</i> <b>Dijo Jeremías: Palabra de Jehová vino a mí, diciendo: 7 He aquí que Hanameel hijo de Salum tu tío viene a ti, diciendo: Cómprame mi heredad que está en Anatot; porque tú tienes derecho a ella para comprarla. </b>Al leer ese pasaje caí de rodillas llorando pidiendo confirmación y que me diga cómo obtener el dinero. </p><p>Bueno para no alargar la historia, empezó la guerra, el enemigo se levantó porque no quería que esa propiedad fuera comprada por los hijos de Dios. Mi compañera Nieve fue atacada herida gravemente, conflictos con vecinos de la propiedad, etc., pero el Señor siempre ganó. El Señor tocó corazones para que muchos hermanos ofrendaran a través de la agencia misionera que me apoya en el campo<i> Impacto Mundial </i>y así fue en poco tiempo ahí estaba el dinero para la compra, aunque yo no veía el dinero empecé a caminar por fe, me tocó estar quieta y ver como se movía el Señor.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk3NY8pNiBI/YJC1H2Flh8I/AAAAAAAAy3A/CAaGD4Q6jrIpns1V25-nGzMbVlNP3jJawCLcBGAsYHQ/s471/Matal%2BHouse2IMG-20201116%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="471" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk3NY8pNiBI/YJC1H2Flh8I/AAAAAAAAy3A/CAaGD4Q6jrIpns1V25-nGzMbVlNP3jJawCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Matal%2BHouse2IMG-20201116%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Hoy por la misericordia del Señor Jesucristo y para Su gloria ya contamos con una casa misionera</b> en donde los adolescentes juveniles tendrán un lugar donde puedan reunirse para ser edificados, hacer amigos sin el peligro de la influencia de las drogas, etc. Misioneros serán capacitados, entrenados para ir al campo misionero transcultural, los hermanos podrán congregarse para eventos especiales, ya que nosotros acá nos reunimos iglesia en casa y eso debe de mantenerse porque en medio de la pandemia ha sido lo más efectivo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2B5Afqd99k/YJDIKR4orxI/AAAAAAAAy4A/OO0ru1jbRRAbCqfIOT8zo8qHVBfY3ub5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1040/Youth%2Bkneeling%2Bsand%2Bthanking%2BGod-20210502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adolescentes arrodillados en la arena dando gracias a Dios por la Casa "El Refugio"" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2B5Afqd99k/YJDIKR4orxI/AAAAAAAAy4A/OO0ru1jbRRAbCqfIOT8zo8qHVBfY3ub5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/Youth%2Bkneeling%2Bsand%2Bthanking%2BGod-20210502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p>Doy gracias al Señor por haberme confirmado a través de este milagro que Su voluntad es que permanezca aquí, que tengo su respaldo y por haber fortalecido más mi fe en Él. Doy toda la gloria al Señor Dios Altísimo.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“No hay mejor lugar en el que puedas estar que el lugar en el que Dios te quiere </i><i>tener.”</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;">-Rixa Arias de González</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">PETICIONES DE ORACIÓN</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Oren por el ministerio de las mujeres solas que han sido muy heridas y marginadas y sigan con ese amor por seguir a Cristo.</li><li>Oren por mi salud: espiritual, emocional y física, que el Señor me mantenga con gozo para seguir sirviéndole en la obra.</li><li>Oren por finanzas para mantenimiento de la casa misionera “Mi refugio”. Que el Señor me provea de Ofrendantes comprometidos con Él.</li><li>Oren por una nueva laptop que aún no llega porque la que tengo cada día falla más, de verdad que la necesito.</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-31692730068853941142021-04-06T12:58:00.012-05:002021-04-18T12:34:12.314-05:00In My Name They Will Cast Out Demons (Mark 16:17)<p>Sunday evenings we meet at Angel and Katty’s house for church. Our normal crowd is usually 8-9 adults, several youth and children, along with an assortment of dogs who wander in and out entertaining themselves by barking at every passing vehicle on the nearby street. Due to Covid restrictions, we space ourselves in a circle of plastic chairs out under the stars. Little did we know how bizarre the evening would end up being.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="OLE_LINK2"></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Maritza, our fellow Ecuadorian missionary partner, shared an evangelistic
message. There were a number of first-time visitors who received Christ as Savior. Two of the couples present asked forgiveness of their spouses and children for the way they had acted. It was a beautiful time of reconciliation and healing. A visitor asked a question about baptism. An offering was collected for a sick member who could not afford medication. Our meeting ended about 10:15
pm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">As we were loading the car to go home, an unknown man arrived. Angel
introduced the man as "Pedro" reminding us that he was the same Pedro he had asked the church to pray for. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pedro arrived in a state of visible anxiety
and tension. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked physically
exhausted and said he had come for us to pray for him in that he could no longer bear the load of his troubled life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Though we were very tired and ready to get back home, Maritza, Linda, and I walked him out to the street and began ministering to him. Maritza, the evangelist, began witnessing to Pedro asking him if he had ever had a personal encounter with Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peEzjGcraZk/YHnRrjvtY7I/AAAAAAAAyXo/icFzVMtTshsO8sZxSB_SwhlxrGOB-dbEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1040/Peter%2527s%2BKnife%2B2021-03-14%2Bat%2B11.46.54%2BPM.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peEzjGcraZk/YHnRrjvtY7I/AAAAAAAAyXo/icFzVMtTshsO8sZxSB_SwhlxrGOB-dbEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Peter%2527s%2BKnife%2B2021-03-14%2Bat%2B11.46.54%2BPM.jpeg" /></a><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Pedro seemed confused and unresponsive. There seemed to be some kind of invisible barrier. As we continued to talk I noticed another man headed towards us from down
the street. As soon as Pedro saw this person approaching, he pulled a foot-long knife out of
his sleeve. In an instant Pedro's countenance transformed into what was clearly a demon-possessed person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was filled with hate and rage as he tightly gripped the knife in his hand.</span></span></p>Linda, Maritza and I were only steps away from Pedro who then turned his attention from the other man and directly faced us. We began shouting at Pedro <i><b>en el Nombre de Jesús</b></i> to drop the knife! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a minute or so of him
glaring and hissing obscenities, he dropped the knife. I quickly scooped
it out of the street and threw it into the back of our car. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">For the next 30-minutes, we were in an all-out spiritual battle
casting out the demons who were clearly in control of Pedro at that moment. I have never heard such hatred and vitriol coming out of anyone's mouth. Mercifully the Lord
blocked our ears from the horrid things the demons were saying. Maritza began to read aloud a Psalm. Other church members including Angel gathered around us to pray. Some began to sing praise songs, but still, nothing was happening with Pedro. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">By then a small crowd of bystanders had gathered out on the street
to watch at a distance. Neighbors peered from their windows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The small band of new believers gathered around us and began
singing all the praise songs they knew from our green songbook. The three of
us continued to pray over Pedro casting out the demons in Jesus’ Name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">After some 15-minutes of praying out loud, Scripture
reading, and back-to-back songs, Pedro began heaving—as if throwing up—as the demons were expelled from his body. This happened over and over for several more minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he finally stopped heaving, Martiza asked
if he wanted Christ to come into his life. Pedro said yes, and we asked him to pray
aloud inviting Christ in and confessing <b>Jesus as Lord</b>. We prayed again over Pedro asking the Lord
to forgive his sins, cleanse him, and rid him of any remaining demons that still
might be refusing to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Pedro seemed soothed by the
singing and kept asking us to “sing another song.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing what else to do, we continued to
sing and pray as he stood there with his eyes closed soaking in the Spirit’s presence. By this time Pedro was very weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angel and I had to physically hold him upright. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Finally, though, he collapsed into my arms like
a dead man. We gently laid him down in a dry spot on the muddy road. He appeared to be in a deep sleep. After
a few more minutes Pedro again opened his eyes but had NO IDEA where he was, or
what had happened. It was surreal. He looked all around him and asked who we
were and why was he lying in the middle of the road. We calmly explained to him
everything he had been through. Everyone was amazed at what they had witnessed—as
were we!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">I asked two of the men to accompany me in our car to take Pedro home. We set up a time for the following day to visit and follow up on his
decision to follow Christ. What transpired during that first visit and other visits is another bizarre story altogether. Suffice it to say, we have seen a dramatic change come over Pedro
from that Sunday night to the present! He sleeps with his new
Bible and goes out fishing with a new partner who is also a believer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNJRD4owXIM/YHnSL99IgmI/AAAAAAAAyX8/3V6OhXD0-j07sEOPNCUd0jA6uf2eklqwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Petter%2BCirino%2Bbaptism%2B%2528Apr2021%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNJRD4owXIM/YHnSL99IgmI/AAAAAAAAyX8/3V6OhXD0-j07sEOPNCUd0jA6uf2eklqwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Petter%2BCirino%2Bbaptism%2B%2528Apr2021%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Last Sunday Angel and I baptized Pedro along with seven others in the ocean a few feet from our back
porch. <b>To God be the Glory; great things
He hath done!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>Please pray for Pedro. He
still has many serious issues to deal with in his life and very much needs our
prayers.<o:p></o:p><p></p>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-67037168507350085172017-03-04T10:23:00.001-05:002017-03-04T10:23:35.089-05:00Personal Book Survey<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1. What author do you own the most books by?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <u>Fiction</u>:
Jeffrey Archer. </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Non-Fiction</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">:</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Elisabeth Elliot. I was surprised to find
I owned so many titles by Watchman Nee and Amy Carmichael.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">2. What book do
you own the most copies of?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Bible. I also collect hymnals and just
counted 37 sitting on my bookshelf. My favorite is a facsimile of the original
1779 “Olney Hymns” by John Newton and William Cowper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">3. Did it
bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">No--I end sentences all the time with
prepositions and don't even realize when I do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">4. What
fictional character are you secretly in love with?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I have read hundreds of books in my life
time but can't recall any characters that I am secretly in love with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">5. What book have
you read the most times in your life?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">6. Favorite
book as a ten year old?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I loved any book I could get my hands on
about the Civil War. If there were pictures, that was even better!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">7. What is the <u>worst
book</u> you’ve read in the past year?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> My rule of thumb is if a book doesn't capture my interest in the
first 100 pages I will simply stop reading and usually never pick it up again.
However, it has now been a couple of years since I last failed to finish a book
that I have started reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">8. What is one
of the <u>best books</u> you’ve ever read?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't know if it was the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>best</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>but definitely one of the most<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>helpful</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to me personally was “Walking With God”
by John Eldredge. I highly recommend this book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">9. If you could
<u>force everyone you know to read one book</u>, what would that book be?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Of all the questions, this is the hardest
for me to answer. There are just too many good books out there that I would
like everyone to read. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">OK...here are some I'd like to "force" on certain people I know: “Love Does” by Bob Goff, “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis, "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell, "The Sacred Romance" by Eldredge and Curtis, "Blue Like Jazz" by Don Miller. All of these express for me the
essence of what Christianity is all about without all the religion that
distracts from Jesus’ teachings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">10. What book
would you most like to see made into a movie?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I understand William P. Young's
"The Shack" is being made into a movie. If done well, I think it
could have a profound impact on its viewing audience. Other possibilities would
be “Bruchko” by Bruce Olson, or maybe Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood
Bible."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">11. What is the
most difficult book you’ve ever read?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Miguel de Cervantes “Don Quijote de la
Mancha” in the original 1615 version for an advanced Spanish class I took in
Costa Rica (I understood only about 20% and guessed at the rest!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">12. What is
your favorite devotional book?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A tie between Oswald Chambers “My Utmost
for His Highest” and “Dare to Journey with Henri Nouwen” by Charles Ringma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">13. What is
your favorite play?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“The Mouse Trap” by Agatha Christie, the
longest run of any play in the world. My wife and I saw this classic in London
and count the evening as one of our most memorable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">14. Poem?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“The World Is Too Much With Us” by William
Wordsworth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">15. Essay?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“On Church Music” by C.S. Lewis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">16. Who is the
most overrated writer alive today?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The lady who writes all the Harry Potter
books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">17. What is
your desert island book?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">18. What are
you reading right now?</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> “Biblical Foundations of Freedom” by
Art Mathias, “Psychology” by David Myers and Nathan DeWall, “The Book of
Mysteries” by Jonathan Cahn, and “The Gospels” by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">19. The “Top Ten” books that
personally impacted your life<i>? </i></span></b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">(You
don’t have to necessarily agree with everything they write.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Love Does” – Bob Goff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Walking
With God” – John Eldredge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Shadow
Of The Almighty” – Elisabeth Elliot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Houses
That Change The World” – Wolfgang Simson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Blue
Like Jazz” – Donald Miller<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Hind’s
Feet On High Places” – Hannah Hurnard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Organic
Church” – Neil Cole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“Velvet
Elvis” – Rob Bell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“The
Sacred Romance” – Brent Curtis and John Eldredge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“The
Shack” – William Paul Young <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">[<b>Honorable
mentions:</b> “Prayer” by O. Hallesby, “Heaven on Earth” by R. Alan Streett, “Heaven”
by Randy Alcorn, “Pagan Christianity” and “Reimagining Church” by Frank Viola, “The
Present Future” by Reggie McNeal, “Love Wins” by Rob Bell, “The Shaping Of
Things To Come” by Michael Frost & Alan Hirsch—all of these are books that
have greatly impacted my thinking.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">20. Five authors who have most
influenced your thinking </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">(again, one does not have to agree with
everything they write.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">John Eldredge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Philip Yancey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Elisabeth Elliot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Neil Cole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Rob Bell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Honorable mentions:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Watchman Nee, Frank Viola,
Wolfgang Simson, Tony & Felicity Dale, A.W. Tozer, and Henri Nouwen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Feel free to copy the questions and fill in your own answers. If
you do so, please leave a comment below so we can check out some of your
favorite books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-13447241187243666362017-02-06T10:04:00.000-05:002017-02-09T12:56:17.751-05:00Barbara Lynn Rivers (1954 - 2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7daMN0yA_E/WJiPqEoS6jI/AAAAAAAADYI/BJ9Xrw-J2OsKUbTZ_1cxRSKyJYwXaYRdgCLcB/s1600/Barbara%2BRivers%2B%2528photo%2Bfrom%2BCarolyn%2BRivers%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7daMN0yA_E/WJiPqEoS6jI/AAAAAAAADYI/BJ9Xrw-J2OsKUbTZ_1cxRSKyJYwXaYRdgCLcB/s320/Barbara%2BRivers%2B%2528photo%2Bfrom%2BCarolyn%2BRivers%2529.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC">De los 299 misioneros de la FMB/IMB que han
servido en el Ecuador, pocos han logrado un mayor y duradero impacto como lo hizo BARBARA LYNN RIVERS (9 abril 1954 – 5 de febrero 2017).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC">Barbara
llegó a Guayaquil, Ecuador como misionera en 1986 y retornó a los Estados
Unidos en Febrero del 2010 por motivos de salud. Antes de su llegada al Ecuador, Bárbara fue
una misionera en Guatemala por dos años, y estudió español en Costa Rica.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC">Durante sus
24 años en Guayaquil, Barbara sirvió a su Señor en una variedad de roles:
educación teológica, obra con la Unión Femenil Bautista (UFBME), SAS en Acción (obra
misionera con señoritas), consejera de Teleamigo, ministerio a jóvenes
delincuentes institucionalizados, ministerio a mujeres en prostitución,
fundadora de la Fundación Dorcas y su obra con los ancianos, maestra en temas
relacionados a la educación Cristiana, maestra de la Biblia, autora de material
didáctico y de lecciones bíblicas, guerrera de oración, y capacitador de
líderes en el movimiento de plantación de iglesias en las casas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-EC"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC">Lo que
siempre recordaré de Bárbara era su gran amor por el pueblo ecuatoriano. </span>Su lenguaje de <span lang="ES-EC">corazón</span> era el <span lang="ES-EC">Español</span>. <span lang="ES-EC">En muchas ocasiones conversando con Bárbara, ¡ella no se daba cuenta que
estaba hablando en español en vez del inglés! </span>Ella
<span lang="ES-EC">prefería</span> leer y <span lang="ES-EC">estudiar</span><span lang="ES-EC"> </span><span lang="ES-EC">su</span><span lang="ES-EC"> </span><span lang="ES-EC">Biblia</span> en <span lang="ES-EC">Español</span>. <span lang="ES-EC">La mayoría de sus amigas más cercanas eran
ecuatorianas y consideraba a la familia de Humberto e Isabel Riofrío como su
propia familia. Bárbara era una fanática de los deportes, especialmente todo lo
relacionado con el programa deportivo de la Universidad de Texas dónde ella
estudió. Su risa contagiosa era algo que le seguía dondequiera que iba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-EC"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC">En abril
del 2011 Bárbara retornó a Guayaquil por última vez para despedirse de la gente
quién tanto amaba. Si no fuera por la enfermedad que padecía que forzó su retorno
a los EE.UU. creo que hubiera continuado viviendo y sirviendo a su Señor en el
Ecuador hasta su muerte. Durante esta última visita, el Municipio de Guayaquil
honró a Bárbara con una ceremonia especial por sus años de servicio social y
sus contribuciones espirituales al pueblo ecuatoriano. Si no me equivoco, Bárbara es solamente una de
dos personas cristianas evangélicas que
hayan recibido dicha reconocimiento por las autoridades locales. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-EC"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-EC">Para mi
esposa y yo, Bárbara siempre será uno de esos misioneros excepcionales que Dios
utilizó para tocar las vidas de tantas personas. Trabajamos juntos con ella por
más de dos décadas y aprendimos mucho por medio de su experiencia y sabiduría,
admirándola siempre por el alto nivel de compromiso que tenía con el Señor. La
hemos extrañado estos últimos siete años, pero regocijamos que por fin Bárbara
está hecha completa y goza en la presencia de su amado Salvador a quién ella
entregó de lleno su vida mientras estuvo aquí en la tierra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
--J. Guy Muse<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
February 6, 2017</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
Guayaquil, Ecuador</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-24520789212767106262017-02-06T08:37:00.000-05:002017-02-07T11:58:51.263-05:00Barbara Lynn Rivers (1954 - 2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls3uUNnYN1s/WJh7cnOzg3I/AAAAAAAADXw/87UJogMRzBQkLjY3IoMc-C-qa38CWuo1wCLcB/s1600/Barbara%2BRivers%2B%2528photo%2Bfrom%2BCarolyn%2BRivers%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls3uUNnYN1s/WJh7cnOzg3I/AAAAAAAADXw/87UJogMRzBQkLjY3IoMc-C-qa38CWuo1wCLcB/s320/Barbara%2BRivers%2B%2528photo%2Bfrom%2BCarolyn%2BRivers%2529.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of the 299 FMB/IMB
missionaries who have served in Ecuador, few have made a greater and more
lasting impact than BARBARA LYNN RIVERS (April 9, 1954 – February 5, 2017).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barbara arrived in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1986 and returned
to the United States for health reasons in February 2010. Prior to her service
in Ecuador, Barbara was a missionary Journeyman in Guatemala and studied
Spanish in Costa Rica. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the 24 years she was in Guayaquil, Barbara served
her Lord in a variety of roles: theological education, work with the national
Women’s Missionary Union (UFBME), SAS (young women in missions), counselor with
the Teleamigo counseling center, ministry to troubled institutionalized youth
(María José), ministry to women in prostitution, founding of the Dorcas
Foundation and her work with the elderly, teacher of a wide range of Christian
Education subject matters, Bible teacher, writer of training materials/lessons,
prayer warrior, and trainer for the house church planting movement in Guayaquil
and on the coast of Ecuador.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I will always remember about Barbara was the great love
she had for the Ecuadorian people. Her heart language was truly Spanish. On many occasions we would be talking and Barbara
would not even notice she was conversing in Spanish rather than English! She preferred reading and studying her Spanish
Bible. Most of her closest friends were Ecuadorian and she considered the Humberto
and Isabel Riofrío family as her own family. Barbara was a fanatical sports lover (especially
anything Longhorns), and had an infectious laughter wherever she went.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In April 2011 Barbara returned to Guayaquil for the last
time to say good-bye to the land and people to whom she had given her life.
Were it not for the serious illness that ended up taking her back to the USA, I
am confident she would have continued living and serving in Ecuador to her
dying day. During this farewell visit, the City of Guayaquil honored her in a
special ceremony for her years of service and the many social and spiritual contributions
she made to the people of Ecuador. As far as I know, Barbara is only one of two
Christian evangelical persons to have ever received such recognition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For my wife and I, Barbara will always be one of those
exceptional “under the radar” missionaries that God uses to touch the lives of
many people. We worked closely together
for many years and learned much from her experience and wisdom, truly admiring
her level of commitment to the Lord. She has been missed since leaving us seven
years ago, but we truly rejoice Barbara is now whole and with the one Person to
whom she gave her meaningful and well-lived life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
--J. Guy Muse<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
February 6, 2017</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
Guayaquil, Ecuador</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-51732079259273588442017-01-31T21:33:00.000-05:002017-02-07T21:34:59.930-05:00¿Dios está en todo?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PhIcuiuqS8/WJp5aR2B7II/AAAAAAAADYo/5b7PtQ040qEJ8lmPrG75Jx36qBAcPn6zwCEw/s1600/burning_bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PhIcuiuqS8/WJp5aR2B7II/AAAAAAAADYo/5b7PtQ040qEJ8lmPrG75Jx36qBAcPn6zwCEw/s320/burning_bush.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
La tierra está llena del cielo </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Y cada arbusto común en llamas con Dios: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sin embargo, sólo él que ve, quita los zapatos, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
El resto se sientan alrededor de ella, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arrancando las moras. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Aurora Leigh" VII.821-22 </span></div>
<br />
Pocas líneas capturan tan profundamente el misterio de Dios y sus caminos.<br />
<br />
Uno de los regalos más notables que Dios ha dado a la humanidad es la libertad de elegir. Podemos optar por ver el arbusto y agarrar las moras, o ver a Dios ardiendo en la zarza. La elección es nuestra. Cómo percibimos a Dios determinará como interpretamos los arbustos comunes de la vida.<br />
<br />
¿Realmente está Dios en cada arbusto común? ¿Está Dios en la taza de café sentado a mi lado, o el portátil sentado en mi escritorio? ¿Existe realmente tal cosa como un celular santo o un clip de papel ungido? ¿Es eso lo que Browning está tratando de decirnos?<br />
<br />
Creo que ella está dando a entender que cada persona elija lo que va a creer acerca de Dios. Elegimos nuestras respuestas a las cosas que entran en nuestras vidas. Es como la historia de dos prisioneros mirando desde detrás de las rejas - uno ve el barro de la calle y el otro ve estrellas en el cielo.<br />
<br />
La vida puede ser vista desde ambas representaciones, barro o estrellas. Podemos ver las cosas desde la perspectiva de Dios, o elegir verlas literalmente como se presenten ante nosotros a través de nuestro cinco sentidos. Todo depende de nuestra percepción de cómo Dios obra en nuestra vida.<br />
<br />
Cuando Moisés encontró la zarza ardiente en el desierto lo primero que le asombró era, <i>"aunque el arbusto ardía no se consumía." </i><br />
<br />
Cuando el Señor vio que había ido a mirar, lo llamó desde la zarza: <i>"¡Moisés! ¡Moisés!"</i> y Moisés dijo: <i>"Aquí estoy." </i><br />
<br />
Entonces, pues, ¿sigue llamándonos Dios desde los arbustos comunes? Creo que sí. Pero sólo cuando elegimos verlo, oírlo, y lo percibimos en todas las cosas. Nuestra respuesta tiene que ser el mismo que tuvo Moisés, <i>"Aquí estoy, Señor." </i><br />
<br />
Cuando alguien llega tarde a una cita a la cual hemos esforzado para llegar a tiempo, tenemos la opción de ver un arbusto "encendido de Dios" o un arbusto irritante que sirve solamente para enfadarnos. Nuestra respuesta común es la frustración y el pensar del tiempo perdido. Pero si en la realidad cada arbusto es uno encendido por Dios, ¿habrá una razón espiritual o importante para que las cosas sean como son?<br />
<br />
Oswaldo Chambers lo dice de esta forma,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Todos podemos ver a Dios en las cosas excepcionales, pero requiere de la cultura de la disciplina espiritual para ver a Dios en cada detalle. Nunca permita que la casualidad de la vida sea nada menos que el orden señalado por Dios, y esté listo para descubrir los designios divinos en toda circunstancia.</blockquote>
<br />
Elisabeth Elliot, misionera al Ecuador, elabora sobre el Salmo 16:5, <i>"Señor, me has asignado mi porción y mi copa, tú sustentas mi suerte." </i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"No conozco de ninguna simplificador para toda la vida. Pase lo que pase todo me viene asignado. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
¿El intelecto humano rebela al oír tal cosa? ¿Acaso podemos decir que hay cosas que suceden en nuestra vida que no pertenecen a “mi porción asignada?” ¿Tenemos derecho de decir, esto sí pertenece a mi porción, pero lo otro no? ¿Existen cosas fuera del control del Todopoderoso? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cada asignación es medida y controlada para mi bien. Al aceptar la porción dada por Dios las demás opciones se cancelan. Las decisiones se hacen más fáciles, las direcciones más claras, y por lo tanto, mi corazón se tranquiliza." </blockquote>
Al escoger aceptar la vida tal como nos viene asignada por la mano de un Padre amoroso, de hecho aprendemos la verdad que cada arbusto común de la vida literalmente arde con la presencia de Dios.<br />
<br />
Dios<i> está </i>con nosotros en toda situación.<br />
Dios está <i>en</i> nosotros obrando sus propósitos eternos.<br />
Dios está <i>aquí</i> en este mismo momento.<br />
Dios está<i> por</i> nosotros no importa que nos pase en la vida.<br />
Dios nos <i>ama</i>. Nada que hagamos pueda cambiar esta verdad.<br />
Dios <i>asigna</i> mi suerte y porción para mí bien.<br />
Dios <i>hace</i> que todas las cosas me ayuden para bien.<br />
Dios nos <i>cuida</i> y podemos descansar en su presencia.<br />
Dios está en <i>control</i> de cada faceta de mi vida;<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>nada me suceda sin antes pasar por su permiso soberano.<br />
<br />J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-91082808579973153292017-01-30T15:44:00.002-05:002017-01-30T15:44:58.723-05:00Is God in Everything?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZRnsc9JYCA/WI-hOh4ZzXI/AAAAAAAADSo/fmOo4FxaBk8cYUAaDLCxmdrRhHYLl6vZACEw/s1600/moses-and-the-burning-bush-the-bible-27076046-400-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZRnsc9JYCA/WI-hOh4ZzXI/AAAAAAAADSo/fmOo4FxaBk8cYUAaDLCxmdrRhHYLl6vZACEw/s320/moses-and-the-burning-bush-the-bible-27076046-400-300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earth's crammed with heaven</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And every common bush afire with God:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Aurora Leigh" VII.821-22</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Few lines capture as profoundly the mystery of God and his ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most remarkable gifts God has given mankind is the freedom to choose. We can choose to see God in every common bush, or we can choose to see bushes and pluck their berries. The choice is ours. How we see the common bushes of life determines how we embrace life and God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is God really in every common bush? Is he in the coffee cup sitting by my side, or the laptop sitting on my desk? Is there really such a thing as a "holy telephone" or an "anointed paper clip"? Is that what Browning is trying to say?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe she is hinting we have the choice about what we choose to believe about God. We choose our responses to the things that come into our lives. It is like the story of two prisoners gazing out from behind bars – one sees mud and the other sees stars. Life can be seen from either perspective: mud or stars. We choose whether to see things from God's perspective or see what literally stands before us. Perspective is everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Moses encountered the burning bush in the wilderness what first amazed him, <i>"though the bush was on fire it did not burn up." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, <i>"Moses! Moses!"</i> And Moses said, <i>"Here I am." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does God still call us from the common bushes? I believe He does. But only when we choose to see, hear, and perceive Him in all things. Our response has to be the same as Moses, "Here I am, Lord."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When someone is late for an appointment that we have ourselves have made the effort to be on time for, we have the choice to see a bush "afire with God" or a bush to sit round and pluck blackberries (and fume!) Our common response is frustration, loss, and thinking of the wasted time. But if every common bush is afire with God, might there be a spiritual reason or significance for even delayed appointments?</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elisabeth Elliot elaborates on Psalm 16:5,<i> "Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup, and have made my lot secure."</i> She comments, "I know of no greater simplifier for all of life. Whatever happens is assigned. Does the intellect balk at that? Can we say there are things that happen to us which do not belong to our lovingly assigned "portion" (This belongs to it, that does not?) Are some things...out of the control of the Almighty? Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion other options are canceled. Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the key word in the above wise words is, "...as I accept the given portion..." As we choose to accept life as it comes assigned to us from a loving Father, we indeed learn to see "every common bush afire with God."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ETERNAL TRUTHS TO CLAIM:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is always <i>with us</i> in every situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is always <i>for us</i> no matter what happens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God <i>loves us</i>. There is nothing we can do that will change this fact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God <i>assigns to us our portion and cup</i>—that which is best for our good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is <i>here</i> right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God <i>cares </i>for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God <i>works all things together</i> for our good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is in <i>control</i> of every facet of our life; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>nothing happens without first passing through his divine permission.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-52655838665521261422017-01-22T22:02:00.001-05:002017-01-22T22:02:49.362-05:00Church in the ashes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPb3xqXLEto/WIVxHHoTmsI/AAAAAAAADRI/OZi-Bow1M80aasyqWiYWqIf6MLO5q6eUwCLcB/s1600/ashes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPb3xqXLEto/WIVxHHoTmsI/AAAAAAAADRI/OZi-Bow1M80aasyqWiYWqIf6MLO5q6eUwCLcB/s320/ashes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A true story heard from a fellow Ecuadorian church planter working in a neighboring region of our province.<br />
<br />
Luisa was eager to start with her new church plant. She had no where to go, and did not know where to start. After praying, she felt led to start under the shade of a tree near where she lived. Her first gathering consisted of herself and two other girls. Luisa was ecstatic. She was on her way to becoming a church planter!<br />
<br />
Two weeks later, the tree was cut down by the owner of the property. Luisa was devastated. She went to her church planting mentor and cried, <i>"Now, what am I supposed to do? I have no where else to meet. The tree has been cut down."</i><br />
<br />
Her wise mentor told her, <i>"Thank the Lord! He has now provided you with a place to sit! Resume meeting in the branches of the fallen tree."</i><br />
<br />
Luisa did so, and the group meeting continued to meet for a couple of more weeks. All was going well until the owner decided to burn the fallen tree.<br />
<br />
Luisa went back and lamented, <i>"Now what are we going to do? The owner has burned our tree. Now we don't have anywhere to sit when we gather."</i><br />
<br />
Her mentor told her, <i>"Go back and continue to meet in the midst of the ashes. Church is not the place, but the people the Lord has given you to work with. Trust God. He is with you."</i><br />
<br />
Luisa did so. She and her little band of new believers continued to meet in the spot where now only ashes remained.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the intrigued owner continued to wonder at the group that so faithfully gathered no matter what he did to the tree. Finally, out of curiosity, he too began coming to the gatherings to learn more about what was going on. <br />
<br />
A few weeks passed and he too gave his heart to Jesus. With his new heart, he donated the portion of land where the church had been gathering. Since it is hot out in the equatorial sun, he also decided it would be nice if everyone could have a shady place to sit. He then built a shelter large enough to accommodate the growing group out of the hot sun.<br />
<br />
Many lessons can be learned from this story.<br />
<br />
One that registered with me, is that God often has to reduce our "tree" (works) to ashes before He can build the church He intends on having.<br />
<br />
Another lesson is the idea that set-backs, trials--and even tragedies are often viewed as detriments to the work. But more often than not, end up being the very means God uses to accomplish His purposes.<br />
<br />
What other lessons do you see in this story?J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-32835273338487039402017-01-06T11:16:00.000-05:002017-01-06T11:16:16.999-05:00Things God is teaching me<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Be faithful in the little things.</strong> God will accomplish much through my small acts of obedience.<br />
<br />
<strong>Thoughts are sub-conscience prayers.</strong> Be aware of what I am praying.<br />
<br />
<strong>What is not given is lost.</strong> What am I hanging on to that ought to be given away?<br />
<br />
<strong>One negative comment packs more power in someone's life than a dozen positive remarks.</strong> I need to be careful <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span> I communicate with others. If I am unable to build someone up, it is better to remain silent than use words that will tear someone down.<br />
<br />
<strong>Confront problems, hurts, misunderstandings, and mistakes as soon as possible.</strong> Don't allow Satan to carry out his agenda of rejection, suffering, division, fear, and pain.<br />
<br />
<strong>What does God have to say about it?</strong> It is not about me deciding everything and doing things as I deem best. If He is Lord, he is lord of ALL, including those things I assume I can handle on my own without his input.<br />
<br />
<strong>This is the day the Lord has made.</strong> It is up to me to choose whether or not I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is a daily choice.<br />
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John the Baptist said,<strong> "He must increase, but I must decrease."</strong> Who is actually increasing/decreasing in my life? Am I moving in the right direction?<br />
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<strong>Seek first His Kingdom.</strong> Does this thing seek to advance my kingdom or His Kingdom?<br />
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Charles Swindoll writes that,<strong> life is 10% what happens and 90% how I react to what happens.</strong> Am I focusing more on what has happened, or how I am <span style="font-style: italic;">reacting</span> to what has happened?<br />
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Mother Teresa wrote,<strong> <em>"Slowly I am learning to accept everything just as He gives it."</em></strong> Am I learning to accept <span style="font-style: italic;">all things</span> without complaining and whining, understanding that it is God who allows these things in my life?<br />
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Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote,<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><strong>Earth's crammed with heaven</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><strong>And every common bush afire with God:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><strong>But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-style: italic;">The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries</span>...</strong><br />
<br /></div>
Am I seeing God in every common bush, or am I one of those plucking blackberries?<br />
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<strong>Excellence is in the details.</strong> Attention to details is one of the ways I can worship God who is worthy of my best.<br />
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<strong>People come first.</strong> Everything else falls in line behind them.<br />
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<strong>We are blessed to be a blessing (Psalm 67).</strong> Am I using my blessings to bless others?J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-87989790487786097772016-07-31T15:43:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:43:18.970-05:00What really matters?I am convinced one of Satan's major schemes is to distract us from the few things that are truly important.<br />
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As Jesus says in Luke 10, <i>Martha, Martha...you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.</i><br />
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In practical terms, how does one go about choosing Jesus first?<br />
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God is showing me that I don't have to respond or act upon all that gets tossed my way. Just because someone throws me the ball, doesn't mean I have to catch it.<br />
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It also means simplify. Reduce. Unclutter my life. Define what is really important in regards to the Kingdom and focus on doing fewer things better. If the enemy can somehow fill my day with endless trivial tasks, I will not have the time, energy, or focus to deal with the really important things.<br />
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Everyday there are just too many ministry opportunities, tasks to perform, expectations, reports to absorb, books/articles to read, requests for prayer, favors asked of us, calls for help, meetings to attend, programs, work-related tasks needing attention, and daily responsibilities with family. About 3/4 of the things I engage with are things I don't care anything about, but do them anyway so as not to offend anyone, and stay on people's good side.<br />
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The truth is, few of us are able to process all the data and requests that get sent our way. It is unrealistic to expect people to process and act upon so much new and changing information without it affecting the side of things that do matter and have eternal consequences.<br />
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Back to Jesus, Mary and Martha...What are the many things that keep me worried and upset? Jesus says only one thing is needed, and Mary had figured it out. I think Mary was so in love with Jesus that very little of the stuff her sister was distracted with seemed all that important in comparison. Mary was commended for choosing--<i>and it is a daily choice</i>--Jesus first. When Jesus, his kingdom, and his righteousness come first, the other stuff might not get done, but our lives will be more of a blessing, and will bear the fruit promised by Jesus in John 15.J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-25551620113350515522016-07-13T16:19:00.000-05:002016-07-14T14:02:57.262-05:0021 prácticas que están frenando el avance del Reino de Dios en el EcuadorFelicity Dale comparte <a href="http://simplychurch.com/?s=why+we+don%27t+see+harvest">15 reasons why we don't see harvest.</a> He modificado su lista original en inglés para incluir algunas de las razones que creo están frenando el avance de la obra del Señor en el Ecuador. Sus comentarios son bienvenidos.<br />
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1. Estamos tan involucrados con otros creyentes que no tenemos tiempo para invertir con los que aun no conocen de Cristo.<br />
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2. Tenemos miedo de ser contaminados al tener demasiado contacto con el mundo.<br />
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3. Entender al evangelismo como un serie de eventos que se hacen en vez de un estilo de vida de cada creyente.<br />
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4. Líderes que creen que llenar el templo es la meta, en vez de movilizar a la iglesia a los campos de la mies.<br />
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5. Falta de rogar al Señor de la mies por obreros.<br />
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6. Poco énfasis en preparar a los obreros para la cosecha y más énfasis en el desarrollo de los líderes cuyo función principal debería ser el "capacitar a los santos para la obra del ministerio."<br />
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7. Líderes que creen que el mandato de "buscar primeramente el Reino de Dios" significa crecer más la iglesia donde ellos pastorean.<br />
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8. El creer que "hacer discípulos" significa predicar el evangelio y esperar que la gente venga al templo y forme parte de nuestra congregación.<br />
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9. Pescar en aguas donde no muerden los peces, o cambiando la metáfora...buscar cosechar en terreno que aun no está listo, o donde poca semilla ha sido sembrada.<br />
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10. Invitar a las personas venir a nuestra iglesia, en vez de comenzar nuevas iglesias con ellos y sus amigos en los lugares donde viven.<br />
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11. Cuando alguien se convierta al evangelio, lo extraemos de su propia comunidad para formar parte de la nuestra.<br />
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12. Evangelizamos sí, pero lo hacemos al azar en vez de buscar hacerlo con "personas de paz" como mandó Jesús. (Lucas 10:1-9)<br />
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13. El amar más nuestros reinos que Su Reino al dar prioridad a nuestros proyectos, programas, sueños, y levantar templos sobre los claros mandatos del Señor de 1) amar a Dios, 2) amar al prójimo, y 3) hacer discípulos.<br />
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14. El depender más en cualidades de carisma, estilo, organización y preparación sin importar ni requerir la presencia y poder del Espíritu Santo en nuestra obra.<br />
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15. Esperar que Dios bendiga todos nuestros esfuerzos, sean cual sean, sin tomar el tiempo para buscar lo que el Señor realmente desea de nosotros.<br />
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16. Todo centralizado dentro de las cuatro paredes de la iglesia.<br />
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17. Iglesias que gastan el 98% de sus ingresos en si mismas en vez de invertir en "hacer discípulos a las naciones."<br />
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18. Oramos por muchas cosas, pero poco por las almas perdidas.<br />
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19. Esperamos que otra persona lo haga. Y cuando alguien sí intenta hacer algo, criticamos todo lo que hacen diciendo a quién nos escucha cómo debían haberse hecho las cosas.<br />
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20. Usar la excusa, "Dios no me ha llamado para ser misionero" cuando la Gran Comisión indica claramente lo contrario.<br />
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21. División entre el Cuerpo de Cristo. Nosotros somos los "buenos" y todos los demás hermanos están errados. Mejor alejarnos de todo aquel que no es cómo nosotros para así no contaminarnos de sus falsas doctrinas.J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-34543135925832918912016-07-06T08:37:00.003-05:002016-07-06T08:38:18.956-05:00If you thought like a missionaryA few years back Ernest Goodman wrote a post entitled <a href="http://missionsmisunderstood.com/2011/06/16/if-you-thought-like-a-missionary/">If you thought like a missionary...</a> which contains some good thoughts for all of us.<br />
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<blockquote>
The word “church” would conjure images of people, not buildings.<br />
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Your plans for the year would be limited only by your creativity, not your available funds. You’d have a plan for what happens after you’re gone (a plan that could be implemented tomorrow).<br />
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You’d worry more about getting things right than being right. You’d know that every decision you make along the way has far-reaching implications for the work. Missionaries think about the long-term strategic consequences of decisions like establishing elders too soon, dividing up families for Bible study, and growing one large church vs. starting several smaller ones.<br />
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Church planting would be more than just starting a church and being its pastor; it would entail discipling indigenous leaders and pastoring through them.<br />
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You’d exegete your cultural context, not consume it. What you learn would inform what you do, because indigeneity would be a goal of your work.<br />
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You would love your city, but never quite feel comfortable in it. Something would always remind you that you are a stranger, pilgrim, and at best, an acceptable outsider.<br />
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Your church would understand that it’s only a part of what God is doing around the world. There’s a lot to learn from believers of other times and in other contexts. Global involvement cannot wait until local work is mature.<br />
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Your team would spend more time listening to the Holy Spirit than listening to you.<br />
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Your family’s active involvement would be vital to your ministry. Missionaries, at least the ones that last, include their spouse and children in building redemptive relationships.<br />
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The people you’re ministering to would have your mobile phone number. The real one.<br />
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Your stories would be current, first-person, and self-depreciating.<br />
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You would be keenly aware of the depth of your inadequacy, the dangers of the spiritual reality, and the blessing of God’s gracious provision.<br />
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You should become a missionary.</blockquote>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-32528717116071407512016-06-24T11:06:00.000-05:002016-06-24T11:06:23.445-05:00¿Qué es una iglesia simple?La <i>iglesia simple</i> es conocido por algunos nombres diferentes:<br />
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<i>-la iglesia en casa</i><br />
<i>-casas de oración</i><br />
<i>-iglesia orgánica</i><br />
<i>-casas culto</i><br />
<i>-la iglesia hogareña</i><br />
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A menudo se pregunta, ¿qué es la diferencia entre <i>grupos pequeños</i> reuniéndose en las casas, <i>células</i> que se reúnen en casas, e <i>iglesias en las casas</i> que también se reúnen en hogares? ¿No son todas la misma cosa?<br />
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Rad Zdero, en su libro, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nexus-World-Church-Movement-Reader/dp/087808374X">Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader</a> hace una buena explicación sobre las diferencias.<br />
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Aunque reconocemos y celebramos la mano de Dios en todos los modelos de hacer iglesia, hay importantes diferencias entre las iglesias tradicionales, celulares, e iglesias en las casas.</blockquote>
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Muchos creyentes hoy en día forman parte de los grupos pequeños de sus iglesias. Estos pueden ser estudios Bíblicos, grupos de oración, grupos de apoyo, etc. Sin embargo, los grupos pequeños son utilizados en formas diferentes según el tipo de iglesia. Casi todas las iglesias utilizan a los grupos pequeños de alguna forma u otra. Estos generalmente saben reunirse en los hogares y animan la participación activa de los asistentes. Pero a partir de allí terminan las similaridades.<br />
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<b>Las iglesias tradicionales</b> utilizan a los grupos pequeños como una iglesia CON grupos pequeños (a menudo usan equivocadamente el término <i>célula.</i>)<br />
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<b>Las iglesias celulares</b> ponen el énfasis de la vida de la iglesia en el grupo pequeño. Usan correctamente el término <i>célula</i> para distinguir entre la reunión del grupo pequeño, y la del grupo grande <i>(celebración)</i> cuando todas las células se reúnen juntas en un solo lugar. Una iglesia celular es una sola iglesia DE grupos pequeños. <br />
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<b>Una red de iglesias en casa</b> entiende que cada iglesia en casa es una iglesia completa y autónoma en si misma. O sea la iglesia ES el grupo pequeño. Una iglesia en casa es una iglesia en todo sentido y hace todo lo que una iglesia tradicional o celular hace.</blockquote>
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<br />J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-70617041245366621382015-06-15T18:00:00.000-05:002015-06-15T18:49:23.165-05:00From everywhere to anywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hanging in front of my desk and covering most of our office wall is the above map entitled in Spanish "MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE."<br />
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Covered in tiny colored dots one is able to see at a glance where the largest concentrations of lostness are located in the world. The numbers are staggering: 6500 Unreached People Groups (UPG) totaling some 4-billion people who have yet to hear a clear presentation of the life-transforming Good News of Jesus Christ. Of these, 3000 are not only unreached, but unengaged by anyone. There is no one even trying to reach them! As Kirby Woods so aptly expressed, <i>"The only thing worse than being lost, is being lost when no one is looking for you." </i><br />
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This is why Linda and I are in Ecuador. To join Christ's team in doing everything possible to make His Name known in every single one of those "dots"--from everywhere in the world to anywhere God leads his people. That is our task. Our calling. Mobilization is the term used today to describe all that is involved in making disciples of the nations, who in turn, engage other nations. To mobilize is to Pray. Teach. Train. Equip. Encourage. Mentor. Assist. Counsel. When woven together we see a beautiful tapestry of disciples making disciples of the nations.<br />
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But this task is not ours alone. It belongs to us all. As C.H. Spurgeon said,<i> "It is the whole business of the whole church to preach the whole gospel to the whole world."</i> After more than 100 years of the Gospel seed being sown, watered and harvested in Ecuador, our adopted country has transitioned from being solely a mission field, and is now a front-line player in sending missionaries TO THE MISSION FIELD!<br />
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This past week a fellow missionary shared the following story that illustrates the kinds of things God is doing these days...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A Brazilian musician working in Vienna, Austria has started Bible studies with more than 30 Iranians and several Vietnamese families. Last month 12 of these were baptized and a new church started. This Brazilian evangelist/musician/church planter is being trained and mentored by two American families. One living in Germany and the other in Switzerland! </blockquote>
God is indeed moving his people from everywhere to anywhere!<br />
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PLEASE PRAY. My wife and I work closely with Ecuador's interdenominational missions agency in sending Ecuadorians to the nations. IM is currently working with 28 Ecuadorian missionaries who are either on the field, on home assignment, or candidates in various stages of preparation to be sent out. It is a huge honor and blessing to be part of what God is doing to complete the cycle of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and now to the nations of the earth.<br />
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We began our own missionary journey 28 years ago serving in Guayaquil (our Jerusalem). After several years we became part of the Guayas Mestizo Team (Judea) reaching out into the province. A few years later, we were charged with responsibility to reach the neighboring coastal provinces (Samaria). And now we are faced with reaching out to the nations (ends of the earth)!!!<br />
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A great deal of our time is spent working globally in the logistical side of sending Latino missionaries from all over the Americas into all the world. The #1 barrier for sending qualified Latino workers to their fields of service is in the area of finances. Recently a new project was approved by the IMB which seeks to supplement Latino cross-cultural workers enabling them to fulfill God's call on their life to go to the nations. The special Lottie Moon project is called <a href="https://netcommunity.imb.org/giving-search-page">"Partnerships For Global Sending"</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(NOTE: After clicking the preceding link you will have to click VIEW PROJECTS BY PEOPLE GROUP and then select AMERICAN from the drop box. The first project should be the one.) </i></span><br />
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Jorge, from Venezuela, is an example of the kind of person we are seeking to help. His inspiring story is entitled "Called to Go" and can be viewed by clicking <a href="https://vimeo.com/100271203">https://vimeo.com/100271203</a>J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-24074488896207804822014-12-08T11:26:00.003-05:002014-12-08T11:36:29.939-05:00How important prayer is for missionariesWe have been Stateside since May of this year. One of the things I have come to realize during our days in the USA is the cost--the sacrifice--involved in our calling as missionaries. For most of my life I have had the attitude of tossing aside any semblance that we are "sacrificing" anything for Jesus. I guess we have always seen our own condition as far more blessed than the vast majority of people we relate to on the mission field. We have been given so much. What are we really sacrificing? God has always provided for our every need. He is faithful.<br />
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And yet, being here in the States, I am seeing that following God's call on our life as overseas missionaries has been costly on us as a family. Each member of our family has had to pay a real price in order for us to live and serve our Lord overseas. I don't know if things would have been better or worse living this time in the USA, but I do know it has been costly to us as a family emotionally, spiritually, physically. In a real sense we bear real "scars" of our choice to follow Jesus like we have.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Peter:</b> <span style="font-style: italic;">"Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You." </span><b>Jesus:</b> <span style="font-style: italic;">"Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life." (Luke 18)</span></blockquote>
These words were the text of the message preached by Keith Parks at our appointment service as missionaries back in December of '86. I have always focused on the last part that promises we will receive "many times as much" for the little we might have sacrificed. But there is no skipping over the high cost entailed in leaving behind those things<i> (ie. houses, wives, brothers, parents, grand children, comforts, etc.) </i>in order to fulfill Christ's call on our life. There is a price to be paid. It isn't easy.<br />
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I guess that is why Christ said count the cost before taking the plunge. Some of Jesus' toughest words are found in Luke 14,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Those who come to me cannot be my disciples unless they love me more than they love father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and themselves as well. Those who do not carry their own cross and come after me cannot be my disciples. If one of you is planning to build a tower, you sit down first and figure out what it will cost, to see if you have enough money to finish the job. If you don't, you will not be able to finish the tower after laying the foundation; and all who see what happened will make fun of you. 'You began to build but can't finish the job!' they will say... In the same way," concluded Jesus, "none of you can be my disciple unless you give up everything you have.</i></blockquote>
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These days we have spent in the States have highlighted in so many ways, "what might have been" had we chosen otherwise. While America is far from perfect, there is much good and certainly an abundance of opportunities and blessings that few people in the rest of the world can even come close to dreaming about. When we see the houses, cars, and lifestyles of our peers, we can't help but wonder if, we too, might be living like that had we not chosen to follow His call on our lives. When we see the missed opportunities that our children might have experienced had we made different choices, we can easily "second guess" the decisions we have made to live overseas like we do.</div>
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Some of the questions going around in my head these days are:<br />
<ul>
<li>has it been worth it?</li>
<li>are we really making a difference overseas?</li>
<li>have we really made any kind of lasting, significant contribution? </li>
<li>is it time to move on and do something else?</li>
<li>is the work better or worse off for our being there?</li>
<li>have we been faithful?</li>
<li>are we supposed to go back?</li>
<li>does God have more for us to do there before relieving us of this responsibility?</li>
<li>how do we balance of obeying God's call with the needs of our children?</li>
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I share these thoughts with you as a means of expressing how important praying for missionaries is. We are common people, with real needs like anyone else. We need your prayers and support <i>(eg. Lottie Moon Christmas Offering).</i> Before William Carey, the "Father of the Modern Missionary Movement" went to India, he said to the small English society of believers sending him, "I will go down the mine, if you will all hold the ropes for me."<br />
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Will you continue to hold the ropes for us?<br />
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<br />J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-65339011982646836342014-12-02T10:57:00.000-05:002014-12-09T16:55:12.836-05:00It's Lottie Moon Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While the amount varies from year to year, in 2013 the annual per capita giving of S. Baptists to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for global missions was $9.78.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/7843/2830/1600/391394/lottiemoon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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In other words, if you gave $10 last year to global missions, you were giving more than the average S. Baptist. As Lottie Moon herself asked over 100 years ago, <i>"Why this strange indifferences to missions? Why these scant contributions? Why does money fail to be forthcoming when approved men and women are asking to be sent to proclaim the "unsearchable riches of Christ" to the heathen?"</i>
I don't know, either, Lottie.<br />
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Every year Southern Baptist Churches in the United States collect a special offering in December for international missions. 100% goes for overseas work. The goal this year for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is <u><strong>$175 million</strong></u>.<br />
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Here is how the offering works: <br />
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Since we see first-hand and feel the direct impact of this offering, I would like to say to everyone who gave last year or is planning to give this year, THANK YOU. Maybe $10/year is all you really can give, and if so, God knows this and will multiply that $10 like he did the five loaves and two fish to feed the 5000. But there are others who really could give more.<br />
<br />
Would you be willing to ask the Lord what he would have you give to make His Name known amongst the nations?<br />
<br />
What follows is a list of things we have personally tried over the years or practice regularly as a family.<br />
<br />
1) Decide what amount of money you will spend on your family this Christmas and give MORE than this amount to the LMCO. After all, it is Christ's birthday we are celebrating. Shouldn't He be getting more than us if it is his birthday?<br />
<br />
2) Something we have done as a family for many years is set aside a monthly amount from our paycheck and have that amount automatically credited to the LMCO. This took a couple of email and phone calls to set up, but we haven't had to fool with it since, and are able to give to LMCO throughout the year.<br />
<br />
3) A variation on the idea above would be to have a gift box that you deposit a set amount every week/month throughout the year. Then give this amount to your church when the offering is collected in December.<br />
<br />
4) Sell tickets to a mother-daughter or father-son breakfast or brunch. Invite a missionary as a guest speaker. Proceeds go to missions.<br />
<br />
5) Auction students to church members for a day of service, from cleaning house to raking leaves. Money members give for the work youth do goes to Lottie Moon.<br />
<br />
6) One idea missionaries have done in the past is hold an auction where a volunteer team brings in "goodies" from the States and auction them off to the missionaries. A six-pack of Dr. Pepper went for $120 one year! My son paid $60 for a box of Double-Bubble gum. I myself have paid $35 for a jar of Jiff peanut butter! All proceeds go to the missions offerings. Might your church do something similar with imported foods purchased from your local grocery store?<br />
<br />
7) Challenge folks to save money for the offering by giving up something small. Examples include a fast-food meal a week or a movie a month. Host a special ceremony for everyone to give their offering and share what God taught them through their sacrifice.<br />
<br />
8) Double (or triple!) whatever you gave last year. Give sacrificially, not what is convenient.<br />
<br />
9) As a church body, decide to channel funds to a lost world instead of to building improvements or beautification projects.<br />
<br />
10) Watch this video by IMB President, David Platt: <br />
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<br />
Whatever you decide to give, please do so prayerfully. There are few offerings that make as much of an eternal impact on the world as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Give online by <a href="http://www.imb.org/giving/howmissionsisfunded.aspx">clicking here.</a>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Checks can be mailed to (gifts are tax-deductable)</em></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lottie Moon Christmas Offering</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">International Mission Board, SBC</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">P.O. Box 6767</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Richmond, VA 23230</span></span></div>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-54748458381010487952014-12-01T19:01:00.000-05:002014-12-01T20:32:50.974-05:00Simple Church: Unity Within Diversity<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1939992281/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1939992281&linkCode=as2&tag=thmbl04-20&linkId=Q7HSRJAABH2YCITN" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1939992281&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thmbl04-20" height="400" width="259" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1939992281/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1939992281&linkCode=as2&tag=thmbl04-20&linkId=OCBXRHVGHKCB7SRA">Simple Church: Unity Within Diversity</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thmbl04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1939992281" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is 24 contributors (including yours truly) writing from differing perspectives what simple church proponents believe and stand for. Originally the title was to have been "What We're For"--a good description of what the reader will find in the 286 pages of this book.<br />
<br />
What I personally like about this compilation is its contrast with many other writings out there which tend to place an emphasis on "what's wrong with today's church." <a href="http://redeemingpress.com/authors/eric-carpenter/simple-church/?ap_id=jagumu">Simple Church: Unity Within Diversity</a> is a positive attempt to share with fellow believers what simple church is all about.
<br />
<br />
So, what is simple church? A simple question that doesn't have a simple answer--hence the book! Each of the 24 writers shares from his/her perspective a single aspect of what it means to <i>be</i> the church.<br />
<br />
For example, in my own assigned Chapter 17, <i>"A Church That Gives Liberally and Generously,"</i> I start out by exploring the difference between 'storehouse tithing' and Kingdom giving:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When Malachi 3:10 “storehouse tithing” ceases to be the standard for how much and where we give, many believers are left wondering: </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>• To whom then should I give?<br />• How much should I give?<br />• When is the right time to give? </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>In New Testament simple churches, giving is based upon Jesus’ teaching on the subject:</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8). </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Luke 6:38).</i></blockquote>
What implications do Jesus' words and teaching on this subject have for believers and the church today? How is money to be handled in the church as exemplified in the Gospels and Epistles? My chapter seeks to answer these and similar questions.<br />
<br />
While I have been thoroughly blessed by all the contributing writers, some of my favorite chapters in the book are those which explore the following topics:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A CHURCH THAT ASSEMBLES FOR MUTUAL EDIFICATION by Will Rochow</li>
<li>A CHURCH THAT KNOWS LEADERS ARE THOSE WHO SERVE OTHERS by A. Knox</li>
<li>A CHURCH THAT GIVES EVERYTHING AWAY by Keith Giles</li>
<li>A CHURCH THAT RESTORES DIGNITY WHERE IT’S BEEN LOST by Kathy Escobar</li>
<li>A CHURCH THAT TAKES THE GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH by Miguel Labrador (a fellow co-laborer in Ecuador)</li>
<li>A CHURCH THAT RECOGNIZES EQUAL LAITY WITH CHRIST AS THE ONE AND ONLY HEAD by Kathleen Ward</li>
</ul>
<br />
There is so much great material here and to single out a few chapters is only to whet your appetite for some encouraging, but challenging reading.<br />
<br />
Far too often discussions about the church descend into arguments about theology, practices, doctrines, traditions, and methods. None of the writers in this book desire to be a part of that kind of dialogue. Rather, each attempts to shed light and provide answers for a growing number of believers who sense that something is missing in the way we 'do church.' Why aren't we experiencing more today what is seen in the Gospels and Book of Acts?<br />
<br />
If you would like to know more about simple church and are willing to have your thinking stretched a bit about the church, I hope you will read <a href="http://redeemingpress.com/authors/eric-carpenter/simple-church/?ap_id=jagumu">Simple Church: Unity Within Diversity</a> and let us know what you think about the book in the comments section below.J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-12762753834974738592014-11-25T21:02:00.002-05:002014-11-25T21:02:50.450-05:00The Big PictureFelicity Dale recently shared a post entitled <a href="http://simplychurch.com/what-in-the-world-is-god-up-to/">What in the world is God up to?</a> on her blog <a href="http://simplychurch.com/">Simply Church</a>. With the media political viewpoint on events in today's world we often do not see or hear about what God is doing in the midst of the nations. With Felicity's permission I reprint her encouraging post below.<br />
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<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>There are probably more Christians in China now than members of the Communist Party.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>In Asia, the T4T training has resulted in more than 1.7 million baptisms over the past 10 years.
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>In India, a Hindu nation, one house church network with which I am familiar, is seeing around one million baptisms per year.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Now seems to be God’s time for the Muslim world. In one nation we know, there are thousands of house churches. In another area of the Middle East, there is a movement that has more than 12,000 house churches.
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>A Buddhist nation has seen more than 110,000 new believers in the past 10 years.
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>In 1991, when the Communists lost control of Mongolia, there were maybe 4 or 5 known Christians. Estimates are that now, just over 20 years later, there are around 100,000.
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>In Africa, Rolland and Heidi Baker have seen more than 10,000 new churches formed in Mozambique and the surrounding nations.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
A few years ago, all of this would have seemed impossible. We may not be seeing huge numbers here in the West, but God is on the move in much of the rest of the world. Most (not all) the examples I’ve given here have occurred with disciple making movements/church planting movements. In these movements, the emphasis is on what is going on outside of the traditional church building. Ordinary believers are making disciples and leading small groups that eventually meet as churches.
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>I know that numbers are not everything, but they are an indication of what God is up to. Several years ago, Wolfgang Simson did a survey of the largest churches in the world. If you include networks of churches that meet in homes, then numbers one through 19 are networks of house churches and number 20, at the time of his survey, was Paul Yonggi Cho’s church in Seoul, Korea.
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>Throughout the world, God is using ordinary people—just like you—to start churches. What is there to stop you doing the same?</ul>
</blockquote>
J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-22123407205995186502014-11-03T20:15:00.000-05:002014-11-18T12:00:37.592-05:00Neil Cole's "Primal Fire: Reigniting the Church with the Five Gifts of Jesus"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414385501/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1414385501&linkCode=as2&tag=thmbl04-20&linkId=LWBF6ZBSG2WEHAAH" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1414385501&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thmbl04-20" height="400" width="265" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thmbl04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414385501" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I ended up highlighting 138 separate passages in this book. What a gold mine of insight about the Eph. 4 APEST team and how they function! So much of what is written in these pages expresses my own heartbeat concerning the forgotten and yet-needed roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. We need the APEST functions as much today as when they were first given to the church in the first century.<br />
<br />
I found the author's treatment of 1 Timothy 3 passage to be especially thought-provoking. Cole points out, for example, that some translators assume the role of 'overseer' in 3:1 to be an 'office' and hence, "stopped translating and started teaching something that Paul did not intend." In 3:8-13 I found his suggestion compelling that, "the roles of deacon and deaconess are the fulfillment of the equipping gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11—that is, deacons and deaconesses are the mature apostles, prophets , evangelists, shepherds, and teachers who equip the saints for the work of service." He goes on to state,<br />
<br />
"From this perspective, an elder’s role is less broad in influence than that of a deacon or deaconess, and more focused on a specific spiritual family (what we would see as an oikos, which is a spiritual household of faith or a missional community). As such, the necessary abilities for the elder’s role are more specifically defined, and teaching is essential to that more limited role. In contrast, perhaps deacons and deaconesses are capable of many more ministry assignments (five, to be specific) on a broader scale, only one of which would be as “teacher.” That is, deacons may serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, or shepherds."<br />
<br />
I also resonated with the description of apostles and prophets (AP) being the START AND GO team, while evangelists, shepherds and teachers make up the STAY AND GROW team building upon the foundation set by the AP team. If you've ever wondered about what each of these five functions entail, this book does a wonderful job in spelling out how these work together and how each is needed.<br />
<br />
The book repeatedly emphasizes something I have long believed and taught others, that each of the APEST are there to equip the saints for the work of service. They do not exist to be DOING the work themselves, but "for the EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." Since this goal has not yet been reached, there is still the ongoing need of modern apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to be about the appointed tasks. Cole does a good job in pointing out counterfeits to the real thing.<br />
<br />
All in all, this is an excellent and much needed read for the greater Body of Christ, especially those in church leadership roles. We need to get back into a more Biblical balance in regards to being servants first and foremost.J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191203.post-30244320730766695792014-03-27T10:51:00.000-05:002014-03-27T10:51:00.213-05:00Churchianity to ChristianityThe longer we are engaged in missional church planting, the more I find myself going back to Reggie McNeal's, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0787965685?v=glance">The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church</a>. This courageous book first came out in 2003, and has been challenging my thinking ever since. In the book McNeal describes the church in terms of six "new realities." The related questions to each of the realities are ones we find ourselves struggling with in our own life and ministry.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. The collapse of the church culture.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wrong question: How do we do church better?</li>
<li>Tough question: How do we deconvert from Churchianity to Christianity?</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The shift from church growth to kingdom growth.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wrong question: How do we grow this church?</li>
<li>Tough question: How do we transform our community?</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">3. A new reformation: Releasing God's people.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wrong question: How do we turn members into ministers?</li>
<li>Tough question: How do we turn members into missionaries?</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">4. The return to spiritual formation.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wrong question: How do we develop church members?</li>
<li>Tough question: How do we develop followers of Jesus?</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">5. The shift from planning to preparation.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wrong question: How do we plan for the future?</li>
<li>Tough question: How do we prepare for the future?</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">6. The rise of apostolic leadership.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wrong question: How do we develop leaders for church work?</li>
<li>Tough question: How do we develop leaders for the Christian movement?</li>
</ul>
Of these six, the one that grabs my attention is #4. We are passionate about developing followers of Christ who understand the difference between religion and relationship. In our own context there are 800,000+ believers sitting in the pews of churches all across this nation. It is my conviction that followers of Christ are not made to sit in pews week after week. Their relationship with Christ calls for a response like that of Isaiah, <span style="font-style: italic;">"here am I, send me."</span> Seek to deconvert believers from "Churchianity" to Christianity.<br />
<br />
Which of Reggie's six points above resonate with you? What are you doing to address these issues in your own life and ministry?J. Guy Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751691713410311094noreply@blogger.com3