Monday, March 28, 2011

...random...

I have 20 draft posts for this blog... so many ideas... so little time to sit... and wait... for just the right words... for just the right emotion...  they are coming (the posts that is)... soon... promise...

Will be working on our newsletter this week - if you're not receiving it yet but would like to - let me know by providing your email address - and I'll be delighted to email it to you.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A Quick Update From the Philippines

Seems like I am in the updating mood these days.  I am going through the old stories posted here when I was reaching out for your help and prayers and letting you know what's happening with the people I mentioned.

Today I would like to remind you of a beautiful girl from the Philippines named Blessie (you can read her story here).

Blessie is doing better now.  Her condition is slowly improving.  She is receiving medical treatment (medicated eye patch) and is going through therapy.  Because of the therapy her vision is getting a little better and her whole body seems to be getting a bit healthier.  The doctors are hoping the progress continues.

Thank you for continually praying with us for her complete healing and faith for her family to continue trusting in the finished work of Jesus, that by His blood and by His stripes Blessie is completely healed.

Monday, March 7, 2011

I Am Home

I have been away from home so much this year.  I've been away from my husband too.  There was a reason why we had to be separated by miles for so long (the longest stretch in 2.5 years of marriage) - but knowing the reason does not always make it easy.

It feels good to be home again.  Home where I can wear the "ugly shirt".  Home where all pretenses are stripped away - and it's just me.

I am grateful...
- that I still haven't trashed the "ugly shirt"
- for a kiss my husband gives me before he leaves for work
- for knowing where everything is (well, most of the time)
- for friends who understand my passion
- for unexpected financial blessings slipped into my hand in church
- for the overwhelming feeling of gratitude flooding my soul
- that God sees and honors obedience
- that God's love does not depend on my performance
- that there're doctors and lawyers and all kinds of people who know stuff I don't

Saturday, March 5, 2011

A Successful Story (and a prayer request)

A couple whom I've never met in person but grown to respect and honor through our online relationship - Evan & Faith Jobes - are leaving today to a former Soviet Union republic to pick up their new daughter Etta (short from Lisette).  I have blogged about their story in January (you can read it here).

If you have given financially towards their adoption - thank you so much.

They need your prayers now as they are staying in a country where they do not speak the language, go to courts and fight for their little daughter.  They are hoping to bring her home by the end of the month.  Please say a word of prayer for them as you read this.

Thank you.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Ukraine 2011

 I remember when I first decided to come to Metro Ministries in New York.  I was only 20 years old but I knew that God had something in mind for my life.  I left my country, my family, my friends, and moved half-way across the world to do what I believed was God’s will for my life.  As I learned how to do Sidewalk Sunday School and saw how effective these ministry principles were, I remember asking God to allow me to play part in bringing this concept to the Russian-speaking post-Soviet world.

Today (almost 9 years later) I see God answering my prayer.  Bryan & I  have an opportunity this April to go to Kiev, Ukraine for a week and help teach classes for children ministry leaders.   We will also be assisting pastor Bill Wilson at the big convention for Russian-speaking churches.  Pastors and ministry leaders from all over Ukraine and many towns in Russia, Belarus, Moldova and other countries attend.  My heart rejoices thinking we could be part of that.
Thousands of Christian leaders 
attended the convention last year
Approximate schedule:
April 11 – arrive in Kiev, Ukraine
April 12-13 – teach workshops for children ministry leaders
April 14-16 – convention hosted by Victory Church
April 17 –  church service (possibly leave Ukraine)
April 18 – return to New York, USA

At this moment we do not have sufficient finances to cover the cost of the trip.  We still need $2,350 more to buy plane tickets and take care of the basic expenses while we are there.


Would you prayerfully consider becoming part of what God does in post-Soviet countries by helping us out with your prayers and possibly a donation?

Planet D – Sidewalk Sunday School program in Kiev –
the future home of Metro Ukraine
If the Lord moves on your heart to help us out with either prayer or finances for this trip - please let us know by commenting on this post or emailing us (so we can send you updates about this trip).  If you can bless us financially for this trip you can do so by using the paypal link below or by sending us a check.





"that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack"
(2 Corinthians 8:14)

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Pursuit - Test of Disapproval

"She could feel the pressure in her back.  Her ribs were aching with tension.  She has not moved yet... waiting... anxiously.  The conversation was aimlessly moving between the prices of groceries and most recent soap opera developments.  She was trying to be part of it, inserting random comments here and there.  Now she could not remember what she was saying before as her mind was racing on a whole different wavelength.

She exhaled... and finally blurted it out.  Her hopes, her desires, her mission in life.  It was out there... floating like heavy fog over the dinner table.  Knowing her family were not Christians, she was expecting them not to understand... 

... but she was unprepared for the intensity of their disapproval.  Weighty remarks like, "If you love us, you won't do it" slashed her heart and her emotions deeply.  She tried to explain... to reason... but all her efforts were in vain.  Her family just wouldn't have it.  Period."

Those of us who made it our mission to serve God will sooner or later find ourselves in this young lady's situation.  I surely have before... I am pretty sure so have many of you.  Even if you were blessed with a wonderful God-fearing family - somewhere in your Christian walk you will face disapproval of those close to you (if you haven't already).

I pray and believe that as the Lord moves on your heart to do something courageous and beautiful for Him, that He will surround you with people to encourage you and support you.

And yet... what if those people are NOT those closest to you?  What if your own family threatens to cut you off for your decision to go into full-time ministry?  or for your decision to give generously of your finances?  or for your desire to bring into your home a child that is not "your own"?  or for your choosing a different career path after they've paid for your tuition? or for a person you're setting out to marry?

Often as you journey towards you dream you will meet with disapproval.  When you do, you must examine your desires and attitudes prayerfully and carefully and consider if this disapproval is indeed God trying to get your attention and re-direct your steps.  If it is, the safest thing to do is to repent in humility and thank those people for keeping you from making mistakes.

But what if it isn't?  What if you know that you know that you know that God is indeed moving you in the direction you have chosen?  What if you have received a confirmation upon confirmation through the Word of God, in prayer, through elders in church, and even physical events that this is indeed the road the Lord wants you to travel? 

What do you do then?

I dare suggest that their disapproval in this case becomes a test of your obedience to God and His leading.

"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus. He turned to them and said, “If people come to me and are not ready to abandon their fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as their own lives, they cannot be my disciples. So those who do not carry their crosses and follow me cannot be my disciples."
(Luke 14:25-27)

The choice is yours...

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

No Problem Mon!

My wonderful friend has a birthday coming up which resulted in an unforgettable trip.

I have never taken time to think of Jamaica as a vacation spot.  I do have a friend who is Jamaican and I do appreciate Jamaica Blue Mountain coffees... it's just that I never really considered going there.

My wonderful friend, however, did.  I am glad she did.

me with my beautiful friends Grace and Carola (both on staff with Metro Ministries)

She made all the arrangements... and a week ago I landed on a beautiful Caribbean island.  What struck me first was the happiness that radiated from everyone we met.  Everyone was joking and laughing (I don't think I stopped laughing the entire time I was there).  



 I loved Jamaica.  I almost wish I did not have to come back (I would much rather have Bryan come join me there).  The weather and the landscapes are breathtaking.  The people are very friendly. No matter what our questions were the only thing we heard in reply was, "No problem mon!"


being kissed by a dolphin



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If you're interested in making Jamaica your next vacation destination or want to know more about great savings on travel to many other countries - feel free to drop an email to Grace at gblodget@att.net and she will let you know about the great deals available.
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