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Parable of the Sower – Mark 4:13
I read one of the most interesting takes on this parable in my devotions today. This is in regard to the seed that falls on the hard ground. Here goes…
“There are some people into whose hearts Christian truth can find no entry. This is due to the hearer’s lack of interest; and that lack of interest comes from a failure to realize how important the Christian decision is. Christianity fails to make an impact on so many people, not because they are hostile to it, but because they are indifferent. They think that it is irrelevant to life and that they can get on well enough without it. That might be true if life was always an easy way where there were neither tensions nor tears; but in fact there comes to every man a time when he needs a power not his own. It is the tragedy of life that so many discover that too late”
It is interesting to me that the decision for salvation, an issue of eternity, is so wrapped up in our life here on earth. As this quote reveals, far too many people ignore the voice of God because of the ease of life. And yet, when trials and tears invade our lives we are suddenly open to the issues of eternity.
It is amazing that Jesus’ parable 2000 years ago still pegs mankind today.
“Home” Sweet “Home”
We have made it home to Germany safely! Thanks for your prayers.
Since I am experiencing jetlag, I probably shouldn’t being thinking too deeply or posting anything for the whole world to see but I am feeling contemplative in my sleep deprived stupor; so here goes! 
I am finding it interesting how much easier it is for us (nowadays) to switch back and forth between the US and Germany/Europe. We truly live in two different worlds. Our time in the US is easier in some ways because (for Catherine and me anyway) it is our true “home” culture that we identify with down to our subconscious core. And yet, in other ways Germany is now “home;” with all of our friends here and the “stuff” in our own house that makes us feel at home.
There was a day when an extended home assignment like this summer (nearly 2 1/2 months in the States) would cause me to be homesick and not want to return to the field. But nowadays (as I said to our children as we were preparing to leave Grandma and Grandpa’s house to head to the airport) leaving the States causes us to be excited and disappointed; happy and sad; hopeful and wary; homesick and sick for home… All very conflicting emotions.
And yet, when all is said and done (I’m almost done), we wouldn’t trade this life that God has called us to for anything else. He doesn’t take away all of the stress, disappointment and sadness, but He is with us! Praise the Lord!
Summer Schedule
We are headed for the Northwest this summer for a brief Home Assignment! If you would like to hear about our ministry we will be sharing in the following churches.
- June 28th, Laurelwood Baptist Church, Vancouver, WA
- July 5th, Hillsboro First Baptist Church, Hillsboro, OR
- July 12th, Grace Baptist Church, White Salmon, WA
- July 19th, Sellwood Baptist Church, Portland, OR
- July 26th, Rowena Baptist Church, Rowena, OR
- August 2nd, Trinity Baptist Church, Spokane, WA
- August 9th, Grace Church, Molalla, OR
- August 16th, Crowfoot Baptist Church, Lebanon, OR
We are blessed with 17 supporting churches so we visit approximately half of our churches every other home assignment. We are looking forward to connecting with as many of you, our friends and family, as possible!
Our Ukraine Trip
“Shine Jesus Shine. Fill this land with the Father’s glory. Blaze Spirit blaze. Set our hearts on fire. Flow river flow. Flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your Word. Lord, and let there be light.” Graham Kendrick
The words of that popular song have never meant as much to me as they did on a beautiful Sunday back in April. Five Ukrainians, two American church planters and Catherine and I sat around a small table in a backyard in Donetsk, Ukraine and sang those words in Russian and English.
The heart of that church planting leadership team really touched me. Their desire to see their small group of seven become a church is truly reflected in the words of that song. They want to shine the light of Christ in their city.
Worshipping together, face to face, with these dear people stirred an even deeper desire in our hearts to help them build their church building.
Coordinating short-term teams to help them build their church is really just a small contribution to the cause (they are the ones doing the hard work) but we are blessed, nevertheless, to be able to play even a small role in Jesus’ plan for His church.
Please continue to pray for this church plant and the teams that will travel to Ukraine this fall to help them build their building. It will not be easy or cheap; but it will be worth it.
“Shine, Jesus, Shine!”
Extra Extra! Read all about it!
Cool! For the first time in his life David is frontpage news.
Ok, so actually, his band is frontpage news. The local town band that he plays in, Stadtmusik Kandern, is having their Spring Concert this Sunday evening.
This group gives David a great opportunity to enjoy playing the trumpet, getting to know people in the local German community, and practicing German.
Thanks in advance for praying for our concert this Sunday evening.
Still room for Ukraine construction teams
There is still time to join one of our short-term construction teams this summer in the Ukraine! This is an amazing opportunity to use your construction skills to help a church plant get off the ground!
For more information please check out the opportunity brochure at www.goshortterm.com/2009brochure.pdf or contact us using the contact tab at the top of our website.
Please pray for God to raise up the four 6-8 person teams we need for this summer.
2009 English Camp Openings
The English Camps we work with here in Germany and Switzerland are still in need of several volunteers to fill vacancies on teams this summer. Last summer we hosted an entire team from North Coast Family Fellowship and it was a great time of ministry. Would you prayerfully consider if God would have you come to Germany or Switzerland to fill one of these openings?
- English Teachers (do not need to be an official English teacher but should be gifted in teaching)
- Male & Female Camp Counselors
- Head Cooks
- Assistant Cooks
- Activities Coordinators
All openings are for adults 18 or older. Camp dates vary but require a 2 week time commitment in July or August.
If you are interested please contact us here: click here
Blessings,
David & Catherine
Learning from my children…
I love learning things from my kids. One time, when one of my daughters was very small, she heard about someone who stole something and very profoundly stated… “That’s because they don’t have Jesus in their hands.” Hmmm. That’s right, we should have Jesus in our hands, our feet, our eyes… every part of us should be transformed by Him.
Now that they are teenagers I’m still learning. Yesterday, Kailyn said, “Have you ever noticed that people always say “Well, God’s will be done” with a tone of resignation in their voice? Its as if God’s will is always some bad thing. Why don’t we ever say “Wahoo! God’s will is going to be done!”?
Yep. I’m hoping for “Yahoo! God’s will be done!”
2009 Summer Construction Teams Opportunity
This summer we have a very exciting opportunity to help a fledgling church plant begin construction on phase 1 of their building project.
We are praying for God to raise up four construction teams to help build this church building in the Ukraine. Follow this link to view and/or download the opportunity brochure.
If you or your church is interested in going, or if you have any questions, please e-mail David.