NO FEAR

What would it look like to live life without fear? I've often asked myself this question. Every once in a while, I encounter someone who seems to have it figured out. My last trip to Bosnia was just such an occasion.

I first met her during an outreach for new Christian women and seekers in Capljina. It was a jewelry making event. I knew little about creating these artful trinkets. Neither of us could understand a word each other spoke, yet somehow we managed to communicate with a woman’s tendency to speak with flailing arm gestures. Immediately, I could tell she was a woman who knew what she wanted. She cared little whether her necklace of various sizes and shapes had perfect symmetry, only that the black shimmering colors matched; or whether there was slack in her bracelet, as long as everything was included as she created it. There was a contentedness about her. She gave up on perfection long ago. It was not important to her. She had found something more important. Tonight was about joy. Her expectations were clear.

Had I spoken the language, I am certain I would have had a few questions for her, but the evening was fast paced, and there was not much time to unpack this peace she emanated. She left an impression on me.

Later in the week, my group would make a trip to a village for visitations to those in need of prayer. Our last stop was to the business of a fairly new Christian woman under extreme persecution for her new found Christian faith. To my surprise, it was my jewelry partner. She greeted me with a big hug and kiss for both cheeks, as is customary in this country. Inside her shop, we would hear her story, which would illuminate all of the unanswered questions raised the night of our women’s outreach.

She came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ much to the opposition of her entire family. This is not uncommon in this region. Her family is opposed to her decision. A parent has threatened her with imprisonment and even death. When asked what we could pray for on her behalf, she asked if we could pray for the safety of her business and for the salvation of her family. Afterward, she openly solicited questions. Many were asked. But, I was having a difficult time wrapping my mind around a loved one who wanted her in prison or, worse yet, dead! This was unimaginable to me. Still, there was something about her. It was beyond forgiveness, beyond grace, something more. It was the same contentedness I saw the night of the outreach, this peace. What was that? How did she get it? So, I asked her, “Do you ever feel in danger or threatened? Are you afraid for your life?” To this she replied (thru a translator), with this same peace and utter confidence, “No, not at all. I would go through all of this again, if the alternative meant not having Jesus in my life.” I realized, then, I was standing before someone who truly trusted the Lord and loved Him with a perfect love.

John tells us about this truth, about the incompatibility of love and fear, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, (1 John 4:18b). I think I finally understood how short I fall in the fear-based life I lead. My fear of the unknown, my anxieties and my worries, the “what ifs”, the “things are going too well,” it must be my turn next! Have you ever had these thoughts? This woman has known worse things and still loves and praises Jesus for what He is going to do next. I have seen Jesus do great things in my life, and still fear the table is going to turn as I watch the tragedies which surround me. Her reality is the trinket is perfect in its imperfection. She sees herself, her circumstances and others as God sees, which affords her perfect love, perfect peace, unfathomable faith and no fear.

We could all heed a lesson from my new friend’s pearls of wisdom. Whether strung together or gazed upon in isolation, her message hangs together, timeless and relevant, and is as brilliant as the black beads she hand selected of every shape and size to create her masterpiece, just as God created her.

"Fear never wrote a symphony or a poem, negotiated a peace treaty or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business. Courage did that. Faith did that." (a)

(a) Lucado, Max, "Fearless", Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2009


Peace,
Kathy

DISPOSABLE INCOME

Driving around Atlanta thinking of ways I could support our Bosnian friends, now family, I came to the conclusion it would have to be by other means. We don’t have much “disposable income,” I rationalized. If only God could use me in some other way. If my writing could be used to glorify Him, while at the same time cast a beacon of light on the plight of our brothers and sisters in need of so much, yet with great faith petition for very little. Still, the words, “disposable income” disturbed me. They hung in my head on a noose and caught in my throat, choking me as I spoke them aloud. The face of a Bosnian child begging for throw away coins haunted me. I asked myself, "Who coined such a phrase?" An oxymoron at a minimum, a slap in the face of our current economy if nothing else. It was then I realized, again I had fallen into the snare of our culture. No longer thinking of first fruits, I was considering leftovers. How quickly I fall. Only a few months ago, our pastor gave a sermon series on financial balance. How we tend to spend, repay debt and taxes before saving and charitable giving, when in reality the list would be far more generous and far more tax favorable if we followed this regimen in reverse. I rationalize with some kind of loopy logic that we are “robbing Peter to pay Paul” as it is. Then, something happens to me when I arrive in Bosnia. Things of this world fall away and, all of a sudden, I am rich! Rich in treasures not measured by man, but abundantly blessed with grace and love, hope and friendship, a connection which transcends understanding. A part of my heart is there. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) Suddenly, I have enough.

My thoughts gradually have meandered over a week’s time to the support letters we have prayerfully written and sent asking for both prayer and financial support of our trip. I think many of us on past and present trips bristle at the fund raising aspect of missions. I came to a conclusion this week. I believe it is because of our list. I believe it is because we have fallen into our worldly thinking again, and our lists are turned on end, leftovers instead of first fruits. We’ve failed to give our loved ones an opportunity to weigh in on the health of their own lists. I have to remind myself, my team and our readership, if God has called us on this trip, He will show us - He will show you - how to support it. We will go, you may send, or you may pray. But, it is not a worldly decision. It is an eternal one. No level of support, no type of support, is more or less important.

In fact, earlier this year, I participated in a walk for Breast Cancer in memory of my mother. I sent a fundraising letter to someone special who I knew would never be able to support me financially. She did not have any “disposable income.” Still, I wanted this person to know what I was doing. The fundraising did not go well at first, until finally a response. It was from the person I least expected a reply. The support was not financial; it was a blessing and a praise. In the end, this became my greatest supporter, a gift from God.

On behalf of the October Prayer Team, I want to say to all of our blog readers, prayer warriors, and “senders” offering donations, you have blessed us. Titus walked the land we trek in Bosnia, at that time Dalmatia. And, as Paul said to the Corinthians, speaking of sowing generously, after Titus' trip to Macedonia

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." "And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you." 2 Cor 9:12,14

In His service,
Kathy

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL

Travel back with me to the time of the great Martin Luther King, Jr., when his dream lay only but a dream inside a brilliant mind. How far we have come as a nation from such time of segregation and persecution of basic civil rights. Recall the marches and the children, the future, now many our leaders. What if we never moved the needle off of where we had been? What if today our children were still segregated to such extremes, where there was no opportunity for intercultural growth? On the contrary, the only alternative facing the youth was to widen the chasm created by generations of hatred and un-forgiveness. It is unfathomable to believe this is the reality in many a nation today. This is the reality of Bosnia-Herzegovina. According to a recent article by msnbc.com, “Bosnia’s ethnic divisions are evident in schools.”, Bosnia stands as “one of the worst examples of segregation in Europe.” I have witnessed it on past trips and written about the struggles just last year -- threats of pulling the Muslim students out of the primary school there to send them to another building, formally used for detention and torture of Muslims during the war. Each visit brings new issues to light, more unimaginable than the next. As uncomfortable as it is to read the msnbc article from August 23, 2009 (see sidebar for a link to it), I cannot help but feel a sense of relief to see global attention given to this issue. Three ethnicities of children being taught in shifts, from differing textbooks that their nation’s capital is not the same. Religious slurs taught as truisms securing the hatred and persecution passed down from generation to generation.

All of this can be seen in Capljina, Bosnia. Our church family there has brought to light a new issue regarding the teachers. Their pay has been cut in half due to the recession. So little keeps this economy going as it is. The unemployment hovers at around 50%. The speculation is there may be a strike. The last strike lasted 2 months and school starts today. I suppose the only thing worse than segregated school days are no school days at all.


All this in the span of about two weeks! We also began discussing what we might be doing on our visit there – potentially working with disabled children and visiting the refugee camps. Yes! They still exist. Since ruminating over the statistics, the articles, the memories and prayer requests for the children of late and pondering all God has in store for us as we prepare our hearts, bodies, minds and souls for our mission, I cannot help but think of a verse from Whitney Houston’s famous song, “The Greatest Love of All”

“I believe the children are our future.
Teach them well, and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.”


Why can’t that happen in this country, Bosnia, which we have grown so passionate about, whose people we have come to love and admire for their resiliency and perseverance? I believe the lyrics later reference the greatest love is inside of us. Indeed! But, it is not a self love. At least, not alone. It is the love of a Savior!

Therein is where the answer lies. This is what the Evangelical Church of Capljina is trying to do: to create a unique environment where others might grow in a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus, to reach the unreached, to unite a community, to break down the walls which divide them, to start with one city, one corner of their world that might shine like a city on a hill. How will they accomplish all this? A tall order! They will do this with love, "The Greatest Love of All," the unconditional love of an all powerful, merciful, faithful and sovereign God who gave his only son for all mankind. "Christ in [us}, the hope of glory" Col 1:27b.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Please pray for the school systems in Bosnia, particularly in Capljina. Pray for the teachers and for the children. Thank you for your support.

Still in One Peace
Kathy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ECC!

I am a big believer in marking milestones, celebrating victories, placing a pin in turning points -- good or bad. Without these signposts, I cannot reflect as effectively on where I have been, nor praise the One who delivered me, redeemed me, rejoiced with me, carried me, empowered me, cried with me and equipped me.

We did not make a fuss about birthdays when I was young. Consequently, I am an avid proponent of them now. As soon as my birthday is over, I am already looking forward to the next. "Mark them!" I say. "Which one was your favorite?" I'll ask. "Tell me about it." It tickles me to hear my husband's response to this question when others inquire. "So, Mike, which birthday was your best?" Without hesitation, he responds with the enthusiasm of a child, "10! Double digits were HUGE!" He is my joy mentor. There continues to be a 10 year old trapped in his 40-something body, ever ready for reason to celebrate.

This morning, I discovered one . . . a reason to celebrate. The Evangelical Church in Capljina, Bosnia just turned 10 years old! I watched online as they began collecting pictures, signposts, of their victories and milestones to mark their journey, an arduous, but fruitful road to redemption and celebration.

On many levels, it is hard to believe a decade has passed. On the one hand, this seems like a young church. On the other, once only a small gathering in our hosts' home then a tiny mustard seed planted on the banks of the Neretva River from which a mighty oak has grown, providing the necessary refuge and shade, comfort and nourishment for the seekers who have come. In that way, the church and her congregation seems greater and wiser, beyond her years. This is a place that has been tested and challenged, ridiculed, defaced, stoned. In stark contrast today, a decade later, this house of worship is accepted by the community. Walls which divided a people socially, ethnically, politically and religiously have crumbled by the power of the people who have congregated inside them and left their burdens at the foot of the cross,giving their lives to Christ. Enemies have found forgiveness and grace. The broken and wounded have found healing. Just 2 years ago, the town square map did not acknowledge the existence of The Evangelical Church yet, now, it's presence is graced by a marker - the Cross. It is a place where one may find a path leading to a Savior to free them from the chains that continue to bind a country, a region, from decades of oppression.


If you ever are in Capljina, look for the markings on the map and the mighty tower of the ECC standing steadfast, resolute and tall despite 10 years of rough road to reach this glorious day of celebration. Until then, join us as we mark it, together, in grateful praise to our merciful, faithful and soveriegn God who receives all the glory for all He has done and will continue to do through this church, its leadership in Pastor Bernard, and his congregation. Praise be to God!


Happy Birthday, ECC! We love you,
The NPCC Teams

"Rejoice with those who rejoice" Romans 12:15a

TEAM UNITY

Have you ever been a part of team? Maybe you were asked to join a church committee or perhaps you are a teacher, a member of the faculty. Athletes aren’t the only ones called to experience the team dynamic. The corporate arena is inundated with opportunities to work in unison with others with different skill sets toward a common goal. This is the intriguing part to me, the differences. One might hope those joined together to form a unit fulfilling a common interest might share similarities creating a cohesiveness from the start. Yet, it has been my experience this is seldom the case.

Think of it, a football team would hardly be effective with 11 running backs, not one good wide receiver or quarterback among them. The same principle holds true for a choir or band, teachers or corporate teams. We need the visionaries and the dreamers, the pragmatists and the realists, the listeners and the mouthpieces, the leaders and the followers, they all play a part. Separately, there may be discord in their setting, but brought together, particularly when there is a realization of the gifts they bring, a harmony can evolve.

The keys to experiencing this unity and balance is in knowing what you bring, knowing what you offer and what you do not. Recognizing your gifts as well as the gifts of others. Where yours end and theirs begin. Most of all, we must recognize all gifts are God given and to be used to glorify Him. When we serve God as a team, in this sense, we are acting as the church in the world, one body many members, each reliant on the other.

As my family and I were driving through the country, we came across a picturesque site. It was a rusty old shed, doubtfully used for anything anymore, barely standing next to the gnarliest yet distinguished old tree, not a leaf upon it. Covering the ground was the intimation that spring would soon arrive in a wide spreading patch of daffodils, their brilliant yellows spectacular against a backdrop of winter grays and rusted metal. Deep in the meadow these elements fixed themselves intertwining each other with a sense of belonging. Apart from one another, there was no story to tell, but together in harmonious splendor, they were a team, not detracting from the next, but adding to it.

The effervescent yellow blossoms, so positive and upbeat, with nary a clue how short lived her contribution would be to the team. The old shed no longer consulted for much, now a tremendous support for the vines which would cross through him, remnants of which still dangled beneath the roof. He was a battered and rusty spectacle, but his incredible support of the vines to come were only secondary to the crotchety old tree, hundreds of years old now leaning her heaviest branches on his rooftop, propping up the old girl. Her leaves would render her heavy calling many tiny creatures and birds to nest in her comfortable branches soon. They always make her feel useful and needed as well. She is so grateful for her team.

I am too. Each of us comes together with a bit of knee knocking, wondering what we bring. Soon we will realize there is something God has specifically woven in each of us, a fiber runs through our fabric. Like the vines run through the shed, we will be connected as one, knitted together into a single garment blanketing our Bosnian family. Like the picturesque scene in the country, we will be drawn to that which God will create. Not by the gifts of one, but by the gifts of the whole, woven as one . . . BJ's mercy, Leland's authenticity, Lynne's encouragement, Sandy's goodness, John's gentleness, Janet's devotion, Nancy's caring, Kathy's love . . . and so much more. More than we know at this point, maybe more than we'll ever know. And, that's okay.

This is our team. And, I love them. BJ, Leland, Lynne, Sandy, John, Janet, Nancy, & Me. Please pray for our unity, strength and endurance. Pray that we will grow our gifts, embrace our limitations, and surrender all to our Lord and Savior.

In One Peace,
Kathy

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ro 15:5-6

FISHERS OF MEN

At Northpoint Church, we have a relationship with a number of strategic partners around the world, like The Evangelical Church in Capljina, Bosnia - international churches led by indigenous pastors, such as Pastor Bernard, who align with the North Point model. These partnerships are developed through strategic consulting, team trips, and various other resources to help them create churches that unbelievers love to attend. The long-term goal of these relationships is to help these churches become flagship models that will influence other churches within their countries to rethink the way they do church. In post war torn Bosnia, I would render to say a new layer was added to the primary mission of leading others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout our years together in partnership, we have seen, not just the hearts of the unchurched or unbelievers moved by what is happening through the leadership of Pastor Bernard and his congregation, but the churched as well. Walls which divided cities, villages, a country and a people, also created ethnic and religious barriers, making forgiveness an impossible virtue. Tolerance had no moral position in a country divided. Yet, in a small, unique and unprecedented oasis found on the banks of the Neretva, Muslims (Bosniaks), Croates (Catholics), Serbians (Orthodox) along with our Evangelical brothers and sisters have found a place where all are welcome. Come as you are. God will meet you there. No questions asked. You are forgiven. We are all forgiven. Here you will find love. Pure and simple. And, Peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding.

This October trip will be a very special prayer trip, unlike those in the past. It is the first time we will make the near two day jaunt (with the boost of a 6 hour time difference) since hearing of the changing relationship between Northpoint Community Church, our home, and The Evangelical Church, our strategic partner. It is a bittersweet time. Our partnership has been a successful one. And, like every student must some day leave the nest to fulfill their true purpose, every bird must eventually learn to fly on its own, Northpoint will move on, looking for other partners in other parts of the world; where there is a need and a desire to create relevant church environments, which will draw people back to the heart of Christ or perhaps draw them there for the very first time.

The "bitter" comes when we realize our times together are now limited. We wonder, like the uncertainty that comes with each of life's crossroads, "Will they think we have forgotten them?" As a college student pulls away from his family home, so much excitement and wonder, challenges and growth opportunities, in store, yet how many thoughts and emotions, positive and negative swirl through the graduate's head as well as those left standing on the curb. But, speak to Pastor Bernard, a man full of faith and he remembers our God is faithful.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Isa 49:15-16

Pastor Bernard knows God is true to His promises. Our invested time together was to create a flagship model and as we came alongside him and his amazing team, we watched them build their vessel. The ship is ready to set sail! This is the "sweet" part. The Evangelical Church is strategically positioned to fulfull the Great Commission in their own part of the world, "to make disciples of all nations" (Mat 28:19), to follow Jesus and become "fishers of men" (Mat 4:19). Hallelujah!


We are so excited to go and be with them, to encourage them in this transitional time full of questions and unknowns, not knowing how God is going to do it, just that He will! The reality is whomever God calls to this church through these amazing vessels of His love and grace, they most likely will not have the income to support the church. Few do, as the unemployment still hovers around 50%. But, we know our God is mighty and sovereign and when we surrender our plans to Him, He will show us the way.

Please pray with us, for us, for them. We are grateful for your support in any way - of this trip, of the Evangelical Church. Praise God for all He has done to bring us to this day, for all of His abundant blessings. May the name of Jesus become famous in this region so wrought with the need of His healing touch.

In His grip,
Kathy

WHO WILL GIVE THE BLESSING?

We are a prayer team headed to Bosnia to support and encourage a partner church, The Evangelical Church of Capljina, which has faced seemingly insurmountable odds, personally as individuals and together as a congregation. The building structure itself has been stoned as little as two years ago. These are a people who have been persecuted, hated and oppressed. Why? Because they love Jesus and they worship Him in a contemporary setting which is as unfamiliar as the land to which we travel. It would be understandable if our brothers and sisters questioned God's provision over the years, both during the war and since. Rebuilding and finding hope among the hopeless has been an indescribable journey.

Now, I want you to picture a familiar setting - your family, clamoring around the dinner table, maybe you are the child, perhaps all grown up, now the parent. Capture the visual in your mind's eye. It could be a special occasion, Thanksgiving? Christmas? The children are jockeying for position. No one is taking the seat at the head of the table, but no one quite knows who's going to sit there, or it could be a given, a non-issue. Finally, everyone is settled in, even the family pet is positioned to receive renegade morsels of runaway goodness. Then, comes the question? "Who will give the blessing?" I know in my house, this usually ends the clamor. Silence falls upon the scene followed by the ritual of eyes darting around the table in chaotic triangular patterns. Finally, someone offers. The food is blessed. God is praised for his provision, and the evening continues without incident.

Last April, I had the opportunity to visit our amazing church family in Capljina for my second trip. As we gathered for a prayer meeting, again I was humbled at how my brothers and sisters pray, so slow to petition but quick to praise and give thanks. At the outset, Pastor Bernard suggested we begin with only praise, all of us, in unison. I ask you once again to picture a setting. There were maybe 15 - 20 people, 8 of us American, all praising El Elyon, God, Our Most High, for who He is, for all He has done, for all He is going to do, for His Providence, for being who He says He is, for delivering His promises, and on and on we went for several minutes in grateful praise and different languages. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the house afterward. Who will give the blessing? Indeed! We all will. And, God will bless us in return. He already has.

I have often said, I don't know who is blessed more by these mission trips, the short-term missionaries, our brothers and sisters we are supporting, or those who support us through prayer, financial support, and encouragment. I just know we are "Blessed by Bosnia." Who will give the blessing? We all will. Won't you join us?

https://ssl.northpoint.org/ssl/globalx/giving.html

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6

Slava Bogu!
Kathy