"....you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matt. 22:37-38“Be ye therefore, followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor." Eph 5:1-2
This video captures the heart of our "why" ....why we have said "yes" to God's call; why we are selling all, and why we desire to walk in love amongst the precious Chinese people & each other.
Reflecting on His leading
As we look forward to our departure date, Aug 6th, 2015, I (jody) am in awe of God's gracious hand in bringing about this reality! I was reminded of a journal entry from 2006...I had been seeking the Lord and was spending time in prayer when I 'saw' this image of tent-like structures, a lush background of jungle or lush trees...jeep vehicles; Rich was there and children...it was as if I was off having quiet time and was looking upon them from a distance. Afterward, I inquired of the Lord what it was and this is what I wrote in my journal that day:
"Lord, what is this that i saw?"
I sensed the answer come:
"Mission field...you and your household. I have much to do through you and I am preparing you. Everything in your lives is preparation for Me and My purposes...time is short."
And here we are! 9 years later, we actually have children and we are headed overseas.
"His way is Perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him" (2 Samuel 22:31).
In the natural realm there sure is much to get done before we can go, and the way hard, but the Lord never fails. We are moving forward by faith, sure of what He has called us to and sure of His provision. Next month we hope, Lord willing, to share our three-fold vision of missions in China.
Reflecting on His leading
As we look forward to our departure date, Aug 6th, 2015, I (jody) am in awe of God's gracious hand in bringing about this reality! I was reminded of a journal entry from 2006...I had been seeking the Lord and was spending time in prayer when I 'saw' this image of tent-like structures, a lush background of jungle or lush trees...jeep vehicles; Rich was there and children...it was as if I was off having quiet time and was looking upon them from a distance. Afterward, I inquired of the Lord what it was and this is what I wrote in my journal that day:
"Lord, what is this that i saw?"
I sensed the answer come:
"Mission field...you and your household. I have much to do through you and I am preparing you. Everything in your lives is preparation for Me and My purposes...time is short."
And here we are! 9 years later, we actually have children and we are headed overseas.
"His way is Perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him" (2 Samuel 22:31).
In the natural realm there sure is much to get done before we can go, and the way hard, but the Lord never fails. We are moving forward by faith, sure of what He has called us to and sure of His provision. Next month we hope, Lord willing, to share our three-fold vision of missions in China.
"I will go down (into India), if you will hold the rope."
~ Wm. Carey
How can you help?
1. Pray - as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. Pray the Lord would stand by us, strengthen us and that through us the truth and power of the Gospel might be fully known, that all the Chinese might hear; & that the Lord would deliver us from every evil work, preserving us unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
2. Go - The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few (Luke 10:2). If God is calling you, we pray you GO!
3. Give - as you are led of the Lord Jesus Christ. Click here for donations to our work in China: http://hagennation.weebly.com/support-or-contact.html