No…we’re not headed to Iraq! But former employees of our alma mater, Anderson University, who mentored Chris and me during our engagement and led us on a mission trip to London 12 years ago have moved to Iraq. I love sharing the stories of others who have bravely left what many of us believe we’re entitled to in order to follow God’s plans for their lives. Carl and Carolyn are very young-spirited and a living example that age, retirement, and having grandkids aren’t excuses enough to side-step God’s call. Enjoy meeting our friends by clicking below!

http://carlcarolyn.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-message-sent-from-iraq.html

Some of my friends have asked me what I take with me now that we don’t have a home but travel from place to place for work, and some of you have asked how we function on the road. Here’s a look at what works for our family. We find ourselves in different living conditions nearly each week: sometimes we have a washing machine, occasionally we have TV (with non-English programming), and currently our housing has a camping stove with only one partially-functioning burner!

This clip was filmed in Krakow, Poland not long ago. Two months into travelling Europe and Africa, it’s still a great adventure for us to experience mobile living, and we want to be a resource for any of you looking to cut back on your personal belongings, to live abroad, or to travel for work and/or ministry.

Are you despairing in any area of your life today because you’re looking at others’ circumstances or spouses and doubting you have enough?

“I lay all my expectations as Your cross. I release my husband/wife from the burden of fulfilling me in areas where I should be looking to You. Help me to accept him/her the way he/she is and not try to change him/her…I leave any changing that needs to be done in Your hands, fully accepting that neither of us is perfect and never will be. Only You, Lord, are perfect and I look to You to perfect us.”

- Excerpt from FamilyLife prayer card for spouses

Let’s move back into present day for a moment rather than reflections on our Europe trip. Why? Because we are in Europe again.

After much wrangling on travel options to Poland we finally landed on driving. So instead of selling the car we are foregoing Europe by public transport.

This morning we left England by ferry. That was a little surreal watching the coastline fade into mist. Then we carried on our journey across Belgium finally landing in middle-Germany for a pause. This all told should be a 16 hour journey. Funny enough that is the same trek from Oklahoma City to Phoenix. Too Kirchheim Germany offers a Best Western just like you would find if you stopped in New Mexico.

Tomorrow we head to Czestochowa where we will stay a few nights befor heading to Krakow. This Sunday Chris is set to deliver a message on getting out of debt to Hosanna Church in Poland. We are looking forward to the rest of the month.

During our time here in South Africa we have heard much discussion about the internet broadband challenges. And though we were able to host church online this week, we haven’t been able to upload more of our videos from Europe. We look forward to adding more upon our return.

`In the last days,’ God says,
`I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.’
Acts 2:17 (NLT)

“God’s going to pour out His Spirit on people and in places we don’t think He should. Churches can’t be territorial.” – Lisa Bevere

How the internet is changing the face of religion:

http://bit.ly/cmLTI

A muslim woman came to church online tonight. She said she prayed and asked God to show her the truth, and she received Jesus as her Savior! Sharmine is surrounded by family who do not accept her as a result of her salvation in Christ. Please keep her in your prayers this week as she’s clearly seeking a community to take part in. I cannot imagine how difficult her situation must be.

Our family flies to Orlando, Florida Thursday to spend the childrens’ half term school holiday with our families. Please keep us in your prayers for safe travels and health. Thank you!

http://internet.lifechurch.tv/2009/05/online-friending/