Where's The Ledge By Wes Willett

WHERE'S THE LEDGE?

Written By Wes Willett

1 Cor 13:1

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

So there we were, on the mission field in Albania. God was moving in one of the most powerful displays of His gospel I'd ever seen. Six people had already come to know Christ earlier in the week; we had our eyes on a seventh, though! Her name was Yasha. She was a beautiful young girl that lived a few hours from where we were holding our meetings. One of the striking things about Yasha's situation, was that her Mother and sister were two of the first folks to receive Christ earlier that week, so of course our hearts and hopes were set high for Yasha to know the same Savior that her mother and sister now did. 

As the week drug on, something interesting began to dawn on me. A gospel that seemed almost irresistible to Yasha's mother and sister, for some reason, lay out of reach for Yasha herself. She simply would not respond. She didn't respond to the first call, the second call or third and so on.
We were there for ten days and the gospel was given all week long.

As our team geared up for the last evenings small-group, our hearts were excited about the work God had done, but there was also a sense of urgency, knowing that 15 year old, Yasha, had resisted every attempt to reach her. It was the last night of the last meeting. Pastor Eric was speaking privately to our little group when Gracie(my daughter) interrupted him and blurted out, "I'm sorry for interrupting, but would you all pray for me? I believe God is telling me to talk to Yasha! I'm nervous," she said, with tears rimming her eyes.

Well, the part of the story that I've neglected to mention, is that Gracie and Yasha had become fast friends over the week we had spent in Albania. Wherever Gracie was, Yasha was...
This should have been a clue to me(but it wasn't). The ground work had been laid right in front of me, I just didn't see it yet. The ground work had been laid, but not by pastors and their acumen. The ground work had been laid by friendship; the simplicity of two young girls, an ocean apart, who found a friend in each other.

Wow...did I ever miss this one. There was an earnestness in Gracie's plea that was a jolt for me. Suddenly, all of my training, all of my theology began to melt right in front of my eyes, and left standing in its place, was the love my daughter felt for another girl, just like herself...her friend. While I had been busy that week, pouring over apologetics, trying my best to persuade Yasha, to explain to her the difference between our God(Jehovah) and all of the other Gods of the world, Gracie was making a friend. The irony of this story is almost humorous if it didn't cut so deep. I was actually worried about Gracie. It was my daughter's first international missions trip and I was a dad trying to protect her. I was afraid that she would come across someone of the Muslim religion that would tangle her up in her young faith. I was afraid that she would not be ready to handle a theological debate.

You see the difference? I was busy trying to "persuade" Yasha to God, while Gracie was loving a new friend right into the arms of the Savior. Do you see the cut now?

John 3:16 says:

For God so "loved" the world. 

He didn't persuade the world. He didn't win them with a 5 point summery on soteriology. He won them by loving them. I was the sounding brass. God help me. The tinkling symbol...was me.

So, there we stood, a hand full of missionaries at the precipice of faith, and my own daughter walks up to the edge with obedience in her eyes. What's a dad to do? I prayed, and as I prayed for her, God revealed what was lacking in me. He showed me that I cannot walk out my daughter's calling for her. Lord knows I tried. Some callings are just not ours to walk. Gracie had to own obedience just like we all do. Frankly, He showed me that I was in the way, that I needed to step aside, and let His daughter step up to that ledge and leap with everything she's got, so she can know the joy of a never failing embrace, an embrace stronger than my own, and the strength that can only come on the other side of a faith that has been tested. 

We both grew a little that day. But me probably the most.

O yeah, do you know what Gracie said to, Yasha? She told Yasha that she would see her mom and sister again someday in heaven, but she didn't know if she would get to see her again. She told Yasha that she wanted to see her again, just like her family. 

Yasha excepted Christ that night.

Where is the flaw in a Gospel like that? That's right, there isn't one. Gracie might not be a pastor, but through her, God reached one little girl that 3 pastors could not. We tried...

Where is the ledge of faith in your life? Who has God placed close to you that a pastor cannot reach?
If you need a clue, start where fear meets love, walk up to the edge, and jump like Gracie!

Wes

SEND North American Conference August 3th & 4th

Ministry Focus Of The Week

This year NAMB has partnered with the IMB for the Send North America Conference  and promises to be one of the largest missions conference gathering in North American history. This two day event is a gathering and movement for the people within the church to live out a life of missions. This conference isn't just for Pastors and Lay persons, this conference is for business men and women, grandmothers and grandfathers, contractors, ect.  A list of speakers includes Platt, Matt Carter, Louie Giglio, Al Mohler and Eric Mason, among others. Worship sessions will be led by Passion Band, Casting Crowns, David Crowder and Shane and Shane.

	SPEAKERS:		WORSHIP:
	David Platt Matt Carter Louie Giglio Al Mohler Eric Mason		Passion Band Casting Crowns David Crowder Shane and Shane

If you would like to know a little  more about the leaders of the conference, just click on their names above. We hope that you will join us in a God given opportunity to have two huge organizations come to Nashville to talk about the church and missions. You can register FREE with TSC if you are interested in going to this two day event. If you have any questions please feel free to email Pastor Reagan. This is a free opportunity, don't miss out. See you at the event!!!

Contact: reagan@tsclife.org
Read More at: sendconference.com

REGISTER

Ministry Focus of the Week "Unchained Movement"

Ministry Focus Of The Week
Unchained Movement

By Mikayla Lewis

Nearly 100 mid-state teens become sex trafficking victims each month, according to Unchained Movement. The non-profit is trying to close in on the number, by opening up a residential program for survivors. Unchained Movement’s first transitional home is set to open this Wednesday. Kakeisha Brown is a survivor. She was lured into the dark world at 12-years-old and finally got out at age 33. Brown says," The shame and the guilt…it's a lot of work and I don't think a lot of people understand." She says a residential program helped her get her life on track. Brown says, " I didn't have real job or things to put on a resume. The structure of the program was like the main thing and the best thing because that was the foundation."

Brown is now the program coordinator for Unchained Movement. She is working with the founder, Rachel Irby to open the home for female survivors between the ages of 18-24. Irby says,"They tend to fall through the cracks because you have an 18- year-old in a program with a 40-year-old . We are looking to do a program that's more high energy, it's going to get them out more in the community. We're trying to work slowly on changing someone's mind and the way they view things. " The program will serve up to six young women at a time, typically for about a year. The clients will attend therapeutic and educational services, addiction recovery, case management and learn life and job skills. With the help of volunteers renovating, the home is complete with furniture and décor donations from the community. Irby says, "It really feels like a home now. It really does meet with the vision that we had to provide a safe and therapeutic place for girls."

Brown says, " I get to share my experience, strength and hope with these women and let them know that the program does work. Women can get out of the life and live a successful life." Unchained Movement is looking for a variety of volunteers.

To learn more about Unchained and how you can be involved, contact:
Rachel Irby, UNCHAINED Executive Director (480) 258-2777
or
visit: UnchainedMovement.org

Read More at: fox17.com

Restored Church Has A New HOME!!!!

In 2014, Restored Church received a $100,000 grant from The Luzerne Foundation. The donors said they have seen Restored remain faithful in small things, and they believe that our church can be entrusted with greater things! We couldn't be more thankful for their generosity.

On Friday, we closed on an existing church property about a mile from our current Gathering location. Click Here to see the pictures of their New Church. The final purchase price was $98,400 for a church building, parking lot, and 7 bedroom house! Our re-grand opening will be September 13th!

This means we will have no mortgage payments, but we will need to fundraise for minor renovations. We have 6 interns this summer; 4 of them (all guys) will live in the house as part of their internship program. We'll stay at the current Downtown Arts location for Sunday Gatherings through the summer.

On Facebook this morning a guy from our area wrote this:

"Although I have never attended services at Restored, I talk to people everyday who are coming to know Jesus through your ministry. The Spirit is really working through all of you."

God IS faithful, and he continues to confirm our vision to give every man, woman, & child in Wilkes-Barre repeated opportunities to hear, see, and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ!

~ Dan & Joy Nichols

Website: restoredchurch.org
www.credoindeum.com

Nepal Earthquake, Baptist Relief Efforts Aid Survival

After Nepal earthquake, Baptist relief efforts aid survival 

Despite advanced planning for such an event, the people of Nepal are reeling from damage in the aftermath of a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Kathmandu Valley April 25. As the death toll rises, aftershocks hinder rescue efforts and cause more uncertainty. IMB can confirm that all personnel in South Asia are safe, and some are now involved in relief efforts in Nepal.

Baptist Global Response, the Southern Baptist humanitarian organization with which IMB partners, released $50,000 for initial relief efforts in the aftermath of Nepal’s massive earthquake. This quick response provides hurting people with basic survival needs like water, shelter, food and healthcare. Your donations to BGR’s Nepal Earthquake Response Fund will provide continued emergency response as needs rise in the disaster area.

Pray for the people of Nepal and those who are providing relief.

Ministry Focus of the Week "The Congo/Rwanda"

CONGO MISSION TRIP
Letter From Pastor Duane

Wednesday we traveled 1.5 hours into the mountains from Kigali.  The mountain villages and cities are remarkable.  Rwanda countryside is beautiful. 

We were with Pastor Jean Marie, who I met last year in Kigali.  He was in the first class that graduated from the Bible Center Training for Pastors led by Pastor Mezeck.  After BCTP, Jean Marie went on to get his undergraduate in Social Work and just completed his Masters in Community Development.  Here are the marvelous ways he is using these skills to be the Church in Rwanda.

In the mountains of Rwanda there is a city of 600,000 people called Muhanga.  This was where Jean Marie was raised.  After he succeeded in Kigali with his outreach to women and men at risk, he decided to start working in other cities in Rwanda with high concentrations of these high risk groups.  He decided a good place to start would be his home town.

 What we saw today was an independently functioning community outreach that is based on the gospel but funded by the government.  Jean Marie began working with a few women in prostitution in the community in 2006.   Initially, Jean Marie focused on sharing the gospel, but most of the women continued to prostitute themselves even after they accepted Christ.  "We don't have any other way to make a living," they would tell Jean Marie.  So he offered basic health training and an opportunity to form an association that could provide them basic healthcare and new occupational training as well as small business loans.  Many accepted the offer and willingly changed their lives for a new beginning.  Now there are over 161 women in the association in Muhanga. 

 From 2012-2015 they had a contract with the city government to clean the streets of the city for payment.  (Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries I have ever seen).  The Catholic church in the community is letting them farm a large section of land that is providing income.  Next to the crops, they have seven fish ponds that are used to raise and sell tilapia in the market.  They also process their own fish food from local maze and rice crops and sell the excess to other farmers.  They raise rabbits over the fish pond (cooler temperatures), too, and feed them the same feed as the fish.

Collette provides other training for the women including sewing and salon care.  Of the 161 women in the association over 120 are HIV positive.  Some of the older and sicker women are unable to work the fields, so these alternative means of income provide less demanding work opportunities for them to provide for themselves and their families. 

You don't have to ask them about the spiritual aspect of the program.  They eagerly tell you and show you.  Salome got on her knees and prayed with thanksgiving for us coming before she told us about the fish food processing.  Collette shared how the person training them to sew teaches a Bible study before every training.  Every time they bring additional health or career training, Jean Marie comes and begins each session with the gospel.  "If you improve your life but you miss eternal life, you have missed everything."  Jean Marie

 How does this happen?  The blessing of God.  And the vision he gave one man, Jean Marie, and the skills he learned to raise up leaders.  Collette is the Director of the association in Muhanga.  She is providing independent leadership.  Jean Marie and the NGO that he founded in 1999 for this work provides advisement and seed capital.  He is a leader of leaders.  A great example of common ground initiatives. 

Duane

Ministry Focus of the Week "Letter From Bill Sullivan"

MINISTRY FOCUS OF THE WEEK 

CONGO

CONGO MISSION TRIP
Letter From Bill Sullivan
Hey All,

Here goes my update for the day… First, I am super tired, and I know I’m not alone; everyone is. The voice is a little horse too; we’ve been singing goofy songs, dancing, running relays, playing blob tag and big shark/little shark, and we broke out the soccer balls today as well. If you don’t know what half of what I mentioned means, you’re not alone; I didn’t know it either until today and yesterday. Luckily the rest of the team members are veteran VBS crew leaders, so they can pick up a little of my slack. In any event, no matter what we are doing I’ve usually got two or more grinning kids holding each of my hands as we run full blast across the compound trying not to get bit by a big shark. Tammy said she hasn’t seen me smiling this big in a while, and I’m not sure that she’s wrong.

I’m not sure how to describe what I’m feeling… I simply can’t help but smile when I am with a bunch of kids that genuinely want to grab your hand and not let go. At the same time, their stories are so… unexpected? shocking? sad? precious? Each one is different and yet there are so many similarities. Of the six kids that are in my group, not one still has a father…

The activities today… One of the first activities was to describe, draw, and discuss the first good thing you can remember, I can’t even begin to explain some of the things that came out of this; eye opening is about the best way I can describe it. I think this session was more visibly traumatic than describing the worst thing; likely because those things are buried nice and deep with plenty of safe guards surrounding them… And the good things… well, you just don’t expect the good things, the best things, to be so… bad.

We wrote a lament letter. Have you ever done this? Written a letter to God telling Him exactly how you feel about His seeming lack of action or complacency about your situation? The kids were given the  example of Psalm 13:

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget about me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,' and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me” (NASB).

Every single one of the kids in my group took this seriously (as did I) and filled a complete page in their workbook with their cries to God. Then they came back and shared with the group. Sobering.

Good day though. Duane’s a rock star (if anyone was in any sort of doubt about this).

Ministry Focus of The Week "The Congo and Rwanda"

Ministry Focus Of The Week

The Congo/Rwanda

Pray For Those Leaving
Letter From Missions

As we approach Easter Sunday, I want you to remember all that Jesus has done for us. He is the reason that we are saved. He is the reason that we can call ourselves the children of God. He is the reason that we are forgiven of all our sins. By the shedding of his blood we are made whole. I want you to reflect on something as we enter into a new week. When Easter comes and you hear the story of how Christ lived a sinless life, how he cared for those around him, how he came to heal the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the sleeping. He came with compassion and love, because he knew without the shedding of his own blood, no one would be fit to enter unto the kingdom of Heaven. Your Savior chose to save YOU, he thought of YOU and loves YOU. 

We have a team partnering with African Leadership that is leaving on Easter Sunday and heading to The Congo and Rwanda, Africa. They could of chosen to stay home, but instead chose a to go to a country that needs the Gospel of Jesus. Please pray for Pastor Duane, Tammy Wallin, Buffie Goddard and Bill Sullivan as they take the healing word of Jesus to the children, men and women over in Africa. There are still people out there that need to know that our Jesus has risen and is much alive. Pray for their safety to and from. Pray that the word is welcomed with open arms and that they understand.

Ministry Focus Of The Week "Grace Fellowship"

Ministry Focus Of The Week

Grace Fellowship

A Young Adults TestimonyBy Pastor Jon Taylor

The Young Adult ministry here at TSC is on the rise and God is moving in the hearts of many that belong to it! There are many college age and young adults in the Thompson’s Station and Spring Hill area, and just over this past year we have seen 2 receive Christ and 4 follow through with believer’s baptism!

The Lord has given our young adults many routes for ministry through TSC and they are making a lasting impact for the glory of God among the people of Thompson’s Station, Columbia, Tucson, AZ and East Asia just to mention a few. For example, in November, the TSC’s Young Adults hosted Jay Huffstutler, associate pastor and church planter at Grace Fellowship, in Tucson, AZ. The class asked how they could pray for, support, and tangibly assist them in ministry. I felt led to ask the Young Adult ministry if they would be willing to sacrifice and help another member of the Kingdom by giving financially. I know what you’re thinking… “Young Adults giving? Yeah, right.”  After two weeks, the Young Adult ministry was able to raise $916.00!

I was blown away. The young adults understood that church in Tucson, AZ is just as much a part of the Kingdom of God as the church in Columbia or Thompson’s Station! The Lord is stirring the hearts of the Young Adults here at TSC!

Ministry Focus Of The Week "Helping Hands"

About Helping Hands

Helping Hands of Tennessee was launched in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) Christian outreach ministry committed to lending a helping hand and restoring hope to the hopeless. They serve those in need within our community regardless of age, race, gender, social standing, or beliefs. They are bound by only one rule, and that is God’s Word. All of our assistance is given privately, in love, and in the way the Lord directs.

To learn more about Helping Hands click here.
Visit the website page click here.
TSC Contact: Bobby Bennett bobbybennett@dishmail.net

Ministry Focus Of The Week "Room In The Inn"

About Room In The INN

December 1986, four congregations committed to shelter homeless people through March 1987. By the end of that winder, 31 congregations had joined. Today they now have over 180 congregations sheltering close to 2,000 men and women each season from November 1st through March 31st.

On behalf of Room In The Inn, Thompson Station Baptist Church provided 46 beds, 92 meals and  226 hours of volunteer service, in the form of fellowship, love and support for those God sent to Room In The INN. What takes place from night to night is not necessarily glamorous, but it is grace filled. In the worst of the elements, int he coldest of seasons, vans are loaded, guest are welcomed and patience is a virtue.

To learn more about Room In The Inn click here

Support Room In The Inn by donating here

TSC contact Jennifer Nielson: jsnielson@gmail.com

Mission Focus of The Week: "The MADE Club"

The MADE club

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully MADE. Psalms 139:14

The MADE club is a non-profit girl club located in the Mobile Home Community of Franklin, Tennessee. Annette Hoyos and Maureen Maltez founded The MADE club in 2011 with one purpose and that is to preach the gospel of Christ.

“We had seen in the area girls walking and playing by themselves and came up with the idea of creating a girl exclusive club.”

The MADE club is a place where girls from ages 5-17 are welcomed with a big hug and a smile. On every gathering we learn about The Bible, they are taught what is Praise and Worship is and are encouraged to do so, they also do crafts, dance, games and so on. The MADE club is place here the girls are accepted and reminded about their identity in Christ. At The MADE club, the girls are motivated to pursue their goals and to share their talents freely. Annette and Maureen cultivate and promote friendships and loyalty between the girls to remind them that our goal is to be more like Jesus by showing His love to everyone despite their appearances, cultural background, rich or poor, past and present lifestyles. Masterpiece, Awesome, Divine, Creation and Embraced in His arms.

Contact Maureen Maltez  

email @ themadeclub@gmail.com

or

call/text 615-482-3275 and

through Facebook

www.facebook.com/themadeclub

Mission Focus of the Week "World Compassion"

Thompson Station Church is partnering with World Compassion as they minister to refugees fleeing to Kurdistan from Iraq and Syria. Watch their latest video to hear from a Christian Peshmerga soldier who is fighting against ISIS while at the same time encouraging refugees that God loves them.

To watch the latest video click here

or 

To visit the World Compassion website go to 

http://www.worldcompassion.tv/

Missions Monday "International Missions Board"

A Message from IMB's President: David Platt

Click the link above to watch a video message from IMB's President

For those of you who know the three families we partner with in East Asia, they just got a great new boss! Last week, David Platt was asked to serve as the President of the International Missions Board. the IMB serves over 4,800 international missionaries.

Thompson Station Church partners with the IMB annually by giving 25% of our GO Change the World Offering to support these missionaries around the globe, and was in the top 140 churches this past year out of 45,000 churches in missions giving to the IMB.

Be praying about what you can give and pledge to missions around the world in November at our Global Impact Conference, Nov. 14-16!

Missions Monday "African Leadership"

African Leadership is a non-profit organization that was founded in the year 2000 and based in Tennessee. This organization has a vision to train African pastors so that they can then lead and serve the need of their communities. 

African Leadership is committed in developing local projects that will identify the needs of their communities and take action to the appropriate response on meeting those needs. There are 5 focus areas in which the organization responds too: clean water, education, women at risk, HIV/AIDS & healthcare, and orphan care.

Malawi is one of the countries the organization is reaching out to help. It is one of the lease developed and most densely populated countries in the world. One of the challenges for Malawi is the ever growing orphan population. Kauma and Lizulu are two schools where half the students are orphans which have lost parent to HIV and AIDS. These students will be taught the essentials of surviving, caring for themselves and be given a proper education to become leaders who will then go out into their communities and return the education and support needed for a thriving community.

To learn more about African Leadership contact: Bill Sulivan  or visit African Leadership 

Missions Monday: "Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes"

The TBCH have a vision to be a ministry to the lives of children and families across the world that will lead them to become whole persons in Christ through faith, hope and love.

The TBCH provides residential  care across five locations, and foster care services through Caring Community Ministries. They teach Christian values throughout their organization. they are non-government funded, but rely solely on gifts from individuals and churches, as well as estate bequests, trust funds, investments and endowments.

The Tennessee Department of Child's Services partnered with the TBCH to help certify families to become foster families and care for at-risk children.

To learn more about the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes Click Here

Missions Monday: "Nashville Rescue Mission"

 

In 1953, Dr. Charles Fuller, a well-known Gospel radio preacher who was once homeless, overcame his addiction and shared his story. Intrigued by his story he was invited to Nashville to lead a revival at the Ryman Auditorium. Fuller was so moved by the stories of the homeless that he incorporated it into his sermons.  A large number of people in the audience spontaneously placed a freewill offering on the platform to be used for the establishment of a place that would care for the city’s homeless and hurting. In 1954 the Nashville Union Mission, today known as the Nashville Rescue Mission, opened its doors to the homeless and hurting in the community.

The Nashville Rescue Mission seeks to help Middle Tennessee by offering food, clothing and shelter to the homeless. They also offer recovery programs for those who seek help to make their lives more spiritual. 

To learn more about Nashville Rescue Missions Click Here

Language Learning Adventures

 

June 2014

One day during language class, we were wrapping up plans for a trip we were taking to one of our target towns. We had scheduled a team to come and teach in this town in a few months and we were going there to finalize a few details. There was one problem looming over our heads and we wanted to get it solved.

The English teacher we had been working with hadn't been answering us like she was in the beginning. We asked our language teacher to give her a call and see if he could figure out what was going on. After a few minutes, he got off the phone and informed us that the teacher said she could no longer host our team. She was just too busy.

Our hearts sank as we tried to think of back up plans in the midst of trying not to be angry. That wasn't working too well. We were frustrated. Ok...so we were mad! Thankfully, we have a language tutor that has a really good head on his shoulders and was able to talk us down to just a little sizzle coming out of our ears. Although it was supposed to storm the entire weekend, we had no idea if there was a decent hotel to stay in and now we weren't even sure if there was a reason to go anymore, we decided that we needed to go ahead with our plans to travel down there and hopefully be able to just sit down with her and talk about it.

We had dinner with her the night that we got there and initially we weren't getting anywhere. She was coming up with different excuses right and left and none of them were fitting together or adding up. Finally, out of desperation, we started trying to use any and all of the language we had to communicate and once we did that the tables started to turn. You see, even though she was an English teacher, English is not her native language. There were things we were trying to talk about that were completely out of her realm of understanding and logic. By the end of the night, between the 5 of us: Justin and Miranda, Ricky and Stacy G, and Nathan M. we were able to figure out what her main concerns were and fix the issues that weren't really issues at all. We asked if we could come and visit her school the next morning and by the time we left, she was begging us to stay longer. Oh, and it didn't rain at all and we found a very nice hotel!                            
Until now, we have been living a life of constant study with very little reward. To be honest, at times it is extremely frustrating and discouraging. However, we are just now beginning to see the fruits of our labor in different circumstances and situations. This is just one story out of many. We thank you all so much for your pr@yers and all of your support and encouragement. We thank you for how you give so that we can be here. To share our hearts with people we can speak to in our language is one thing, but to be able to share our hearts with people in THEIR language is so important. Please continue to lift us up as we continue this journey and move deeper into our studies so that we can go deeper into conversations.

Many of you have been lifting up our current visa situation and we are SO excited to inform you that as of this week, everything is DONE and we finally have the correct visa stamped in our passports and are officially legal here. That is such a huge burden lifted off of our shoulders and now we can really dig in here instead of being interrupted every 60 days to leave the country to renew our tourist visa.

Thanks for all of your support!  - the R Family

New Disaster Relief Trailer

TSC is now prepared to be more involved with disaster relief!  A new trailer is ready for when crisis strikes and to help those in need.  To learn more about disaster relief at TSC contact Greg Cash at gregcash1024@aol.com.

 

 

One Year Anniversary

Hello our dear sweet friends! We hope this finds you all well. This week we celebrated our 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of being in our new country!! One year ago, we packed up our belongings, and said goodbye to our family, friends, most every comfort, and the only place we had known as home. As we stepped on the plane, we began this journey to fly across the world to make our home in a new and distant land. The last year has been full of love, sadness, grief over being so far away from everything we knew, laughter, joy and excitement about this new life Father has called us to, loneliness, heartache, and culture shock.  But, through it all Father has been ever present, trustworthy and faithful! We have grown closer as a family, stronger in our marriage and Father has used all the hardships and joys to bring us closer and more intimately connected to Him. When all you know is gone… it is then that you depend on Him or drown. And in those moments, Father is real in never before seen ways. He has and is still teaching us to become completely dependent on Him. And even though this has probably been the hardest, most challenging year of our lives, we are humbled that He would allow us to be here. We would not trade it for anything.
We thank each and every one of you for loving on us extravagantly this past year. Thank you for encouraging us, supporting us, holding us up with your PR’s, and teaming with us to bring the ‘good news’ to the ZZ people. We are blessed by each of you!
The kiddos are doing well. They are chugging along in school and in their language class. Olivia has even started initiating conversations in the local language with the people she sees. It is so exciting to watch her step out of her comfort zone and engage these people.

This past month was a busy month, but full of great things from Father. We had a team from our home club come visit and work in the harvest fields here. It was awesome to see their familiar faces and a blessing and honor to work alongside them. Many people were introduced to ‘JC’ and shared with that week. During their time here, and through a joint effort, one young lady made a decision of faith!!!   PTL !!!!  Many great relationships were formed that week which has given us the opportunity to continue to pour into those people. One in particular is “J.”  The team made a huge connection with J and we were able to follow up with him last week.  He has been reading the ‘good book’ he was given. So last week, we were able to share with him more about the good news. He was very open to our conversation and has many questions but at this time he has not made a decision to believe. Please PR for J that he will realize and come to understand the truth of the ‘good news’ and his heart condition. PR that he will see how desperately he needs the Father. PTL he is continuing to read the good book. PR that his heart will be opened to the truth through this reading. Also, continue to lift up our new sister. She is meeting with the other sisters there each week for fellowship.

The local brothers and sisters there in CZ are so excited when a team comes or we come to visit. They are eager to hear and ask what Father has told us lately. We got to share with them what we were studying in our quiet time for over 2 hours.
Father is moving in exciting ways and His work is evident. We thank you for being a part of this team and joining Him in those harvest fields. It feel SO GOOD, to see the movement that is happening, and to see Father putting us in the right place at the right time a lot lately.
Thank you for all your kindness, love, generosity, PR’s and support you have poured out on us!! Thank you to each and every one of you for all the goodies and gifts you sent to us! We are overwhelmed and humbled by your outpouring of love and kindness to us. We thank Father for you. And truly, your commitment to this team helps keep us afloat.

We covet your PR’s:
• Please continue to lift up our language progression                
• The new believers and those who were shared with
• Our children’s school and the new teacher coming from the US
• New leadership at their school (it is an International  school) this coming year and looking for another teacher or principle to come as well. So if you know someone who might fill that role, contact us.
• Pr that we will daily be filled with Him, be obedient to Him and be used by Him.
Praises
• The new sister!!
• Many others who heard the good news
• Our health has been better these last couple of months.
• We get to stay in our apartment another year and the children’s school will remain open this coming year! Which will allow both of us the opportunity to study language full time for another year!