Tuesday, February 8, 2011

moment by moment

crossing-street "At first when presented with what we were actually going to do each day; pick up our New American at 9 am and take them out into the city (that isn't mine) and teach them English one on one and not return to the complex again until 5 pm I was overwhelmed.  I did not know how to teach someone English and I had thought there would be a curriculum of some kind.  There was, but the Lord held it and revealed it to me moment by moment. 

      The Lord guided my steps each hour, gave me ideas on how to teach English while we were walking around the city.  The idea that we were both thrown into an uncomfortable situation together caused a bond to develop and then with Jesus escorting us, we learned to communicate, and trust Him for the directions and results.

    I watched my New American (Devi) grow more trusting of me and more confident in herself as  she made her way around the city.  We together learned the city lay out and discovered resources that were available.  My heart has gained a new friend, I have fallen in love with a people I had no exposure to before this.  I am in awe of  all the Lord taught me as I was teaching Devi.

    It was a wonderful experience for both of us. ( I think I might have learned more than Devi did,) and my faith has increased in experiencing the faithfulness of the Lord for every stage of the week.  Through us, I think He revealed  His great love for them as well.  I would highly recommend this ministry opportunity, as you will find you are a better Christian for having done it.
    I look forward to the next time I will be able to return."

source: http://phx1040interface.org/?p=101

Phoenix 10/40 Interface: a better 'cross-cultural' experience

SerranoVillagehdr Having been to a lot of different countries on a lot of short term missions trips, Phoenix 10/40 Interface, in some respects, offers a better 'cross-cultural' experience, exposure and education than many much more costly trips. I was challenged, stretched and stressed as well as richly rewarded as I spent 40 hours of one on one time with my NA, New American. I helped her in acquiring language and job skills while adapting to her new city and American culture, all the while looking for bridges to share the God Story with her. I can't get into her home country, but having come here and it was a privilege to welcome her.  I think every church could actively participate in ministry to the 10/40 window by sending at least one team a year to Phoenix.

source: http://phx1040interface.org/?p=98

My New Americans

two-guys If you want to be in a place where you have to trust Jesus. The 10/40 is it. I have grown so much in one week that it's difficult to place words on it. When Jesus moves He moves in BIG ways that will grow you and the NA's that you are with for the week. It was an honor to serve my NA's (New Americans) and laugh and even get a little lost, but in it all The Most High is there. Worshiping in the apt complex with the sliding glass door open for everyone to hear. These people in the 10/40 are beautiful and need to be shown the love of Jesus in practical ways that show them that there Americans that give themselves to serve them serve the Most High. James said that he left a piece of his heart there and he is right, I miss Maki and Chandra and I cannot wait to see them soon.

God works and when he does we all benefit from the Love of our risen Savior. These NA's are here and the fields are very ripe for the harvest. It's about serving them and not ourselves. Every bus, train ride, and pounding of the pavement was a blessing beyond what I thought could happen. I love my new friends and long to just take a train ride with them both soon.

Source: http://phx1040interface.org/?p=104

Eye Opening

showing-brochure "Seeing some of the day-to-day struggles of the refugees was eye opening and overwhelming. It was very rewarding to play a small part in helping them feel welcome in America and letting them know that the body of Christ cares for them. I pray that the seeds that were planted will bear much fruit and that one day all the families of Serrano Village will worship the Lord Jesus Christ together."

source: http://phx1040interface.org/?p=95