Undeserved and Unmerited

Learning a new language...engaging a new culture...raising a family in a new place...discovering new ways to accomplish even the simplest of tasks (which often take way longer than in the States). I wish this was the list of reasons I could offer as to why I've not written a blog since letting folks know we had arrived in Costa Rica way back near the end of August. However, if I'm being true to you and myself, the reason for my departure from words stems from something a little deeper within.

In a spirit of transparency, I honestly felt as if I didn't have any words worth sharing with you. The last year and a half, before arriving in Costa Rica, was by far the most difficult season of life I've ever been through. And the irony of it is that it was not the result of running away from God, but rather as we were running straight into the middle of what He's called us to. Exasperated; desperate; tired; overwhelmed. While there are definitely some positive adjectives to describe our incredible and miraculous journey to this point, those few words describe the core of who I was upon arriving here. I was wore out; my emotions were spent; I felt I had nothing left to give - nothing to give to my family and nothing left to give to you or those around me.

And yet in the midst of that struggle, God in His grace and love spoke life and hope and purpose right into the core of my existence and being. A month or so ago, I had been asked to allow my name to stand for the position of Chaplain here at language school. At first I was a little hesitant given our "primary purpose" is to learn language and culture. I didn't want to allow anything to get in the way of that, yet after much prayer, I conceded and trusted the Lord to open or close this door as He saw fit. It's my honor and privilege to share with you that, along with one other student, I have been entrusted (through the election process) to serve in this capacity for the January-April trimester.

It wasn't until this past Tuesday, the first opportunity I've had to share in chapel (note picture above), that I realized the magnitude of what the Lord has allowed to unfold in my life. In the midst of our obedience to follow Jesus to another part of the world, God has chosen to restore unto me the joy of proclaiming His Word. The beauty of the situation is the following realization: 17 months ago I gave the pastorate over to God (at least physically speaking with my resignation); about 10 months ago I gave the pastorate over to God (spiritually and emotionally), and now God has seen fit to allow me to serve in a similar context in this new and beautiful place.

So, do I deserve it; have I somehow earned it? Does God owe it to me for being obedient? Absolutely not! And therein lies the beauty of it - I am the recipient of the undeserved and unmerited grace of God! But here's what I love about God; I'm not the only one on the receiving end. Take a look around your life. Where and how are you presently receiving the unmerited and undeserved grace of God? Once you discover that answer, like me today, and every day, be sure to thank Him for it!

He (God) Still Parts the Waves

What a whirlwind the past week has been. We drove to Atlanta last Friday for Christy's weekend speaking engagement; from there the boys and I drove on to Mobile, AL. We reunited Sunday evening in Atlanta in order to fly out Monday morning (special kudos to Christy's dad and step mom for all they did to help us in that adventure). We arrived to Costa Rica around noon on Monday and haven't stopped since. Parent orientation for the boys started Tuesday morning and our own orientation has been the rest of this week. The boys start school Monday and us on Tuesday following one more day of orientation. Phew, are you tired yet?

In all of that, I wanted to share these words with you in the 30 minutes of internet time I have left (we still haven't been able to get it set up at the house and we have 2 more meetings coming up still today).

As you know, thanks to God and His people, we saw 44% of our budget raised in the final 41 (of 45) days that we were in Virginia. It previously had taken us over 16 months to raise the first 56%. There are many specific things e can point to as to why we believe it was finally God's timing for our family (and perhaps we will in a separate blog). For now, I just want to remind us all of this simple, Biblical truth - God still parts the waves.

If you're familiar with the Exodus story, you know the mighty miracle God performed for the Israelites as they fled the Egyptians. While I'm no Moses and we're not the Israelites, this is very much the same miracle we just witnessed in our own lives.

There we were, on the way to the Promised Land (our mission in Central America). All around us we were surrounded and hemmed in. In front of us were the finances (or lack thereof - only 56% July 7th). Behind us were the comforts/trappings of our former life beckoning us "home." To the left and right were the mountains of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. And in the midst of that storm and trial God uttered these words to our hearts, the very same ones he uttered to Moses, found in Exodus 14:14 -The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Wow! The Lord will fight for us! We continued being faithful to the task before us, but all of a sudden the pressure to perform; the pressure to make our budget by August 24th had been broken from our shoulders. This was God's battle and His to perform. And boy, did he ever fight for us.

As I've already pointed out, you know the financial miracle he provided in order to ensure that I could be writing this right now from San Jose, Costa Rica as we're preparing for a year of language school to be followed by several more years in our field of service.

On that Tuesday evening (I think it was) when we knew we surpassed 100%, it was as if we had literally and finally crossed that sea on dry ground and as we turned around, the enemies we once saw we never saw again. It was as if, God split our financial sea, for us to cross and caused it to come crashing down on our fear and on our doubt and on our uncertainty; as well, never again would we return to our former life.

We're so excited to be here in Costa Rica. The transition has been an extremely steep learning curve. We have lots of stories already so just ask (Wi-Fi, taxi cab, Price Smart, etc). Yet, we'd have it no other way than to be here, directly where the Lord has placed us, exactly in His timetable. We're thankful for His continued provision and for your continued partnership and prayers!

Look forward to hearing more from us once we get this whole Wi-Fi thing figured out. Until then, know we're thinking of you and thankful for you!

We love you,
Barry

Win or Lose, We're Going to Praise God

This past week as we were traveling to eastern Virginia and back for some Partnership Development opportunities, our boys were watching a movie in the car, "Facing the Giants." Even though I've seen and heard the movie many times, it was near the end of the movie that God really began to prick my heart. As a matter of fact, Christy and I had a conversation where I told her these words, "I'm not so sure I could do that." Want to know what I'm talking about? Check out this clip I found on You Tube.



I'm not sure if you've seen the movie (if not you need to) or not but I really sensed in my spirit that even though they were talking about a football game, God was talking to me about these next 31 days of Partnership Development. You see, as of right now my everything is riding in our being able to fly to Central America on August 24th. To use the old saying, I have all of my eggs in that one basket. And in that car ride, I really sensed God asking me, "whether you win or lose" (in other words, whether you make it to Central America on August 24th or not) "will you still praise me?"

As I've already mentioned, if I'm being honest with you, it took me a couple of days to get to the point where I can finally say, no matter what happens, come August 24th I will praise God. Will I praise Him because we fly out? No. Will I praise Him because we stay behind? No. I will praise Him simply because He is worthy of my praise!

But here's what we're committed to do. Just as the clip said, we are going out there on that field and we are giving it our all and we are leaving the rest to God. We know we have giants to face (as Christy referred to in her recent FB post, mountains). We get the fact that with about 30 days until flight day, and really 16 days until we'd have to order tickets, we are still in need of about 25% of our funding. But we stand resolved that our God is able to conquer giants. Do you believe that with us? Will you stand with us?

I believe that the same God who desires to conquer the giants in our life, desires to conquer them in yours as well. We would be honored and privileged to stand with you in your battle, if you'd let us know how we can. Here's to our giant-conquering God; here's to watching Him continue to do His giant-conquering thing!

In awe of Him,
Barry

God's Perfect Timing

This is not exactly the blog I thought I'd be writing this evening, but sometimes life's events and circumstances have a way of forcing things upon you. Then again, maybe it's not so much about life as it is about God, using His ways, to get our attention.

This afternoon, while finishing off my lunch, I had a very peculiar and interesting thing happen to me. As I was taking the last bite of my sandwich (actually I was finishing Seth's), my top left front tooth fell out of my mouth. I know, "nasty, gross, thanks for sharing." Good thing I didn't share the picture with you, I guess.

Here's the interesting tidbit: we are presently 5 hours away from home on a Partnership Development trip. We've already shared time with two pastors this week and have one more visit tomorrow as well as to a church tomorrow evening. Perfect timing you say?

Actually, outside of the immediate "I can't believe this just happened" (although I've been somewhat expecting it for two years) and the occasional chuckle (of love I'm sure) from those closest to me, it's really not been that traumatic, painful, or emotional. It is definitely a God thing, but almost immediately God began to reveal how perfectly timed this incident really was. You see, although we're 5 hours from home right now, we will be home for 2 days at the end of this week where I will be seeing my dentist. Come Saturday, we are out of state (more than 14 hours at one point) for those next three weeks.

There have been some who have suggested that perhaps this was an attack of the devil since God has been moving so miraculously on our behalf these past couple of weeks (in relation to our family and Partnership Development). The more I processed that, the more I came to the conclusion that this was not an attack at all by anybody. I truly believe that God is using this incident as another sign that He is preparing to release our family to Central America on August 24th. In this regard, He is allowing me to receive the utmost dental care at a place I trust from a man who we hold in high esteem. Can you imagine if this would have happened five short weeks from now; who knows what kind of "emergency" dental care I could find.

God continues to reveal His prefect plan, set upon His perfect timing. There have been so many things lately that would indicate to us that God is "preparing the way." From our support level (number of monthly/recurring financial partners) jumping 17% in just over a week (now at 75% raised); to Barry III and Austin's amazing God encounters at Teen Camp two weeks ago (if you haven't seen the video of them sharing, check out Christy or my wall on Face Book from July 14th); to now this, we are convinced in our hearts, even though there is still a God-sized miracle in front of us, that God is preparing to release us for this next phase of the journey come August 24th (keep believing and praying with us).

I want to challenge you to look around in your life. What examples are there of God working out His perfect timing? You might have to take a second look (or bite) but it's there.

With love,
Barry

Stepping out of the Boat - A Blog by SETH

Hi, it's Seth. I would like to tell you about a boat. I like boats. This boat is called the comfort boat. That means you and everything you're comfortable with is in the boat but everything else is outside the boat.

To get out of the boat, you will have to listen to me.
Step 1 - You have to trust God
Step 2 - You have to be willing to let everything go
Step 3 - You have to be flexible
Step 4 - You have to be ready to fight the devil

I can remember when my parents called me and my bros into the living room for a family meeting. We weren't planning on crying but we spent the next 30 minutes crying when they told us we were going to be missionaries.









It has been a hard process for me like giving up my best friends, Andrew DiMaio and Rishi Bhojwani. Rishi is on the left and Andrew is in the middle, while I am on the right










So that's halfway out of the boat. I still have to get there and when I do I fully believe God will help me through everything. He has helped me when I got a pencil in my leg. I was happy when God helped the doctor get the pencil out.

God has helped me get out of the boat so I have a quarter of the way left. I will tell you how he helped me. He gave some people I know to give me money for my birthday so I got an I-Pod to text my friends and relatives.

I can't wait to get there; God will help everyone to get out of the boat!

Thanks for reading,
Seth

On the Oceans

For the past several years I have helped to plan a Middle School Retreat for Dayspring Christian Academy (where I worked).  Each year our administrator creates a theme for the school year that he "launches" at the retreats.  It has been my heart's desire to grow along with each student through the themes and to allow Jesus to do a work in me.

For the 2013-2014 school year, our administrator, Dug Hampton, felt the Lord leading him to this specific theme "In the Faithful Grasp of Grace, Tell Me to Come to You on the Water."  Little did he know (or did I know) that the Lord would use that theme to confirm the call the Lord was placing on my life to serve Him in Central America.

You see, I had previously resigned two times from DCA during my first two years teaching there.  Each time, Dug told me that he did not think it was my time to go and that he wasn't going to accept my resignation letter.  Each time the Lord did not allow me to be released from DCA.  During my devotional time one afternoon, during the spring of 2004, the Lord met me in a real special way.  I was reading in Philippians when the Lord spoke to me through Paul's words in the following verses:

Philippians 1:22-25 New International Version (NIV)

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

I felt like the Lord was speaking directly to me, "Christy, I know you would rather be in another school.  However, I need you at Dayspring."  From that moment on I made an agreement with the Lord that I would not question whether or not I should stay at DCA until Jesus spoke directly to me.  I honored that commitment until March of 2013 when Jesus started wooing, speaking, and changing both Barry and my hearts.

However, it was during the middle of the Middle School Retreat as the project worship team was playing that I really felt a confirmation that God was calling me out of educational leadership and into leadership development for the pastors and female leaders in Central America.  The Lord has used this song (the theme song for 2013-2014 school year) to challenge and speak to our entire family.  And he continues to use it, even in our most recent worship encounter at Power '15.

At this moment, I feel like I am out in the middle of the ocean.  We have surrendered everything: our professions (both Barry's pastoring at Radford Wesleyan, June 2014, and now mine - educational leadership at DCA, May 2015); our home (we are currently living with friends and will begin a traveling tour to WV, IN, MI, OH, NY in a little over a week); our belongings (all our possessions are being stored in a 10 x 10 space, we will bring 2 totes per person with us); soon to be our vehicles and so much more along the way.  We are out in the ocean trusting that Jesus will provide monthly financial partners so that we can leave August 24th for the borders of Central America and language school.    

There are many moments where the overwhelming waves take my sight off of the most amazing God.  At times I feel like the goals are unreachable, the details are too many, the understanding is too lacking and that we are just plain crazy.  It is during those moments that I watch my Jesus reach down and pull my faith and me back up.  He continues to remind us that borders and waves are all a part of His plan and that He is capable, where we are lacking. 

We are trusting God and praying for miracles.  Will you join us?

Have you joined the team who is already trusting and supporting the V-Team?  If not, you can join the V-Team by clicking the Global Partners image below.

A Boy's Best Friend

It was early March 2004 when a stranger followed my family home from a walk down the street. To be more precise, my sister-in-law Angie had taken Barry and Austin for a walk in the wagon accompanied by our dog Shiloh. As they made their way back to the house, a little black puppy began to make his way after them. 

He was cute as a button, but we were sure that some other family was anxiously awaiting his return. After countless neighborhood walks and knocking on doors we came to the conclusion that this little black puppy was a stray. It didn't take long for him to steal our hearts, and in the words of our 3 year old, he was his "best friend ever." Inspired by the big black lab who lived two houses above us, this little, black burst of energy received the name of Jake. 

It's so incredibly hard to believe that Jake has been a part of our family'a life these past 11 years. He has seen our family grow from 4 to 6 and has graciously allowed each of our boys to play with and love on him as only boys can (and as you know, some of those times are not as gingerly and tender as others). He has seen the passing of Shiloh along with the arrival of Cali a year later and her subsequent re-homing to her new forever family just 6 short years later (this past January).

Despite Jake's high energy as a pup and his anxiety issues as an adult (which he's always had) Jake falls into that one-in-a-million category. We wouldn't trade him for the world; we wouldn't have decided differently eleven years ago; and if we weren't planning to leave the country this August for the next four years, we wouldn't be praying about/searching for his new forever family.

We would humbly ask you to join us in praying for this next miracle in our family's life. We've been able to have Jake with us these past few weeks in NY but with the remaining transient nature of our summer (prior to our hopeful departure), we're really looking to God to open up a spot in Jake's new forever family that He has picked out. I know this request may not seem as important or spiritual as other things, but as much as Jake means to our family (and especially our boys) this is a huge one for us. Thanks for your continued partnership in our family's life; we are blessed because of you!

Grafted In

I've been planning to write this blog about the power of the graft. Originally, I thought about using the analogy of the skin graft. However, not only were the images a little too graphic, I found the analogy a little lacking. When I did some looking into it, it simply said about a skin graft: a piece of living tissue that is transplanted surgically.

Yet, look at the imagery and power of what it had to say about a branch (which is also the analogy used in Romans 11): a shoot or twig inserted into a slit on the trunk or stem of a living plant, from which it receives sap. Is this not exactly what God has done for us? As we express faith in Him, He joins us to His son Jesus Christ from which flows the Holy Spirit?

The more I've thought about this analogy, the more I thought about this past year of life. This is exactly what the entire West family did for our family. They took this twig (our family) and inserted it into a slit on the stem of a living plant (their family), from which we received sap (life, support, and encouragement).

I think about Jason and Angie and how sacrificial and selfless they were in allowing our family to move in with them. Can you imagine going from a 3-person home to a 9-person home overnight and lasting for a year? We took over their upstairs, invaded their common spaces and probably made more noise than they ever cared to have in their home. They provided a roof for our heads, a bed for our backs, and food for our bodies. Most importantly they shared their life and hearts with us during a season of life that at times we felt the loneliest we have ever felt. Jason and Angie, you have truly left a living legacy in our family's life!

I think about Mr. Rod and Miss Faye (Jason's parents). They willingly included us in family activities (my arm still hurts from turning the crank those few hours making apple cider vinegar and my eyes are still burning from all the smoke while stirring the pot for apple butter). Thanks to Mr. Rod I learned some valuable lessons: never wear flip flops while working on the farm and never wear shorts while rounding up a bee hive. I'm thankful that wasn't a real snake that slithered over my foot nor a real bee that flew up my shorts! Thanks Mr. Rod and Miss Faye for making us feel a part of your family!

Last, but certainly not least, I think about my buddy Stu and his wife Gina (Jason's sister). Any time we got to be around them, we were always assured a great time and a good laugh (thanks Stu for being a good sport and for always "giving it back to me"). Thanks Stu and Gina for always being you and for allowing us the great privilege of getting to know you better this past year!

I'm so grateful for God's grafting power. First and foremost for grafting us into His forever family. Additionally, for allowing us to be grafted into the West family. Their love, support, and encouragement not only freed us to pursue this God-calling as fully as we have, but has meant more to us than they'll ever know.

Move Over Indy, We Found the Ark

I was 6 years old when "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" came out. I don't have memories of seeing it in the theater, but I do remember it being one of the first videos we ever watched on our new VCR. I can still remember sitting in my grandparents living room engrossed by the images I saw before me. Like, who could ever forget the snake pit that Indy got lowered into? Yeah, probably why I still hate snakes to this day and why I scream "like a little girl" any time I cross paths with one in real life. If you're with me, holler, Amen!

I'm sure you're thinking that this is an absurd way to start a blog but actually I got thinking about this back on Sunday. Hats off to Pastor Mike Lauridsen who filled the pulpit Sunday at Parkway Wesleyan. He did an amazing job and what he had to share about the ark; not the ark from Indiana Jones, but rather the Ark of the Lord, really got me thinking.

Pastor Mike shared how the Ark had three things inside: the golden jar of manna - representing God's provision; Aaron's staff - representing God's power; and the 10 Commandments - representing God's presence. He related that to the Israelites crossing the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua and how it wasn't until the Ark was carried into the Jordan that the waters stopped and the Israelites crossed over on dry ground. In that great scene, God was demonstrating everything represented by the Ark - His power, His provision, and His presence.

As those very words were still hanging in the air, God began to speak to my heart and my mind began churning. Pretty soon we are going to be celebrating, who God is and what He's done, in a new country. And the reality that's unfolding around us is that the Ark of the Lord is in the midst of our "Jordan River." I can't fully explain it, but what we've seen happening around us these past two months is nothing short of miraculous. Our financial partnerships, if you can in fact help us hit 60% by month's end, will have doubled in a two-month period. Are you kidding me - how does that happen? Only through a miraculous God who chooses to use obedient children who are in love with Him and on fire with His mission to reach the entire world with the love demonstrated through the sacrificial death of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

And here's the further reality...we've heard a lot about safety and about the boys' and about their schooling and about a whole lot of other things, and I don't mean any disrespect, but here's what God showed me on Sunday. It is only as we follow God through the river that we have any certainty of His provision...of His power...and of His presence. There is no turning back for the V-Team. There is no surrender. There is no retreat. We must follow the Ark of the Lord into the river if we are to arrive at the Promised Land, which for us is Central America.

From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank each and every one of you who has stood beside us in some way this past year plus. You have not given up on us or on God. You have encouraged us and you have inspired us. Thank you for continuing to believe with us in a God who still parts the waters! The only question I leave you with is this: where is the Ark of the Lord leading you? For it is only there that you too will find His provision, His power, and His presence. Together, let's follow with all we've got!

Have You Lost Your Mind?

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I heard that phrase as a child growing up; Barry, what have you lost your mind? Whether it was the time I tried to take my favorite candy from my sister's room. Would've gotten away with that one had my sister not come out of the bathroom right when she did. Or whether it was the time my cousin and I mixed up cleaning chemicals and tried to transport them to his house (to see what further chemicals he had) in an Entenmann's cookie tin. Not sure if it was the seeping backpack that we tried to conceal it in or the horrendous odor, but mom knew as soon as we hit the kitchen doorway. Both times the same, "Have you lost your mind?"

Though I'm some 30 years or so removed from those scenarios, this question still follows me around. "You're leaving 11 years of pastoral ministry for the mission field? Have you lost your mind?" "You're selling almost everything you own or giving it away? Have you lost your mind?" "You're moving out of the parsonage and are going to be homeless? Have you lost your mind?" "You're uprooting your family to another country? Have you lost your mind?" "You're completely trusting God with everything? Have you lost your mind?"

If I'm being honest with you, there have been many times where I felt as if I had lost my mind; when none of what we're doing made any sense whatsoever. There was an entire season where I secretly hoped our journey was going to be consistent with the Abraham of Genesis 18 and not the Abraham of Genesis 12. You know, that our willingness to sacrifice everything we held dear would be enough and that at the last moment God would provide a "ram caught in the thicket" - a way out. However, I've come to fully embrace the Genesis 12 version of our life that God has asked us to leave everything behind (to sacrifice it all) and that he is indeed leading us to an entirely different place.

But I guess that's the thing: when did following God's will have to equate to making sense? Did it make sense for Noah to start building an ark? Did it make sense for Moses to return to the country where they wanted him dead? Did it make sense for Abraham to leave his entire family and life behind to follow God? Did it make sense for the disciples to leave their jobs and families to follow Jesus? And we find this repeated all throughout Scripture.

So, I guess we have lost our minds. But I hope we've also lost our bodies...and our hearts...and our very lives to the cause of Jesus. For only in losing the entirety of who we are may we be found in Him.

Out of the Darkness and Into the Light

You may remember this picture from our January newsletter. In that newsletter I (Barry) wrote briefly about my journey over this past year and the dark, desert-like struggle that it has been for me. I also alluded to the fact that I would talk about that in more detail in an upcoming Blog post. I first sat down to write that in March, yet I finally feel like this is the time.

These past 3 months have been incredible for me. I have been experiencing the most freedom and joy in my relationship with Jesus than what I can remember for a long time. I believe that with God's help and Christy's patience, I have finally "come out of the darkness and into the light."

A lot has been made about the difficulty for me of transitioning out of the pastorate; if you read an earlier Blog of mine, it really was like a death for me. However, to put the entirety of this dark season on that move alone would be not only a gross over statement but also something entirely inaccurate. Did the transition out of pastoral ministry contribute to the darkness? Certainly, but there was so much more to it.

In looking back now, I realize that this past dark, desert experience was not something outside of God's plan for my life, but was exactly spot-on right in the middle of it. I realize now that what God has been accomplishing in my life was something that I obviously did not allow him to accomplish while in the pastorate and probably would not have allowed him to accomplish on the ground in Central America. I realize now that only by leading me to the desert could God do the work in me that he needed to do. And I'm not just talking about getting me ready for the mission field. I'm talking about making me the kind of husband to my bride that she deserves; the kind of father to my boys that they deserve; the kind of Christ follower to the world that it needs.

You see, you can't be those things when there is unconfessed and undealt with sin in your life. You can't be who you need to be when you are at the center of your own world and seek to control everyone and everything. You can't become who Jesus needs you to become when your view of yourself isn't anything even close to Jesus' view of you. And yet that was the man I saw every time I looked in the mirror. But thanks be to God, that is no longer the man I see!

The Bible says that God disciplines those he loves and right in the middle of the desert God showed up and broke me; He broke me of me and I will never be the same. There were so many different ways that God met with me during this time (His presence, His Word, a counselor, sermon videos, worship songs, great friends, a loving wife, and the list goes on). And yet as undeserving and unworthy of it all as I was, I'm so incredibly humbled and thankful for those who continue to stand by my side.

No one ever asks for the desert; I know I didn't. Yet I stand here today to let you know that if you allow it, you can enter the desert dying, yet come out fully alive; you can enter in the darkness, yet come out in the light.

Hidden until it is time for McFarland

After almost a full week of being snowed in at our friends home (while we house sit for them) our family ventured out to school, dinner and a Friday night movie. Barry had selected the movie saying it would be a good one for our family. So, I naively followed his lead.  

Standing under the display of movie choices my heart broke at the choices we were presented with. My thoughts and heart went to prayer thinking about the many men and women who walk naively (or purposefully) into the movie theaters and have their minds filled with images and words that are contradictory to the heart of God. 

I had no idea how the Lord was going to this movie experience to change my perspective.

We entered our empty theater, found our seats and began watching people file into the theater.  Barry shared with me several ministry phone calls he made and we briefly reflected on how it appears that God is bringing some new partners to our team (YEAH...Praise the Lord).  

Towards the beginning of the movie, "McFarland, USA" (which I will not ruin for you but definitely think you should go see), I was greeted with a familiar sound that quickly transported me to Guatemala...where my mind remained for the entire movie, that of a rooster crowing.  Although the setting of the movie was in McFarland, California, the images, sounds and people reminded me of my experiences in Guatemala and the yearning I have to return to Central America.

My family has been in a lonely and bizarre chapter of life. A chapter that we may title: Hidden. As we have changed our ministry focus from local pastoral ministry to global ministry we have experienced changes in relationships which make us feel as though we are hidden from the relationships we once loved. Changes in how we serve which have made us sense a need to hide the passions that are on our hearts. Changes in the address we call home which has hidden us from the neighbors and life we were comfortable with. Changes in our finances which have forced us into completely hiding in the arms of the Lord's provision. Changes in how we are fed spiritually where we find ourselves hiding in the faithfulness of Holy Spirit. We have wrestled with our purpose and our value during this chapter in our lives.  We have experienced more valleys and trials than we can count. And have often found ourselves alone feeling like the Lord is hiding us. 

Strangely, I sat through the movie and for the first time in almost a year I found myself feeling at home. No, not at home in the movie theater.  Rather, at home with the culture of McFarland, at home with the story line of "McFarland,USA," and at home with the call the Lord has graciously given to me and my family.  At home and at peace.

I walked out of the movie theater ready to jump on a plane and head south (and not just because of the snow forecast for the weekend).  Ready to be at home out of the hiding. Ready to begin learning the culture and language.  Ready to leave "safe" and be home.

This morning I read a blog post written by Jo Saxton (a speaker that I am excited to hear share at the Alive 2015 Conference coming up in April).  Her blog collided with what has been on my mind about this chapter of life I find myself and my family in.

Check it out blog:

http://weare3dm.com/josaxton/we-are-3dm/on-calling-hidden-for-a-season/

Maybe, just maybe, Jesus is keeping me and my family hidden for a chapter of growth, preparation and renewal.  Maybe I need to change my perspective and trust this chapter of hiding.  

For the time being we will choose to remain (John 15:4) hidden waiting patiently until it is time for "McFarland".  Using this chapter to deepen our relationships with the Lord.  We are trusting in the faithful, merciful, gracious, peaceful, just God; who will use this chapter of life for His glory, honor and praise.

Why Women Shouldn't...

One of the most awesome and thrilling moments, for sure of this transitional phase of life, and perhaps even of my married life, occurred less than two short weeks ago. As we sat on the bed together, Christy had just clicked the "register" button, signing herself up for her first class toward ordination. The journey to that point is quite a story in itself, one perhaps Christy herself may share at some later time.

I'm not sure what emotions your mind started conjuring up when you saw the title to this blog, "Why Women Shouldn't..." Perhaps you had feelings of curiosity; "I wonder where he's going with this?" Perhaps you had feelings of agreement; "I hope he talks about not working outside the home or not being in significant places of leadership." Perhaps you even had feelings of anger and frustration; "How's he going to tell a woman what they shouldn't do!" Yet, truth be told, I worded the title that way in an attempt to draw you in. Had I wrote out the entire title it would have said: Why Women Shouldn't Accept Less Than God's Best.

I am married to one of the most gifted and talented person on the face of planet earth (and no I'm not trying to kiss up - it's just the plain truth). Over the course of our 17 plus years of marriage, I've watched her blossom into who she is today; which by the way, doesn't even compare to who she'll be tomorrow and in the days to come. I've watched her grow and flourish as she has provided invaluable leadership and mentorship in our home, at her school, at the church where we served, as well as in the district in which we're still a part of.

And yet, as wonderful and capable a leader as she is, the world was almost kept from the future Rev. Christy Van Steenburg (again, the "why" goes back to the journey to get here). I don't know exactly how Christy's ordination, and the process thereof, fits into God's greater plan for her, our family, and ultimately the Kingdom, but I can tell you one thing: I am so excited and blessed to watch it all unfold.

I am so proud of my bride for not accepting less than God's best for her. I am glad she didn't minimalize the call of God in her life to something less than what it really is. I am humbled by the thought that other women out there might be inspired and encouraged to step into God's best for them simply by being around Christy and hearing her story. If you're reading this blog and that's you, my prayer is that you would radically follow God's radical call on your life and that you would never accept anything less than God's best for you, whatever that might mean for you.

P.S. While this blog was written to brag on my bride and to share the grace of God in her life, so as to spread it to other women, this is a message for all of us, regardless of gender. Male or female, know this: God has an amazing plan for your life. Are you willing, whatever the challenge and whatever the cost, to fully pursue it with the same passion with which Jesus fully pursued you? Might we all, unequivocally, answer with a resounding, "YES!"

Barry

The Lame Still Walk...and Play Basketball

You may or may not already know all that I'm about to write, but I sensed in my spirit the need to yet again give honor and glory to our most amazing God!

As you notice from the picture, that is B3 on the free throw line getting ready to shoot (and yes, it went in). This is from their most recent game, 01/20/15. That in itself is not worthy of blog attention, but everything that led up to that moment truly is.

On January 9th of this year, B3 went to the ground hard following a layup opportunity in a game for the DCA Lions. It was a pretty severe moment and the pain seemed incredible. As a dad, and one of the assistant coaches, I wasn't sure what my response was supposed to be, but I could tell my son was in agony. Half thinking about the injury he had just suffered and half thinking about how this might impact the game and the rest of the season, it was almost more than he could take. I so appreciate the great attention and care he received from our DCA staff who were there.

We finally made it to the ER several hours later and the pain was still severe. As you can see from the picture below, although we didn't know exactly what we were facing, we knew it was going to be major.

The preliminary report from the ER doctor (pre x-ray) was a broken fibula which meant he would be out of basketball for at least 6-8 weeks. In a season that was to be over in 5 weeks, you're beginning to understand the weight upon B3's heart. Following X-Ray examination, the prognosis was only slightly better - fractured growth plate - out at least 4-6 weeks. As we left that ER room Friday night our hearts were all a little heavy.

On the way home I asked B3 if he really believes what we're reading during our morning family devotional time. We've been spending these moments together dissecting Mark Batterson's "Grave Robber" and discovering more and more about our miracle-working God. We had recently (and are still there) been journeying through the miracle in John 5 where Jesus heals the lame man who hadn't walked in 38 years (probably his entire life). Not to oversimplify the miracle, but the man believed that Jesus could heal him and he walked all the way home (after jumping, hopping, and skipping I'm sure). Barry's response to me was, "Yes, I believe that Jesus can heal me." And so, as a family, we've held that belief from day #1. So let me tell you the rest of the story...

Step #1 - B3 got into the orthopedic doctor (one who works with Virginia Tech athletics even) on that Monday. He was then diagnosed with not a break, nor a fracture, but rather with a high ankle sprain. Prognosis was that he would be out at least 3 weeks.

Step #2 - Instead of the normal 7-10 day wait, B3 was able to be seen the very next day at the Physical Therapist (again, one who works closely with VT athletics). When he shared his goal to be back on the court in 2 weeks (since the doctor said at least 3), they told B3 that it would definitely take longer than 2. He was swollen still and it was still very tender.

Step #3 - While at the therapist's office, they took him out of the walking boot and put him in just an ankle brace. This was because with this injury he only needed his ankle stabilized, and not his whole leg. This would also help the blood flow to the ankle to help the injury heal.

Step #4 - It was six days before Barry's next physical therapy appointment (it was all they had and we were out of town for the pastor's conference). When Barry showed up on Monday, the therapist couldn't even believe he was looking at only a 10 day old high ankle sprain injury. Several times he asked us when the injury happened, with shock. The swelling was almost non-existent and the pain was present only during the workout. Barry left the visit being cleared to no longer have to wear the ankle brace (except during school for only this week).

Step #5 - In a limited capacity, we let B3 practice with his team on Monday. Coach took great care and B3 was able to do everything that was asked of him, all without re-aggravation or pain.

Everything I've just written has led to the miracle that is B3 playing in his first game, only 11 days removed from suffering a potentially season-ending ankle injury. If that's not something to shout about, I don't know what is!

Why Jesus chose to heal the lame man in John 5, I'll never fully know. Why he has chosen to heal my boy at this time, I may never know either. But I hope that we fully recognize it for what it is - a miracle. It's so easy to dismiss the mighty hand of God at work in our lives. We do it with the small things all the time. My hope and prayer is that this will become one of those bedrock moments that my boy can look back on down the road in life and that doing so will cause his faith to stand strong. My hope and prayer is that God would use this supernatural and divine moment to grow each of us more into his likeness.

Thanks for the part you played in this miracle; without your love, support and prayers, it may not be what it's truly become!

With love,
Barry

So long, good friend!

I usually try to distance my writing from my emotions, whether it's an email, a letter or even a blog, to prevent writing something I might not have written once the emotions settled. However, against better judgment (since Christy is fast asleep beside me), I find myself typing away in the still darkness of a house that is not our own.

This journey the Lord has our family on is one which has cost us dearly...from my profession, to our house, to our possessions, to now what is probably the most heart-wrenching, tear-spilling one of them all - saying goodbye to a 6-year-old member of the family. Just to make sure we're on the same page (since I know you're looking at the above picture), I'm talking about the dog and not the boy.

Cali danced her way right into our lives a little over six years ago - just in time for Christmas 2008. What once was a scrawny, little puppy grew into a 65 pound gentle giant. From frolicking in the snow, to catching balls and playing fetch; from eating dirty tissues, to interrupting morning devotions with a kiss on the chin (not right after the tissue eating, mind you) the Lord has used Cali's presence in our family to bring many treasured and wonderful memories into our life. Perhaps that is why we spent the final hour of the day all huddled upon the bed with Cali in the middle - sharing stories, giving pets, and crying profusely.

One would think that our knowing for over six months that this day was coming would make it easier, however I'm here to tell you that tomorrow's looming K9 departure is lurking down on us like a massive freight train without any brakes. The more we've tried to lasso in the clock these past few days, the quicker she's seemed to tick away. In just a mere seven hours from this writing Cali will be on her way to her new forever home with a new forever family.

Despite the sadness and heart-break, tomorrow is yet another answer to prayer along this journey. We've prayed all along that God would provide a loving home for our pets and that's exactly what Cali will be receiving. To you, Cali's new family, thanks for allowing God to use you as an answer to our prayers.

And so, not being one who likes to say "goodbye," I simply say, "So long, good friend!"