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!

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