tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84934289247942073892024-03-05T02:38:44.055-08:00Joy in the Journeyasgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-55836210934181092162013-11-18T06:13:00.000-08:002013-11-18T06:13:47.747-08:00Christmas Ideas<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christmas
Ideas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">"Buy a locker. Decorate a locker."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">We have
witnessed God do exceedingly and abundantly above anything we have asked for or
even thought of. Through God’s Word, we
have learned what true religion is and what He requires of us. If you have followed our journey to India and
have been moved with compassion for the children at the Truth Children’s Home Orphanage,
then I hope you are as excited as I am to see their needs being met. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The
Zurishaddai Church now has a concrete roof!
The church members can now meet and the children can now sleep protected
from the weather. The pillars to the
upper floor are set and the children’s rooms are now being built. I stand amazed! His grace is abundant and He gives us such
marvelous gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">With my
last blog in mind (Jesus as our focus and our greatest gift), I would like to
present you with some practical things to consider. Most of us have so many things, we don’t know
even know what to do with them all. What
if, this year, we considered giving more than receiving? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Here are a
few Christmas/Keeping-Jesus-as-our-focus ideas: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">13
of the 32 children have been sponsored.
Praise God! There are still 8
girls and 11 boys that could benefit greatly from your sponsorship. Could you commit to $25/month? This would provide for a child’s food,
clothing, shelter, and education.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Funds
are being raised to provide bunk beds for the children. They are still approximately $1,500
short. Would you be interested in giving
toward this need?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Each
child needs a space to put their belongings.
A metal locker can be made for $20 each. They would each have a space of their own to
keep their clothing, school books, etc.
Would you be willing to purchase one or more of these lockers? How
much fun would it be to send letters, drawings, and decorations for them to
display on their own lockers??</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Perhaps
you, your family, or your church would be interested in sending a Christmas box
to the children. Like the Operation
Christmas Child program, you could pack a shoebox and send it with some
necessities, a Bible Story, and even a toy or two to the children.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If you have
any questions, please feel free to contact either myself or Pastor Wilson
Babu. If you haven’t already noticed,
this is something I love to talk about. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">May God
make us worthy of His calling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The
lockers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Children praying before bed.</span> </div>
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Children singing before bed.</div>
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Church after construction.</div>
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Pastor P.Wilson Babu and Sister Jemimah with their three daughters.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Qe0sfQAYWO-dD9BXNjT3DUbzATdy072UMgzXdskbEo-p_8jld6zOCJLyYtjbVLd_jMuxgJ4MS6Zokhf1HyMXH8SlchB5w7n6aszDfsgg9anUX66qoBAvtIVjdd6C7K0Ea-0gj0iqtrU/s1600/Pastor+Wilson+Babu+%2526+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Qe0sfQAYWO-dD9BXNjT3DUbzATdy072UMgzXdskbEo-p_8jld6zOCJLyYtjbVLd_jMuxgJ4MS6Zokhf1HyMXH8SlchB5w7n6aszDfsgg9anUX66qoBAvtIVjdd6C7K0Ea-0gj0iqtrU/s400/Pastor+Wilson+Babu+%2526+Family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-46193229132007752242013-11-15T06:48:00.000-08:002013-11-15T06:48:34.038-08:00My Christmas Wish List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Christmas Wish List</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jingle
Bells is playing at the mall and Santa’s chair is ready. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Soon the lights will line the streets and
Amazon will send out thousands of boxes with a smile.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We ask all our loved ones for their Christmas
Wish List.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The children, full of hope,
write them down one by one.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most of our
favorite stores would go out of business if it wasn’t for that black day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know I should be thinking this is the most
wonderful time of the year, but all I can feel is the dread of credit card
bills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What have we done? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
day to remember our King come in the flesh.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It has been degraded to serve our own flesh.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This day the angels sang, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gloria</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, is now a day to review what
needs to be returned for something more fitting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before
you label me as a “Bah Humbug”, let me tell you that deep down inside, I love
this day! I want to create traditions and
wonderful memories with my children. My
cart is full of the things on everyone’s list!
I want to see the pleasing smiles and be given that thankful hug. I want to see them happy and I want to feel
appreciated. I just wonder how something
about God and His gift to us has become all about what I want.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sin. That dreadful word. That subject that is rarely taught about
anymore. It has to be the reason. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
are sinners from birth. Our nature is self-centered
and rejects God. We always crave more,
but more of what? We actually believe
these “things” will fill the void! Yet,
all the while, serving our self is the very thing that brings death.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus. Oh, how I need Him! He is the only one that can forgive my sins
and fill this void. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through
his birth, death, and resurrection, we can trade that selfish heart of stone
with a heart of flesh. His love for us
is greater than anything we can create or buy or put on our wish list. It is given freely to all who will
believe. Now that’s what we should be
celebrating! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who
really remembers the gifts they received in years past anyway? Did it bring the joy you had hoped for? None of the presents under your tree will
fill the void in your heart, but the gift that Jesus gave you, will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As
we head into this Christmas season, I hope we will remember these truths and
place our focus on the ONE true gift that we all desperately need. JESUS. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
is all I need. He is all I want. In case you were planning to ask, there is nothing
more on my wish list.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-46379719271855365782013-09-08T14:28:00.000-07:002013-09-08T14:28:29.461-07:00Praise Report!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAISE REPORT!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Glory to God! Jehovah
Jireh -- Our Provider. Construction has
begun! Lord willing, in three months
time, the Truth Children's Home will have its official inauguration. The permanent roof to the church is now being
built. This will also be the floor for
the children's bedrooms. These facilities
for the members of the Zurishaddai Church and for the children of the Truth
Children’s Home are a great answer to many prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since 2008, the church has been caring for orphan and poor
children, providing them with safe shelter, food, the ability to go to school,
basic medical care, and teaching them to know Jesus as their Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since 2011, the Home has been registered with the Indian
government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Up to this time, it has been a great effort to even feed the
children, so having extra rooms and facilities have just been a dream. The
children now sleep on the floors of Pastor P.Wilson Babu’s home and the church
sanctuary and are cared for by the Pastor’s family and widows from the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cordial, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -48pt;">Through a garage sale and the faithfulness of a few, God has
miraculously provided the needed funds for this building project. This is awesome and we give Him all the
praise, honor, and glory! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God is granting this church the desires of their heart! He has done many great and powerful things in
the village of Atchuthapuratrayam (A.P.Trayam).
Many Hindu families have received Salvation through Jesus Christ. The Zurishaddai Church is growing and learning
how to make disciples of all nations.
The church members are working together as the body of Christ, caring
for the children, many of which are their own.
God is blessing this community and we want you to join in this CELEBRATION
OF PRAISE. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If the Lord is moving in your heart and calling you to be a
part of this work, please contact Pastor Wilson on his personal facebook page
(PastorWilson Babu). He will direct you
in how you can help. There are still
nearly 20 children that need sponsors!
Please see the profiles list on the Truth Children Home facebook page
for information on the children. Please continue
to pray for this ministry, for the safety of the construction workers, and that
the needed funds will continue to come in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cordial","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our vision for this church, this body of believers, is to
become a great lampstand for Christ in the remote village of A.P. Trayam, in
the country of India, and to the whole world.
All for the glory of Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-3964197761695775062013-07-30T10:07:00.001-07:002013-07-30T10:07:54.691-07:00~ Garage Sale ~<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke 12:33 (ESV)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am SO excited about this! My mother, Sharon Clifford, and some of her friends have decided to take the scriptures that talk about selling what you have and giving to the poor seriously. They have organized a multi-family/multi-church garage sale to help raise funds for the children at the Truth Children's Home orphanage in India.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live in the Southeast, Michigan area, please take a look around your house and consider all that you have. Then box up your gently used items and drop them off at my mom's house THIS WEEK! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please consider coming to the sale. Bring your friends and neighbors too! If you have some extra time, please offer to help. I know you will enjoy the fellowship, plus "Many hands make light work." :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live elsewhere, you can still donate AND receive a tax deductible receipt! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm attaching their advertisement below. Please mark it on your calendars and spread the word!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bangle Wide"; font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~ Garage
Sale ~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bangle Wide"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fundraiser
for:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bangle Wide"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Truth Children’s
Home<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bangle Wide"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Home for
poor and orphan children)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bangle Wide"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kakinada,
India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of you have heard of the
adventure God led Angela Gabbert and her 16 year old son, Luke, on this past
month. They traveled to India to
minister with Pastor Wilson Babu at the Zurishaddai Church and Truth Children’s
Home. They did get home safely and
evaded those who were hunting for them for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ,
but they left behind a very needy congregation still on the front lines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This whole
situation has opened our eyes to the reality of the persecuted church around
the world and the Lord has stirred in our hearts a great desire to get
involved. Our Christian brothers and
sisters are in need and we have an opportunity to help. First, we can diligently pray for their
protection and for the gospel to go forth.
Second, we can give of our time and our resources. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are nearly 30 children that are
cared for at the church. You can only
imagine the resources that would be needed to feed, clothe, educate, and give
adequate shelter to this many children. One
of their greatest needs is a roof. Right
now, they are meeting and sleeping under palm branches. This protects them from the hot sun, but not
from the monsoon rains. We are hoping to raise the $3,000 needed to put a roof over their heads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace Church of Taylor</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> and <b>Zion Baptist Church</b> are teaming up to do a benefit garage sale in
order to help meet some of these needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Garage
sale will take place on <b>August 8th-10th at
Zion Baptist Church on 8500 Pardee Rd (between Wick and Ecorse) in Taylor. It will run Thursday and Friday from 9 am -5 pm
and on Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many ways you
can help.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. You can <b>shop and spread the word</b> for your friends to do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. You can<b> donate lots of usable items</b> that you no longer need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3. You can make a donation by <b>writing a tax deductible check</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make it payable to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace Church of Taylor <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6142 McGuire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Taylor, Michigan 48180<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Put in the memo: TCH Garage Sale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. You
can <b>volunteer your time</b>. We need many hands to help set up, organize,
and work the sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Please prayerfully
consider your part. If you are getting
ready to clean out your attic or have been putting it off, this could be the
reason you've been waiting for. It could
NOT go to a more worthy cause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you would
like to talk to Angie or Luke about their personal experiences, I know they
would love to share their stories with you and answer any questions you may
have. You can contact them through
facebook (Angela Clifford Gabbert and Luke Gabbert).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn
more about this ministry and/or to see pictures, just go to PastorWilson Babu
or Truth Children Home on facebook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In His
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<span style="font-family: Adorable; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Denise and Sharon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contact: Denise Hardoin, 734-560-1476 or </span><a href="mailto:Denise.Hardoin@live.com"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Denise.Hardoin@live.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sharon Clifford, 313-282-8896 or </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:sclifford@wowway.com">sclifford@wowway.com</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Zion Baptist Church - Taylor, Michigan</div>
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Grace Church - Taylor, Michigan</div>
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Zurishaddai Church & Truth Children's Home</div>
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Kakinada, India</div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-61950091416227095802013-07-11T12:32:00.001-07:002013-09-08T14:45:05.030-07:00The Orphanage and The Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">What is an orphan and are all children in orphanages orphans?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an orphan is a child deprived by death of one or usually both parents and an orphanage is an institution for the care of orphans.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">I wish it were that simple to define. It simply is not.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">While orphanages are institutions that care for children that have lost one or both parents due to death, there are many that also care for the child that is without any adequate care because of sickness, disease, poverty, or a tragedy of one form or another. Orphans may or may not have living parents. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">I hesitate to even enter this discussion because of the complexity. I certainly do not have any authority on the matter. I’m not looking for an argument on adoption and/or the actual numbers. I just want to make it clear that there are many children in the world that have one or two parents, but still need someone to care for them. These parents aren’t all abandoning their children. They aren’t all unloving and uncaring. Some mothers and fathers are doing everything in their power to provide food and shelter for their families, but even with all of their efforts, they are unable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Now that we have that behind us, let’s discuss those children whose basic needs are not being met and the role of the church. Once again, I acknowledge this is an extremely complicated subject and I am only trying to tackle one small aspect of the issue. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Remember, the church is the people, not the building.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">The local church gathers for worship, prayer, the reading and teaching of God’s Word, discipleship, and evangelizing the lost. It is also a family that cares for one another. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">When one part of our physical body hurts, our whole body feels its pain. Our church body should be the same. It rejoices when others rejoice and grieves when others grieve. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">This body of believers should care for each other and should lift each other up in prayer. If we need an example, we go to the book of Acts where they lived in one accord and broke bread together daily. They even sold all that they had and distributed so that no one had need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Wow! I hope you can disagree with me here, but I don’t see our local churches working this way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">When we started sponsoring a little boy at the Truth Children’s Home Orphanage in India, call us naive, but we had the Merriam-Webster definition in mind. As we started reading each of the profile stories of the children, we were a little confused. Most of these children have a mother and/or father. Are these children orphans or not? We sure don’t want to get taken advantage of like that friend of a friend we heard about at some point. (*note the sarcasm*)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">If you know me, you know that I have an itsy bitsy issue with trust. I don’t trust much that I read or much that I hear. In fact, I don’t care if I’m told by some big authority figure that something is true. If it doesn’t seem right to me, I’m going to have to do some research first. Maybe this comes from my crazy dichotomy of a childhood, but I’ve found it can sometimes serve me well. The way I abuse it will be in another blog. For sure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">I checked out the legitimacy of this orphanage in particular. It seemed to be legally registered with the government. I even talked to a man that had a contact at the IRS. No red flags. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">There was no doubt in my mind that the Lord had used this church and pastor in our lives. He had given us a great love for a people we had never met. The Lord had been tearing down walls of greed and teaching us how to be a cheerful giver. So, after much prayer (and research), we decided to jump in with both feet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">“Maybe I just have to go and witness this for myself”, I thought. Some things have to be experienced to fully understand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Truth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;"><i>Job 42:5 </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;"><i>“I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">After visiting these children, after watching the widows look after their care, after speaking with Pastor Wilson babu about their stories, after going to nearly all of their homes and meeting their mothers, fathers, grandmothers, etc., I finally understand. I get it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">What I am witnessing is the church functioning as the church should.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Please, hear me. This is a village that was once all Hindu that is now 20% Christian. These are Christians that come together to BE the local church. These are VERY poor families. I’ve been to their homes and I’ve seen the lack of shelter and food that they can provide. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">The Truth Children’s Home Orphanage is a local body of believers caring for their own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Maybe that discourages you from wanting to come alongside them with prayer and support. Not me. I am inspired. I am inspired to see, FINALLY, a church sacrificing for each other, a church living for Christ together, a church celebrating together, a church suffering together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">You may be thinking, “Well, then let them take care of their own needs.” Let me assure you, this is not a case where an eastern church is looking for the western church to provide all of their needs. This does happen…I am very sad to say. I know that the Pastor teaches the church to give. I know that the people want to give. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Each Sunday as the members enter the service, there is prayer and then an offering is given. It may be money or may be rice, beans, oil, etc. Like the widow’s mite, they give what they have. Whatever it is, it is their offering of thanksgiving to the Lord. If money is given, it is used to provide for the needs of the church. If food is given, it is used to feed the pastor’s family, the children, and the hungry that come into the church. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">The children are cared for by Pastor Wilson, Sister Jemimah, and the widows in the church. The widows are not paid to do this, but they are offered a place to sleep and food to eat.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Unfortunately, their offerings are still not enough. God could multiply the rice miraculously or He could ask us to be obedient and to care for the least of these. We know that anyone that gives a cup of water in His name will surely be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Here lies a grand opportunity for us. We can witness a local church functioning as a body AND we can be the universal church functioning as the body of Christ. We have an opportunity to hold our brothers and sisters up in prayer, to support them with our finances, and glorify our Father through the process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">Let’s BE the church…the true church…The Body of Christ!</span></span></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-23832406781444933142013-07-05T10:30:00.000-07:002013-07-06T06:49:25.883-07:00Poverty vs. Poverty<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“SHINE”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As I climb
into the three wheeled, yellow taxi with my dear new friends, I feel like I am
living in a dream.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I remind myself of a
promise I made, “I will take it ALL in, I will be ALL there, and I will look
for opportunities to SHINE for Christ”.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rickshaw
bounced over rocks and into deep holes.
It swerved away from many near misses of children, dogs, bikes, and oxen. I think
I am hidden, but the eyes keep watching me.
The women in their bright colored sarees look up from their
washing. The men with dirt on their
faces and more skin exposed than a rope and skirt can cover glare with anger. The curious children seem more afraid of me than
they are of the wild dogs. Their eyes all
seem to be searching for something.
Something deep. Something that
will quench their thirst and take away their pain. My heart swells with love for EVERY ONE. I wonder how I can be a light here in such a
dark place. Up and over a railroad track
and we enter into another world all together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This part of
the village doesn’t have concrete walls and pumps for wells.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Women walk balancing heavy water pots on
their shoulders.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">These homes are made of
sticks and mud, with palm branches covering their heads.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The branches hang low.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to lower myself to enter.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The faces are
those that have been born into Hindu homes and have worshiped other gods, but are
now so thankful to know Christ as their Savior.
They know Him in a way that seems so much deeper and more intimate than
I have ever known Him. He has rescued
them from many gods (Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati,
Venkateswar, and Aiyappa—just to name a few) and from eternal destruction. He has revealed to them a name that is above
every name, the name of JESUS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He has set
them apart. In a country that is 85%
Hindu, 13% Muslim and only 2% Christian; they are no longer accepted in their
community. They are shunned and
abandoned by their families. They now rely
on Jesus for their very life. This they
are aware of every moment of every day. Although
they are alone and have nothing but dirt floors, a small cot to sleep a family,
and a few pots, they are full of joy. I
am amazed and humbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The face of
the woman I greet has tears in her eyes.
Not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy.
She shakes my hand and grabs my face.
I choke back the tears when she offers me her very best place to sit. We pray together and cry together. We
are worlds apart and yet we are connected.
We both shine with the love of Christ.
Mine is but a flicker, but hers is shining bright. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They are the
poor and yet they are so very rich. I am
rich in comparison, and yet I feel so very poor. The message to the church in Smyrna comes to my
mind, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich).” I see the words of scripture come alive. I want to take pictures to help me remember
this moment, but my respect for them is too great. Instead, I am ALL there. I will take it ALL in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These two photos are from Google images.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We go from
one home to another, sometimes riding, sometimes walking, but always raising
our hands and hearts in thanksgiving to the One that has given life. Our words are different, but we can still communicate. Is this what Heaven is like? Every tribe and every tongue worshiping the
name of Jesus together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is
still heartache and pain, so we must not be there yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stomachs are
bloated with infection. Bones have been
broken and not set. Mothers are crying
for their sick and hungry children.
Fathers are rejected work because of their caste. We cry out to the Lord for healing and we
look forward to the day when there will be no more tears and no more pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our hearts
groan for that great day of redemption--when we will see Him face to face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have found
that it is not difficult to see Christ here.
Here, in this dark country, where statues and temples stand tall, there
is still a remnant. These may be few in
number, but oh, how their light shines.
Like a city set upon a hill cannot be hidden, these souls that have been
delivered are shining the light of Christ.
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I lower
myself to enter their homes, I also lower my pride. I realize that we may have many material
possessions in America, but many of us are still very poor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is
poverty anyway? If it is a lack of
something needed for life, if it is an absence of bread and water, then I dare
say that our concept of who the poor is may be completely backwards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are
hungry and thirsty. We feel the emptiness
in our lives and we crave for more. We are
in need of healing. Our hearts have been
broken and our bodies are failing. We
need Jesus. He is the only way, the
truth, and the life. He is the bread of
life and living water. He has come to
heal the broken hearted and set the captives free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like the
woman of Samaria that Jesus met at the well, we must acknowledge and believe that
He is the great I AM. He is more than a
great prophet. He is our deliverer. He is our healer. He is the one true God. He is the Messiah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There will
come a day, when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, but until that day I want to shine bright like the woman under
the palm branches with empty hands and a heart full of love and full of joy. I want to shine, like the Zurishaddai Church
shines throughout a rural village in southeast India, in my own town of
northeast Ohio. Whether we stay in Ohio
or move to another city, state, or country, I will take it ALL in, I will be ALL
there, and I will look for opportunities to SHINE for Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Matthew 5:16</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see
your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-31076743320525042212013-06-27T11:03:00.001-07:002013-06-27T12:35:50.483-07:00So, What Now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmabcxPRy4MDwqJJHJjPWi_JzPTp3MsHpfqZAGf7poq0saTvyQmcP0a7yNjjHEGrBPc9hyphenhypheniZgp4H4LMEhlweJweUfrU_5EDTLi6-hFqOh7LOxkOcNGhfJg-Z7wdVFviyCP6Au090wei0/s869/428653_570365866317092_2066268421_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmabcxPRy4MDwqJJHJjPWi_JzPTp3MsHpfqZAGf7poq0saTvyQmcP0a7yNjjHEGrBPc9hyphenhypheniZgp4H4LMEhlweJweUfrU_5EDTLi6-hFqOh7LOxkOcNGhfJg-Z7wdVFviyCP6Au090wei0/s400/428653_570365866317092_2066268421_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-8EhHPKxYoq7PB9YthkzpEpsi6_qG3QEl9sNOPTTCxjiN2WTmQBNDqDQXjN-vTfNFfGQhbeLd5f43h0fn44FL0jKOiddt0RUfoomr1GgbjptFwanaeIQVOviguCXiPtgumnLPRFN0KA/s600/NG-WORLD-MODERN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-8EhHPKxYoq7PB9YthkzpEpsi6_qG3QEl9sNOPTTCxjiN2WTmQBNDqDQXjN-vTfNFfGQhbeLd5f43h0fn44FL0jKOiddt0RUfoomr1GgbjptFwanaeIQVOviguCXiPtgumnLPRFN0KA/s320/NG-WORLD-MODERN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So What?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve been given
a glimpse into the persecuted church and we’ve been moved to compassion. Our eyes have been opened to the reality of immense
poverty and suffering around the world.
The faces have names and the need is real. We’ve found that children are the same
wherever you go; they all love to be loved and need to feel valued. How dangerous it would be to somehow feel
that because we have experienced these emotions we have something to hang our
hat on. After all, we have genuinely
prayed that God would help them. He
doesn’t really expect me to do more than that, does He? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“My biggest fear, even now, is that I
will hear Jesus' words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical
obedience to Him.” ~ David Platt,
Radical<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So What Now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We still
live in America. It’s not like we can
all sell our houses, quit our jobs, and move our family to a country in the
10/40 window. How can we follow Christ
in a first world, twenty-first century type of way?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Micah 6:8 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He has told you, O man, what is good and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some things never change. Through centuries and millennia, His Word remains. The Lord doesn't tell each of us to send x number of dollars each month or to never buy a Coach (or Vera Bradley, in some of our cases) bag again. He does, however, require that we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He does require us to seek justice for those that cannot speak for themselves, to be kind to our enemies, and to be a servant of Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">It may be that some of us will be called to a country that is presently persecuting Christians or to an area of the world that has never before heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. Others will find that the Lord is using them in their own city where Christianity has a bad name. I don't think the point is necessarily where we go, as long as we all understand that we are commanded to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">Matthew 28:19-20</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">Let's all go together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">Let's be a church that is unified at least on this one thing. If we have our faith in Christ in common, then we are all heirs in Christ. We are brothers and sisters with the same goal in mind. In Christ, there is neither male nor female, slave nor free, Baptist nor Pentecostal...Oh, wait! I think I added that last one. Anyway, you get the point. Let's all seek the Lord with our whole heart, meditate on His Word, and obey His commands. He is faithful to always be with us. He will never leave us or forsake us, even to the end of the age. Let's keep our minds set on things that are eternal, like the salvation of souls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.09090805053711px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px;">Something that really struck me in my conversations with Pastor Wilson was when he was surprised to hear that not all Americans that say they are Christians are really followers of Christ. He said, "Oh, here in India, if someone says they are a Christian, they are most likely a Christ follower! To follow Christ means one is willing to forsake their family, their homes, and even their own lives." May this be true for all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s get practical together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sharing the gospel is hard! I mean, like I would sometimes rather go to
the dentist than share the gospel with my neighbor. I’m just being honest. It makes us vulnerable and open to
ridicule. We all want to be liked. None of us want to be weird. I am incredibly shy and an extreme introvert. These are things I struggle with daily. But, the more time I spend in the Word of
God, the more I truly believe what it says.
The more I believe what it says, the more compelled I feel to tell
others. It is the answer they are
looking for. It is the Hope they
need. I would have to really hate them
to not tell them where they can find the answers to their problems. It’s the old, “What would you do if your
friend was heading into a burning building?” scenario. Wouldn’t you tell them of the danger and show
them the way to safety?! We aren’t any
better than they are. We just have the
One that can show them the way. Let’s
commit to doing this together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are looking for direction, I
certainly have a few paths to share with you.
You all know that India is dear to my heart. You have heard my stories and seen hundreds
of pictures. I didn’t know going into
this whether it was a legitimate ministry or not. I hoped.
I believed, but I wasn’t certain.
Now, I can assure you that this is the closest thing I have ever
witnessed to the early church. They are
Christ centered and the Word of God is held as the final authority of all
things. They aren’t perfect and neither
are we, but their desire is to glorify God in all they do. They are actively reaching the lost with the
gospel of Jesus Christ and they are caring for those in need as the body of
Christ should. They understand that
their lives could be taken and that the sacrifice is great, but in light of
eternity, they are willing. Pastor
Wilson reminded me as the Hindus came into the church that day, “God is good
and His will is perfect. We can trust
Him.” These are words that have stuck in
my head and I hope I will never forget.
The Lord is sovereign over all.
His grace abounds and I am honored to be His servant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many ways you can get
involved with the Zurishaddai Church and the Truth Children’s Home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The church building is in need of a
roof. This is not like one of our
American multi-million dollar building programs. This is a village that is coming to know
Christ. Many are coming to hear the Word
of God. They have already expanded the
building, but they have not been able to afford a roof. They have palm branches covering it now,
which does provide shelter from the sun, but it does not provide shelter from
the rain. This is the same roof that
many of the children and workers sleep under at night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are still 26 children being
cared for at the orphanage that need sponsors. Sending $30 a month is a great way to help meet
their needs. They are given safe
shelter, food, education, and most importantly, they are taught about Jesus and
their need for Him. It also gives you a
wonderful opportunity to pour into a child’s life. There are also many one time needs. I know
the children currently need to purchase new school books. They also are in desperate need of new, clean
mats to sleep on. I know Pastor Wilson
would be happy to share with you some of the immediate needs that they
have. Feel free to contact him any time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am assuming here that you are
already connected to your own body of believers. That you are serving and giving to your own
church. That you are witnessing to those
in your own community. If not, why not
start now? I’m pretty sure you don’t
have to worry about being killed for attending your church service or for sharing
the gospel…at least not yet. Ask the
Lord where He wants you and be sensitive to His calling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s all use these new found emotions as a
beginning, not an ending, to live out the great commission. Let’s do this together. I’d love to be of any help I can. Feel free to ask me questions. Feel free to share this with your
church. I know that God is going to do
exceeding abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. To God be the glory great things He has done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Zurishaddai Church<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Truth Children Home<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pastor P. Wilson Babu<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Door No. 3-69/1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-CR" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-CR;">A.P. Trayam, Kakinada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-CR" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-CR;">Andhra Padesh<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-CR" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-CR;">INDIA 533006<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can also contact Pastor Wilson
through Facebook, at PastorWilson babu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow this
link to find out what the 10/40 window is.</span></div>
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<a href="http://joshuaproject.net/10-40-window.php" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">http://joshuaproject.net/10-40-window.php</a></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-33986560935351356052013-06-25T09:19:00.000-07:002013-06-25T09:19:20.080-07:00CliffsNotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It occurred to
me that I haven’t actually given an update on the events of our trip since we left. So much has happened and Facebook posts have
been going out left and right, but trying to be sensitive to the situation on
the ground has kept many in the dark. I
apologize!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will try
to give the cliffs notes first, then I can always go back and share with you
all some of my day to day journaling.
Maybe we can mimic the news a little and do 14 days in 14 paragraphs, or
something like that. See the YouTube
news link at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSAsbwuGo0s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSAsbwuGo0s</a>
if that has you confused. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Luke and I just returned
from India this past week. We are still dealing with some exhaustion and sickness,
but we are grateful to be home and unharmed.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We are overwhelmed by the prayers of our friends and family!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Over the past two weeks, we were welcomed to
the Zurishaddai Church in Kakinada, India with open hearts and open arms.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We were used by the Lord is some amazing and
humbling ways and we are excited to see the Lord continue the work He has
begun.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">We left home on June 6<sup>th</sup>
and arrived in Kakinada on June 8<sup>th</sup>…It was a very long and tiring
journey. When we arrived in Rajahmundry,
we were greeted by a cheerful welcoming party.
After all the introductions, we were on our last leg of the
journey. This included a memorable, two
hour taxi ride that endlessly swerved around cars, buses, cows, bikes, and
children (just to name a few). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">We conducted three days of
Children's Bible Clubs with over 200 village children, two days of Women's
Outreach Meetings with well over a hundred, served countless meals, visited
many homes, and loved on the 32 children in the orphanage. It was
wonderful and heart-breaking at the same time.
There is so much more I want to share about these events, but I will
work on that a little later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Throughout the week, we
noticed some stares that were a little more than curious. We were told that they were Hindus and may
not be happy with our arrival. We just
decided to smile, wave, and say “hello”.
This seemed to be the best response at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">On our last Sunday, during
the service, the Hindus forced their way into the church and were protesting
our presence. They were very angry that we were there and demanded our
visas. They claimed that this was the
land of the Hindus and that we were trying to convert their Hindu women and
children. They said that we should be
severely punished for our actions. Of
course, at the time, we had no clue what they were saying and all we could tell
was that they were not going to allow us to stay. The men in the church protected us and
defended us. The women prayed with all
of their might. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Our friends were able to
drive them out for a time and get us to safety.
At just the right moment, we grabbed our passports and ran to a waiting
vehicle. The boys hung on the sides
covering all the spaces where we could be seen. We spent several hours
hiding and being driven to different locations to keep us protected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Hindus gathered in the
town square and called for all other Hindus to come against the church.
Rioting went on throughout the night. We made the news, faces,
names, and all. It made it very unsafe for us to be anywhere...as white
Americans, we definitely stand out. We
prayed for safety and protection of the church.
We prayed for the gospel to still go forth. We were given an unbelievable amount of peace
during this storm. I kept hearing in my
head, God is good and His will in perfect…We can trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Kakinada Police were
contacted, but were of no help. In fact, charges were filed against the
Pastor for "Bringing foreigners to preach gospel". He has been
questioned and investigated. He has
recently heard that no fault was found, but he is still waiting to hear this
from the authorities. While they are
relieved at the moment, they are still living in a village/community that has
great animosity for the things of the Lord.
They need the Lord to strengthen them as they continue in this
battle. They need other believers to
lift them in prayer and support them on every side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Miraculously, Luke’s phone
worked in India. We do not have an
international plan and my fancy new smart phone couldn’t do a thing. He was able to send Brian a message telling
him that we were in trouble and needed people to pray. Brian was able to call Luke’s phone (only
this one time) and get the rest of our information. Brian was then able to contact our travel
agent to get the first flight out and the US Embassy to make them aware that we
were in danger. We were driven to
Rajahmundry and stayed with a relative of Pastor Wilson. We stayed hidden as much as possible. No shopping or touring around. We knew we would not be able to blend in and
we weren’t sure how far the news had spread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The US Embassy was able to
contact us and ensure we had a way to escape. We were relieved to be
scheduled on a flight out of India, although we were saddened to have to leave
early. My next concern was that the
airport would have us on their flight plan.
With the lack of computers and technology, I feared it would be
difficult to prove. I was very relieved
to see our names on the print out and knew that the Lord was guiding our every
step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">It was another grueling
journey home. There were many hours on
planes and waiting in airports. Trying
to navigate our way around Mumbai was a nightmare that I wouldn’t wish on
anyone. It was such a blessing though to
be able to use Luke’s phone up until the last flight out of India. I must also add that Luke’s phone hasn’t been
able to send any international texts or calls since then. I’m thinking we need to place it on the
mantel and as reminder of God’s gracious protection over us. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Although, we are truly
grateful that the Lord has chosen to bring us home safely, we feel an
unbelievable burden for our brothers and sisters in Christ that are still there
on the battlefield. The Lord has given
us such compassion for the persecuted church around the world! I believe it has also opened the eyes of many
of our friends back at home. I hope that
our love for the Lord will continue to grow and overflow into every conversation
and relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Supposedly, India has
freedom of religion, but obviously not. The Hindus say that they are not
against Christians, but against trying to convert Hindus to Christianity. Of
course, we know that we cannot force anyone to believe in Christ and it is only
the Holy Spirit that can bring a person to faith in Christ. Since we are commanded to go into all the world
and preach the gospel to every nation, this is what we must do. Whether or not we will be in danger is beside
the point. We are commanded to go, and
we must go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Please pray for Pastor
P.Wilson Babu of A.P. Trayam, Kakinada, India and the Zurishaddai Church.
Please pray for the children at the Truth Children's Home. Please
pray for wisdom as they answer the authorities and above all, please pray for
the spread of the gospel. Our prayer is that what Satan has meant for
evil, God will make into something good. May Christ be glorified!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Below is the longer news
link:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BIG5Kk5foa0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2862c5; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BIG5Kk5foa0</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I am working on getting
some transcripts in English. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHpVPHydP8QdtFmWp2AtFWcKbn0-XqthMK8AfaVec3uA3ZZIBpSKPqxhTIKvM6RHOmtDDN2Uxg1gyJYPn8xFUGRCpySGQardBksKmcOa8OJvlWT9G3oSwEtlelSx6SDjeSEEWFB2EpGM/s1600/451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHpVPHydP8QdtFmWp2AtFWcKbn0-XqthMK8AfaVec3uA3ZZIBpSKPqxhTIKvM6RHOmtDDN2Uxg1gyJYPn8xFUGRCpySGQardBksKmcOa8OJvlWT9G3oSwEtlelSx6SDjeSEEWFB2EpGM/s320/451.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">All for the glory of God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Angela Gabbert</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-89499465744251973032013-06-24T10:15:00.001-07:002013-06-24T11:20:06.167-07:00Reconcile<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">After being home for a week, my head is starting to clear. It has been a difficult adjustment home. The jet lag and all that we have experienced has had us sick with exhaustion. There is so much I want to share, but I know it will take some time to make sense of all these thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">To give you an idea of the great mass of things swirling around in my brain, I will try to share with you some that are on the tip of my tongue (or fingers). But, first, I must take a moment to thank all of you that have prayed, cried, and have supported us on our journey and I want to thank our Heavenly Father for granting us the great gift of not only allowing us to hear of Him, but to see Him. We will be eternally grateful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you." ~ Job 42:5</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Amazing Grace!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So, here it goes...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Reconcile</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 14pt;">:</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> To restore relationship; Cause to
coexist in harmony, to make or show to be compatible.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can I
reconcile all that I have seen?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can I
put all these thoughts, emotions, and experiences into a neat, orderly package
for minds to be able to grasp? </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can I
feel joy for the comfort of my home and family when those that have become a
part of my heart are hungry and sleeping on floors?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How do I
celebrate our safe return when those that preached the gospel with me are being
charged as criminals?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can I
sit another moment in a cold pew and call it church when I have worshiped</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> under
palm branches as hearts are poured out to the Lord?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can
we bring our offerings, our set aside extra resources, to the church and expect
the Lord’s favor when I have watched the poor widow leave her last bag of rice
and bottle of coconut oil at the altar?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why has
the Lord chosen to bring us safely home to our cozy, clean bed while he has
chosen others to stand all night on the front lines?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Are we
really in the better place?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've </span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">seen
the joy of those that have nothing and misery of those whose hands are full.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> seen
the compassion for the poor be more than a hand out.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> witnessed
what the early church must have looked like.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> found
more in common with strangers on the other side of the world than with those
that shake my hand at home.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> watched
the gospel preached with urgency that </span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> never
experienced before.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> prayed
and begged for the healing of the sick, the poor, and the lonely in a way that
our conservative churches rebuke.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here in
America, we seem to have it all. Everything, but joy.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">We look
to Christ as one who satisfies our <b>own</b> desires—our lust for
more. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">We serve
an anti-christ! A christ we have created in our own minds. One
that gives acceptance and brings comfort, but never requires anything of us.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The real
Christ calls for suffering. The real Christ shows us the
cross. Through His death, He gives life. The real Christ
satisfies the soul, not the flesh.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have
tasted the real thing and this anti-christ will no longer bring me peace. My
soul longs for Jesus. He delivers me from my own selfish
desires. He is my Savior.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am
crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live. It is Jesus that
lives in me.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, how
can I reconcile all that I have seen? I cannot, but Christ can and
has.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romans 5:8-9</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">God shows his love for us in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us. <b><sup> </sup></b>Since, therefore, we
have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the
wrath of God.<span style="background: white;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once, I
was God’s enemy. I was full of anger and wrath, until He presented
me with a gift, the gift of reconciliation. Through the death of
Christ, my sin has been punished, His wrath has been poured out, and I have
received the greatest gift. My sentence is life instead of
death. He has reconciled me to Himself. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romans 5:10-11</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the
death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his
life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Here is
where I experience the JOY. It was of no work of my own that I have
been given life. My joy is not found in houses, furniture, jobs,
cars, vacations, etc. It was while I was His enemy that He died for
me. He is my source of JOY. I have no reason to boast or
brag. It is all a gift. I am humbled and rejoice, but it
doesn't stop there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to
himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; <b><sup> </sup></b>that
is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting
their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of
reconciliation. </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He has
given those of us that have been reconciled to Himself a ministry of
reconciliation. He has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
Americans, we have become very self-assured. We have been successful
and have come to believe that all our merits are from our own
hands. We feel we have the right to be treated with respect and will
fight for justice as long as it brings us comfort. We reject
anything that brings guilt or shame. As Proverbs says, pride comes
before a fall. I believe America is on the brink of a great
fall. May the Lord grant us mercy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
American Christians, we have a great responsibility to use our resources and
abilities for the glory of Christ. It isn't wrong to have money,
health, and the comforts of this life unless we are holding onto it as our
source of joy…unless we are worshiping the gift and not the
Giver. We must use all that the Lord has given us for His
glory. We must be willing to surrender all. We must take
this ministry of reconciliation seriously. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Are we proclaiming the
message of Salvation through Christ alone, or are we implying through our comfortable
lives that we can make it on our own? Are we naming sin for what it
is or are we sugar-coating it to keep peace? Sin is what separates
us from a Holy God. If we follow the way of the world and preach a
gospel of tolerance, prosperity, and peace, we are not preaching the gospel of
Jesus Christ. It is a false gospel, an anti-christ that will only
lead those around us to an eternity separated from God.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, is
there an answer to all my questions? I think each one deserves a serious look and its
own research, but the final answer is to keep our eyes on Christ, the author
and finisher of our faith, the One that has come to save, to heal the
broken-hearted and to set the captives free, the only One that has given us the
gift of reconciliation, the only One that is worthy of our praise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to
take all that the Lord has shown me and place it as a memorial before my
eyes. I never want to forget. I
don’t know what is next, but I know that the Lord will complete the work He has
begun. He has given me a great
compassion for the persecuted church all over the world and I believe He has
used these experiences to open the eyes of others as well. I pray that He will keep my heart softened to
His will and my ears sensitive to His calling. </span></span></div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-62560573619121874302013-06-06T05:57:00.003-07:002013-06-06T05:57:52.777-07:00I will go.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
Joshua 1:9</h3>
<div>
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."</div>
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
<br /></h3>
</div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-60492128122976565822013-05-29T06:12:00.000-07:002013-05-29T06:12:57.850-07:00Misunderstood and Misjudged<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a case of “distance lends enchantment” to them—they think
I <i>want</i> to go. If they only knew how torn in two I feel
today, and how precious the home ties are, they would understand…Oh, how <i>could </i>I leave you all, my own precious
ones, and leave the joy of being of ever so tiny a bit of help to you (<i>that</i> is not easy to give up!) unless the
hand of the Lord were upon me…isn't it strange how though we sing so often, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not my own,
oh not my own!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus, I
belong to Thee,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
we live it
so little. We are very much our own, we
don’t live as strangers and pilgrims at all, and when the call comes to one to
leave all and follow, it seems strange to us.
Oh that we may die, not in mere hymn and prayer, but in deed and in
truth, to ourselves, to our self-life and self-love. I never knew what it meant before—<i>dead</i> to all one’s natural earthly plans
and hopes, <i>dead</i> to all voices,
however dear, which would deafen our ear to His—<i>alive</i> unto God. When I think
of Christ’s life in its utter self-death, and then think of ours, of <i>mine</i>, the contrast is too terrible. We Christians have been trying to get as much
as ever we could out of this life, we have followed our Saviour, it seems to
me, very, very far off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amy
Carmichael of Dohnavor (Pg. 49)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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This book has
played an integral part of my love for India.
Amy Carmichael lived as a missionary in South India from 1895-1951. Her passion to live her life for
the purpose of God’s glory is contagious.
She was strong and determined, but also humble and obedient. The day I finished reading this book, was the
day I cried out to God--asking Him to show me how I, an introvert that loves to
find comfort in the shelter of my home, could be used in far reaching places
such as South India. It was the next
morning that I met Pastor P.Wilson babu (from South India)!</div>
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We will be
leaving for India in 8 days. May we
remember that we are not our own and that we must die to ourselves, and all our
fears, to follow JESUS, the giver of life.</div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-3334305915912286752013-04-06T06:46:00.000-07:002013-04-06T06:46:33.533-07:00Preparing Our Hearts<br />
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It’s April 6<sup>th</sup>.
We leave June 6<sup>th</sup>.
That gives us just two months to finish preparing for our trip to
India. We will be getting numerous
immunizations and starting our malaria pills.
We will have to make sure our suitcases fit the airline guidelines for
both size and weight. We will make sure
that the clothes we are packing are suitable to an eastern culture and we will
take into consideration the 100+ degree temperatures. We will need to pack protein bars and other
snacks in metal containers (to keep the rodents out). We will have fun picking out gifts to bring
for Pastor Wilson, his family, and the children…then we’ll have to sit on our
luggage to make sure it all fits. We
have a lot to do in preparation for a trip like this. We can make a list and check them off one by
one. That we know how to do, but how do
we prepare our hearts?</div>
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When preparing for a marathon, you have to start months
ahead (so I hear). Deciding on the run
and getting the right shoes are only the beginning. You have to start slow and gradually add
miles to your training. To try to run
the 26.2 miles at the beginning would only lead to defeat. So is our walk with the Lord. It requires training and practice. We must exercise our hearts by the Word of
God and prayer to increase our faith and to be good servants of Jesus Christ. </div>
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In an article titled Spiritual Muscle Development by Paul
Tripp, he says it like this:</div>
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“What is the equipment of God’s gym of faith? Here are the things that he has designed for
you to build the muscles of your heart and strengthen your resolve: <b>the
regular study of his Word; consistent godly fellowship; looking for God’s glory
in creation every day; putting yourself under excellent preaching and teaching
of Scripture; investing your quiet mental time in meditating on the goodness of
God (e.g., as you are going off to sleep); reading excellent Christian books;
and spending ample time in prayer.</b>
All of these will result in spiritual strength and vitality.”</div>
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As Luke and I prepare for a journey that may be one the most
difficult of our lives, we will focus on these areas, knowing full well that it
is the Lord that will give the increase.
Please continue to be with us in prayer.
You might want to also pray for Luke as he goes for his
immunizations. :/ He is quite certain this will be the most
difficult part of the trip! Says the boy
that has never been farther than Florida…</div>
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1 Timothy 4:6-10</div>
<span class="text">If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">followed. </span><span class="text">Have nothing to do with irreverent,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">silly myths. Rather</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">train yourself for godliness; </span><span class="text">for while</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">bodily training is of some value, godliness</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">is of value in every way, as</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.</span><span class="text">The saying is</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. </span><span class="text">For to this end we toil and strive,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">because we have our hope set on the living God,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.</span><br />
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<br />asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-5259560845179100062013-03-04T07:14:00.001-08:002013-03-04T07:14:34.851-08:00Our tickets are purchased!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPe5JHpDVmUCch4q8Xkzls5kkJPR-KARIZ7Us6OJs9DIplleMYG0Y7-aXrYpN2CJn_L0qEj0t1GCSE9vQT88F_Q7pK93K7JlQIWJeKjdRkaZuBbpO131CaMo9T_6RWjxgq4PNTwCmvXc/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPe5JHpDVmUCch4q8Xkzls5kkJPR-KARIZ7Us6OJs9DIplleMYG0Y7-aXrYpN2CJn_L0qEj0t1GCSE9vQT88F_Q7pK93K7JlQIWJeKjdRkaZuBbpO131CaMo9T_6RWjxgq4PNTwCmvXc/s400/040.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through the gifts and donations from so many of you, my friends
and family, and through the sale of our gorgeous litter, the Lord has provided
the money needed to purchase our tickets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for sending us!
Thank you for praying for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We still need about $1,000 to cover expenses during our stay in India. We would also love to raise enough support to give the Truth Children's Home orphanage a much needed gift. If the Lord leads you to give, we will rejoice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All for the glory of Jesus!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Angela Gabbert</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">59 Laurel Blvd</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Munroe Falls, OH 44262</span></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-20571337922165519192013-03-02T05:41:00.001-08:002013-03-02T05:55:37.922-08:00I refuse.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6B1Lv8k5pEc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">"So, if You say move</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">It's time for me to follow through</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">And do what I was made to do</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">Show them who You are."</span></div>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-2845268583713121722013-02-21T11:40:00.000-08:002013-02-21T11:40:17.575-08:00From the Indian Consulate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">UPDATE: We have been approved and have received </span></span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">our</span></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"> Indian Visas from the Indian Consulate</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"> in record time!! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next step is to purchase our tickets. Wow. Just typing that makes my heart skip a beat.</span></span></div>
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<br />asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-32828021948805419682013-02-14T10:53:00.000-08:002013-02-14T10:53:46.339-08:00I wish it was that easy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrrm8cR3WihUg8ZIJdQWY63F9MxGplry5Q6V0deNLCcCSq_YOg4EJ1S7-NNPLVYxDOXqwdoYA1aYo7lo2YvPNAM1Si-241TL62rX6rjzjmxea6SXsKA4BSuGYKfKhiyW6gfHtWJGDDto/s1600/apply-for-indian-visa-blue.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrrm8cR3WihUg8ZIJdQWY63F9MxGplry5Q6V0deNLCcCSq_YOg4EJ1S7-NNPLVYxDOXqwdoYA1aYo7lo2YvPNAM1Si-241TL62rX6rjzjmxea6SXsKA4BSuGYKfKhiyW6gfHtWJGDDto/s320/apply-for-indian-visa-blue.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our Indian visa applications were mailed today. It was quite a grueling process! Not only do we have to make sure we have the funds and all the required documents, we have to answer many questions through the eyes of an eastern culture. <br />
<br />
All I can say is that we have done our research and have answered the questions to the best of our ability. It is our prayer that His purpose will prevail, so we will rest and trust that whatever the outcome is, we will have peace and knowledge that our Lord is sovereign over ALL things.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. " ~ Proverbs 19:21</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-45862233960429516332013-02-05T10:05:00.000-08:002013-02-05T10:05:37.747-08:00Amazed and humbled!!He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.<br />
1 Thessalonians 5:24<br />
<br />
It is so amazing and humbling to watch the Lord provide. We are 27% funded and are well on our way with the many details. <br />
<br />
We are still waiting for Luke's passport. Once it is received, we will start the visa process. All of this has to be done before our tickets can be purchased. If any of you have applied for a visa before, you know how lengthy this process can be. India is a tough one. There are many forms to fill out and boxes to be checked. Our passports will be mailed to the Indian embassy and we will wait. Any discrepancy can cause long delays and/or refusal. Please continue to pray for wisdom and guidance. <br />
<br />
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support and for letting us share our story with you! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left; font: 7pt arial;"><br />
<img title="fundraising ideas" src='http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/thermometer/efi_1/efi-therm1.php?current=1350.00&max=5000&unit=36&skin=therm' alt='Easy Fundraising Ideas' border='0'><br />
<br /><br />
<a target='_blank' href='http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com'>www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com</a> <br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br /><br />
Update <a target='_blank' href='http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/tools/fundraising-thermometer/'>Visit Easy Fundraising Ideas</a> Here<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-19131267434760557522013-01-15T13:03:00.003-08:002013-01-15T13:03:25.752-08:00Step 1 of a bazillion...<h2>
Applied for passport. Check!</h2>
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asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-85711333759232345002013-01-14T08:08:00.000-08:002013-01-14T08:08:03.505-08:00Letters are going out this week!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are very excited!!! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Our support letters are going out this week! If you don't get one and would like to, please let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established." ~Proverbs 16:3</span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->January 13, 2013 </div>
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Dear Friends and Family ~</div>
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<br /></div>
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As time passes, it becomes more apparent to me that God has
a magnificent way of using the ugliness of life to bring Himself glory. If you are one of my more recent friends, you
know that I light up whenever someone speaks of missions, but it hasn't always
been that way. Having been brought up as
a missionary kid, I was sure I would choose a different life for myself. It seems though, that the older I get, the
more I feel this call on my heart for missions.
It is a yearning to share the gospel with those that have not
heard. It is a deep ache for the
children that are hungry and without a home.
It is a fight in my soul to stand up for the girls and boys that have
been abused and neglected.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When God told Moses to go to Pharaoh, his first response was
that the people would not listen. He
claimed he didn't have the ability to speak.
When Jesus told the disciples to feed the crowds with the boy’s lunch,
they questioned how they were supposed to feed so many with so little. But, this is the same God that spoke and the universe
was created. This is the same God that
took my mess of a life (a sinful child from a dysfunctional home, an insecure
adult with an inability to trust anyone, and a broken marriage that had turned
to ashes) and made something beautiful out of it. I have such little faith and so many excuses,
but I've witnessed miracles in my own life and I know that my God can use even this
lump of clay for His glory.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One of our greatest ministries in life is to raise our
children to know and serve the Lord. As
John said, “There is no greater joy than to hear that our children are walking
in the truth.” With all these things in
mind and after much prayer, Brian and I have decided this would be an opportune
time for Luke, our 16 year old son, and I to take a step in this direction. </div>
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Luke and I will be heading to Kakinada, India in June. It is a two week mission trip that will
surely be a life changer. We will be
working with a local church and caring for the children in their orphanage. We will teach Bible stories, play games, and
share the love of Christ at their Children’s Bible Club. I will be speaking during a women’s outreach
seminar that will include many Hindu women from remote villages. I can’t express to you strongly enough my
feelings of inadequacy. There is no way
we can do this without the power of the Holy Spirit, but we believe and know
that with God all things are possible. </div>
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Will you please be in prayer for my family as we take this
faith walk?</div>
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We have been asked to go.
We believe that the Lord is leading us to go, but we have no idea how it
will be possible. Will you please
consider supporting us? We know that whatever
the Lord requires of us, He will provide.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m including an envelope and a bookmark. This is not to pressure you, but to remind
you that we as Christians are all called in one way or another.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Go into all the
world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” ~Mark 16:15</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you would like to follow our journey, please go to
asgabbert.blogspot.com. We’ll do our
best to keep it updated throughout the trip.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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May this light that has been placed in my heart bring glory
to God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)</div>
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In His
Service,<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Angie
& Luke Gabbert<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-69326463482240441042012-12-02T13:51:00.000-08:002012-12-02T14:20:48.557-08:00The Newest News!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
Dear Friends and
Family ~<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At one time
or another, most of us have asked the question, “What is God’s will for my
life?” I’m beginning to realize it
really isn’t that hard to figure out, but my ability to follow it reveals much
about my own weaknesses. Thankfully, in
my weakness, He is strong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m learning
it’s not about my own comfort. It is
about surrendering my life to Christ and bringing Him glory in all that I say
and do. With this in mind, I’d like to
share with you some things the Lord has been doing in our lives lately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have a
beautiful family, if I do say so myself.
We have a roof over our heads and we have never known what it is like to
be truly hungry, but the pressure to live the American dream is over-whelming. Our salaries have been
cut. The price of gas, food, and what we
would call necessities has gone through the roof. The debt keeps mounting. The needs (wants) grow bigger. We are left to wonder how we can possibly do
all that the Lord expects of us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the </span></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and
to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For some
time now, Brian and I have felt a calling to defend those that cannot speak for
themselves. We don’t know how this will
play out. In the future, it may involve
foster and/or adoption (we would love your prayer for direction in this area),
but right now it is a call to a small orphanage in India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through
events that are too big for me even to explain in a letter, we met a Christian
brother/pastor in India. There is no
question whether or not the Lord was in this.
It has been a fantastic opportunity to get our family involved in
serving the poor; to partner with our brothers and sisters in Christ on the other
side of the world. Our heart for the
lost has increased and our eyes have been opened to the needs of the least of
these. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After much
prayer and counsel, we have decided to step out in faith. In June, 2013, Luke, our 16 year old son, and
I will be traveling to Kakinada (a small village in southeast India). We
will be staying with Pastor Wilson Babu and his family. We will share the love of Christ with the
children at the Truth Children Home Orphanage by teaching and helping during
their Children’s Bible Club and by bringing them necessary supplies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We hope to show them how much they are loved
by their Heavenly Father and that by following Jesus Christ, they have
HOPE. Hope in this life, yes, but even
more importantly, hope for an eternal life with their Savior. My prayer is that whatever we do in word or
deed will bring HIM glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It is such a joy, as a parent, to
see the Lord softening the hearts of our children. I am thrilled that Luke will be joining me on
this journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m really excited about this trip to India and
the chance to meet A.Sridhar. He is a
boy in the orphanage that we have been sponsoring for a few years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While we are there, we will be working at
their Children’s Bible Club. They have
kids from all over the village that come to be taught about Jesus. Many of these children come from Hindu
families. We will also spend time with
the kids at the orphanage. I will definitely want to bring some soccer balls
with me! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m sure we will have lots to share with you
when we get back! Thank you for helping
us go. Thank you for praying for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Luke Gabbert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We need you,
our Christian brothers and sisters. We
need your prayers. Our desire is to do the will of God with
gladness, but we know we cannot accomplish this on our own. Please pray for the people of India and for
souls to be saved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We need your
support, both spiritually and financially.
We, like many of you, live paycheck to paycheck. I don’t know how the Lord is going to provide
the needed funds. Please pray that God
will continue to light and direct our path, that He will provide for the trip
and above all, that God will use us to make HIMSELF known. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since we are
not going with a team or organization, any checks received would be personal
and not a tax deduction. I understand
this raises some concerns. If you have
any questions about this ministry, feel free to ask. Please check the Facebook page of Zurishaddai
Church, PastorWilson Babu , and Truth Children Home. Also, please check my Facebook page for
updates on our trip (Angela Clifford Gabbert) and if you would like to follow
our journey, you can visit my blog at asgabbert.blogspot.com! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrtsTNtC5ocEBHkGBE_LkdjzOpYdZaIbCZq1vx3JlF9aWl3XM2PxU04vR_PkdeL5AG-TOsPXW0FEXyZFnlbTIi_tngCai3p4Q2YvO4MZtGxiowf8QXf0ZJyKztyQFeQBQrbPHqPpTW4U/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrtsTNtC5ocEBHkGBE_LkdjzOpYdZaIbCZq1vx3JlF9aWl3XM2PxU04vR_PkdeL5AG-TOsPXW0FEXyZFnlbTIi_tngCai3p4Q2YvO4MZtGxiowf8QXf0ZJyKztyQFeQBQrbPHqPpTW4U/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soli Deo
Gloria,</span></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 86.5pt; margin-left: -.65pt; margin-top: 24.6pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 115.6pt; z-index: 1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-280 0 -280 21350 21581 21350 21581 0 -280 0">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Angie & Luke
Gabbert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Checks
payable to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Angela
Gabbert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">59 Laurel
Blvd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Munroe Falls,
OH 44262<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Email: asgabbert@att.net<o:p></o:p></span></div>
asgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493428924794207389.post-68806126872925604262012-12-02T13:26:00.000-08:002012-12-02T13:26:16.182-08:00God is EnoughI don't claim to be a writer, but I do want to share with you what God has been doing in my life. I hope that my thoughts and chicken scratch can be understood and seen as a testimony of His goodness. We're all on a journey and sometimes our paths take some unexpected turns, but I'm finding that even in the midst of suffering, there is joy in the journey. Joy in knowing that God is Enough.<br />
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". ~ John Piperasgabberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11490191571211747904noreply@blogger.com1