Misunderstood and Misjudged

It is a case of “distance lends enchantment” to them—they think I want 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 could I leave you all, my own precious ones, and leave the joy of being of ever so tiny a bit of help to you (that 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,

Not my own, oh not my own!

Jesus, I belong to Thee,

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—dead to all one’s natural earthly plans and hopes, dead to all voices, however dear, which would deafen our ear to His—alive unto God.  When I think of Christ’s life in its utter self-death, and then think of ours, of mine, 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.

Amy Carmichael  of Dohnavor (Pg. 49)

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)!

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.

Preparing Our Hearts

It’s April 6^th.  We leave June 6^th.  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?

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. 

In an article titled Spiritual Muscle Development by Paul Tripp, he says it like this:

“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:  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.  All of these will result in spiritual strength and vitality.”

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…

1 Timothy 4:6-10

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 followed.  Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Our tickets are purchased!!

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.

Thank you for sending us!  Thank you for praying for us!

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!

All for the glory of Jesus!

Angela Gabbert

59 Laurel Blvd

Munroe Falls, OH  44262

I refuse.

"So, if You say move

It's time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

Show them who You are."

From the Indian Consulate

UPDATE:  We have been approved and have received our Indian Visas from the Indian Consulate in record time!!  

Next step is to purchase our tickets.  Wow.  Just typing that makes my heart skip a beat.

I wish it was that easy!

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.

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.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. "   ~ Proverbs 19:21

Amazed and humbled!!

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24

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.

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.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support and for letting us share our story with you!

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