We are pleased to announce that Missions Beyond has 501(c)3 status.  

This will now allow businesses and organizations to donate  to the school outreaches and assist families during times of difficult circumstance.

THE GOLDEN RULE

As a young girl I lived in a town called Fayette, Missouri. The town's history did much to sculpt my outlook on life. I was shocked by how some felt others were less and could be treated as such. A personal experience is forever etched on my mind that occurred as I walked home from school one day. I was mistaken for another child.  I was simply walking home from school, when I was approached by a group of children. I was roughed up and thrown into a rose bush. Our family had recently moved into that community, and that event was quite traumatic. It wasn't a warm welcoming moment. I could have allowed that memory to cause bitterness and hatred. I could have held onto my fear and acted out on others in the same manner as I had been treated. Imagine what things were going through my mind on the day my father said it was time for me to face my fears and walk home on my own again.

My wise father use that moment to teach my young heart about forgiveness and strength. He taught me about how anger and mistreatment can be handed out on the innocent. He taught me to look for not what was on the outside of people but what was on the inside. He taught me that it takes real strength to stand and forgive.

As I view photos of the past, visit places such as Springfield Illinois and Fayette, Missouri - I see the reason why so many would choose to react with hate and bitterness. When we remember the past, we hold onto it, it etches our minds and forms our thoughts. We can never forget the past, nor can we fix the past and make it right. I could have allowed my personal experience to make me a very different person than who I chose to become. I could have used that experience as an excuse to treat others as I had been treated. I could have allowed myself no longer to enjoy the colors of God's people, but instead only see things as black and white. Instead I chose at the age of 6 years old a guideline: The Golden Rule : a general rule for how to behave that says that you should treat people the way you would like other people to treat you: an important rule to follow when you do something.

I have erred along the way. You may have erred along the way. We will make mistakes. We will sometimes fall prey to our own selfishness. It's up to us whether we will remain in that fallen state or rise to change. Using the past as a reminder that we can change only the now. As we change the now, we can also know that it will change 'worlds' of people around us.

Matthew 7:1-12 puts it this way:

1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 (The Golden Rule) “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

CALLED WITH PURPOSE: This morning as I sit looking out the window I notice the flag wafting in the breeze. I recently released this flag on Monday from the treacherous thorns of the climbing rose at the corner of the porch. I marveled at the beauty as it floated on the wind ... and then one little swift movement of wind caused a corner to be captured once again. Gone is the freedom. Gone is the liberty of movement. The more the struggle the more it is captured. The flag had enjoyed three days of movement. Doing what it was created to do. Looking more beautiful because of fulfillment of purpose. Then ugly thorns reached out and captured!

You can be sure of this: If you are on a divine mission - if you are called to do a work for the Lord and are busy doing that work, trusting in Jesus - thorns will work against you. It's all meant to be a distraction. You've got to continue on!

You have to understand - the reason the enemy comes against your prayer life, your consecration to God, your walk with Him, isn't just to bring you down. He also wants to ruin the ministry God has given you. He wants to destroy anything you're doing that brings glory to God! God promises that you will not stay trapped! Let me paint the picture for you.

All you have to know is that God's on your side. He's not mad at you for falling against the thorns. He is not against you. No - He hears your cry! Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His knowing about it!

In Psalms 91 we read ... "Because He has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he knows My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him"

Rest assured, God will deliver you! He is on your side. Just be still and see His salvation. He promises to come!

I continued watching that flag and saw gentle breezes nudging the flag free from the thorns. As I have been writing, the flag is once again flying freely. God will send help in times of need. One of my most favorite verses puts it this way: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The flag didn't free itself, it had become still because of the thorns, freedom came because of that stillness.

Whatever thorns have attacked you today - be still - God Himself is fighting for you. He always wins !!! -VJS

The Marketplace experience.

What an experience to go to the marketplace here in La Vega!  I had been wanting to do this very thing.  I wasn't sure if anyone did this, but deep down I wanted to know what this experience is like. After visiting the grocery store, my friends asked if I would like to go home or come with them to the open market.  Of course I would love to go!  So, off we went.

We walked into this open area and I immediately noticed all the vendors and the vibrant colors.  I looked around like a tourist - no sense attempting to blend in when you have pale skin and blonde hair.  The vendors watched my face and reaction.  They saw joy and anticipation.  They saw I wasn't repelled, instead I was curious as I followed my friends.

 

 

 

Look at all the vibrant colors, various offerings, and beautiful flowers.

 

            Any way you want it. 

Whatever size needed.
Whatever is your favorite.
Whatever quantity needed.
Whatever color desired.

 

When we enter the marketplace we have an opportunity unique and precious.

We are going to where the people are in every day life, seeing what matters to them, what is happening in their surroundings,  and even perhaps working alongside them.



Have you ever considered that in the New Testament, Jesus appeared in  public settings 132 times?

 

122 of these appearances were in the marketplace.

Of the 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context.

Of the 40 miracles in the book of Acts, 39 were in the marketplace.

So, the marketplace seems the place to be. 

 

So to me that speaks that we shouldn't be caught sleeping.  We should be alert, ready, and active in the marketplace.  During our visit to the marketplace I saw my friends stop shopping for vegetables and begin witnessing to a young vendor who was asking questions about God.  My friends' frequent visits to the marketplace had developed a relationship that allowed for this moment to happen.

 

 

 

We need to be in the marketplace of life, reaching out to people, showing Christ's love for them.  Answering questions they may have, sharing with them the good news. 

 

 

 

You may have gone only to pick up a few vegetables.  Or perhaps to get some flowers for someone special in your life.  How about picking up a prescription?  Maybe a new tire for the car, or a pair of comfortable shoes.  Sometimes it is because we are purchasing a gift for a special event.  Even being in the marketplace each day working to support your family can become a marketplace experience.

 

 

EVERY DAY WE PASS UP OPPORTUNITIES TO REVEAL JESUS TO OTHERS.

 

BUT WITH A LITTLE CREATIVITY WE CAN SEIZE THOSE MOMENTS FOR ETERNITY.

 

 

 

One of the last things Jesus said to the disciples was,

"'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature'" (Mark 16:15)
 

This Scripture applies to His followers today as well, but it doesn't mean we ALL have to leave our jobs and homes and go into full-time ministry.
It simply means we are to act as Jesus acted.

 

 

Two dates and a DASH

For those that don't know, some days the pain of arthritis slows me WAY down. I am learning to accept a bit more dust, a bit more clutter, and asking for help with some of the simplest of things. There are perks to this pace in life though, a balance of sorts begins, on the days with less pain I do more. On the days when I need a cheetah taped to my back, I do what I can....sometimes it is resting in Him, nesting in Him, and enjoying the view of fields of grace.

"(The book of) James makes it clear that faith is constantly looking for ways to serve; however, we can get so busy that we forget why we're doing it. I often catch myself thinking that if I'm not busy, I'm not "doing enough" for God. But then the act becomes its own end, instead of an outworking of love.

Imagine Martha in the kitchen, hair mussed, sweat dripping, fluttering around and looking for that special recipe to serve Jesus, while Mary just sat, soaking up His words.

Martha's response to this was probably well intentioned from a human point of view. She was serving and wanted others to serve with her! Jesus answered her 'huff'. "Only one thing is needed," Christ said, "and Mary has chosen what is better" (Luke 10:42).


Better? Lord, you mean that sitting at Your feet and being quiet is better than my idea of being busy serving you? "That's right, daughter."


Today, I am enjoying a Dominican holiday, school is not in session  ... sitting and studying at His feet.

I am watching the rain clouds waft in and enjoying the cool of the morning with Him.  

Moments like these I catch myself thinking "all of this and a view of You! "  Wow Jesus!  Thank You for asking me to be still and know.

I love the thought expressed in this photo ...

Your life is made of two dates and a dash.   (Born - Died.)

Make the most of the dash.  Sit at His feet, be still and KNOW God.

Christmas abroad

FIRST MONTH UPDATE:

This was a first for Velvet - Christmas in a different country without snow and various other traditions ... and without family.



I have been abroad during Thanksgiving,
but this was a first for me.

Christmas without the trimmings,

without Blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup,

without White Christmas movie playing
as the house is being decorated for Christmas,

without
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion,

without spouse/family/close friends

and without the home church family service.

Guess what?

Christmas still came.

It came because Christmas is in the heart of a follower of Christ.

As people look at me I can tell they are thinking - she is a visitor here.  It doesn't take much for someone to realize that I am not from around here.  I also very much realize that I am not from around here.

For your amusement I have written about a few signs that you might be in a different country:
There is a specific 'check out' lane for electronics purchases, you only pay for the item in this line, then you proceed back to electronics to have a quality check where the product is tested thoroughly - next you proceed to the person who views your receipt, checks that the product was tested, stamps the receipt with today's date, retains a copy of your receipt,  followed with explanation about the length of warranty on the item and replacement requirements (you must retain the box) - this takes about 30 minutes.

Tonight I learned the importance of customer satisfaction, how to wait, what thoroughness in a job well done means, that I must keep my receipt and box to be able to claim the 2 yr warranty, the correct date and to wear comfortable shoes while shopping for electronics.  

Think of all the money I will be saving, because one must be absolutely certain one wants the electronic item badly enough to wait & wade through the process.  I now have a blender and the bonus of a new blow dryer.  Why the blow dryer?  Thought I would make the wait worth while and get two items for the wait time of one. Wanted to be a good steward.  :-) Very thankful for the kind person who translated with patience and waited/waded through the process with me.


BTW if you need a cell phone here is something important I will pass along to you - Buying a cell phone can take up to 2 hours or longer.  I was the very last customer and they had to unlock the door to let us out.  Oh yes, you will need a passport and perhaps a national's passport.   GOOD TIMES are being enjoyed on the missionary adventure.  I even was able to use my past experience this week of how to take a cup shower when the water pump went out.

Don't be too envious when I tell you that I have had to use the warm water, sleep without a fan and even use a light blanket because of the cool nights.  I was even wishing my friend had sent me along some fuzzy socks with my cool beach hat.


Today I thought I had finally figured out where I was and how to get where I was going - I was mistaken.  I had the general direction but was off by a few streets.  However, I know with absolute certainty that God does want me here - at the grocery store, there were 3, yes, you heard correctly, 3 kinds of alfredo sauce as well as GOYA picante sauce, RAGU pizza sauce, Yoplait peach yogurt, PAM cooking spray, and wait for it ... wild berry skittles and a zero candy bar.   AND Olive oil is reasonably priced.  Not to mention all the fresh fruit and vegetables year round.

Lest I forget to mention it - I have a full size comfortable mattress and box springs.  This is wonderful! I can't begin to describe how great this 'comfort zone' truly is at the end of a day.

That's the fun stuff ... but I really want to share what has touched my heart.

The team of missionaries that are here that have welcomed 'me' to their 'family', the church services where the Gospel is preached with the same intensity and passion as my home church in the States, the Sunday nights at El Puente,

the relationships that God is gifting to my life, the time to be in the Word without distraction, seeing that His love is relentless and how He covers us when the world gives way ...  this week was full of news that dropped me to my knees in prayer for family and friends that I hold dear.   His promises were what I clung too as I prayed prayers for healing, comfort, peace, happiness, blessings, provision and direction for those back in the States going through the tough times of life.





How something as simple as Skype can keep 'homesickness' manageable during a holiday.  It definitely is a peace filled moment when you can see your spouse as you say good night.

 Last night I fell asleep listening to a song wafting on the air from a nearby church service  - "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, no matter my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is WELL with my soul."

Where did you say you were going?

You may be wondering why Dominican Republic?  Back in Spring 2014, John asked, why can't we go to the Dominican Republic - it would be a good mix of Venezuela and Haiti?

Several times during the process of application, waiting for approval, official placement, and getting ready, we have revisited that conversation. When you are willing and don't place limits on God ... you might find yourself on a scenic journey that you weren't expecting.

Haiti touched us in a way like no other place we have been. Dominican Republic kept popping up. Then we were asked a question by a visiting missionary associate, "Have you thought about coming to the Dominican Republic?" John was interested, my response was "I won't close the door to a place where God might want me."  Then the phone call came.  I was still processing that conversation and praying about what had been discussed.  Another phone call came.  I stopped.  We were in the middle of shopping for a place to live.  Our appointment could wait.

Was I convinced?  Not yet. But He had my attention.  So being true to my Missouri roots I said, "Show me. Show John. "  He's been doing just that.  We didn't ask Him to show the full path, we just stepped out.

We know we have much to learn along the way, language being one of the greatest challenges.  To be given an opportunity to work with Haitian children and work with Haitian churches! - it is true that He knows our heart's desires and it does matter to Him.  We have missed the Latin America culture and have such fond memories of time spent in Venezuela.  To have this blended into an opportunity - we just look at each other often and say "is this really happening?"

We step out.  There will be days where we may feel overwhelmed with the challenges of culture adaptation and the struggle to learn two languages at a level where we can somewhat converse with the nationals.  There will be days where there are more challenges than comforts.  Those are the days we know people will be praying - that will turn the tide.  We will hold to that knowledge.

When we look at this on paper - it can be daunting.  As we look at it in faith knowing what He can do - an unexplainable peace is found.

What do I expect?  I expect amazing connections and divine appointments.  I expect smiles and laughter.  I expect many times of falling at His feet and asking, seeking, knocking and standing on His promises that He will equip and give strength to those He chooses.

Watching Him at work - unfolding it as only He can, seeing Him move mountains.  We know there will be many more times of watching and waiting.