Becoming...?

I Corinthians 9:22b  "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

As most of you know, Bill and I are in school to specifically learn how to become cross-cultural missionaries.  And yes, it is something you "become".  It is not something that comes naturally to most people, this being able to live and communicate in a culture you were NOT born into.  So how does one go about "becoming " something you're not, in order to communicate a message more effectively?

Believe it or not, "becoming" IS theological.  It's all about God using and changing us in order to take the Gospel, HIS good news, to those who have never heard.  What is that going to look like?  What are we going to need to let go of in order for that to happen within us?

Our identity affects the situation we're going into.  Language sounds, dress, customs, etc. all form our first identity.  Our second identity was formed when Christ saved us.  Our challenge then becomes, can we lay aside our first identity, in order to accurately communicate that second identity?

According to 1Cor. 9:19-23, laying aside certain aspects of our identity is something that MUST happen, in order for the Gospel to be effectively communicated.  There is a HUGE gap, or valley between those who have not heard the Gospel, and those who bring the Gospel.  It is OUR job to bridge that gap.  We must walk down into that valley, and up the other side to share that Gospel with those who have not heard.  It is not "their" job to bridge the gap.  We must "become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

But where does this motivation come from?  Why do missionaries do what they do?  Why leave home to go to a completely foreign land to share something with someone who may not ever care about what we're sharing?  ICor. 9:23 tells us why.  "Now this I do for the Gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you."  We go because we are compelled by the Gospel, so that we can partake of that eternal life together.

But make no mistake, that drive can ONLY come from Christ.  When there are huge cultural barriers that we can't seem to cross, when we can't seem to learn a particular sound in their language that is crucial, when we are weak and tired from living in a climate we are not used to, when we come to our limit, we MUST tap into the limitless supply of all things pertaining to LIFE.  LIFE=CHRIST!!

That "becoming" is happening in us now.   It doesn't start when we get to the foreign field.  What things from our first identity are we needing to let go of now, in order to share the Gospel?  Stay tuned to read about what God is doing in us right now, as we train.  :-)

What do YOU need to let go of, in order to share the Gospel? 

Oh Canada!

I just wanted to backtrack a little, and share about our week LAST week.  When we arrived, there was a note and a package of TimTam's on our dining room table.  The note was from our host family, Steve & Natalie, welcoming us, and letting us know that they were here to help us with anything we may need.  They had arranged for 3 families to have us over for dinner, with them being the first.  They are a sweet couple from Australia, in their 3rd semester of training here.  We have already enjoyed getting to know them.

                                                Steve, grilling dinner for us!

Our family enjoying dinner outside.

Then, it was off to my (Debby's) parents place for a few days before school started.  We had a great Canadian welcome...

swimming in Lake Simcoe...

and eating delicious meals cooked by my mom!

It was a great relaxing time, and we are so grateful to be around family for a little while.

Still Traveling...

After we left Kentucky, we made our way to the border.  We decided to cross at the Port Huron/Sarnia border point, as the Detroit/Windsor crossing tends to be really backed up.  We also did a little bit of shopping at the Sam's Club in Port Huron, as things are generally more expensive in Canada.

            The bridge from Port Huron to Sarnia, crossing over the St. Clair River.

                                                 Waiting to enter Canada.

So, On Thursday, August 16th, we crossed into Canada.  We had our paperwork in order, but Immigration Canada was still quite cautious about letting Bill into the country.  I'm still Canadian, and the kids are all dual citizens, so Bill was the odd man out:)  After 2 hours of questioning, and the officer doing research online, he finally let Bill in with a "Study Permit".  We are so grateful to God for favour with Immigration Canada!

After just a few more hours of driving, we finally arrived at NTMC (New Tribes Mission Canada).

 

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who have prayed, given financially, had us over for a meal, called and written with encouragment, and generally shown your love to us.  We COULD NOT be here without the Lord enabling you to support us in many ways!

And Off We Went...

After our emotional weekend, it really was time to actually leave.  Although even THAT had a hiccup.  Bill got quite sick with a VERY sore throat, and spent a good part of the day in bed.  I would have done a lot of packing up, except that God, in His INCREDIBLE timing, enabled me to be there for the birth of our Pastor's son, Stephen.  Danielle was amazing, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of it.

Danielle deserves to be fed grapes after delivering Stephen Jonathan!

Our first stop was visiting friends Dave & Peggy Summy in North Florida.  We have been friends now for 20 years, and we always have a good time when we get together.  They were so generous in allowing us to use their trailer to haul our things to Canada.

After all these years of friendship, we are happy to see that our kids have now become good friends as well. Bronia, Simon, and their oldest daughter Hannah even spent a summer together serving the Lord in Malawi, with TMI. 

We are so thankful to the Lord for these friendships.  But alas, it was time to leave even them, and so we were on our way again.

First through Atlanta...

Then Nashville...

And finally it was on to visit with Bill's brother Joe, his wife Jamie and their 2 girls.  Unbelievably, NOT ONE picture was taken while we were there.  How lame are we?!?  But we did have a really nice visit with them.  We won't see Joe for a long time, as he leaves in about 2 1/2 weeks for a tour of duty in South Korea.  We so appreciate the sacrifice their family makes on behalf of the USA.

It Was Time To Go...

Well, we have come to the beginning of what we hope will be the rest of our life's work.  We have been working toward going back into full-time missions for about 15 years.  And then it seemed like suddenly, we were on our way.

The first weekend in August was our last weekend in Port Richey. We had a great time, saying "see you later" to near and dear family and friends.  Saturday the 4th was an open house as well as a time for us to be encouraged.

Our Pastor, Frank DiPronio, encouraging and exhorting us in what we're getting ready to do.

Dear, dear friends, Bill & Chris Pearce, who spent some time in Russia as missionaries, also giving us encouragement.

Our good friend Jason, encouraging the church to support us.

It was hard for all of us to say see you later.

Bill, thanking everyone for coming to see us, and for their support and prayers over the years.

Many friends and family praying over us.  How we will miss you all!!


Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for us, and supports us. You are a part of what God is wanting to do in and through us!

Two Weeks Left...

With just two weeks left until we leave, it's fair to say we are busy.  Bill is in the Pacific Northwest, catching up with family, speaking to churches, meeting with potential partners in our ministry, and enjoying weather in the upper 60s and lower 70s (LUCKY!).  I am at home, busy going through stuff (I'm told that WILL come to an end), packing up boxes to take with and to put into storage, filling out more paperwork (for the kids' school), closing back accounts, canceling phone/internet service, etc.  Basically, LOTS to do still.

There are moments when it catches up with me and I have a mini-meltdown.  Kind of crying with no real reason why, just needing to let something out.  I'm told this is normal.  At times it seems like just a move, then at other times I'm struck with the realization that this will change not only mine and Bill's lives, but also the lives of our five children.  That feels very heavy to me.  It's hard to know sometimes exactly how much to include them in this process, because they are very much a part of what we're doing, and we don't want to leave them behind, as we move forward with what we feel God wants us to do.

Even though we need finances to live, like everyone else, we are finding out very quickly that we are more in need of prayer.  We realized something the other day. We know that ultimately, God provides for us all. However, most people work, either for themselves or for a company, which makes them wage-earners. Then they receive a paycheck for their labor from a boss or company. But we realized that Bill is no longer a "wage-earner", having worked his last day at Chick-fil-A last Friday.  It hit us that we are now totally dependent on the Lord for our needs. And quite frankly, we are excited! So please pray for us, to remain steadfast in our trust in the Lord, never wavering.

As we transition, some have written to say they are praying for us.  THANK YOU!  If you pray for us and haven't told us, please tell us.  We need all the encouragement we can get right now:)  We would be so grateful if you chose to commit to pray for us.  We have pledge cards made up, and if you wish to receive one please let us know.  Then on the back please write how we can pray for you.  If you have already received a card, please send it to us, so we can also be praying for you.

Thank you for loving and supporting our family!

Keep up with us on facebook, by liking our family page.  https://www.facebook.com/AbitzFamilyMission?ref=hl

I Don't Love Jesus...

Whoa, a very provocative statement you say.  Maybe, but mostly it's the truth.

This past weekend I went to a women's conference, called "Here is Our God", hosted by The Gospel Coalition.  I have never been to a national women's conference, so I didn't know what to expect.  The subtitle was, "A conference for women, but not about women."  And boy was I glad about that.  

You see, I honestly don't need more sessions on how to be a better wife, mother, daughter, or sister.  I need JESUS.  Because the truth is, I fail at all of those every day, and it's not more steps on how to be a better such-and-such that will get me through the day.  It's JESUS.

I've been a Christian my whole life it seems, and I'm pretty sure I've never LOVED Jesus.  I love the IDEA of Him.  I love His salvation, and the fact that HE called me out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.  I love my future home in heaven, and that I will spend eternity with Him. I love the relationships I have because of Jesus, and the bond I have with fellow believers.  I love that my kids love going to church.  But I don't love HIM.  There are probably many reasons why I don't love Him, not the least of which is that I'm afraid of Him.  As Dr. D.A. Carson told me this weekend, there is an unhealthy and a healthy fear of Him.  I quickly acknowledged that I have an unhealthy fear.  Where that fear comes from I honestly don't know.

What I DO know, what was made clear to me, is that I have loved the things of this world.  I have chosen the pleasures of sin, over the eternal pleasures of knowing and savoring Christ.  I have chosen my treasure, and it has not been Christ.  As John Piper said this past weekend, "No one praises what they don't enjoy".  I haven't enjoyed Jesus, and have not TRULY praised Him in my heart for a long time.  And Satan has loved that I haven't enjoyed Christ.

So where does that leave me?  In the best possible place.  DESPERATE.  Desperate for JESUS.  Desperate for joy.  Desperate for a guilt-free conscience.  Desperate for my taste buds to be made alive.  Desperate to love His word.  Desperate to have the Gospel grow deep roots in my heart.

"The life that drinks deeply at the Gospel is a life of unremitting pursuit of happiness in Jesus, not the world"  John Piper

 

Oh, that I would drink deep at the fountain of the Gospel, and have JESUS become what I treasure MOST!