A group of us gals hung out and ate fajitas at someone's apartment tonight. The food was so good. It was fun chatting with friends and enjoying the evening breeze on the balcony.

I'm doing pretty well overall, yet I find myself rather relieved this week is over. The weekend is busy, but I'm still glad for the opportunity to take at least a little bit of a rest. And I'm looking forward to some more fellowship tomorrow with people on staff.

The week has been kind of stressful ... I think it's part of the spiritual battle we're in as we seek to see Asia reached with the Gospel. Please pray for me. I know I am nothing without Christ, and I need His perspective for each moment.

It's the end of another day this week, and I'm exhausted. We five on the web team have been working hard on changes we're making to our current website, www.gfa.org. I am excited about how the Lord will use these things on behalf of the unreached in Asia. Yet there is still so much to be done before our target date of May 7, when ministry supporters and leaders will be coming.

I am somehow encouraged by yesterday's quote from Li De Xian, the Chinese pastor who was imprisoned and tortured for sharing the Good News:

Christ was the first to suffer. We just follow Him. There are many thorns, but we are just injured a little on our feet. This suffering is very little.

I know the little sacrifices I make are nothing compared with what this pastor is going through for the sake of Christ as I write this ... and especially nothing when compared with the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us. I also know it's an incredible privilege to labor for the furtherance of His kingdom, and the little trials we go through here on this earth are only "for a little while," in comparison to the glorious eternity with our Savior that awaits us. (1 Peter 1:6, Romans 8:18)

All praise be to God.

"Christ was the first to suffer," Pastor Li De Xian said. "We just follow Him. There are many thorns, but we are just injured a little on our feet. This suffering is very little."

Li De Xian, a Chinese pastor, has been arrested for preaching the Gospel more times than he can count. He has endured torture for his faith. Yet, like the apostle Paul, he counts it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ. He and his wife don't feel sorry for themselves: They're too busy anticipating the doors the Lord will open next to share the Gospel. When in prison, Xian can reach people he otherwise couldn't.

"Don't feel sorry for us," Xian's wife, Zhao Xia, says of their lifestyle "At least we are constantly reminded that we are in a spiritual war. We know for whom we are fighting. We know who the enemy is. And we are fighting. Perhaps we should pray for you Christians outside of China. In your leisure, in your affluence, in your freedom, sometimes you no longer realize that you are in spiritual warfare."

Wow. Click here to read more of their story, in an article published for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, November 9.

(quotes above published in Jesus Freaks and republished in "Continuing to Preach Despite Persecution," www.crosswalk.com.)

A little boy standing in front of a candy store.

Those were the words a coworker used at our prayer meeting this morning to describe a situation that has tremendous potential for the furtherance of God's kingdom in Asia.

Words that really made me think. How often do we live our lives like that? Do we truly see the furtherance of the Gospel as incomparably greater than the thing on earth, whatever it may be, that is dearest to us? I've started memorizing Philippians, and I know that the apostle Paul sure did!

Just as a little boy is ecstatic about a candy store, I want to be that way about storing up treasure in Heaven, "where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20, NKJV).

Truly, that is what life is all about. When we consider the sacrifice Jesus made for us, how can we not want to love Him back and labor for what is so dear to His heart? (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 2 Peter 3:9)

It was beautiful outside. I walked close to five miles at the park I like to go to. I think everyone and their uncle was there today. :o)

This morning at church I signed up for our ladies dessert fellowship. I look forward to that. Even though my college church is so dear to me, I also like my church here very much and am so thankful for the Lord's provision.

Tonight after our Sunday night service at the ministry I played tag with some staff children. Then a friend of mine who writes some web stories joined in. It was quite fun ... and very good exercise. :o)

Then my roommates and I decided to go get ice cream cones and have our prayer time at a nearby lake. It was fun to watch the ducks and hear the frogs singing. It looked like some people were out there fishing, too.

Looking back on the potluck, one good-sized serving of chicken enchilada casserole, some stirfry vegetables and three helpings of strawberry shortcake later, I'd say it was a success. :o) There were nine "adults", including us three who live here, plus a toddler. We prayed for each other and played the UN game, where you answer various questions about yourself.

One of my questions? If you could have a sixth sense, what would it be? I said that I would enjoy knowing what would take place in the future ... what all the Lord has in store for my life. That having been said, though, I am content to trust Him one day at a time. I know His way is best. :o) Besides, in a way not knowing makes each day more of an adventure. I know it drives me to dependence on Him, which is good.

Today was a good day. In the morning I walked and ran some errands. We played a really fun game at a baby shower this afternoon for someone on staff. We each had to carry on a conversation on the phone (a "make-believe" one), pick up our "baby" (doll) from her nap and hold her, fold laundry and pack a diaper bag--all pretty much at the same time. It was hilarious. I had fun watching everyone. When my turn came, a friend laughed good naturedly and told me it looked for a moment there like I could use three hands. :o)

I had some more good fellowship with the Lord during lunch today. My desire is to keep short accounts with Him--in the sense that not a day goes by without meaningful, uninterrupted time together. Being in His presence is the best thing!

Tonight was so fun. First I went to the house of a good friend and coworker. Her daughter is in town and is really sweet. Two other women from the ministry were there, too, and we all enjoyed chatting and chuckling together, as well as "pigging out" on yummy food--honey wheat pretzels topped with light cream cheese, chips and a cheese sauce, and cheesecake. You can't beat that! :O) When I was getting ready to leave, one of them asked me to give them a hug. Somehow I was totally oblivious and didn't catch that, and kept walking toward the car. They reminded me about the hug. Hearing them that time, I came back, and we all laughed. It was pretty funny.

Then I went to see another family on staff and play a game with a big group they'd invited over. As I was leaving I got to show my India pictures to the wife. She has been as well, and it was so neat getting to talk to her about how I was impacted there.

I came home around 11 p.m. to a thoughtful gift outside my bedroom door. Just because, one of my roommates had surprised me with some purple soft jersey sheets. They fit my bed great and are pretty and very comfy. Thank you, D! :o)

We roommates talked and prayed, and one suggested we have a slumber party sometime, just the three of us. We could each bring sleeping bags into the living room, watch movies and stay up late chatting and eating popcorn. Sounds good to me! Did I mention I like my roommates? :o)

I just ate most of a Cadbury creme egg. Those things are sooooo good. :o) I had such a wonderful time with the Lord today and walked 2 1/2 miles after work. Saturday night my roommates and I are having a potluck for all our coworkers from our apartment complex. I look forward to that. Our desire is that everyone who comes be encouraged and strengthened as they continue to serve the Lord.

This afternoon at the office felt pretty productive. I walked 3 1/2 miles after work. Then I worked on some web stories.

One of the stories particularly touched my heart. It was the testimony of one of our Bible college students, 19-year-old Grace--a young lady preparing to give her life to reach other women and children with the Good News.

At a very young age, Grace lost her father. Brokenhearted, her mother had to earn a living for the family. Even though she was weak, she was determined to provide so her children could be at school. Many days they would go to school with empty stomachs, wearing worn out clothes. The family grew more sorrowful with each passing day. But then the Lord brought hope into their lives.

"One bright day," Grace relates, "a man of God visited our house and shared with us about Jesus Christ. Moved by compassion, he comforted us through God's Word and helped us understand how Jesus loves and cares for those who trust in Him. With tears in our eyes, we opened our hearts to Jesus and received Him as our Lord and personal Savior."

In the days that followed, the precious family watched as the Lord wonderfully provided for their daily needs. Grace grew in her walk with Jesus. Praying and waiting on Him, she heard His call to full-time evangelistic outreach. She enrolled in a GFA Bible college and is eagerly sharing her faith with others.

By the grace of God there are countless other testimonies like this one--stories of precious people who, like Grace and her family, are being brought from spiritual darkness and despair into His marvelous light. Click here if you would like to read just a few of them.

I thank God every day for the privilege of being His vessel on behalf of the millions of unreached people on the Indian subcontinent. It is my desire that the Lord give me the words that are on His heart--words that will touch hearts for eternity and truly portray the lives of the beloved missionaries He is raising up to reach their people.

What an incredible opportunity it is that you and I can be part of furthering Christ's kingdom in Asia.

All things considered, today was a good day. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, except I had a dentist appointment this morning. It went well, and I enjoyed chatting with the hygenist and dentist. They're really nice, and even give us a great discount. :o)

This afternoon I had the opportunity to write some captions on photos from the field, as well as helping out with a few other tasks. I was telling my team leader in an email that it's such a privilege. So true.

Ultimately, I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be. That's not to say I don't miss my college and home towns, where some beloved supporters, family and friends are. But even after nearly a year and a half of being here--which, by the way, has passed incredibly fast--I don't go a day without thinking about what an awesome privilege it is getting to serve here ...

... getting to be a part of reaching Asian communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ

... getting to colabor with and encourage such a wonderful family of brothers and sisters in Christ.

I'm so happy to be here.

I'm back. We all went to the park this afternoon. My sister and I biked for close to an hour on a trail. We got quite the workout, especially since we took turns riding with my two nephews behind us. :o)

Then we watched the boys play. The weather was pleasant, with a nice breeze. A friendly 6-year-old girl came up and talked to me and even gave me her hat from her little brother's birthday party. I tried to let her keep it instead, but she insisted. :o)

When I got back to the apartment I unloaded my stuff and then my roommate Dorinda and I had fun walking and chatting about our weekends. Then we returned and all three of us talked during prayer time about how much God loves us and longs to spend time with us, despite our wretched hearts and all our shortcomings. Incredible. Makes me want to spend more time with Him. I want to fall more in love with Him each day.

Hi from my sister's house! When I got here we all went and ate lunch. Then my sister and I went to Target and one other store. Later this afternoon we walked around the lake at a nearby park. Guess what we had for supper? Tacos! That's my favorite all-time food. :o) We made them together. And ... we (well, probably mostly my sister) made carrot cake. I think I'm gonna go eat some now.

Yawn. It's Friday and I'm a little tired. Not too bad, though. This week passed incredibly fast. It was a really good week at the office--I felt like I was able to focus and be productive each day.

Tomorrow I hope to get up bright and early to head for my sister's. I'm looking forward to this weekend. My roommate also wants to wake up early in the morning, so whoever gets up first will knock on the other's door. Aren't roommates handy creatures to have around? :o)

This week has passed so fast! I've been enjoying working on various web tasks each day. I shared tonight about how impacted I was with the contentment and servant's heart of the people on the field--how glad and willing they were to serve anywhere the Lord put them, even if behind the scenes. There were ever so many examples ...

... the cook serving in the hot kitchen, with the biggest grin on his face

... the missionaries, not seeking a name for themselves, and willing to live just like the people they reach out to

... the workers operating the printing press, doing manual labor in a room with very little cool air ... a coworker on the trip with me beautifully described it as a labor of love ...

... the radio broadcaster sitting in a small sound booth hidden away in an office on a sidestreet, pouring his heart out to people he will probably never see in this lifetime ...

Each person is willingly allowing God to use him ... and is making a tremendous eternal impact on unreached Asian communities.

....the cook because he provides food that the brothers preparing for full-time outreach need for survival.

....the missionaries because they are out there reaching villages with the hope of Christ, bringing glory to His name.

....the printing press workers because each year they produce 50 million pieces of Gospel literature--tracts and Scriptures that God is using to touch the hearts of precious unreached people.

....the radio broadcaster because he is part of GFA Radio, which broadcasts the Good News in 83 languages to millions in Asia.

Incredible. All glory to God.

I finished my big project today at the office. And during lunchtime I was able to prepare what I'll be sharing tomorrow about the India trip, to the other women on staff. Yay! :o)

Tomorrow my friend Jen and I are going to lunch together. I'm looking forward to that. And my weekend plans? Traveling a few hours away to hang out with my sister and brother-in-law, and their two cute little boys. I can't wait!

Tonight Karen and I met up so we could catch up and she could see pictures from my India trip. We were matched up so she could be my mentor for new staff class. The class is long over, but we still enjoy hanging out, and I appreciate her friendship.

We met up at Dunkin Donuts, where she had a hot chocolate with donuts, and I had two scoops of Baskin Robbins ice cream--one scoop strawberry cheesecake and the other mint chocolate chip. :o) It's been a good day. I'm going to bed now.

Part Two about the volunteer from Washington state
(see yesterday's entry)

We ate lunch together in the office kitchen and had such a fruitful time of fellowship. I sure did enjoy chatting with her. She wanted to know all about my perspective on the ministry and getting to serve here. I wish she were here longer so we could hang out some more! She senses the Lord directing her to a different job at this point in her life. Of course, I would love to see her come work with us. :o) She really likes this ministry. I told her I would pray for the Lord's direction in her life.

Another awesome thing happened over lunch. She told me she thought there was a reason we met in the parking lot the other the other day, especially when we could have so easily missed running into each other. I think so, too. That made my day.

At the house where I had Easter dinner, the kids kept presenting me with pictures they'd colored. It was too cute. : ) Tonight I had Kids Korner for our Sunday night service. We had fun. The kids were quite energetic ... I teased that they'd had a bunch of candy today.

My roommate Dorinda got back from the camping trip this afternoon. It's good to have her back. I missed her. It was fun hearing stories from the weekend. She says we'll all likely have future camping trips. I hope so. : ) I'd love to go sometime.

Tonight when I drove back to the apartment and got out of the car, I thought back to a tradition our family had. Growing up, I remember us having popcorn after Sunday evening church and watching something on TV. It was a fun time that I miss some nights. I realized I won't ever go back to those years ... they are gone, and I'm grown up now and "on my own".

Yet as I was writing to a coworker just now, what a privilege it is to labor here for His kingdom. My parents miss me too, but are glad I'm here doing what the Lord has called me to do--and being a part of something that is so dear to their hearts.

Yesterday morning was such a good time of worship. When you really stop and think what Jesus went through for us on the Cross, and how much He loves us--Wow! We will only grasp it very dimly in this lifetime, yet I want to live each day with His love and sacrifice in view. I find it totally changes my perspective and how I live from day to day.

It is cold this morning! I'm having Easter dinner with a nice family here on staff. Yesterday I picked something up at the office, and as I was leaving a volunteer from Washington state drove up and asked some questions. I was glad she and I got to meet and that I could answer her. I wonder if the Lord had me here this weekend so I could talk to her.

Today was a good day. I ended up getting up early (7:20 A.M.) and getting some things done. Then I went hiking at a lake in the next town. It was beautiful outside. I also wrote notes on quite a few of my newsletters.

Then I went walking again and spent some time with the Lord at a lake in a nearby neighborhood. I prayed for several field leaders and for the going forth of the Gospel in Asia. The Lord filled me with His sweet peace and encouraged my heart. How loving and kind He is.

I went grocery shopping tonight. A group of young people on staff is going camping for a few days. It sure does sound like fun, but after praying I felt the Lord would have me stay here over the three-day weekend.

I have to say I got a little sad when I passed by a coworker's apartment on my way home tonight and saw the canoe tied to his car. At the same time, I know it will be good to rest and hang out around here and get stuff done--and I'm excited about what the weekend holds. Plus, Dorinda was saying they'll likely be doing another campout in early summer. Maybe I can go on that one. :o)

My newsletters are ready, so this weekend I can write notes on them and get them in them ready to mail. I am really hoping to send them all out early next week. I'm eager to let my supporters know some of the things I was so impacted by in India. My hope is it will encourage and inspire them in their walks with the Lord. I appreciate each of them so much.

Today during my lunch break I spent time with the Lord. Even though I didn't have food in my stomach this afternoon, I felt encouraged. Psalm 63 talks about longing after God, and the ultimate satisfaction that comes from Him.

One verse in the chapter mentions that His lovingkindness is better than life. (Psalm 63:3) I believe this is how the believers on the field in Asia are able to give their lives for His sake. They realize that no matter what they face, the love of Jesus is greater and will see them through. Wow. Such love for their Savior. Such faith.

Tonight I picked up the last of my India pictures (YAY!), used a Chick-fila coupon for supper and found a GREAT sale at Foley's, where I was able to get some work clothes. I had a fun night.

When I got back to the apartment I got to chat with and pray with each of my roommates. I really enjoyed that. Then I logged on to my blog and saw someone had added a comment. (Yep, you can add comments now ... I had my computer savy roommate help me with that the other day. :O)) That was such an encouragement.

Tomorrow I get my last roll of pictures from India. I can't wait! You know the project I mentioned needing prayer for? Well, today I got together a rough draft, and it didn't that long at all. Thank You, Lord!

Well, I'm guessing I won't write much more tonight. I'm sleepy.

I had a very important lunch errand ... picking up mint chocolate chip ice cream for dinner tonight. :o) Ruth, Cara and I had invited a potential staff member to eat with us. I enjoyed hearing her story, of how it had been on her heart to serve the Lord in full-time ministry, and then someone from GFA came to her church and talked about what the Lord is doing in Asia. She was touched, and got REALLY excited when he mentioned we have many staff openings that need to be filled. "I didn't even stick around for worship," she told us. "I ran back there and made sure I caught him." And now, here she is--seeking the Lord's will on her life, asking Him whether He would have her serve here. Praise God.

Right after we dove into the mint chocolate chip ice cream, Ruth told us of incredible stories she had heard ... stories of a man who had no salary but trusted God for His every need. A man who lived in such a way that only his basic needs were met ... if he had any more after that, he would give it away. The Lord always provided. That inspires me. I think I especially want to be more giving of my time. More focused and purposeful, realizing that we have such a short time on this earth, even if we do live a full life. The message at church yesterday was about living each day in the light of eternity. I'm so glad the Lord doesn't give up on me ... that He is so patient and loving toward me, continually molding me. Aren't you glad He doesn't give up on us, too?

I had a nice chat with my friend Heather from back home when she called this afternoon. We had some good laughs about funny moments from my India trip. :o) It will be so much fun catching up with her and Jessica when I'm back in town.

Looking over my 175+ pictures (from India) the other night, I realized that each one has a story ... often an incredible one. I've been putting them into an album and want so badly to write the stories in, but first I'd really like to see about getting a few reprints from others who were on the trip. That way my album will be complete. For instance, I didn't get a picture of Gretcha (see April 2), but someone else did. It's great working with such a big family ... One of my coworkers and friends that I had lunch with before our trip joked that if we forgot to pack anything, someone else was bound to have it. So true!

There are some web writing projects I need to work on. Please pray for me. One of them involves several others on the team and is part of a much bigger project, and I don't want to hold anybody up. You can pray for the Lord to reveal His heart to me and that I will have the focus and discipline to work on it when He would have me to.

The rest of this day was so much fun, too. :o) We had a great time playing sand volleyball, and then we all hung out afterwards. Then tonight at the office we had a movie night for anyone who wanted to come. I enjoyed that. When we three got back to the apartment, we prayed together and had roommate chats about eternity and then, a little later on, diving for the ball in sand volleyball. We had some good talks. Then I said, "We, I mean I, better go to bed." One of my roommates teased, "In other words, you want us all to go to bed so you don't miss out on any of the excitement." I think I hear my pillow calling my name ... But I'm so thankful for friends and my two roommates, who are also my friends.

It's a beautiful spring day! Been having a great Saturday so far. Bunches got done on my to-do list, and my roommate and I had fun grabbing lunch at Chick-fila. Around 2:00 we're meeting up with some other young people to play some sand volleyball. :o)

Tonight was incredible. I don't even know if I could put it all into words, but I will sure try. We had the chance to share again about our trip to India. The video clips my brothers and sisters showed--and the things the Lord used to impact their hearts--brought the whole experience back to me in such a fresh way. I literally felt like I was there all over again. It was a precious time and such a reminder that what we are doing with our lives is so much worth it. I saw it over and over again ...

... in the joy that radiated through Gretcha, the woman I mentioned a few days ago ... a brother talked about the contrast between her and the people in those slums who don't yet know Jesus ... and how we're getting to live our lives in such a way that people such as Gretcha get to hear about Jesus Christ ...

... another brother on staff talked about the religious statues he saw, and the bondage that represents, when all we need for salvation is Jesus and Him alone ... He mentioned the opportunity we have to reach people and bring them the hope of the living God ...

... a pastor who willingly chose to live in a slum area so he could reach them with the Good News ... for a year and a half he patiently ministered and cried out to God on their behalf ... finally there was a breakthrough and the way was paved for a church of new believers to be started ... the brother who shared about this tonight told us something that greatly impacted him ... he said this pastor chose to breathe their air, eat their food, touch their dirt-smudged faces and embrace them, even as Jesus did for mankind, despite our ugliness and utter wretchedness.

I don't want to ever forget these moments ... how the Lord touched my heart ... when I am tempted to complain, seek my own gain or be lazy, may I remember the dedication of our dear brethren in Asia. What a great cloud of witnesses we have! (Hebrews 12:1) Praise God.

I had such a good night. Jen and I went to the children's Easter program at my church, followed by congregational fellowship over pizza at Cici's. The kids were very fun to watch. Their funny expressions, frequent "off-key" singing, and made-up hand motions just made them even more adorable. :o)

We got to sit with the nicest couple at Cici's, Nancy and Bill. The wife had volunteered with GFA several years back, and I got to tell them about my India trip. I very much enjoyed our time together and am hoping we get to see more of them. The four of us had some great laughs over a truck we saw in the parking lot. Just the tires alone were almost as tall as Jen and I! We couldn't imagine someone trying to climb up into the cab, let alone driving at such a high altitude.