In case you haven't heard...
WE'VE Moved! Our new blog address is:
http://6given2jesus.org/blog
please update your bookmarks. looking forward to your future visits there.
This is our last post on this blog.
in Christ,
Roland
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
You must evacuate!
Pounding on the neighbor's door drove her to open our own. A frightened and profusely sweating police officer beckoned us - "You must evacuate this building immediately". Can I get something for my kids?, "there is not time you must leave right now".
As we quickly directed our sons and daughters out the door of our new home, we had no idea what would meet our confused minds. At the base of our first flight we were greeted by a very loud crackling sound. To our left, about 30 feet away the building next door was ablaze, with 15 foot flames lapping at the roofline and out into the nature walk. I turned our now terribly frightened daughters down the rest of the staircase and headed them out toward the fishing pond away from the fire - all the while their cries tearing at my heart "What's happening Daddy?!" "Will our house catch on fire?" "Will we catch on fire Daddy?"
We were directed to move from there and get into the parking lot, which we did without any further hesitation. I had to carry my girls, they were crying deeply and were to frightened to move. As we made it out we were met by a huge fire truck being emptied of its hoses by several firefighters. We moved past them quickly and went to sit on the grass where we could not help but see our neighbors homes going up in tremendous billows of smoke and flames.
My daughters now began weeping and wailing about our neighbors, was anybody hurt, was anybody in there, was anyone going to die in there, will the firemen be able to help them, they are losing
everything aren't they?
The questions and tears flowed like the water from the hydrant being called into service right in front of us.
So even as they asked I told them we will pray for these things, all these things. And with every question I was able to, I prayed in their ears, asking our Father, and theirs, to meet the needs and answer each question. We prayed for the fire to go out quickly, the firemen to have strength, for the people to get out without being hurt or killed, for the little kids not to be too sad because they are losing all their toys and more. It was a privilege to pray with them and watch the Lord bring comfort to their hearts as we gave all we could to the Lord, entrusting Him with each answer.
Jinni took several calls from friends, church members, who were hearing about the fire in our condo/apartment neighborhood. They prayed with us, too. We did not see any groups gathered in
prayer anywhere else, but we weren't really looking for that - we were in shock over what we were seeing like everyone who lived there.
It seemed there were many people with cameras around, taking pictures. We didn't have our camera, so we have no pictures to post of the flames, but these are a few of the aftermath - two days later and a couple more I took today.
We thank the Lord none of our neighbors died and there was not a serious physical injury to anyone. These 20 units, now leveled by flames and water, remind us that a day will come where no evacuation will be available. The warning has been delivered.
Pounding on the neighbor's door drove her to open our own. A frightened and profusely sweating police officer beckoned us - "You must evacuate this building immediately". Can I get something for my kids?, "there is not time you must leave right now".
As we quickly directed our sons and daughters out the door of our new home, we had no idea what would meet our confused minds. At the base of our first flight we were greeted by a very loud crackling sound. To our left, about 30 feet away the building next door was ablaze, with 15 foot flames lapping at the roofline and out into the nature walk. I turned our now terribly frightened daughters down the rest of the staircase and headed them out toward the fishing pond away from the fire - all the while their cries tearing at my heart "What's happening Daddy?!" "Will our house catch on fire?" "Will we catch on fire Daddy?"
We were directed to move from there and get into the parking lot, which we did without any further hesitation. I had to carry my girls, they were crying deeply and were to frightened to move. As we made it out we were met by a huge fire truck being emptied of its hoses by several firefighters. We moved past them quickly and went to sit on the grass where we could not help but see our neighbors homes going up in tremendous billows of smoke and flames.
My daughters now began weeping and wailing about our neighbors, was anybody hurt, was anybody in there, was anyone going to die in there, will the firemen be able to help them, they are losing
everything aren't they?The questions and tears flowed like the water from the hydrant being called into service right in front of us.
So even as they asked I told them we will pray for these things, all these things. And with every question I was able to, I prayed in their ears, asking our Father, and theirs, to meet the needs and answer each question. We prayed for the fire to go out quickly, the firemen to have strength, for the people to get out without being hurt or killed, for the little kids not to be too sad because they are losing all their toys and more. It was a privilege to pray with them and watch the Lord bring comfort to their hearts as we gave all we could to the Lord, entrusting Him with each answer.
Jinni took several calls from friends, church members, who were hearing about the fire in our condo/apartment neighborhood. They prayed with us, too. We did not see any groups gathered in
prayer anywhere else, but we weren't really looking for that - we were in shock over what we were seeing like everyone who lived there.It seemed there were many people with cameras around, taking pictures. We didn't have our camera, so we have no pictures to post of the flames, but these are a few of the aftermath - two days later and a couple more I took today.
We thank the Lord none of our neighbors died and there was not a serious physical injury to anyone. These 20 units, now leveled by flames and water, remind us that a day will come where no evacuation will be available. The warning has been delivered.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Update, post date, way late... doing great
A month ago our family left for the U.S. and we knew we were needing prayer support. Our arrival was safe and timely, as I posted earlier. We had a lot of unloading to do and storage was the destination. Our precious friends in town, (and NTM representatives) Calvin and Gwen Taylor, have given us the use of their home while we (Jinni really) began the search for a place of our own.
Monday 6/11 began a week of Vacation Bible School ministry at night. Our program ran from 6:00-8:30PM. We had to arrive at 5:30 to prepare for each night's activities and responsibilities.
I was working with the security team. With over 600 kids coming and going around our home church's campus, there are a lot of cars and grown-ups to manage. It is a challenging task, sometimes mildly confrontational, ensuring the parents know we are looking out for the well-being of their kids and everyone else's. The Lord gives wisdom and grace as we communicate and parents understand our hearts.
Jinni and RJ were privileged to be a part of the dramatic side of VBS. They interacted with the kids of all age groups. Their ministry was to present a platform for further discussion about the work of Christ in the lives of the kids attending. There were a couple of nights when the children responded and their teachers had the joy of seeing kids respond to the gospel. I know RJ and Jinni count it a blessing to have had a part in that.
I almost forgot! Elijah, although he was one of the VBS kids, he too got to be a part of the ministry team. He and several other kids were able to 'lead' in the musical portion. They were the examples to follow when the music called for movement - hand clapping, hopping, whatever. He enjoyed that first then went on to be with the kids in his age group.
It was a busy five nights at VBS and a precious time of building more memories for us and the kids.
During the day, Jinni and the kids got to relax mostly. Some friends contacted her about providing swimming lessons for their children. What a sweet joy to have friends call her back again and be a blessing to us. Jinni was able to make arrangements for a swimming pool, through another wonderful family, and planned out the timing for lessons. All the while she was looking into where we would be locating our family.
Our prayers and yours were answered last week. We looked at an apartment/condo about 1/2 mile from church. We began making all the arrangements to move into our 3-bedroom 'condo' and finalized everything on Thursday, 06/28. The building management people allowed us to begin moving in some of our belongings that afternoon. More went in Friday and Saturday. It was a real blessing because we had to be out of storage by the 8th of July. We will be moving the remaining things on Monday the 9th, excitedly!
I have been blessed and privileged to be working for a dear friend and supporter. Each summer, for the past four years, he has provided temporary work for me. This summer has been no different. He has brought me in to help with a project that should take about one more week. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be used of the Lord and be an asset to he and his business. Our family can move in to our new place because the Lord has used this to provide for us once again.
It has not been all work, we have had some fun times as a family already. Two weeks ago all of us got to join a group from church, our adult bible fellowship, and attend a local AA baseball game. The local team is part of the farm club organization for the Chicago Cubs (I think). It was a losing night for the Tennessee Smokies. They struggled on the offensive side of things and only scored one run. Though their defense was working well, defense can not score points in baseball. :-( After the game we got to enjoy a short fireworks display. It was a real treat provided by members of our ABF. We thank God for them giving to us so abundantly.
Since Jinni has been giving swimming lessons again, the kids are able to be in and around the pool almost everyday. Prior to the lessons though they were able to go to one of the local pools as guests of another family from our church. We surely are counting our gifts, loving and caring people, whom the Lord has added to our family because we a part of His family – they are everywhere!
This week we are in Florida. God has allowed us to come down and join in the celebration of family through the outpouring of love shown by Jinni's family. We are so thankful to be able to be with them all. The kids have had the chance to meet some new relatives, whom we have only known by pictures. Jinni and I have marveled at how beautiful and enjoyable these kids are and how they and our own have embraced their newly introduced family. It has been a real treat to watch them interact – telling stories, playing games, chasing down lizards =), etc.
Jinni and have appreciated 'catching up' with everyone. The years have gone by quickly as is normal so this time has been needed and encouraging. Our prayer is that we will be able to visit at least once more before we leave for our field of ministry and are going to trust the Lord for that very thing.
Many of you have been praying with us about the remaining steps we need to make in order to serve the Lord as missionaries. Our steps are always ordered by the Lord, so we are thankful that you are involved with us in this ministry. We have had the chance to meet with the Missions Leadership Team of our home church. It was a great meeting. We got to share about the things we've had the privilege of learning. We also got to talk about our enthusiasm for God's guiding us to look at several fields of ministry with NTM. We shared about our interest in the field of Indonesia and why we are excited about this as our best possibility so far. We were able to answer a few questions and clarify some points about culture and language as it relates to our possible ministry in Indonesia. All in all it was good to know we are in the Lord's hands, as are our MLT leadership and that together we all will trust the Lord as we go forward. So, thank you all again for partnering with us in prayer and please continue to pray for wisdom for all.
Roland (for the family)
2 Cor 3:4-6
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