SEND News

A Light in the Darkness

2012-05-08T03:50:48Z

Hello friends! So much has happened in the last month! A few weeks ago, we hosted a Prayer Conference at the RIC and I was able to sit and listen to the teachings even amid all the work of hosting 100 people. Dishes sure do pile high! During the conference we were given an opportunity to practice what was being taught and we split up into groups to pray throughout Columbus. I was able to go on a prayer walk that targeted human sex trafficking. It was a cold and windy day and my group prayed for the ladies that were sold on the very streets that we walked. We felt a small taste of their plight as the wind chilled us to the bone. Many people have not been exposed to the facts of this tragic issue. I myself have just recently become aware. To name a few statistics:

-There are around 800,000 people being trafficked in America. 50% of them are minors.

-1% are being reached or helped in some way

-For every 2 girls you see on the street, 8 are being sold elsewhere (internet)

-These girls are trafficked 365 days a year at an average of 5-15 times a day.

These are just numbers, very sad numbers, and they represent people; someone's daughter, or sister or friend. I pray that God would break my heart for these girls. Some are younger than me. Why am I so blessed that I'm not trapped in sex-slavery? I don't know. But I know God loves them and has called us to do the same.

Recently, the staff at the RIC went on a missions trip to Flint, MI. We partnered with a lady named Lynette. She lives in a neighborhood full of darkness and shines the love of Jesus to the homeless and poor. Her family is afraid to visit her because of the high rate of crime, but she has no fear because she knows that God has placed her there. Her neighbor, Liz, is always drunk, but she knows that Lynette loves her and that Lynette also loves Jesus. While we were in Flint, we had the privilege of serving a meal to some homeless in her backyard. I even got to sing and play worship songs on a small keyboard which was awesome! We handed out some clothes and talked with a few of them about life. It felt normal and easy and I know God was blessing us as we put ourselves out of our comfort zone.

Every morning we'd do a devotional with Lynette. One morning, she told us a story that I won't soon forget. She told us that there was a homeless woman that she used to see named Scrappy. Scrappy always stood at the corner of the same street begging for money so she could buy more liquor. Lynette would always stop and ask her if she was hungry. Often, she ended buying Scrappy a sandwhich and a coke. One day, Scrappy went to a different corner across town to beg. Lynette would remember her every now and then and wonder how she was doing. Some time later, there was a murder. Scrappy knew some information about it, and for five bucks, told someone what she knew. The next thing that Lynette heard about Scrappy was that she had been murdered for telling. Lynette then told us of her regret. All those times that she had shared food with Scrappy, she had never mentioned Jesus. It made her realize how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity. Her story broke my heart. Have I realized this truth? It's not enough just to serve others with love, we must speak the name of Jesus. I have been challenged now. Am I willing to speak the name of Jesus in Columbus, Ohio? That's why Jesus called me here. I'm not here just to serve SEND ministries for a year and then go home. I want to be obedient to what He asks me to do. Please pray that we would be faithful as we shine our lights in the darkness.

Isaiah 61:1-4 -janae

The start of April

2012-04-05T01:58:14Z

Hey everybody this is Jared I am the Facilities assistant or as I like to call myself the manager of maintenance. I do just about anything around the RIC including cleaning up messes, taking out the trash, fixing the cars, and building things. Its a very wide range of things that I get to do but its fun doing it all. ]]>

Things are good here at the RIC, the grass grows constantly though. The good weather also has side effects such as that but I am willing to do it because I love the smell of cut grass. It has not grown overly messy with us getting comfortable here and with groups coming in every so often they keep us cleaning constantly. That's okay because at the end of the day we know we can get together to talk, relax, and joke about the day.

Blessings,

Jared

3 months already?

2012-03-28T01:06:15Z

Hey ya'll! This is Denise Yoder typing this update! I am one of two Hospitality Assistants here at the RIC this year, along with my better half Janae Horst! :) Its hard to believe that we have been here for almost 3 months already! Time goes by so fast! The past 3 months have been filled with getting to know our outreaches, Bible studies, speeches, growing together as a staff, and for me and Janae, making many many beds! But, we (well at least I) have enjoyed our time here very much! God has showed Himself to me in so many ways already in the few months we have been here. And I am very excited to see how much He will continue to work through me, and the rest of the staff members, throughout this year! This year will defiantly be a growing year for all of us, and I am also very excited to see where He is planning on taking us!
I have really enjoyed my outreach! Ryan, Megan and I go to RTNI witch is Reaching The Nations International. The people that lead this outreach is a fun, energetic young couple! They have been with this program for about 7 years now. We have a Bible Study for kids around their neighborhood on Mondays and Thursdays evenings. On Mondays its for ages 12-16. This group was very intimidating at first. Its a hard group to get to know, and to relate with. But as time has gone on, we have made good relationships with some of the kids, and we are really enjoying it. On Thursday evenings its for kids 5-12. These are my favorite nights! We split the kids up in 2 groups, and I work with the kids that are 5-7 years old. These kids love to play and have a good time! Which is fun but sometimes can be very stressful. We have the Bible Studies inside the couples house, and it is kinda small, so having 13 kids in a small kitchen can become a little crowded and chaotic at times! But since the weather has been nice, we have been able to go outside to have the study! Which has been a nice change and makes it a lot more fun!
We have done so much here in the past 3 months, and there is so much yet to come! I know I am very excited for Summer to start so we can have City Challenge, and then for the Fall when all the awesome REACHers come!
God is so good! and His ways and timings are always right! We just need to continue to trust in Him in all that we do!!
God Bless,
Denise :)

This Just In, from the Heart of Chile!

2012-03-20T15:20:15Z

Well, I must say that I am honored to be chosen as the author of this article, as well as the knowledge that my reflections of my time in Chile so far will be read by our most distinguished (and undoubtedly good-looking) City Challenge and REACH veterans. The Head Honchos back at the RIC have asked me to share a little about living the Chilean life, as well as where I've seen the Lord's light shine in the far southern reaches of South America. So, grab your favorite snack, curl up in a comfy armchair, and don't touch that dial... mouse... thing! You're about to experience second hand what it means to be a Chilean REACHer! Are you exited yet? Good... ]]>
Two major changes in our lifestyle that came with our arrival to Chile was our diet and the temperature of the showers we take. Our diet now is approximately 85 percent bread and grain product―rice, noodles, and bread. But mostly bread. Fried bread, baked bread, boiled bread―you name it. I personally don't mind it that much, to be honest, but upon my return to the States, I will definitely greet Ma's home cookin' with open arms... and mouth. As for the showers, I'm convinced that there is some hidden underground glacier that Chile gets its water from, because the water that comes out of our showerhead always feels like it's INFINITY BELOW ZERO! I haven't taken a shower standing up straight for three months because when you wash your hair, you never want the water to fall on the rest of your body, so you end up standing in the tub bent over double. In any case, our Chilean showers are not for the faint of heart.

Our ministry here for the most part consists of house visits and participating in Bible studies, both organized by our outreach coordinator Eduardo. However, with the new school year starting very soon in the beginning of March, our schedule seems like it will shift toward being more house visit heavy, and not just in the surrounding neighborhood. We will very likely be revisiting the mountains to the east and the large island of Chiloé to the southwest. The mountains in particular are extremely beautiful--the Chilean countryside is a perfect example of creation glorifying God.

Beth and Jeff help out each Sunday leading the worship service. Beth teaches a very enthusiastic English class twice a week, and for the past couple months Jean, Kirsten and I have been conducting games for the local kids after their weekly Vacation Bible School program.

Despite our limited proficiency with the Spanish language, our team has encountered little difficulty communicating and interacting with the nationals here. And if we ever need help with speaking to someone who doesn't understand our flawed "gringo" (or "white person") Spanish, Eduardo or any of our friends are more than willing to help us out with that.

As you might imagine, God has been present in all our activities and ministry, from travelling deep into the Andes Mountains to sitting in Eduardo's house, engaging in Bible study. We haven't experienced anything hard-core like the casting out of demons or people being filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesying. It's admittedly difficult to hear of other teams this year who have come across this kind of spiritual warfare while we're sitting in a little old lady's house, drinking tea and making small talk.

I think most, if not all of you, can identify with the zealous feeling that you get at times for the furthering of God's kingdom. Most of us want to be on the front lines of God's earthly army, using each of our gifts to their fullest in order to give glory to our Father. But I've come to realize that the Army of the Lord not only needs warriors, but also requires people like our team to be teachers, encouragers, and servants to support the cause of the One we represent.

So, while other battles are being more directly fought against the Enemy in other parts of the world, God has been faithfully with us as we spend each day in a more subtle fight for the eyes of the people of Chile to be opened to the eternal light that faith in Christ Jesus brings. I am confident that I speak for not only our team, but the rest of this year's teams as well, when I say that your prayers are greatly appreciated and felt here on the other side of the globe.

Well, I hope this article has given you an insight into how our fantastic five are faring here in Chile, and maybe even a little bit of nostalgia for your own experiences in the past. Thank you so much for all your support. I can't tell you enough how much it means to us REACHers--you help make us possible! With that said, Eduardo's two kids, Josué and Elizabeth, and I will leave you with this blessing:

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen."

Ciao!

- Clayton

Introducing the 2012 Interns

2012-03-19T15:36:27Z

It seems that in the sporting world as of late, Christianity has hit the mainstream with the likes of Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin openly praying before games and honoring the Lord for their sporting accomplishments. The world has been taken aback by these talented men who are not pastors, but yet talk about God as if he is a present reality in their lives. Some people would say "Keep your faith out of it and just play the game." Others applaud them for being the rebels that they are, expressing their individuality. ]]>
This year we are fortunate to bring a new batch of people in to serve as SEND Ministries' staff interns. They are here for that very reason--to walk a different path and stand out in a crowd because of who their God is, and do it with excellence. Let me introduce all six of them to you:

Denise Yoder is from Belleville, Pennsylvania, and will be serving this year as our Hospitality Assistant. Just last year Denise was a part of our Middle East REACH team.
Doubling up with her as an additional Hospitality Assistant is Janae Horst from Middlebury, Indiana. She served as part of our Kenya team last year.
Also from northern Indiana, Goshen to be exact, is Jared Kuhns, who will be our Facilities Assistant. He was a teammate of Denise's in the Middle East last year.
Jessica Wengerd is joining us as our Prayer Coordinator. She is from Dundee, Ohio, and was part of last year's REACH Spain team.
Megan Mast is from Grantsville, Maryland, and is our Food Services Assistant this year. Last year she was a part of our Himalayas team.
Lastly we have Ryan Miller, who is also from Goshen, Indiana, and was on our Madagascar team in 2008. This year he is filling the role of Community Outreach Coordinator.

I invite all of you to join us in praying for them and encouraging them as they follow the Lord here in Columbus, Ohio. You can keep tabs on what they are up to here on the blog, and you can "like" SEND Ministries on Facebook.

Alumni Happenings Spring 2012

2012-03-19T15:32:07Z

Every few months we put together a list of births, weddings, and other interesting alumni happenings to keep you up to date on what is going on.

Births

David Sonifrank (R 99, 00) & Parla (Cline R 05) welcomed their daughter, Brighton Noel, on December 29, 2011.

Renee (Miller R 99, 01) & Joe Byler welcomed their daughter, Finley Jane, December 31, 2011.

Crystal (Dornburg R 02) & Daniel DiGiacomo welcomed their daughter, Abigail Grace, on January 27,2012.

Please email any births, weddings, missionary appointments, or changes in your life that you want to let us know about to: send@rmmoffice.org

Haiti and Winter Retreat

2012-02-28T04:34:18Z

Hey everybody!! This is Ryan the community outreach coordinator, and I am glad to say that I made it back from a 9 day trip to Haiti. It was a wonderful experience. I was very blessed to be able to go. Our church normally goes every year, and it just so happened that I was able to go this year, many thanks to RMM for letting me go during my term here on staff at the RIC. We worked with Mountain Top Ministries, a non profit organization that exists as a resource that ignites a vision in the Haitian people for their country to recognize their true potential, so that they may take spiritual ownership of their nation to defeat generational poverty village by village. The Picture above is from the guest house overlooking the valley, and on the other side of the mountain you can see the clinic and school started by MTM. This is where we helped out every day. Most of our team worked in the clinic, seeing to patients medical and physical needs. Although many of us did some construction work as well. This consisted of some tiling, scaffolding, and concrete projects. Overall it was a very good and moving experience, we saw the Lord work in many ways. Many prayers to the Haitian people.

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I got back to the RIC on Thurs. just in time for the RMM winter retreat. It was a very stress-free and restful time. I enjoyed getting to know the office employees. It was a time filled with many laughs, fun, refreshment, worship, prayer and encouragement. One of the highlights of the weekend was the poor taste dinner. After this we stated the night off with a hilarious game of charades, ping pong tournaments and board games. Basically I couldn't ask for a better week or for a better weekend than this. Until next time, Ryan

Time Moves On

2012-02-18T00:50:11Z

Hola! Well everyone it looks like its my turn to write the blog! This is Jessica by the way and I'm the Prayer Coordinator here at the RIC! That means that I get to pray ten hours a week which is like two hours a day. With this position I also get the oppurtunity to really dig into peoples lives. I get to see whats really going on in their lives and pray for them and with them. I also get to help out with the other stuff here at the RIC, like cleaning and fixing beds. Anyway, enough about me I'll talk about something else now.

]]> I'll tell you a little bit about one of my outreaches. Me and Janae go to a place called The Zone. We go every Tuesday and Thursday after school. We work with elementry school children. Janae works with the kindergarten and first graders and I get to work with the second and third graders. We have our good days with the kids and we also have bad days too. Most of the time we help in the homework room and then we help with class when that starts. Mostly we just go and love on the kids, they tend to be really in need of it. Its good for us to have a different pace then what were used to having. I'm sure i'll have a good story later in time to tell you but for now I cant think of one.

I just want to thank all of you for your prayers we definatly need them!

And we're off!

2012-02-09T03:49:32Z

Hello everyone, Janae here, and it's been a full first month as we get settled in at the RIC. It's amazing to think that we're already into our second month and time isn't slowing down any time soon! I'd say we're pretty well settled in now. We've been going to different outreach locations in the community and going about the regular duties of the day. I am one of the two Hospitality Assistants, so some of my time is spent cleaning rooms and doing laundry. Most weekends there is a group here, either in the rooms for a retreat or renting a classroom for a service. We enjoy meeting the guests and even finding some acquaintances at times.
]]> A few weeks ago, Austin, Megan, Jess and I were able to go to Light in the Valley Chapel for their Sunday morning service and share a bit about our experiences overseas. Austin brought a wonderful message about getting out of your comfort zone and being missional in your daily life. I was also able to talk to Ally's parents (who is going to Kenya, where I was) and Megan talked to Donny's parents (who is in N-pal where she was). It was so good to talk to them and hear their perspective and what they are going through. I can't wait to meet all of the REACHers in re-entry.

Also lately in our Missions and Leadership class, we've been learning how to speak using the SCORRE method (by Ken Davis). So far we've given two speeches to the class and already have shown great improvement. Of course there is still plenty to learn and at times it can feel a little overwhelming, but... such is life. Thank you all for your prayers. We interns sure do appreciate them!

And So it Begins . . .

2012-01-22T00:27:14Z

Greetings and Salutations from the New Staff Interns,

Actually, this is only one Staff Intern writing, and I feel okay about putting those words in my teammates mouths. As of today we have officially finished our first week of Staff Orientation and are twenty four hours away from surviving our second official week of being the new Staff Interns. During our first week we spent a lot of time learning new things and information, and realizing just what we have gotten ourselves into. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next year with lots of excitement and expectations. My highlight from the first week would probably be the Sunday morning I spent in a Church environment that was completely different from anything I have experienced. It was indeed a true celebration and I found myself challenged by the people's joy and worship. They were beyond hospitable and have now become examples to our team of what it means to truly welcome and love guests. I felt right at home even though everything was new and different. The moment I will never forget is when the pastor prayed for both Denise and I, and it was evident that God had given him the words to pray over us. I do not know that we will continue to attend this church for the rest of the year, but I do know we will never forget the body of Christ that ministered to us that day.

]]> Our second week began with lots of cleaning and work, and continued with teachings and getting plugged into our different outreaches. All of us have been helping out Wednesday evenings at Manna Cafe and helping to prepare, serve, and clean up after providing a meal for a hundred plus homeless people. I love the time I get to spend at Manna Cafe and the conversations I am able to have with the people there. I also have been going to a new outreach with Denise and Ryan. It is a ministry started and operated by a very unique and special couple who has been trying to reach out to a troubled neighborhood. They began having Bible Studies for the children within their neighborhood between the age of five and twelve and now have Bible Studies for teenagers, cooking classes, tutoring, and financial education classes. All of these activities happen in their kitchen and living room and it is both encouraging and challenging to see the love and care for their adopted family and they way that they are involved in their lives. I am excited about the many things I am going to learn about community outreach, but also intimidated by how impossible it seems right now to be able to establish relationships with these kids. Honestly, it is another culture and I have a lot of learning to do! :) We have found it easier to connect with the younger children though and thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. My favorite moment of that night would be when the children were giving examples of how others have used their words to harm them. One girl gave the example of how another girl on the bus called her "the B word." Another little five year old furrowed her brow and said, "She called you a bumble bee?!" :)

Well, I could go on and on, but I will just end this informative update now and let someone else tell you more in a few weeks. Thank you for reading this and even more for keeping us in your prayers. It is appreciated beyond what words can even begin to describe.

God Bless You!
Megan Marie Mast (aka. the new kitchen assistant)

The Making of the REACHers: Tales from Discipleship Training

2012-01-06T14:58:15Z

The weeks of sharing space in the Rosedale International Center are crammed with new experiences for REACH initiates. The 2011 teams have finished packing up their own vivid memories from DTS and are now on outreach gathering some more. A few of them were kind enough to share stories from their time in Columbus, from the serious to the lighthearted. ]]>

Listening When God Speaks...or Doesn't
Kristyn, Team Malawi

One thing that really stuck out to me in one of the sessions is this: Jesus doesn't bust down doors; he doesn't talk into a megaphone. He is a still small voice, just a tap on the door. It doesn't take much noise of this life to drown him out. Too often we do not take the time out of the busyness of our lives to listen for him. Sure we talk to him and tell him our needs and wants, but how often do we really listen to him?

For me personally, I don't want my relationship with God to be a one-way conversation. I want it to be a two-way conversation, where I can talk and take time to listen. And at times that may mean just sitting in quietness.

I experienced this in a new way during the 28-hour silent retreat and fast, just spending time with God one on one and taking time to listen. One of the things that came up for me is that just because I'm being silent and listening doesn't mean that God is automatically going to speak to me in some huge way. The question is, am I OK with that?

I read somewhere that true relationship is feeling comfortable being in silence with another person. My retreat time was sweet, just taking time to worship God and be open to him speaking if he wanted to. I learned that if I'm purposely adding noise to my life so I can't hear God--because I'm afraid of what he might be saying--no matter how hard I try, I can't run away from him.

Where Are the Kids in Shepherd Costumes?
Kirsten, Team Chile

In Detroit on practicum, our main outreach was with a nonprofit organization that fights poverty and racism. On that Sunday, the organization had their biggest event of the year: a fundraiser walk. So on Saturday, our job was to walk the four mile course and pass out flyers to homes and businesses. While we were walking, we got to talking to a lady and her three boys. They told us about a "musical" that their church was going to put on that night. Not having anything to do, we were like "Yeah! We will go!" In my mind, this musical sounded like a little outdoor performance put on by the congregation.

Nope. Not what it was at all. But my expectations led to the approach and appearance I left the house with. Basically, I looked like a bum dressed in red gym shorts and a T-shirt. We pulled up to the church, and I realized how off my expectations were. As we parked, I saw two very nicely dressed people exit their cars. I'm talking decked out. Yeah...not the greatest feeling for me. As we walked into the church, we were directed to the front row. The very front. Not only did I look like a hobo...but I was sitting in the front of the entire congregation! And another little tidbit: the church we were attending was solely African American. So, just to remind you: red gym shorts, front row, Caucasian. Not only was I taken off guard with all these details, but I looked like I was trying to be disrespectful.

Also, the "musical" they kept talking about was not what I consider a musical in my head. Basically, it was a talent show for amazing praise groups from around the area. The music was fantastic. The people who performed had serious skill in the area of singing and harmony and such. But the term "musical" really did not seem to fit the service. And, since we were in the front row, we could not tell when other people sat down. So on multiple occasions, we found ourselves to be about the only people standing and clapping away. Then one of us would glance back and quickly sit down while trying to get the attention of the rest of the team as discreetly and quickly as possible.

Looking back, that story is very comical and funny. But at the time--especially in the beginning--it was pretty uncomfortable for me. It turned out to be a really awesome experience though.

You Know My Name?
Derek, Team North Africa

During DTS the North Africa* team got to do "brown bagging" for our outreach. When we first started offering lunches and prayer to people we got a few cool experiences but it was not anything mind blowing. We went about twice a week and we started running into the same people. They started to warm up to us a little bit and become a little more talkative with us.

There was a certain group of guys that we started to get to know better. When we started remembering their names, it was like a switch; they really opened up to us. It was almost like they realized that we really cared about them. A few of the guys in particular really started to open up to us and call us their true friends. These guys were really blessed by us but we were also very blessed by them and we learned a lot from them. When you simply give someone a lunch and offer prayer and they start crying because it means so much to them, it really makes you think. I never thought I would get attached to these guys but guess what--I did. I am going to miss them a lot, and I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to interact with these people.

Alyssa, Team Malawi

God has really given me a heart for the homeless people here in Columbus. Our team did outreach every Wednesday night at Manna Cafe, where we served dinner to homeless people. One week I sat down and talked with a woman for a while. I asked what her name was and how she was doing and we had a short conversation. When I saw her a couple of Wednesdays later, I said her name and told her it was good to see her again. She was astonished at the fact that I even remembered her name. Her facial expression changed dramatically, and to see how much that meant to her blew me away. God has really challenged me to reach out to strangers whenever I get the chance and to share the love of Jesus.

Experiencing Hospitality
Courtney, Team Himalayas

For community outreach, our team went and visited Himalayan* families. We visited a family with five children and they could be quite hyper! We just hung out with them and helped them with homework. It was really cool to be able to form relationships with them. They were such sweet people and it was so interesting to experience their culture. They were the most hospitable people I have ever met! They always offer you something to drink or eat and make sure you don't need anything.

Another family we visited was a Hindu family. They had two children, a son and daughter. Most of the time when we visited them, we tried to teach them English and they attempted to teach us their language. One of my favorite parts of outreach was when they made us Himalayan food. Most of the time they made us dolbat, which is rice, some kind of curry, and lentils. It is usually pretty spicy and it's so good! It made me really excited to go to the Himalayas to eat the food! I made so many great memories hanging out with these people.

*Country name changed for security

The Christmas Story Continued

2012-01-04T16:09:27Z

It is incredible to me that another year of REACH training has already come to a close. The teams are all out and actively seeking and sharing the Lord in uncomfortable and sometimes difficult places. It is not the normal thing to walk away from comfort and into a place of challenges, but right now there are 21 young people who have willingly, and even excitedly, chosen to step forward to do just that.

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In reflecting over the past few weeks, months, and on back through the year, it is exciting to know that there are still young people who are praying in surrender like Mary and committing their way to the Most High. Young people who will give everything to bring that same message of hope and incarnate love to a forgetful and selfish world. By embracing this challenge, they are taking the opportunity to be part of the coming of the kingdom of Mary's Son.

Alumni Happenings Winter 2012

2012-01-02T16:24:22Z

Every few months we put together a list of births, weddings, and other interesting alumni happenings to keep you up to date on what is going on.
]]> Marriages

Lorene Brubaker (S 04, R 04) married Christopher Blank on September 10, 2011.

Kara Burkholder (R 04) married Ben Teyssier on October 1, 2011.

Amanda Weber (R 08) married Brian Miller on October 8, 2011.

Kimberly Miller (R 08) & Hans Stutzman were married on October 22, 2011.

Christian Hershberger (R 04, I 05, 06) & Anita Troyer (R 05) were married on October 29, 2011.

Joseph Zook (R 08) & Meredith Lorencz (R 08) were married on November 29, 2011.

Births

Debra (Beck R 98, I 99) & James Butler had a baby girl named Abigail Aaltje on April 8, 2011.

Tim (R 98) & Carrie (Beery R 98) Miller welcomed their daughter Layla Grace on April 25, 2011.

Troy (R 95) & Rachel Miller had a baby boy, Ross Timothy, on May 31, 2011.

Alicia (Slaubaugh R 08) & Aaron Morhart welcomed their daughter Aubrey Violet on October 23, 2011.

Zach (R 04, 08) & Allyah Miller (R 08) welcomed their daughter Elise Hope on November 3, 2011.

Brandon (R 05) & Monica (Miller R 05) Troyer had a baby boy named Ezekiel Jethro Kayne on November 13, 2011.

Sarah (Mast R 02, 05) & Zachary Garber welcomed their daughter Adelina Maya on November 18, 2011.

Nathan (R 05, 11) & Maribeth (R 11) Troyer had a baby girl named Alice Juliette on November 22, 2011.

Please email any births, weddings, missionary appointments, or changes in your life that you want to let us know about to: send@rmmoffice.org

Weathering Transition

2011-10-21T18:16:51Z

The day you've anticipated in your dreams (or nightmares) has finally arrived. Perhaps today the company finally contacted you offering you the job... or maybe you just got word that your job no longer exists. It might be that you're graduating and still don't have a job or a clear plan for what's next in your life. Or perhaps you're the one who just found out you're pregnant... or that you miscarried. It could be that you've just started or ended a relationship; maybe you're in the middle of changing churches, buying a house, or going back to school in order to make a major career change.
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Acceptance

The first step is simply to recognize, admit, and accept the mental, physical, relational, and emotional "craziness" that often accompanies transition. In the midst of change and transition, it's normal to have a sense of restlessness, an inner tension that you can't quite identify or resolve. It's normal to feel isolated and alone sometimes even when surrounded by lots of people, be they strangers or loving family and friends. And it's normal to react against these feelings, to buck against them or to try to assuage them with activities such as increased social life, watching TV, surfing the internet, sleeping, taking up hobbies, or getting a second job--anything to stay busy and dull the nagging conflict within yourself.

In times of change and transition, we are ultra-vulnerable to our vices. Our natural instinct is to try to latch onto something as a way of restoring our sense of control. It's easier to justify little indulgences--which often end up morphing into greater indulgences--and then one day we wake up to find an unwanted habit or two grinning at us mockingly. The good news is that a lot of the power of the inner conflict can be drained simply by identifying it and calling it for what it is: "I'm feeling these things not because they are rational but because I'm in transition and feel out of control" (or, "I'm more sensitive to temptation..." or "I'm wasting time on TV..."). Accepting transition means accepting the mental and emotional "crazy" that accompanies it (but not giving in to it), realizing that after awhile you will gain a sense of normal life in your new circumstances. Instead of letting your topsy-turvy thoughts and feelings control you, you will be in control of them.

Believing in the Truth

It's easy to have a lot of vision, faith, and hope during the pre-transition stage when the change looks mainly adventurous and even enticing. For example, losing or quitting a job opens up the possibility of going back to school and/or pursuing the career about which you've dreamt for so long--sure, you know it will be hard along the way, but it's an adventure! The thought takes on a glow in your mind that shines in your eyes as you talk about it. Your current job ends, your new life begins. You expect it to be a little rough. But then the new job doesn't come through as quickly as you'd thought it would and your finances begin to dwindle.

What happens when you end up out of work for months, or your dating relationship breaks up and you thought you were going to marry the person? Then what? It's easy to doubt our decisions when the going gets tough and things don't turn out exactly like we'd thought, planned, and prayed they would. It's easy to start second-guessing oneself, doubting God, and believing the lies of the enemy (Did you really hear God? What makes you think you could do that?, etc.).

The antidote for this scenario is very simple and direct. Friend, you must exercise your will to choose and believe that God will get you where you're going even if it takes awhile. Nothing is outside His hand. He will use every detail of your life for His glory. These hard times will pass. Get back into the Word and remind yourself of who God is and what he says he will do. Choose to believe Scripture even if it is contrary to your feelings and to the outlook of your circumstances. It's called exercising your faith, which "is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see."

Create New Norms

Many times, old ways don't necessarily fit new circumstances. It can be very helpful to create new norms during times of change and transition in order to add some structure and adopt a new lifestyle. Let's say you've just finished college and moved back home until you can find a job that allows you to support yourself. Creating a new normal could look like getting out of bed and ready for the day by a certain time. The big idea is to be proactive and take responsibility--take care of yourself! Do the hard work it takes to start connecting with new people. Try new things along the way.

Transition and change will always present character-building opportunities and you can be certain there will be at least a little pain in the process of adjustment. Practice acceptance. Believe God's truth. Create new norms for yourself. And hang on for just a little while--a new rhythm is coming. Throughout the process you can be sure the God you serve will keep you from falling.

In Acceptance Lieth Peace
by Amy Carmichael

You will survive your time of transition.
He said, "I will forget the dying faces; 
The empty places, 
They shall be filled again. 
O voices moaning deep within me, cease."
But vain the word; vain, vain: 
Not in forgetting lieth peace.  

He said, "I will crowd action upon action 
The strife of faction 
Shall stir me and sustain; 
O tears that drown the fire of Manhood cease." 
But vain the word; vain, vain: 
Not in endeavor lieth peace.  

He said, "I will withdraw me and be quiet, 
Why meddle in life's riot?
 Shut be my door to pain. 
Desire, thou dost befool me, thou shalt cease." 
But vain the word; vain, vain: 
Not in aloofness lieth peace.  

He said, "I will submit; 
I am defeated. 
God hath depleted
 My life of its rich gain. 
O futile murmuring, why will ye not cease?" 
But vain the word; vain, vain: 
Not in submission lieth peace.  

He said, "I will accept the breaking sorrow 
Which God to-morrow
 Will to His son explain." 
Then did the turmoil deep within him cease.
Not vain the word, not vain. 
For in Acceptance lieth peace."

Tests, Challenges and Changes

2011-10-18T19:47:14Z

Back in the fall of 2010, Wendy and I were deep in the throes of making the gut-wrenching decision on whether to continue living in Spain or move back to the United States. At that point, we had been living for almost three years in Spain. While the transition into the Spanish culture was extremely difficult, especially early on, we had grown to love our Spanish and North African/Middle Eastern friends and had even adapted enough to the culture that we were also beginning to feel rather Spanish ourselves. And so when both Wendy and I began to sense God calling us to move back to the States, we had a hard time understanding why, especially in light of the fact that we had no jobs lined up, no five-year plan for the future, and no idea where or how we were to plug in once we returned--only that we were to come back to the States. It felt on many fronts like the return was as much of a step of faith for our family as it was to actually go to Spain several years before. ]]>
James says to "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, The Message)

Peter says that "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (1 Peter 4:1-2, The Message)

While hardly a day goes by that we don't miss some aspect of our life in Spain, I am extremely grateful for God's leading and direction in our lives. I feel so honored and blessed that in the middle of our transition back from Spain I have the opportunity to lead the SEND Ministries Department.

There are few things that give me more excitement than to see people on fire for Jesus and growing in their love for him and for those around them--especially for the lost. The ministries of SEND have given much opportunity for these things to happen in the lives of youth, helping them begin to understand what really is important in life. I love the emphasis not only on discipling others, but also on being discipled and being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.

While I love to see youth called to go to the ends of the earth to introduce people to Jesus, I also love to see them with a passion to reach out to the lost and the poor in their home communities as well. I hope to see this generation rise up with a selfless faith to take the Great Commission seriously and to give everything they have for the kingdom of Christ.