Oh To See the Dawn

I first heard the song, "Oh To See the Dawn", sung in an English chapel. I was so moved by the words, that I wrote the title down that evening and later listened to it on the internet. This week the lyrics keep going through my head.....

Oh, to see the dawn,
Of the darkest day,
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then,
Nailed to a cross of wood.

This, the power of the cross;
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain,
Written on the face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed,
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

This, the power of the cross;
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Now the daylight flees,
Now the ground beneath,
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life,
'Finished!' the victory cry.

This, the power of the cross;
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see my name,
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the power of the cross;
Son of God - slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

BY FAITH

Yesterday at church a missionary spoke on Hebrews 11, often this passage is called the Hall of Faith. As Mr. Trometer was reading the passage a flood of memories filled my mind. While I was teaching third grade at a Christian school I had my class memorize most of Hebrews 11. As I followed along in my Bible, I remembered the hand motions I taught my class, the voice inflection I insisted upon, and how we worked on breathing and pausing as a class while reciting the verses from memory. I was ashamed I couldn’t still quote Hebrews 11 without looking occasionally. The Lord really used the message last night to remind me how necessary faith is for the Christian life.

There is one specific verse in that passage I am claiming until I see the Lord fulfill His promise in my life. I realized last night I needed to have more faith if I was to see God answer my prayer. There have been many times I have worried, been fearful, and doubted. Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:30 “But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid: and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” As I was typing those verses, I was struck that Jesus immediately stretched forth his hand. Jesus is waiting for us to call out to him in faith. A promise we can claim to remind us He is there is, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee (Jeremiah 33:3)."

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith for us. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I have an area in my life I am constantly giving to the Lord; it seems to me I beg Him for mercy every hour in this area. It is something I am hoping for….longing for…..right now there is no evidence – but by faith I know the Lord will answer my plea.

This is such a powerful passage. As you read on it says,

By faith…we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.
By faith…Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice.
By faith…Enoch was translated that he should not see death.
By faith…Noah prepared an ark.
By faith…Abraham went out, not knowing whither he went.
By faith…Sara received strength to conceive seed.
By faith…Abraham offered up his only begotten son.
By faith…Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
By faith…Jacob blessed both the sons of Joseph.
By faith…Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Gets this…Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
By faith…Moses forsook Egypt
By faith…Moses passed through the Red Sea
By faith….the walls of Jericho fell.
By faith….Rahab perished not with them that believed not.

Through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword…..

Oh, that God would grant me that kind of faith! I was challenged as I read through Hebrews 11. If I am to see God answer prayer, I must pray in faith. Mark 11:24 “Whatsoever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

A couple months ago, while we were packing to return to the United States from England, I looked at my FAITH plaque. I have put FAITH up in every home Kevin and I have lived. There really wasn’t room to take FAITH with us, but I didn’t want to leave it behind. I know it was a little silly, I could have bought another one at Hobby Lobby no problem, but this FAITH was special to me. So often, I would look at that plaque and be reminded of Hebrews 11:6. We did find room in our suitcases, and FAITH is back out and doing the job it always has, reminding me to have faith.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

BY FAITH…

HUNGRY FOR RAIN

The other day I was driving down the road… alone. I always enjoy driving down the road by myself because it’s a good time to think and speak to God. I started thinking about the trials God has brought us through and some that are still very much real. I sometimes just want to throw up my hands at God and say, “Lord, I need you!” I had quite the discussion with God, even though it seemed so lame. I am so weak, sinful, and full of selfishness…God who created and holds the universe is perfect. Who am I to think I know of a better way for my life? Is it sometimes painful? Yes. Do I get tired? Yes. Can it hurt? Oh yeah!

Then I thought of RAIN! So often when it’s just sprinkling we just stay outdoors or continue about our business. The same when God begins his training with us, He sends a little hiccup in our schedule and we think, “Oh, I can take care of this.” Then the rain starts to get a little harder and we may say, “Oh, it might stop…it will just pass.” Lord, I can take care of this trial – I still have control. It isn’t until the rain becomes harder, bolts of lightning light up the sky, and we hear the crashing thunder that we run for shelter. Why is it that it isn’t until God sends storms in my life that I run to the Shelter? God in His wonderful grace sends me trials to bring me closer to Him, that I may run to Him. When I see my need for Him, then He can do the work in my heart that He knows is best for me. So I think….am I hungry for rain? Do I seek the trials of life that I may run to my Shelter? May I always take the trials of life and thank God. No matter how difficult it may be, even when I am blindly following my faithful, heavenly Father may I be hungry for rain.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:1-2

A Father's Love

Little Girl

Every little girl seeks the attention of her father. I was the same. I would do anything for my daddy. One of my favorite places to be when I was a child was on my daddy’s lap. I always felt loved, accepted, and understood by my father. I never had to worry when daddy was around; he was there to protect me! He carried me when I was tired, held my hand when I got a bit scared, took me to special places, and when it was just the two of us he often would get me a treat.... ice-cream!

Childhood  

Many times children who grow up in the ministry can easily become bitter or let resentment cloud family relationships. I have never felt that way. I always knew my dad was available. My dad always made sure he spent time with his family. We went on fabulous vacations and often times would go on little day trips. He never made us children feel like a burden. He affirmed us of his love and often said how we were such a necessary part of the ministry. I just thought it was normal for children to tag along on visitation, or make hospital visits. What I never realized until now, is that whole time we were "tagging along" he was reproducing himself in us. He gave us his heart for missions and most importantly, His love for the Lord. As a result my dad has given all three of his children a desire to follow and serve the Lord. The amazing part of it all is that my dad taught us through his example. He didn’t tell us to do anything that we didn’t see on display in his own life. I have watched my dad have towering strength during very difficult days. I have seen my dad ridiculed, mocked, and dishonored because of his passon for truth. Yet, he possesses such grace and humility. I will never forget all my dad invested in my life.

The Awkward Years

Then came the day I sheepishly walked out of my bedroom orange from using cheap sunless tanning lotion. The sad day my mom found out I had red highlights in my hair. The day I was learning to drive and got confused between the brake and gas! I can always remember my dad being so wise. I was intensely watching his reactions to my fight to grow up and spread my much too weak wings. I always felt I could speak to my dad openly and honestly without him getting overemotional about my poor choices during those crazy years. I can remember him forgiving and forgetting my foolish little mistakes, but always being firm on the choices that really mattered. He wasn’t one to bring up the stupid decision I had made last week, everyday was a new day with my dad. Everyone needs compassion, and my dad was full of compassion and forgiveness.

I was fortunate I was my father’s only daughter. We were always very close and I never had to fight for his attention. That is why the day I married Kevin was a day filled with much emotion. My rehearsal was difficult. As we rehearsed for the wedding that Thursday evening, I can remember trying to be so brave but as I walked down the center aisle I fell apart…..the tears, sobs, and emotions overwhelmed me. My dad just patted my hand, and we eventually made it to the end of the aisle.

I am grateful my dad agreed to marry me and Kevin. It was special to have my dad perform the ceremony. To this day I’m not sure how he managed to make it through the ceremony without crying. Actually, I think he did when he said those words a father never really wants to say, “Her mother and I”. Before the wedding, there was a quiet moment before the photographer arrived and I escaped the busy room where all the girls were primping and walked into the auditorium to get my thoughts together. I know it was the Lord, but my dad happened to be walking through the auditorium too. In the quiet and still auditorium, I sat wearing my big, fluffy dress getting ready to make a life changing decision…..and there was my dad. To me that moment was so personal; I don’t even want to write about it. The sweet words my dad spoke to me were so special. I will cherish that unforgettable moment forever!

Since I have been married, I have a much deeper appreciation for my dad. I can see the sacrifices he made for his family. My dad is absolutely brilliant, he could be working somewhere earning the big bucks, but instead he has chosen to serve and follow the Lord. Although we didn’t grow up wearing the latest fashion or driving the nicest cars, we were so overwhelmed by happiness we didn’t even realize that we were “lacking”. I would take learning to drive on an 89’ Crown Victoria with the pale, blue paint chipped off any day for a father who truly loves me. A father who has chosen to lay his treasures in heaven, rather than on earth. A father who has truly been a father in the deepest and truest sense of the word.

Last Week in England

Dear Friends and Family,

Hello from the U.S.A! We made it safely back to America despite all the ash over the United Kingdom. God has been so good to us. It has been a time of transition, but God is ALWAYS there. We rest in the promise of Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” At times we may not understand God’s amazing plan, but in Isaiah 55:8 it says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Those words have been a comfort to us during this time of change. 

Since we have returned, we have been busy getting settled into a “new country”. God has provided us a vehicle and has given us temporary employment. We have been in contact with several churches and are seeking the Lord for further direction. During this period of transition we desire to serve other churches and learn from local pastors. We are excited for the new opportunities God is giving us as we trust Him with our future. Lord willing, this will be a temporary situation and soon we will be settled into a church. 

Anna was especially blessed before we left the United Kingdom. We had been earnestly praying for a young girl’s salvation for nearly two years. We asked the Lord if we could please see her trust Christ as her Saviour before we returned to the United Stated. I’m not sure what we were thinking, but three days before we were due to leave we held a sleepover. Six children came with their sleep bags to an empty home. It was an emotional time for everyone because the children had been quite accustomed to coming to our home and spending many hours in Bible study and sometimes just having fun! Knowing that would be the last time we would have those teenagers in our home was heartbreaking. It was getting close to midnight and Anna went into the girl’s room to read scripture and pray with them before bed. The young girl who we had been praying for looked up and said, “Miss, I need to talk to ya….yeah miss, can I?” Looking into her eyes Anna had an idea of what she wanted to ask, but wasn’t going to push the issue of salvation with her. Anna went downstairs with her and the young girl said, “Miss, I know I’m not a Christian. I am going to hell. Could I ask Jesus to forgive me?” Warm tears fell down Anna’s cheeks as they read from the Bible that night. God heard and answered our prayers!

Our Farewell Service was a bitter-sweet time. There were many people who came to say goodbye. That night we were humbled as we saw how God could take and use us to bring glory to Him. It was a difficult night, as we said our last goodbye and walked out of the chapel we loved so much. The Lord gave us two magnificent years of serving Him at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel. We learned many great lessons, many of them we couldn’t put on paper. They are buried in our hearts, but will never be forgotten. We are thankful for the goodness of God upon our lives. 

We would like to say thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this amazing journey of our lives. You have shared in our joys and trials. And the Lord worked through you to encourage us and keep our eyes focused on Christ. 

 “God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

Weekly Update

Hello Friends and Family,

Hope you are well. We are blessed as we reflect and celebrate our Saviour’s resurrection. We are encouraged as we remember His death on a cruel cross, and how He triumphantly conquered death and the grave. What a powerful Saviour we serve!

Resurrection Sunday
Yesterday was a busy day filled with many wonderful blessings. Kevin was able to preach at a church in the local area. On the weekends we host the Crown College students in our home. We were able to take some on the students with us to testify and to sing. The church was greatly encouraged and helped. In the afternoon we returned to our own Sunday School at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel. It was great to hear the children sing songs of our Saviour’s Resurrection and to see many parents attend the church service. Later that afternoon, we once again returned to the same church we attended in the morning to minister and encourage other believers.

Oxford Baptist Chapel

The Lord enabled Pastor Derrick and Julianna Morlan and Cathy Henschen to start Oxford Baptist Chapel on Wednesday, March 31. Kevin and I were able to bring many people from Beeches Road Baptist Chapel to attend this special service. The Lord is blessing and working in a great way in the Oxford area. We would ask you keep this work in your prayers.

Baby Dedication

On Sunday, April 28, Kevin was able to conduct his first baby dedication. The couple invited many of their friends and family. It was thrilling to see over 100 visitors at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel! The Lord helped Kevin as he spoke appropriately on The New Birth of Nicodemus. We are prayerful the Lord will bring many of those visitors back.

Visit from the Ruwersmas
It was great to have Kevin’s parents come and visit us March 18-March30. We had a wonderful time together and were able to visit many places. The most special thing we were able to share with them was our work and ministry at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel. It’s one thing for people to hear about our work, but it was illuminating for them to see our work and meet the people we love so much.

Thank you very much for your prayers and support! May God bless.

Oxford Baptist Chapel

Opening Service

Pastor Derrick, Julianna, and Micah Morlan

Cathy Henschen outside of the Chapel

Baby Dedication

Visit from the Ruwersmas

Weekly Update

Thank you for your continued prayers for the ministry in Birmingham, England. The Lord has been very good to us in the last several weeks. Each day we are reminded of God’s amazing presence as He has given us just what we needed.

Recently at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel we held a Testimony Service. Many people who have made a profession of faith during this past year and some who have been saved for several years gave their salvation testimony. There was a very special spirit during the service. We saw several visitors attend and show interest in the gospel. Please continue to pray for those that heard the gospel for we know that “it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

This past Sunday was Mother’s Day in England. During our afternoon service, the children sang and quoted scripture. We have been encouraging the Sunday School children to bring their mothers. It was great to see ten mothers attend and hear the gospel during this special service! Please pray as we visit each of these mothers and invite them to the upcoming Easter Service.

Kevin’s parents will be flying in on March18th and will be staying with us for nearly two weeks. It will be nice to see family again and spend some time with them. Most of all, we are excited to have them see our ministry at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel.

Thanks for your love and prayers. May God bless you!

Weekly Update

God has blessed us beyond measure this month. What a joy it is to serve our heavenly Father who sacrificially gave us eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ! As we reflect on God’s goodness, we realize afresh and anew His constant love and grace.

First, we would like to extend an apology for not communicating with you in nearly a month. This was not our intention, but God had a different plan for us. We praise Him during the valleys, and we praise Him while we are on the mountaintop! God’s ways are always perfect.

A couple weeks ago we held a Holiday Bible Club (Vacation Bible School) at Beeches Road Baptist Chapel. This club was mightily used by God as we saw seven children make a profession of faith. Many of them were children who have been coming for quite a few months. They were children who we have sought the Lord in prayer time and time again. What a joy it was to see God answer our prayers! We are actively discipling them and helping them grow in their relationship with the Savior. We would ask that you pray for the families of these children. Many of the families do not attend church anywhere. Our prayer is that God would use the newly converted children to show their parents their need to repent of their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

We have been involved in many state school assemblies this month. This is truly a work of God. So many people have told us this could not be done. What a privilege it is to have an open door to enter into many state schools and share God’s love.

Last week we assisted Derrick and Julianna Morlan and Cathy Henschen in Oxford. We painted and prepared many things for the future opening of Oxford Baptist Chapel. While we were in the city of Oxford it was a reminder once again of the desperate need of a gospel preaching church. Please pray for this new church plant and for the laborers in Oxford.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support. May God bless you!