Opportunity in Maryland

Words can't describe my excitement. One day after returning from my family cruise I received the call I was longing for. Let me back up... In April I had a strong prompting from the Lord. It was like waking up one day with a clear call to return to fulltime ministry again. I have thought about it often over the last three years while sitting behind a computer. I haven't been idle when it comes to ministry. The last three years I have been heavily involved in the House Church movement and have learned much. But this was a clear call to go back to the Cell Church or at least function as a Small Group Director.

I began a computer search and looked under small group pastor. One of the first things that caught my attention was a job description for Cell Pastor posted by a Southern Baptitst Church in Salisbury Maryland. The job description described me all the way. I was so excited and immediately sent my resume out. It took one month and many resumes sent out but much to my amazement I received a phone call from the cell search team on May 17th asking if I was still open and interested. I was told upon my affirmative answer that I would receive a call from the Pastor.

On Memorial Day Pastor Warren called me. It was a fantastic conversation and we hit it off immediately. I was so Blessed by his attitude and gracious way he handled me. I was told that the Cell search team would give me a conference call. This call took place on June 21st and again I was so Blessed by this team and any concerns I had were quickly put to rest. I like their attitudes and where God has brought them as a Church. They are very serious about transitioning to Cells.

So on July 20th I was told that they selected me as candidate for Cell Pastor. Cary and I will go out to spend 5 days in Maryland, August 17th thru 21st. God is so awesome and He truely gives us the desires of our hearts.

A Promise Kept ... A Blessing Received

Four years ago while visiting "House of the Father's Love" orpanage in Jakarta Indonesia God laid a precious girl named Marice on my heart. I had this strong sense from Him that I was to be a Father to her.

A few years prior she was in Ambon where the Muslims were attacking the Christians. Her family was chased into the forest and hid for two days. After they came out from hiding she was sent away so she could continue her schooling in a safe place. Her and many other children were sent four days by boat to the capital city.

The story of these kids and their house Father Gaspar is quite amazing. He introduced the kids to Jesus Christ and has been helping them continue their schooling. His big vison is to train them in the ways of the Lord, get them educated and send them back to Ambon to take that Island for Jesus Christ. To make a difference with their lives. Wow that's a vision I can stand behind.

I promised Marice that when she graduated from High School I would bring her to the USA for a visit. She graduated this year and so it was time for me to keep my promise. There were two major chasllenges standing in the way. Money was very tight for me and the air fare alone was $1500. The second problem had to do with getting a Visa for her. It is almost impossible for young Indonesain girls to get a Visa to come to the United States. God is the God of impossibilities not only did I receive the money for the air fare she was approved for the Visa on the very first attempt.

We had a wonderful two weeks with her and were Blessed to have her in our midst. God did another miracle in that we sent her back with two years of University paid for as well and someone commiting to cover the third year. Marice's dream is to be a Missionary nurse to India! It was really hard to say goodbye and I'm already longing to see her again. I'm hoping to take Cary to Indonesia to visit her in the next year or so.

Marice was so Blessed and overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the American people!