Be near me, Lord. A monologue of Mary

"Be near me, Lord"

Monologue, Mary, talking to baby Jesus, after the Shepherds have left

12/24/13

By Becky Emerick

SCENE: Mary, in the manger, rocking baby Jesus to sleep.

(rocking) Rest, Lord Jesus, little Jesus, my Jesus. Rest. I’ll keep you warm. (Shivers, tucks feet beneath her.) 

In here, we’re protected from the cool night air. (Sees Joseph, smiles) Joseph. Look how he sleeps. (To Jesus) Your daddy, in a way I don’t even understand. The cold ground doesn’t seem to be affecting his rest. Oh but he must be so tired. What a night… after such a long journey.

But I can’t sleep, my little Jesus. My heart is so full. What a strong grasp you have, holding my little finger. You are going to be strong! 

(Thinking) Strong. Of course you’ll be strong. Even though the angels told me, and the shepherds confirmed it, and even Elizabeth knew it to be true – looking at you, here, I wonder: how can our all-powerful God be contained in the body of one so small. So cute. So perfect.

(holds Him close). Oh, Jesus, I’d love to stay here, in this moment. It’s not comfortable, it’s not royal, but it’s peaceful. It’s quiet. (closes eyes). There’s comfort, and holding you, my soul is still. (looks at Him.) Right here, next to my heart. 

(Looks up) Lord, I know you’ve been with me all along, but this – this miracle – I know it can’t last. (back to baby) I know I won’t always be able to hold you. Rock you. Protect you. I can’t keep your peace to myself. I can’t stay here in the solitude of the barn.

(Looks up) So Lord, please stay near me. Through whatever is ahead. The glorious and the gruesome. Be near me, Lord, like you’re near me now. 

(Quiets baby) Shhhhh. (Rocking, quietly) Like you’re near me now.

(End Scene)

When I'm caught chewing toilet paper rolls

I had a moment of weakness and we adopted a puppy.  He looked at me with his big, dark eyes and said, "Becky, you need me."

And though I could lament the shredded toilet paper rolls, mangled book corners, and digested pencils, I won't. At least not in this post.

Because today Ozzy taught me something.

I've been feeling down lately, for no real apparent reason. I tried to counsel myself, but I just talked in circles. And while my mind wandered during my little guy's reading lesson about my woes, along came Ozzy, chewing something. Again. It was another pencil.

Taking away the pencil, I replaced it with a bacon filled rawhide stick. He nibbled awhile, and I went back to our school work, only to hear the chewing again. "Ozzy, drop it," I said immediately, not even knowing what it was.

A plastic Lego.

(I told my friend who adopted Ozzy's brother that these dogs are a good way to clean out the toys before Christmas.)

I took the toy away from him and replaced it with not just one, but a dozen of his toys, explaining, "You have all of these toys to play with! You are in a playground of toys, and yet you always want what you can't have."

Eventually, when the up and down of fetch and replace grew tedious, especially after he's strewn toilet paper through the kitchen, he ended up in his crate, because let's face it - I do have to teach my children something.

And I see him sitting there, in his crate, wishing he were snuggled next to me on the couch. (Shhh, don't tell my husband I let him on the couch.) But he can't because he's not content with what he has.

And as I re-opened the reading lesson book with my 4 year old for the umpteenth time, it hit me.

I am surrounded by toys, but I'm always distracted by the out-of-bounds toilet paper rolls that are out there.

And sometimes, if it's bad enough, it feels like I'm in a cage, built by my own ingratitude and insecurities.

I don't want to be in a cage. I want to be content. I want to be free. I want to be full of love and selflessness and sincere compassion.

I want to be free of others opinions. Free of needing to be perfect. Free of... you know, all that stuff that weighs us down! The sin that so easily entangles.

So I eventually let Ozzy out. He gets a good petting and I offer him a toy. He understands for awhile, and he's content.

Until he's not.

And isn't that just the way it is with us.

"Becky, I've got this." The Motorcycle Accident.

The Phone Call

It was the phone call you never want to get. “Your husband’s been in a motorcycle accident. Can you come to the hospital?” Not knowing whether he’d skinned his knee or lost his legs, I gathered my sweatshirt and purse over my arm and told the kids I’d call when I got there.

In that moment, I felt as though God reached down and gripped me in His arms with a strong, full-bodied bear-hug, saying,

“Becky, I’ve got this.”

Not that it was all going to be ok, but just that He had it under control. On the drive to the hospital, I talked to Him, explaining that He had to live up to the verse that promised that in my weakness, He’d be strong, because I didn’t feel very strong.

The Crash

Lee had been in the left lane of 465 when a car pulled in front of him. As he slowed, he experienced something called a “tank slapper” or “death wobble” on his new tires that ripped his handle bars out of his grip. At this moment, he said, “I’m going to die.”

Then he blacked out, but witnesses say he was thrown from his bike, bounced twice on his head before his helmet flew off, chin strap still attached, landed again on his head, spun around, and sailed down the road, burning through his motorcycle jacket. His bike was 30 yards ahead of him. 

A semi-truck, seeing he was in trouble, slowed down and blocked three lanes of traffic so he wouldn’t be hit by other vehicles. A pastor from another town was immediately on the scene and prayed over him while he was on the road. The medical team arrived and he was still unconscious. He woke up a little in the ambulance, and they said he was very concerned about what shift day it was and who was transporting him. They did a great job with his care, and he arrived swiftly to the ER at St. Vincent’s.

While he was unconscious, Lee went to a dance party, with lights flashing and people moving to the music. He didn’t see faces, but he felt completely at peace. Content. Without pain. It’s as though God said, “Come over here for a few minutes while something tragic happens.”

The Hospital

When I walked into the waiting room, I was greeted by the pastor, who prayed with me and explained what had happened to the best of his knowledge. It was as though God had showed up personally to say, “I’m here with you, Becky. Remember, I’ve got this.”

Going back to see Lee, I felt complete peace. He kept saying, “I can’t believe I’m alive.” As visitors flooded the ER and asked how I was doing, my only response was “thankful.” So thankful that God spared his life.

Lee didn’t break any bones except for a small orbital fracture. He had road rash down the left side of his body, which would take some time to heal. He wasn’t experiencing any negative side effects mentally from the concussion, though he did receive around six staples in the back of his head and a few more stitches around his eye. The vision in his left eye was blurred, but we’d find out later that it was blood on his retina that should eventually clear up. That first evening, he could even walk to the bathroom.

Our week in the hospital was full of ups and downs. Lee tried to leave us a couple of times, partly due to his O2 saturation with some of the narcotics, even causing more damage to his leg and wounds, but God kept him around. Lee’s mom, Rita, and I worked to stay on top of it, fighting for the best care.

The Love

Although I could sense God’s strong presence around me, He made His love physical in the lives of the people around us. In fact, we had so many visitors and friends and fire fighters that they had to ask us to keep people away! They put a note on the door that read:

“No visitors. Yes, that means you.” 

Even so, I was very thankful for the many sweet friends who stopped in or texted or wrote encouraging words on Facebook or sent cards. We were showered with love from all sides.

The Lessons

You can’t go through an experience like this without life changes. We’re both still processing what is in store for us. Neither of us wants to waste a moment of this trial.

Speaking only for myself, I’ve already learned two very important truths, and I know this is only the beginning.

1. God’s grace is perfect in our weakness. I have faith that regardless of what is in our future, I know He will be there. We’ve been through trials before, and I know they’ll come again, and I’m just not afraid anymore. I don’t know of another way to explain it. I told Him, “God, if you can be there for me like that again, then why wouldn’t I trust you?” It isn’t just because Lee was ok. It was because God was there.
2. God shows us His love through His people He created. Honestly, I’d been getting really frustrated lately with the policies and procedures at church. In this, God reminded me that His church is His people – wherever they are. And though this includes our friends around the world, I also could not imagine having gone through this without the sweet faces I see every Sunday at our local church. The history, the stories, the community – College Park, I love every single one of you, and I can’t imagine not doing life without you by our side.

A word of thanks:

To all of you, along with the hundreds of people who posted encouragement on Facebook – a GIANT THANK YOU! We love you!

Here are a few specifics:

• I’m thankful that Lee’s mom, Rita, was there with me to stay on top of the staff and fight for his care. She came every morning and stayed all day. Her life of nursing skills was extremely helpful as together, we made sure he was getting everything he needed to have the best possible outcome.
• My brother and sister-in-law Jack and Andi, with help from our friends the Morans, kept our kids the entire week we were in the hospital. My kids had so much fun, they called it a vacation.
• Our wound care team, with Hedy and Nancy in the lead, went above and beyond to care for Lee’s wounds. They’d answer my texts late at night and spend hours at his bedside, not only doing their job, but instructing me in how I should continue at home.
• Kate and Jared were my caregivers in the hospital while I was caring for Lee. Making sure I was fed, clothed, and rested – they even took turns staying awake at night so I could get a little sleep.
• My parents took care of our new puppy for us, as well as making sure I had what I needed. 
• Lee’s sister and brother-in-law were there, offering their medical advice and overseeing some of the charts. 
• Lee’s dad and step-mom visited often, and I was so thankful for that green smoothie after eating hospital food! 
• Our neighbors and friends the Schweibolds got our mail, did our laundry, and picked up the bike from the lot. 
• Our friends the Johnsons waited with the kids, folded our laundry, and trimmed our bushes.
• Our other neighbors, the Manns, mowed our lawn. 
• Lee’s Fire Chief Griffin and fire fighter Kennedy helped my parents bring us a refrigerator and get the bed ready for Lee to come home. 
• Three different pastors from church visited and prayed with us. 
• Numerous friends stopped by with thoughts and gifts. 
• The dozens of people who brought meals for the entire month of October.
• Mostly, I’m so thankful for all of the prayers. I believe that God heard you, and Lee is recovering well. The entire wound care team has said they’re amazed at how fast his body is recovering. We serve a big God.

The Photos

Of course I took photos of the entire journey, and here are just a few from our story. (I'll spare you the gruesome pictures!) 

One of our favorite nurses.

Kate taking the night shift in ICU.

Unbelievably, the bike still runs.

Leaving the hospital! Hooray!

The adorable banner the kids made.

Our friends, the Patricks, got him this shirt because he flew through the air without breaking any bones.

One of his out-patient appointments was at the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital wing. LOL

So thanks again to all of you, and to our Great God.  

Through His son Jesus, our biggest problem in life – our sin – has been taken care of by His death on the cross. And in His resurrection, we are guaranteed an everlasting life if we believe in Him!  

I pray that our lives will continue to point to Him in all we do. 

And I’m thankful that Lee is still by my side,
so we can do this together.

Prayer is the Work

(The following post was published here on the College Park Church Blog for REACH month.)

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"

This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.

Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.

Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.

Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.

Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.

Prayer is the work.

For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.

But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!

The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!

I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.

I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.

"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b

If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.

* Name changed for protection of family

 

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family

- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family

- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family

- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family

- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family

- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf