Joy in Grace. Have you considered the joy that comes from grace, the freedom that comes from grace, the brokenness that comes because of grace(the kind where you throw yourself at His feet), the peace that comes from grace? Grace fills in the gap. Grace spans the gap. And I take comfort knowing that grace spans the globe!
I spent a nice portion of time today visiting with the people from Voice of the Martyrs at our annual Homeschooling Convention. I have a keen interest in cultures around the world, and low and behold, so do my children. I'll be honest, I don't know why God has given me this desire for His world because I feel so helpless, and I feel as though anything I might do is barely a drop in the bucket. Voice of the Martyrs has a wonderful component to their ministry called Kids Of Courage. (I posted previously on Kids of Courage.) A part of Kids of Courage are these wonderful Country Guides filled with geographical information, stories, prayer opportunities, puzzles, crafts, recipes, but most of all, beckoning the children and their Christian families here in America and around the world to pray for the Persecuted Church. These Country guides along with a set of Heroes Then and Now books from YWAM Publishing will be the foundation of a Geography/World Cultures study in our upcoming school year.
When I walked away from the VOM booth, and anytime I read about the persecuted church, I feel an excitement rising in me. I am so very comforted to the point of joy in realizing His deep love for those who suffer for their faith. I don't mean to sound lighthearted because I know their reality is unlike anything I have ever known. I add though, that God becomes bigger to me for this reason: I cannot understand their suffering apart from the grace and greatness of our Father. A strange kind of joy that I was referencing earlier seeps into my heart because I know that I know that I know we have a great God. We're going to spend eternity with those people that I'll be studying with my children. Pray hard for the Persecuted Church.
An Award I'm Honored to Receive
The Angel Award from Susan at Penless Writer
Contributors
- Kathy
- I am a Christian wife of one man who loves the Lord. A Worship Leader. I am a homeschooling mother of two. I am a piece of clay, a branch, and a sheep in need of a Shepherd.
Our High School Program for 2014-2015
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10 comments:
I so need to be more aware of the persecuted church and the price so very many pay for their faith while I don't know the first thing about that kind of suffering and price. Thanks for the reminder.
Susan
I think what amazes me Susan is though they may not have chosen the path of persecution, they endure the possibility because of their love for Jesus. That's the kind of love I want to have-their kind. The kind that the disciples had in the New Testament.
Hi Kathy,
I remember buying a prayer journal at that booth at the HS conference as well as a couple of the Heroes books. Not only did I use them for my daughter's education but also when I taught Missionette 7-9 year olds.
It's so important for our kiddos to be taught how to look beyond themselves and their own little world.
I'm excited that my daughter wants to participate in Operation Christmas Child. I told her I would match what she gives towards it dollar for dollar and hopefully be able to send two boxes.
Nothing is insignificant in our Father's eyes!
Brenda that's right. I remember that it's God's economy which is incredible multiplication. I actually thought of you yesterday and other blogging friends that may have attended. Course I know you're not in AZ anymore, but I still thought about you. Hugs!!!
A lovely reminder first thing Monday morning when all I can think about is coffee...
Love our big, great God!
It's Monday at my house too Kristi, and I type as the pot of ocffee is readying itself for my consumption!!! : ) Yawn.
I think it's wonderful that God has put this on your heart! We all need to remember the persecuted church in our prayers.
Liz, I can't wait to show you the Guide Books that came for the various countries we've chosen to study. They have a gigantic list of additional ones for us to choose from. I think we can get about 2 weeks to a month, easy, from each guide. Yahoo! Can't Wait!
Thanks, Kathy, for your encouraging comments! It was a blessing for us to get to meet you, and many other Moms and Dads, at the VOM booth at the home schooling convention! May the Lord Jesus continue to use the persecuted church to bless you.
Daniel, in case you're following up, thank you so much for coming by! I am so glad that VOM was at the AFHE Convention, and was glad we had a chance to get acquainted. I will peek in, as I already have, on your blog from time to time to see what's happening. I know it takes so many people for VOM and other ministries to function, even if it seems behind the scenes. We're thankful for your place in ministry with VOM.
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