In a world that teaches stability is responsibility, and responsibility proves credibility, one might argue that with the amount of instability I have in my life, I have no idea how to live in this modern age with any sort of direction or credibility.
But truth be told, I'm thankful to be in another country this new year's end- that makes three different New Year's celebrations in three different countries. A new city, a new house, a new job (2 of them...), a new church, a new part of the body of Christ, and a new mission field.
..............................................
I often tell my mom how much my heart craves stability, an apartment filled with dishes and cooking tools and teas to open in hospitality to people from all over at any time of day or night. But the truth is, even if I had all of that, I've learned that Americans in this part of the country are just too busy to share in this type of community. My nature is to find fault and try to correct it, but what I am learning is that there is no simple fix for cultural anomaly. It's a constant flux. Just like my life since turning 21... But as I have learned, by default and great pains, how to live in this constant flux, and learned that sometimes you hold on to traditions and make new traditions simply for survival, some semblance of consistency and sanity's sake, sometimes that's just how you have to navigate cultural 'norms'. And I'm also thankful for that.
For as much frustration of constant change we experience and navigate as world travelers and (seeming) transition junkies, it's so so good. I can think of several people off the top of my head who get how difficult transition is- how difficult it is to move to a new place with a new culture and lose a little of your native culture to the new culture just to survive there in contentment a little bit- and what it's like to go back to your native culture and feel torn, misplaced, and confused about your inner identity. Some of these people have moved and lived in 3x the number of places I have. The truth is though, it keeps us so tied to the culture of Christ that we are forced to cling to him with a grip that would rival my grip on the safety harness on the Sheikra ride in Busch Gardens my first time. If we didn't cling so tightly, we'd simply fall off the ride as it were. You wouldn't be able to find us, because we'd be hiding, hurting somewhere underneath the framework of the ride of our current culture. (And if you've been there before, you know exactly what I'm talking about.) If you haven't experienced it before, take my word for it. We are in need of a friendly hand up. Because while we go and move, cling and come back, we don't always get it right. And for that, I apologize for us all- universally. And I thank you for your patience with us- we are often scared and confused. We never look it, because we are always making those 'bold' life-changing decisions, but only by the power which works in us. And sometimes we take our eyes off of that power- just like you- and find ourselves dangling by a thread over a 200 ft drop with nothing but a thread keeping us from plummeting.
But that thread is salvation. And that salvation is what we live for. And why we live the way we do. Jesus said that He didn't even have a place to lay His head- he lived a life of constant flux. He constantly disappointed His family and friends- angered them even. But everything He did was for a purpose- that all would come to know the Father. And that is the only thing that never changed in His life. His desire that all would know the Father. And so that is what I find comfort in this, yet another new situation that leads into yet another new year. 2017. Honestly, every year end, I get incredibly nervous as to what the next new year will bring. I tell God how much I want stability, how much I don't want to keep moving around forever, how much I want to have a family, and how much I want to follow Him even if it means not getting any of those first three desires. The conflict is real, but end desire never changes. I was put here to bring God glory and be used to bring people to know the Father. So really, no matter where that is: what country, city, house, etc that is, I know there will always be consistency in my purpose and goals. And in that, friend, we can both take comfort.
No matter what situation you find yourself in this year end, I encourage you to take heart. Take a step back, and see that no matter what the flux in your life is, He is ever constant and His goal is ever the same. That His people know Him and are known by Him.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
To A Departed Friend
Part of the excitement and tragedy of living overseas and meeting so many new people is that as often as they come and go, some of them you will never get to see again. When I was living in China, I had the privilege to meet a 'Jack Sparrow' look-alike. He would make frequent trips to Xiamen for business and always made the most of his time while there. He was only a rumor to me for the first year I was there and by the second year, I got to meet him in person, and I'm so glad I did. For the remaining year and a half, whenever he was in Xiamen, he made it a point to spend plenty of time with his 'China daughters'. When we found out he had advanced cancer about 7 months ago, we were all shocked and prayed all the more for his healing. Yesterday, he won his battle and passed over the finish line into glory.
Here are just a few words I wish I had gotten to say to him.
....................................................................
Dear Ferd,
Some say you lost your battle with cancer, but I think you just finished your task early and got your prize earlier than expected. I'm sure sad that I'll not see you again on this earth, that's not at all how I'd planned it or hoped for, but I guess Daddy thought now was a better time than ever to welcome you home.
I have a few things I want to say to you though.
I want to say thank you for showing me that there are good men in the world who love the Lord and care about us single people. Thank you for reminding me that I can trust people. :) Thank you for being the change in the time and place you had been given. I hope I can do that with the same gusto you did it with. Your reputation surely preceded you and I was privileged to get to meet you.
I remember how you were the first person I told that I was moving to Germany and how excited you got for me and how much you gushed about Germany and German men, and how I should marry a good German boy- a Christian one. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to doing that, but as today is not that day, I'll just giggle about it with those who knew you best.
Thanks for bringing life and energy into every group you joined, and for the awkward lunches that you dragged other unsuspecting single men along to meet us girls in. I don't know anyone else who desired to see us girls in Xiamen marry good Christian men as much as you did. That meant a lot and reminded us all that we are special.
Thanks for proving that you're never to old to grow closer to the Lord and for wanting to bring anyone and everyone along with you as you did that. I wonder how many people you'll see up there as a result of your faithfulness- now what a reward that would be!
I'll miss you, friend. <3
Here are just a few words I wish I had gotten to say to him.
....................................................................
Dear Ferd,
Some say you lost your battle with cancer, but I think you just finished your task early and got your prize earlier than expected. I'm sure sad that I'll not see you again on this earth, that's not at all how I'd planned it or hoped for, but I guess Daddy thought now was a better time than ever to welcome you home.
I have a few things I want to say to you though.
I want to say thank you for showing me that there are good men in the world who love the Lord and care about us single people. Thank you for reminding me that I can trust people. :) Thank you for being the change in the time and place you had been given. I hope I can do that with the same gusto you did it with. Your reputation surely preceded you and I was privileged to get to meet you.
I remember how you were the first person I told that I was moving to Germany and how excited you got for me and how much you gushed about Germany and German men, and how I should marry a good German boy- a Christian one. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to doing that, but as today is not that day, I'll just giggle about it with those who knew you best.
Thanks for bringing life and energy into every group you joined, and for the awkward lunches that you dragged other unsuspecting single men along to meet us girls in. I don't know anyone else who desired to see us girls in Xiamen marry good Christian men as much as you did. That meant a lot and reminded us all that we are special.
Thanks for proving that you're never to old to grow closer to the Lord and for wanting to bring anyone and everyone along with you as you did that. I wonder how many people you'll see up there as a result of your faithfulness- now what a reward that would be!
I'll miss you, friend. <3
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Immer Krank
I've heard it said a thousand times before, "Missionaries get sick more than anyone else, even other expats, don't be discouraged!"
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No matter how many times I've heard it, it doesn't change the fact that every time someone back home asks how I'm feeling and I have to text back, 'I'm great! Just a bit sick right now, but otherwise I'm doing really well!" Everything in me sinks.
Here I am again, on New Year's Eve, sick in bed.
Whether it be the change in climate, humidity, temperature, germs around me, lifestyle, bacteria, etc. I really don't care. The facts remain, my peppermint tea supply is getting low, my essential oils are almost out again, and I'm going through German "Sick tea" like it's water: I'm really tired of getting sick! I used to have an iron immune system- I never got sick. I thought living through China would only strengthen it to titanium. Unfortunately it seems that apparently my immune system broke while there. Depressing, frustrating, and condemning. (Yes, Condemning. Ask any chronically ill person if they feel condemned). While I am not chronically ill, I have taken a new, more grace soaked attitude towards the chronically ill- I have the utmost respect for anyone who can be sick more than they are well and still manage a smile.
Anyways, I got off track a little... I recently finished Practicing the Presence of God and in it Brother Lawrence counsels his friend that he does not wish his friend would get better, but that he would embrace the time that he was ill as a time when God was saying, "I want to be near to you." This perspective shift has done me worlds of good! I figure, if Ive been sick this much, God must really love to spend one-on-one time with me! If only I was so intentional about spending days (literally days) alone with Him.
As I finish out this doozy of a year, full of change and false expectations, victories and challenges, healing and sickness, I hope I never forget the lesson sprinkled (and by sprinkled, I really mean doused) all over it: God wants me. He wants to be alone with me, He wants to be intimate. He wants to be in my head, He wants to be in my heart.
May 2016 truly be a God-saturated year for us all! Invite Him into the parts of you that you've been keeping away, hidden, at a distance. Lay yourself bare before this holy, but gracious God and Father. As His redeemed, we have nothing to fear! Lay yourself bare and enjoy His warm and comforting embrace. Instead of rejection, may you experience His grace and peace afresh, and run back to Him all the more in the face of turmoil, trial and repentance.
Ending this year in bed, sick. But ending this year in bed, sick, and thankful. Never forget. <3
Happy New Year!
................................
No matter how many times I've heard it, it doesn't change the fact that every time someone back home asks how I'm feeling and I have to text back, 'I'm great! Just a bit sick right now, but otherwise I'm doing really well!" Everything in me sinks.
Here I am again, on New Year's Eve, sick in bed.
Whether it be the change in climate, humidity, temperature, germs around me, lifestyle, bacteria, etc. I really don't care. The facts remain, my peppermint tea supply is getting low, my essential oils are almost out again, and I'm going through German "Sick tea" like it's water: I'm really tired of getting sick! I used to have an iron immune system- I never got sick. I thought living through China would only strengthen it to titanium. Unfortunately it seems that apparently my immune system broke while there. Depressing, frustrating, and condemning. (Yes, Condemning. Ask any chronically ill person if they feel condemned). While I am not chronically ill, I have taken a new, more grace soaked attitude towards the chronically ill- I have the utmost respect for anyone who can be sick more than they are well and still manage a smile.
Anyways, I got off track a little... I recently finished Practicing the Presence of God and in it Brother Lawrence counsels his friend that he does not wish his friend would get better, but that he would embrace the time that he was ill as a time when God was saying, "I want to be near to you." This perspective shift has done me worlds of good! I figure, if Ive been sick this much, God must really love to spend one-on-one time with me! If only I was so intentional about spending days (literally days) alone with Him.
As I finish out this doozy of a year, full of change and false expectations, victories and challenges, healing and sickness, I hope I never forget the lesson sprinkled (and by sprinkled, I really mean doused) all over it: God wants me. He wants to be alone with me, He wants to be intimate. He wants to be in my head, He wants to be in my heart.
May 2016 truly be a God-saturated year for us all! Invite Him into the parts of you that you've been keeping away, hidden, at a distance. Lay yourself bare before this holy, but gracious God and Father. As His redeemed, we have nothing to fear! Lay yourself bare and enjoy His warm and comforting embrace. Instead of rejection, may you experience His grace and peace afresh, and run back to Him all the more in the face of turmoil, trial and repentance.
Ending this year in bed, sick. But ending this year in bed, sick, and thankful. Never forget. <3
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
What's Going On....
It's been five months. Five months in a completely different continent, country and culture. Overwhelming, exciting, heartbreaking, and faith-building, these five months have brought me closer to my Savior, broadened my perspective for ministry and grown my patience to whole new levels. So here's a quick recap for you.
..............
In September I began collaborating and working with a stduent group here in Freiburg called Studentum für Christus (Students for Christ). It's an incredible group who's mission is to teach university students how to impact their world right here and right now for the Gospel's sake. This organization is all over Germany, but the group in Freiburg has only recently been restarted after it died down for a few years. The recent 're-founder' (Whom I will refer to as S for security purposes) is actually an alumni of University Freiburg who actually came to know Jesus through the ministry 10 years ago. It's really incredible to see some of the fruit and gain a broad perspective of the organization and really be able to put a focus and goal on reaching the students in this incredible city! This semester our focus has been Discipleship: What is discipleship and how do we do it? S has been teaching sessions (all in German) about community and discipleship. We have already seen our numbers double since last semester and are confident that this is just the very beginning of what God is planning for this city! It's really cool to watch these young people hear (some for the first time) what God intended for His people and how we ought to live with believers and non-believers alike.
So where do I fit in with SFC?
We (SFC) meet collectively once a week for a time of teaching, musical worship, giving, prayer and fellowship. Then, throughout the weeks we plan several activities together to strengthen the bonds of community and really 'do life' together. This semester has been a really crucial semester as there have been many 'seconds' and 'firsts' for the activities that we planned. I am involved with the organization and planning of the group as a whole, so for those weekly meetings I collaborate with our student leaders to come up with uniques and creative ideas to keep the meetings fresh and relevant to all the students we welcome in. I'm excited to say that when I started working with these precious student leaders(SLs), there were many miscommunications and missed deadlines because there was a lack of intentionality and importance put into the projects. However, with time, patience and wisdom, these same SLs are now completing some of their tasks before the deadlines!
I have also been responsible to head up the planning of several bigger events including a Thanksgiving celebration, our very first weekend retreat this past weekend, Christmas Party, and Christmas outing. I also help with logistics and organization of 'in-office' information, as well as one-on-one meetings with students and planning small group activities. I've also really enjoyed leading worship again for the weekly meetings.
In addition to working with SFC, I have the pleasure of helping the families in my house. When I was still in China (almost exactly one year ago), I had a sister in Christ look at me one night and tell me with the utmost certainty that God was providing a community in Germany for me. I had no idea that He was providing a literal community (house) to live in and interact with on a daily basis! Everyone in the house is a believer and it's such a unique blessing to 'do life' under a microscope, as it were. This atmosphere really cultivates openness and transparency with brothers and sisters as we all seek to please God in all that we say and do. I am able to provide childcare for the five children in the house (usually in groups of two-three :P ) to allow their parents a bit of much needed adult/date time and conversation. As a community we get to share meals together and sometimes a cup of tea or coffee when needed most. It's really such a blessing!
I am also attending German classes five times a week for about three hours a day. I am just LOVING learning this new language and have been told that I am learning quickly- which is always encouraging to hear. I've just begun my second module and have about a month in this module before graduating to the next level (close to fluency level). I've had really great opportunities to share Jesus with my classmates and strangers on the street. Please pray for my classmates and the people God brings into my path. This past Tuesday, at our weekly meeting, I prayed that God would keep us aware of the people He puts in our paths and willing/wanting to give generously and graciously- whether financially, emotionally, spiritually, or in our time. I really believe that every person we come into contact with has been placed there specifically to receive something from the Spirit. We are vessels and our words, smiles and body language can change someone's life. I hope and pray that I don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Two questions I get a lot are, "Do you like Germany?" and "How are you adapting to the culture?" In answer to these questions, I absolutely LOVE Germany and have adapted very well to the culture. I have no idea if this is because of my heritage and roots from Germany or if it's simply that this is where God has placed me for this season, but whatever the reason, I'm just really loving and valuing my time here!
In conclusion, please pray for wisdom and endurance for me as I continue to work with SFC. Pray that the Lord will grow this little group into the community He desires and that everything we plan and do will bring honor and glory to His name.
Please pray that I will continue to take in this beautiful language and that God would open my mind and understanding to keep building vocabulary and understanding grammar.
Lastly, I am very short on my monthly support. I'm currently receiving 1/6 of the financial support that I need monthly. Please prayerfully consider if God would be inviting you to join His work here in Freiburg by partnering with me financially. I need about $700 a month, which is shockingly low for expensive Europe. But God has been incredibly faithful to provide low cost of living and minimum monthly expenses. However, if I am not able to present proper financial documents to the visa office, I will not be allowed to stay in Germany. I do believe that God has orchestrated this time and I continue to trust Him to provide for me. I am not allowed to get a job currently because my focus is on partnering with a non-profit organization (SFC) and study language. Under the Language Study visa, I am not officially allowed to work. I am hoping that once I have fluent German I will be able to get a stable job that will provide a visa and good enough hours to continue working primarily with SFC. But until then, I need to raise ample support for my living expenses.
God bless you all, as we are in the middle of this Advent Season. I hope it's bringing the same hope, peace and joy to you that it is to me!
Grace and Peace,
Jo <3
..............
In September I began collaborating and working with a stduent group here in Freiburg called Studentum für Christus (Students for Christ). It's an incredible group who's mission is to teach university students how to impact their world right here and right now for the Gospel's sake. This organization is all over Germany, but the group in Freiburg has only recently been restarted after it died down for a few years. The recent 're-founder' (Whom I will refer to as S for security purposes) is actually an alumni of University Freiburg who actually came to know Jesus through the ministry 10 years ago. It's really incredible to see some of the fruit and gain a broad perspective of the organization and really be able to put a focus and goal on reaching the students in this incredible city! This semester our focus has been Discipleship: What is discipleship and how do we do it? S has been teaching sessions (all in German) about community and discipleship. We have already seen our numbers double since last semester and are confident that this is just the very beginning of what God is planning for this city! It's really cool to watch these young people hear (some for the first time) what God intended for His people and how we ought to live with believers and non-believers alike.
So where do I fit in with SFC?
We (SFC) meet collectively once a week for a time of teaching, musical worship, giving, prayer and fellowship. Then, throughout the weeks we plan several activities together to strengthen the bonds of community and really 'do life' together. This semester has been a really crucial semester as there have been many 'seconds' and 'firsts' for the activities that we planned. I am involved with the organization and planning of the group as a whole, so for those weekly meetings I collaborate with our student leaders to come up with uniques and creative ideas to keep the meetings fresh and relevant to all the students we welcome in. I'm excited to say that when I started working with these precious student leaders(SLs), there were many miscommunications and missed deadlines because there was a lack of intentionality and importance put into the projects. However, with time, patience and wisdom, these same SLs are now completing some of their tasks before the deadlines!
I have also been responsible to head up the planning of several bigger events including a Thanksgiving celebration, our very first weekend retreat this past weekend, Christmas Party, and Christmas outing. I also help with logistics and organization of 'in-office' information, as well as one-on-one meetings with students and planning small group activities. I've also really enjoyed leading worship again for the weekly meetings.
In addition to working with SFC, I have the pleasure of helping the families in my house. When I was still in China (almost exactly one year ago), I had a sister in Christ look at me one night and tell me with the utmost certainty that God was providing a community in Germany for me. I had no idea that He was providing a literal community (house) to live in and interact with on a daily basis! Everyone in the house is a believer and it's such a unique blessing to 'do life' under a microscope, as it were. This atmosphere really cultivates openness and transparency with brothers and sisters as we all seek to please God in all that we say and do. I am able to provide childcare for the five children in the house (usually in groups of two-three :P ) to allow their parents a bit of much needed adult/date time and conversation. As a community we get to share meals together and sometimes a cup of tea or coffee when needed most. It's really such a blessing!
I am also attending German classes five times a week for about three hours a day. I am just LOVING learning this new language and have been told that I am learning quickly- which is always encouraging to hear. I've just begun my second module and have about a month in this module before graduating to the next level (close to fluency level). I've had really great opportunities to share Jesus with my classmates and strangers on the street. Please pray for my classmates and the people God brings into my path. This past Tuesday, at our weekly meeting, I prayed that God would keep us aware of the people He puts in our paths and willing/wanting to give generously and graciously- whether financially, emotionally, spiritually, or in our time. I really believe that every person we come into contact with has been placed there specifically to receive something from the Spirit. We are vessels and our words, smiles and body language can change someone's life. I hope and pray that I don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Two questions I get a lot are, "Do you like Germany?" and "How are you adapting to the culture?" In answer to these questions, I absolutely LOVE Germany and have adapted very well to the culture. I have no idea if this is because of my heritage and roots from Germany or if it's simply that this is where God has placed me for this season, but whatever the reason, I'm just really loving and valuing my time here!
In conclusion, please pray for wisdom and endurance for me as I continue to work with SFC. Pray that the Lord will grow this little group into the community He desires and that everything we plan and do will bring honor and glory to His name.
Please pray that I will continue to take in this beautiful language and that God would open my mind and understanding to keep building vocabulary and understanding grammar.
Lastly, I am very short on my monthly support. I'm currently receiving 1/6 of the financial support that I need monthly. Please prayerfully consider if God would be inviting you to join His work here in Freiburg by partnering with me financially. I need about $700 a month, which is shockingly low for expensive Europe. But God has been incredibly faithful to provide low cost of living and minimum monthly expenses. However, if I am not able to present proper financial documents to the visa office, I will not be allowed to stay in Germany. I do believe that God has orchestrated this time and I continue to trust Him to provide for me. I am not allowed to get a job currently because my focus is on partnering with a non-profit organization (SFC) and study language. Under the Language Study visa, I am not officially allowed to work. I am hoping that once I have fluent German I will be able to get a stable job that will provide a visa and good enough hours to continue working primarily with SFC. But until then, I need to raise ample support for my living expenses.
God bless you all, as we are in the middle of this Advent Season. I hope it's bringing the same hope, peace and joy to you that it is to me!
Grace and Peace,
Jo <3
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Du Machst Alles Neu
Du machst alles neu,
Jeden Tag und für immer
Jeden Tag und für immer
besteht deine Liebe
Die Hoffnung vergeht nie
Halleluja!
………………………………..
My German took a break for about a month. My browser wouldn't update so I wasn't able to continue my online program, much to my chagrin. I had been studying hardcore and God was equipping. My German is now better than my Chinese. How does that work? I have no idea...The only thing I can say is that I have a people to go to now. He's given me a people. He has a people. One nation, many faces, many languages, but still one nation. And I get a people! One of many to come, but I'm so excited.
As I continue to prepare for our Sunday departure from this 'home' in China one last time, I take a moment and listen to testimonies of what God is doing in Germany already. People are being healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A country is being re-claimed for His kingdom. A people is being called out. Those from 153 other countries partaking in the awakening are going back to their churches and sharing Jesus and the gospel with their local body. Thousands being empowered with the Word of God. This is really happening!
Tears. Tears of joy, tears of hope, tears of amazement. Tears.
I open my German program online and (as my browser finally updated) I begin to study again. As I study, I have my German music playlist on in the background (Full immersion). Du Machst Alles Neu plays. It means, "You Make All Things New".
Tears.
Promises. Pasts. Redemption. Israel. Judah. Prophets. Promises. Fear broken. Droughts over. Fields ripe with harvest. Promises. Flowers bloom. Heavens open and a holy rain pours down onto a parched and barren land.
I've been reading through Joel, Haggai, and Zechariah and have seen so many promises from the Lord Almighty to His people… If they would turn to the Lord and acknowledge Him as Lord and King, He would be merciful and gracious to them, for He is a merciful and gracious God. He said that if they would weep and fast over the people, He would turn His ear to them. If they would 'rend your hearts and not your garments', and return to the Lord, He would relent and leave a blessing. They did as the Lord Almighty required and He was gracious and slow to anger with them, He blessed them and their harvest was plentiful, their land prospered and they were in fellowship with the One God.
Die Hoffnung vergeht nie
The hope never goes away.
Has your hope gone from you? One of the speakers at the recent #AwakeningEurope conference in Europe spoke to the Germans and said that they no longer had shame of a past regime. They had a new inheritance. Their Father had placed a ring on their finger to symbolize the Power of God, a robe on their backs to symbolize the Royalty of our King, and sandals on their feet because they were made for purity.
Christian in America, have you lost hope for your country or government? Are you ashamed of what your country has become? Stop.
Your Father has come to greet you and place a ring on your finger, robe on your back, and sandals on your feet. You are pure. You are royal. You have power. You have a Father who loves you and is proud of you, so it doesn't matter what any other person in your life says to you, because this is your identity, a Child of the King.
Find hope in Hope Himself. Find love in Love Himself!
Ich will Dich loben, ich will Dich loben, ich will Dich loben, Du bist mein Gott.
Monday, June 29, 2015
My Letter to You
[9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, [10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. [11] May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. [13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14 ESV)
…………………………………..
My dear friends, followers, and family in Christ. I'm writing a sort of 'update blog that is riddled with prayer requests.
As you know, my time in China seems to have come to an end and my time on a new continent is to begin. I firmly believe that God has called me to Germany, "for such a time as this". I have received many promises and prophecies concerning the work that our amazing King has already begun, in Europe (as well as the rest of the world). Such unrest on this planet and in the hearts and souls of so many of this planet's inhabitants can only point to a Divine appointment approaching rapidly!
I am confident that the Lord is not finished with this green (or blue, depending on the documentary you watch) planet and I cannot contain my excitement, so when I say I am just so, SO excited about this move and all that He is doing here and in Germany, please know that it doesn't even hold a candle to how excited I really am. :P
Today my roommate and I will move to our "summer place", as it has been affectionately deemed. This being an adorable little apartment with a full sea view (and a nice little pool), that some Canadian friends have so graciously offered us to stay in for the 3 weeks we will remain in China post-lease for us. So today I sit on my bed and look out at the construction being done on the Exhibition center that has been my "back yard" for the last year and think how "normal" and "fine" that center was before they started adding to it and changing the layout so many months ago. I've had to endure weeks of little to no sleep due to the banging and pounding and sawing and hammering that has gone on in those months. But why? What's the point. It looked fine already and the Center seemed to be in full use and capacity.
But isn't that the attitude we Christians often take to this world? Sure there are problems that only Jesus can fix, but as long as we stay in our bubble (which has become scarily accepted in most cultures I observe), why do anything to shake things up or change the appearance?
My dear, dear friend. Don't you know that God has so much planned for us, His little nation, His Bride? We have been placed here as ambassadors for Christ, and if we are 100% honest with ourselves, we have not been about His business. We've been on a vacation, and He's shaking the very tectonic plates of this world to get our attention! It's time to go to work, it's time to speak the truth in love to EVERY PERSON you come into contact with! Find a way to share His message however you can, this is our calling.
And for this reason, I go to Germany. I'm not sure what my work will look like once I get there, but I know that God has promised the way will be made straight. So I walk forward, once again, trusting Him for the details. (And I thought I knew what that meant the first time I encountered such a decision!)
+Upon arrival in Germany I will jump right into language school. 14-25 weeks of intense German study. Now, language school is not inexpensive, so I would ask that you join me in prayer that God will provide the amount needed. It's looking like $3-5,000 for 14-25 weeks of schooling. I firmly believe that I need to have a good grasp of German as I will be working closely with German students and workers.
If you feel so lead to help with this need, please email me at joball1307@aim.com (yes, I still use my aim account, it's one of the few that's not blocked yet over here! :P) Any and all assistance would be greatly appreciated. The school I have worked in for the last two years in China was not for the paycheck, but the work that I've been a part of there has a much higher reward than a monthly paycheck.
+Once I'm in language school, I need to get a residence permit and work permit. Students must obtain this work permit in order to work more than 40 hours a year. Yes, a year! Please pray that I find favor with the officials that this will not be a problem. My goal is to enter an apprenticeship in a kitchen to be trained more professionally in cooking. This will be both my means of supporting myself while in school, as well as an avenue that will allow me to travel into venues I may not have otherwise had access.
+After language school (the high semester or possibly waiting until the commencing of the new fall school year next year), I will apply to University of Freiburg to undergo a 5-year language and culture program. It is my goal to learn to speak as many languages as I can to be able to speak truth and love to as many nations as I come into contact with.
I do believe this is the course that has been set before me, so I do trust that our Lord will work the details out as I walk, step-by-step with Him. It doesn't mean that it will always be easy, but He has promised never to leave me, so I think I'm pretty safe in that. :) These three bullet points are the most glaring requests that I have for you to remember to our Father, but I would also ask that you join me in asking for divine appointments, both in transit and upon arrival. I'm asking Father for a friend who will come along-side my roommate and I as we start this new journey, to help ease into a new and VERY different culture, to help us with documents and details, and to help us find "family" there we can jump right into.
Thank you all for your help and support these past 3 1/2 years. I had no idea when I started this blog that this would be in my future, but here we are. I look forward to keeping you updated as I start a new chapter in a new country on a new continent. I can only imagine what lies in store!
Grace and Peace to you all,
Jo <3
…………………………………..
My dear friends, followers, and family in Christ. I'm writing a sort of 'update blog that is riddled with prayer requests.
As you know, my time in China seems to have come to an end and my time on a new continent is to begin. I firmly believe that God has called me to Germany, "for such a time as this". I have received many promises and prophecies concerning the work that our amazing King has already begun, in Europe (as well as the rest of the world). Such unrest on this planet and in the hearts and souls of so many of this planet's inhabitants can only point to a Divine appointment approaching rapidly!
I am confident that the Lord is not finished with this green (or blue, depending on the documentary you watch) planet and I cannot contain my excitement, so when I say I am just so, SO excited about this move and all that He is doing here and in Germany, please know that it doesn't even hold a candle to how excited I really am. :P
Today my roommate and I will move to our "summer place", as it has been affectionately deemed. This being an adorable little apartment with a full sea view (and a nice little pool), that some Canadian friends have so graciously offered us to stay in for the 3 weeks we will remain in China post-lease for us. So today I sit on my bed and look out at the construction being done on the Exhibition center that has been my "back yard" for the last year and think how "normal" and "fine" that center was before they started adding to it and changing the layout so many months ago. I've had to endure weeks of little to no sleep due to the banging and pounding and sawing and hammering that has gone on in those months. But why? What's the point. It looked fine already and the Center seemed to be in full use and capacity.
But isn't that the attitude we Christians often take to this world? Sure there are problems that only Jesus can fix, but as long as we stay in our bubble (which has become scarily accepted in most cultures I observe), why do anything to shake things up or change the appearance?
My dear, dear friend. Don't you know that God has so much planned for us, His little nation, His Bride? We have been placed here as ambassadors for Christ, and if we are 100% honest with ourselves, we have not been about His business. We've been on a vacation, and He's shaking the very tectonic plates of this world to get our attention! It's time to go to work, it's time to speak the truth in love to EVERY PERSON you come into contact with! Find a way to share His message however you can, this is our calling.
And for this reason, I go to Germany. I'm not sure what my work will look like once I get there, but I know that God has promised the way will be made straight. So I walk forward, once again, trusting Him for the details. (And I thought I knew what that meant the first time I encountered such a decision!)
+Upon arrival in Germany I will jump right into language school. 14-25 weeks of intense German study. Now, language school is not inexpensive, so I would ask that you join me in prayer that God will provide the amount needed. It's looking like $3-5,000 for 14-25 weeks of schooling. I firmly believe that I need to have a good grasp of German as I will be working closely with German students and workers.
If you feel so lead to help with this need, please email me at joball1307@aim.com (yes, I still use my aim account, it's one of the few that's not blocked yet over here! :P) Any and all assistance would be greatly appreciated. The school I have worked in for the last two years in China was not for the paycheck, but the work that I've been a part of there has a much higher reward than a monthly paycheck.
+Once I'm in language school, I need to get a residence permit and work permit. Students must obtain this work permit in order to work more than 40 hours a year. Yes, a year! Please pray that I find favor with the officials that this will not be a problem. My goal is to enter an apprenticeship in a kitchen to be trained more professionally in cooking. This will be both my means of supporting myself while in school, as well as an avenue that will allow me to travel into venues I may not have otherwise had access.
+After language school (the high semester or possibly waiting until the commencing of the new fall school year next year), I will apply to University of Freiburg to undergo a 5-year language and culture program. It is my goal to learn to speak as many languages as I can to be able to speak truth and love to as many nations as I come into contact with.
I do believe this is the course that has been set before me, so I do trust that our Lord will work the details out as I walk, step-by-step with Him. It doesn't mean that it will always be easy, but He has promised never to leave me, so I think I'm pretty safe in that. :) These three bullet points are the most glaring requests that I have for you to remember to our Father, but I would also ask that you join me in asking for divine appointments, both in transit and upon arrival. I'm asking Father for a friend who will come along-side my roommate and I as we start this new journey, to help ease into a new and VERY different culture, to help us with documents and details, and to help us find "family" there we can jump right into.
Thank you all for your help and support these past 3 1/2 years. I had no idea when I started this blog that this would be in my future, but here we are. I look forward to keeping you updated as I start a new chapter in a new country on a new continent. I can only imagine what lies in store!
Grace and Peace to you all,
Jo <3
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Change in the Wind
Well, here it is!
My big news.
………………….
I started writing this blog as a way to keep you all connected, in some small way, to me, what God teaches me, and my life here in China. I haven't always been on top of it, but that time has come to an end. My adventure in China has come to an end….at least for now.
After a lot of prayer and information gathering, I will be moving to Germany this summer!
It's a huge step for me and, in many ways, feels like more of a step of faith than my move to China (crazy how that works, right??) .
I will be going back to school, but this time not as a teacher. That's right, I'm going to be a student again! I will be going to a small city in South Western Germany, about 5k from France and 20k from Switzerland. My goal is to enroll in a program in Romance Studies (no, not the mushy stuff). I will, Lord willing, have the opportunity to study 4-5 European languages while studying culture and history. I am also looking for an apprenticeship in cooking while I am there.
This is a huge change for me, but I am very excited about it (Who wouldn't want to study and learn cooking in Europe??). I believe that this is the next step that Abba has for me and I'm so glad He is going with me!
As a side note, as I study German (try studying German in China….it's so beyond any challenge that you can imagine…) and look at pictures of the city I will be moving to, I can't wait to have a plethora of fresh cheeses, sausages, and breads!
I would really appreciate your prayers as I make this ginormous transition from teaching in Asia to studying in Europe. While it is very exciting, it is also very difficult. In many ways, I had begun to look at China as my earthly 'home' and had begun to sink roots here. Leaving my school- my students and co teachers- is really very hard for me, and I'm currently going through transition emotions that I never knew existed before. This is all quite uncharted transition for me.
Ways to pray?
1. Confidence even when the move gets difficult.
I believe God is in this move, but that doesn't mean that I won't struggle with doubts along the way. Prayers for confidence and wisdom are coveted.
2. Finances to make the move/live.
While my school here will pay for the ticket to fly over there, I will still be covering the expenses along the way- extra luggage fees, food and hostels along the way, etc.
While many universities in Germany are tuition free, I will still have to pay for living expenses, student fees, and health insurance. I mentioned earlier my desire to work as an apprentice in a kitchen, but until the paycheck comes in, things will be very tight.
3. Language Tests
Well I am going for language study already, but in order to make it into my program, I will need to pass the exams for a very high level of German first. I may take the first semester in Germany to do a focused language study at the university, but that will go back to request #2…Language school is not tuition free…. :)
4. Body
I feel strongly that this move will be to join God's work with a local body in the city I'm moving to. Pray that I will find that body quickly once arriving and that He will provide a network there that will help with transitions. Also pray that God will prepare me to receive and give in the local body there.
I can't even tell you enough how excited I am to finally get to share this news with you.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your support through prayer and encouragement!
Tschüss!! =)
My big news.
………………….
I started writing this blog as a way to keep you all connected, in some small way, to me, what God teaches me, and my life here in China. I haven't always been on top of it, but that time has come to an end. My adventure in China has come to an end….at least for now.
After a lot of prayer and information gathering, I will be moving to Germany this summer!
It's a huge step for me and, in many ways, feels like more of a step of faith than my move to China (crazy how that works, right??) .
I will be going back to school, but this time not as a teacher. That's right, I'm going to be a student again! I will be going to a small city in South Western Germany, about 5k from France and 20k from Switzerland. My goal is to enroll in a program in Romance Studies (no, not the mushy stuff). I will, Lord willing, have the opportunity to study 4-5 European languages while studying culture and history. I am also looking for an apprenticeship in cooking while I am there.
This is a huge change for me, but I am very excited about it (Who wouldn't want to study and learn cooking in Europe??). I believe that this is the next step that Abba has for me and I'm so glad He is going with me!
As a side note, as I study German (try studying German in China….it's so beyond any challenge that you can imagine…) and look at pictures of the city I will be moving to, I can't wait to have a plethora of fresh cheeses, sausages, and breads!
I would really appreciate your prayers as I make this ginormous transition from teaching in Asia to studying in Europe. While it is very exciting, it is also very difficult. In many ways, I had begun to look at China as my earthly 'home' and had begun to sink roots here. Leaving my school- my students and co teachers- is really very hard for me, and I'm currently going through transition emotions that I never knew existed before. This is all quite uncharted transition for me.
Ways to pray?
1. Confidence even when the move gets difficult.
I believe God is in this move, but that doesn't mean that I won't struggle with doubts along the way. Prayers for confidence and wisdom are coveted.
2. Finances to make the move/live.
While my school here will pay for the ticket to fly over there, I will still be covering the expenses along the way- extra luggage fees, food and hostels along the way, etc.
While many universities in Germany are tuition free, I will still have to pay for living expenses, student fees, and health insurance. I mentioned earlier my desire to work as an apprentice in a kitchen, but until the paycheck comes in, things will be very tight.
3. Language Tests
Well I am going for language study already, but in order to make it into my program, I will need to pass the exams for a very high level of German first. I may take the first semester in Germany to do a focused language study at the university, but that will go back to request #2…Language school is not tuition free…. :)
4. Body
I feel strongly that this move will be to join God's work with a local body in the city I'm moving to. Pray that I will find that body quickly once arriving and that He will provide a network there that will help with transitions. Also pray that God will prepare me to receive and give in the local body there.
I can't even tell you enough how excited I am to finally get to share this news with you.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your support through prayer and encouragement!
Tschüss!! =)
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