Expect the Unexpected by Grant Brown

What does that mean?  If I expect the unexpected, then it would no longer be the unexpected. Still it is good advice because it helps us not to rule anything out.  It helps us to avoid saying, 'Nah, that will never happen."  What we think will never happen is precisely what we should expect.  It really means not to be surprised when unexpected things happen.  The walk of faith is a walk with God in which we should never rule anything out.  God loves to surprise us with the unexpected.

Which is why I'm surprised to find myself going to Ukraine for the second time this year.  The first time was rather unexpected, but the Lord laid an opportunity before Fern and me in the spring of this year to teach English in Ukraine with a ministry sponsored by CRU.  CRU arranges evening classes for University students who want to learn conversational English, taught by English speakers from English speaking countries.  After a very positive experience in March, I was open to going again next spring.  Then the unexpected happened.  An invitation came to go back this fall.  Gulp!

Fern and I looked at each other and could not think of a good reason to say "No."  Fern began to tell others of the opportunity, and as a result, God has called out a team of eight who are planning to go this fall.  Four are from Woodland Community Church in Westboro, Terry and Karen Voltz, Sandy Kauer and Rochel Dolezalek.  The other four are from FBC, Dough Thomas, Rita Clark, Fern and myself.  Steve and Kelly Schafer are involved in training and support as we go.  All are seasoned followers of Christ and eager to share His love with young people.

The unexpected is almost upon us. Our dates are set-September 23-October 9 and tickets bought.  We invite you to join us.  I don't mean literally, but spiritually; by investing your time in prayer.We ask that you hold us up to our Heavenly Father each day from now until we return. 

Together we will be praying for:

•  the Cru staff during screening and selection of students.  (Many students will be freshmen from cities and towns around the country, plus they will be strangers to one another.)
• God to prepare the hearts and minds of the students
• as the Gospel is presented in English the students will comprehend its message
• stamina for the Cru staff as they follow up with students (many times they are on Social media late into the night, answering students questions)
• the door to this ministry main remain open into the future
• for our physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs

Worldly events often give us pause, but God can keep doors open when things look bleak to us.
Finally, I hope you will pray that we will trust God when the unexpected comes our way.

                                  TEAM OF 8   (Back row) Grant Brown, Fern Brown, Doug Thomas, Terry Voltz                                           (Front row) Sandy Kauer, Rita Clark, Rachel Dolezalek, Karen Voltz

August 25, 2016

In preparation for the upcoming Ukraine Mission Trip, we have been asked to include one or two of our favorite verses in our testimonies.  If you are like me there are so many that I love, but two that have always been so very close to my heart are below.

Acts 16:31-Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household. NIV

2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  NIV

Do you ever compare verses from other translations.  I like to.  Many times just one little word makes me see our Lord as I hadn't before.  

In checking the verses above in the Message Bible I found-

Acts 16:31 “Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you’ll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!”

2Peter 3:9 God isn’t late with His promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.

As we prepare for English Club, I ask that you join us in praying that each team member can demonstrate our complete trust in our Master Jesus.  That our lives will shine with His Light, His Love, His Joy and His Peace.  And please pray for the Students we will be working with.  I like to pray scripture by personalizing it with the names of those on my prayer list.  Even though we don't have the names of the students, God knows them each by name, so we can pray....

God isn't late with His promise as some measure lateness,  He is restraining Himself on account of YOU, Students of English Club! God is holding back the End because He doesn't want anyone lost, and that includes you dear student.  He wants none to perish, but everyone of you to come to repentance. So put your entire trust in our Master and Lord, Jesus.  Then you will live as you were meant to live.  For our Lord, Jesus Christ is faithful and true, and it is in His Name we pray.

August 15, 2016

Thank you for your prayers.  Our meeting at the Brown's was packed with information about the upcoming English Club Trip and as always, it was a blessing to see team members learn more about each other.  God has brought this 'team of 8' together as only He could.

We had the opportunity to review a sample lesson plan and ask questions.  What seemed intimidating at first proved to be very understandable and even thought provoking.  Several shared personal testimonies, it was wonderful to see how God's love reaches each of us in different times of our lives, and yet powerful to see the hope and blessing His love provides.  We are blessed to have Steve Schaefer as mentor for our group and the Browns, who have actually taught English Club last spring, as part of our team.

Your prayers for wisdom are appreciated, as we prepare our hearts and minds to be focused on the mission ahead of us.  Thank you for your partnership.  We together are a team, and your prayers are priceless!

Sunday August 14, 2016

Our Kiev English Club team is meeting today at Fern and Grant Browns, and that includes each of you!  Whether you are joining us physically or spiritually we are all on the same team for Christ. 
The email for today's meeting includes prayer, preparation and planning.  We will be using this blog to share our thoughts, photos, updates and of course prayer requests.  Below is a picture of the Ukraine for reference.  May God's blessings be on us all 'for His Glory', as the days and weeks unfold.