How Can Success in Missions be Measured?

Numbers?

Learning?

Smiles?

If the snack is good, they will come! Lots! So numbers probably are not a good ruler to measure success. On the days we take lots of young people along, have a special program or give our prizes, we are famous.

Then there are the days when kids show up, ask what the snack is, and leave! Some kids ask as soon as I get out of the car, What did you bring today? I always say, A really nice Bible story.

Some days there are not as many kids or adults, but the ones that come listen well and seem to learn. On those quieter visits, we have more time to talk and invest in lives.

I guess in the whirlwind and the fire of much activity, it's harder to hear that still, small voice of God's message. God loves you. He wants you. Today's the day you need to decide.

Some weeks are discouraging with rowdy kids, a lack of commitment on the part of adult Bible study students, and no-shows among our assistants. But as I was reminded most recently by my wise partner, pal, and friend - Pastor Byron, We just keep going and leave the rest to God.

Pray for us. Our home Bible studies are winding down and we hope to migrate to weekly public meetings at the house we are renting in Lage in the next few weeks.

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:7

Comments

The Sun is Not Yet Set

Byron, the guy in the white helmet, turns 61 today. That's our son, Byron the Third in the black helmet. He'll be 30 on his next birthday at the end of the year. My husband and I were close to thirty ourselves when we had our first son. Lately it seems that every other day or so someone wants to know "When we are going to retire?" Sometimes it feels more like, "When are you going to leave" is the real question, but that's a story for another post sometime. Has the sunset on our work and ministry in Brazil? Is it time to hang our hats and pack it all up. Are we too old? Too old for what? Too old to tell others about the love of God? Too old to preach and teach? Too old to ride a motorcycle on dirt roads? Okay, you may have us on that last one! It took a few days to recover from our 8 days of motorcycle travel with our oldest and his wife last month. It took a few weeks to recover from all the bumps and aches of our ...

The Big Orange Cat

Do you boys remember that big orange cat at the mission house in North Carolina? That was a special day for me. I don't have a new story for this Friday. I've had a long week, but my mind kept going back to that cat this week as I thought about what I would post for you boys today. Click on the link down below to go back to my big people blog and reread the cat story if you like. Oh, by the way, this morning I made a special trip down to the other end of our town to see the guinea pigs being sold at a grocery store. This particular store sells medicine and feed for all kinds of animals. This month they are selling guinea pigs, baby chickens, and dachshund puppies! Their guinea pigs looked very healthy. They are selling them for BR$10 each or BR$15 for a pair. Uncle Byron said that he was glad I didn't bring any home with me! One more thing - this week a mama possum came in our yard. The dogs chased it and Girl Dog let out a squ...

My Promise Verse

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. This verse has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager. When I was a high school senior at a Christian school in Virginia, Job 23:10 was chosen as our class theme verse. At our graduation commencement, the valedictorian and saludatorian in their addresses that day divided the verse in its two natural parts as a basis for the core of each one's address. I was the salutatorian of my senior class that year. I chose to speak of how God would one day reward our faithfulness and thus, we should always strive to remain true. For many years though, the first part of the verse haunted me in a way. As a missionary especially when times were lonely or difficult, I assumed it was my "trial" or "test," and as such must be accepted in all humility. As I have grown older, I have begun to look more toward the pearly gates and have reconsidered the thr...

Cactus Flower

Search This Blog