Going4the1

Crossroads

2009-07-04T12:33:00.002-04:00

Well, the time has come. We leave Orlando on 10 July for a few days to visit family in New York and Vermont. On 13 July we board a plane in Boston for the flight "home".
What has been a lifetime in coming is now just mere days away. What has been a dream, a plan, at times a mirage, is now all too real. We've never been so excited, scared, awestruck, humbled, amazed, dumbfounded, giddy, crazy go nuts, puzzled, pumped, and blessed all at the same time.

We'll be in Bedworth on 14 July, and the first couple of weeks will be spent finding a place to live, acclimating to the new weather and time zone, figuring out how to get around town, getting phones, finding a new internet provider, wondering if Paul can adapt to the UK formulation of Dr Pepper, waiting for our stuff to arrive, learning to ride the bus 'til we buy a car, learning the language, finding a knitting club for Mary, and then somewhere in early August, officially assuming our positions with NLI.

This could not have happened without the grace of God and the love and support of so many friends and family members. Our deepest thanks to you all. We will be sending updates as we get settled in and more as we start the work for which you've sent us.

We have asked time and time again for your prayers, and unashamedly will continue to do so. In fact we'll do it right now;
There is one specific financial need for which we seek fervent prayer; as of this morning, to meet our monthly budget, we need $850/mo to make this adventure a sustainable reality. Between the generous gifts already provided, and the monthly and yearly pledges, we have the first two years covered. The balance is needed to secure the third year of our commitment. We know God would not have set us out on this trek without providing for our financial and physical needs. If you have questions about how this whole support thing works, why it is needed, or how you can join in the adventure and the blessing Please contact us
Would you please also pray for our safety as we travel, for finding a new home, for our health, for our sanity as we adjust to being away from so many we'll love and miss, for patience, not so much for us, but for those who will be training us and teaching us, for Europe and the work NLI is so deeply involved with, for the safe arrival of our clothing and other items being shipped to the UK, and for our faith, this is the first time we have ever been so reliant on God's provision.

This might be the road less traveled, but it is the road we take.

Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Stay in touch via email: mary@going4th1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.

In God's Country

2009-06-10T21:07:00.008-04:00

Why don't our brains come with a rewind feature? Granted we have our memories, or at least part of them, but they can be fickle and unreliable. As the clock ticks towards our July departure I was recounting the amazing series of events that have occurred over the past two years. What started as a conversation in a car has turned into one of the single most life changing decisions we've ever made. Part of me would love to have a video of everything that has happened, and everyone involved, to bring us to this point. We know there has been sacrifice, blessing, prayers, tears, and support both spiritual and natural from so many people. We are blessed to know you're part of the team.

So what lies ahead? Where to next? Or as many people have asked...why are you doing this???
Granted the who/what/when/where/how answers are easy to communicate. The "why" is so multi-faceted, kaleidoscopic, and rather hard to define. But in an effort to provide an answer, we've provided a short video that helps share what we've see with our eyes, know in our minds, and feel in our hearts. You'll want to have your speakers on.

For those of you on Facebook, the a larger format of the video is also posted there in our group "going4the1"

Questions? Comments? Recipes? Feel free to contact us: mary@going4the1.com or paul@going4the1.com

We're running on faith, but we're not running alone.

Where do we go from here

2009-05-06T20:02:00.002-04:00

Wow!!!! What an incredible month it has been. Each day has contained yet another answer to prayer and more confirmation God is involved in this adventure.

The biggest news is the house is sold!!!!!!! In one of the worst housing markets in decades, God used a garage sale and someone who has a cousin in Brazil looking for a vacation home, to help us over one of the largest hurdles in our path.

There's more; we could not, in good conscience, expect to be out in the mission field and burdened by personal debt. As of about two weeks ago we paid off our last creditor. C'mon Jesus!!!!!!

It keeps coming; 12 June will be Paul's last day at work, just in time for birthday # 52. This will free us both to finishing packing, saying good-byes, and getting the last of the support base together.

So, where do we go from here??? After almost 18 months of preparation we're about 10 weeks from the final move. Now we know how runners and cyclists feel when they "hit the wall". You feel like you've poured everything you have into the race thus far. You ache, your limbs are threatening to leave you, and the next few seconds determine if you stop or rally that last erg of energy to push on through.

We've decided to push on through. We are fully trusting God in this, because only insane people would sell their house, quit their jobs, and seek their financial support from others, without divine intervention. Now more than ever we covet your prayers. Because, as you know, we're running on faith, but we're not running alone.

The vision is too big, the mission to important to back down. Mary sums it up quite nicely;
"My vision for the next 3, 6, 9 years is to see nations changed from the children up. As leaders from different countries come into partnership with NLI, the children's ministry will have an impact on each church, each town, each province, each nation. God has given me a heart for kids and I look forward to being a “Nana to the Nations” wherever He calls us to work. The first step will be bringing the children to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. When the adults see the faith of their children, my prayer is they will be softened and become curious about this Jesus. Thus begins the saving of a nation, one child, then one family at a time. Will it be easy? Who knows, but whoever said doing what is right is easy?"

Praise report: Scroll back to the top of the page.

Prayer needs: We know God has called us to Europe. We also know He has made provision for the wherewithal to make this a physical reality.
Our prayer requests would be;
>Wisdom, as we seek those who would be part of the support team
>Boldness, as we overcome our doubts and anxieties.
>Favour, as we share the vision, the adventure, and the opportunity to join in what God is doing in Europe.
>Patience, as we trust in God's timing, not ours.
>Provision, as we complete the raising of the last $1800.00 of monthly support needed.

We thank you for your continued interest, prayers, and encouragement.
Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Our House...is a very very fine house....

2009-04-10T15:54:00.002-04:00

Anyone out there good at calculating odds??? Please let me know what are the chances of this string of events occurring:
1) We have a garage sale
2) Someone happens to come by and they notice the house is for sale
3) They have a family member in Brazil (as in South America) looking for a vacation home in Florida (as in where we live)
4) This couple also know our realtor.
5) Mary shows them the house, and they think the buyer would be interested.
6) Mary mentions the furniture is also for sale, they think the buyer would also be interested in that.
7) The buyer is comes to Florida two days after the garage sale.
8) We have an offer on the house the following Wednesday.
9) The buyer is paying cash.
10) He is also buying the furniture
11) He also is renting us the house thru mid-July
12) The inspections were yesterday.
13) The closing is next Friday.

You can thinks this was just an amazing string of happy coincidences, or you can agree with Mary and I that God has been involved with this every step of the way.

Looking back at the way He sold the house, how can we doubt that He would not also make certain to put us in touch with those needing to give so that we can go??

As they say at our home church...c'mon Jesus!!!!!!

Where do the children play?

2009-04-01T22:10:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our first interactive newsletter. No boring two-dimensional text-only message this time around...no way. You are in for a real treat in just a minute or two. Think of it as 3-D for your mind.

In order for this to work you need to be properly prepared. Please turn down any music or any other distractions. Get comfortable, and if you need a drink of water or tea, get it now. We'll wait...

OK, you're back. Thank you. First step read the next two lines and follow the directions exactly as written, any deviation from the instructions will greatly diminish the outcome.

1) Think of yourself dressed as a clown.
2) Close your eyes and get a full mental view of what you'd look like. Take about 30-60 seconds then open your eyes.

Done? Good. So what do you look like as a clown? How big were your shoes? What colour was your hair? Big red nose? Squirting flower?? Happy clown? Sad clown? Were you more Emmett Kelly or Bozo?

Personally I've never dressed up as a clown. But I know someone who has. This person has actually made her own costume, bought the crazy wigs and make up. She has amused children with her antics in Haiti, the Czech Republic, and Nicaragua. Unable to speak the language in any of those nations she has broken down the cultural barriers and reached the hearts of hundreds of children.

But beneath the silly face and hair, intertwined with the games, the balloons and tricks, is a message some of these kids have never, ever heard. It is simple, it is deliver with love, grace, and a deep humility. Over each of the children she has ever hugged or tickled she has let them know that God loves them. She lets them know Jesus dies so that they may live. She lets them know they matter to the Maker of the Universe.

It may seem too simple, almost trivial. But in Europe where the past 4 or 5 generations have lived in nations without the freedom to know of God, this message is now more important than ever. Thankfully there are people like my wife willing to pour her love out on those young lives. Thankfully Next Level International has recognized the importance of adding children's ministry to their responsibilities. Thankfully they also recognize that Mary's heart beats with love for kids and she gets to help shape this new ministry. This is why I called her "Nana to the Nations".

If helping reach the children of Europe for Christ is important to you feel free to become part of the adventure through your financial support, prayers, or personal involvement.

Praise report: The housing market is starting to improve here in Orlando. This past weekend we had two realtors let us know they had clients interested in our property....we've passed the 47% mark towards our financial goal...and we now have the ability to accept donations via PayPal.

Prayer needs: For that one buyer who sees our house as their new home...for new prayer and support partners...for patience, patience, and more patience.

Thank you for your interest, support, prayers, friendship and love.
Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Waiting for my real life to begin

2009-03-07T11:12:00.002-05:00

Just in case you thought we were crazy for doing what we're doing, let me share this story from our friends at NLI....looks like we'll be in some very good company.

Have you ever stepped out in faith, left the comfort and security of what you had known, trusted, and been a part of for a while to start something new? To go and do something that you had always wanted to do, but weren’t sure if it would work, knowing it would not be as easy or secure as what you were leaving? Yet something inside you just knew you really had no choice, if you wanted to keep dreaming, thriving, living, you had to go and do this no matter the cost.

This is what Nelu Chirita in Galati Romania did as part of the NLI church planting project in South East Romania. Nelu was the leader of the largest church in the city of Galati. He had lead this church for over seven years and was comfortable and well established in that community. However God was doing something in Nelu that he could not shake. You see God had burdened Nelu’s heart for the city of Galati. Galati is the most under evangelized city in Romania; with a population of around 300,000 inhabitants and only 7 evangelical churches. Nelu knew that God was calling him to leave the comfort and security of his well established church and to venture into a new location of the city and establish something, fresh and new.

So last year Nelu began to do that, with the support of 50 members of his previous church he moved across the city into a rented building to start a new church just down the street from a couple of schools. He stepped out in faith and said, “Jesus, I am going to do this because you have given me this desire to reach a new generation in Galati for You.”

Nelu has embraced this challenge head on, stepping out of the traditional mind sets that can be prevalent in Church culture and saying I am willing to do something different to reach someone different. He has opened his building up after school for students to come hang out and build relationships with people from the church. Providing a safe place for them to come, spend time, and play games. He has created opportunities for youth and young people to come and experience Jesus in a real way. Let me tell you that Nelu’s faith has been rewarded. His church has grown to over 80 members and close to 100 people meeting together on a given Sunday in less then a year. Not only that, but Nelu has had many others come see, experience and understand the church and the truth of who Jesus is in a whole new way.

We look forward to the day we will be working with Nelu, and the many others who partner with NLI as they strive to reach Europe with the Good News. Our hearts ache as we yearn for the day when we go from preparation and planning to "All systems are go for launch." . We've been waiting for our real lives to begin...and it is getting so close.

Praise report: The housing market is starting to improve here in Orlando. ..we've passed the 40% mark towards our financial goal...and we now have the ability to accept donations via PayPal.

Prayer needs: For that one buyer who sees our house as their new home...for new prayer and support partners...for patience.

Thank you for your interest, support, prayers, friendship and love.
Paul and Mary.

Maybe I'm Amazed

2009-02-21T18:27:00.001-05:00

From the begining of this journey God has repeatedly shown Himself strong and true to His word. Who would have thought that two 50 year old grandparents would be considered missionary material? Yet the journey has started and we are that much further along the road.

In His most recent display of love and and support, God made it possible for us to be interviewed by a local TV station. Many of you were involved through the questions you submitted in a response to last month's newsletter. Many of you were involved through your prayers and encouragement. Well, now you have the chance to see how it went. The TV station (WTGL TV 45 Orlando) was gracious enough to provide us with a copy of the interview, and the broadcast schedule.

So, here's the broadcast schedule for those of you in Central Florida:

25 Feb 2009 at 7:30 AM, Noon, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.
1 March 2009 at 6:30 PM

For those of you elsewhere, the video has been posted to our blog and for any of you on Facebook, it has been uploaded there too (look for us or for the group "going4the1".

Your feedback, thoughts, and/or comments are always welcome.

Weary not in doing well.
Paul and Mary.

Act Naturally

2009-02-20T17:32:00.006-05:00

We were recently blessed beyond our wildest expectations when given the opportunity to share the vision of our ministry via a television interview on a local TV station. The video had been posted here for your viewing pleasure...I'll tell you now...Mary stole the show!!!

Since You've Asked

2009-02-03T21:19:00.001-05:00

Hello. First and foremost we want to thank everyone for their responses to last month's request. You provided dozens of great potential interview questions. So, after sifting through them, and after much discussion, we've boiled them down to ten. Then we figured, maybe, just maybe, people might want to know what the questions were. Perhaps those same people would also like to know the answers. Sit back, relax, get that mouse scrolling finger ready....here are the first five;

a) How would describe the process you’ve been going through leading up to your move into the world of missions?

It is much like the relationship process that leads one to getting married. Our first short-term mission trips were "blind dates", a chance to meet with this whole idea of missionary work, but with no commitment. With our interest piqued, and our Spirits stirred, we decided there was more to this than the occasional one or two week missions trip. Our relationship with Next Level International had grown over the years, but it was a distance romance. We decided to get a closer look and moved on to the "it is time to meet the family" phase. Multiple visits to Europe to see NLI at work convinced us they were the ministry we would want to work with...so when God "popped the question"...the answer was yes. So as with any newlyweds, we know we will be breaking ties with friends and family, moving on in our lives...and enjoying every step of the way together.

b) What caused your initial interest in Europe?

Our relationship with NLI. Both of us were part of a short term missions trip to the Czech Republic through NLI. We fell in love with the people we met, and with the staff at NLI. A few years later Mary had a chance to volunteer in NLI's office for a week while I attended a pastors training seminar, being presented by NLI, in Serbia. This additional exposure further solidified our relationship with NLI, and the Serbian people I met could not have been any nicer. I still stay in touch with a pastor I met at that conference. As we delved deeper into the possibility of actually becoming missionaries, we realised we had to be able to function within whatever culture we found ourselves. Working with NLI puts us in an English speaking country, but allows us to work with all 47 nations of Europe.

c) Why have you decided to make this level of sacrifice?

This may sound odd, but we don't see it that way. To us we are amazed that we have this opportunity to serve. Yes we have discussed the fact we are leaving all we know behind; our families, our children, our grandchildren...and more. When we leave we will be strangers in a strange land (or lands). But since this idea went from a "some day dream" to an up and coming reality, we feel blessed in the fact that God would find us worthy of the task. We have had to learn a whole new level of trust, dependency, and faith. In it all we are also humbled by the sacrifices being made by those who have offered to support us in this.

d) What are the steps that you have to take before you can land in Europe?

The two "biggies" would be the sale of our home. Granted the current market is unfavourable, to say the least. But fortunately God doesn't read The Wall Street Journal nor The Financial Times. The other one is building a support base, both prayer and financial. Our yearly budget is approximately $42,000 (US). This is God's idea and He has prepared a way for this to all come together. Our responsibility is to find those whom He has put in our path to be partners. Since we will be volunteers, not employees, we will be solely dependent on the blessings of others.

e) What can you tell us about Next Level International insofar as their mission and goals?

NLI started their ministry about 18 years ago, serving in Eastern and Central Europe. They have focused on 3 main areas: leadership training, church planting, and short term missions. The mission at NLI is simply this, to "Empower a whole new generation of radical leaders to equip, transform and expand the Church in Europe." Starting in 2010 their goal is to have a working ministerial relationship in all 47 nations of Europe.

f) What specific responsibilities will each of you have with NLI?

Mary will have a dual role. She will be using her office management/accounting background to fulfill the role of Financial Comptroller....every ministry needs to be good stewards of their finances. But the other part of her schedule will be investing in the creation of a new facet to NLI's overall mission....children's ministry. (Side note: We heard of NLI's plans for their new kids ministry whilst at their Eurosummit Conference in Poland. Once the speaker finished outlining the plans and goals of this exciting new ministry I turned to Mary and said: "That's you. Nana to the nations)

Paul will be working with the Short Term Missions side of things as STM co-coordinator. The Short Term Mission Coordinator is responsible for the coordinating and organization of teams and individuals going on short-term mission into Europe. He will be responsible for promoting teamwork and strong communication between NLI's various partners. This will include trip logistics, and working with churches/organizations at both ends of the process, those willing to send teams and those willing to accept them. Odds are his camera gear may make a few of those trips too.

g) Why Europe when there are many here at home that are unsaved?

Despite the great Spiritual history of Europe; The Reformation/Guttenberg's Bible/24-7 Prayer, just to name a few. Plus, many of us could trace their Salvation Genealogy back to the missionary outpouring from Europe. But decades of socialism, communism, fascism and the like, have left a barren Godless society in their wake. Here in the US there are many unsaved, but they are far from unreached. With the numerous churches, Christian TV and Radio stations,etc it is hard not to have heard of Jesus in this country. Most of Europe is unreached, having been generations since God was allowed in society. The 20-30 year olds in Europe are one of the most lost generations on the planet. The great cathedrals are museums or concert halls. In the vacuum left by communism in Eastern/Central Europe has come drugs, prostitution, consumerism....freedom, but unbridled and without a moral compass.

h) How is the current domestic/global economic upheaval affecting your plans?

Mostly good: The dollar has gained strength over the British Pound which means our support will go that much further.

i) Any fears or doubts?

More apprehensions that fear or doubt. We know life will be different. We know we will be 100% dependent on God's blessing just to make it from day to day. But we also know that there will be a network of prayer and financial supporters who will being right there with us. We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

j) What makes you think you’re qualified to fulfill this call?

We're still thinking this one over. There is nothing special about us. This is just another step in a long series of other steps leading to this point in time. If we have any qualification it is obedience to answer the call.

Questions 67 & 68

2009-01-20T20:25:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone...this update is a trifle different from the rest. We need your help!!!

We have the opportunity to be interviewed on a local TV station, and they are asking us to provide some sample questions. So....if you could ask any question about what/why/how/where or who in relation to our ministry plans....what would they be???
Hit us with the toughest questions you can...or maybe just one or two easy ones....we're open to your input.

Would you take a minute right now as you read this and simply send us an email with your questions?

This is a huge opportunity for us and by bringing your questions with us...well...that makes you part of the interview too.

A million thanks for your responses, prayers, and support.
Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

One more...in the name of love

2008-12-28T15:01:00.006-05:00

Ever hear this one? A young boy is on vacation with his family, and this is the first time he has ever seen the ocean. Very early, on the first morning of their stay, he heads outdoors to walk the beach. The sun is just rising and the tide is out. As his eyes adjust to the growing daylight he realises the beach is covered with starfish, left behind by the receding waters. In a near- frenzy he begins picking up the stranded starfish and running them to water, to safety, away from death. In the midst of countless trips back and forth from sand to sea, he is interrupted by a man passing by. The stranger asks him "What are you doing young man?" "I trying to save all these starfish, they will die in the sun. They must get back into the water!", was the boy's reply. The man looked up the beach at all starfish and told the boy, 'You're wasting your time. You cannot save them all....all you work won't make a difference." The young boy looked up and down the beach, then down at his feet. Picking up one more starfish and casting it back into the sea, he looked the man straight in the eye and said, "It made a difference to that one."

I love the simplicity of that story. The message is so clear, so innocent. In a contest between childlike faith and cold hard reality, my money will always be on the kid.

Does this mean we live in a fairy tale world where everything always comes out right in the end? Is this adventure of ours to serve as missionaries in Europe just some kind of Peter Pan escapism? Or are we just crazy? The answer to at least two of those is definitely a resounding "No."

Granted, interacting with people, especially when we are strangers in their land, is not as simple as casting starfish into the sea. Nor is trying to open their eyes to a God that has been outlawed in their nation for decades. But we are called to go. We seek to save one more...in the name of love.

NLI had over 30 short term mission teams working in Europe this past year. These teams came from across the globe to minister in Slovakia, Romania, Spain, The Czech Republic, Poland and Romania. Over 300 volunteers gave of themselves to share the Good News. Not in massive rallies or outreaches, but in small groups, where they could meet people face to face, Where they could shares prayers, tears, and laughter. Did it make any difference? Allow me to share some feedback from the teams themselves, and you be the judge.

Slovakia>> "In the Crisis Orphanage we entered a room where the children were not familiar with visitors; these precious ones had been horribly abused and many could not even speak because they were so traumatized. Some never smiled, some were fearful of the males in our group. We began to blow up some animal balloons and interact with the children, after 4 hours of playing, skits and having fun almost every child was laughing and squealing with delight. When I asked the director of the home if there was anything we could do to bless them her answer was, 'You already have, just by coming and playing with the children. Apparently many churches come to the home to drop off toys etc. but no one will come in because there are gypsy children in the home, we were the first to actually go in, this was just one of the many open doors of which we were privileged to be a part."

Romania>> “The incredible love and commitment shown by so many local folk, many of whom have been through much persecution, put my own faith in the shade, but I know God used us to bless and be blessed.We have had our hearts and vision enlarged; we have been raised to a higher level of intimacy with God and of hearing the Holy Spirit; and we have returned so excited about who God is and what He can do. Our perspective has changed and we can never be the same again - nor would we want to.”

So there's a peek into the world where we will soon find ourselves. A short trip down roads we will soon travel. You're invited to join us, in prayer, by way of financial support, or perhaps some day coming to see what we see..and joining the adventure as we make a difference to one more...in the name of love.

Praise reports: We have reached 34% of our support goal and are now proud owners of UK Visas. Yipeeee!!!!! (We've been told few people get their visas without some complications, our applications were processed without a hitch)
My employer has been most gracious to allow me to stay on staff until the house is sold. I had intended to leave my job as of 12/31/08.

Prayer requests: The US housing market is in one of its worst slumps ever. Thankfully God doesn't read the paper. Please join us in our petition that the right buyers come at the right time with the right offer. Also, we do need to raise the remaining 2/3 of our support. Your prayers for this are much appreciated. Lastly, would you help us pray for patience? Our hearts are in Europe, but everything else is still here. Thank you.

A Blessed and Happy New Year to all.
Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Here, There, and Everywhere

2008-11-30T20:34:00.002-05:00

Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.... Mary and I had flown to Colorado to visit our favourite second daughter, her hubby, and our favourite #3 grand daughter for Thanksgiving. In the midst of some very enjoyable family time (and cold weather complete with snow) we received word that Mary's mom had passed away. So here it is about 6:30 PM MT and we're getting ready to catch a 1:00AM flight from Denver to NYC and then on to Maine. May we ask for your prayers not only for us as we travel, but also for Mary's brother and sisters as they too make the trip? And for prayer as the decisions, always brought about by someone's death, can be discussed and worked out with grace and understanding? We would certainly appreciate it.

Is there anybody out there?

2008-11-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

A simple, possibly very common question. Odds are every inventor, artist, author and the like, have at least had this question run through their minds. Will anyone listen to my words? Will anyone use my machine? Does anyone like my work?

It almost makes you wonder if Jesus asked the same question (albeit rhetorically) as He began His ministry. Is there anybody out there who is hurting? Lonely? Sick? Unloved? Abandoned? Downcast? Repressed? He knew the answer was a resounding "Yes."

But would the question possibly arise again? Is there anybody out there who would accept His message of Love, Healing, Forgiveness, and Grace? To that there was no guarantee.

When the time came to choose His disciple did Jesus wonder if there was anyone out there who would not only follow Him, but carry on His work once He was gone? Fortunately the answer was "yes". The work of this small group of common men spread the Gospel across the known world, with some of the first missionary trips taking the Good News to Europe.

Fast forward a few thousand years to 2008. Those same nations once visited by the apostles have recently emerged from decades of political control. Since early in the 20th century there was no need for God. The "State" would provide for their needs. Those years of communism, socialism, fascism, nazism, thisism,and thatism, slowly eroded away the hearts and souls of the people. Each new generation knew less of who God was, or why He even mattered.

Today the question gets asked again: In the nations of Europe: Is there anybody out there? Addicted to drugs? Selling their bodies? Considering suicide? Having abortions? Lonely? Sick? Abused? Scared? Crying out in hope there is someone who can make their lives worth living? And statistics paint a horrible picture of the despair of this present generation. As it was 2000 years ago, it is today...the answer is still "yes". The answer is still Jesus, and it is time to bring the Light of the World back to Europe.

So now the question is asked of us, collectively. Is there anybody out there? Willing to pray for the unreached peoples of Europe? Willing to sacrifice (yes sacrifice) to support those going to join the battle? Willing to be part of the solution, part of a legacy, part of the adventure, and part of the blessing?

To those of you whom have already answered "yes" we thank you and truly appreciate you. To those of you who whom might have questions or need more information, feel free to contact us via email: paul@going4the1.com or mary@going4the1.com.

Personal Prayer Requests:
> Our home is for sale...would you join us in prayer for a buyer?
> We are applying for our British visas next week. Would you join us in prayer for a smooth/speedy application process?
> Our financial support. We need to have a least 95% of our support raised prior to our departure. We are currently at 21%. With seven weeks left to go, we truly need your prayers on this one!

Thanks again...everyone. Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

I walk the road, horizons change....

2008-10-25T17:19:00.006-04:00

Why is the most difficult part of a journey the middle?? Perhaps at the beginning we are still close to "home" and we know the way back would be an easy trip...and on the other end, as we draw near to a destination, we trudge on, sometimes crying, often with tears in our eyes and the aches of a hard and difficult journey clinging to our very souls...but we go on with the last steps knowing it will soon all be behind us. The danger is in the middle....when both home and the goal are hidden...when any doubts or fears we brought along now raise their ugly whispers to groans and shouts of defeat and doom. The peril is a sort of paralysis, numbing us, weighing us down, stopping us dead in our tracks. If we stop, the view never changes. If we stop, we never reach the goal. If we stop, the dream dies. I lift my cries to God...He has promised to be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path....and His promises are never broken.

Against the Wind

2008-10-19T12:18:00.003-04:00

This last week has been a tough one for me on many levels. I've described it as suffering from the effects of exposure to Red Kryptonite. My super powers aren't gone, I'm not weakened, just experiencing some things that are unusual to me... like doubt and and borderline despair. I started making a mental list of all that needs to come together to make our move to the UK a reality and suddenly felt like I was sinking under the "reality".

The good news is, this forced me to put our plans in perspective. In an effort to clear my head and allow me to hear what God was saying I turned off all the distractions and prayed for His reassurance. Needless to say...God came through loud and clear...and through a sermon no less!!!

Allow me to paraphrase Matthew 14:22-27: Jesus had just preached to a large crowd and fed thousands of people. He instructs his disciples to get in the boat, head across the lake, and He will meet up with them on the other side. They start rowing (keep in mind this is in the day before radar and weather forecasting) and Jesus dispels the crowd and then goes to a quiet place for a time of prayer.

As the day becomes night and the disciples are well on their way, a storm starts buffeting their boat, to the point they fear for their lives. In the midst of their fear and despair Jesus comes walking across the lake and tells them to be not afraid and as soon as He steps onto the boat...the storm is gone.

I've heard this passage time and time again, but today two very amazing points were brought to light:

1) Jesus sent the disciples on their way intending to meet them on the other side. He knew they would make it, He told them He'd be there when they arrived. Yet they forgot this as they were holding on for dear life.

2) Jesus will stop at nothing to save us from the storms. He defied the laws of nature and physics as He made his way across the lake. He used His heavenly authority to quell the winds and rain.

Lord in the midst of my storms I pray that I never forget you have promised to meet me on the other side. And I praise and thank you for loving me enough to say..."Do not be afraid. I am with you".

Wait a minute, there is another valuable lesson in this! The disciples are in the midst of a raging storm, the waves are crashing against their boat, land is not in sight...they are in trouble...but...they are also where Jesus told them to be. Remember? He sent them on their way. So then, this doesn't mean just because we are being obedient it will always be smooth sailing. No one ever said being a Follower of Christ would be easy.

Moonshadow

2008-10-12T21:26:00.002-04:00

I like taking strolls around our lake (oft times with a fishing pole), these walks give me some much needed quiet time. A few weeks ago on one such stroll I was running thru my mind all the things that need to come together before we leave for England. In the midst of my listing I asked God for His reassurance that all would be well. At that moment I happened to gaze at the sky, and there on the horizon was the smallest sliver of moon I've ever seen...so slender, so tiny I almost missed it. But as my eyes adjusted to the darkness I soon realised I could see the whole moon, albeit it in shadow, but nonetheless it was there. What a great visual image...the illuminated part was what I could clearly see insofar as finances and logistics and all the whatever else, it was all those things we could already touch and claim as done....the part still in shadow was everything else on my mind that still needs to come together, I sensed God was saying He would reveal it all in due time...in His time, not mine.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Point of Know Return

2008-10-11T15:38:00.005-04:00

We have all been there. We have all stood at that point, where we know the next step, word, or action will influence the rest of our lives. We may not recall our first infant attempts at walking, but it is a sure bet if you close your eyes you can remember such events as; taking a driving test for the first (second, third) time, a first date, a first kiss, graduation, first job interview, marriage proposal, the list goes on and on. We have all taken that leap of faith, and if you are reading this, you have survived the outcome. Congratulations.

Do we always know how things will turn out? Do we always have the facts? Do we always know it will turn out as we have planned? Honestly, no. But if the outcome hoped for outweighs the risk, we take a deep breath, say a quick prayer and walk past the point of k(no)w return. “No return” because there are no do-overs in real life. “Know return” because we are fully aware of the chance we take, yet we go on anyway.

As of this Tuesday past, another such step has been taken . Our house is now listed for sale. We are having a moving sale tomorrow, and sorting through the needed, unwanted, and the “where did this come from”. It already feels as if we longer live here. Your prayers for a timely and smooth transaction are deeply appreciated.

There is another step that needs to be taken. With January 6th only 87 days away we must turn our time and energy to putting together the support base needed to make this adventure a reality. Our yearly expenses will be approximately $50,000 (US). This would include taxes, tithes, housing, transportation, food, clothing, water, electricity, heat, an occasional Dr Pepper, etc. We are about 14% of the way there.

That next step mentioned a moment ago is yours to take. Simple, direct, and to the point, would you consider being a member of our support team? What your involvement would look like is up to you. Frankly, a group of supporters able to give monthly works in our best interest, this would allow us to plan accordingly and live without wondering if we can stay another month. However, it would be foolish to ignore the fact there are some folks out there who have never been involved in something like this before, and might be able to share a special gift for starters.

We can play with the math in so many different ways. One hundred people able to give $50.00/month, or fifty people being able to give $100/month…or 5 people giving $1000/month. Or, here’s a crazy idea…. This newsletter goes out to about 250 people…what if everyone forwarded it to everyone on their email list, say they know 125 people, and those 125 know 60...if this email just went out to those people, it would reach 1,875,000 people. If 1% of those people donated $8.00, our three-year goal would be met. Odds are it will be a mix of a variety of scenarios.

Some of you reading this are already actively involved, thank you. Some of you have been following these updates and have not made a decision…if you have questions or need more information, please let us know. Some of you are new to this and are wondering just what is it we are planning on doing. Please visit our website for an overview of the adventure ahead. You can also read past newsletters on our blog then feel free to contact us with any questions. Lest we forget, those of you willing to provide prayer support are equally welcome.

So, what ‘s next??? The crux of the matter is we need to know if you are with us.
Would you reply to this email with a simple answer?
Yes...(Great... we’ll be in touch.)
Maybe…(Understood…what questions do you have?)
No…(Cool…let us know if you want to stay in the loop.)

All our love…Paul and Mary

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Onward

2008-08-31T22:20:00.002-04:00

T-minus four months and six days, not that we're counting.

Ever see one of those artist's renderings of a new building? You know the ones, the beautiful representation of something that doesn't exist....quite yet. These images can be a painting or perhaps a scale model of someone's dream. No one lives or works in these buildings, yet. The trees in the picture don't exist, nor do the people so casually strolling past, yet. But someday, somewhere, with the right permits, planning, money and all the other pieces that need to come together, this vision can become a reality.

Can you image the designer walking into the office of a building contractor, handing him the painting of his dream design, and saying...”OK...Build this.”? Even with my limited knowledge of architecture and construction, I realise there is a little more to it than this. Someone needs to provide details about foundations, plumbing, wiring, flooring, windows, stairs, elevators, ceilings, paint, bathrooms, phone lines, concrete, steel....and all that needs to be translated into a number of blueprint drawings explaining where it all goes. And of course, someone has to buy into this dream, someone will want to see it happen.

That is where we find ourselves....we've been drawing the picture, painting in the colours, bringing the dream to life through these updates, letters, and conversations. The blueprints have been drawn, the time line established. Is this dream worthy of someone's investment?

Is this enough to get you involved? We've agreed to volunteer with Next Level International for the next three years. Mary will be helping in the finance office, and more importantly, actively involved as NLI develops its first children's ministry program. Paul will be the short-term missions team coordinator, facilitating the logistics of pairing teams from all over the world with churches in Europe. Interesting, but job descriptions rarely inspiring, are they?

How about this? After decades of socialism, communism, fascism, and Nazism, millions of Europeans have grown up with no knowledge of the importance of a relationship with God. Even with the fall of communism, the void created has been filled with suicide, drug abuse, crime and despair. Estimates are it will take 300,000 churches to help bring Europe back to Christ. In nations, home to some of the most significant moves of God in modern history, the current generation is lost and unaware of His importance.

The vision...is to reach those lost, one at a time. NLI has set a goal to be actively involved in all 47 nations of Europe by the year 2020. Like the artist's rendering...we see the vision... we see the goal....but we're not there, yet. In the next four months we need to establish a support team, financial partners willing to help make the dream a reality, prayer partners to protect us as we step into the fray. We're going, physically, mentally, spiritually, and you can be part of this through your support. Our steps will be your steps, our triumphs will also be your triumphs...and most importantly, we will all share in the blessings.

Next steps: Have you heard enough to say...”yes” this is something we want to be part of? Or do you need more information? Do you think we're nuts....or crazy enough for all the right reasons? We're already stepping out in faith....we need to know who is going with us. Would you please take a moment to send an email with your thoughts, comments, questions, prayers?

Thank you. Paul and Mary

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Breakin' the law

2008-08-16T18:13:00.003-04:00

Greetings from Prague....the trip thus far... last Monday we headed from Orlando to the UK (by way of Houston, but that is another story) We arrived in London Tuesday morning and headed north to Bedworth where we began the search for our next home. We spent most of Tuesday being shown around the area, visiting estate agents, and getting a good idea of what's what in living space in the area around NLI.

On Wednesday we spent almost all day at the NLI office getting brought up to speed on the new plans for the ministry, and how that will affect our positions upon our arrival in January, this too is another story, stay tuned.

Thursday we flew to Prague to be in town for a wedding on Friday. The wedding was in a chateau near the German border...I'll post some pix later in the week.

So here it is Saturday night, we just got back in from a long stroll around Prague's 'Old Town", lunch at McDonalds, a baroque concert and we learned what happens when you get on the Metro with the wrong type of ticket....long story short...we are $100.00 smarter that we were earlier today.

We have another day to see the sights tomorrow, and then home on Monday. .we look forward to coming home............What a long strange trip it has been.

On the road to find out

2008-08-05T17:31:00.002-04:00

There is an old story about two friends (Bill and Bob) who went fishing one day, on a very large lake. As the morning turned to afternoon, and then on to evening, they drifted further and further toward the middle of the lake. A bit of a breeze and drop in the air temperature stirred Bill from his daydreaming. A look at the western horizon showed a massive storm bearing down on them. Bill quickly alerted Bob and asked..."Do we paddle or pray?" Bob calmly surveyed the sky, the distance to the shore, and the sky again before replying..."Both."

So we find ourselves in a similar position. Being ready by January 6th is our "storm",and the paddling includes raising support, selling the house, and most immediately, heading to the UK in
the next week or so to find a place to call home, plus countless other details.

You'd think if God wanted us to do this He would make it much easier.
>> Rather than have to contact hundreds of people in search of supporters, why not just let us win the lottery?
>> Why should we have to market the house? Shouldn't someone just show up and offer twice the market value for it?
>>Get visas? What for? We're on a mission from God!
>>Shouldn't someone just donate a car and free gas...who needs $10/gal petrol anyway?

It seems like we have to go through quite a lot of growing, stretching and being faithful to take on a job with no pay.....doh....maybe that is the point. God wants to prepare us for what lies ahead, and He knows we cannot do this on our own.

This is where the prayer part comes in....because this whole process is beyond our means, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. We cannot do this alone. Would you be in prayer for us as we look for a place to live? Would you be in prayer as we seek to find a buyer for our house? And here is the dangerous one....would you be in prayer as we seek to build our support network? (What's so dangerous about this one you ask....the support network just might include you.)

Thank you.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Amazing Journey (Part Three)

2008-07-03T17:54:00.000-04:00

Now for the rest of the story... here's where someone really hit the big "On" switch.

July 2001, Bilina Czech Republic. Our church has put together a short-term mission team to assist a pastor in this small town (pop. 20,000) near the Czech/German border.

This trip is significant on a number of levels. Twas on this trip we worked with Next Level International for the first time. This was also the first time I had the opportunity to preach. Yet there was something else that moved me deep within my soul.

Ever see someone completely out of their element, so far from their comfort zone they may never find their way back...yet still mold themselves into the situation as if it was something they did every day? With a child-like enthusiasm they take on new tasks, regardless of the discomfort or potential for embarrassment. One team member in particular exemplified this type of joyful servanthood.

In the course of a ten day stay she cleaned floors, hugged children, ate strange food, taught Bible lessons to gypsy kids and perhaps the crowning moment of the whole trip was evidenced when she donned a home-made clown costume and talked of salvation to a group a children, using the salvation bracelet as her guide.

Every new day and every new challenge was met with a smile. Never a complaint, never a grumble... (ok after a week of no fresh veggies she did mention a craving for salad...but even that was done with grace). Unphased by inconvenience and unashamed to share her faith, you'd swear she had done this a million times before. But this was only her second mission trip.

Day after day I quietly marveled at her resolve and enthusiasm. (Try teaching a Bible lesson to 120+ kids who don't speak your language). And in the midst of all this a seed was planted in my mind....what if this woman was able to do this every day? You know how some folks just seem to "fit" in a career or vocation. She certainly had me convinced....which is a good thing...because I was watching my wife.

Even as I am writing this, Mary is making a new clown costume for our upcoming trip to Nicaragua, and the salvation bracelets are ready to be packed. With a little help from a translator, and God, she will again dive into the challenge. She'll laugh and cry, she'll pray and sing....and not care who is watching. She'll burn every ounce of energy she has in an all out effort to teach and reach this new flock of lost lambs.

Married couples often wonder why they got together, stayed together, and haven't actually carried out their fantasy of getting rid of the other....we've been blessed with the knowledge that we are a team...we go forward into our Big Adventure, hand in hand, one being brave enough to convince the scared one that all will be OK....taking turns carrying, and being carried...sharing smiles with tears, peace with fears...why did I agree with God to take this step?? Because He gave me my True Companion to share the trip.

For those of you keeping track...as of today we are t-minus 6 months and 4 days. We ask that you'd please continue to pray for us as we sell the house and furnishings, meet with potential partners, and figure out what to pack and what to leave behind. Thank you.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

2008-06-02T21:22:00.001-04:00

Amazing Journey (Part Two)

Last month found our hero returning from the wilds of Mexico, reflecting on what had been witnessed on his first missions trip. Not realising the long-term effects on his life. (If you missed it, feel free to get caught up by reading last month's newsletter at www.pmtriller.blogspot.com)

Let's fast forward a year or two. Missions trip #2, this one to Guatemala. But rather than being just a participant, I was able to help plan this trip from the beginning...and in this case we were not going to help a pastor, but a missionary couple, a very interesting missionary couple.

Our team came to finish a church building, and construct a playground area. We also had the the opportunity to preach, share testimonies, and interact with the villagers. The team was mostly teens, many of which had never been on such a trip. But the real story here is about Mike and Rocky...tho' the "Nick has a gun" story is worth asking about.

Mike and Rocky Beene have been serving in some very remote parts of Guatemala for close to 20 years now. Rocky decided she wanted to bring the Good News to Central America. So at 18, with no big ministry backing, she finds herself in Honduras. About the same time in Texas, God is dealing with an drunk cowboy named Mike. An odd combination to say the least, but Mike finds his way into the mission field, and meets Rocky in Costa Rica. They get married, move to Guatemala, and start their ministry and their family, while living out of a pickup truck and a tent.

Over the years they built; a house, multiple churches, a clinic, a dorm, they trained pastors, started a coffee growing project, help get water to the nearby villages, had four children, cleared a road up the mountain, started a home building project, stitched machete induced wounds, and delivered babies. They started with no electricity, no running water, no phones, no house.... but overcame all these obstacles with a determination and drive that is rare in this day and age of convenience.

Have they made a difference? The answer is "Yes". But how to quantify the results may be difficult. They have literally saved lives in their clinic.They have saved souls in the churches they helped establish. They have improved living conditions by helping get clean water and by building new homes with a real floor (rather than having kids sleeping on dirt.) But I think the real proof came just last year when their daughter, Kayla (now 18), decided to follow mom and dad's footsteps. She is now a missionary in Australia.

What does all this have to do with what lies ahead for Mary and I??? To us, Mike and Rocky are an inspiration. We look at what they have done, and how God has provided, and we are encouraged.
Yes, they live a crazy life, oft-times dangerous, and not without its share of tears. No one can argue their life is not for everyone. ( Mary and I have no intention of having four more children.)
But this couple has served, and persevered....and with such joy.

We pray we can look back 20 years from now and say the same. But before we look back, we need to look ahead. Our story is just starting. Our joys, set-backs, triumphs, and challenges are still in their boxes, awaiting the day we reach Europe and start living the Adventure.

So Mexico opened my eyes to the what missionary work can do. Guatemala opened my heart... next month you'll learn what opened my spirit.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Amazing Journey (Part One)

2008-04-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

As we approach the t minus 7 months and counting mark in the countdown towards our move, a number of (well-meaning) friends, family and acquaintances have questioned our motivation, logic and to some extent, our sanity.

Each query was presented out of genuine concern and interest for our well-being. And in each event came a pause for some reflection on our part. Have you ever had to explain something you did, or wanted to do, that seemed to defy at a few cosmic laws, if not a least one universal constant?

Let's fire up the Way Back Machine for 1991....our church was putting together its first missions trip. Destination: Victoria, Mexico. The announcement was made at service one Sunday and you'd expect one's motivation for going to be some selfless desire to help their fellow man....close, well almost close...my motivation was a little less altruistic. I wanted to go because it was a trip to Mexico and other people would help pay my way.

Needless to say it was a humble beginning for a now future missionary.

The team included quite a mix of talent from preaching, praise and worship, drama, kid's ministry and a construction crew. The people of Victoria were prayed for, entertained, ministered to, and had a new church building before we left. Even though I was in the midst of the ministry action, it was on the work site I caught my first glimpse into what missions was all about.

The scene looked like this: The church building is almost complete. Bob (from our church) is on a ladder running the wiring. Chewie (the church's pastor) is holding the ladder steady on the uneven dirt floor. As men from almost every nation and ethnic background will do under such conditions...they started a conversation. They chatted about their backgrounds, travels, hobbies, kids, etc...and in the midst of it all Chewie asked Bob to tell him about their church building back in Florida. Bob paused, looked down, and explained we didn't have a church building....yet. Chewie would have been less amazed if Bob said we met in a sanctuary that held 100,000 people and had water slides. This Mexican pastor, who currently held his services in an empty lot next to a tortilla bakery, couldn't believe any church would voluntarily give of their people and resources to provide total strangers with a building, when they didn't have a building of their own first. He stopped short of calling us loco. But it doesn't stop here......

Chewie (at this time a trifle teary-eyed) humbly explained that just a few months previous his congregation had enough money to buy the supplies and hire the workers to put up their building. But when informed that a sister church had a financial emergency, Chewie and his flock, gave away their entire building fund. And he thought we were crazy??

It was a few days after they emptied their bank account Chewie received a call about a church in Orlando who had a team available to come down and put up their building, and pay for all the supplies. Coincidence, right?

Fast forward to the next day.....the big grand opening....the first service in this new building. Chewie is standing by the front door, beaming, grinning from ear to ear, ready to cut the ribbon. Can you imagine his emotions? The joy? The happiness??? It was at this moment I realised that giving and receiving are inseparable.... that this series of acts of selflessness and obedience would affect countless lives... that what had been done here would make a difference... it was a glimpse into a different reality...it was a step that would be followed by others, and lead to where we are today.

One story might not fully explain why we're doing this, but it is a start....and there will be more stories to come. The big question is ....do you want to be part of them????

Born to run

2008-03-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

Ever hit one of those age milestones that suddenly starts you on a trail of reminiscing? You take a moment every now and then to play those mental videos of days past. Sometimes they are simple memories; early birthday parties, first day of school, first dance...
This can also happen when you hear about an anniversary of some world event. Last year I realised I am older than Sputnik and Legos....so sometimes they are memory news clips, you know the "where was I when...?" Who out there recalls where they were when John F Kennedy was assassinated? (I was in first grade) Or the Apollo 11 moon landing? (I was 12) Or when MTV broadcast their first music video? Or the fall of communism in Europe?

How often have you found yourself taking a bit of a personal inventory at these time? I once had someone ask me...."How is your dash?" Think of a tombstone for a second....oft times you will see the year someone was born...then a hyphen (dash) and the year they died. The time in-between is your "dash". In your dash are things you cannot change, where you were born, your name, where you lived as a child...these were things out of our control. As we grew older we starting taking more control over our lives. Sometimes we made mistakes....sometimes we played the hero. Hopefully we all learned from both.

But if you're still reading this, your dash isn't over yet. What lies ahead? What changes can you make? How can you impact the people around you? Is there somewhere in your neighbourhood, your city, your nation, or somewhere on the planet you can make a difference?
Part of our DNA, part of our very core being wants to create a better world. Whatever you call it, deep down inside we want to be remembered, we want to create a legacy. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We weren't born to be static...we were born to run.

God has used ordinary people to do extraordinary things for thousands of years. Some give of their talents. Some offer prayer. Some can provide financial support. Some put feet to their faith and go to serve. Each part is integral, each part thrives when all the others are in synch. So it is when all these parts of the equation come together....things like this happen....(excerpt from a letter describing what happened during an NLI short term mission trip to Slovakia) After some worship, testimonies, and a dance, one of the team preached about the lady who had been ill for years, and how she reached out to touch Jesus' coat and was immediately healed. Afterwards we asked if anyone would like us to pray with them: many did. Mark, one of the team members, prayed for a little girl (about 8yrs old). She was deaf. He prayed, knowing he could do nothing, but WITH God all things are possible. The interpreter repeated to the little girl all that Mark had said, and then clicked his fingers by the side of her ear. She spun her head round in amazement - she had heard the click. The leader of the small Christian group on the site spoke to us afterwards and said he knew the girl and her mum, and it was true that she had been born deaf. God gave her back her hearing that day. Awesome!

Do stories like this stir up something inside you? Does it make you wonder where could you fit in? There are many opportunities out there looking for someone, just like you, to fulfill a role....to make a change...to create a legacy.

Our ministry is one of those places. We invite you the learn more about what we're doing and where you could make a difference. Tis your move.....

Wonderin' Aloud

2008-02-01T18:25:00.000-05:00

Ever buy Girls Scout cookies? To our North American readers, this is an event that has reached near-Holiday status. Once or twice a year, a girl in a green (or brown) uniform will show up at your doorstep. You will also see them at the entrance to your local grocery store or mall. Regardless of the location, colour of uniform, age or ethnicity of the lass(es).... they are on the same mission. Their strategy is simple, it is all in their hypnotic mantra..."Hello. Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?" This approach is so simple, so innocent, so disarming, it is almost a rhetorical question. How can you say "No"?

How many of us over the years have found ourselves buying box after box of Caramel Delights, Peanut Butter Patties, or my favourite...Thin Mints? What's the attraction? What's the Big Deal? What is the secret ingredient that has us buying these cookies year after year?

It isn't the sugar, flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, or the natural flavours. It isn't the box, nor the price. No, it isn't even the fact they are kosher. We are willing to part with about $3.50/box because it involves a cause. We are investing in these girls, and the cookies are just a nice fringe benefit.

You are probably asking yourself two questions right about now: 1) When will Girls Scout Cookies be available again? 2) What does this have to do with the ministry ?

Answer to Question 1: I don't know.

Answer to Question 2: You have the opportunity to become involved in something not too dissimilar to buying those cookies, and being part of a Cause, but with two major differences; Your support has impact both physically and spiritually. Plus it carries through from this life into the eternal.

So let's see how this would sound....

How about a box of Compassion? The ingredients include...."Your support was crucial to helping a new ministry reach out to pregnant teens in a part of Europe that has more abortions per year than live births"

Or perhaps a box of Caring? Made with...."Your involvement made it possible to partner with a church plant in a nation where they have the highest teen suicide rate in Europe."

Or maybe you'd prefer two boxes of Loving Kindness. A unique blend of...." Mobilisation of people from around the globe to help rekindle the Light of the World in some of the planet's most atheistic nations"

Granted these aren't the catchiest product names ever conceived, but you get the point.

So...would you like to buy some cookies?

(Factoid: France has more practicing Muslims than Christians)