Time to Rise ... 2021

It seems like everyone needs lifted after a year like 2020. 

Everyone took a hit. We were knocked down. An unprecedented year in the world when life as we knew it altered. 

Coronavirus ended up invading every country and took peoples' lives swiftly. It caused lockdowns, fear, economies to falter, and government leaders to struggle. 

Masks were put on. Hand sanitizer was applied. Businesses and schools were shut down. 

We were told to get down and stay down. To not go out unless absolutely necessary. God have mercy!

While we were waiting and watching and staying in and staying down... other hits came as they always do in life. 

Sickness, fatigue, stress. Other crazy situations came out of nowhere in many places. Natural disasters, fighting, protests, crashes. 

Our down position became lower and we felt squashed and paralyzed. Unable to move. Was this the beginning of the end?

We needed and longed for relief. A hand up, a hand out, something to give, something to break ... so life could be more normal like it was before.

Here in Ethiopia, we were hit like everyone else. Coronavirus came slower here than in other places. But schools and businesses shut, masks came on, and people struggled. 

We crouched down and waited for clearance to move, to open. 

The down and closed position felt like an eternity.

In the walled in spaces, behind the masks and closed doors, worry and fear crept in. Would Covid get me? My family? Would I swiftly be taken without a goodbye? Satan likes to mess with us and make us forget that we don't have to be afraid. 

But like everyone else on the planet, when I coughed or sneezed... I worried. Is this the end? Super hard. 

Yet in these times... of worry and fear....I found deep prayer and deep sorrow and deep gratitude for the roads behind and for people I've met and loved and for the life I've already gotten to live. I remembered why were here and that our lives are a very delicate balance and we are ONLY sustained by God. I was humbled by realizing how quickly it could end and we could be with God. 

Priorities and perspective and humility came in the quiet days and behind the masks... as I continued to hope for and look for the chance to get up again and live more fully and freely.

Finally in November, our school began to open and we started to move some. Though under strict protocol ... we were given permission to start groups of students and let them finish their school year in a "crash program." And it sincerely felt like a "crash." It started with our graduating class students.

Some of my favorite and best students of all time  would finish. We told them ... you will need to get up, help each other up, and make a mad dash towards the finish line. I watched them do just that... they got up, and moved together towards their finish line...

We also had surprise hits here in Ethiopia, that actually ended up frightening people even more than Covid.... We had tribal fighting break out. Then civil war and a big humanitarian crisis loomed in our north (it's still not resolved). 

But as I watched this GC (graduating class) group rise up, help each up, and push towards their finish line, I was moved and awed and inspired. I felt hopeful. 

On Graduation day, Dec 19, 2020, 350 plus Hope University College students turned their tassels...and I felt deep emotion.  They might not have thought it was an epic finish...but it was!  I will be telling their stories the rest of my life of how this class persevered!!!!

What God has been reminding me during this past CRAZY YEAR...is of is our ability, as God's people,  TO RISE. 

And I believe in 2021- He wants us to get up! 

How can we get up though after we've been so knocked down? Maybe you even still feel like you're being squashed under a shoe and rocks are rolling your way and there's no escape. Maybe you're still locked down. Your business and school is still closed... Your bank account is still empty... Your way is still blocked...

Yet, God has been saying to me.. and maybe He's saying the same for you... its time to GET UP!!

You have the ability to RISE! It's is in your DNA as a member of God's family. You can make it!!  

But how again if you're still feeling squashed? 

I believe to be able to get up ... you have to do two things: Remember and Repent...THEN Rise.

REMEMBER!

I think for us to get up from 2020.. we first to remember the power of our God- who He is, what He's done for us- and who we can be in Him!

We need to remember Jesus, the risen King we just celebrated, is IN us and WITH us. We can rise because He did! Heaven's champion, God's Son, Jesus conquered! Because He lives, so can we! 

Satan wants us to think... our sin is too big; our past too dark; the economy too bleak; corona too contagious; depression too suffocating; loneliness too extreme; that our sorrow is too heavy; the diagnosis is too bad; our faith is too weak and our energy too low. 

But God's Word says the complete opposite. 

We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength! (Philippians 4:13)

Nothing is impossible for God! (Matthew 19:26)

No weapon formed against us shall prosper! (Isaiah 54:17)

He will finish what He started in us! (Philippians 1:6)

We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! (Romans 8:37)

He wants us to remember HIM and not forget Him and to keep our eyes on Him!

We also need to...

REPENT!

God wants us to learn in the storms and in the valleys. So easily we lose our way and we build our lives on things that don't matter. 

Where has your life gotten off track?  How is your faith in God now? Your trust?

Who or what are you living for? Is God at your center?

Repent! Ask God to wash you , renew you, transform you, ground you, center you, build your life on Him and for Him... He promises to restore you ... and refresh you!

When we humbly come to Him with every struggle and fear and pain we have... He can carry it all and can heal it all!

then..

RISE!

Get up! It's time. You might not have the vaccine in your arm, but you do have Jesus in your heart. You may have a mask on... but you can live and love and shine His light and share His truth!  Rise up!

Your story is NOT DONE! God has new chapters to write with your life and mine!

May we allow God to breathe His life and His hope, joy, peace, truth and strength into us in the new year! 

May this year 2021, be EPIC, for God's glory, not our own! May we represent a people who are not crushed but a people who rise and become better by the struggles we pass through!  If you see the Bible... this is already our story!

We are pressed, but not crushed..., struck down, but not destroyed... (2 Corinthians 4:8)

We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but those who believe and are saved! (Hebrews 10:39)

Praying this for us all!

PRAISES / PRAYER REQUESTS

Hope University College started and is now finishing the school year with its 2000 plus students. The class of 2020 finished and graduated on Dec 19th. I'm so very thankful and so proud of these 350 graduates who persevered. I will never forget them!  Please pray for these students as they now seek work. Also for all students as we finish and transition into a new school year this week!

I'm so grateful I was able to travel home for the holidays for a short visit with my family. Though the time was short, I was thankful that God provided safety and funds and clearance to get me in and out of Ethiopia with safety and health. I love my family so much. Thank you for those who gave generously despite your own hardships in 2020. May God Bless you in the new year!

I'm back to work after quarantining and another negative Covid test result. Please pray that I can help the school finish this "crash program" and wrap it up, then start a new school year in January. 

Big prayer is needed for my work permit and new residence visa (this week) as I change from being under ETC to Hope University as their Student Dean.

I was so happy to see one of my best former students, Dagi, get married last week. It's amazing to me that God gives us global family and I'm so thankful God allows us to go through the good and bad of it all together. Congrats and best wishes to Dagi and Samri!

Please let me know how I can pray for you in the new year!

Let's RISE up and be all God wants us to be! It's time!!!

Blessings to Each of You in 2021!

Choosing to GIVE THANKS

It seems like it’s just been a bad year. 

Covid came. Shocking the planet. Life altered as we realized this weird disease and its germs could kill  us and our families. So, we put on masks, spread apart, and closed schools and businesses. But this germ still spreads and continues to, despite precautions taken.  It has reached into every kind of person and community. It has brought fear and stress and fatigue. It has caused loss and sickness and death. 

It's the season to be thankful, but how can we be... when there's still so much struggle? 

HUC Graduating Class Representatives... being trained on Covid

HUC Staff Training on Covid

Other storms came and are still around too. Sickness. Struggle. Death.

Here in Ethiopia … there was unrest and now big fighting is happening in our northern region.  Ethiopians are fighting Ethiopians and its so sad.  When will it end?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55023029

Despite all these things and probably more struggle that is ahead … I am choosing to give thanks!

Why?

I’m choosing to give thanks because all of this doesn’t change God or His plans and purpose for me. 

I stand on a rock that doesn’t move, I’m anchored in a family and in an eternity that I’m already given and promised.  If God chooses to sustain me here on earth, that is humbling and makes me feel such gratitude to be given the chance to know God here and love Him and share Him.  I’m thankful for the life He’s given me and until the race is done… I will continue to try my best to represent Him well. 

We can make it to the end and we can keep our hands raised in thanks because of hope!

God can be seen...

ETC Graduation...Making it to the Finish Line

Persevering

Leading the Way...

We can make it through!

God offers us salvation, freedom from the penalty of sin, and life forever with Him. It’s undeserved. And the hope we have in God, the freedom we have in God, the resources we have in God, the peace and joy and strength we have in God… can’t be taken from us. Covid can't take these things from us. Neither can Satan.

We are not promised an easy life. In fact, we are warned that life will have troubles. And as time gets closer to Jesus coming back, there will be wars and rumors of wars.  But we are to take heart and fear not, keep our eyes on God and keep running on!

Our life is not about us or our stuff. Or our comfort. But it’s about God and making His name great! 

The past few days, Haiti has been coming to my mind. It’s strange actually- to have lived in Ethiopia now ten years and still often my time living and working in Haiti comes to mind … and I remember those days. Why? I think for me because it was a frying pan. I entered Haiti having head knowledge of God but not really knowing Him or really understanding struggle…and I came out …humbled by what I had seen and how I had lived. In the struggle and heat and discomfort, I saw God and I saw myself.  I learned God's heart and I learned to lift up my hands and praise Him... no matter how I felt. God won my heart and allegiance there.  He called me to meet Him and know Him there at the cross and to carry that cross onward in my life and heart.

And that cross is what we have to climb on and cling to now. That’s our anchor…Jesus! We keep our hands open and our position surrendered….Jesus showed us how.  We stay there in trust. We say…not my will but yours be done…and in that humility…God fills us with His strength, His courage, His perspective.  At the cross, this place of meeting, this place of humility and connection, we have an anchor, we have stability. We get an exchange… our sorrow…for joy; our sin for His righteousness, our weaknesses for His strength. Our hearts can be filled with gratitude!

Thanks to Jesus, our identity and our destiny has shifted. We are God's and nothing can separate us from Him!

This year has been hard. Scary. Weird . Stressful.  And it’s not over.

But I’m choosing to give thanks! I pray you will as well!

Be encouraged by these verses.  I know I have been and continue to be....

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers; they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Matthew 8:24-27

Suddenly a big storm came. The disciples woke Jesus up saying… “Lord, save us! We are going to drown.” He replied, You of little faith, why did you doubt.” He got up and rebuked the wind and waves and it became very calm.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

John 14:27

My peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33

In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and will help you and I will uphold you by my righteous right hand.

Psalm 107:28-31

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; and the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 91

Surely He will save you from the deadly pestilence.... You will not fear. Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will protect him because he acknowledges my name. He will call on me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Malachi 3:6

 "I," the Lord, "do not change."

Psalm 18:1

 I  love you Lord, my strength.

Hebrews 6:19

 We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.

Luke 9:23

 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Proverbs 18:10

 The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe.

Psalm 73:24

I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory.

Deuteronomy 31:8

 The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks at all times for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 61:3

He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes; the oil of joy instead of mourning; a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. 

1 Corinthians 15:55

Where oh death is your sting?

Colossians 2:13-15

He forgave all your sins... Jesus disarmed all the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them on the cross. 

Job 1:21

The Lord gives and takes away, may the name of the Lord be praised!

Hebrews 13:15

Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

God is worthy of our thanks! 

Praises / Prayer Requests

-Our graduating class of students at Hope University College finish their one month back to class this week. Pray for them as they conclude their years here and that despite the difficulties- they will have a good finish and feel pride to have made it to their finish line. I'm so grateful for these 400 graduating class students, some of my best students of all time. I'm so proud of them and will never forget them! Pray for their graduation on December 19th - that it will be a smooth and memorable finale for them!

-We are preparing to call back the next group of students to finish their one month intensive program to finish the past school year. Please pray for the 750... 2nd 3rd and 4th year.... students returning to campus next week, for the preparation and safety of this group and that all will go smoothly. Freshmen will be the last group called back to finish in early January.

-Please pray for my travel home for the holidays. I will travel Dec 21- Jan 2. Please pray for safety in travel and protection from Covid. Also a blessed time with my family as we reflect on the past year. Please pray for the fundraising I need to do as well.

-Please pray for Ethiopia and the fighting in our northern region. This country needs peace and the government needs wisdom!

-Please pray for my family- that God will continue to keep them safe and healthy. I'm so grateful for them.

I thank God for you! Thank you again for your prayers and support. Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating this week. May we give a sacrifice of praise and choose to give thanks because God continues to be worthy!

Turning the Page...

I'm not sure if you're like me, but I'm ready for the page to turn.

We need out this season ... this Covid chapter, we need things to open...  forward movement to be allowed... it's time!

We've been waiting. Holding our breath behind our masks. 

Will things open or stay closed? What will tomorrow be like? This fall season? The rest of this year? Travel? Next year?

We're ready to see ahead. We're ready for decisions to be made. We're tired of not knowing.  Let's move!

Here in Ethiopia...we're on the brink of change.. or so we hope. The rains should be ending in the next few weeks and the sun returning. 

The year (2012) just ended and a new year started yesterday...

Happy New Year 2013 Ethiopia! 

As I traveled in a mask for the holiday here- I reflected ....

What have the months behind taught me? Taught us?

We embraced- grateful for having passed through the time so far. We did celebrate life overall and the goodness of God... 

And we dared to hope that the worst is behind, that a new page is turning, and better days are just ahead... let it be God!

I loved my time with the Kennas and with Hidi's Family. 

Celebrations will continue into this weekend...

Here- in Ethiopia, I think we've done our best. To stay positive, hopeful. To put one foot in front of the other. 

I've tried my best... to keep my eyes on Jesus and to remind myself what the Bible says. 

I "know" ....I have living hope, an eternal home...I "know" my identity is in Jesus and I'm only passing through here. I "know" life is but a breath and I'm not guaranteed tomorrow. I "know" I need to number my days and walk with wisdom... making the most of my time and opportunities. I need to love, forgive, serve... and keep hopeful, joyful, worshipful, humble and thankful. I "know" to not be surprised at the trials that come. I "know" God is able to work all things together for our good, He is greater than anything in the world; nothing can separate me from Him....

I "know" all these things and even teach/preach them, yet the struggle is there.  To keep these things in mind and heart and live them like I really believe them.  

God has been reminding me in the quiet campuses and closed doors... of the journey already done.. 

of the deserts, mountains and valleys crossed... 

Of the times I fell hard and God picked me up and carried me...He made sure my shoes didn't wear out...He enabled me to stand on the heights... He parted seas, calmed storms, showed Himself great ... 

He humbled and surprised me and wooed me...  He made me laugh and dried my tears. I'm so grateful for the life I have lived.... 

I remember and see the evidence ... of Him all over my life. And so thankful!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDvD-O9xhg

I remember.... and yet I want MORE...   Another day. Another year. More chances. Is it your will God? For me? for us? 

If this page sticks... how will I make the most of it?

And if we get off this page... what will the next one look like? What will I do? How will I live better for God?

Have you been thinking and planning and praying, like me??? 

One of the things I've been thinking about is what I'm wearing. I think it's the time of year for that....

Usually when pages turn, things shift, seasons change ... you get new clothes.  

I remember growing up ... loving when it was school clothes shopping time. The big pencils, the lunch boxes, the new shoes and new backpacks and new clothes... I was a fan. 

Usually at this time....even here in Ethiopia, a new school year would be getting ready to start. I  would travel home before the new school year begins... and shop, restock on supplies, and definitely get NEW CLOTHES. 

OH THE JOY OF NEW CLOTHES!!!

Clothes here get ripped and stained. They shrink then stink... I can't explain it ...but new clothes never seem to last long here. 

Rainy season , when school is closed ... is easier, you can wear the same things almost everyday... or wrap in a different scarf or jacket....and you're good to go.  

But when the sun returns... the jackets come off ... you feel the need to shift your wardrobe. New clothes and clean clothes ... can help give confidence for a new page.

Clean clothes ... is a challenge in rainy season.  New clothes here are expensive.  (big sigh).  

But God has been reminding me that it's not about outward clothes, but kingdom clothes I need to consider.....the amazing clothes I already have access to...but often don't wrap in. These clothes are in my wardrobe and have already been paid for.  They are identity markers and don't fade, stain, or stink. They were bought at the highest price and they're offered to me, to you, to wear.  

The crazy thing is we often don't wear these clothes or even remember we have them.

And we often wear things we shouldn't. We wear identities that others give us or we give ourselves. We take off royal robes and exchange them for rags of guilt and shame. We exchange clean white clothes and put on old stained and ripped identities, even chains and handcuffs - because Satan says... that's who we are and who we always will be!  

Satan is a liar! He knows the amazing ability we have and choice we're given to wear the clothes of our King.  Satan doesn't want God's people to show the world kingdom clothes!

He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

When I say "kingdom clothes", what am I talking about? Is it "What would Jesus Do" T-shirts? Seminary or Bible College or Church sweatshirts? Is it Meskel (cross) necklaces? Are these kingdom clothes and attire?  

What did Jesus wear? He is our example!

I see the "religious" today- clothed literally in different things...

Some look exactly like everyone else. There's no difference. 

Others wrap in tradition and outward religion...but is this what Jesus wanted you to wear? To show? Where it's about outward appearance, but not inward allegiance? (if you think yes... if you think it's about long prayers, special seats, and pomp and circumstance... please check out Matthew 23 and Luke 18:9-14). 

Other "religious" people tout health and wealth - saying these markers mean the blessing of God is on them.  Really? If you think this is what we are to wear- please check out ...2 Corinthians 4:8-11; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10.

Others wear what I would call "fake gospel clothes"- it looks like humility, tolerance, inclusion, love- but it's missing the core truth of the gospel. True love speaks TRUTH. The world needs Jesus Christ and the truth of who He is and why you need Him. To follow Him, you deny yourself. You live holy- set apart for Him. You do what He says. You don't contextualize what He says so you can do what you want. This needs said in love so people change. If you really love people, you tell them the truth! Jesus loved people, they felt welcome and acceptance with Him. But, He challenged them with the truth, to change, to turn, to become all He made them to be! Come on Church! We need to follow Jesus' example!!!

Jesus is our model of kingdom clothes worn the right way. Jesus wore a robe, sandals ... he was dressed like his culture and the Bible says nothing about his outward appearance was special (Isaiah 53).  He had the dust and dirt of his community on him and his clothes. He didn't wear a "I am the Son of God T-shirt or a "Light of World is Me" wristband or hat. He was wrapped in human skin. He sweated, felt fatigue, all the things we feel, He subjected Himself too. He suffered and lived within His culture. 

Yet- He was different. His life was clothed in something so profound ...that this one solitary life changed the world. Jesus was light and truth - His words, actions, were anointed. He showed goodness, mercy, compassion, wisdom, holiness, justice, love, peace, hope ...so much.. in how He lived... that it moved people to respond. God's Spirit in Him was so powerful- and attractive... people came and were changed because they had been near him and with Him. Can the same be said of your clothes? of Mine? Because we are to "wrap in Him" and are able to wear that clothing!

You have been clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27)

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility)... (Colossians 3:12)

What "clothes" do people see on me? After time with me, do they feel like a member of God's family has visited? 

Not only do we have these clothes... but we also have ARMOR that we HAVE to put on.

Put on on the full armor of God so you can stand against Satan's schemes. (Ephesians 6: 11-17)

This world is under the effects of sin. We have an enemy... Satan.  But we have ARMOR to wear and victory is already with us.  

Do you know the different parts of the armor we have?

This armor is so important! Is your armor on?

When your armor is off or part of it is dislodged, you feel it and Satan hits there over and over. 

God has been challenging me to check my armor and keep it on!

Satan is prowling and attacking. He wants God's people discouraged, divided, and silent. 

I listened to a great sermon recently that challenged me on one part of the armor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO1172mbGMI&t=2968s

(If you can't connect via the link above... just copy and paste it into a google search...and you will get. It's so good!)

This sermon noted to take care of ... the breastplate...the armor piece that guards your heart. What guards your heart is righteousness (living right for God). If Satan can cause you to live unholy, this can knock your breastplate off,  and your heart is exposed. And he takes aim.  

May we keep our armor ON!

Maybe you're reading this and you're saying.... "uh oh".  My clothes are NOT right as a member of God's family. Or maybe you're thinking your armor might be OFF or part of it is OFF.  

Whatever the case is, BE ENCOURAGED!

You can get these clothes on and this armor on ... TODAY!

Don't let Satan steal your clothes or your armor. Or make you think you have to wear old clothes and that you have no protection.  

Jesus offers you new clothes and armor to wrap in. Embrace these and put them on and keep them on!

Put off the old, put on the new... (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14)

God can turn the page and you can walk forward in fresh, clean, new, white, wonderful clothes and armor you can trust! There's no other way to walk and live!

May we, the global church, wear the right clothes and armor...and leave a mark that won't be forgotten. 

Let it be God! Turn the page! Let us do our part!

Praying for you and please pray for me!

Prayer Requests

First- a huge thank you. Times have been hard, as I noted. I know what I should think and feel about life now ... but it's still hard. I appreciate and feel your prayers and I'm so grateful for each of you! May God bless you back 1000-fold!!!

Please pray for a new page in my life here. That I will wear the right clothes and the right armor and  not let Satan mess with me!

Please pray for this new year in Ethiopia, 2013, that began yesterday. May there be peace in this land, health, and mostly an understanding of Jesus. May people see Him and respond! It's an election year and Covid is still here- so pray for those... that the church will rise and God's love and peace and joy and Jesus will be shared.

Please pray for health for me and those I work with. Also for my family. That God will keep us healthy in every way- according to His plan

Please pray for my "work." Hope University staff return to work this coming week. Soon we should hear from the government on how we can finish the past school year, have graduation, and start the new school year. Pray for me as the Student Dean, that God will give me wisdom and favor beyond me to do the job well.

Please pray for ETC. Graduation  is next weekend. Only graduates can go. The new school year will start for most at the end of this month. I will have one class. Pray for wisdom as we start online or in person - that God will help.

Please keep my USA family in prayer. My Dad, Mom, Sister, Mike ... all are great and I give thanks for that. Continue to keep them in prayer. 

Please pray for the USA... my home country... for peace, protection, for the election, for so much. I love America- may God help the months ahead. Things seem to be going the wrong way.

How can I pray for you?

Thanks again for your support and prayers. No words for how much they mean. And I know I only sit here today because of your prayers and support! 

Happy New Year- Ethiopia- and Happy Fall - Season to Everyone.

May this be our greatest page and chapter for God!

And may our clothing and armor stay ON!