How to handle every situation.

How to handle every situation.

by | Apr 25, 2020 | Blog, Self-Development Tips

Good morning ladies! I’m writing to you from home in Sussex. There are parts of this lockdown that I am actually enjoying! One is having wonderful opportunities to hear from God without rushing.

A ladies leader asked me to bring a word of encouragement to you this morning and here it is:

Be wholehearted in your love for the Lord. 

There is a scripture which says: “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might”.

When the lockdown began, Will and I had just arrived home from Europe; ministering for Jesus. We had to change much of our travel arrangements for the year.

The scripture which came to my mind was “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might“. 

So we began to adapt to the circumstances we found ourselves in.

The little church that we had been part of here in our village was needing leadership. We had resisted having further input previously, but now the opportunity and the need was in front of us!

So, when everyone was in shock, Will started recording a short devotional talk each morning for the small congregation.

It helped them to stay focused on Jesus, not the virus!

Since then, we have taken on working with this team here – on a temporary basis – until God calls us and opens the doors elsewhere.

So, when I encourage you to be wholehearted, that’s what we’ve started to do.

One thing which we needed to do personally, was to begin again using the gifts of the Spirit which God had given to us, and which had fallen into disuse.

Maybe you have precious gifts, assets, relationships that you haven’t used in a while because of being busy?

My word of encouragement to you today:

Use the gifts of the Spirit in combination with the fruit of the spirit in whatever role you find yourself.

Exodus 28:34 describes the design of the priests ephod: “a Golden bell and a pomegranate, golden bell and a pomegranate upon the hem of the robe roundabout”.

God never intended us to work single-handed without his help and he has given us the help of the Holy Spirit in our gifts of the spirit and fruit of the spirit.  Gifts and fruit, gifts and fruit. 

So here’s a challenge for you: each day for the next six weeks speak in tongues for 15 minutes per day.

Combine your speaking in tongues and interpretation with willing obedience. Be willing to obey all that the Spirit reveals you to do.  

How many of us have used lockdown time to sort things out in our wardrobe or our cupboards? It’s amazing what we find that we stored up. Things we thought would be useful one day!

I have news for you: today is the day!

In your spiritual cupboards you have treasures that need to be pulled out, maybe polished up, maybe repaired. You might even have a load of dust and bits of remnants that you no longer need!

Clear out the dust, do some tidying up in the drawers and cupboards of your mind, your life, your relationships, your spirit. Reassess the importance of what you used to treasure.

Exodus continues that the reason the bells were there was so that everybody would know, even though the priest was hidden in the holy place, as he moved around the bells would ring and people would know that he was moving.

So it is with us, those of us who are secret intercessors for our families, for our church, for our land. People may not see what we are doing but they will hear the sound of it. And by the fruit that we display they will see the results of it.

We are not just “a clanging cymbal” but with love, we will reach hearts and people that have previously been unaware that our God is on their case and cares about their family.

Use your gift of tongues and interpretation today. See where it leads, follow the spirit of Christ. “You lead Holy Spirit, I’ll follow“ 

Whenever Will and I have faced impossible situations which we could not handle nor see change we have used a hidden gift and it’s been like a key turning a locked situation.

From P. Barbara

Currently based out of the UK, Barbara and her husband Will lead a ministry making highways for God’s word to the nations. They equip God’s people to fulfill their vision, potential and calling.

How to thrive during lockdown

How to thrive during lockdown

by | Apr 24, 2020 | Blog

How is quarantine going for you? 
 
We are on day 20 or 22 in Thailand of staying at home (lost count) and all is well at our house.
 
With so many people staying at home, it can be overwhelming. No one knows how long life will be like this.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share some of the resources from here to help you out during this time.
 
May you find this list helpful. I hope you are staying healthy and happy too. 

Here’s the list:

Productivity tips so you don’t binge-watch the news or Netflix all day:

Travelling tips for those still trying to get home:

And finally, daily doses of inspiration from around the world:

I’ve also uploaded some videos about the ministry here in Asia and what we do.  Check them out below, and if you enjoy them, please subscribe to our YouTube channel for more.

Enjoy your week! Stay healthy and safe!

Renée

The message of the cross

The message of the cross

by | Apr 11, 2020 | Blog, Life

Easter greetings!  It’s a time of new life, redemption, new beginnings, a day of resurrection and more!

While Easter 2020 might look different for you than in years past, I pray the message of the cross is just as powerful to your family as ever!

May this be a time of reflection of the price Jesus paid, as well as a tremendous time of rejoicing for all the freedoms we have!  

And boy do we have plenty to be thankful for!

A time of thankfulness for

  • those who are faithfully serving our countries worldwide that we might have health
  • those providing access to clean water, food and sanitation services
  • those behind the scenes keeping our countries in motion in a race against Covid-19

And so much more!  At my house, this list goes on and on! 

What about you?  What are you thankful for this Easter?  I’d love to hear from you!
 
From our family to yours, Happy Easter!
Renée

Navigating Covid-19

Navigating Covid-19

by | Apr 6, 2020 | Blog, Life, Missions

Wherever you are in the world today, it is likely that your neighborhood is learning how to respond & adapt to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Surrounded by so much uncertainty, and social distancing, it’s easy to become fearful & reactive, but we can have a different mindset.

In the midst of it all, we do not need to fear because our peace does not come from our circumstances.  Jesus bore the cost of your peace, so you can walk with peace of mind – free from all mental stress: depression, anxiety, fear and worry.

As a church, we need to continue bring the peace of the Gospel to those around us.  But how do we do that?  I mean the church down the road put up a sign and said church is closed.  Should that be our response? It doesn’t have to be.

How do we continue to reach out with the light of Jesus, when all around us it can seem so dark?

I’d love to hear how you’re adapting during this time, just comment below and let me know.

Here’s a bit of what we’re doing for our community:  

First, we decided to move our church service ONLINE.

Our “normal things” (like church services, Lifegroups, discipleship classes) can’t continue as normal.  With new government regulations in place, our public social gatherings must change.

We are doing this week by week, but we could still be doing this for quite a few months. 

In all honesty, this is not ideal. But this is the current reality.  We’ve heard it before.  ‘We are the church, not the building.’  So let’s do it!

If people are in their homes, we will reach them in their homes. And we need your help to do it.

Would you consider giving a special donation to help us reach Thailand ONLINE?

Right now we’re taping with my Iphone 7.  A real camera would be a HUGE game changer.  Here’s the list of the equipment we plan to buy. We’ve had a vision for this for a long time.  We researched and compiled this list last year. Now is the time to take action.

Have a look at what we need.  Let me know if you can help us purchase something on this list.  We are pouring our hearts into this!

Join us as we make disciples and raise up leaders in Thailand.

And Second, we’re creating a daily online coffee time.

It will be a place for our community to check into daily to encourage each other.  People can join for a few minutes or the whole hour ONLINE…sure it can’t replace face to face socials, but it will certainly help out!

We may be less mobile than usual, but praise God for the internet! That’s where we shine. We CAN do this! Keep dreaming. Maybe re-invent some of your old dreams.

Use this season as a catalyst to create something even better!

Have a great weekend and I’ll touch base again soon!

Renée

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m pumped! Here’s why….

I’m pumped! Here’s why….

by | Mar 8, 2020 | Blog

We just finished teaching for two weeks to an incredible bunch of world changers in India.
 
Friday, we arrived back in Thailand just in time for Simon & Benchawan’s Saturday wedding.
 
Sunday morning, back in Thailand, Aua and I both preached; only in different cities!
 
Monday night our family arrived back in Hua Hin. This week, we prepare for church, a wedding, and visitors.
 
Next Monday, we head to the jungle for team building with our core team.

In the middle of it all, Ian (our oldest son) became a teenager and Aua turned 43. Wow! It’s been a good month!

Teaching 60 students plus staff at TLCI in India.

Yet at the same time, we all face sorrow and challenges; broken bodies, minds, hearts, relationships, finances, or maybe just life circumstances.
 
Through it all, in every season, we choose life!  We choose to praise the Lord because we know that in every trial there are countless good things to be thankful for.
 
So no matter what season you are in, no matter what you are facing today, let’s stand together on God’s promises for an even better tomorrow.  Let’s disagree with the enemy’s reports and instead count our blessings in the midst of the trial. 
 
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus as we expect to see His goodness in our lives.

Renée

All About Chai

All About Chai

by | Mar 4, 2020 | Blog, Life, Missions

We all have cherished moments that we revisit over and over again in our minds’ eye. 

Moments that remind us of home. Moments that remind us of who we are.

For me, one such memory is Mom and her daily dose of tea.

For as long as I can remember, Mom had a special cup just for tea. And she kept special cups for each of us too! Our kitchen housed teacups of all shapes and sizes – each with its own story. 

Mom had her ways with tea, but most important was that it be served piping hot and enjoyed by all around.

So it’s only natural that I’m a social tea drinker. I drink heaps of it in the company of others. I’ve grown up loving and appreciating a good cup of tea!

When I travel, I love to try the teas that flavor the nations.

Here in India is no exception. Not only do they make amazing tea, it’s an integral part of culture.

If you walk in any local Indian district, you’ll find tea vendors with steaming pots of Chai (the national tea).

Chai is this delicious blend of tea infused with spices, milk and sugar. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more. It’s joy and comfort in a cup.

The memories around our daily dose of Chai in India will fill my heart for years to come. Those who’ve shared in tea-time with me throughout the years, have forever left their influence in my life.

This is what happens across our platform in Asia: a friendly cup of tea becomes the birthplace of dreams, visions, comfort and joy. 

It’s the stories we share as we sip our Chai. It’s the encouragement we receive as we open our hearts in a simple cup of culture. 

Chai – It’s all these little moments that together carry you through not only your day, but a lifetime. It makes you pause, gently reminds you to slow down, and gives perspective.

Just one cup together empowers us and moves us ahead.

I hope one day we can share a cup together.

In the meantime, here is a video of us in India learning to make Chai. (For the record, our first attempt failed, but our second try was delicious!)

Try it at home or stick to what you know and brew your favorite pot of tea. 

While you’re at it, invite a friend to join in – you never know how much your cup of tea may imprint hope and inspire greatness in another.

What about you? Do you have a cherished habit you’ve carried into adulthood that connects you to others? Message me and let me know.  I’d love to learn from you!

From India,
Renee