Christian » PWOC International Blog

Feed the Sheep: Part I

Sep 162010

Submitted by Christine Young, Europe President

I’m big on sheep these days. For several months now I’ve been telling sheep stories and now my kids are really tired of hearing my sheep stories and are anxious for me to find a new topic for discussion. It’s become somewhat of a fascination of mine ever since the New Year started and I began asking God, “What is our mission here in Europe?” He said very simply, “feed the sheep.” There began my inquest into the world of sheep as it relates to the ministry of PWOC. I was reminded of an excellent book that I had read years ago, “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23” by Phillip Keller. I had really enjoyed reading the book the first time and thought it wise to take a refresher course in sheep by rereading that book and diving into the Word. It’s been great fun.

The mission statement for PWOC Europe is “feed the sheep.” This is not a new mission or commission. In fact in John 21:15-17 Jesus tells Simon Peter three times to feed the sheep.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

My thought is that if Jesus says “feed my sheep” and said it three times, we ought to take Him seriously. I think this command, to feed the sheep, is particularly crucial and relevant as we kickoff bible studies and programming for the year. What are you feeding your sheep in your chapter? Is it good food for them? Will it accomplish our first aim, to lead women to Christ? What fields are the sheep in and when do you plan to move them to the new field to eat? What will be in the new field to eat? An interesting fact is that when sheep are born they gain approximately 100 pounds in the first 100 days. Do you see the parallel to the new Christian and how important it is that we are thoughtful about what, where and how much we feed these new sheep? As I gaze across the fields now I can barely tell the baby sheep from the adult sheep. That’s how fast they grow. Let’s all be thoughtful about what we are feeding the sheep.

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The Europe Regional News is published on the second Thursday of every month. Submit comments or suggestions to: EuropePresident@pwoc.org

Signing Up for the Race

Devotions

Apr 122010

Submitted by Kimchi Blow

There is much more to running a race than just running. It entails a lot of preparation, commitment and hard work. Making a commitment and saying “yes” to the challenge is where it all begins. About 4 months ago, I ran my first half-marathon. I learned priceless disciplines through my training, and they were profitable for my spiritual walk too.

One of the first things I did was making the commitment to run the race in the first place. Did you know only 1 % of the population will run a half- marathon? Believe me, this was a step of faith for me because I never ran more than a few miles at one time in my life. So, the thought of me running 13.1 miles was daunting just to think about. I knew there would be a lot of hard work and sweat ahead, but more importantly, I knew that it started with a “yes!” Sometimes for me, that is always the hardest challenge. Fear wants to rule and say “NO!” Somehow my faith follows through; at least that is the plan! I have learned that once faith is activated, it requires action to follow!

At any rate, I found a half- marathon that I was interested in using the internet. The one in Long Beach, California, provided the most eye-catching, and let’s say the most achievable one. The attractiveness was that it appeared to have a flat course along the coast line. Trust me; I was looking for the easiest running course I could find! Just saying! My idea was that if I had to run the 13.1 miles in the first place, then I would at least enjoy the view as I ran–anything to keep my mind off the pain.

Well, needless to say, I downloaded the registration, signed the check for the race fees and mailed it off. BAM!! I was committed and signed up! There was no turning back. My point is this: many times in our lives we are faced with challenges. Some of them are in our control and some are not. Whatever the case, we still have a choice to make. Will we commit to the challenge ahead, no matter what it takes? Walking by faith and not by sight requires you to say “yes” to God in whatever circumstance you find yourself in. You are saying “yes” to trust Him to provide the provision and the grace to see you through.

As Christians, the day we give our lives to Jesus, we literally sign up for the Christian race. The race itself is a course we have never ran before. It has a lot of uphill challenges and the miles seem endless at times. However, we must run the race with perseverance. Signing up and saying “yes” to the race can prove to be the biggest hurtle, but you can have peace in knowing that we have a pace setter running it with us the whole way—Jesus. He will be the one with you the entire course. He will make sure you have the water breaks you need and the motivation to get to the finish line. He will prove to be your biggest cheerleader in the end. As long as you keep your eyes fixed on Him, the race itself can be an exhilarating one. Better than that, the rewards prove to be eternal!

Be encouraged because Hebrew 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” What is it today that God is asking you to say “yes” to? What commitment is He asking of you today? No matter what it is, say “yes” and commit yourself to Jesus. In the end, the victory will be yours!

Journey of Transformation, Part 11

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies

Feb 182010

Contradictory Doc

The ob/gyn who discovered my miscarriage had contacted my friend, called the Red Cross, and sent me to a different ob/gyn who would perform the D & C. This new doctor explained the importance of getting it done immediately to prevent complications over the weekend. So, there I was on Friday, April 20, 2001, undergoing the first phase of preparation. I won’t bother describing it here. It’s a tad indelicate.

While I finished getting dressed my friend arrived. She pulled back the curtain, hugged me, and I let out a brief sob. After exchanging a few sorrowful words, we took a seat on the brown leather couch in the doctor’s office. While he was filling out paperwork I gazed at the décor on his walls and desk. It suggested he was a Christian; and this was enough to ease my anxiety since I was about to go under his knife. But it wasn’t long before my encouragement degenerated.

I don’t recall our conversation exactly, but as we chatted about the procedure he said something that sent my heart plummeting: “It was only a blob.” I could feel my face stretch lengthwise as my eyebrows rose, my eyes grew larger, and my mouth fell open. I was so dumbfounded I couldn’t audibly question his ridiculous comment. My innards stirred. If I hadn’t been so stunned I probably would have broken into another atrocious wailing episode.

What’s the deal? Was this guy a Christian or not? Doesn’t he understand that a human life begins at conception? My brain shouted, It wasn’t a blob! How can you say that?! Images of that first sonogram raced through my mind as I recalled the head, the heartbeat, and the clearly formed arms, legs, hands and feet. The baby kicked vigorously. “It” was not a blob. He was a baby!

The doctor’s hand was busy writing and his eyes followed his pen. My eyes glared at him with disgust. The contradictions between his apparent beliefs and his words astounded me. Could it be that he was in the habit of making this offhanded comment to women who had miscarriages just to minimize their loss? Was this his lame way of attempting to assuage their pain? It did the opposite.

When he was finished with the paperwork he handed it to me and told me to go to admitting where I had to fill out more paperwork. What a weird feeling. I still couldn’t comprehend what was happening. My friend and her husband sat with me as I completed the forms. I valued their presence. My mother and sister were in Colorado and they still hadn’t heard. Neither had Steve but he wouldn’t be able to fly from Kansas to Tennessee in time to be with me anyway.

Sitting in the waiting area anticipating the procedure made me restless. I felt so many emotions I wasn’t sure which one to pick. Yet, despite the emotional upheaval, I sensed an inner stability and courage that couldn’t have come from me. God was strengthening me with His special brand of peace that defies explanation. And that wasn’t all He did. Awaiting my discovery was a gift He planted in my hospital room months before just for me.

TO BE CONTINUED:

Stay connected! In the next installment God displays His compassion and sovereignty. Even when He allows hard things in our lives He reveals His loving kindness. As difficult as it is to accept sometimes, Romans 8:28 really is true. This week reflect on what God has done in your life and let Him show you where He has brought good out of hardship, sorrow and pain.

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Life Happens – Jesus Answers is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life, coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org

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Feed the Sheep: Part I

Journey of Transformation, Part 11

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