Alaska Regional Update

regional review
May 052011

Submitted by Elise Tobin

Dear Sisters in Christ,

I’m writing this with love and yearning that all of us will remember that Christ should be first in our lives. I was searching for a closer and more personal relationship with God and wanting to hear from Him on a daily basis.  I began to ask God, “What was my spiritual gifting and calling.”  God actually kept me up all night and told me to look inside my vessel.  My gift and calling has already been placed inside of me by Him and in order to recognize my gifts and calling He required a closer relationship with Him.  God has a call on your life also! Do you want to know what that calling is? I pray that you do and pray that you seek His face in your everyday lives.

If you are unsure about your personal relationship with God, I encourage you to please stop, pray, and ask for God to come into your life which is the salvation prayer. After salvation is when we become Gods vessels, for His purpose!  Once we receive God we can’t run from God or hide our hearts from Him. He sees all, knows all, and understands all. Others can’t see our heart, but God can. Our bodies are Gods vessels which He’ll use if our hearts are clean.  God has shown me that some of our hearts have a layer of fog, some have spots, and others are turning black. God wants to wipe our hearts clean by letting the Holy Spirit cleanse within. I believe God wants us to see that once our hearts are fully cleaned our region will be able to experience unity, love and total worship for God, Jesus Christ, The Alpha and Omega, Beginning and The End.

What might need cleaning? What’s your commitment? Look inside your vessel!  Ask God for all your answers (Matthew 7:7-8). Pray and open your Bible. God’s not gone anywhere. He’s real, alive, and working but is your heart real, alive and working for God? Don’t go along as usual God is asking us to  make changes now and put Him on the pedestal that only He deserves in our hearts, lives, families, and marriages!

Please don’t think my experience with God can only happen to me. God wants you to receive this same type of clarity in your own life, so now is the time to renew the passion you had at salvation. Proverbs 3:5-6. Remembering to always give God the glory only He deserves and exalting Him daily by surrounding yourself with Godly men and women, learning, rejoicing, encouraging, and joining to serve our wonderful maker Jesus Christ, for whoever, or wherever He sends us!

Ready, set, go to never be the same again and experience a joy that surpasses all understanding!! Are you ready??

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Assistant or Armor Bearer?---Right Heart Attitude

regional review
Mar 012011

By Belenda Corlew, Assistant Conference Coordinator, Asia Region Board, PWOC President Camp Humphreys, South Korea

What do you think of when you hear the word assistant?  Do you think of bringing coffee to a boss as you follow down the hall taking notes, answering phone calls and emails and perhaps even picking up the dry cleaning?  Some presume, as I have, an assistant should be willing to do what they are asked. Others believe an assistant should work closely with the leadership they have been appointed to, forming a relationship where their suggestions are deemed valuable and held in consideration.

In ministry, all of the above should be expected, well, aside from the coffee and dry cleaning.  While serving in PWOC, I have realized the people who God places in chief authoritative positions are there to help maintain order so that the visions He has given them may be accomplished.  Having been appointed into a position under a chief leader, I feel it is important to believe she is faithfully listening and following the Lord’s will.  Serving as the Asia Region Conference Assistant  is far more than just doing what she asks of me.  The Women’s Ministry Manual states that the Assistant Conference Coordinator offers her insights and advice to the conference coordinator and will act on her behalf when the need arises regarding conferences.  This is not a position I take lightly.  In fact, in the grand scheme of things, specifically when it comes to God’s kingdom, this is an awesome responsibility!

A wonderful sister in Christ whose wisdom I treasure gave me food for thought: ‘Armor-bearer’.  The Bible says, “His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.” 1 Samuel 17:7 NLT  Hmmm, I rather like that.  Notice the Bible says “walked ahead of him” not “followed behind”!  I do this by keeping her covered in prayer and trusting God that He will continue to light the way.  It is humbling to know the Lord has entrusted me with this very task.

“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 1 Samuel 14:7 NIV  I could not have put it better myself.  This is the right heart attitude we should all have for those God put in authority. By working together with them, prayerfully making decisions, and encouraging each other along the way we are demonstrating that we have faith in Him.

“We are workers together for Christ.”  Sound familiar?  No matter what my title may be, I am seen as a leader in ministry.  It is our unity in Christ and our right heart attitude that will help us to succeed in furthering God’s kingdom.

________________________________________

The Asia Regional Review is posted on the first Tuesday of every month. For comments email asiapresident@pwoc.org

 

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When Someone Else Writes Your Song

Leadership Development, Testimonies
Oct 272010

I love music. I love to listen to music and sing music. I love praise and worship and anything that focuses my thoughts and heart motives on Christ. I have many favorites; they draw me closer to our Savior and Creator. They fill my heart with His love.

But with this song, it’s like someone else saw deep into my soul and wrote what I wanted to but didn’t. It’s by a group called downhere. I saw them in June of 2008 at Stone Mountain Park while attending AtlantaFest, and while struggling with something for a while (putting my name in for leadership selection for this board position), they sang a song that was like God saying, “Go For It.”

Have you ever had a life verse from Scripture or some kind of motto in your life that was more prominent than others? For most of my life, mine has been from the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah. I learned this verse when I was a young girl attending church and missions conferences, always in reference to giving our lives over to God and His work in the world.

The song includes some of these lyrics….

You reach for the deepest hope in me
And call out for the things of eternity.

That’s what God was doing. He had to dig deep into my relationship with Him to pull out something eternal. He was calling me into a God-sized assignment, something I couldn’t do in the flesh, but that was promising to bless many and reap something big. For Him.

Here I am, Lord send me
All of my life, I make an offering
Here I am, Lord send me
Somehow my story is part of Your plan
Here I am

This has been the chorus of my life….that whatever He has given me would be able to be returned as an offering unto Him. That He would call me, that I would answer. That He would continue to write His Name on my heart. That I would continue to acknowledge His work in my life and in my service.

These broken parts you redeem
Become the song that I can sing

He took a mess of a heart and still is recreating it in the image of His Son. He is just that loving and forgiving!  I love how He uses our natural talents, learned skills and spiritual gifts for His purposes. Are you seeing that this message is not just about me but also about you? Yes, you! YOU have so much to offer the Body of Christ, and I encourage you to listen to God’s song over you. What is He saying? How is He calling? Look for the confirmations of His calling in Scripture, in prayer, in conversations with trusted godly people, and just maybe, you’ll hear Him singing His song to you at an outdoor music festival. I did.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve you in the area of Communications for these two years. It’s been an incredibly sanctifying journey.

Somehow my story is part of His plan.

Love,

Melinda

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV

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The Communications – 3VP update is published on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For questions or comments please email communications@pwoc.org

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Get out of the Boat

regional review, Testimonies
Oct 262010

Submitted by Stacie Dorris, Southeast VP

Last summer, (2009), our family moved from Ft. Leavenworth, KS back to Ft. Bragg, NC.   I started attending the local PWOC where they were studying, “If You Want To Walk On Water You Have To Get Out Of The Boat”, by John Ortburg.  This book reflects on the passage in Matthew 14 where Christ bids Peter to meet him on the water.  God used this study in a powerful way to reveal His calling on my life.

First, I was challenged to facilitate a workshop at the Southeast Regional Conference 2009.  I had facilitated local Bible study classes but had never facilitated a workshop at conference.   This was a huge step for me.   Once out of the boat I found myself saying, “What am I doing? I can’t do this.”   Like Peter, walking on water seemed an impossible task.  Little did I know, this was only my first step on the water.

While at conference, God began to speak to my heart regarding serving on the Southeast Regional board.   As the regional Chaplain prayed for the women who would be serving on the upcoming regional board, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, step out.   Then, one of the leadership selection committee members spoke and said, “I believe God is calling some of you to get out of the boat!”   I knew God was speaking to my heart.   I guess God thought, your already out of the boat just keep walking.   So, here I am, out of my comfort zone, out of the boat, walking on water serving as the Southeast Regional Vice President.

Let me share with you some of the lessons I am learning as I am out on the water.   First, as I mentioned previously, the first step is always the hardest.  Once you surrender to the call and step out God is so faithful and meets you there.  He grants you the grace, strength and vision to do what He is calling you to.   Like in the old Indiana Jones movie when Harrison Ford steps out over a cliff because he knows it’s the right path to take.    As soon as he steps out over the ledge, the bridge appears.   That’s the way it is with God.  “We walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7)    We take the step of faith and His strong arm appears and holds us up.

Secondly, I am experiencing God in great ways.   God has so clearly guided and provided for our conference site, speaker and praise and worship facilitator.  I can’t wait to share those stories.   I wouldn’t want to have missed this adventure with God for anything!  It is definitely more comfortable in the boat but it is certainly more exciting on the water!

Lastly, let me encourage you, if God is calling you to get out of the boat and serve Him within the ministry of PWOC, you can rest assured, He will met you there!

_________________

The Southeast region update is published on the fourth Tuesday of every month. For questions or comments please email southeastpresident@pwoc.org

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HE > i.......Big HE, little i

regional review
Oct 212010

Submitted by Kelly Phillips, Pacific Region President

“HE > i”

All over the island of Oahu there are bumper stickers on cars that read: HE > i.  It took me a while to figure it out.  Big HE, little i; He is ‘greater than’ i.  Such a simple statement, but so difficult to live out.

I’m secretly a control freak.  It’s not a great characteristic for a Regional President to have.  I try to pretend I’m not, like I’m really cool with just letting everyone do their own thing.  I’m not!  I want everything to go MY way!  Thankfully God knows better and He’s changing my heart.

God has recently brought circumstances into my life beyond my control.  There are a lot of people involved in a region, I can’t control any of them and it can be downright panic attack inducing!  As I poured out my heart to a friend over the phone, she reminded me of what I already knew, but didn’t really want to hear: God is in control.  She understood my frustration, the idea of “God, why can’t you just take care of this on MY terms?” because if everyone were to do what I want, everything would work out fine!  Yeah right!  Then she asked, “How many times have WE not followed God’s plan for our lives?”  Ouch.  Talk about convicting.

I was not able to remedy my problem and neither was my friend, but she reassured me that even when I can’t see my next step, God has already seen the next ten miles for me.  His ways are perfect, mine are not.  He is God, I am not.  HE>i.

The problem with my situation is that I am trying to play god.  Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  “Control Freak” used to be a badge of honor for me, but not anymore.  I am not God.  When I try to control everything that happens, I am essentially telling God “I am greater than you.”  According to Matthew, my works are supposed to glorify GOD, not me.  When I try to make things work out MY way, I’m not allowing God to have His way, and I’m trying to steal the glory that rightly belongs to Him.  A very long time ago there was one who did that.  He and a third of the host of heaven rebelled because they wanted God’s glory for themselves.  I do not want to rebel against my Creator and King.  I want to serve Him and give Him the glory and honor that belong to Him.  I hope you do as well.  Remember, HE > i.

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The Pacific Region update is published on the third Thursday of every month. For questions and comments email pacificpresident@pwoc.org

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Journey of Transformation, Part 9

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies
Feb 042010

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Grief Emerges

When the doctor returned to the examining room I was sitting on the table composed but stunned. The questions that bounced around in my brain still couldn’t be asked. My mouth wasn’t ready to engage. This had been my first pregnancy. At the time I didn’t know it would be my last. The road ahead would be long and hard but I had to stay present in this dark moment.

The doctor began asking necessary questions: “Where is your husband?” I responded, “He’s not here. He’s at school. He didn’t even know I was pregnant . . . no one knows.” Her eyes widened in disbelief. Then embarrassment climbed atop all the other emotions accumulating at my core. Suddenly I was no longer napping in denial. Reality woke me up.

It rumbled and pushed its way up from a depth I didn’t know existed. Like hot bubbling lava desperate to burst forth from an active volcanic core, grief emerged indescribable. All I did was answer the doctor’s question, but that was enough to cause anguish to churn and rise like waves of nausea determined to force out projectile vomit. Only, this wasn’t vomit, this was the very essence of my being — my soul. My soul knew what happened. It knows everything. It writhed and groaned like it wanted to leave my body in search of relief from the agony holding it captive.

By the time the doctor asked the next question grief gripped my heart. “Where is he?” she inquired with concern. I couldn’t answer. My body felt paralyzed. Waves of sorrow swirled upward and made their way to my shoulders and neck. My head grew hot. As I opened my mouth and struggled to speak, the waves unleashed streams of despair through my eyes. With labored breath I spoke in a slow, quiet whisper, sobs punctuating the sentence, “Heee’s at . . . he’s . . . he . . . heee’s at . . . Fort . . . Leaven . . . worth . . . Kansas.”

The doctor couldn’t understand what I said so she asked the question again, “Where is he?” Once more I fought to release the words, “Fort Leaven . . . worth . . . Kansas.” Then it came. What had been rumbling from the depth of my being finally made its way out in full force. With raw, uninhibited emotion my vocal chords emitted something like the sound of a soul tormented in hell. Crying and sobbing were done. For the first time in my life I WAILED.

It came from a deep, dark, black hole — a place outside my body — a dimension unknown to mankind — a place I’d never been. The doctor held my head to her BDU clad chest and spoke gently, “This is the hardest part of my job.” She had done this before, many times.

She gave me a few minutes to expel the first wave of volcanic grief. A hazy cloud formed around me. I felt anesthetized. In a kind, compassionate manner the doctor continued her questions, “Is there anyone here we can call?” I had to think for a minute but one person came to mind. With that name the doctor went over to her desk and set the notification process in motion.

TO BE CONTINUED:

Women of PWOC, and other interested parties, stay connected for the rest of the story. God displays His faithfulness and compassion each step of the way. He is El Roi: God of Seeing; El Shaddai: God All Sufficient; Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord will Provide; and ultimately, Jehovah-Rophe: The Lord Who Heals.

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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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