On our way to spread some seeds.

        It's time. Our things are packed. I'm a mix of emotions. Happiness, urgency, exhaustion, pain, hope, and joy just to name a few. My life has been a blur these past few weeks. My dad has been in the hospital for over 2 of those weeks, and he's still there. My heart has been on a crazy ride. I've been packing, home schooling, ill, sitting at the hospital, cleaning, hauling, laughing, crying. I taped a picture of my 'son', Mohammed, to the inside of my bible to remind me of why I'm doing this. My heart longs for him to know and obey the gospel. His people, and culture have forever touched my heart in deep and complex ways. So, it's time to get busy for God.

        We will be starting this adventure being self-supported.  We have hopes that along the road we will be privileged enough to have sponsors help support us so we can focus more on the ministry. Andy will have his plate quite full between working full-time, ministering, and earning his degree in biblical studies. I will be teaching our kids, working with the Arabic women, helping to care for my father, and working if necessary.

        We will not be going into this blind or alone. We will be working beside a dear brother in Christ, who has already started this ministry. He knows the intimate details of the culture and religion, as he is from the middle-east and was Islamic. He has such devotion to and passion for the truth. His heart wishes to see his people saved. All of us are motivated by love. With all the hate being thrown by people, and the fear of the Arab community, God's truth and love are desperately needed on both sides. Yes, the acts of terror carried out by extremists are horrific, but it only fills me with more urgency to snatch their souls from the fire. Just think of the amazing things that could be done if we love with the love of Christ!

         My heart is so full of hope. It's rather funny when I consider it. I'm not a trusting person. I don't discriminate, because I don't trust anyone (except a *very* small circle of people).  I believe that most people's intentions are not good. I find myself trying to figure out if people are being genuine, even on the smallest things. Yet I have such a deep desire to love, and show God's love. I suppose it's my way of going into things expecting to be hurt, but doing everything I can anyhow. No, it's not just you, this really does sound crazy! I do believe though, that everyone has good in them, you just have to dig for it sometimes, but it's there, just waiting to be free.  I also KNOW that Christ died for every human. Every single one. No exceptions. We need to look at people this way.  Our enemies? He died for them. Our friends? Them too. Neighbors? The person that cut you off in traffic? That relative you can't stand? The car thief? The person at work that drives you crazy? Yep, all of them. Even you. Even me. As Christians it is our job to let those who don't know that Christ died for them, learn that he did. They need to know that they are loved and precious to God. Not all will except, or even care. Very precious few will. For those few though, they need the chance to hear. Hope of heaven is not to be taken lightly. Forever is a long, long time. So, it's time.