Well,
what is happening right now is certainly quite serious and in no way
resembles a comedy! Anarchy, division, pandemics, political unrest,
wars and rumors of war, famines, poverty, and massive fires
destroying acres of land and multitudes of homes are a good reason
for the body of Messiah, all over the world, to fall on our knees in
repentance. Modern events, at least those happening in our country,
seem to concur with the book of Judges where, “Everyone did what
was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6, Judges 21:25) Though the
solution to these challenges seems to be very complex, the simplicity
of the gospel story can outshine these dark and grim shadows with
threads of hope in the midst of despair.
In
times like these stories of Ruth, Rahab, Daniel, Nehemiah, and the
greatest story ever told - the resurrection of Jesus the Righteous
One – could fill us with faith and swallow up the doubts that leave
us with anxiety and a sense of fatalism. So why do we turn elsewhere?
Why do we spend hours on YouTube and Facebook, engaging in arguments
and debates that trigger our brains and leave us with hyperactive
“fight or flight” responses? During the political unrest in
Israel during the time of Jesus' entrance into this world, there
could not be more reason for His people to doubt deliverance. I can
just imagine the anxiety and fears that many of God’s people faced
in that dark season. I think we can learn a thing or two from
some obscure individuals who fought the battles of their time on
their knees and by drawing closer to the promises of their God. The
second chapter of Luke gives us a brief but stunning account of these
individuals and their enduring faith in God’s ability to perform in
the midst of doubtful circumstances.
“ Now
there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and
the Holy Spirit was on him. It
had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die
before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved
by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts...” Luke 2:25-27
This
man was devout, waiting for Israel’s deliverance through the
appearance of the long awaited Messiah! How could he possibly know
that he would converge with the dedication of Jesus in the temple
except by the leading of the Spirit?
“ There
was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe
of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven
years after her marriage, and
then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the
temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming
up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke
about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of
Jerusalem.”- Luke 2:36-38
Another
coincidence or divine appointment? I don’t know about you but if
Jesus tarries, I want to be like old lady Anna, fasting, praying, and
awaiting His soon return with full assurance that what He promised He
would do!
This
is the pattern I want to follow when disasters escalate and darkness
seems to be winning. I want my knees to be blistered from falling on
them. I want my stomach to be growling from fasting and though my
physical eyes might be dimming, I want my spiritual eyes to be
vibrant and watchful, looking for that day and anticipating His
coming.
In
no way do I want to minimize the opportunities we have to be
politically active or socially aware but it is best done through the
inspiration of the One capable of leading His people to victory! Read
the threads of redemption woven throughout the Biblical narratives of
many heroes of the faith. Instead of being up in arms, drop to your
knees! The impossible becomes possible when we believe.
A
Peek into Our Current Happenings…
Helping
to facilitate groups and ministry opportunities have been on the
forefront of our activities since March. We were so grateful to be
able to conduct the grief seminar one week before the shutdown of
churches, schools, and many businesses. There are still reports
coming in about the effect of the seminar, and healing and hope that
took place.
Our
newest endeavor is a monthly meeting entitled, “Did
Curiosity Really Kill the Cat?”
A group of high school, college, and graduate students are gathering
to ask hard questions. Our land seems to be dividing on so many
issues; our heart is to create a venue where doubts, fears, and
questions can be brought to the table and discussed. Please pray for
the Lord to be present in these meeting and for those who are truly
seeking to find answers!
We
are using this time to acquire training in the field of mental
health coaching. Fortified Marriages Ministries and AACC (American
Association of Christian Counselors) have provided an affordable
opportunity to extend our education in this area. Other volunteers
of JCM have been able to get on board and receive this opportunity
as well. There is no time to waste. As we see the effects of the
pandemic and rioting, we also see marital conflicts and anxiety and
depression increasing.
We
have been unable to conduct outreach to the rehabs we service due to
COVID. Please pray for the residents of Wellspring Therapy Center
and Val Vista Center.
Children:
Our Heritage
We
have done some in person classes at Freedom House as well as zoom
visitations. We will continue our third series of classes to the
residents as well as participants of Hope for Addiction. Liz Beck
revised our workbook and did a fantastic job. We will have that up
and available on our website shortly. They report some lasting
changes in the women’s ability to implement effective Biblical
parenting strategies. This is reportedly assisting them in developing
deeper bonds as they make purposeful investments in these little
hearts. A deeper bond means a greater sense of value in themselves
and their
children. That alone can enhance their ability to make better
decisions that will protect their future and the future of their
children. We emphasize the three p’s of parenting: protect, provide
and prepare. Kelley has helped tremendously with this area of
outreach. Bryony and Tracy have also offered assistance. Their
expertise and availability has been a great blessing. Kelley is soon
to do another round of classes at her home church. If you are
interested in the series, “Children: Our Heritage” please visit
the website at: http://jesuscares4u.org/parenting2.aspx.
We will make the new workbook available as soon as possible. Also
available is a very comprehensive facilitator’s guide. All are
available free of charge. For more information on how to conduct this
series in your church contact: Doreen @ (480) 831-1737.
When
to Walk Away…
The
media and mockers of those who adhere to a Biblical worldview seem to
challenge the people of God on how well we embrace the sinner and how
we respond to their sinful choices. Rarely are we judged for how well
we let go and walk away, yet Jesus had countless encounters with
those He had to rebuke and many difficult confrontations with
hardened and stubborn hearts. Author and international speaker, Gary
Thomas gives compelling accounts of individuals influenced and
burdened under the yoke of toxic people. The church is so set on
proving how well we love, we don’t always correctly discern those
who can hinder our ability to find the Timothys and invest in souls
that are sold out for Jesus. The pressure of those who oppose our
views can speak louder than the voice of the Spirit. We shudder
to think that others are not ready for the responsibility of being a
disciple so we twist and even eliminate the hard sayings so as not to
offend. Though not the norm, toxic people are a reality in our day
and age and it is important that we understand how harmful they can
be to the kingdom. The book of Jude was devoted to warning against
toxicity among the people of God. We will be starting the series,
“When to Walk Away” via zoom in the coming weeks ahead.
When
to Take a Break…
Along
with walking away from toxic people, believers sometimes feel guilty
taking breaks. Though we have no plans of retirement and never shirk
our responsibilities as ambassadors of God, taking breaks are a
wonderful way to reset our priorities and hear from heaven!
Last
year we attempted a getaway only to find ourselves traveling from the
West Coast to the East Coast as fast as we could to rescue my mom
whose health was failing rapidly and brought her to an emergency
hospital visit. After a long year of settling her into a new
residence close by family in Arizona, and the escalation of COVID in
our state, we thought it was a great time to embark on our journey.
We began our time with all of our family members (26) meeting in
Montana. What a beautiful sight to have all 16 of our grands running
free and enjoying the fresh air of Montana. It was a joy to spend a
few days with our daughters and son in laws. Each one seemed to have
a special contribution to the family get together: helping one
another to rein the children in, getting dinners together, finding
places to stay, and organizing family games and outings. What a
beautiful reprieve! We spent hours on the road after that moving
towards Utah and Colorado and finding beautiful places to camp. We
met several special families, prayed for the nation with complete
strangers who had a heart to see revival, sowed seeds of love, and
left Bibles and painted rocks in different places along the way. It
was a lovely time indeed. Thank you to those of you who prayed for
our excursion, offered suggestions, and blessed us with special foods
(cookies and muffins).
Half the
Crew in Big Fork, Montana
When
to Press in…
Counseling
continues to be the main outreach of our ministry these days. We are
grateful that the Lord has given us the opportunity to walk
individuals, marriages, and families through difficult times to the
other side. It has been a challenging season for many. It is a time
to find solid ground and enthusiastically pursue the Kingdom of God.
People are being tried and tested in many ways. Thanks to faithful
supporters we have been able to counsel many as well as refer others
suffering with trauma to professional counselors who have expertise
in areas that we are not equipped to address. We continue to network
with ministries whose hearts are set on living out the gospel of
Jesus in word and deed, helping the broken, giving hope to the
hopeless, offering practical and spiritual assistance, and being a
community that provides support for the least of these.
When
to Say Goodbye…
Diana,
the nurse and seminary student that was with us for months took a
position in a hospital that was experiencing a great fall out from
increasing COVID patients. She bravely fared a very difficult season
and will be back to start seminary again in the fall. We have missed
her! We look forward to her return.
When
to Welcome…
As
Diana departed, Bella was welcomed! We are so grateful that this home
can be a respite for others. Bella, from Elpis ministry, had to leave
Bulgaria quickly due to COVID shutdowns. She boarded on the last
flight out of Europe! She has been with us for the past several
months. It has been life giving to our whole family to have her here!
She has blessed us beyond belief and doing what she does best,
ministering to young lives and investing in hearts to show them their
value in Him! We are confident that the next steps for Bella will be
led by the Holy Spirit as she seeks His will for her future.
A
Beautiful Testimony from Kiko…
In
our last quarterly newsletter, we shared a story about a man in
prison. We would like to share with you a testimony in his own words.
My
name is Francisco. I was born in Havana, Cuba. As a child I dreamed
big; as I grew older and lessons vanished, the responsibilities of
adulthood became a reality in a communist and very poor country. I
found myself hopeless, lost, and hungry for a better life. At the
cost of losing my own life, I traveled across the Caribbean Sea on an
inner tube floating for four days without drinking water or food. The
fear was great but the hope was greater (read psalms 107:23-30).
Touching this land, my dreams became nightmares. I was grasping for
the wind and finally I took a hold of something which was the grip of
the enemy. Blinded and filled with false promises I was led to commit
robberies on drug dealers, and eventually involved in the taking of a
person's life. I was given the price that goes along with this
senseless, remorseful act (37 years). GOD had a plan for me,
(Gen 3:17, Rom 8:20). After two years of being in prison, GOD
revealed to me that my life was to begin. In the form of Jesus Cares
Ministries, my help arrived!
As
we communicated through letters, visits, and phone calls over 22
years, Jesus Cares ministered to me. My faith grew deeper and my
relationship with Jesus got stronger. I'm no longer bound by my
circumstances but Free by the blood of Jesus. Even though I’m in
prison I’m free,PRAISE GOD!!! Subsequently, through J.C.M others in
the prison system are being ministered to, and blessed with their
guidance. May GOD continue to bless all of you! Read (Romans
10:14-15).
The
purpose for this testimony is to convey to you that our LORD and
Saviour, JESUS CHRIST came to seek and save the lost. Call to him. HE
is alive and well and waiting for you.
Your
brother in Christ, Francisco
You
make these testimonies possible! Thank you for your support and love
for this mission. The Word is going forth into many places as a
result of your prayers and gifts.
It
sounds so trite but we are not sure about what the future holds but
we are sure about who holds the future! Keep pressing in Saints! Stay
on your knees, practice humility, honor one another, and watch and
wait for His return. Most of all remember and tell others that….
Jesus
Cares