DMM/CPM: Live Like We're Dying

Live Like We're Dying

Having an Eternal Perspective is defined as the process of living life in light of that which will last throughout eternity. Living out of an eternal perspective means that all I do is aligned with pursuing that which will last for eternity; God’s glory, Worship of God, God’s Word, and the souls of men (either in a Christ-filled eternity or Christ-less eternity) are the very few pursuits which the Word of God says will last past this last breath (nafas terakhirku), tanah dan airku.

“Yeah we gotta start lookin at the hands of the time we’ve been given if this is all we got then we gotta start thinkin if every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’ gotta live like we’re dying….”-Live Like We’re Dying sung by Kris Allen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTwef9e-iYk   (check this you tube video out-great for sharing with your kids)

In 1994, our family surveyed the spiritual landscape of the SaSumBi residing on the island of SaSumBi, Indonesia. These three muslim unreached people groups numbered  jointly 4 million in population. At the time of our survey, there were scantily less than 100 known believers among their number. Our hearts were deeply burdened for these peoples.  In partnership with our national lay leaders, we are trusting God for a Church Planting Movement (CPM) among these Muslim Unreached Peoples. We had arrived in Indonesia, among another UPG, in 1991. The Lord began to stir our hearts to go among another largely unengaged area of Unreached People Groups. 

In one brief window of time, we discovered the history of three missionary couples having served among the SaSumBi from 1952-1954. Since that time, one couple, whom we have considered our mentors for these many years, Roger and Lelia Lewis (Battle for Bali by Roger and Lelia Lewis) attempted many efforts in SaSumBi in the desire to establish a beachhead. Through their efforts the Lord has provided a needed encouragement. During our survey, we also discovered a few existing fellowships in the area were made up of transmigrant, non-indigenous people groups. These few transmigrant fellowships were immobilized by fear, intimidation, and a large dose of disdain they expressed toward Muslims. 

In the vast majestic plan of our Sovereign God, the spiritual warfare prayers and hands on survey made by Dr. Jaffrey in 1929, preceding the couples mentioned above, apparently laid a rich foundation. In 1929, Dr. Jaffray prayed over and through the unreached peoples of the SaSumBi and Balinese. This effort paved the vision casting pathway, along with the investment in intercessory power which left an eternal legacy.

A major pillar to embrace for the desire to help see the launch of DMM/CPMs among the UPGs is for one to hold fast to the reality that the Holy Spirit was long preceding us before any one of us were led to the scene of His handiwork. 

These prayers and efforts launched a thousand ships of  God fulfilling His promises among these people groups. The calling of  many others, including ourselves, to this point in time is just one small piece of the tapestry the Lord is weaving unto His glory among these upgs.  What then, will be the eternal legacy we each, in turn, leave behind?  

Dr. Robert Jaffray 1873-1945
China/Vietnam/Indonesia 1896-1945

Living Like We’re Dying. Leaving an Eternal Legacy…

CPM/DMM: Leading With A Limp

The brief letter which follows is an example of what it can be to coach others in their leadership development in the CPM/DMM process: for both international and local national partners. As one desires to see the Holy Spirit launch cascading movements of multiplying households of worshipers from among UPGs, expect push back from the attempts of the Evil One. These are the sticky parts of life on the mission field. Team conflict. Conflict and what one's heart chooses to yield to: self-pity, accusation, unforgiveness, or dying to self-life, forgiveness, humility, and the desire to seek God's higher ways are the basic choices. Conflict is good in the hands of the Father. How one chooses to respond in the midst of the conflict is where the challenge lay. 

Letter to a dear colleague….

Dear Madison, As our passenger train seems to pass some of the lushest territory, which remains in our region, I thought of you and the others and pray for ABBA’s higher ways in all. Here are a few quotes I thought you might enjoy as you continue to desire to show forth the incomprehensible transformational power of Calvary Love to one another.

After having arranged for our women’s retreat (T, R, and K) to enjoy several hours of sitting with Lelia Lewis and just hearing God’s story through her, there were multiple reminders to our hearts. We asked her what her biggest challenges have been on the mission field for these many 64+ years among the Balinese. She responded that the greatest challenge is the pain caused by fellow missionaries: tendency to misunderstand, to speak and think ill of one another, to slander, to gossip, to betray, believing not the best, comparisons, jealousies, personal ambition, to blame-shift rather than take personal ownership of wrongdoing, to mistrust, to be prideful, to falsely accuse, e.g.…this is from within the camp of missionaries. In response to these painful places, which Satan loves to stir up in the hearts of the beloved, she cautioned, “guard your hearts, dear ladies. Choose forgiveness, no matter what, though others choose not to own their hurtful parts in causing you pain. Just keep your heart in the pathway of quick accounts, own whatever necessary as your part, no matter how small. Allow Satan no opportunity in the flesh and let God alone deal with the others. Pray for them.” 

Some other great quotes to recall as I pray over you all and your team….

“The leader’s character is what makes the difference between advancing or de-centering the morale, competence, and commitment of an organization. The truth about confession is that it doesn’t lead to people’s weakness and disrespect; instead, it transforms the leader’s character and earns her greater respect and power. This is the strange paradox of leading: to the degree you attempt to hide or dissemble your weaknesses, the more you will need to control those you lead, the more insecure you will become, and the more rigidity you will impose-prompting the ultimate departure of your best people.”-Leading with a Limp page 3

“If I have really done everything possible to be reconciled with my neighbor and he rejects every attempt?’ Then desire to suffer, as Jesus suffered due to our rejection of Him, even to the cross. Tell yourself: it’s necessary for me. Then God will give you a wonderful gift: love for your enemies, and the image of Jesus will be born in you. If despite years of prayer and blessing your neighbor, there is still no inner unity, then be comforted by Jesus’ saying: ‘A disciple is not above his teacher nor a servant above his master.-Matthew 10:24”-M.Basilea Schlink (Ten Tips for a Life of Reconciliation)

Ignited by the fires of refining, wholly released unto the work of His hand is the heart of a yielded one. A daily posture of surrendered hearts leaves no opportunity for the derailment of God’s great and glorious purposes. Be vigilant. Be abandoned to support and love others in a calling forth heart posture, while maintaining a dependent and humble approach. Though some reconciliation attempts may fail outwardly, there is always opportunity for transformation on the horizon for those who choose forgiveness. Remember, that death to self-life in the formation of vibrant Christ-life is always a great idea.

There is no regret for those who desire His higher ways and choose them.

Rhonda

CPM/DMM: ABBA, The Perfect Parent

ABBA; the Perfect Parent

“Samantha, not Sam, is my name!” this precious one declared upon first introductions a few years ago.

Recently I was reflecting upon how the LORD parents each of us who have trusted in Him. I had the opportunity to help babysit our colleagues' little girls, Abby and Samantha, while gathered together at a conference. The conference center was just enough for the attendees but lacked in terms of grounds to walk and reflect. What that meant was that two little ones had just the parking lot, loads of college students, and the staircase to play on. The music pulsated with loud thumps which shook the walls of the meeting hall. Though a bit unpleasant for adults to adjust to, the little ones seemed a bit drained by the dry season heat combined with the intense noise. 

Andy and Emily, their parents, do a great job. But at times during the conference I thought they might appreciate a break. Resultantly, I offered to take these prized ones outside. Samantha, "not Sam", was highly unpredictable until her wise older sister, Abby, coached me. Abby saw Samantha make a beeline to points beyond a watchful eye. To which Abby just responded, “Just wait, she will come back after she cries out for you to come to her. You will see, Aunt Rhonda, if you don’t come to her then she will come back quickly to find you. Don’t worry she won’t go far away. She just wants to explore.”

At one point, the kids and I were playing cards.  Three-year-old Samantha lost attention fairly quickly. She then asked if she could pick up my Bible. She thumbed through the pages of the Bible and then the real fun prevailed. She began to share the Word with us. Samantha was emulating what she has seen in preaching most likely. Her parents are grace dispensers big time. Even so, I found it interesting to think about the love letter the Father has given us in His Word. I shared this perspective with her. Her eyes widened as she seemingly caught what I was describing as Kingdom reality. At this point she shifted her words from,  “don’t do this and don’t do that” type preaching, to catching the love relationship as much as she can at this age. Samantha’s vocabulary began to be retrained and consequently her words reflected this shift. She began to share “now listen, because God loves you He wants you to obey,” “you need to follow Jesus or it breaks God’s heart,” became her transformed verbiage.

Suddenly stopping her constant flow of preaching the Word, Samantha asked me if the Muslim lady who was sitting with us at the time knew about God’s love He gave to the world through Jesus. Little Samantha asked me to help her tell this lady about Jesus’ dying for her sins. I translated for little Samantha. Out of the mouths of babes, indeed, is the power of the Word of God proclaimed.

Samantha experienced an instantaneous transformation in her orientation of the Father’s heart. She chose to pitch the self made erroneous script which had projected a capricious God. Instead, she embraced the reality of the God who pursues with righteousness, forgiveness, justice, holiness, and unconditional love.

How does ABBA parent each of us who are in Christ Jesus? What keeps each of us from hearing His heart for ourselves and for others? What areas of bondage are being erected against hearing ABBA or even desiring to choose His ways? What script of the character of God needs a healthy rewrite in our concept of God? As we trust God to see Him launch a DiscipleMaking Movement (DMM)/Church Planting Movement (CPM) among Unreached People Groups, what concept of ABBA are we injecting into the stream of these movements? The love for God, at adoration increased levels, combined with obedience born forthe resulantly, is a balanced injection of what needs to be infused into a growing movement of households of disciples. 

The Word of God is inerrant, perfect in all ways. God’s perfect parent heart is revealed therein. Can you hear the words of His love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy in your life right now?

  

 Loving His Perfect Ways,

Rhonda