Tag: JKI

It’s a Twister!

That iconic, classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” yielded more than its fair share of memorable quotes. See if you can remember who said these and why*.

“Unusual weather we’re having, ain’t it?”
“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”
“I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.”
“I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! ”
“I don’t know… But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking… don’t they?”
“…there’s no place like home! ”
“It’s a twister. It’s a twister.”

Trisha recently used that last quote to describe the many challenges, opportunities, and constant changes that we face as we continue in full-time ministry. Often, life’s events and situations swirl around us, kicking up dirt and debris that make it difficult to know what direction to take or where to put our feet for the next step.

Yet, God is our shelter in the storm. He hides us in the cleft of His hand, protecting us from destruction. We might get scratched. We might lose some possessions and maybe some relationships. Nonetheless we are protected and kept toward the work that He has in store for us.

God is also the lighthouse, drawing us into safe harbor where we can get about His business and deepen our relationship with Him.

No “twisters” are surprising to God. No matter how violent or unexpected in human terms, He raises His mighty hand and says, “Peace, be still.

 

*To check your answers at IMDB.COM (click here).

America’s Got Talent?

Trisha and some of her students (Novosibirsk,, Russia (Siberian Region)
Trisha and some of her students (Novosibirsk,, Russia (Siberian Region)

That popular TV series, “America’s Got Talent”, showcases the broad range of “talent” that people of all ages and backgrounds are willing to display before a national audience.  Some are amazingly entertaining while others are just plain weird, or worse.  Some of the least talented acts are there because someone, perhaps a friend or family member, told them they were talented.  Regardless, each participant came to the conclusion embodied by the phrase, “I can do that”.

As Christians, we all too often reach the opposite conclusion.  When faced with the opportunity to exercise our God given gifts and talents, we simply say, “I can’t do that”.  The reality is that God has given us gifts to be used in His service.  To say “I can’t do that” in response to God’s prompting is not only disobedient, but it calls God a liar.

Looking back on the times when I have said to God, “I can’t do that”, I wonder how many blessings I have forgone and how many blessings I have withheld from others.  We don’t have to exercise our talents before a national audience.  But, our heavenly audience is waiting to see us act in faith and say, “I can do that”.

What Does JKI Do?

With evangelism as our focus, we strive to provide effective planning and leadership in order to effectively spread the gospel of Christ.
● Train and equip lay teams for short term direct mission projects
● Organize and lead lay teams for domestic projects in the U.S. and international projects in Latin America and other countries as God open doors
● Mobilize and motivate church members to get involved in Christian service
● Partner with indigenous churches in reaching their communities for Christ
● Strengthen and provide resources to our partner indigenous churches

Our Priorities

Evangelism, emphasizing the importance of sharing the gospel with unbelievers for the purpose of salvation.

Church Starts, assisting indigenous church planters in starting churches in areas that are in need of a Biblical Christian church.

Spiritual Awakening, preaching, teaching and exhorting Christians to progress toward conformity with Christ and become the manor woman God created them to be.

Discipleship, aiming toward the full development of Christians as they grow in grace, knowledge and maturity.

World Missions, working with all evangelical believers in the gigantic task of reaching every country and person with an opportunity to receive and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Git-R-Done

“Git-R-Done!!!” This popular catch phrase has become part of the American lexicon thanks to the redneck styled comedian known as Larry the Cable Guy.  It is a simple and direct way to say, “Let’s make the task at hand our priority”, “”Let’s  get to work”, “Let’s finish the job”.

Think about it.    You’ve heard the many life-changing testimonies of those who have gone before.  You’ve wanted to be part of an effective mission.  Yet, you’ve put it off for any number of reasons.  You’re not getting any younger.  Time is getting shorter.

We have more invitations for our Practically Speaking English evangelism events than we can accept.  Our limitation is simply the number of volunteers that are willing to go with us.  Pastors tell us again and again, “Please come and help us!”  It breaks our heart to say “No” or “Maybe next year.”

Please, won’t you prayerfully consider joining us in one of the next opportunities?  You can join us in one of two practical ways (in addition to praying for us).  One way is to commit to going yourself.  Second is help us financially to sponsor someone else.

Finders Keepers. Losers weepers.

This old children’s adage has amazing application to the human condition.  Those who find (receive) Christ keep their life forever.  Those who do not receive Christ are eternally lost (losers).  The Bible is clear.  John 3:18 says:

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18 NIV)

Missions is about telling people how to enter into relationship with Jesus Christ.  The cool thing about the gospel is that Jesus is looking for the “weepers” so that He can turn them into “keepers”.  What a joy it is to be part of that process.