Great Glory

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 04/08/13

We were on a flight from Malawi on December 27th, 2012, where we’d just enjoyed two weeks of a total family reunion with our kids, to Nairobi.  We were just about to land at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport when the pilot pulled up and headed toward Ngong Hills.  The announcement came over the PA system, “We will not be able to land just yet: the plane ahead of ours had a burst tire upon landing and they do not have any equipment big enough to tow that plane off the runway where it is sitting.  So we’ll have to circle for awhile.”

That’s what we did! But it was a fabulous delay, actually, because there were rain clouds and storms and pockets of sunshine and shadows on the Rift Valley below us.  We could clearly see the rising elevations where the land had been lifted during some prehistoric cataclysm when the Rift was formed.  We could all see how green and lush the back side of the Ngong Hills are just now, due to lots of rainfall.  These hills are famous, not only for hiking and breathtaking vistas and Kenyan professional runners who jog along the crest for exercise, but also as the site where Denis Finch-Hatton was buried as told in the movie “Out of Africa”.  Though there are circular Maasai bomas (homesteads) scattered around, one may also see giraffes grazing on these hills if you look early in the mornings.  They are such a favorite sight for all who love Africa. 

The sight of God showering down rain and sunshine, in equal portions, just reminded me so much of how carefully God portions out our joys AND trials, “traced upon our dial by the Sun of love; we may trust Him fully, all for us to do—those who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.” (Like a River Glorious, by Frances Ridley Havergal)

And yes, after almost running out of fuel and making a diversion to land at Mombasa, we did eventually get to our destination in Nairobi, just about 4 hours late. We enjoyed a 2 week visit with old friends and our church family, Nairobi Baptist, for 2 more weeks.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

Photographer:  Susan Bergman De Vries, Cyprus. “My name is Susan Bergman De Vries.  I left the United States in 1968 on my first summer missions trip, left again as a young wife in 1972, and have since then lived in Ghana, Costa Rica, Mindanao (Philippines), Kenya, and now Cyprus in the E.U.  We have 3 daughters, born on 3 different continents, and now all 3 and their husbands are working in 3 different missions, in Mozambique and Brazil. All 10 of my grandchildren speak Portuguese (or will when they learn to talk) which my husband and I do not.  Bummer, huh?” 

Connection

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 04/01/13

One thing I love about Mexico is the community of believers and the oneness I see in the body of Christ.  They truly know how to “be of one heart and mind” and serve one another in sincerity, all stemming from their love for God.  I saw this displayed in our vacation Bible school as well.  The jovenes (young people) pretty much make up the people in my church.  Because of this, the jovenes are the ones teaching the Bible studies, leading worship, and are the hardest workers when it comes to events.  A team of about 10 jovenes planned and ran the entire VBS, which included up to 40 kids on some days.  It was hard work, but I think we all felt blessed to have served God’s smallest disciples.

My role within VBS was first to share a daily devotional and lead a prayer time for the teachers each morning before the kids arrived.  Secondly, I worked with one particular girl who has autism and is partially deaf.  This little girl stole my heart over the week I spent with her.  Initially, Linda was often frustrated and was fearful in the new environment she was in.  At times, she would hit me and try to run and knock things over.  I prayed for patience and struggled to find things she would be able to, or even enjoy doing.  By the end of the week, Linda started to enjoy riding the toy car, would help me sweep, and could even sit in a class for a few minutes.  She even began motioning to me when she wanted me to pick her up and hug her, and gave me great smiles!  It seemed that we had managed to form a genuine connection, and God gave me the gift of seeing these milestones come to pass in her.  When VBS ended, I found myself missing Linda greatly.  Even though she wasn’t able to memorize a verse or understand the Bible stories as the other kids did, I know she experienced God’s love in her own way through the love and patience of the children and teachers.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

Photographer:  Jackie Obert, Mexico.  Jackie was born in El Paso, Texas but spent most of her childhood through college years in Boise, Idaho with her parents and brother. In 2007, Jackie took a year off from college and completed a year-long ministry/discipleship program through her church. This experience pushed Jackie to examine God’s call on her life and developed a heart of service in her. Throughout this time, she realized she was called to Social Work and missions and began pursuing a social work degree at Boise State University. She completed her BSW in 2011. Jackie also worked with her church serving in the youth ministry and continues to love working with teens.



After graduating with a Master’s degree in social work at Baylor University in May of 2012, Jackie spent her summer in Mexico City with the Avance Immersion Program. Her time in Mexico City was incredibly impacting as she lived with a host family, learned the language, received cultural and ministry training, and served alongside a local Mexican church. The transforming growth she experienced and the fruitful relationships she developed gave her a stronger passion for missions and the Mexican people. This led her to make the decision to return to Mexico for a year’s time to continue serving under Latin America Mission's Avance Year Out Program. She is currently working with children and teens in the area of social work and ministry and is excited to be a vessel for the Lord in Mexico. Jackie hopes to touch people’s lives with the love of Christ and see God bring healing and hope to those in need.

Strong Tower

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 03/25/13

During holidays, we were able to visit many cities along the Rhine and in the Black Forest. Most of these places have castles or palaces and towers. They beautify the area but I felt they represented the vast majority of those in Western Europe who have no time for the Lord. The towers and castle ruins remain, but the zeal for the Lord has fallen along the wayside. This particular picture was taken in Bad Säckingen, Germany

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

Photographer:  Betsy Salt, Germany. “Until this summer, I taught at Black Forest Academy in southwestern German. I taught journalism and just retired.”

Open My Eyes

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 03/18/13

I was blessed to be a part of the church service at Children of Hope Orphanage outside of Leogane, Haiti. I sat beside Esther, a playful little girl with such a tender heart. She had her Bible open and was intently following along with the pastor's teaching. It is my prayer that these children will hide the Word of God in their hearts and use it as a lamp for their feet to guide and encourage them along life's journey.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Hannah Sterling, Haiti.  “Hannah Sterling is currently serving with Children's Nutrition Program in Haiti.  Read more about her life and ministry at www.hannahsterling.blogspot.com.
 

Breath of God

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 03/11/13

This little girl (now a young lady of 19) entered our lives like all children do. Through prayer, anticipation and love she was pushed into this world. She turned out to be from another Kingdom. Someone once called her, ‘The Breath of God.”

Feeding herself, dressing, taking a bath, going to the toilet proved to be almost impossible tasks for her. But what comes naturally to this gentle spirit is loving people unconditionally.  She would enter anyone’s private space and start up a conversation in her own foreign language. Strangely, people allow it. She is greeted in shops, on the streets, in the forest, in the ladies toilet at the hospital, on the bus. And so we end up having interesting conversations.  

Journeying together, at a slow pace is more important than reaching the destination. Her enthusiasm and joy are contagious. She would giggle at the dog, at paint spilling when the pot is knocked over or someone swatting flies. 

She will never grow up to be a teacher or a doctor or a professor. Her gift is to be alive, demonstrating the art of exuberant living in the moment. Tomorrow does not exist. Someone will take care. 

She is her ministry.

We assume to know the answers to life but she shames us at the simplicity of the important. Love. Life. Our  neighbour. 

The missionary: a breath of God.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Amanda du Plessis, Belgium.  “Eleven years ago we came to Belgium with a message. But Belgium presented us with a message which we were not ready to receive. To unlearn our Africaness, took time. The Father used us in our brokenness. We now share encouragement and hope as we receive on our personal journey.  Our time is divided between our local church and the mission organisation we work with.”

A Child’s Praise

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 03/04/13

This little boy is the son of some beloved friends of ours in the Wanca Quechua speaking area of Peru. His parents helped us learn their language and way of life and were our friends when many others were not sure what to do with us. I am thrilled to see him growing up speaking Wanca Quechua when traditionally children are discouraged from speaking it once they begin school. Here he is singing from the Quechua song-book during worship time at a women’s workshop. The participants at this workshop were learning from some newly produced Bible study materials designed specifically for women. They were learning how to use these materials in order to teach other women the Word of God in their own language!  

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Maria Ayala, Peru. Maria and her husband work with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Peru.  They first worked as Literacy Specialists among the Wanca Quechua speakers, and now work in Leader Development to help build up the Bible Translation Movement in Latin America.  They have 3 children on earth.

Quench My Thirst

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 02/25/13

There are essentially two seasons in Nicaragua (Central America) -- Dry Season and Rainy Season.  The rain comes almost as if on cue during the month of May.  The last month before the rains come is the hottest month out of the entire year.  Everything is begging from within its core for rain.  Once the rain starts, it almost seems that overnight the landscape is transformed from dry, dusty and brown to glistening, green and lush!   

I believe that there are times when we feel dry, dusty and thirsting for nourishment.  Like the rain that comes to quench the dry earth, God provides thirst quenching nourishment through His Word.   Thankfully, no matter what day, month or season it is...God's Word is always available to be poured into our thirsty souls.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Bethany Bracht, Nicaragua.  Bethany is a wife, mother and friend living as disciple of Christ in Managua, Nicaragua where she and her family seek to serve and obey God in whatever ways He asks.