Death and Resurrection

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

~Romans 6:4~

Two weeks ago we baptized five individuals at the Williamston Church. Today, God gave us three more. An amazing answer to prayer and reward for the effort put forth at the Williamston Prophecy Series this past month. It's been a joyous few weeks!

The Fruit of the Spirit Is (Indeed) Joy

The joy I experienced last Sabbath was a deep joy that is rarely matched.

Gracie came to church.

I wrote about Gracie a number of months ago.  She has been out of the church for many years, possibly more than 20.  Only two of our current members at Williamston even knew her.  Months back I began to send out the leftover copies of the bulletin to our missing members.  Gracie was one of them.  Then, David and I visited Gracie and she expressed a desire to come back to church, touched that the church still "remembered" her; encouraged and uplifted that she was thought of.  She told us that day that she would be in church the following Sabbath, but we never saw her. She never came.  I called her and she had a valid excuse.  Then she was gone for a few more weeks visiting family out of state.  And the desire she once felt to come back eased again and months passed.  I continued to send her the bulletin most every week, wondering if it was really making any difference.  I would send her a note in it every now and again, letting her know we missed her. David and I visited again.  She was touched, but still no action followed to join us.  Faithfully I continued with my "ministry."

Then, something happened.

The Lansing church held a New Years Eve singles event and asked area churches to advertise it in their bulletins.  As the bulletin secretary, I added it to the already filled announcement section, doubting it would generate any response from our little congregation.  Later, I sent that bulletin to Gracie.

Unknown to me, the Lord was working on Gracie's heart with each bulletin that came to her home.  Slowly, sweetly, and gently, the Lord was calling her to come back.  

Gracie read about the singles event that week and signed up to attend.  I can't say what happened at that event, but the following Sabbath, she was back at the Williamston church.  That weekend, though, we were away on vacation and I heard the news later in the week that she had come.  Our elder told me she had stated she was going to start coming back regularly again.  I praised the Lord and prayed that Gracie might be faithful to her decision.  Our members kept in touch with her that next week and last Sabbath morning, tears came to my eyes as I saw her walk up the steps to our church.  I was waiting for her, bulletins in hand, ready to greet her with a big smile and a hug. 

I won't forget what she told me next.   I am here because of you and Pastor.  It was those bulletins.  Every week you sent me the bulletin and the Lord kept telling me to come back.  It is all because of you.  I assured her it was not me, but only the Lord, and she agreed.  

Certainly, only the spirit of God can create in one's heart what He did in Gracie's.  I just praise Him for using me and my very humble means to reach her.  I praise Him for teaching me about quiet persistence; not letting the discouragement of silence affect my actions.  Certainly it is amazing how God partners with us to reach others.  It is a beautiful joy to experience.

Thank you dear Lord.

Mother's Day: questions, answers, comments, miracles

"Are you pregnant?" someone asked me today after church.

"No." I said simply, not really thinking much about the question. I am asked about future babies every once in awhile and was also asked more recently if there was a pregnancy when I cut back to part time (hoorah for part time).  

But then she went on to say, "Oh, I just noticed you had a little tummy there."

Oh you did? Huh.

Happily, I didn't take any offense because I know well enough that I haven't gained anything lately. But I did have to wonder about what it takes to be that bold.

Perhaps my bulging belly earlier was due to the fellowship meal we had just eaten--a yearly tradition of 'Aunt Bette's tacos' made by the men of the church.  Combined with the Mother's Day emphasis today, maybe it was just "in the air."  

But I do want to say a very happy mother's day to a few of my favorite individuals!  Mom, you're the best mother ever and I am so blessed to have grown up in your household.  You've been a tremendous blessing to me and I love you so much.  Thank you for always answering when I'm at the grocery store wondering where I would find the next item on my list, or when I'm in the kitchen wondering why my zucchini bread didn't raise.  Thank you for your guidance, love and longsuffering.

Lace, your daughters are the most beautiful girls in the world. I love being aunty to them and I only wish we were closer so I could be more of a part of their lives. You are a tremendous mother to them and I know they will grow up with a love and respect for their mother.  Thank you also for being a wonderful sister to me and all you've done for me over the years.

Meghan, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!  You're a mother!!!  I'm SO excited for you and your little Elaina.  I am so sure that you have fit wonderfully into this new role of yours.  My prayers and thoughts are with you as you continue to learn and grow, as well as teach and mold precious Elaina into a wonderful reflection of God's love.

So thank you ladies, for being wonderful women and mothers!

On the subject of Mother's Day, I had organized a Mother's Day Tribute during the worship service of the Williamston church.  I had a small gift for each mother and afterwards I had a few left over. Which I was hoping for because I wanted to mail some to a few of our missing female members.  I should say here that not long ago, the women of this church got together and split up all the names of our missing female members, assigning some to each of us as "Heart Call sisters." Basically an outreach to win them back. I have three, and of those,  I have met only one before. The others had quit coming to church before we even came.  So as part of my personal outreach to them, I began by sending them our church bulletin every week or so.  

Today after church (and the Aunt Bette's tacos), David and I did some door-to-door outreach, then decided to do some pop visits on some members we've been trying to connect with. One of which was one of my "sisters", one that neither of us had ever met before. The most touching and encouraging experience followed.  She answered our knock at the door, we introduced ourselves, I gave her the Mother's day gift and a hug, and she invited us in. As we sat on her couch, she shared with us about different struggles she had faced. I could sense the sorrow, the second-guessing she was doing on some of her actions and decisions. Then she said to me, simply, "You remembered me."  Her daughter was there too, a convert to Muslim as was evident by her dress.  The daughter affirmed her mother by saying, "Every week, you would send her a bulletin. I asked mom if these people had even met her before and she said 'no' and I thought, 'wow, that's a church to belong to.' Week after week, remembering my mom even though there was no sign from the other end. After years and years of not attending. Thank you."  Again and again, my "sister" would say that the Lord had been working on her heart.  Someone would call her and invite her to church.  Then the notes she would get from me in the mail.  Now an actual visit.  "I'm coming next week" she said. "I can't deny it any longer."  Again and again she would reference the notes I'd send, the simple church bulletins and the "Women of Spirit" magazine we send her. "I read it cover to cover."  As we left, the thank you's were so genuine and sincere. I had tears in my eyes as I realized that such a simple action, so easy to do, had made such an impact on this precious lady. I had simply remembered her, and it had made all the difference in the world. 

Wow. 

Lord, to You be the glory. 

Continue to use me to reach Your children. 

What a rewarding place to be, right in the middle of Your gospel commission.

Weekend Fun

This weekend held some extra adventures. 

After church at Williamston we drove off to Berrien Springs where later that evening David baptized three individuals from previous baptismal classes. Praise God!

Afterwards we were able to connect again with our much missed camping club.

On Sunday, a friend of David's, Alden Ho, was gracious enough to take some pictures for us. I call these our post-wedding pictures.

THEN! On Monday morning, I finished the very last thing standing in the way of me holding my Master of Social Work diploma-- my portfolio defense. It went great! It was tremendously encouraging and affirming.  And when I walked out of the ad building after confirming my new name for my diploma and my new address for it to be mailed to, I was almost surprised at how light my feet, bouncy my steps, and joyous my soul was. I can breathe.  I am done.

Ramblings of a sick woman (but a very blessed sick woman)

Well, I am home sick with a migraine.  This one is a doozy.  Bleh.

Between lying in a semi-fetal position to ease the nausea, at the same time trying to balance an ice pack on my left temple area, while also trying to use a laptop, I must be a sight.

But it's one of those times when I can't nap because my brain is too wired, yet I can't move because my body is weak and stomach too sensitive. What is one to do in times like this? I need to do something without doing anything! If that makes any sense...

Well, it's a perfect time to write a blog.

What is new?

I have now been at my new job for a month and a half.  It's been good.  I keep so busy that the days just fly by.  It's been a little strenuous on me though because after 8.5 hours of non-stop busy-ness, I come home to gulp some supper down and off I am again with David on a home visit or prayer meeting; sometimes I'm eating supper in the car!  I love visiting people's homes and I love prayer meetings, which makes it easier.

Work has already taught me a bit about conflict management, saying things gently, and listening intently. I am also learning things about myself. I can't small-talk.  I'd rather just get in and get out.  Get what I want and go about my next task.  I've found that I'll walk up to someone in the conference office, say "hey do you know how I..." or "Here's the..." or "could you..." without a "Hey [Mary], how are you doing today?" You'd think I would have learned this skill in Mali, Africa, where you have to ask someone how they are doing, how their spouse is, their children are, how they slept, etc. before saying anything else.  I simply find it fascinating when I walk by an office and see two people talking about their children or what they did last evening, etc.  It's so strange because I love people.  People are so fantastic. They are funny, they are smart, they are peculiar, they are...well, they're great! So why in the world did I just cut someone short who was in my office trying to chat by saying "So.... is there something I can help you with?" :) Oh my... Well, I'm working on it.

Well, we are all settled in our new house now, except for putting up some decorations. YAY! It finally feels like a home.  My home! Our home! 

David is enjoying learning and growing through his experience as pastor. As in the senior pastor, or the only pastor. He just came back the other night from a board meeting and said "Wow! That was exhilarating." :)

We recently had a training on how to give Bible studies at Williamston and that was really powerful.  The church is small, so we were very happy with the 11 people that came for it.  It is really exciting to be a part of an evangelistic effort.  I can see the Lord really working in all of our lives, to bring us together with the common goal of reaching others with the truth.  As our trainer mentioned, "when you engage in personal evangelism, you are putting yourself in the center of God's activity." It's true. I can sense it already. Things are happening. Powerful things.  God is good.

Well before this gets too long I better sign off.  Hey! My head and stomach feel better! I knew I needed to blog! :)

One last thing before I do.

Reasons why I love being a pastor's wife (David's in particular):

- My spiritual walk is constantly being refreshed

- I get to learn deeper levels of flexibility (oh... we're going where for Sabbath lunch? And after that we're going where for what event? And then we're doing what with who on Sabbath evening? Oh, you're speaking tonight for Friday vespers? Oh, we're spending all day at Williamston which means there is potluck which means I need to have something to bring? etc.)

- I get to meet all sorts of people all down the spectrum and love who they are.

- I get to advocate for the underdog.

- I get to give my opinions on a sermon before I hear it on Sabbath. :)

- And I get to do social work on a grand scale without the paperwork! It can't get any better than that. :)

Blessings on the coming Sabbath.

Finding Our Place

David & I are now in Lansing, Michigan and have been as of Sunday, Jan. 27. For a little over two more weeks we will be staying at Candlewood Suites, an extended stay hotel practically on campus of MSU.

I am only 10 minutes from work, and a couple minutes from the University SDA church where David is pastoring. This will be our first Sabbath there and David already has a baptism! There have been key lay people involved in giving bible studies which has readied this young man for baptism tomorrow. Praise God.

Working for the conference has been great! Two out of my first four days have been snow days and the office was closed! :) I have to smile a little because Lansing schools close for weather conditions North Dakota schools wouldn't even blink twice at.  But I'm not complaining. :) The conference office runs like a school as far as snow days go. I have never heard of offices having "snow days" but if the weather is dreary enough, (and many schools in the area are having delays or closing) the conference office will either have a two-hour delay or completely close down.

My first day of work was on Tuesday. It was a good day of meeting everyone, filling out paperwork, and getting familiar with the building and my general role as the secretary for the Ministerial Department. My next and final day for the week was Thursday and I felt myself fitting into the role better as I made and answered phone calls, struggled with paper jams in the copier machine and paper folder, and chatted it up with the other employees. :) However, I have gotten sick with a cold and I am afraid a bit of the day was spent in a brain fuzz. :)  So I am happy that today is another snow day so I can try and recuperate.

We are waiting patiently for the 18th of February, which is the date we are to close on the house we are buying.This week was also spent meeting the board members of the Williamston Church and the University Church. The two churches are in stark contrast to each other. Williamston has an attendance of 15, membership of 30. University has an attendance of around 90, membership of 150. Williamston is a struggling church, with one man and one couple fighting for its sustainability. These three are not even from the area, but come as missionaries called by God to keep this church alive. University Church has doctors and laywers and dentists (one man drove up to the "meet the board dinner" in a Hummer) and is virtually on the campus of MSU. They have a transient, yet thriving, young adult population and are seemingly engaging quite well in evangelism to the university students and surrounding community. They have even just hired a Bible worker and hope to pay for her salary with church funds.

Both churches have very sweet and caring people and have opened their arms to embrace their new pastor and pastor's wife. But can a pastor's wife play favorites? :) I can't help it, my heart, my excitement, my passion, is for Williamston. Of course, it is nothing against the University church. I know I will love and embrace them back. But I find I share the burden as the three in Williamston do. I feel their deep yearning for a spark to ignite. I see their struggles and moments of discouragement flash in their eyes. And the social worker in me wants to come in and help them change the world. :)

But no matter the make-up of the church members, or the geographic location, there are always spiritual struggles. There is no way around those when you are dealing with God's people. And I am excited to become involved alongside David as we try to revive one church, and lead another down the straight and narrow.

May your prayers be with us.

Changes

Being a wife is one thing. Being a wife of a pastor is quite another.
Perhaps this blog will serve me well as an outlet for some of the idiosyncrasies of living "in the limelight".

It's just a little bit strange when, after introducing myself, a stranger says incredulously, "You're Pastor SHIN's WIFE!?"
Um, yep, that's me! :)

It is also a bit interesting when someone tells you they heard a church member say, "And he didn't even introduce her to the board!"
Oops, did I need to be voted on? :)

But it is all in fun that I write these things, and all laughs when we go home and share some of these experiences with each other.

There's been a lot happening around this house lately.
David and I are moving to Lansing, MI on Jan. 27, where he will be pastoring the East Lansing University Church, right on campus of MSU, and the Williamston church, in a suburb of Lansing.

I will be working as secretary to the Ministerial Director in the conference office. It is here where I get to be the one receiving phone calls from concerned church elders, or giving support to pastors, as well as many organizational-type tasks like being the seminar coordinator for campmeeting.

We accepted the counter-offer on a townhouse we like in the DeWitt area, another suburb of Lansing, so should be moving in by Feb. 18 if all goes accordingly. It's a really nice 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 story place, with a 2.5 car garage and a washer and dryer (yes!). It is super low maintenance and for that I am happy.

Between Jan. 27 and Feb. 18, however, we will either be living in a church member's basement, or a furnshed apartment managed by a church member. Although that's not exactly my idea of fun, you really do have to love church members for being so nice! In fact, our realtor and loan officer are church members too!

Now that we'll be new on the scene in these two churches, I better make clear right away before hopes get too high:
1. I don't play the piano
2. I can't cook
3. I've never told a children's story in my life
4. I can't sing

Yikes, I'm not looking too good... lol.
But they did rope me in to reading the scripture this weekend. That I can do... (Yes!) :)

I am thankful that "His biddings are enablings." -EGW :)

A Polite Request

Just one of the many signs that make me chuckle.

This was a fundraising event done by the local SDA church for their building project. Below are some of the women that cooked for the event.

This is the church building being fundraised for. They have one wing to finish, the floor to complete and the entry way to build.
It is the rainy season here in Meru. Unfortunately, with the incomplete church building, it gives you a whole new reason to make sure you carry your umbrella with you at ALL times.

If any one would like to donate to help the Meru Central SDA church finish their building, and so that members can actually keep dry on a rainy Sabbath day, please send me an email and I’d be glad to assist. They need around 30,000 dollars to complete the project. Around 3,000 was raised from the efforts previously depicted. Another event I happened upon was a fundraising walk for the local hospice. If you look to the far right you can see Merian cultural dancers.
This is one of Meru Hospice’s slogans. Stop the pain. Be a Friend.
I’ve now actually completed some internship hours with Meru Hospice and it’s been a tremendous experience.
A mass gravesite.  Due to poverty, it is fairly common for family members to bring their dying relatives to the hospital and leave them there to die and for the body to be disposed of by the hospital. The hospital buries the bodies in a mass grave. Gravediggers prefer to dig the same holes over and over again, so after the previous bodies have partially decomposed, they re-dig the area for the next 100-some bodies. In the pictures you can see human bones and clothes, tossed away beside the freshly dug hole.

Alright, well… changing subjects and mood:

We’ve heard that elephants frequent a nearby watering hole, so one evening we went on our own little safari adventure. Can you see the elephant through the windshield?!

If not, it is probably because it's not there. :( Our efforts were not rewarded. But we liked pretending.

The epitome of the foreigner vs. local mentality. Kathy, my supervisor, isn’t posing. Elephants? Who cares? Their pests to be honest.

The other “Mazungu” (white person) you see here is a journalist from CO. I’ve so much enjoyed her presence on the scene of IPI and the political campaign. It helps when there is someone just as excited as me about the local wildlife. :)

My adventures here have continued to keep me busy and on my toes. Time is now nearing for me to part. I only have three weeks left of interning, one week free, then I’ll be on the flight homewards!