Spoils
Cutting 1/4 steel makes a serious spectacle
Jerry Krause, the infamous scout for Michael Jordan’s legendary Chicago Bulls, was widely criticized for his vain remark, “Players and coaches don't win championships; organizations win championships.” Attempting to garner the credit and glory that he felt he deserved, Jerry Krause illustrated the negative side of something very true: It takes more than those on the front lines to accomplish anything of value. The NBA recognizes this and actually dishes out championship rings to many more than just the players and coaches. From team doctors to, to scouts, to people who do marketing, they know everybody played a part to make this team successful.
As I wait for a deployment to Papua New Guinea sometime in the next year I am stoked to be a part of the team that makes it possible for people to get the bible in their language for the first time ever. I am glad that you are an integral part of that team as well.
Before/during installing a fence for the childcare department
and after. No more cage free kids!
We see an illuminating example of this principal at play in 1 Samuel 30. 200 of David’s 600 men are too exhausted to continue in pursuit of the Amalekites that destroyed and raided one of their cities. David and the 400 men that still had strength catch up and overtake the enemy and bring back the spoils to the camp where the 200 were resting. The 400 that were actually in the battle don’t want to split their spoils among those who did not go, but God makes it very clear through David when David says in verse 24,
“…The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”
Even though you may not be the one in the tribe like I will be, you, my faithful supporters through prayer and finances, will receive the abundance of reward in heaven for being involved in this mission. In the same way, I know that though I am not quite there yet myself, I have a serious part to play NOW and I cannot wait to share in the spoils.
You see that cool picture at the top of me plasma cutting through a giant steel tank to make room for a larger classroom for training more missionaries? That is not actually me. That is my friend Nick. I am actually just the guy holding the fire extinguisher because we are cutting around pretty flammable stuff and I don’t want him to die or the building to catch on fire. It is humbling to be the fire extinguisher guy sometimes, (plasma cutting looks way more fun and glorious) but I know my efforts are necessary and the Lord’s reward is waiting for me on the other side of eternity.
Before I got back to plasma cutting, snow plowing, tool repair, road maintenance, cutting down trees, and many other things, I had the most epic winter break of my life. Above are some highlights. The Lord gave me the sweet, sweet gift of shredding on the snow and on the waves. In times like those it is so humbling that God would give such a wretched sinner like me such good gifts. Me and Jessica had a wicked good time and now we are back in Missouri while we both look toward finishing up our time here in April when she graduates from the missionary training. I’ll keep you updated with what happens next!
Prayer and praise
Please pray for my devotion to Jesus. The enemy is devoted to distracting me and I need the Lord’s power to overcome and remain faithful.
Please pray for a close friend of mine with whom I am still seeking reconciliation. You have been so good to pray for this before, but things have yet to be remedied. Praise the Lord that soon my friend Emily will be able to visit the friend with whom I am seeking reconciliation and I pray that the Lord will work through her to provide a way forward.
I honestly want to praise the Lord for how he is working in my mom’s life. It is so rad to see her digging into the word. I would love prayer for her as she continues to grow.
I am so humbled and I praise the Lord for his ABUNDANT provision. I have not been in want and in fact I have been able to be more generous than ever because He has brought around me such a faithful team of supporters.
Me and Jess would love prayer for our relationship as we consider each step we take towards each other and towards Papua New Guinea.