It has been a busy 10 days for us. But that is another blog post. We wanted to share with you our latest video. You can follow the following link:
http://vimeo.com/71760269
We would like to thank Bro Kyle Hake for the work he put into taking our pile of digital files, sorting through them, getting a sense of our burden, then putting all together in a format for which we lack the ability to do effectively.
We would like to thank you for your continued interest in our ministry. Check back soon for another update.
In Christ,
Bro Kevin
Still Focused on Croatia
My last two posts read more like a devotion or Bible study but rest assured; we are still focused on reaching Croatia with the message of the gospel. Our time on furlough has been productive both financially and spiritually. We have been able to look back at our experience on the field for the sake of learning. This "personal study" of the life of Joseph has helped me keep everything in proper perspective.
While things were somewhat different from what we expected; the end result is a positive outlook. Overall our first term has kept us humble for every accomplishment was by God's grace alone through the work of the Holy Spirit. We are actually thankful for the each and every difficulty because it opened doors of opportunity or put us in a better position to be witness for Christ.
Some of the lessons learned are these:
Our inability to use the language as we had hoped enabled us to develop strong relations with our neighbors. They have been happy to help and we have come to trust them. We have shared the gospel with them repeatedly and believe that in God's timing we will see them come to trust Jesus as Savior.
We knew it would be difficult to see people come to trust Christ as Savior. So much so that at times we became weary of the message being rejected. However, the Holy Spirit is at work. It was wonderful to see Him work in the heart of those who did take that step of faith with us.
God is providing for us financially as we have seen an 11% increase in support over where we were this time last year. Clearly there is a work to be done in Croatia and we are supposed to be a part of it.
Thanks for your prayers for us during this time of furlough. Each day that passes brings more excitement about our return in October. Stay tuned for more lessons from Joseph. I pray that you too will learn from his example and follow the Lord's leading for your life - especially if it includeds you coming to Croatia to work with us.
While things were somewhat different from what we expected; the end result is a positive outlook. Overall our first term has kept us humble for every accomplishment was by God's grace alone through the work of the Holy Spirit. We are actually thankful for the each and every difficulty because it opened doors of opportunity or put us in a better position to be witness for Christ.
Some of the lessons learned are these:
Our inability to use the language as we had hoped enabled us to develop strong relations with our neighbors. They have been happy to help and we have come to trust them. We have shared the gospel with them repeatedly and believe that in God's timing we will see them come to trust Jesus as Savior.
We knew it would be difficult to see people come to trust Christ as Savior. So much so that at times we became weary of the message being rejected. However, the Holy Spirit is at work. It was wonderful to see Him work in the heart of those who did take that step of faith with us.
God is providing for us financially as we have seen an 11% increase in support over where we were this time last year. Clearly there is a work to be done in Croatia and we are supposed to be a part of it.
Thanks for your prayers for us during this time of furlough. Each day that passes brings more excitement about our return in October. Stay tuned for more lessons from Joseph. I pray that you too will learn from his example and follow the Lord's leading for your life - especially if it includeds you coming to Croatia to work with us.
Humility; a Life-long Lesson
For me, a humble spirit, is the most difficult attitude in life to maintain. Perhaps you do not struggle the same as I do with pride. God often has to humble me because I lack the ability to do it myself. When this battle rages Joseph usually comes to mind.
When he was captured by his brothers in Genesis 37:18-22, he had to know that they intended to kill him. The Bible states that his brothers could not even talk to him peacefully (37:4). I believe that when Joseph realized that his life had been spared it was a turning point for him. He would have had to look at life differently. Humility is not easily learned. Yet when it is learned the impact on one's life is huge. The evidence of Joseph's humble spirit is found in Potiphar's house. Joseph had gained the trust of his master. All of Potiphar's possessions were in the care of Joseph except one: his wife. His response to this woman reveals how humble Joseph really was in spite of the position that he held (Genesis 39:7-9).
Don't get ahead of me! The rest of the story is yet another lesson. There were boundaries in which Joseph respected. He did not let his position affect his thinking to the extent that he took advantage of people. Joseph came to terms with his position as slave and remembered how he got there. It changed his life for the good. God continued to bless him. And, Joseph continued to learn.
What are your circumstances today? Have you found yourself in a place where you least expected? Are you fighting against the circumstances that caused the trouble or are you learning from the situation and moving on. Analyze your circumstances differently. Realize there is a lesson to learn that you will need to succeed later. Let me encourage you to learn it now because the instruction/circumstances will not get easier until you do. My prayer for you is to succeed in the place where God has placed you with great humility.
Learning to Forgive and Asking for Forgiveness (Still)
Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:28
Someone asked once, "Who would you most like to be if you lived during Bible times?" My answer, although reluctant, was Joseph. No, I am not claiming to be anything like Joseph or even coming close to any of his experiences. However, he exemplified remarkable character. How many people do you know would still stand strong and be in a position for God to use mightily for His Will after enduring the things which Joseph did? It is highly recommended that you read the account of his life in Genesis Chapters 37, 29-50.
As Christians we face events of our past which have impacted who we are today. We are redeemed and set free from the bondage of sin; yet all too often our past haunts us. Therefore, I find myself returning to the story of Joseph and his brothers. There is a need to forgive the actions of others. But most importantly there is a need to seek the forgiveness for actions against others. When faced with this decision one can find themself discouraged, weak, vulnerable, reluctant. or abstinent. The result is ineffectivenss, backslidden, rebellion, and being out of the Will of God. The amount of time lost because of this is unkown. Perhaps some never enter or return to the ministry.
My challenge today and every day is to forgive and seek forgiveness. Avoid the temptation to let bitterness control actions and reactions. Keep EVERYTHING in the proper perspective. No matter how difficutl an experience may be there is always a valuable lesson to be learned. Sometimes we need refresher courses.
My challenge today and every day is to forgive and seek forgiveness. Avoid the temptation to let bitterness control actions and reactions. Keep EVERYTHING in the proper perspective. No matter how difficutl an experience may be there is always a valuable lesson to be learned. Sometimes we need refresher courses.
Our Dream
When we began researching about Croatia about eight years ago we learned about the many islands off its coast. The idea of a ministry on an island in the Adriatic sea was a passing thought. Whenever the subject would come up in conversation we would joke about it: "Wouldn't that be awesome? I know, right?" Until today. What was a dream yesterday is now potentially a reality.
My brother Curt Brown and his wife Melinda are missionaries partnering with Manna Worldwide who are concentrating in Eastern Europe. We are looking for opportunities to partner together in Croatia and seeking the Lord's leading in the matter. Last month Curt met a man talking about a Croatian island for sale. The only person to contact was me of course.
Bob Hines has been searching for the island but without success. After talking with him briefly we realized that he had the wrong spelling of the name. Not only were we able to get the correct spelling but we also located it, and an agency to contact about investment opportunities. What is most exciting about this opportunity is that people already travel to Croatia from all over the world. At this time the coastline is Croatia's biggest commodity. The potential for a Christian camp to spread the seed of the gospel around the world is huge. Quite possibly beyond what we could imagine.
You should take a moment to view the island and its location. Then pray, seriously for God to direct us to the next step and for doors to open. While you are praying you should also ask God what your participation should be. In the very near future you may find yourself on a mission trip to Croatia with the purpose of having an eternal impact on the life a someone who might never have heard the gospel anywhere else.
I leave you with this question: "Is it just a dream?"
The island of Obonjan
My brother Curt Brown and his wife Melinda are missionaries partnering with Manna Worldwide who are concentrating in Eastern Europe. We are looking for opportunities to partner together in Croatia and seeking the Lord's leading in the matter. Last month Curt met a man talking about a Croatian island for sale. The only person to contact was me of course.
Bob Hines has been searching for the island but without success. After talking with him briefly we realized that he had the wrong spelling of the name. Not only were we able to get the correct spelling but we also located it, and an agency to contact about investment opportunities. What is most exciting about this opportunity is that people already travel to Croatia from all over the world. At this time the coastline is Croatia's biggest commodity. The potential for a Christian camp to spread the seed of the gospel around the world is huge. Quite possibly beyond what we could imagine.
You should take a moment to view the island and its location. Then pray, seriously for God to direct us to the next step and for doors to open. While you are praying you should also ask God what your participation should be. In the very near future you may find yourself on a mission trip to Croatia with the purpose of having an eternal impact on the life a someone who might never have heard the gospel anywhere else.
I leave you with this question: "Is it just a dream?"
The island of Obonjan
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