Intentionality - I can really identify with those sleepy disciples! by Mary Hagle

Mark 14:36-38

^{36And He was saying, Abba, [which means] Father, everything is possible for You. Take away this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You [will].}

^{37And He came back and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, Simon, are you asleep? Have you not the strength to keep awake and watch [with Me for] one hour?}

^{38Keep awake and watch and pray [constantly], that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Amplified Bible}

I long for purpose and direction. I want it to matter, that I’ve been here. I get some clarity, and the excitement of confirmation. He DOES has a plan for my life! I share my insights with a trusted friend or two, and look for confirmation in my daily study and walk, and get it.

I make plans around His plan, and I have my marching orders. And then, the work phase comes. (I am remembering Chevy Chase in "Funny Farm". He is a newspaper sports writer who takes an advance on his unwritten novel, quits the newspaper, and moves to Vermont with his wife.

There are a lot of hilarious scenes as they try to "settle in" but let me fast-forward to his having done all the busyness of setting up his writing space in his new home. The desk is by the window; all the pencils are sharpened, the paper is in the typewriter.)

And then, the work phase comes.

The inspiration and excitement to begin is done. It’s just me, God, and the task He’s given me. And, my rebellious will sets its proverbial feet, and doesn’t want to do the work, or pray for "dunamis" (from dunamai = to be able, to have power.) It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or be obedient.

I find a myriad of "other" "good" tasks, and get them done. Then, I meet with my friend, who knows about my assignment, asks about my progress, and I am undone.

J. Hudson Taylor affirmed this axiom for every Christian worker... "Depend upon it. God's work done in God's way will never lack supplies. All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them. God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him."

So, there’s nothing for it but to press forward, to acknowledge my weakness and rebelliousness, and fall helplessly before Him, ask forgiveness, and get over the fact that trying to do work inspired by Him is NEVER going to be done well in my power and strength, but His.

If you are facing a similar circumstance, my prayer for you is that you get alone with Him, restore the right order of this process, and find yourself here: The Lord God is my strength,
and he will make my feet like Hinds’ Feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine High Places. Habakkuk 3:19

Like the disciples, we have available God’s power to be used for His glory and purpose. I am determined to be intentional in the opportunities I have been given. Google dunamis . . . there are 37 pages of description at this website of what God’s power means for the Christian: http://www.preceptaustin.org/2_timothy_17.htm

Mary Hagle

Editor,
The House

We grow as we share.

Is My Christian Experience Normal? by Jim Venable

I have asked myself that question often throughout my life in reference to a number of different stimuli. One of the first times was years ago when I read Watchman Nee’s book. "The Normal Christian Life". If you have read this, or any number of other books, I imagine you have joined me in my painful awareness that my day-to-day Christian experience does not, in most instances, align with the Christian walk God intends us to experience as normal or average.

About a year ago Lora and I were jolted once more with the realization that what we are living is a faint shadow of what God desires, perhaps demands. This is after years of walking a disciplined life, while recognizing and trying to share the insights God has deposited in us regarding hunger for spiritual maturity. In general, we were, and are, students under His tutelage.

On the heels of the "Monday Night Live" series studying "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan our daughter pointed us in the direction of another book with a similar focus. The book is called "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream" by David Platt. The journey initiated by our reading this book has been both scary and exhilarating. We are learning to use the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20) against the backdrop of Matthew 10 as God’s plumb line for us as we become disciple-making disciples. If we are not serious disciples and serious disciple-makers, is it possible we are not disciples at all?

Three examples from the book stand out to me:

David Platt’s large Birmingham, Alabama church conducts what they call "Secret Church" patterned after clandestine house-church meetings in Asia. They meet every Friday night from 6:00 PM to Midnight to study the Word. There is no coffee, no music, no sound system, no publicity, and no computer aided materials. They apparently must turn away people and never finish on time (pages 27-28).

At an Indonesian seminary senior students must plant a church with a membership of 30 converts as a prerequisite for graduation. Two members of a recent class were martyred (page 43).

As David teaches in Sudan believers record every word to accurately share the teaching in order to reproduce their faith in others (pages 101-102).

As a result, we have accepted the challenge extended in the book. We have embarked on a one-year journey to do the following:

Read the entire Bible in a year

Pray for the whole world in a year

Give sacrificially towards a specific disciple making objective

Go on a mission endeavor aligned with the financial giving

Be intimately integrated in a faith community dedicated to taking disciple-making faith risks.

We are about half way through this life altering trip. We have experienced incredible connections. We have made some serious, perhaps long term, changes to our family financial planning. We have had to re-think what the rest of our lives might look like.

It is possible that finally our lives are beginning to look "normal" from God’s perspective.

Pastor's Corner by Nick Stumbo

The theme of this month’s HOUSE is about being intentional. How do we stay spiritually awake and vibrant in a day and age where lethargy and consumerism of the soul are commonplace? I appreciate Jim Venable very much for his willingness to share about the journey that they have been on; a commitment that forces them to be intentional. I know that many others of you are on a journey where you have intentionally built great discipline into your life, and for that I applaud you!

As I think about intentionality, two thoughts come to mind. First off, I believe that all of us, on some level or another, really want to be intentional. We want to move with precision and purpose, knowing what to do and when to do it. We desire that sense of each new day fitting into the greater picture of an overall progression in our life, like a series of musical notes moving together in harmony. If our kids are out of control, we want to be intentional to create the kind of structure they need to succeed. If our finances are upside down, we want an intentional plan to right the ship. If our life of faith feels dim, we want patterns and spiritual disciplines that draw us close to the Savior.

I say we want these things. We desire to be intentional. But then, we actually attempt to be intentional. And as my experience usually reveals, we find a most interesting dynamic at work. This led to my second observation: being intentional is hard work! All of these ideas and thoughts we have about intentionality look good on paper and sound great over a cup of coffee, but put into practice…well… that requires effort, energy, and perseverance, doesn’t it? Everyone wants financial peace, but to actually quit spending in order to get there can be a real pain. We want our children to behave, but to actually say "no" to them and set hard boundaries is a real challenge. I want my spiritual life to be vibrant and bright, but to actually get up early or make space for it disrupts my happy routine! What to do?

As we live in this tension between the intentionality that we desire and the ability to actually put it into practice, let me offer these four words of advice:

1. You have to be CLEAR. Plans fail more often than not because of too much ambiguity. We know in general where we want to change, but this will not create change. As you can see in Jim’s article, the book Radical gives a very clear plan. Your plan doesn’t necessarily need to be specific to the last detail, but it must be clear. So, for example, if you want to grow in your faith, it is far too vague to say "I will spend more time with God." Okay, great. When? What does "more" mean? It would be far more helpful to say "I want to spend 20 minutes each morning reading Scripture and in prayer." Whether it’s parenting, finances, or faith, a clear plan will get you going.

2. You must have SUPPORT. We tend to have very individualistic mindsets. This means, we think that if we make up our minds to do something, this will be good enough to get it done. Not necessarily so. Think of the frustration that will ensue if one spouse has made a parenting or finances plan, but the other spouse is either unaware or unsupportive. This is where we get the phrase, "beating your head against a wall." The significant people in our lives, particularly those who will be affected by our decisions, must be aware of and on board with our plan to be intentional. Do you need to get up earlier? Then make sure your spouse or kids or friends are a part of the plan and can help you carry through.

3. You need to be ACCOUNTABLE. We might be tempted to think that support and accountability are one and the same. They can be, but that’s not always the case. Let me put it this way. If I have a plan to get up at a certain time each day, I will definitely need my wife’s support. But it may not be healthy for her to keep me accountable. This could create an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship where her questions or accountability might feel more like judgment or criticism. You need to give someone the permission to keep you accountable and be very specific about what their role will be. One other note: it is not good to tell someone else, "Check up on me and see how I’m doing." In this statement, we put the responsibility for accountability on them, rather than on ourselves. We need to take the personal responsibility for our own change. It is far better to say, "I will call you on such and such a day and tell you how it’s going. Would that be okay?"

4. You must have GRACE. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard of people’s change efforts coming to a screeching halt because they failed one time. Why do we think that as flawed human beings if we decide to change, it will happen immediately? The reality is, we are still the same flawed human beings, and even our attempts at change for the good will be flawed! That’s the nature of change. Pick yourself up and start over again. Realize that God sees your heart and loves your desire to do what’s right. Set aside guilt and shame and keep moving forward after a misstep. Change is the result of consistent, intentional effort made in the same direction over time. Perfection is not required.

May God bless you and strengthen you during this Lent season. Whatever change goals you are pursuing, may you find his Presence giving you all that you need.

Risky Business, by Mary Hagle

It’s so much easier to "play it safe" isn’t it? And in so many ways, it’s what our parents taught us, out of their love and concern for our happiness and well-being.

Many of us grew up with, and passed on to our children, adages about "being reasonable" "taking precautions", not "going out on a limb".

In many ways, these are practical and wise words. However, it is not the example Jesus demonstrated.

He risked it all, again and again. He spoke the truth in love, and was extremely unpopular, to say the least! And, finally, His words gave fuel to the fire of hatred that put Him on the Cross.

So, why shouldn’t we "be reasonable, take precautions, and avoid the risk"? Because, if we remain in a place that is comfortable, and never risk change, and failure, and having to get back up and try again when we do fail, we’ll never know what amazing and miraculous things God has that He wants to do through us.

If Jesus had shrunk back from what He knew the Father’s will to be for His life, He could have avoided the Cross, and you wouldn’t be reading these words, because there would be no church for you to be a part of, no fellowship of believers, and only darkness in this world.

So, we are at the threshold of a new year, yet again. What one thing is God asking you to take action about, to step out in faith about, or to participate in that is new, scary and risky?

Some possibilities He might ask you to give yourself to:

1. Taking an active role in the church planting EHA is moving toward this year

2. Getting on the EHA volunteer list for Love INC

3. Becoming a part of the worship team

4. Choosing one ministry of EHA as your petitionary prayer focus

5. Talking to Ann about a teacher or helper position in Kidville

6. Becoming a part of a Life Group

7. Seeking out a mentor for listening to your spiritual journey and being a prayer partner with you about it.

Yes, Jesus’ call, and God’s will for His life, was exceptional and unique, but the amazing thing is, that’s true for our lives, too. He has exceptional and unique plans for your life, for changes in your walk of obedience to Him. He is waiting to reveal them to you.

IF you kept a journal, what could you write on December 31, 2012, about how God walked through your life in this year? Would you have an amazing story of having followed in His direction, having taken risks and been on a journey you could never have imagined?

Take a risk. Ask Him where, when, what and how. See what He says.

Matthew 19:26-27

Proverbs 3: 5-7

Ephesians 1: 6, 12, 14

Send your thoughts, questions, ideas, book recommendations and experiences to:

hagle54@gmail.com, or

Mary Hagle c/o EHA, 1405 East Burcham Street, Kelso WA 98626.

We grow as we share . . .

Mary Hagle

Editor, The House

Following Christ, an interview with Noel McRae

Bio Notes: Noel McRae has been a follower of Christ for well over fifty years. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree was from Seattle Pacific in Greek and Biblical studies. Later He taught at Portland Christian High School and in the process got a masters degree in speech pathology.

His favorite "free-time" pastimes includes still "enjoying" cutting and selling about 10 cords of firewood each year and packing into wilderness areas with their llamas with his wife, Georgia.

The House: "Spiritual discipline is hard . . . what draws you back, or keeps you in?"

Answer: I am trying to become consistent in reading the Word, studying books that challenge my understanding of what it means to be a Christian, how to encourage Christian community, and a greater appreciation of Jesus. I think I am becoming better, but it is still easy to have things distract me and intrude into my schedule.

Noel was born in Vancouver, but spent most of his early school years in Coos Bay, OR. When asked what one life lesson stands out from the rest, he responded, "Time is my ‘gold’, and if I am to be of any use to the King, I have to lay it before Him."

Noel found it hard to define in a simple answer what it is that he is most grateful for, but settled on this: "It has to be that Jesus would include me as one of his family and even consider me of any use to his Kingdom. That is pretty amazing."　

The House:　 For those of us who might be unfamiliar with the role of an elder at EHA, could you tell us how you see your assignment as one of our elders?

Noel:　 I see the role of elder as one of the coaches, or guides, to help the church helping people to reach their potential and develop God’s plan for their lives.　 It’s a lot like a sheep rancher:　 taking care of the sheep involves feeding, watching over, helping the sick; meeting any needs that arise, just as a rancher takes care of his flock. My desire is to know the flock better.

The church should be a loving community, and elders are to foster that.　 For example, we want to help our fellow followers to mature enough to help others achieve their maturity in their faith, passing it on to one another. If we are to have a significant impact on our community and impress then with the love of Christ, we must be living that way with each other.　

The House:　 We’re hearing more and more about planting a new church in Longview/Kelso.　 As an elder, I assume you support this vision.　 Why do you think it’s something we want to do?

Noel: This church planting effort is important because it is the most effective way to meet new people and reach them for Jesus Christ. Our goal is not just another building, but to reach more people for Jesus.

We are almost "maxing out" at Burcham Street.　 Planting a new church at a different location makes what we are doing here more accessible for new seekers.

It also helps us to "get out of our comfort zone".　 If some of the faces and friends we are used to seeing at EHA begin to go to the new location, that might encourage us to reach out to them sometime other than at a celebration service, and deepen our relationship with them. Kingdom growth is more important than seeing our friends conveniently at EHA, and gives us the opportunity to grow in deepening our Christian relationships and our spiritual walk.

The House: What was your initial response, as an elder, to the idea of church planting?

Noel: I was a little hesitant at first I was concerned that, if we were going to do this, it should be thoughtfully and prayerfully done, not in a haphazard way. I had read that most church plants don’t succeed beyond about two years, but as I listened to our district representative, Randy Shaw, explain that statistic, he said that most churches in that demographic were started with "people with big hearts and no plans".

He went on to explain that Alliance church plants have an 8 out of 10 success rate because of a slower process with a wise mix of "heart for the mission and skills to carry out the task".

The House: We’re also focusing in this month’s newsletter on taking risks in our faith.　 How would you define the risks we might be confronted with as we go forward with this effort?

Noel: Sometimes it’s scary to think we’re moving beyond our comfort zone.　 We will be bringing new people into positions of leadership.　 We will be sharing some of our people with the newly planted church.　 Some of us will be asked to take on new responsibilities, and to step up into open positions.

Having a new climate of "I’m needed" instead of being a "comfortable spectator" forces us to grow and take on new roles and gives us more opportunity for everybody to be part of the functioning body of Christ.

We need to be challenged to take a risk, stepping up, and accepting responsibilities and obligations we’re asked to prayerfully consider. This is not a "spectator sport"!

The House: How can we as individuals, and part of the body at EHA, make ourselves available to God’s plan for this effort?

Noel: Pray that God would make each of us open and willing to be a part.　 Ask Him to give you enthusiasm for personal growth, and growth at EHA, including this church planting.

Pray for the EHA leadership, that we would not run ahead of God’s timetable.　 Ask Him to fuel the vision for lost and new people who need Him, and can find a place to grow in their faith walk through this new church, as well through the changes that will take place at Burcham Street.

As elders, we have the same problems and questions as the rest of the congregation.　 We are all sheep.　 We all need shepherding, and we are all called to do this together, as His flock.

The House: Is there anything about the church planting experience you would like to add to your comments?

Noel: We have such great unity and spirit here; it is so comfortable. God wants us to get out of our safe boat and test our faith on the water (and there may be some waves to shake us up). We are going to get to see God in action. That is both awesome and scary.　

　

A Time to Plant, by Mike Musser

Why plant a church? Why now? I wrestled with these difficult questions as an Elder. "Is this the RIGHT direction?" I pondered.

I have never been involved in a Church Plant before, nor have I known someone closely who has. I have seen Church Plants open and then close some months later. I have heard about churches that ‘feed’ the sermon in from their ‘parent church’. These things all create for me a stereotype that is not too favorable. So then enters the question above, like an elephant in the room…

As the Elder board began to adapt and re-form with the addition of Jim Venable and myself, we began to learn of East Hills’ historical desire to plant a church. Could that still be the vision for East Hills? We as an elder board pondered that along with other items. We were interested and intrigued by the thought of ‘church planting’ in general. We had someone who oversees church planting in the Northwest, Randy Shaw, come and share with us some of the answers that he and others have found to be significant to the church planting questions ‘what does is look like?’ and ‘why do it?’. It was informative and made sense, but I didn’t get that gut-wrenching sense of urgency for us to rush out and plant a church.

So where are we now? I myself am compelled to pursue it! I feel that my heart has been changed. I have had such a burden for the people of Kelso/Longview, both saved and unsaved. I feel strongly that GROWTH, both corporately and individually is what is on God’s heart for us in the coming or maybe just arriving season. Of course the word, GROWTH, to me just begs the thought of something having to be ‘planted’ first. What does God grow in our lives without first planting a ‘seed’: a thought, a vision, a dream, a word? And what would we ‘plant’ without the same?

The seeds
I feel very strongly about two Bible passages that have pierced my heart when we have discussed ‘church planting’. They are the ‘seeds’ that I feel that God has planted in my heart and mind that he caused to grow and that have changed my thoughts and opinions.

The first passage is the Parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11), in which the ruler entrusted money to his servants with the expectation that they would invest or increase it. How great the deposit, not just in our money in the bank, but in all things God has given to East Hills Alliance. Shall we just hold fast? Shall we just hold tight to what we have now? I yearn to say ‘Let’s make gain for our King from this deposit that he has entrusted us with!’ I would even hope for more than just the one doubling in time.

The other passage is the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1), in which God forced people to build out rather than up. How can that relate to church planting? Our natural tendencies lead us to the idea of building up. God’s intention for us is to foster the idea of building out. Not only did confusing the language stop the upward excess, it made it necessary for us to look outside of those close to us and seek out those who even speak a different language than we do. Let’s choose not to only build up East Hills Alliance… Let’s build out into the neighboring area(s)… If God’s desire is the reaching of all the world, why aren’t we excited to ‘extend our tent’ and take the ground he has for us by planting a church in this soil so near to us?

I heard all the logical reasons, and they ‘made sense’, but I have found what is useful in my head rarely excites a change in my heart. It is now dominant in my heart that GROWTH is the direction that God is leading, and PLANTING is the work I long to be a part of.

Coming "Full Circle" Church Planting

This article is a guest subission by our International Worker partner, Mark Byrom. He and his family serve in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

When I heard that East Hills Alliance is seeking to plant a new church, my mind immediately went to my years growing up in a church plant in Ohio. It was during this time, as a new church meeting in the local YMCA, that God began my call to go overseas. It was so exciting to see new people coming to Christ and joining in with us. During times when international workers visited our church, it was natural to realize a passion to support cross-cultural outreach to the far corners of the world.

It is interesting that the living-out of church planting locally easily focused us on what God was doing overseas. It was natural to put the two sides of the Great Commission together, our local "Jerusalem" in Ohio, and the "ends of the Earth" where our international workers planted new churches.

To reach the ends of the Earth requires that we grow locally. One of the best ways to multiply outreach is in the midst of a healthy local church family. The natural progression in realizing our place in the world, as new Christ followers, is to start realizing how lost the entire world actually is. A few years ago our Alliance Team in Bosnia-Herzegovina was teaching church leaders about the Great Commission and how it is natural as new churches develop, that they work towards a focus on cross cultural missions.

We thought it interesting to find that this year a group of relatively new churches in Bosnia have started to catch the vision. Our Bosnian pastor friend, Sasha Nikolinovic, put feet to the Great Commission. This fall his church in Sarajevo sent their first short-term missions team to the country of Turkey, a place where Bosnians can freely enter without visa requirements. They went and encouraged a Turkish pastor, who leads a congregation in one of the most unreached countries in the world.

One of our goals in the Alliance is to help establish indigenous church planting movements that truly embrace the call of Christ to impact the world. This is a "full circle" vision; establishing new churches in an unreached country, which will one-day send their own church planters to other countries. It’s exciting to see our Bosnian brothers and sisters taking their first steps toward realizing their role in reaching some of the darkest regions. As East Hills Alliance takes steps to multiply, it is natural to envision establishing a church planting church in Longview.

It really is true! We spur each other on, as we work to spread the Gospel. I think it will be easy to find strong encouragement from Bosnian believers for what East Hills is looking to do locally, as you, at the same time, continue to encourage Bosnian pastors to have a similar vision to reach out in their country. May the Lord grow His Church through networking of church families worldwide! This rings true to the relationship between East Hills Alliance Church in Kelso, Washington and churches it is blessing and helping to establish across the globe in Bosnia and Herzegovina!

The Nature of Things By Nick Stumbo

It is the nature of living things to reproduce. The birth of a living organism is the most obvious example, but every tree, flower or shrub has a unique method of creating seeds to propagate more of its own kind. If you think about it, every living thing multiplies itself. Even as you read these words, your body is hard at work to create new cells and tissue. When living things stop reproducing, they have begun the slow process of death.

Interestingly, our faith works in a somewhat similar fashion. Jesus made it clear as he trained his disciples that they were to go out and help create more followers of Christ: He called them to reproduce themselves. From the book of Acts through the letter of Revelation, we see the church devoting itself whole-heartedly to this mission. (And wherever the church throughout history has chosen to stop reproducing itself, death inevitably sets in!)

We have chosen, as a church, to incorporate this idea of multiplication into our mission statement: We exist to glorify God by making fully-devoted followers of Christ who can make fully-devoted followers of Christ. Did you catch that? It’s not enough to simply get ourselves to a place of spiritual maturity or fullness- we are actually seeking to take what God is doing in us and pass it on to others. This resonates perfectly with what we read in Scripture: "So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:28) The apostle Paul’s desire was not to perfect himself, but to thoroughly train and equip others so that they would be walking in a perfect relationship with Christ!

I hope that as you read the two resolutions on the inside of this newsletter, you will see our desire to take this "multiplication mindset" from the individual level to the group level. We are pursuing the idea of launching a new church in Kelso/Longview. Why? Simply put, because we believe that if Christ calls us as individuals to multiply ourselves, he has called us as churches to do the same thing! And I believe that as we pursue this goal as a church, the idea will work its way down into the heart of each individual. We will become people reaching people as we endeavor to be a church planting church.

I know that some of you are very excited about this, and will read these statements with growing passion and conviction. But I am also guessing that some of you, perhaps many, have a great deal of apprehension or concern about church planting. Justifiably so! You might ask, "Are we really ready to do something like this? Isn’t planting a whole new church kind of a big deal?" To you I would say, you are right. This is a big deal. But who is ever truly ‘ready’ to become a parent? If humans were required to truly prove their readiness for a child, none of us would have been born! The fact is, we arrive at a place where we decide that the timing is right and the desire is on our hearts to move forward. That is exactly the place we find ourselves in as a church. Do we have some apprehension? Absolutely. I’d be worried if we didn’t! But we also sense that God has led us here. The time is right. Let’s step forward together and see what God will do in us and through us on this journey. Enjoy the ride! It’s going to be a thrill.

Come On, Ring Those Bells!

This is a familiar Christmas song, as I listen to songs of the season while I work... feeling like one of Santa’s elves as I help show appreciation for the people who support Young Life...and praying for people the music brings to mind while I work away, cozy and warm, happy to do it.

Another familiar experience in this season is the Christmas classic "A Wonderful Life". The bell rings; an angel gets its wings, right? And that brings me back to my original thought. This year I’ve tried to add more Practicing the Presence of God, (thank you, Brother Lawrence!) being more aware of God’s being present at all times, whether I’m alone with Him, or aware of the Holy Spirit when gathered with Christian friends.

Part of that practice has become the habit of praying for each person He brings into "my space". Sometimes that’s easy; sometimes it’s hard. It’s easy when a tearful friend shares from his heart about a painful experience, hard when someone behaves in a way that says, "You’re old, and don’t matter anymore. Get out of my way!" or worse, "You’re invisible. I can ignore you. You don’t count."

And finally, when I want to remember to continue to pray for someone and their circumstances, I look for something like the bell ringing in the movie. When I see a toy, I remember to pray for my son, who works in a toy store, is frustrated by parents who let their kids destroy books and toys, and just walk away, and is also suffering from clinical depression, and unwilling to get help. Kind of a sad thing to pray about when I see a toy, but hey, it draws me to prayer, so it’s a good thing.

I have a printout of a family whose wife and mother has stage-four cancer. The kids are three teens and a five-year-old. This is a young and beautiful mother who is the center of her family’s life. I have the picture posted on my cork board in my office, a smaller one tucked into my morning readings book, so at least twice a day their faces are "in my face"; another sad but good thing.

I just take it for granted now that if someone walks into my office, it’s a divine appointment. So many times, just being in a "listening" attitude opens the opportunity to ask, "Can I pray with you/for you about that?" You’d be amazed how often that happens. I am. Just by being aware of His gentle voice and "nudges".

Maybe you will want to try this "trigger" method of remembering to be in conversation all day with our loving heavenly Father. He speaks to me all day, every day, when I am listening. Is this what Paul was talking about when he said, "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do you have other ways of being drawn to prayer? Maybe you would be willing to share those with us. Just jot some thoughts in an email to me, and we’ll share them with our EHA family. God’s blessings in this blessed season, as we celebrate the Christ child’s arrival once again, and . . .

Come on, ring those bells!!

Mary Hagle

Editor, The House

Taking Prayer to the Streets

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. (Matt. 6:6 )

Why would we seem to disobey Jesus’ clear direction for private prayer by prayer walking Longview/Kelso? In Matthew 6 Jesus confronts those making pretense of piety by praying publicly. These, according to Jesus, have their reward; accolades of men and self gratification. Jesus tells another parable, in Luke 18, of two men praying in the temple, obviously a public place. This story illustrates that it is not the public praying that Jesus is against, but the condition of our heart and our objective in public prayer.

That said, why do we prayer walk? There is no specific biblical directive, to my knowledge, for a person or a group of people to intentionally pray as they travel through an area. Some of the pictures that come to my mind when I think about prayer walking are based on scripture, however.

It’s the People

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings…." (Matt 23:37)

"…as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. How I wish today that you … would understand the way to peace." (Luke: 41, 42)

We walk the streets to pray for the people; those we see and those they represent. We ask the Father for his eyes to see what He sees. We desire to know and participate in the stories of those for whom we pray. We ask the Father for insights into the area for which we are praying as we look into the eyes of those living in the area. Do we see hope or hopelessness? Do we see spiritual and/or physical poverty or well-being? Do we see energy or lethargy? Do we see or feel those that are beaten down? These are the types of questions we ask the Holy Spirit to use as triggers for precise prayers for God’s intervention. Our intercessory prayers must include questioning the Father for direction on how we can be agents of His intervention. What is it that either myself, East Hills, or the Christian community at-large can do to either remedy or foster what it is we are being shown?

It’s Warfare

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. …Pray in the Spirit at all times.." (Eph. 6:12, 18)

A lot of the Old Testament story is a type, albeit a physical one, foreshadowing our spiritual journey. The Israelite entrance into and subsequent conquest of Canaan is a type of the spiritual warfare aspect of prayer walking. We understand that the world governed by the evil one and we are invading his kingdom. Now we do this whether we intercede from our prayer closets or on the street. But when we are on the street we are confronting Satan on his turf. We are spiritually attacking and tearing down strongholds and temples of idolatry.

God may whisper to us that an area is home to overt evil; strongholds of generational curses, occult practices, or abuse of many kinds, etc. We strategically bind the power of darkness in these areas and loose the power of heaven.

An idol is anything or anyone to whom we look for protection or provision other than God. We have created an idol when we get our self worth from any source but God or when we focus on something that keeps us from being whom or doing what God desires or demands.

As we prayer walk, ask God for direction in how to pray over physical representations of what may be an idol. Institutions, relationships, and activities may all fall into one or more of these categories. These, when subordinate to our relationship with God can be good, but evil when they replace God.

The more common are places representing power and influence, such as: government buildings, headquarters of business and labor, educational institutions, and churches. Other places might signify where people are distracted from whole heartedly serving God, such as casinos and sport/recreational facilities.

These potential idols are neutral. It is the people involved that should be the focus of our prayers; freedom for those worshiping these idols, and wisdom and power for believers to be Godly influences in these arenas.

We must pray for the people of Longview/Kelso; pray in our prayer closets, pray in corporate prayer settings. And whether or not we partner for the January 14th prayer walk as part of Global Impact week, take our intercession to the streets any time we walk, run, bike, or drive the streets of Longview/Kelso. We will be forcibly advancing God’s Kingdom.

Jim Venable

Elder

Shining God's Light in the Streets of Sarajevo

By Kathy Eikost. Kathy Eikost is a part of the Alliance team in Sarajevo that works in the Izvor center. This is an article that appeared in the December issue of aLife magazine. See the box to the right to see how you can receive aLife magazine for free.

Zora ("Dawn" in Bosnian) could be on a "least-of-these" poster. She’s someone you might walk by on the streets without seeing. If you take the time to look, you’ll see eyes that have almost given up hope.

The Bosnian civil war ended 15 years ago, but the country is still struggling to get on its feet. There are no inspirational leaders rising to the top as Tito did after World War II. No one seems to have a plan big enough to encompass the whole country, although many politicians have plans for their own constituents or inner circle. Unemployment stubbornly hovers around 40 percent, and millions live hand to mouth. In a country of only 4 million, this is easily the majority. Those who are working have extended family in dire need and take responsibility to help however they can.

There are many new buildings in Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capital), but closer inspection reveals that storefronts are empty and condos have not been sold. In each case a developer came up with the money to build but did not think through to the other side of the equation. Red tape and corruption make Bosnia one of the most difficult places to start a small business. With such high unemployment rates, few families have the means to buy a condo or rent a luxury apartment.

Like many middle-aged people in Sarajevo, Zora is a civil war victim who has fallen through the cracks. Employers consider Zora, now in her fifties, too old to be hired, and she doesn’t qualify for the meager financial assistance available to people who are disabled, laid-off or over 65. Her extended family is not in a position to help, and she won’t beg since she retains the self-respect and pride that characterizes many people in her situation.

Although Zora has a house to live in, her electricity and water were shut off years ago because she cannot pay the bills. Her children are grown and gone, so she fends for herself the best she can by recycling things she finds in dumpsters. Beer bottles and soda cans bring a few coins. A certain-sized jar can be sold to beekeepers for honey storage.

She doesn’t understand the politics that destroyed her beloved city. She had a much better life before the war and seems bewildered at how her life came to this.

We met Zora when she was recommended for a monthly food packet. A Dutch organization gives the Evangelical Church in Bosnia-Herzegovina aid in the form of food boxes. Our congregation in Ilidza (a suburb of Sarajevo) sponsors 10 families each year. In addition to food, participants receive clothing and an invitation to a weekly coffee time. There, they get to know church members and are able to talk about their lives and problems. Members listen to, advise and pray for the participants.

Naturally, an invitation is extended to attend our worship services. Many participants have come a couple of times out of a sense of obligation. But Zora was different. In addition to Sunday services, Zora came faithfully to the Alpha course, which covers the basics of Christianity.

The light had not yet gone completely out of Zora’s eyes. A kind word and handshake would bring a smile and a hopeful glance. She soaked up love and human contact like a parched garden that had lain fallow far too long. She seemed embarrassed about her physical condition at first but was soon put at ease by the sincere love and friendship offered by ladies at the church. Many of them have been in similar situations and can empathize with Zora.

Our little church in Ilidza doesn’t have much money; the 15 members can barely cover its expenses. In fact, the Great Commission Fund paid the church’s rent for the first few years. But the members gave Zora what they had. She was invited to do laundry at the church and to use the shower as often as she liked. The manager of the church’s second-hand store set aside articles she felt would be useful to Zora and offered them at a deeply discounted price. Church members saved bottles and jars for Zora and brought blankets and sheets from home to help her out. She was invited to take vegetables from the church’s community garden to supplement her diet.

In May 2011 it was time for us to return to the United States for home assignment. We wondered whether Zora would still be attending the church when we returned a year later or if she would drift away as so many others had. Our Sarajevo-based team of international workers is small. When we left for home assignment, there were only four adults remaining to continue the work, three of whom were nearing the end of language study.

One is far enough along to be able to preach occasionally in Bosnian. Recently, he preached on prayer and led the congregation in a time of listening to God. Our elder’s wife felt impressed to talk to Zora.

"What is keeping you from accepting Christ as your Savior?" she asked.

"Nothing," Zora replied. The elder explained the gospel to her, and she received Christ that same day.

The glimmer of hope in Zora’s eyes has become the radiance of one who walks in the light. Instead of wondering whether Zora will be in church, we can’t wait to see what beautiful fruit is growing in a life that was parched and fallow.

By Caleb Cox

With eager anticipation I stepped into the fellowship hall. Throngs of people surged in human masses as there were too many bodies to sit in chairs. The air was static with energy as people came to be a part. Though dark outside because of the early morning hours, the light from hearts inside caused a spiritual glow the outmatched anything the darkness had to offer. Suddenly a voice cried out for God to come. Another voice boldly proclaimed the reign of Jesus over our city. And suddenly prayers shot out like rockets through the ceiling as person after person in holy desperation cried out for the move of God in our city. It was a prayer meeting like no other...

It was a daydream like no other... I looked around at the 7 of us meeting together for our early morning intercession time. 7. A good number. But not what I'd hoped for. As I had shared the previous weekend about desiring to see God to do a move in our church and our city, and how we as the church were uniting together in prayer to intercede for those things, I had high expectation about people responding to the call.

As a pastor at EHA, it's my dream to see God's people so in love with the lost, so filled with compassion, so moved by our Father's heart, that prayer and intercession would be our natural response. And as a pastor I am never to lead by twisting arms or using guilt as a motivation. But I'm also reminded that part of my role is to teach when necessary, and to call people to change and to action when necessary. And I feel that as a church body we have so much potential for corporate prayer. There are so many passionate and gifted individuals in our midst, that as we turn those passions and gifts toward Kingdom things we will see an amazing turnaround. Unfortunately, we are a busy people, and busyness is one of the key death strokes that keeps us from being prayer minded. When busyness runs our lives, prayer becomes inconvenient. I had always heard it joked that "if you ever want to know who the real church is, then hold a prayer meeting." Sadly, there is some truth in this humor!

Until we as a church corporately feel the desperation of the hour, and the urgency of the need, then we maintain busy lives without much thought to the priorities of heaven. Why is it we are loosing over half of our marriages to divorce? Why are so many of our teenagers becoming sexual addicts? Why are people content with mediocre Christianity and status quo lives? Because we've rarely or never seen what God can really do! Because we've never committed to praying for those things until they happen.

The other day, I was reading in Matthew 21. And there's a story of Jesus getting heated with a fig tree. Jesus is hungry, so he goes to the side of the road where the fig tree is. He sees that there's no fruit on it, so he curses it and it withers there on the spot. The disciples, having just seen something amazing happen, ask Jesus how it happened. And Jesus again tells them about the power of faith and expectation in the power of God.

Jesus isn't demonstrating power to draw unsaved people to himself. He's not even glorifying God through this action. But what he does is demonstrate that a life of faith and prayer are powerful, and that they can change the physical realities as well as the spiritual ones.

With my eyes I have seen the lame healed, legs grow out, blind eyes restored, growths disappear, and unsaved people knocked over by the presence of God. And to me, this is the normal Christian life. This is what should be happening. The supernatural life is the normal Christian life. But I look around and I see a different picture. If prayer is the primary work of God's people, then what are our hearts captivated by? Where are our priorities? Has busyness kept us from being effective in the move of God? Prayer is inconvenient! Prayer costs us something. Prayer has ramifications on our social life; will cost us sleep, will cost us money, will cost us physical discomfort, etc. But the things that we sow into are eternal. And we are investing into a harvest that will completely be altered for the glory of God.

I want to challenge you who are reading this: How will you invest in the prayer movement God is doing here at EHA? What will it cost you? If prayer is the primary work of God's people, then let’s pray together for the reign of God to be recognized here! May we be a people sold out and completely surrendered to the things God wants to do!

Huge Turnout at Coffee House Forum on Church Planting

After adding extra tables and chairs, and setting up a microphone for the unexpectedly large turnout, everyone settled in to listen, share, and dream about the possibility of East Hills doing a church plant.

Pastor Nick took some time to give an overview of how church planting has been on the hearts of the people of East Hills through many decades, and while it has sometimes been moved to the back burner, the vision to plant keeps popping up.

There are many statistics that support planting churches, but the most compelling is that church plants are the most effective form of evangelism today.

After Nick’s presentation, the floor was opened for questions and comments on the matter. Of the over 50 people in attendance, many had something to say. Here are some highlights from the discussion. (If you would like a full transcript or audio recording of the evening, contact the church office.)

"A church plant is like a child. We instill our values, but our child (plant) will take on its own ministries and strengths as we let it grow."

"Is the decision to plant a new church already made? I think in the back of our minds we’re thinking ‘it’s already done.’" Pastor Nick’s response to this common sentiment was "That as the lead pastor, I have made a decision to take steps in that direction. But it’s not a bus I’m driving, but I’m stopping and asking questions. Having the conversation is what’s essential at this point. I’m not trying to push it forward. I want us to take steps together to see if this is what God wants to do."

"You talked about one of the benefits of planting is that we can partner with the daughter church in events and outreaches. But it is sad that the only partnership we can take part in is with our own brainchild. Shouldn’t we be doing this with other churches in the community now?" Sadly, we can plant a church faster than we could learn to work with other churches. Buy in is extremely slow for partnering churches. The Longview/Kelso Ministerial Association has spent 20 years trying to accomplish just this, and is just beginning to scratch the surface.

"What are we looking for in a church planter staff person?" Evangelistic, entrepreneurial, administrative. This person would go through extensive assessment before ever being hired to determine if they have the right stuff to be a church planter. The planter would become a part of East Hills as a church planter in residence, and then let their vision and their passions mold what our new plant would look like.

"What about the possibility of taking over Splitz bowling and just enlarging East Hills?" There was much discussion on this topic from various people. "You miss people unless you’re in a different geographical location." "Our community is proud of being a small town. This area really likes small churches and the feeling of mini communities. "People really need to know they are cared for, and you don’t get that in a larger church."

"What are other things we can do to reach out instead of planting a new church." "What are those church plants doing that really attract new people, who then become new believers?" Nick’s response: "Yes, that’s the conversation we need to be having. What can we do outreach wise to reach those who would never come otherwise? Church plants create relationships. Relationships create evangelism opportunities."

"What if our good leaders leave with the church plant? What are we left with?" Response from the group: "If all the good people left, the people you didn’t know sitting next to you will surprise you with their gifts. Vacancies create leadership opportunities."

"When our life group split, it hurt. But I’m excited about this church plant and its flavor, and who it’s going to minister to!"

"I feel like God will always provide when we get to that spot."

"This is a faith process. If this goes, God will cover it. God works when we risk. When we obey and step out in faith, God will reward and bless it."

Testimonies of God at Work

By Jim Fishel:

Changes are a necessary part of life. Without changes we would not mature or gain skills or meet new friends. For example, as parents we are always looking for changes in our children. We look for the first step, the first word, the first report card from school. We want our children to change from infants to toddlers to teens and finally to mature adults. Change sometimes scares us because we don’t know what is ahead of us. What challenges will we face if we start doing things differently?

I remember some major changes that Sharon and I experienced without knowing for certain what the outcomes would be. In the first year of our marriage we were convinced that God wanted us to tithe, and though our income and expenses were very close we chose to follow God’s leading. That same week as a confirmation we had done the right thing I got to work some unexpected overtime with extra pay. I’d like to tell you that we never had a financial difficulty after that, but what I can say is God has been faithful and has provided our every need. When our two daughters were still small we were convinced we needed to move our family out of California. So we moved to Oregon in 1976 without a job to go to or a house to live in. We just packed up our belongings and moved. We were trusting God to provide the things we needed because He knew all about us and certainly knew all our needs.

We bought a 6 acre property of trees, ferns and poison oak and built a home. The mid Willamette Valley in 1976 was experiencing a minor drought. As a confirmation that God was in this move, we planted a garden that God watered with small clouds that only dropped water on the garden. We raised our girls along with rabbits, chickens, sheep, pony, horse, goat, dogs and cats with no prior experience except for the dogs. The most important change for us though was attending and getting involved in the Veneta Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. We had missionaries stay in our home and their impact on us and our children is immeasurable.

My employment was on and off and in 1988 I was offered a position in Portland. After much prayer we decided to try to sell the house and all the animals (except the dogs). Sharon contacted a local church that put out a weekly newsletter and in less than a week we had sold or given away all the animals and had an offer on the house. This was another confirmation that God was in this move also.

Another big change came in 1994 when we became grandparents and I can tell you if I knew how fun that was I would have traded raising kids to being grandpa. In 1995 our other daughter married and made us empty nesters. We had planned for this change by following some advice we had received years before to maintain our "two" while we were a family of four.

The next big change came last year. During my routine annual physical my Doctor asked "How are you feeling?" As a man my usual response has been" Fine", but this time I said "I get a slight pain in my chest when I mow the lawn." He set me up for a stress test which I failed and a couple of weeks later had bypass surgery. Now I have to change a few of the habits I have had in order to provide a healthier environment for my heart.

It is easy to develop habits or behaviors by just doing the same things over and over. I’m not referring just to bad habits or things I should not be doing, but to the patterns that our lives develop in ordinary daily living. For most of the last 53 years I’ve been waking early, dressing, eating breakfast, driving to work, coming home, eating dinner, going to bed and starting the same process over the next day. Weekends varied the routine, but what I’m saying is that habits develop. Changing those habits is going to be a challenge.

At the end of July we started our latest life change. Sharon and I retired. I wanted to retire years ago but had to wait for my child bride to get old enough to join me. Retirement will be a big change in our lives and I like the challenges that this change brings. For the last 3 months my alarm clock has been set about 4 times. The habit of early rising has been broken without a struggle.

Pastor Nick’s latest sermons on freedom are an exciting series of making necessary changes to move from sin to righteous behavior. I expect the truth of God’s Word to reveal sin in me and continue to set me free.

Interview with Amber Hansen

Bio-Notes . . . Amber Hanson was introduced to Jesus Christ as a child at summer camp, probably at the age of ten or twelve, but in December, 2010, being in relationship with Jesus became real for her.

Amber grew up in Longview, and graduated from Mark Morris High School. She is employed by OHSU, and works in the Casey Eye Institute in Longview. She began her training and employment in the optical department, and is now a receptionist there. Her two boys, Micah, 5, and Jonah, 2, claim any free time she has. She loves being with them as much as she can.

The House: As we talked about, the November issue of The House is focused on seasons of life and the challenges in change, including the steps we are learning about as part of the "Setting Me Free" series.

The video was saw two weeks ago about the major change in your life in the last year certainly speaks to all these things. In the video you shared that from the age of fifteen until you were twenty-five, you were using some kind of narcotic, and that in December, 2010, you ran out of money, became very ill, and pretty much came to the end of yourself being in control of your life.

Can you tell us what you think caused this drastic change in your life, beyond your circumstances? Amber: Running out of money and being very ill really forced me to look at my life. I know my prayers and the prayers of my family are what really made the difference. I went through sixteen days of withdrawal, and I was angry when the only person who knew I had been hiding this secret for ten years told my family and the doctors, but I am grateful now that she did.

The House: "Setting Me Free" talks about how "confession destroys the barrier of pride, creating humility." How have you experienced that truth? Amber: Every day I see something new that makes me think, "How did I not see that before?" I am confronted every day with something else that my addiction allowed me to hide from. I am grateful for the new life I have, even with all the challenges. I know I am growing in faith, and "one day at a time" applies to my life, and I’m glad it does. The House: We are very grateful to you for sharing your story with us. It’s a privilege to hear about your journey. Amber: I am grateful for an appropriate time and place to share it. I know it is important for my life and future, and for my children’s lives. And, I always hope there is someone hearing my story who is like I was, and might have the courage to surrender their life to God, and be able to receive it back from Him, but in the way He has for them.

The House: Another aspect of "Setting Me Free" is about patience, a word none of use likes much, because we know that means learning to wait on God and seeking His plan for our lives, when sometimes that is very difficult. What do you have to say about patience in your life now? Amber: I believe I am learning to trust Him, to "live and let live", meaning that I just need to live my life out, day to day, and not try to manage and control everything. I don’t have "new" plans beyond living one day at a time, working, playing with my sons, and doing the work it takes to remain sober. I know that change will come when God knows I am ready for it. The House: You are working, raising your boys, and going to NA meetings. Since we’re talking about changing seasons in our lives, are there some changes in yours? Amber: Yes! I’ve deleted my FaceBook account, leaving my cell phone off, at home or in my car, not holding it in my hand all the time, constantly checking for messages. I’m amazed at how freeing that is; not being "on call" all the time.

I check it a few times throughout my day, just to be sure I can be reached in an emergency with my kids or something, but I find my thought-life is not as anxious and "cluttered" as it was when I was constantly "checking in". I found that stuff I had been "sitting on" for six months, feeling like I didn’t have time to do, suddenly were things I had time for. It feels really good to not let "distracting electronics" dictate to me all day! LOL! The House: You’ve done so well with your recovery. What are the challenges you feel are on your horizon now? Amber: I still have to struggle with being with friends who are not in a recovery program, and might not need to be, but continue to have a drink. That is not something I can do, so being comfortable with them is hard. I also have a hard time with "having nothing to do". If I have a time like that, I usually fill it up with visiting family, taking my boys somewhere, like OMSI, anything but "doing nothing". It will be great when "doing nothing" is okay for me. The House: It is really wonderful to hear your enthusiasm for learning about your faith, bringing friends to EHA to hear what you’re hearing, and how diligent you are about your recovery. We are with you, and praying for continued healing and wholeness. Thank you so much for sharing your story again! It’s so clear that you understand how much we all need God in our lives, and that He wants so much for us to be free in Him to live the life He has in mind for us!

We will remember the word you felt was most important: SURRENDER!

Time Marches On...

In the Pacific Northwest, changing seasons from winter to spring and spring to summer can be a little difficult to mark.

"Is this still winter rain, or have we moved on to spring showers?"

"Is it going to stay warmer long enough to say summer has arrived?"

Fall, however, is a little more easily defined because of the trees. When the brilliant yellows, oranges and reds appear, we feel a briskness in our souls, gear up for trick or treat-ers, jack-o-lanterns, plan our shopping for the right turkey for this year’s Thanksgiving gathering, and start getting serious about that Christmas list.

This seems like the season to take inventory of our lives as well . . .

"What has changed for me since this time last year?" "Has this year been especially trying for me?" "Do I feel ‘asleep at the wheel’ or is everything ‘on track’?

Perhaps this is the time to join a Bible-study group, Life Group, or book club.

Have you ever tried a "morning letter to God"? It can be a great exercise in getting your heart-thoughts down on paper. You might be surprised at what comes out when you write for five minutes without allowing yourself to "edit". Just "Dear God . . . "a deep breath, and what comes. Giving yourself a little time restraint, and not allowing editing, but speaking from your heart, can really be something that brings clarity to questions and pondering you’ve had going on "in the background" and bring it to the front so you can ask Him to help you with the underlying motivation for those thoughts.

Maybe you would be willing to tell us a little about something new in your life . . . a baby, a job, a book, a study . . . anything that has caused you to "adjust your sails" a little.

Here’s one of mine: I’m adjusting my calendar to allow more time for writing. I’ve had several writing projects lying on my desk, waiting for me, and letting them collect dust because I started them, but stopped when they got hard. Some of them are ancient!

I’ve been convicted that I need to be obedient in finishing them, not judging them before they have a chance to breathe, and just plain having the discipline to sit there until something comes. It’s hard, but I have good friends and family who have heard me out about it, and called me on it.

I went away for a retreat in early October, with the question of working on these things at the front of my mind. On the first morning, I gathered at a table before breakfast with several friends to complete the guided study we were provided. When we had all finished our study worksheets, we began a conversation that included discussing study/devotional books that had influenced us.

The woman on my right mentioned a book, and the woman on my left said, "That’s amazing! That book changed my life! I had forgotten about it!"

A few minutes later, the woman on my left mentioned another book, and the woman on my right said, "That’s amazing! That book changed my life! I had forgotten about it!"

This conversation was "in my face". I came to the retreat questioning whether the hard work of finishing these writing pieces "matters". The conversation between these two women said to me that I needed to finish what I had been called to do, without judging the outcome, and trying to decide before I am finished if I actually have something to say.

The Holy Spirit was pretty clear: "That’s not your business. You need to be obedient, and leave the results up to me."

It wasn’t easy. I came away from the weekend doing an inventory of my time, to see if I could squeeze in some writing time. My cohorts pounced on me! "Stop postponing what you’ve clearly been told to do. Just do it!"

So, this new season, I’m moving things around, and making time for writing. It’s hard. And good.

What’s up for you? Are you being called to "do it differently" in some way?

Please share your walk. It’s how we help one another grow.

Mary Hagle, Editor, The House

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. AmplifiedBible

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;　he's the one who will keep you on track. The Message

Gunfight at the OK Corral

Know that lovely feeling you sometimes have when you’ve left church and there’s no big agenda for the afternoon, the message really spoke to you, and all seems right with the world, at least for that moment? Yeah, I was having such a moment.

Nick had spoken to us about the life lesson from Haggai – making complete dedication to God the foundation of my life. All his message points and the personal application of them were still firing away in my brain synapses.

My "low fuel" light came in, so I stopped at the Safeway fuel station to fill my gas tank. On such a lovely summer’s day, it made sense that it would be a busy scene, especially so close to the interstate, and I was patiently waiting my turn. Two cars in front of me got their place, and then a spot opened up right in front of me, so I began to turn my car around so my gas tank would be next to the pump.

I was just about to back into the spot, when an older man and his wife came into view, and began to head around me into the place I was headed! I motioned that I was about to back into the space, but he just kept coming!

Then I realized there wasn’t room for him to get around me, and that if he didn’t stop, he was going to hit me! He didn’t even slow down! He just plowed right into my driver’s side front bumper and tried to shove my car out of his way! I was so amazed, I didn’t know what to do! I had said out loud, "You’re going to hit me!" just before he rammed into me. He ignored my pleas to stop, and the look I know I had on my face, and just kept coming.

It gets better. After he hit me, he realized he couldn’t shove me out of the way, and BACKED UP AND HIT ME AGAIN! This time he had pulled to the right enough that when he hit my bumper again, he slid across it and around my car.

I was so in disbelief that this had happened, I just sat there for a few seconds. None of the guys pumping gas into their cars tried to come to my rescue, or even yell,

"Dude! Whaddah yah doin’?!"

I wanted to jump out of my car and scream at this man. I wanted to cry. I thought about how quickly I went from pleasant contentment to the urge to strangle someone!

So much for my pleasant Sunday morning!

I got my gas, finally, at a different pump. I drove away, in rapid conversation with God.

"What was THAT about, Lord?!?"

(My daily meditations this past week have been from John MacArthur’s The Quest for Character, the chapter on Merciful Compassion.)

"You expect me to have MERCY and COMPASSION for this guy?!?"

"Why should I?"

"He was so obviously in the wrong!"

"This isn’t fair!"

"I should have at least been allowed to get out of my car and give him a piece of my mind, and You know I considered doing that, even when I knew it wasn’t going to change the outcome!"

Finally, I shut up long enough for the Holy Spirit to get another word in sideways.

The only thing I had heard from Him during all this, when I begged for the Grace to forgive this guy, was a gentle reminder of this week’s study.

That was before my little rant.

Then the Holy Spirit said, "You have prayed all week for this character trait to be given to you. You have asked for insight about how that might happen, since all the suggestions in the Beatitudes seem so far beyond our human capacity. This is certainly an opportunity for that, don’t you think?"

"What has happened in that old man’s life to allow him to think what he did was justified?"

"Maybe he is suffering from dementia, and really shouldn’t be driving anymore, but doesn’t know any other way to get to town and get groceries and gas."

"You don’t know, and you don’t need to know. Just surrender your "rights", your "will" and your life, again, the way you did at the close of this morning’s services, and go on.

"You might even remember to express a little gratitude for the lesson in mercy and compassion. Have a nice day."

So, the focus for October’s The House: Grace Stories. How has it come to you when you needed it most? Share it with us, won’t you? We grow as we share our stories. It’s part of His Plan for our lives; walking this walk together.

Mary Hagle

Editor

The House

Stories from Bosnia By Marian Waller

The best way to describe what the EHA mission trip to Bosnia meant to me is to let you have a glimpse into my thoughts and feelings from the daily journal I kept. While I have left out many precious memories and experiences, I hope you will get a sense of the profound impact this journey has had on my life.

Tues, Sept. 13

– It’s early morning, having some quiet time before I head to work one last time before we leave. It’s completely surreal knowing I’m leaving in twenty hours for an adventure unlike anything I’ve ever known. I can’t even fathom it. I just want to drink in every moment, savoring with all my senses what God is allowing me to experience. I want to be open and responsive to the people I meet. I want to share my journey without fear. I want to go to Bosnia as a risk taker and come home that same way. I am overwhelmed at the immensity of this trip and so humbled that I get to be part of it all.

Fri, Sept 16

- Petula (the missionary we worked with most closely and who is also the director of Izvor) encouraged us to learn from the Bosnian way of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. Relationships trump everything and they are taken very seriously – one would never think of meeting for coffee or lunch and then texting on their cell phones all through their time together. If you have a best friend, you see them every day or call or text them daily at the very least. This isn’t just a girl thing either. Men will meet their best friends for coffee as well. This closeness also makes it difficult (for believers) to enter into new friendships (with unbelievers).

Sat, Sept 17

– Lora and I are back at our home, preparing to meet Petula so we can get ready for the Pampering Seminar, where I am speaking. I really don’t want to be nervous about this. I want my story to touch the heart of another woman, even if I never know of it. God, please use me any way You choose.

What a powerful evening – and yet so different from what I expected. About 20-25 women arrived for the Pampering Seminar. They are a friendly, vivacious group of women; all ages, believers and non-believers alike. It was awkward at first, but several of the women and I talked as we beaded. I mostly talked and joked with a beautiful and funny young girl named Marissa, who I later learned was a devout Muslim. I should add that it was decided that I should not give my testimony because there were several unbelievers there who needed the non-threatening environment of just being with women of the church. I totally got that, too. Petula encouraged me to invite Marissa to Izvor for a one-on-one English session, which I did as I told her goodbye, hugged her and thanked her for being such a great beading partner. She said she will come to the center and I can only pray she will. I do believe that God has given me an opportunity with Marissa, whether it was just to nurture the seeds planted in her heart, or if there will be more. Regardless, she will be in my prayers for a long time.

Sun, Sept 18

– Lora and I walked for about 30 minutes along the river to meet Karen (one of the missionaries) and her girls, so we could take the tram out to Ilidza for church, which was amazing. Zeljko is preaching there and his heart for Christ and his love for people is so evident. As soon as he began praying I just wanted to cry. We worshipped, singing in Bosnian, and it was so easy to let my mind and heart go to God’s throne room. Nick preached from Zechariah and it was powerful.

We attended the Malta church for their service in the evening. It was full – maybe 30 or 40 people. They are passionate and responsive worshippers. Caleb shared about the mission trip to Mexico – about how God moved as they persisted in praying for healing. Nick preached from Habakkuk about when God seems slow to answer. So timely.

Tues, Sept 20

– Marissa came to Izvor tonight!! If the weather had been nicer, Lora and I would’ve been shopping and would have totally missed her! I asked Marissa if she is coming to the Open House on Saturday and she said she would, and took an invitation. I will keep praying for her. She has touched my heart.

Wed, Sept 21

– I had trouble falling asleep, but woke up on my own around 6am. Marissa was on my heart and I prayed for her. I’ve really been thinking about people here and at home. Without Christ, all are without hope and peace, no matter where they live. I have been so convicted of how content I am to live in my own little bubble, with very little concern for the lost people of Kelso/Longview. I want to be much more intentional about living each day in expectancy and building relationships with unbelievers. I want to go home a radically different woman, living in confidence and boldness, not the "Much Afraid" that I am honestly much more comfortable with.

Sat, Sept 24

- Tonight was the Open House. To my delight, Marissa came to see me! She stayed with me at the kids’ table the whole time she was there. I tried to give her the bracelet I made at the Pampering Seminar, but she would not accept it. Instead, she gave me one of her bracelets. We hugged and kissed so many times – I am a bit surprised. I told her I would join Facebook so we could stay in touch. She will be worth it! Having her come absolutely made my day!

Sun, Sept 25

^{– The bells are ringing their 7am cacophony and I am trying to savor those sounds, knowing I will hear those chimes only one more time. I don’t understand why I feel such heartache at leaving – well, actually maybe I do. Even though I say I will come again, only God knows the reality of that. Saying goodbye – maybe goodbye even in the eternal sense – grieves me and spurs me to pray even more for my new friends here who do not know Jesus.}

Tues, Sept 27

– This trip has been beyond anything I could have imagined. I am sad to leave, yes, but I spent time alone saying my goodbyes and praying over the city, so now I am ready to go home. I am leaving with no regrets, only a very full heart that will be missing the piece I am leaving here. My prayers will be so different for this place and for these people whom God has allowed me to love. I pray I am coming home a different person, fatter in my soul and spirit, not just in my body!

Ciao Sarajevo. I love you. I will miss you. I will pray for you. I will rejoice with God’s people as the love of Christ is poured over this place. Hallelujah.

What's So Amazing About Grace?

Philip Yancey

Yes, it is the title of his book, and a book I have found very informative about understanding Grace. But, it is a question about which I still have lots of questions. I wonder if I am alone in this. If you are reading this newsletter, and you have insight about accessing Grace, I would love to chat.

The question that has been in the forefront of my exploration on this subject over the last ten or eleven years is, "How can I stay ‘plugged in’ to Grace?"

You know how we talk about Grace:

"She just had lots of Grace to do that. It was so difficult, but she just seemed to have an extra measure of Grace and Favor to do what had to be done."

"God’s Grace just seemed to fall on him. He was able to do what he had always failed to be able to do before. He just had Grace to do it."

A good friend and Christian cohort and I were talking about this just last week. My questions remain:

"Is all Grace available all the time?"

"If it is, how do we access that Grace?"

"Sometimes a difficult task just seems easy, like I’m being carried through it. At other times, I just can’t seem to accomplish what I want so badly to do, or say what I want so badly to convey. What makes the difference?"

"Is it my surrender to God’s will, or the lack of it?"

"Is not ‘having Grace’ a sign that God isn’t in what I’m attempting to do or be?"

Yancey says:

" "What pulled me along was my search for grace. I rejected the church for a time because I found so little grace there. I returned because I found grace nowhere else."

And he also quotes from "Babette’s Feast":

"In the generals’ speech, Isak Dinesen leaves no doubt that she wrote "Babette’s Feast" not simply as a story of a fine meal but as a parable of grace: a gift that cost everything for the giver and nothing for the recipient. This is what General Loewenhielm told the grim-faced parishioners gathered around him at Babette’s table:

‘ We have all of us been told that grace is to be found in the universe. But in our human foolishness and shortsightedness we imagine divine grace to be finite . . . But the moment comes when our eyes are opened, and we see and realize that grace is finite. Grace, my friends, demands nothing from us but that we shall await it with confidence and acknowledge it in gratitude.’

Twelve years before, Babette had landed among the graceless ones. Followers of Luther, they heard sermons on grace nearly every Sunday and the rest of the week tried to earn God’s favor with their pieties and renunciations. Grace came to them in the form of a feast, Babette’s feast, a meal of a lifetime lavished on those who had in no way earned it, who barely possessed the faculties to receive it. Grace came to Norre Vosburg as it always comes: free of charge, no strings attached, on the house."

I would be interested in a book study Life Group gathering to read Yancey’s What’s So Amazing about Grace?, gathering over coffee to discuss what we’ve read. There are twenty chapters, divided into four parts. We could gather four times to discuss having read each part, or twenty times to discuss each chapter. Anyone? Call me at 355-6286 or email me at hagle54@gmail.com. I’d love to learn more about Grace!

Microwaves and Stoves...

It may come as a complete shock to you that as a college student, I was often very self-centered. I am sure none of you struggled with this in your late teens as you blossomed into adulthood. I am certain you were a generous, kind-hearted, others-focused individual. I, however, was not. I was very concerned with my own world and having things my way.

So in my junior year when I moved into upper-classman housing, I was surprised to find that our shared apartment did not come with a microwave. Granted, we did have a stove, but among the four of us sharing the house, I am uncertain if any one of us knew how to turn it on. A microwave, however, was a basic necessity. The thought of surviving a year of college life without one was absolutely unthinkable. The idea that perhaps we should just buy our own never crossed my mind. Why? Because every dorm room at our campus had a microwave. This meant that every freshman on campus had something for "free" which we did not, even though we were paying more for our apartment-style housing.

As a young man seriously committed to my own well-being, I decided to give our campus janitorial and housing staff a piece of my mind. In a rather tersely worded e-mail, I informed them that it was only right and fair for the college to install microwaves in the upper classman apartments. With an arrogant sense of self-righteousness, I hit "send" and waited for this great wrong to be righted.

By the next day, I had received a kind reply from Dave Grandy, the gentleman in charge of this department. He wanted to meet with me in person. Looking back, I can see that it would have been entirely fair for Mr. Grandy to call me onto the carpet and straighten me out for my attitude. It would have been entirely fair for him to ignore me all together. So why call this meeting? I am convinced that Mr. Grandy, a man of great grace, saw a teachable opportunity.

Mr. Grandy called me into his office that day to gently point out my error. He responded kindly to my email, even thanking me for pointing out a flaw in their services. But then he walked me through my e-mail and helped me to see how my attitude and approach was not only selfish and arrogant, but simply wrong. Mr. Grandy knew that I was headed into ministry, and he had it on his heart to help me see how to deal with conflict in an appropriate manner.

The truth is, I experienced on that day the kind of encounter Jesus had in mind in Matthew 18. I was corrected that day by a fellow believer, but done so with such grace and love that I actually left the meeting feeling grateful. Mr. Grandy chose to exercise that rare blend of grace and truth that is so uncommon today. He truthfully pointed out my sinful attitude, but graciously helped me to learn and grow.

I will always be thankful to Dave Grandy. He served in a thankless job outside of the college limelight. But when he faced a choice to rightly administer truth or boldly offer grace, he followed the example of Christ in choosing both. I hope that in my current roles as pastor, father, husband,

and friend, I am learning to do the same. I have also learned to operate a stove.

Grace AND Truth to you-

Nick

Why Plant?

Over the last several months, the leadership of East Hills has begun to think, dream and pray about the prospect of planting a second church in the Kelso/Longview area. Dating back several decades, East Hills has had a vision for planting a church but the timing has never seemed right to make this idea reality.

We believe that the right time may be now. Here are the top 5 reasons why we are considering planting a second church:

More churches are closing each year than opening.

Each year, between 3500 and 4000 churches in American are permanently closing their doors, while only 1100 to 1500 new churches open. We need to plant churches just to keep up with population growth!

Kelso/Longview is not as “reached” as we think.

Not only is the Pacific Northwest regularly referred to as the “least reached area” of our country, but our cities are also in need of more churches. If every single church in town was filled to capacity twice a weekend, there would still be 20,000 people in our cities without a seat in the building.

Church plants are effective with evangelism.

More people are coming to Christ in America in church plants than in any other environment or gathering. Over 80% of churches in the country are plateaued or in decline, while church plants continue to reach the lost and grow.

A church plant creates leadership opportunities.

As churches become established and continue to age, leadership becomes more static with a small percent of the congregation involved in leadership. Church plants create leadership opportunities on multiple levels and encourage people to move from by-standers to fully-engaged participants.

God is blessing East Hills.

We are a time like never before for our church. The leadership is strong and united. The church body is filled with peace and unity. Our financial picture is incredibly healthy with no outstanding debt. Why has God blessed us with so much? We believe it is so we can give it away and multiply ourselves.

We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas about church planting! Please email or contact Pastor Nick directly and let us know what God is stirring up in your heart.(nick@easthillsalliance.org) It is only by God’s grace and strength that this will happen, so we are relying on Him each step of the way.