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Joyfully His,

Sara

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Joyfully His,

Sara

How God Gave Me Victory Over 9-11

September 2008



The clock was ticking.  One joyous hour had passed since my youngest son's birth.  The process had been simpler than last time, and I was gratefully munching on delicious food.  While a nurse checked on me, Tim surprised me by asking her, "What is that dripping sound?"  The nurse replied casually, "Oh, it's probably just something in the bathroom." Nope.  It was me.



Suddenly I felt like an actress in a dramatic movie:

• In one corner, my extremely concerned husband was talking with a doctor


• Our room was suddenly filled with people, my hospital bed surrounded by worried nurses


• The anesthesiologist (whom I had expected never to see again) was poised, ready to prepare me for surgery

Someone got down close to me and explained that I may need to have an emergency hysterectomy.  I only remember saying, "I don't want to die."  Praying that I would live to continue to be Tim's wife and Bugga and Booga's mommy, they pushed me down the hallway toward surgery.  I was lifted onto a table.  Then it all went black.



I woke up gasping for breath and shaking uncontrollably.  Tim and our pastor were standing next to me.  As the symptoms lessened, I was relieved to learn I had only needed a  D&C (a surgical procedure to clear out stubborn placenta that was causing me to hemorrhage). My uterus was in tact, but, my blood count was terribly low - less than half of normal.



That evening, when my Dad asked about what I had been through, I was startled by my sharp reply:  "I don't want to talk about it!"  My heart had been stretched further than it ever had been before.  All I could do was think about my too-close-for-comfort brush with death and thank God for getting me through.

Hoping that the worst was behind me, I looked forward to going home and starting our new life with two boys.  But, my blood count was simply too low.  Thus, a miserable blood transfusion followed two days later.  They couldn't find a vein.  I could think of a million places I'd rather be at that moment.  God sent a gentle nurse to pray with me. "I don't like needles!" I tearfully admitted my dread. She sympathetically held my hand and sadly whispered, "I don't either." They tried again and again ... finally, mercifully, a willing tunnel accepted the gift of life, and soon we were on our way home.

For months I struggled with the fear of dying.  Sure, I knew that whenever it was my time to go, I would go to be with God.  But, this solid fact surprisingly didn't prevent the panic attacks I was experiencing.  It didn't help that my weakened state was the ideal resort for every germ within a hundred miles.  I was sick more than I was well, and I kept getting weaker.  I felt like a helpless, hopeless, useless woman.  A few sweet friends from church and my sister came to help us. They were such an encouragement!  Sadly, I hardly remember having the energy to enjoy my babies.

Curiously, as the title of this post suggests, my fear manifested itself primarily in an obsession about September 11, 2001.  Every day I would have day-mares, reliving the horrors I had seen on television and heard on the radio.  It felt like I was chained in front of a video stuck on replay.  This wasn't something on my to-do list: Think morbid thoughts.  

 

Truth be told, I was stuck and didn't know how to get out.  To exacerbate my rut even further, it seemed like every time I looked at a clock it said 9:11.  Even though I prayed, went to church, and read my Bible, I felt like I was losing touch with reality.

A medical doctor referred me to a local Christian counselor.  She was a good listener, kind, and pointed me to God's sovereignty.  Practically she suggested that whenever my thoughts started capsizing, I should immediately stop whatever I'm doing and walk into another room, completely changing my activity.  This diversion helped, but I needed something more powerful.  I desperately sought the strength of my Counselor. 

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

I cried out to God and asked Him to pull me out of this pit of death.  I thought often of Psalm 40 and waited for Him to pull me out of the miry clay and set my feet on a rock and establish my goings.  I sensed that God wanted me to be specific in my prayers, so I asked Him to turn my head clock-ward at eleven minutes after anything except nine: 2:11, 5:11, 7:11.  And I promised Him that every time I would see an "11" I would say, out loud, "God is faithful! Thank You, God!" 



Almost immediately, I kid you not, from that time forward nearly every time I looked at a clock I was rewarded with seeing 2:11, 5:11, 7:11, 12:11, and so forth.  For years I had known God's power through His word and His work in my life.  But with this recent gift, I knew the power of God in a very personal way, and I could see the tender warmth of the Son burning off the fog of fear.  My toxic thoughts changed to praise and I poured out, "God is faithful! Thank You, God!"  It was particularly delightful when He would cause me to look up and see 11:11 - double duty praise and thankfulness!! 



After about a year, my health improved and I regained strength.  God had never left my side, and He became dearer than ever before.



With Joshua (2 weeks old) at Pikes Peak State Park

Why do I share this with you?  It is so tiny compared to what others have suffered due to the events of 9-11.  I do not pretend to compare my situation with others.  Nevertheless, I too, in a small way, suffered part of the consequences of sin and death in this world.  It was a dark time in my life.  God let me stay there, I believe, long enough to always remember what it felt like.  Then, when His timing was right, God pierced through my shadows with His marvelous light.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." 

Psalm 27:1-5

Whatever it is - from your past or in your present, it isn't too big for God.  He can work in seemingly small ways to remind us of His huge faithfulness. Have you asked Him to show you His light?



If you have time, here is an amazing account of a Bible recovered after 9-11-01. 

 

Bible Found At Crash Site

 

Joyfully His,

Sara



P.S.  This morning (9-11-14) I looked to see what time it was, and the clock read 11:11 - "God is still faithful, thank You, God ... God is still faithful, thank You God."

God's Stop Signs - My Allergy Elimination Diet and a Journey to Better Health (body, mind, spirit)

How was your summer?  I hope it was a great one! 



Our summer schedule looked inviting ... with just the right amount of busy. But as soon as it started, it was a struggle. By the beginning of June I felt like I. couldn't. move.  I had been sick for a few weeks and couldn't snap out of it.   I didn't know what to do, so I contacted a doctor friend of mine to see what she would suggest.  She lives about 45 minutes away but she said she could help me (has gone through it herself and has helped many women like me). 



Beginning of Diagnosis



After lots of paperwork and a lengthy interview (it is a gift to have a doctor who really cares and listens!), she began treating me according to my symptoms and as the result of many tests which gave clues as to what was going on with me:



Insulin resistance (the step before pre-diabetes), leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, vitamin D and B deficiencies, possibly an auto immune disease (maybe Hashimoto's or Pernicious Anemia), environmental and food sensitivities.



After pigging out on my last box of Cheez-Its, I immediately began an allergy elimination diet: no dairy, no grains, no fruit (except lime and lemon), no nuts, no vinegar (I was taking Braggs apple cider vinegar daily, but she thought it might cause candida issues), no nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, peas, potatoes, peppers, beans (except green), pimentos, paprika - there is a good post to explain this here.), no sweetener (not even stevia).  Doc said that anything that tastes sweet affects insulin, so that includes most fruit and even stevia.



You might ask, "What's left?!"  The good news is that I could have: grass fed/antibiotic free meat, fish, most veggies, and healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado, pure coconut milk/cream, olive oil). 



After a month of eating just the list I mentioned, I was able to begin adding in one food at a time.  Dr. Laura wanted me to introduce a food, wait three days (because there can be a delayed reaction) and reintroduce the food and wait another three days.  Assuming everything goes well, that adds up to one new food each week.  Knowing this wouldn't be a quick fix, I asked Doc, "So will I be feeling much better in a few months?"  To which she replied, "A year and a half."  God help me!!



Symptoms

Some friends ask, "What were your symptoms?"  It's easier to say, "You name it!" because there were so many.  But, I will take time to list many of them right here and now:

• Debilitating fatigue


• Foggy brain (can't think straight and feel like there is something blocking my brain)


• Itchy rash over most of my body


• Insatiable cravings for sugar and carbs


• Sudden and uncharacteristic outbursts of anger (especially after I ate sugar and gluten) - most of the time I would leave the room or suppress it, but sometimes I yelled at my kids


• Anxiety and depression


• Dimming eye sight


• My whole body ached most of the time


• Nausea


• Throbbing eyes


• Chronic bronchitis


• Trouble breathing deeply


• Irregular cycles


• Fingernails falling apart


• Barely able to keep up with basic household duties


• Insomnia


• Sensitivity to noise


• Apathy


• Arthritic pain in my hands


• Numbness at times in my hands and feet


• Sharp pains in my chest


• Headaches


• Inability to remember things


• Crying and feelings of hopelessness


• Stomach pain and trouble digesting food


• Three miscarriages


• Inability to be in crowds of people for very long


• Thinning hair


• Stuffy nose


• Dizziness


• Acne


• Inability to lose weight


• Etc.

Over the past few years I had gone to doctors and had only been diagnosed as gluten sensitive.  I knew there was more wrong with me, but nobody could figure it out.  Dr. Laura ordered an extensive blood test, urine test, and stool test (still need to do the saliva test).  The reason she thinks that I may have an auto-immune disease is because my symptoms are common to it and because many of my symptoms fell into opposing categories: for example, I had some strong hypo-thyroid symptoms, as well as definite hyper-thyroid symptoms.



My Menu



The first two months were so hard, as I detoxed from sugar and tried to adjust to eating differently.  To give you an idea of what I eat, here is a list of what a few days of meals looks like for me:



B: bacon, yellow squash


L: Lettuce, leftover chicken, olive oil


S: Coconut chicken: Chicken baked with a can of coconut cream, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt ... on top of spaghetti squash



B: Bacon, cauliflower, olive oil


L: Purple cabbage, sausage (I take a lb. of ground pork and add a tsp. of each: nutmeg, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt
)

S: Hamburger wrapped in lettuce with tomato, bacon, sweet potato fries



B: Sausage, canned asparagus, olive oil


L: Kale, bacon


S: Homemade spaghetti sauce (once I could eat tomatoes) over spaghetti squash



B: Spinach/arugula mix, chicken, olive oil


L: Tilapia, salad steamed veggies, o.o.


S: Ham, canned green beans, o.o., basil, oregano



B: X


L: Salmon, yellow summer squash, o.o., coconut oil


S: Chicken, tarragon, brussel sprouts, olive oil



B: Chicken, zucchini, avocado, tarragon


L: Pork chop, lettuce salad, olive oil with lime, tarragon


S: Sausage, acorn squash, coconut oil



I try to cook the same for my family, simply adding a pot of rice, noodles, or biscuits for them to enjoy.



Reintroductions



I've been able to add back in: macadamia nuts, blueberries, strawberries, and tomatoes.  Blessings!  I've had a bad reaction to eggs, almonds, and of course gluten.  I am VERY SAD about the eggs.  We get free-range organic eggs from an Amish farmer, and my body does not like them.  I'm still trying to accept this fact and be grateful for the foods I can eat.



Doc said it can take three months to get dairy out of your system, so on September 19th I will be able to try grass-fed butter.  PRAYING that it works for me.  If so, I will get to try goat cheese and then yogurt.  It would be lovely to be able to enjoy these foods, if God says it's okay.



Blessings and Road Blocks



God helped me take the boys to VBS in July.  That was a huge praise!  Forty-five minutes drive twice a day - God helped me do it, plus play the piano three times each day.  But, while Tim and the boys were camping for a few days, I got violently ill and had to be taken to the ER by my neighbor.  We still don't know what caused that problem.



And since then we've figured out that something in our church building might be making me sick.  One Sunday night on our way home, after spending most of the time in the church basement, I felt like I couldn't move, couldn't stop crying, and could barely talk.  Tim had to help me into the house to my bed.  If I spend much time in the basement it seems worse.  So, for right now I am staying upstairs in the church building. Sigh. 



God wants me to slow down and change some things.  We weren't able to go to family camp, and for that matter we can't go very far from home at all right now.  I don't know what He's doing, but I can trust that it is good.



While I have seen relief from many of my symptoms, at times I feel very depressed.  I don't have as much energy as I hoped I would have at this point.  There are good days and bad days.  I've definitely spent more time studying and listening to God's Word.  I've asked God to help me, and He has sent people to encourage, show they care, and pray with me and for me.  It means SO MUCH to have a friend call just to see how I'm doing. 



He has also helped me locate a Christ-centered program to help me deal with my mind: 21 Day Brain Detox. I so appreciate Dr. Leaf.  She has the science combined with God's word to explain how to Romans 12:1-2 - renew your mind.



What I've Been Learning



1.  Food was my idol. I'm still trying to fill in the gap that has been left by withdrawing my time, energy, and excitement (and pleasure of tasting and eating) trying new recipes and cooking fancy delicacies for my family.  I've been spoiled, and it is extremely sad when I cannot go out to eat or even to an ice cream stand.  God has taken this out of my priority list so that He is nearer the top!  Food is very much tied to socializing in our culture.  I already knew this, but it stands out even more now. It is challenging to meet with people and always having to bring my own food.  There are only two restaurants that are safe for me to go to (with no risk of cross contamination). 



2.  There is so much about the body we don't understand.  I also knew this, but since nutrition and health have been my hobby for a few years, I had read tons of books on the subject.  And through this process I've been learning so much and know I have only scratched the surface learning about God's incredible creation.  How could anyone believe all this evolved?!



3.  Don't fight what God is doing.  A couple nights ago I was in such turmoil during the night (typical, but it had been escalating).  God lovingly showed me that I was angry with Him about my health, about my food limitations, and a few other things.  It is, of course, sin, to accuse Him of doing to me what living in this world cursed by sin has done to my body and mind.  Once I confessed my anger and He forgave me, I felt relief and relaxation drench my soul.  God has allowed this for a reason - a very good reason.  He knows that I need this experience to grow.  I am so thankful I can trust Him to go through this with me.



4.  My body likes eating this way.  Once a month had passed and my metabolism switched to fat burning instead of carb burning, my weight began to drop.  In about nine weeks I had lost 17 lbs.  It feels so good to be where I've wanted to be weight-wise for years!  Doc said this is not uncommon once you figure out a person's food sensitivities and heal their gut.  I'm hardly ever hungry (don't have that "gotta eat something"  hanging over me all day long).  I no longer feel like I need to sleep after each meal (not that I did sleep after every meal, but I felt like it).  It is wonderful to be able to let go of the extra weight in my life (not just physical, but mental, emotional, social and spiritual!) and to have a more focused view on God and what is most important in life.



5. There are many worse things in the world, but this is hard.  Sometimes I feel like I am in a prison.  I can't take a break.  I cannot have a once a day treat, or a once a week treat, or even a once a month treat!!!  The first month I felt like I could kill for a piece of chocolate cake.  Thankfully no one was maimed.  And God has been graciously adjusting my taste buds, so I rarely weep over where I find myself.  Also, I have to remember, this will get better.  But, I must get used to a new normal.  I will never go back to how I was eating before.  At least once a week I think ahead to the marriage feast of the Lamb - and I am going to savor every bite (when I get there, no doubt the importance of food will fade even more in His presence)!



6.  Love.  Tim and the boys know that I love them when I make food for them that I used to enjoy.  They have shown such love and compassion!  Sometimes they hug me when I can't hold back the tears, like last night when they had buttered popcorn and frozen yogurt.  They hugged me and told me how much they love me.  And when we sat down to watch Facing the Giants I knew I was loved while I munched on my sweet potato and bacon (which, by the way, was very satisfying).



7.  It helps to laugh!  The other night I was in Barnes and Noble, pouring over the healthy cookbooks.  I felt like crying because there were still so many things in THOSE that I can't eat.  A man sitting nearby was groaning audibly as he looked in several diabetes cookbooks.  At one point he cried out in despair, "Bean patte?!?"  When I came home and told Tim about it, he understandingly replied, "And you felt like saying to him, 'I would love to have bean patte!'"  Sometimes when I feel so discouraged, it is as though Jesus puts His arms around me and gently reminds me, "Sara, I never got to eat pizza, ice cream, or chocolate either."  And we laugh together - awww, He is such a comfort!



What Now?



For those of you who are going through much harder things, I am so sorry for what you are going through.  I do know that God has a plan for your life as well as mine, and we can trust Him!  Wouldn't it be delightful to be able to get a diagnosis, pop a pill, and be all well?  Or maybe for you ... to find a husband, to have a child, to see wayward family members come to Christ, to get relief from your grief, to get money to pay those bills, and be all better?  God is constantly using the struggles of life for one purpose: to draw us to Himself.  And when He has our attention we can either fight back and reject the priceless lessons He is trying to teach us, or accept and draw near to Him.



Today is the first time I've felt like writing in months - so, maybe this is a sign I am healing?  I hope that what I am writing makes sense.  I write to answer the many questions my small circle of family and friends have asked me, and in case my scribblings about all this may help someone in similar circumstances.



Please contact me if you would like information about resources.  I'd recommend you begin with the book Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers by David Perlmutter and Kristin Loberg.  This book is informative and well documented.



I would love to hear from YOU.  And until next time ... will you please enjoy a bowl of ice cream for me (better yet, pray for me)?



Joyfully His,

Sara

"My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart 

and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26

Summertime!

 

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

Summer is here!  It is time for baseball games, picnics, camping trips, gardening, and lemonade stands!  I want to let you know this summer I will be taking a break from "In Her Shoes" to focus on important things, like making s'mores.  Funny, yes ... but building family memories is actually very important!  We are also prioritizing important spiritual growth things around here as well, like studying Proverbs as a family, hosting weekly play-dates with saved and unsaved friends, VBS, Family Camp, and following His lead with God Projects at home and wherever we go. 

Lord willing, we will continue "In Her Shoes" in the fall.  I hope you have a wonderful "Resting-in-Him" summer! :)



Joyfully His,

Sara

Hebrews 11:6



 

In Her Shoes - Mom's Day Tributes 2014

^"I thank God ... when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,

which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice,

and I am persuaded is in you also." 2 Timothy 1:3a,5

Y Presenting our 2014 Mother's Day tributes ... Y

 

 

I just spent a few days with my Mom and every passing year reminds me of how much more I am thankful for her. 



God has been very gracious to our family, and I praise Him that He was merciful to save my mother.  I don't remember a lot about my little years, but I do remember her talking with me one night about Jesus.  That was the beginning of my spiritual journey.  As soon as all of us were old enough to be in school, she started teaching again. I remember many hours of our week were spent at church and school.  I am so thankful for her selfless giving which helped allow us to have a good, Christian education. Fatigue often hit in the evenings, and I really didn't have a clue as to why she was always so tired. But now I do!



She faithfully taught by example that I needed to rise early and spend time with Jesus.  As I grew older, she taught me many practical skills that prepared me for my future role as a wife: cleaning, organizing, ironing, baking, gardening, cooking.  Being well prepared in those areas was a huge advantage when the parenting learning curve began.



I am thankful for her counsel and confrontation. I still remember the day that my parents pulled me aside and pointed out a major sin area that I needed to address. God was very kind to bless me with parents who spoke words of life to me. I am especially thankful for the example of love, submission, and servanthood that she lived out in her marriage.



As the years have passed, God has grown our relationship to a more intimate level. The last few years have given us many opportunities to share what God is teaching us from his Word. I am so thankful for the trials and difficulties that He has chosen for our family to drive us to Him. This has drawn us much closer together as we cry out to our Father in prayer. 



Just recently, I finished a Bible study through Hebrews that  she shared with me. I am so thankful that we both know and serve the God of hope. Mom, may we ever know and love Him more! May we run with perseverance. Looking ahead to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Thank you for pouring out your life to serve and bless me!  I love you.



- Megan, North Carolina

e

 

God graciously saved my Mom when she was in her teens. She grew up in an
unsaved, dysfunctional family. She has been through many trials through her life
and come forth as gold. I am privileged to be her daughter.



I have seen her grow
in her walk with the Lord. She has shown tremendous courage in the face of
difficulties that other people might have just run from. I know I didn't always
appreciate her and was a rebel at some points, and I am thankful she always
loved me no matter what. She is constantly serving others, especially her
family.



Through her many trials in life, she has put together a booklet of
Scripture verses and quotes that have helped her. She puts these in a flip photo
album that stands up so you can see one at a time. She has a ministry of giving
these albums to people going through very difficult times. It has blessed so
many people over the years. I love to be able to give them to people I know and
then hear how God used it greatly to comfort them.



Over a year ago, my Mom was
diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It was during those first few months that
I turned to her booklet of verses for God's comfort. Her testimony through it
all is a blessing and a testimony of God's goodness. Right now she is responding
well to medicine that is keeping her cancer at bay.



Thank you, Mom, for the
strong, godly heritage you pass down to me and future generations!



- Tracie, Minnesota

e

 

A Tribute to my Grandmother, Grace Braymer Mears

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."  Titus 2:3-5 NASB

 

In reflecting upon my grandmother’s life, a multitude of thoughts come to mind. This passage however, was foremost in my thoughts. Grandma’s life truly reflected the heart of this passage. Her life was one of modesty. She did not have to be the center of attention; she was content in being in the background, quietly serving and meeting the needs of those present. Her words were “seasoned with salt;” I never heard her say an unkind word to or about anyone. She was an able teacher. This is evident in the lives of her children. All of them are upstanding in their character, hard-working in their chosen occupations and ministries, faithful to the work that God had chosen for them. All have served in some measure in the Lord’s service.

 

She taught her daughters well by example to love their husbands and children, even when it might have seemed like God wasn’t working. She was sensible, pure, and kind. She kept her home in order and diligently worked to preserve the yield from Grandpa’s garden. She was subject to her husband. All of this is lived out in the lives of my aunts, Lucy Hess and Gloria Ruby. She was also a good model of what a godly lady was to be like for her sons, who in turn chose godly young ladies to be their wives.

 

When I look at the results of Grandma’s life in relation to my own family’s future, I wish that I had more time to spend with her to glean treasure from her words of wisdom. I want my children to grow up as well as hers did. I wish I would have had the insight to ask her those questions when I had the chance. I did not feel the pressing need when she was able to communicate with me. Now that my children are growing, I am really feeling the need for her insight. Even to the end, she was seeking to impart wisdom and godliness. Her last words to me from her hospital bed were “Praying for one another,” showing her heart for others and her dependence upon God.

 

Grandma was a quiet lady. She loved her husband and family and was content when they were happy. Proverbs 31:30-31 says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.” Grandma, I am so thankful for the godly heritage that you have given me. I treasure it and will strive to pass it on to my children. I love you. God’s Word has been honored in your life. May it be so in mine.

 

- Sharon, Ohio

f

 

 

 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

 

This picture was taken shortly after my oldest son was born in 2006.  My Mom and I have so much fun together, no matter where we are.  Anyone who knows her knows that she is very sweet and thoughtful, putting others first.  I like to think of her as a queen of hospitality.  And I've never seen anyone send more cards to express love! 

 

Part of the reason my Mom is so kind is because she has a heart for God and for people.  Since God saved her years ago, she has tried to walk closely with God every step of the way.  My Mom prays for me (and many others) several times a day.  I imagine that her praying heart was shaped by years of waiting on God to become a mother.  Over the space of about 15 years, my parents gave birth to three girls, and during that time also lost seven babies.  God brought them through many painful moments, and what He taught them is clearly described in her life verse (seen above).  She smiles so beautifully from the inside out because she knows God has a wise plan, and He promises to provide every step of the way.

 

My Mom is my best Girlfriend.  I thank God for her every day.  And I am especially thankful that someday we will be together with Jesus, able to meet for the first time my brothers and sisters gone before, and my own three sweet babies ... together enjoying and praising God for eternity.  I love you, Mom!!

 

- Sara, Iowa

 

 

Please feel free to give tribute to a special woman in your life, below.

Thank you for stopping by!

- Sara

In Her Shoes - College Ministries

This month are privileged to hear testimonies from women who serve God in the area of college ministries ... as well as from two women who have been impacted by college ministries.  Thank you to those who have so graciously shared your stories with us!

Our church was filled with international college students,

waiting to hear the gospel and to get free furniture

 

 

God is the Answer

by Dottie Hatfield

I grew up in a church that taught that the way to spend eternity with Jesus was by keeping His commandments. By the time I was 23 I had just about given up on God because I was constantly failing. I decided to join the Peace Corps. Perhaps serving God and man this way would ease the aching in my heart for peace.



I was sent to Chad (in Africa) and there for the first time heard that the Bible teaches heaven is a free gift. This gift comes because all my sin was paid for on the Cross. When Jesus cried, “It is finished” that is what He meant.



I wanted to tell everyone this wonderful good news. I started by writing all my friends in the U.S. even a young lawyer whom I had dated (who later became my husband). He was the only one, at the time, who was interested in this wondrous truth. God wonderfully brought new life to him about a year later and we both wanted to study the Bible and serve God wherever He would place us.




I am sure that every missionary believes that they have the best job in the world. I know I do. My particular field is “the world” in that we are ministering to International Students from around the globe.
We have the opportunity to be their friends and help them navigate this new culture and the loneliness that comes being far from home.



God had prepared my husband and me for this even before we became Christians because we had both served in the Peace Corps (at different times) and knew what it meant to be a stranger in another country.




College students are at a stage in life when they are asking the big questions: what is the purpose of my life, why am I here, where am I going etc. The International student is somewhat different than an American student in the way he/she processes these questions. However, the questions can be stepping stones to finding the God who loves them and has a purpose for their lives.




People ask how we meet students. One answer is that we meet them through other students. We offer English conversation though this is not as important as it once was because their level of English has vastly improved in the last few years. However, there are always some who need help in this area.



We meet them through activities: picnics, our Saturday night meeting where we serve dinner and then have a Bible study. We have them over for dinner and games. You are only limited by your imagination.



In recent years we find that students really want American friends their own age. Our church family and the Bible College “down the road” have been a good resource.



The most important quality you can have for this ministry is a love for young people. Love finds a way to connect. The missionary who led me to Christ while I was in Africa taught me that concept. He learned it from his Savior. I think you need a humble attitude about your own culture too. We can learn from others and should.




What are some of the struggles we face? I learned early that it is important as I stand before God, that I teach the Bible, not traditions, not my culture, and not my preferences.
I think the hardest thing is when you see someone walk away from the truth. However, we serve the God of all comfort. He has blessed us with so much and I am grateful that He will never leave us or forsake us. 

"who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be.' And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God."  Romans 4:18-20 ESV

Circumstances do not give us hope.  But the promises of God do!  And when we are just trusting them, we are already giving glory to God, which should be enough for us.



I am grateful that the gospel that I heard in Africa is still the “power of God unto salvation.” We have a message that can give hope in any situation. Let’s share it!

 

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The World Is at Our Door 

by Elva Craig

 

I've been working with Campus Bible Fellowship of Iowa since 1976. This ministry reaches students when they are open to new ideas and learning to think for themselves. Internationals are more than willing to learn about the Bible and Christianity.  These students are forming their own beliefs away from home and peer pressure. It is a terrific mission field where the people come from around the world to our doors.

 

Blessings:

1. 
   Sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard
   
   
   




2. 
   Seeing students saved, growing in the Lord and often later becoming active in their churches(some even coming back into CBFI as staff).
   
   
   




3. 
   Children of former CBF'ers attend CBF and become a big help to the group.
   
   
   




4. 
   Church people getting involved with the students
   
   
   




5. 
   Seeing Internationals saved and going back home as "missionaries"
   
   
   




6. 
   Opportunities to travel around the world visiting former students and their families (this has helped when making new contacts)
   
   
   

 Challenges:

1. 
   Having enough church people (especially men) to help as conversational English partners, to teach Bible studies, or to call on students
   
   
   




2. 
   Sometimes only having one year to work with the students (as for visiting scholars)
   
   
   




3. 
   Having an international student get saved and then go back to their home country and not be able to find any church or Bible study group
   
   
   




4. 
   Some don't know English well enough to understand a Bible study
   
   
   




5. 
   Some students get too busy and they have no time for a large group or small group Bible study
   
   
   

 How You Can Help: 

• 
  Help teach English
  
  
  
  






• 
  Become a conversational English partner
  
  
  
  






• 
  "Adopt" a student
  
  
  
  






• 
  Invite them into your home
  
  
  
  






• 
  Share holidays
  
  
  
  






• 
  Teach a Bible study
  
  
  
  






• 
  Be willing to give a student a ride to church
  
  
  
  






• 
  Call on new students
  
  
  
  






• 
  Just be a friend
  
  
  
  






• 
  Teach them American customs
  
  
  
  






• 
  Teach them how to go grocery shopping here in America (bring them with you sometime)
  
  
  
  






• 
  Show them the things to see in your area of the country
  
  
  
  






• 
  Invite them to church activities
  
  
  
  

 

My life verses are Proverbs 3:5-6:

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

And since working with international students, I really like Revelation 5:9.  People will be singing praises from all nations.  We have a part in that.

 

"And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.'"  Revelation 5:9

 

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Literature Tables + Atheist Club = Blessings!

by Nancy Miller

College campus ministry is one of the greatest mission fields in the world!
We are thankful for the opportunity to reach out to both International and American college students!



One of the reasons campus ministry is so strategic is because college
students, who have learned our language and our culture, come from all over
the world to our college campuses, therefore we are able to share Christ
with students from all over the world, right here in the United States!




Many of these students have never before had opportunity to hear that Jesus loves them so much, that He suffered and died on the cross for their sins
and then rose again, and that if they personally believe in Jesus, then
they can receive the free gift of eternal life! After students come to know Christ personally here in the United States, and after we disciple them,
they return to their home countries where they can share the Gospel with
their families and friends.



Not only do we reach out to International students, but we also reach out
to American students. One of the ways we reach out to American students is
by sitting at our literature table in the student union. Each day at our table, we display a question of the day, such as:

• "Can You Harmonize Evolution and The Bible?"






• "Do We Get Into Heaven By Believing About Jesus
  Or In Jesus?"






• "How Do We Know God Exists?"






• "Is Jesus the Only Way to
  God?"






• "Are All Religions Basically the Same?"

Atheists, Agnostics, Pantheists, Pluralists, etc., come up to discuss the question of the day
that we have displayed at our literature table. This gives us great opportunities
to share the Gospel! Also, the atheists who come up to talk to us at our
table invite my husband to come to their Atheist Club so they can ask
him questions and hear what he has to say about various topics. We are
thankful for the many friendships that we've been able to build with
atheists!



We are able to build friendships with students at our Friday night
activities (such as Welcome Back to School Dinners, Fall Festival Parties, Thanksgiving Dinners, Christmas Parties, Valentine Parties, Chinese Culture Nights, Hot Topic Discussion Nights, etc.). We also build friendships by
having students into our home for meals, by taking the students hiking, to museums, to the zoo, and to other fun events.




One of the main goals we have is to get students to the local church!
Therefore, we pick up students for church; I also coordinate the students
to sing together for specials at church, and I accompany the college
students who sing or play their instruments at church. Some of the students
even help with other ministries of the church such as Children's Church,
the High School youth group, and help run the church sound system.

As far as a specific passage of Scripture that I especially treasure in
regard to our college ministry:
We are constantly asking for God's power to
work in lives--for His glory!
Also, because we "reason" with students who come up to talk to us at our
Lit. table to discuss with us our "Question of the Day," I am reminded of
Paul's ministry at Athens in Acts 17:16-34. Verse17 says that Paul reasoned
in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Then, in
verse 34, it says that some joined him and believed.

We are thankful to be a part of reaching out to students on our college campuses, the future leaders of the world!

 

d

CBF and My Local Church

by Lorie Nelson

 

Campus Bible Fellowship at the University of Iowa had a lot to do with my getting involved in many aspects of ministry. The most direct influence was in music, while the atmosphere and example set in the CBF group members encouraged me to step up and serve in many other areas of ministry.



Nancy Miller, our campus missionary's wife, encouraged me to begin singing in the music ministry. I had always LOVED to sing, but I only really did it in the car or somewhere else where no one was listening.



One day, she set me up with a duet with another student. We sang together at a CBF banquet. While I was terrified, I truly enjoyed it. She then began asking me to participate in more duets, until, finally, she coaxed me into trying a solo. Because of her direct encouragement and putting me to use, I have been a regular part of music (and now getting teenagers out there to sing and play instruments) in the church for more than 20 years now. I think God used Nancy, through CBF, to encourage, train, and equip me for this area that I may never had delved into had I not been involved in CBF.



In general, the overall atmosphere and culture in CBF and among the other college students and young people in our church set a tone for my becoming active in local church ministry. I was a brand new Christian and had never seen people serving in the church.



Just seeing fellow students step up and hold dorm Bible studies, work in various ministries, invite others to church, etc. was an example I learned to follow. To them being involved in CBF and also the local church was not just for the fun of it; it was for ministering to others.



While I was in CBF I began to serve and teach in AWANA and Junior Church in our local church. My husband and I also started a young marrieds Bible Study in our new apartment because of the example put forth in CBF. There were various other ministries we were involved in as a result of the culture set forth in CBF, and we are still actively serving and teaching and hopefully leading by example today.

I was saved the school year prior to my coming to college. As a new Christian who had never attended a Christian church, I believe CBF had a huge impact on my life for years to come, showing me that healthy Christians are actively involved in their local churches and looking for ways to both lead others to Christ and to encourage other believers to serve the Lord.

d

 

Testimony of Salvation and How Great God Is!

by Anonymous

 

I grew up in a family of four siblings with a Buddhist background. When I was nine, my parents broke the news to us that my dad was having an affair. Family and friends told us that this was due to karma, and that it was because we had done something bad in our previous life. We were told to accept it, and to do more good things in this current life so that we would reincarnate to have a better life.

 

But I never understood the meaning of going to temple, and why the “gods” I was praying to never answered my prayers – that things around the house never got better, even when I was being a good girl, studying hard, not smoking, not drinking. I didn’t understand the concept of doing good works and being able to reach that state of nirvana.

I left home to study college when I was sixteen, and at that point of my life, I was completely detached from any kinds of religion, and was constantly burdened by calls from home, and stress from school.

Two years later, I came to the states, and was accepted into Iowa State University. A year later, I find myself struggling even more with studies, and struggling to understand what my purpose was being alive. I felt that I was wasting my parent’s money with my poor grades, and that I was worthless.

Friends around me noticed this, and started questioning me about my belief, and shared Romans 6:23 with me,

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ESV).

This helped me realized my disobedient to God, and went on to learning about Jesus dying for me, so that He may redeem me, and that through His resurrection, I will earn eternal life with God.

Praying to God a week after that, I proclaimed Him to be my Savior, and with the new life He has provided me, I dedicate it to serving Him, which God had answered immediately, by placing me in the LIFE team. I learned to trust God with my life, and that I had a purpose on this world, to become His laborer – to make Him known. In Ephesians 2:10, it says

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”(ESV).

This verse has helped reminded me to constantly walk with God, and to learn to be more like Christ. I am just so blessed to have such a personal God that would change me day by day, and looks forward to everyday spent with Him.

 

 



Have you considered investing in the lives of college students in your church and community?  Perhaps you are already involved in a college ministry.  Please feel free to post testimonies and questions below!  Thank you for visiting Women On God's Mission.