Danish Update with Grace

Today, I’m munching on one of my favorite simple breads here in Denmark, a boller. Which is basically a breakfast roll. My favorite kind is from a local supermarket, føtex, and it’s got some wheat or rye (maybe?) flour and is studded with dried fruit and nuts. Soft bread, cranberries and hazelnuts – I mean, who wouldn’t love that with some salty Danish butter?

So, why am I eating bollers in Denmark and what do I have to share? Let’s dive in.

I don’t know that I’ve ever been a great neighbor. I’ve always tried my hardest to get to know those living around me, when we lived in apartments and in our first home, too. I invited people over for parties or once-a-year meals, but we never repeated them. I always worried about being a bother.

Well, now that I’ve been living as an expat in Denmark for 3 months, I feel like I’ve been able to meet a dozen neighbors, and I remember half of their names (that’s surprisingly pretty good for me). Now, this didn’t happen immediately. And it seemed to speed up when two things happened: I became more familiar (people saw me repeatedly), and I asked for help.

We moved here from North Carolina at the beginning of April to fulfill an exciting career step for my husband. I was all too happy to follow along since I’ve dreamed of living in Europe again after my 4 months studying abroad at Oxford years ago. And I knew that it would be hard. And I knew that Danes can be a little closed off at first.

So James, my 22-month-old, outdoor-loving son, and I went to 2 parks daily and walked the neighborhood. And after a few weeks, we saw similar faces and dogs and kids. I got more confident saying “Do you speak English?” in Danish (most people do, luckily). And I asked where to buy fresh fish and kids’ clothes and if they had heard of this daycare or that restaurant. And they answered and gave me extra helpful information, inviting me to join the neighborhood Facebook page and upcoming park events.

While I’m still working on how to truly love these new neighbors around me, I feel as though I have received the neighborly love and kindness that God speaks of in the Gospels. And it’s been a lifeline for someone who isn’t familiar with much yet. 

Whether you’ve found yourself on the giving or receiving end of such love, I hope you can keep spreading it around your home, work or virtual “neighborhood.”

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on my Danish adventures, or you can follow me on Instagram to see more of my day-to-day.

2022 Recap: Your Part in Revival

God is moving in unprecedented ways in the nation of Myanmar and you are part of it! The power of your prayer and the generosity of your support is transforming lives for eternity.

In many ways, 2022 was a terrible year in Myanmar. Thousands were killed or imprisoned by an evil government. Others were displaced (internally displaced people) when their homes and villages were burned to the ground or bulldozed into rubble. Floods and disease have added to the misery.

All this trauma has opened doors to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus through feeding programs and providing other essentials like clothing and bedding.

• 2,100 people heard the gospel during 8 Christmas outreaches

• 60% of them had never before heard the name of Jesus 

• 95% were unbelievers

Seeds of faith were planted in hearts and many requested Bibles to learn more about following Jesus.

And here are some statistics from what we’ve accomplished together throughout 2022:

Please pray with us and, if you are willing, even increase your prayer in 2023 that this season of revival, this visitation of God’s Spirit in Myanmar, will continue and grow. With God all things are possible. (Mt. 19:26)

It's Harvest Time in Myanmar

As the daughter of a farmer, I am well aware of the cycles of soil preparation, seed planting, cultivation, irrigation, watchful care and finally, the long-awaited harvest. My Daddy taught us to “make hay while the sun shines,” which means understanding the season your crop is in and acting wisely to maximize and protect the harvest. What I learned on the farm now serves me well in Firefall International.

The sower by Vincent Van Gogh

A few days ago (after returning from our amazing journey to Myanmar), we learned that 450 people have received Jesus as Savior and Lord in the House of Glory network as of December 1, 2022.

Firefall partners have been sowing the precious seed, the Word of God, for nearly 20 years across Myanmar. We shouted for joy as we learned of this miraculous harvest of souls. We had the joy of watching five people baptized less than two weeks ago.

8 Upcoming Christmas Outreaches

Pastor David shared the 2022 Christmas Outreach schedule with us today. There will be 8 outreaches touching a minimum of 1,220 lives, beginning on December 8 and ending on Christmas Day. There will be a meal, singing, drama presentations and a clear presentation of the love of God through Jesus Christ. Many teams of joyful servants undergird each outreach.

Our goal (and giving opportunity) is partnership with the House of Glory vision to give a delicious meal, a small gift and a Bible in Burmese to those who show an interest. The cost per person is $7 USD.

We would also like to replenish our “storehouse of seed” (Bibles) so we may freely share them when evangelists and church planters in Pastor David’s network call and request them. The total amount needed is $8,500.

Update on Giving

We are currently 33% to our giving goal, with $5,570 remaining.

Thank you for praying about how many $7 “seeds” you wish to sow this Christmas in Myanmar. Thank you for praying for a continued and fruitful harvest as the miracle of lives turning to Jesus continues.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:6-9

The Beauty of Team

We had the joy of hearing Pastor David share his thoughts about 42 families receiving Jesus a couple of weeks ago in a Zoom call. I asked him to look back over the past several months and share what he is learning as a leader, pastor and soul winner. His response touched me deeply. He said, “I am learning that this work is not a ‘one man show.’ It is a step-by-step process, orchestrated by God. I am aware of the value of many teams and helpers in the process, as never before. This is both joyful and humbling.”

For Jim and me, fulfilling our small role in Jesus’ great commission is the passion of our lives, what fuels us each and every day.

David’s powerful insights continue to stir my heart. I think of the Trinity being a team, existing in mutual unity, love and purpose. I think of those serving on teams at House of Glory. They might be cooking or distributing food, preaching, overseeing a well supplying abundant and clean water, playing soccer with poor neighborhood boys, playing music or creating dramatic productions which demonstrate Biblical truths. I think of you, dear Firefall team member, and how you have continued to pray and invest as the Holy Spirit leads. 

As we contemplate the challenges that come with multiplication, it is the joy of the harvest that refreshes, along with the confidence that the One who has called us as a team will continue to guide us, sustain us and accomplish His perfect plan. Thank you once again for your part in this amazing journey of faith. 

Because you prayed, Pastor David and his family recovered from serious bouts of COVID.

Because you invested in thousands of evangelistic Bibles, many are reading and discussing these concepts right now.

We could go on and on. Suffice it to say, your role in Team Firefall is treasured and appreciated!  

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller

“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” —Mother Teresa

“But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Numbers 14:21

Ask for the Ancient Paths

Update to this post (8/14/22): Thank you for your faithful prayers on my behalf. I have known the presence and comfort of the Lord. My lumpectomy went well, and my prognosis is exceedingly good. I will receive low-dose radiation for five days only (August 15-19) to reduce the chance of recurrence even more. I am grateful for Jesus, for the wonderful medical community around me, and my loving and devoted family.

Today’s cuppa is a strong one called Yunnan Noir. It comes from a part of China where tea is believed to have originated. The taste is full, with peppery notes and a hint of caramel. What is your cuppa today?

My intention with this writing was to share about my recent health journey in greater detail and ask you to pray before my upcoming lumpectomy on June 17. A small cancer was found during a yearly mammogram a few weeks ago. We will know more about the path forward after surgery. Thank you for prayers for my healing and full restoration.

Yesterday I had the joy of hosting my seven-year-old granddaughter, Eve. We baked cookies, watched a movie and played tic-tac-toe over and over. She brought the sewing kit Jim and I gave her on her last birthday and we had our first sewing class. It was a peaceful and intimate time, deeply satisfying to me as I realized I was forming a memory in Eve’s life of holding a needle, attempting straight stitches and learning that a stitch you don’t like can easily be removed and done again. As I praised her progress, our hearts were joined in a stronger connection across the generations, linking us to my grandmothers who taught me the basics of sewing. I thank God for my 67 years and for the privilege of this day.

Today I am grieving for the families in Uvalde, Texas whose children were murdered in their school classroom. Life will never be the same for these parents, siblings and extended families. My heart is reflecting on two passages of scripture as I wrestle with this and other tragedies gripping my own nation.

This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

Jeremiah 6:16

If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

As followers of Jesus Christ, may we take time to ponder these verses and respond as the Holy Spirit gives us intercessory prayers and direction for action. The healing of our nation depends upon it.

House of Glory Dedication & Celebration

Friday, March 25, 2022 was a monumental day in the life of each member of House of Glory Church in Myanmar. For the members, it marked the moment in time when they offered the beautiful and multipurpose House of Glory Center back to the Lord, with their recounting of the miraculous provision and timing of God over the past three years. 

The building was finished just weeks before the start of the military coup, which began on February 1, 2021. COVID swept through the nation after this in several terrible waves. In the midst of dark and terrifying times, the Lord raised up a lighthouse of peace, beauty and blessing for this area.

The hymn in the video is one that many of you will know, but sung in Burmese by church members as a proclamation of worship and the intent of God for the people in the hearing of their voices, in addition to the unseen powers. “To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done” by Fanny Crosby, what a perfect way to welcome the people in. Here are the lyrics:

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

The children of House of Glory offered songs and recited scripture. Two teams of ladies designed their own special clothing and presented worshipful dances to honor the Living God who invaded the darkness and sent His Son to save us. Pastor David shared many testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness before He dedicated the building to the Glory of God. 

The community members who attended the dedication experienced an open house and explanation of the facility with its lending library and soccer training for youth, plus a chance to visit the worship center/meeting hall, which will also serve the community for weddings and special gatherings if they desire. Some people remarked they felt a deep sense of peace they had never experienced.

After the service, a bountiful meal was served to all who attended by a joyful volunteer team of cooks and servers. As part of the overflow of blessing into the neighborhood and region during the week of dedication, teams supplied hundreds of people with fresh chicken and staples. 

Pastor David learned during this time that many more refugees had fled to an area nearby to escape being shot by airplanes after their villages were burned. He and teams offered medicine, staples, light blankets and a Burmese Bible to anyone desiring one. They shared that they had not had anything to smile about in 14 months. We are learning from our brothers and sisters in Myanmar that when the blessing of God is bestowed, the entire community is to be lifted and enriched as a demonstration of the love of God.

We can only stand amazed at the beauty of the body of Christ and the privilege of being connected by the Holy Spirit to see the light and love of Jesus Christ embrace the people of Myanmar. Thank you for praying and giving. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

A Golden Opportunity in Myanmar, the Golden Land

So many times, we ask God to bless what we are doing for Him. This is a fine prayer and God is gracious. Over the decades, though, we are learning to seek an awareness of what God is initiating and to ask Him, “How can we participate in what You are doing, Lord?”

We sincerely believe we have such an open door in Myanmar right now. 

Two weeks ago, Pastor David met with 20 families staying with relatives in the farmland near his city. They fled four areas of Myanmar where the military coup soldiers burned their houses and crops, shot some family members and stole their farm animals. The area near David’s city is in less turmoil (at least for now), since it is the seat of military training for the nation. 

Thanks to a gift designated for benevolence, we were able to add to it and supply basic food, blankets and evangelistic Bibles to these weary and heartbroken pilgrims. A few of the families are Christian, but most are Buddhist. They received the supplies and the Bibles with thanks and amazement that someone would care for them in this hour. Several people were eating only rice soup to sustain themselves. They also graciously received the Bibles and began reading, most for the first time in their lives.

Pastor David’s teams will keep in touch with them, knowing more families will likely follow. These are desperate times for Myanmar, but our God loves to extend His love and salvation in desperate times, doesn’t He? 

In light of this golden opportunity, would you prayerfully consider investing in food, blankets and more evangelistic Bibles to share with these displaced and disoriented people fleeing their homes? To meet these needs over the next few months and supply Bibles for outreach for 14 evangelists mentored by Pastor David, we are asking the Lord to supply $9,500. We thank God for teams of willing and Holy Spirit-empowered workers demonstrating the love of Jesus while meeting these basic human needs. 

Thank you for praying into this situation and for being open to giving. Your generosity and faithfulness continue to be an encouragement not only to us, but to our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Let’s embrace this golden opportunity and see what God will do to extend His kingdom!

Thank you for your prayers and support. What an honor to have a small part in God’s great story.

We love you,

Jim and Nancy

2021 Recap

While we have much to be grateful for this year, there have also been many challenges in the nations where we serve. But God has been faithful and your gifts have helped provide so much light in the midst of darkness.

See what kind of impact we’ve had in the countries we serve.

And make sure you don’t miss Jim and Nancy’s Christmas update.

Myanmar

A Most Difficult Year

There was a military takeover of the nation on February 1, 2021. Hundreds of elected officials were put in prison where they remain. Unarmed protesters were gunned down and whole villages have been burned causing villagers to flee into the jungles.

There were also COVID-19 surges. Over 300 Christian pastors died from COVID.

In the midst of these tragedies, our brave partners continued the work of the gospel to the glory of God.

Evangelism

• 110 salvations from Buddhist, Islamic & Hindu backgrounds

• Glory Community Center was completed

• More than 2,000 bibles were distributed

• A network of 15 evangelists and church planters is supported

• The Glory Reading Room lending library has a new home in the Glory Community Center

Feeding programs and water distribution

• 1,700 families fed for 2 weeks each (23,800 meal/days)

• 5 wells continue to supply water to communities

• COVID care team was supported with medicines and food

• A motorcycle was provided for a member of the COVID care team
  
  

Vietnam

• Marriage and ministry training for pastor couples

• Ministry to families whose children are in a heart hospital

• Feeding and disaster relief

• Evangelism

Nepal

• Roof for new church building

As ever, thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement for us and our associates. We look forward to see how God moves in 2022!

A Christmas Cuppa with Nancy

Today’s cuppa is an oldie but goodie called Constant Comment. When I began my love of hot tea some 50 years ago, this was something special indeed. The flavors of orange and clove are particularly tasty in the chill of winter. As for the name of this tea, I fear it might be seen by my husband as descriptive of me, always ready with words, words and more words!

In the stillness of early morning or late night, I enjoy lighting a candle and turning my thoughts to the Incarnation, a fancy word for Jesus leaving the glories of heaven to clothe Himself with flesh and come as a helpless baby to live among us for 33 years. As I hold my fifth grandchild, now three months old, I am once again amazed at the humility of our God coming as He did.

In this Advent season, I am pondering Jesus coming to the unlikely. I am drawn to four people or groups in particular:

1. The Shepherds – Luke 2:8-20

An angel announces the birth of Jesus while they are simply doing their job, watching over their sheep at night. Shepherding was considered a humble and smelly occupation, not one high in society’s ranking. Yet, the glory of God shone on them, along with an angelic pronouncement and a heavenly host announcing the gift of salvation, Jesus Christ. The shepherds received the message and moved quickly to visit the baby and worship Him, sharing the news as they went.

2. The Woman at the Well – John 4:1-30

The encounter of Jesus and this woman of questionable repute from a tribe despised by the Jews is amazing. Each time I read it, I am impacted by the deep love of Jesus for her, for me, for us all. He chats with her about thirst, worship, her past and reveals Himself as the Messiah. She leaves her waterpot and goes into the city to tell others about Jesus.

3. Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10

In this short account (no pun intended), we see Jesus calling out this despised turncoat tax collector in the eyes of the Jews. Jesus not only sees him up in the tree, but invites Himself to the house of Zacchaeus for a fellowship meal. The result of this encounter is a changed man, including the fruit of repentance, resulting in fourfold restoration for the community to witness.

4. Mary Magdalene – John 20:1-18

In this passage, we see the resurrected (but not yet glorified) Jesus encountering a longtime supporter and friend who had seven demons cast out of her. He calls her by name and she realizes the man speaking to her is Jesus, her Lord. He appoints her to be the first to go and tell that He has risen from the dead.

My Christmas prayer for all of us “unlikelies” who have been called by Jesus is simple: May we take some time to remember His coming to us and may we share His love and good news with a world waiting to hear Him and see Him.

Joy to the World,

Nancy