Chrysalis Ministries

Life goes on!

16 August, 2007

Monsoon and typhoon weather in Manila – but who notices?  Yes, it does slow things down a bit, and of course, in some places there is severe damage and flooding.  But here in this busy, active city things keep happening, and today was no exception.

This morning, nine members of the International Chrysalis Institute - Asia (ICI - Asia) took time out of very busy schedules and met for the morning to continue plans for the ICI - Asia to be held in September 2008.  These gifted and dedicated younger leaders have captured the vision and made it their own: to help younger leaders throughout this part of the world develop more in their lives and businesses, professions and ministries.  Talented young Christians -- A lawyer, the owner of an advertising agency, president of an oil company, a denominational leader, leader of a marketplace ministry, the President of the Philippine Council of Evangelicals, a youth minister in a large metro-Manila church and several other Team members who could not attend today are committed to this unique Institute.

Today, John and I were once again impressed by the quality of these gifted young leaders and their strong commitment to serve the Lord. We count it an honor and a great privilege to share in their vision and mission to help see young leaders grow and develop in their lives and ministries. 

John and I are busy in preparations for the coming weeks here in Southeast Asia.  We trust that God will give us what we need as we try to be His faithful servants.  Thanks for your prayers.

And do check out the pictures of today’s Team meeting.

Carol

Serbian invasion?!

No, but Samuil was here!

June 23 - 29 was a very busy and special week here in Southern California because our good friend, Samuil Petrovski from Belgrade was with us! 

The week was filled with laughter and deep conversations, appointments, phone calls, and people wanting to see Samuil.  We hosted a number of local and area friends in order to talk with him (some of you met him and /or already knew him from the Kenneth N. Hansen Jr. Chrysalis Institute in 2003). 

Samuil shared what is happening in EUS (Evangelical University Student organization) in Serbia and Montenegro, and he had many opportunities to tell his “story” of God at work in the lives of the many students with whom he ministers. 

June 23 - 29 was a great week, a busy week, and an unforgettable week as we heard so many people respond to Samuil’s winsome personality and wit, and not-so-subtle invitation  to “come and help us!”

Thanks to all who took the time to meet and visit with Samuil.

Carol

IT IS SO QUIET!

The grandchildren and our daughter and daughter-in-law have left. The house is very still and quiet, except for the ringing of the phone and the singing of the birds outside. All of the toys, children’s dishes and books have been packed away for the next visit.  There are no little arguments between two-year-olds just learning what it means to share their toys.  There is no little grandson saying “truck, truck, truck”!  No little four-year old squeezing lemons for lemonade for grandmommee and grandpoppie to drink!  John and I have happy memories of little ones giving bear hugs, blowing kisses and saying “I love you, Grandpoppie!”  "I love you, Grandmommee!"

As in my last blog entry, I liken our grandchildrens' visit to the joy that comes when we spend time with so many wonderful younger leaders in Europe and Asia.  These younger leaders are truly friends with whom we can share and laugh and sit and talk for hours. We can honestly tell each other: "I love you!" and mean it with all of our hearts. These relationships are truly special gifts from God and ones that we look forward to renewing soon with great anticipation.

So now John and I have a few days to enjoy the quiet summer breezes as we busily prepare our talks.  John is finalizing his notes to be sent for translation.  I finished my talks before the grandchildren arrived, but now must prepare and study and refine them and put them into a Power Point presentation.  There are small gifts to be purchased, individual meetings to be planned by email, last-minute medications and doctors appointments and necessities to take care of, and of course, the house and garden to be put in order for a month away.

We leave next week.  John and I will be traveling in a part of the world where we will need to be alert and vigilant, where in some places, life is not always easy for Christians. And where life itself is uncertain (but isn’t that true anywhere in the world these days?).

We will post on the blog as we are able, and will put pictures up as we are able.  We greatly appreciate your prayers as we travel, now more than ever.

Blessings on your summer “journey” and may God's peace be with you.

Carol