Victory in Rio

This weekend we participated in a wonderful missions conference in Rio Wisconsin. The high points were many, but it is always exciting when the saints grasp their opportunity to touch the nations.

We saw presentations by Missions X International about water purification systems that used electrically charged plates to change undrinkable water into drinkable water. We saw a manually operated lathe that with a simple foot pump could be used to make wood tools and furniture where electrical power was limited. We also saw the plans for a proposed school for girls in the Ivory Coast where young women desperately need help. In each case, we saw the opportunity for God to work.

Now the amazing thing is that God who gives creative ideas and plans calls on us to work with him. He supplies the ideas, and we go to work by faith.

There is nothing more satisfying than working in the harvest fields with Jesus. Isn't it time to find your place in Him and get busy today?

Mark Van Deman
www.markvandeman.com

Getting Ready

Getting ready is one of the biggest parts of any journey. I am convinced that when we are ready, things happen.

I have been with some friends and we have been talking about the role of preparation in our lives. Our conclusion after several days of discussion, is that things happen for the person who is ready.

One example of this is that I have never met a person who took an overseas mission trip without a passport. When people tell me they want to go to missions, the first question I ask them is about their passport status. When people are serious about world travel, they get the passport and begin to make preparations.

Perhaps you have been thinking about taking a mission trip or some other step of faith. Let me encourage you to get ready by taking the first step of preparation. I have found that the next step becomes obvious and easier when we have done first things first. When we are prepared, we will be amazed at the opportunities that show up.

If we are really going to go, now is the time to get ready!

Mark