Let There Be Light!

If you are a fan of International Media Ministries, this will not be a shock to you, but you DO NOT have to be a ‘preacher’ to impact the Kingdom of God. We are media geeks (I mean that in the best possible way, as I am one). We are creatives. And - maybe a new surprise for you- electricians, data entry gurus, and construction chiefs. 

For the last two months, we have had Daymon Asbury here on loan from his construction company. The plan was for a year, but some changes intervened that made that impossible. His wife is empowering us with bids and processes. They are business people. 

I’m pretty sure with some of our local crew helping and then some of our IMM Forever friends, Guillermo and Elena Monzon, showing up, we have completed an entire year’s work in a short period of time. Together, we repaired drainage issues, sidewalks, and other issues. 

There are many references in the Bible to “lifting up holy hands.” We are accustomed to this in worship songs, but I imagine it differently. Each day, when we arrive at a task, any of us lift our hands up from our sides and put them to work. These are God’s gifts, the hands that He gave us. We are his instruments to show his Glory here on earth. 

Lifting up our hands to computers, to climb ladders and redo lights, to write, to edit, to categorize videos online and on servers, to clean, to organize, to give rides to the airport: these ordinary tasks of life grow God’s kingdom. As these things happen, Jesus can be put on more screens, and we can use more of our financial resources to make that happen rather than fix building problems or search for missing data. 

An unexpected and big blessing from this buzzing beehive of activity these last weeks has been adapting our building for LED lights to save money and keep the lights on to tell God’s stories! Let there be beautiful light to make God’s light known everywhere for everyone on every screen! 

With Those Who Work

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

From the garden, humanity has been called to labor and to work. We work to maintain our earth, work to maintain families or our own personal health and wellbeing. We work to maintain our own spiritual health and the health of others. We toil and strive for different outcomes and goals and all the while we work for the Lord. The work of missions is one that is hard work. It takes you and pulls you out of your comfort zone and a very heavy call on your life. Your spiritual and emotional strength is tested daily, though the work is rewarding. Every part of you is suddenly pulled into the light, and you have to work through your struggles while caring for the ones you are called to. It is not light work. 

Recently, I have been reminded of the Prayer of Compline and the work that Jesus did while he was on earth. Whether it was carpentry as he grew up or his ministry as an adult, he toiled with us here on earth and it was good. It was ordinary. I want to encourage you, in whatever work that you do, that the Lord has his hands on it. He is looking after you and the work that you do is good in His sight. 

“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.” From the Book of Common Prayer

The Divine Potter: Understanding God's Purpose for Us

Do you know what the very first words were that God said to Jeremiah? He says in Jeremiah 1, “The word of the Lord came to me and said, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.'"

That verb there, “formed,” is the Hebrew word yatsar, and God says to Jeremiah, “Before I yatsar you, I knew you.” Yatsar is the Hebrew word that actually means to take shape by squeezing. The very first word that God gave Jeremiah to understand his own life is the image God wants his people to have of who God is and what God does. God wanted Jeremiah to see this so much that he told him - “Up on your feet and go to the potter’s house!”

God yatsar Jeremiah while he was in the womb like a potter forms clay and God wants to yatsar His people like a potter forms clay.

What does God want with His pottery?

1. God created us to be useful: Yatsar is the exact same Hebrew word used to describe what He did in Genesis when he formed Adam. It’s another way to express God’s sovereignty over all of us: to express our need to yield to His divine purpose for all of God’s plans. Paul says “God wants to form us into a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work”.

2. God’s hands shape us into Christ’s image: Like a potter, God knows how to apply precise pressure, when to relax His grip, how to score our life with His fingernail, how to squeeze and nudge – all of which increase our fitness as a vessel for His use. Sometimes, He has to place us in the kiln where the fires of life turn us into stronger vessels.

3. God’s hands reshape our broken dreams: Sometimes we think we’re unusable and even unredeemable. Our problems are occasionally our own making, our pain may arise from our own stupidity. But when we bring it to God, confess it earnestly, and surrender it to the power of his blood, God takes our sin/shame and then molds us into that vessel that glorifies Him.

We’ve all heard this so many times and it can become like a clique. I know I’ve been guilty of it. Especially going through the various trials and asking the Potter, Whoa – wait, that’s too much pressure or I’m going to fracture beyond any use or my clay has been thrown over and over and has become too dry – and then Paul writes in Romans 9:19-23 (MSG),"

“Are you going to object, ‘So how can God blame us for anything since he’s in charge of everything? If the big decisions are already made, what say do we have in it?’ Who in the world do you think you are to second-guess God? Do you for one moment suppose any of us knows enough to call God into question? Clay doesn't talk back to the fingers that mold it, saying, ‘Why did you shape me like this?’ Isn't it obvious that a potter has a perfect right to shape one lump of clay into a vase for holding flowers and another into a pot for cooking beans? If God needs one style of pottery especially designed to show his angry displeasure and another style carefully crafted to show his glorious goodness, isn't that all right?”

His hands are all over us all the time if we allow Him to continually yatsar us. We are all created unique and special for His purpose – not mine! When you go through tough times or trials try and imagine God is “yatsaring” His lump of clay - smashing it, pounding it, cutting it, squeezing it, smoothing out all of the cracks to create His intended purpose – you!

Light

Recently, I was out on a terrace at night. I was looking at all the lights from homes that were a few miles away. It made me think of the verse Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Some of the lights were miles away and yet they were still visible through the darkness.

I remember hearing a story about WWII where people could not even have a candle light in their homes during an air raid. Even with curtains and dark drapes, the light of a candle would be enough for the planes to see a target for their bombs. This story has stayed with me.  It’s something that I think about occasionally. The fact that even the smallest light can have an impact in the darkness.

In a spiritual sense, there is darkness all around us. Whether in the USA or here in Spain, there are people who are blind to the truth. There are people who don’t know anything about God at all. Then there are people who only go to church because of tradition or culture. Growing up in the USA, I am accustomed to the traditions in the states. They are part of who we are and I’m sure I don’t even realize them all.

Because I didn’t grow up here in Spain, it is interesting to see some of the traditions they have. It is a Catholic country, but mostly only in culture and tradition. It is where Ferdinand and Isabella ruled and led the inquisition. The Catholic roots run deep in this culture. I was able to see a couple of huge Easter processions where they carry giant icons on platforms. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve seen it. They have clubs where they raise money to take care of the icons. It’s not bad; it’s just different. However, it is easy to see how sometimes tradition can take the place of a relationship with Jesus.

People may or may not believe that there is a God. Even if they do, it doesn’t mean that they know Him. In that context, I wonder about my life. Am I being a light? I don’t have to be the brightest light ever. I don’t have to be famous or someone important. There are days where it seems like nothing will ever change, yet remembering that even the smallest of lights can impact the darkness brings a sense of hope. I can’t change the darkness, but Jesus can. If I keep loving and serving Jesus, He can use the light in my life, that sometimes feels so small, for His glory. 

The Little Things

I arrived in Spain in mid-March, right before the shoot for the Esther social media piece began.  I was interested in it because Esther has always been one of the Bible stories that I enjoy.  The story of a young woman who was chosen to be queen despite being a foreigner living in the Persian Empire.  She was a woman who had doubts and fears, yet chose to stand up for her people.  She is an inspiring example of a strong, powerful woman.  

The people already in Spain had been working on this Esther piece for a few months already when I arrived.  I landed and was able to start helping right away with different aspects of pre-production.  

The day before we started the shoot, we brought props and set pieces over to the building where we were to start filming the next day.  I was curious about the building they chose to film in because I knew God had provided it in some way.  I still don’t know the whole story.  I enjoyed the old, Roman building and liked the history that was there.  When we got unpacked and mostly set up, we went home knowing the next day would be early.

Filming occurred Friday and Saturday.  Both days were long, which I expected, but they were good.  I knew a lot went into making a film, even a short one.  However,  I learned a lot too, during the two days.  Actors arrived and obviously needed costumes and make-up before filming would begin.  Setting up backdrops and props kept several people on this new team I was joining busy.  Each scene required several takes to catch different angles, or because they wanted it to look better.  Sometimes, another take was needed for the audio because a plane flew over, and made it hard to hear the actors.  Plus, planes are not part of the time period!  

I tried to be helpful over the course of the two days of filming, despite being so new.  I didn’t always know what I was doing.  However, it was a fun couple of days, and I really did enjoy it.  The fact that I was able to be there for the shoot, allowed me to watch and observe people.  I believe that IMM has talented people.  But what stands out to me is the kindness that the team had.  From how I was treated to how they treated the actors and the volunteers that came. 

It is true that the little things matter.  Luke 16:10 says that if you are faithful in little things you will be trusted with more.  I believe one of the most important “little” things is how we treat others.  It may not seem like much when there are deadlines to meet and projects to finish.  Yet it is what stands out to people.  It’s what stood out to me.   Matthew 10:42 talks about how even a cup of cold water is something Jesus notices when His disciples do so it’s obviously important to Him, too.  

I remember someone talking about how no one sees the hard work and the day-to-day decisions that went into their work before most people become famous. I don’t remember who it was, but the lesson stays with me.  People don't become famous overnight like everyone believes.  They think that because that’s what it can look like.  However, the reality is it happens because they made daily decisions for years before what is seen.  They practiced and were disciplined and grew.  It’s a good reminder that what we do today can have consequences for our future.   

Coming when I did and being reminded of the story of Esther and how little things matter has been an encouragement for me.  Some days, it doesn’t feel like I do much. I’m sure we all have those days. In order for Esther to be able to stand up to the king and for her people, she had to have developed a faith in God before this.  We don’t know what daily decisions she made, but we see the result of what she did. God sees the little things that we all do every day, and each one matters, especially how we treat each other.

Common Sense

Today, we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

• Knowing when to come in out of the rain;

• Why the early bird gets the worm;

• Life isn't always fair;

• And maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition.  Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or aspirin to a student but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home, and the burglar could sue you for assault.  Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot.  She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death,

• by his parents, Truth and Trust,

• by his wife, Discretion,

• by his daughter, Responsibility,

• and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 5 stepchildren;

• I Know My Rights

• I Want It Now

• Someone Else Is To Blame

• I'm A Victim

• Pay me for Doing Nothing

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.  If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Who We Are

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented."  And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." – Matthew 8:5-9

“The servant does not get any special thanks for doing what his master commanded. It is the same with you. When you have done everything you are told to do, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done the work we should do.’” – Luke 17:9-10

When I was a 12-year-old kid I served in an Airborne Battalion Combat Team in Italy. Okay, I was 21, but looking back, I looked and thought like a 12-year-old. The unit patch I wore with about 800 other paratroopers had the Lion of St. Mark on it, a symbol that represented the Veneto area of Italy where we were stationed, and oddly enough, but not widely publicized, it was a symbol of the Gospel of Mark. On the little book the winged lion’s paw is resting on is an open book that has one word on it, “PAX.” Although I doubt any of us made the historical or religious connection back then. We were pretty busy, and not always in the best way.

In order to be mission effective, there was a chain of command above us. This is what held us together. We knew who we were, what was asked of us, and by what authority our commanders operated. To many outside of that system, that could seem hard and demanding. As a young man, I found it to be freeing. I knew who I was, where I rested, and what to do. 

But we had special words to describe those fellows who tried to earn extra favor with those above them. They were upending the entire system by creating a political system of debts and favors in order to receive special recognition and better treatment. Even as 12-year-olds, we knew a corrupting influence when we saw it.

As believers, Jesus asks us to understand that our standing in the Kingdom does not rely on a system of debts and favors. There is an amazing freedom in this. The world still fights for equity, but we don’t have to wonder if the Father loves or accepts us based on our ability to ply and persuade Him. We are His. Now we wait upon His voice.

At IMM some of our media endeavors are so audacious that we cannot hope to push them forward under our own strength. I’ve had to learn this lesson over and over again. However, once a project is completed we should feel accomplished, but we dare not offer endeavors up to Heaven in order to gain special recognition and favor. That is not ours to do, because we are secure in His Kingdom and we now share the desire to grow it. Our proper motivators are joyful devotion to the King and a love for the task ahead of us. Lift your heads and drive-on. There is much to be done, and some of it might even be fun.

The Questions: Susanna's Answer

Truth is worth every protection. 

Today, in our world, it’s the first thing to be compromised. We lie every day: to ourselves, to our jobs, to our families and friends. Not just bold-faced lies, no. We take pieces of the truth, the ugly pieces or painful pieces, and hide them away. Sometimes it’s to make ourselves look better, sometimes it’s to save those around us from pain. Often, it’s not even malicious. 

Either way, masking the full truth is in our nature. “Did God really say?” is the question that caused our downfall as humanity, and Eve’s answer, like ours, sounds less like a confidence in God’s word and more like a caveat. 

“Well…” 

With every “well…” or every “I mean…” have we given away the definitive “yes” and “no” of God’s word? Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and draws a line of truth in the sand: He is the Only Way, the Only Truth, and the Only Life. Through Christ, no others, we can find eternal salvation from the wickedness of our compromises to His truth.

So how do we put our foot down for truth in love? 

1 Corinthians 13:5-7

“[Love] does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Re-read it, without your already formed conclusions and perspective. What does this passage about love teach us about truth? Once love uncovers sin, wrongdoing, it doesn’t gleefully clap its hands and point, “I knew it! I knew you were a sinner!” No! Instead, love looks beyond, to the truth of redemption.

“Thank you, Jesus, for uncovering dark places. You’ve exposed our filthiness not to entertain yourself or use us for your gain, but you’ve instead exposed us to light. In my pit of sin and depraved thinking, I can see the light of your truth now. And I can start to hear your rejoicing, that through your mercy, I can walk towards your truth. Amen.”

That kind of truth, that kind of love, is worth standing for. In humility, we cry out “Jesus, you are good!” and pray that the nations hear as well. Not to expose them and prove ourselves right, but to grab their hands, joyful in new life, and lead them towards that light of His truth.

The Questions: Denise's Answer

People in Iran stood up and protested against their government and have been beaten down again and again. Over 500 protestors have been executed for their courage this year alone. Thousands remain in prison. Despite these hardships, the Christian church in Iran is flourishing and growing faster than any other in the world.

How does the light of Christ reach this country in dark times? International Media Ministries reaches these Iranian people through media made in their own language. We want to invite you to see the world premiere of the English version of a social media piece for Iran. It introduces the story of one woman who had to stand up for many - Esther. 

Join International Media Ministries at the I STAND: Reaching Iran with the Hope of Esther Dinner during the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Columbus, Ohio, and learn how God is moving in Iran. See the world premiere of the English version of the Esther Reveal social media piece currently being shown in Iran. Come hear testimony from “Hasti” a Iranian woman who was persecuted and imprisoned for her faith and her miraculous story of how God brought her to freedom. Learn about the power of media in evangelism from special guest Dave Roever and how you can be a part of bringing hope to Iran.

If you won’t be able to come to the dinner, you can still be a part. Watch for upcoming details of the online premiere of the English version of the Esther Reveal this fall. Learn how you, too, can stand with Esther.

The Questions: Hannah's Answer

John 15:12-13 ESV 

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” 

What do you stand for? What would you risk your life for?

In college, I had a lot of business classes and in those classes, we were asked on multiple occasions, “What motivates you?”. Does money motivate you? Work? Success? In those classes I would always answer, “People. People motivate me”. This was an ideal answer to someone who was studying nonprofit business, but the truth is I have always been motivated by people. So, when I think about these questions, my answer is people. The people I love and the people who cannot stand for themselves. 

My family is incredibly important to me. I would defend them, support them, I would do anything for them. I love them dearly, and I would risk my life for them. I am very thankful to have a very strong bond with my family, to have had constant support and love from them. I would repay them by standing up for them in a heartbeat. My friends that I love dearly, I would stand up for them. I would support and defend them, to help them be the best they can be. 

I stand for the people who cannot stand for themselves. There are so many hurting and overlooked people in the world today. The opportunities in my life have granted me the ability to have a voice when others cannot, to stand up for them. We must care for each other; we must support each other. 

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). As Christians, we cannot forget that we are called to love one another as God has loved us, unconditionally. We must stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves, we must stand for those we love and care about. Thousands of people stand as Jesus stood and many of them do so at their own risk. We must not allow ourselves to forget this commandment, we must show great love to all of those around us. 

The Questions: Myriam's Answer

As our team has been working on the Esther Mini-Series project, we have been discussing a thought-provoking question: "What would you risk your life for?"

As a mother, my immediate response is, "My children and grandchildren," without a doubt. The unconditional love I have for my family is invaluable, and it would inspire me to put my life on the line for theirs.

However, when I challenge myself to think beyond my family, the answers don't come as readily. Perhaps it's because I have been blessed to live in a country that affords me such freedoms, including the freedom of religion. My parents, immigrants from Cuba, made the incredibly difficult decision to risk their lives for the sake of their children when they fled Cuba. Personally, I have never had to face the same level of risk for my loved ones or for openly professing my Christian faith.

Giving up one's life for Christian beliefs often involves confronting persecution and opposition. It takes immense courage to remain steadfast in the face of threats, discrimination, and violence. Throughout history, martyrs, both ancient and modern, exemplify the unwavering faith and courage required to stand firm in the face of adversity. Their extraordinary courage serves as a powerful inspiration for us to live out our faith boldly and resolutely.

Although the question of risking one's life might not often be a reality in our daily lives, it encourages us to reflect on the courage we exhibit in other areas.  Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, take risks for the sake of others? Are we willing to speak out against falsehoods, challenge societal norms, defend those who are marginalized, and uphold the teachings of Christ even if it means facing opposition or ridicule? I must admit that I haven't always displayed such courage due to complacency. Yet, my current prayer is that, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, I will step out and stand firm in the everyday "risks" I choose to make an impact and influence others to share the Gospel.

What I do know is that life is a precious gift from God. Jesus sacrificed Himself for me, granting me a fullness of life that can be found in a deep relationship with God. Discovering my purpose, growing in character, cultivating love and relationships, finding hope in times of crisis, and having the assurance of eternal life—all of these blessings are a result of God's work in my life, and I wouldn't give them up for anything. 

So, ask me again, "What would I give my life for?" I hope you have a few minutes because it’s a bit longer of an answer.

The Questions: Rachel's Answer

I am supposed to be answering the question “what do you stand for” or  “what would you risk your life for.”  These are hard questions because as a Christian, I feel like people expect you to answer them a certain way.  The answers of standing for my faith or dying for Christ are what I think everyone would expect.  

Yet, those are “easy” answers to give simply in a way because of that expectation.  They are answers I don’t have to put much thought into because shouldn’t all Christians say that?  They're the “right” answers. When people have been imprisoned, tortured, beaten, and killed for their faith, it makes me not want to give a “right” answer when I’m not facing what they are. The expectations of what to say are there though.  

In addition there are other expectations in my life.  I find it interesting that people have expectations of what a missionary is.  They seem to think that missionaries are spiritual or somehow more special than they are.  The expectations are not reality.  It’s just not true.  I am just here trying to do what God has called me to do.  I guarantee that I am not doing it perfectly.  I am no different from any other Christian, and may very well be less spiritual than you or other Christians.   There are days when I question whether I’m hearing God right or if I am making the right decision.  I am only human, like everyone else.  My failures and flaws are evident for anyone to see.  

That being said, I do think that committing to do missions was a step of faith for me.  In a way, I did have to stand up for what I believed God was calling me to do.  I had to ask for support and tell people God was leading me to do something completely different. Something that may not have made sense.  It made me uncomfortable.  Is it ever easy to ask for help? Asking people to support me wasn’t easy.  There were days I had to stand against the doubt or the uncertainty that I faced.  There were days I was discouraged because I wasn’t raising and didn’t  end up raising enough.  I had to shorten my time here because of that.  I definitely had questions, doubts, and uncertainties.  

Just because I’m not in Spain, doesn’t mean everything is easy.  There have been hard days in the midst of the good.  I have learned that just because God calls me to something doesn’t mean I won’t have doubts sometimes. Yet I am grateful for every day that I have here.  I don’t know what my future holds.  But I believe that God will continue to lead and guide me.  He has promised to never leave or forsake us so He will always be with me.  

How does this relate to the question: what do I stand for?  My answer may not make sense to you.  Instead of just giving you a “right” answer, what if we rethink the question and our answers?  What if we reframe our thoughts surrounding the question?  When I think of standing for something, I think of small steps of obedience and fighting through doubt and fear for what God is calling me to do. Each step of obedience is standing.  Standing now may lead to me standing for something bigger in the future.  Before Esther went to the king and was willing to sacrifice her life for her people, she had to keep her faith while living in a castle with more luxuries than she’d had before in her life.   Before Daniel stood for his faith and was thrown into the lions’ den, he had to stand and publicly practice his faith.  He prayed 3 times a day and had done it long enough and consistently enough that the men trying to destroy him knew about it.  

What do I stand for?  I stand for the small acts of obedience today that may lead to standing for something bigger in the future.  Each small act of obedience is one more chance to stand for my faith, even if that act seems insignificant.  God sees it and knows. He knows that obeying can take courage even if it’s just a small step forward.  Even if it feels like a life of continual small, seemingly insignificant times of standing in obedience, it matters to God.  One day, we’ll see how all those small steps of obedience do count. The times we stood when we thought it wasn’t anything important will give us the strength to stand if we ever face something we consider more significant.   Even if I never have to stand for my faith the way my brothers and sisters in persecuted countries do, I am still standing and growing and doing what God is calling me to.  My hope is that I continue to stand each time God asks me for another step of obedience.  In the end, it will lead me closer to Him, and that is what I want.  Isn’t that the prize, the goal? To know God more and be with Him for all eternity.  That’s why I believe it’s important to rethink the question and give an answer that applies to my everyday life, not something that may or may not happen in the future.  I need to stand  and obey today so I can know and love God more now.