* A Matter of Perspective

A friend of mine recently left overseas with his wife and four kids as a missionary. He was in Europe for twelve years and came back to the States for a year furlough. He raised the support needed and now just arrived in Nepal. My friend is a rare breed--his aim is to reach those who are forgotten.

What makes him unique is he and his wife are "pretty people." At 40 he could model for an athletic sportswear company and his wife could do a cover for some fashion magazine...even after four kids! Both of them could have chosen a much easier life path.

He had an opportunity to work in Colorado as an engineer. His brother works for the company and makes a strong six-figure salary. Speaking three fluent languages would allow him to be highly marketable.

He chose to me a missionary with his wife.

His story can serve as a needed reminder for us in America. A lot of times reminders like this seem to be affiliated with a 'guilt by association' ploy...that not intended here.

It is a willingness to look outside of our own perspective and give thanks, which is so needed for recovery...
* to take our eyes off our own lives for a time
* to gain perspective
* to search our hearts
* to seek personal holiness
* to ask God for the bigger picture

Here's his latest newsletter.
(I will not post what the name of his missionary team is in efforts to ask for support...if you are interested, private email)

Dear Friends,
In this remote region of Nepal, every baby is born in a stable. The sad irony is that the 50% who survive past their first birthday have never had the chance to hear about the God who loved and cared enough to also be born in a poor stable. Minimal clothing, no available health care, no running water, electricity or roads. Daily survival is the main focus of these destitute people living with no hope for the afterlife.

It was into this harsh and dreary environment that the student team from Switzerland hiked, an altitude of 12,000 feet, snow covering their tents at night. Originally unsure that the supplies were going to be transported as needed, we are happy to report that it arrived.

The team was able to equip EVERY home in the village with a solar-powered light and the new smokeless stove, carried in on the backs of the villagers.

EVERY child received a pair of shoes, clothing and sweater along with desperately needed school supplies for the year. And most importantly, a Nepalese pastor will be making the 12 hour hike to minister to the village regularly.

As a matter of perspective, let's reflect on our culture and their culture.



This young girl received her FIRST
pair of shoes given by a missionary...............................


The abundance of choices for
a young girl in America are abundant



The family's first stove
carried in by missionaries.......................................



The convenience of turning
lots of knobs for many of us.

Ask God to search your heart...to listen to Him, seeking ways to replace the lesser for the greater.

Personally, I am still reflecting on the passing of our sister in Christ Toni, asking God to use her life as a way to help me see that which really matters. I know I will have to give up the lesser for the greater.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.--Romans 12:2

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” ......–1 Cor 4:18