The Call

The Call, written by Regina Spektor for the movie Prince Caspian is a stirring anthem played at the end of the movie when the Pevensie children leave Narnia, some for the last time. Others though, leave knowing they shall return, eventually.

Interestingly, Spektor’s reference to battle and the war in her song is possibly a metaphor expressing the inner conflict between leaving a place of familiarity and entering a world you always longed for or desired. This desire, described in the opening verse begins as a feeling, grows into a hope, turns into thought, and then turns into a quiet word which ultimately grows louder and louder, ‘til it becomes a battle cry. In other words, the call to Narnia (and relationship with Aslan) becomes so strong it cannot be ignored only obeyed.

In our travels and speaking engagements, many have asked about our call to missions. Personally, I have never had a call to missions or to a particular country, per say. Rather, I describe my call as a call to obedience; Jesus said, “Come follow me,” and so I did, to the best of my ability. Hence, Stuart and I obeyed God’s call and four years ago, we followed Jesus to Jamaica.

Last year, when our family parted with our New Vision family we tried not to say “Goodbye,” but rather “We’ll be back as soon as we can.” However, Stuart and I have been in holding pattern, waiting for the call to return to Jamaica. Waiting is often not an easy discipline, but since it is our desire to complete what we began in Jamaica by serving the children and students of New Vision City of Refuge and the Assemblies of God Bible College we wait. We are confident that the Lord is the only one in control of our lives and the timing of our return.

In the meanwhile, we consider the words of Spektor’s song, especially the final verse.

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes
You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

The Missionary Spirit

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit powerfully descended upon the awaiting faithful, in response to a promise given by Jesus prior to his ascension. In a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit . . . [and] you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. The nature of that power remarkably makes Jesus’ disciples effective witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Although it is tempting to believe that Jesus’ commission to all nations is a new development in the missio Dei, it is not. The mission of God has always included the nations beyond the called and faithful remnant. What is new is the promise of power to expedite the mission.

This power though, is not the consequence of an inanimate energy source but rather the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ. No less than the abiding presence and power of the Holy Spirit is adequate to accomplish this exceptional mission to all nations.

To accept the gift of the Spirit as they did at Pentecost and throughout Acts, necessitates an intentional missions objective, for the purpose of Pentecost is to clothe believers with power to be witnesses to all the nations. For a believer to claim to be filled with the Spirit and yet have no inclination for the mission of Jesus is at the very least a contradiction of reason and at most a travesty of purpose. To ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit intrinsically implies that the recipient of the gift accepts the mission, the method, and the power to go to the ends of the earth!

No April Fool

Stuart and Wendy, Paul and Dulcie, Jordan and Becky

When Stuart and I returned to the States to raise our support, the Lord provided two exceptional couples to continue the ministry at New Vision City of Refuge. Jordan and Becky Yoder served as farm manager and registered nurse, respectively. On April 1, Jordan and Becky will complete their term of service and return home. Thank you Jordan and Becky for your hard work and sacrifice. You have been a tremendous blessing to us, the Bushhorn family, and the staff and children at New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home.

We Are One

We are studying the letters to the Thessalonians in our Adult Bible Fellowship Class. I was reminded of the persecuted saints around the world while preparing for this week's lesson. Let us never forget to pray for the persecuted church.

http://www.persecution.com/

The World Missions Summit 2

We had a wonderful experience at the World Missions Summit in Cincinnati this past week. A variety of speakers challenged over 3500 students to give a year to missions and pray about a lifetime. Many responded and prepared to go anywhere and do anything for God.

One especially challenging directive came from an unassuming servant of God shepherding the underground church in a sensitive country. He and his family’s determination to pastor their local congregation in spite of imprisonment and threats of violence humbled us all.

A missionary in one of the most volatile areas of our world today, implored us to try (don’t give up), to cry (proclaim the gospel), and to die (to self). He also reminded us that fear hinders missionary service and impedes the progress of the gospel.

At the Summit, we met many wonderful people like Nureka (pictured above). A native Jamaican, she blessed us with her joyful spirit and willing heart. Although, you may have missed the Summit, you have not missed your opportunity to serve. Please consider giving a year to missions and praying about a lifetime.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BOCP)

Out With the Old

Thanks to the Caring Connection crew from Fort Wayne First Assembly who came and tore down our rickety shed today. We love all the wonderful people at our church who bless us continually with their generosity and love.

If you are ever in our area, come and visit the best church in the midwest! http://www.firstassemblyfw.org/

To Seek and Save

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

Have you seen the movie August Rush? It’s the story of a child prodigy who is inadvertently abandoned by his parents at birth. However, years of growing up in the system doesn’t dim August’s dream of finding his parents. Eventually, he runs away to seek what he has lost. In the course of his journey, he meets Wizard who recognizes August’s special gift and seeks to capitalize on it.

Wizard asks him, “What do you want to be in the world? I mean the whole world. What do you want to be? Close your eyes and think about it.” In a blink August replies, “Found.”

It’s a scary thing to be lost. Jesus taught at least three parables concerning the importance and necessity of searching for what is lost, because what is lost is highly valuable. Friend, there are at least 12,000 lost children in Jamaica; they are homeless, abandoned, and often abused and they need to be found.

Please consider supporting the City of Refuge Children’s Home in Christiana, Jamaica. Help us to find what is lost but highly valuable, to bring them safely back to the Father’s arms.

To make an on-line donation or a monthly commitment to the City of Refuge Home in Christiana, look to the Partner with us in Ministry sectiton to the right, and click on the appropriate link.

A Challenging Proposition

Visitors to the City of Refuge in Christiana desire a life changing experience; spiritually, mentally, and physically. In essence, they want a challenge. On our fun day many brave the 930' zip line over YS Falls (like Sophia, pictured here) and testify of the exhilarating experience.

Itineration is definitely a challenge as well (spiritually, mentally, and physically). However, it can also be an exhilarating experience especially when faithful people brave the challenge with you.

For example, a businessman in our church feels so strongly about our ministry to the orphans in Jamaica, he has offered to match any new monthly commitment towards our missionary support dollar for dollar. That means if twenty churches commit to give $50 per month he will match it with a $1000 monthly pledge!

Are you up to the challenge?

Please consider braving the challenge with us by making a monthly commitment to our ministry. Your financial commitment combined with this wonderful opportunity, will in essence double your monthly support.

***To make a monthly commitment to our missionary account, simply click on the link Support the Brown Family -Online Commitment Form in the section to the right.***

Even There

In Psalm 139, David poignantly expresses his wonder at the all-knowing, ever-present God: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

The psalmist exemplifies the truth that we can never move beyond God’s scrutiny, provision, or care. In other words, we are never beyond God’s reach.

It was difficult for the staff, the children, and our family when we left the Christiana City of Refuge for our year of itineration. However, this separation has a purpose; and I am not just talking about raising funds. This is a learning experience for all of us that God is our source; because it’s not about our presence, it’s about his.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.

Although we may find ourselves on distant corners of the earth, God takes notice of our every need, every step, every prayer and he is there to lead and lend a hand. Pray for the Christiana City of Refuge and us this year, that we may discern God’s sovereign presence and provision as we seek to do his will.

Thank you for your continued support.

Speed the Light of the Gospel

Everywhere, is the Speed the Light theme for 2007-2008. Speed the Light (STL) is the Assemblies of God, student-initiated program that raises funds to provide equipment and vehicles to missionaries so that we can speed the light of the gospel to a world in darkness.

As missionaries, we have gone everywhere in Jamaica with our STL vehicle. Although we live on an island that is about the size of Connecticut, Jamaica’s terrain proves challenging; a 50-mile trek through the mountains can take over 2 hours to travel. We use our STL vehicle to take the New Vision children to school, the hospital, doctor’s appointments, field trips, and other special outings. We are grateful to the Indiana District youth who personally sacrificed and helped raise funds for this necessary means of transportation.

Thankfully, New Vision City of Refuge has been approved to receive a STL, 15-passenger seat van. Anyone who has visited us knows how desperately New Vision City of Refuge needs this vehicle. Unfortunately the needed funds are not yet available (New Vision has been waiting 2 years).

We are not alone in our wait; many missionaries are facing the same dilemma. Please, help speed the light to a world in darkness. Talk to your pastor or youth pastor today to see how you can give. Visit Speed the Light on the web at http://speedthelight.ag.org/.

New Vision City of Refuge STL project number: F27379

Down and Dirty

Trinity Episcopal Church from Belleville, Michigan recently sent a hardworking, fun-loving team to work and minister at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home. Led by Shawn Small and Eric Neubauer of Wonder Voyage Missions, this group had the envious job of hauling rock and digging dirt to help build our septic system! They also took all our kids on a picnic to Gouri Cave and went spelunking with the teens. A visit to the town of Christiana and game night filled out our week together.

Thank you, Wonder Voyage and Trinity Episcopal for a memorable week!

Please visit their websites at http://www.wondervoyage.com/index.php and http://www.trinitybell.org/index_a.html

Support Your Local Missionary

There is a new online commitment form for those who like the ease of doing everything on the web. Follow this link http://worldmissions.ag.org/agwm_commit_form.cfm or click on Online Commitment Form in the links section and you will be forwarded to Our World Ministries commitment form, on the AG website, to make a monthly commitment to our ministry. Our account number is 251128-5. This form is not to make payments but to signify your commitment to support our ministry on a monthly basis. To make an online payment click on Support the Brown Family in the links section. To support and make online payments for New Vision City of Refuge simply click on Support New Vision City of Refuge in the links section.