FREE Guide: Have a MISSION-MINDED 2010

Do you want to set aside time to seek God’s will for 2010? Do you want your life and your family to become more effective for God’s Kingdom . . . and for ETERNITY?

FREE New Year’s Evaluation Guide

Take 7

Take 7 Days to Seek God’s Will for 2010

Click here to download our FREE “7″ Guide

An Evaluation & Prayer Guide to planning a MISSION-MINDED New Year

Especially designed for Christian Woman and Families

Also, here’s a good One-Year Bible Reading Plan from www.Bible-reading.com

NOW!!! – ALSO AVAILABLE:

2010 MISSION-MINDED GUIDE for Youth & Young Adults

Great for Homeschooling Families with Teenagers, College Adults,
Christian Jr. & Sr. High Schools, or Church Youth Groups

Click here for FREE “7″ Guide for YOUTH

Click here for more details about Ann’s book, The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny, including a link for a FREE Sample (and info about how you can get a copy)!!!

A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 5

Christmas is not just about HOME, or PRESENTS; it’s about living in the PRESENCE of the Lord, and sharing His PRESENCE with others.

Focuses . . . on God’s Presence!

Jesus came as our Emmanuel – Our “God with us.” This Christmas, let’s remember that Christmas is all about Him. It’s about being with Him, and taking time to enjoy His presence.

In a Christmas Eve sermon, Martin Luther (German leader of the Protestant Reformation) encouraged his congregation to be like a manger in which Jesus can be found. May our hearts be like that simple manger bed, prepared for the greatest gift of all: Our Savior.

On How to Be a Manger

Be empty.
Be sturdy.
Be soft inside.
Be still.
Be ready.

By Barbara Germait

Mission-Minded Ideas:

A few more MISSION-MINDED Christmas Ideas:

• TAKE SOME QUIET TIME: Encourage your family to take some quiet time this Christmas to pray and to worship (and plan now to bring a special worship and prayer time into your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebrations). Remember that Christmas is all about His PRESENCE!!!




• LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD: Learn how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world, such as St. Lucia Day in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries (the legend of St. Lucia focuses on a Sicilian girl who gave away her dowry to feed the poor) or Las Posadas from Mexico and Latin American countries. You can also learn about Hanukkah (as you pray for the nation of Israel, and for Jewish families to come to know Jesus as their Messiah). Perhaps incorporate one or two new international traditions into your family celebration.




• BE A WITNESS FOR JESUS: Remember that Christmas is one of the easiest times of the year to be a strong witness for Jesus. Whenever anyone says, “Happy Holidays,” encourage your children to be bold and friendly as you respond with a cheerful “Merry Christmas!” or “Jesus Loves You!” (and don’t be afraid to invite people to your church or to a special Christ-centered event). Pray specifically for your unsaved neighbors, and perhaps deliver a plate of Christmas cookies along with hand-written cards or loving notes about God’s salvation. Visit elderly people in a nursing home and sing God-glorifying Christmas carols and talk to these precious people about the Lord. Specifically pray for relatives who need Jesus (and maybe plan a little Christmas Eve “skit” performed by your sweet non-threatening kids, to clearly share the real salvation reason for Christ’s coming to earth).




• CONTACT YOUR MISSIONARIES: Communicate a few times during December to your own missionary friends and their children. Today, most overseas missionaries and international ministers utilize online tools such as facebook, twitter, blogs, or websites, so it’s easier than ever to keep in touch. Don’t be afraid to share about your fun Christmas activities, but be sensitive and appreciative for the sacrifices they are making for Jesus to serve Him so far from home.

This Christmas, I invite you to seek God’s purposes for your family.

Let’s seek His PRESENCE!

Mission-Minded Hanukkah

Hanukkah . . . and JESUS!!!

In the history of Hanukkah; there are types and shadows that point to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is our light of the world . . . and God wants each of us to be lights for Him.

Hanukkah . . . as a mission reminder:

During December, it’s common to find many references to this Jewish holiday, especially as stores and schools attempt to be culturally sensitive to those who don’t celebrate Christmas. We usually see Hanukkah reminders in store windows, in the wrapping paper aisle, and even at the post office.

Dates of Hanukkah, 2009

The first day of Hanukkah 2009 is Saturday, December 12th, meaning the first candle is to be lit on Friday evening, December 11th. The holiday extends for 8 days, ending on December 19th, 2009.

Holiday Hanukkah reminders and decorations provide perfect “on-the-spot” teaching opportunities to talk with our children about the need to pray for the people of Israel, and to share how Jesus Christ came as God’s promised Messiah for the whole world. As you see these decorations throughout your shopping times, take these moments to talk with your kids about loving the people of Israel and praying for their salvation.

We’ve recently learned a few interesting things about this Jewish holiday:

• Did you know the only biblical** reference to Hanukkah is in the New Testament?
• Did you know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah?
• Did you know that Hanukkah is the feast of lights and the feast of dedication?
• Many aspects of this holiday point to the coming Messiah . . . and did you know that Jesus Christ completely fulfilled this celebration by being our Light of the world?




(**Please see NOTE below, in the comment section.)

Hanukkah . . . in the Bible

“At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. “But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. “I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” ” John 10:22-33

Isn’t that exciting?

On this feast day, in the wintertime, Jesus declared His divinity!!!

Read the Bible selections that refer to Hanukkah, and talk with your children about how Jesus came to fulfill this celebration. He is our light of the world.

• John 10:22-33
• Matthew 20:28
• John 8:12

As you’re at the post office, deciding which holiday stamps to buy, take a moment to mention (to the post office worker, or to other people waiting in line next to you), “Did you know that in the Bible, it says that Jesus actually celebrated Hanukkah?” You can then share how Jesus Christ came to earth as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. He came as the Messiah of Israel and God’s Light of the WORLD!!!

Hanukkah Crafts Ideas:

Have your children make a few simple Hanukkah craft projects.

• Star of David Ornaments – Make two cardboard triangles and cover them with aluminum foil. Staple them together and add a ribbon. (Our children made these and hung them on our Christmas tree. See photo above.)
• Menorah – Our son Mark crafted a simple wooden Menorah candle stick with nine (birthday) candles. (See the photo at the top of this post.)

The Light of Hanukkah:

Here’s a short excerpt from the “Jews for Jesus” website blog. The article is entitled “The Light of Hanukkah” and it’s a good summary of the spiritual significance of Hanukkah and how it relates to Jesus as our Messiah:

The Hanukkah candles are traditionally lit by a special candle called the shammash. Shammash is Hebrew for “servant.” In the shammash candle, we can see a symbol of our Messiah Jesus, for as the Gospel of Matthew says,

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

The shammash serves the other candles by bringing light to them. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as “the Light,” and Jesus Himself once said,

“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Just as the shammash gives light to the other candles, Jesus came to give the world His Light. As we celebrate Hanukkah, it is good for us be reminded of that light each night as we light our menorahs. As believers in Y’shua (Jesus), Hanukkah should hold precious meaning to us. The miracles we celebrate at Hanukkah – the defeat of an enemy army, the oil lasting for eight days – show how God keeps His light burning in the hearts of His people, even when they face what seem to be impossible odds or situations. With God, all things are possible. His light cannot fail, or go out.

For the entire article on the Jews for Jesus website: “The Light of Hanukkah”

Have a Mission-Minded Christmas . . .

and a Happy Hanukkah too!

Celebrating JESUS our LIGHT of the WORLD!

A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 4

God gave His Only Son for us; this Christmas, let’s make Him LORD over every area: over where we live, where we go, how we spend “our” money and “our” time, and over our children’s lives. Let’s GIVE Him . . .  ALL!

“All to Jesus, I surrender, All to Him I freely give . . .”

Focus on GIVING . . . it ALL:

This Christmas, let’s do something different.

Let’s “get” what Christmas is really all about . . . and then “give it” all to God.

A Christmas Story from Liberia, AFRICA

“I Gave Myself”

It was Christmas, and the Liberian Christians had been asked this year instead of receiving gifts, to help carry the Gospel to others.

As in many mission fields, they brought, not money, but produce. Presently, the great plates were piled high with offerings of rice, cocoa, bananas, palm nuts, pineapple, and cassava.

There was a moment’s pause . . .

Slowly, a twelve-year-old boy walked forward and solemnly placed his feet in one of the plates. Afterward, when the missionary questioned him, the boy said . . .

“We are very poor. I did not have anything else to give . . . so I gave myself.”

A few MISSION-MINDED baby-steps

Here are a few baby-steps to begin to incorporate a mission-mindset into your family’s yearly Christmas celebrations.

• Incorporate a GLOBE into your Christmas celebrations. Perhaps use this to bring a mission theme into a corner of your living room or family room. Add some garland and lights, or place a mini-nativity beside this globe (or map), as you encourage your children that Jesus came to earth to be the Savior for ALL people.
• If your decorations are looking a bit old and shabby, and you’re wondering about using them another year, remember 1.6 million people around the world have yet to hear the Christmas story . . . for the first time!
• Read aloud a Mission-Minded Christmas story such as this story, “I Gave Myself,” or “Home for Christmas?”
• Plan a specific family giving project for Christmas. Perhaps put a coin jar under your tree and begin saving coins for a specific mission need.

As mission-minded families, if we really want God’s direction in every areas of our lives, we need to begin by surrendering ALL of our “rights” to God.

All to Jesus, I surrender.

All to Him I freely give.

I will ever love and trust Him.

In His presence daily live.

I surrender all. I surrender all.

All to Thee, My Blessed Savior.

I surrender all.

This Christmas, I invite you to seek God’s purposes for your family.

Have yourself a MISSION-MINDED CHRISTMAS!!!

More Mission-Minded Christmas posts

Click here for a FREE Sample of THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY

A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 3

A real turning point came for me when I changed the word “holiday” into “holy-day.” When I remember that Christmas is the day Jesus broke through the barrier that separates heaven and earth to create a bridge for us to have eternal life…

This inspiring article, written by Dawn Wilson, is used with permission from TrueWoman.com, an outreach of Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

From Holi-Dazed to Holy Days

By Dawn Wilson (via TrueWoman.com. Used with permission.)

My husband and I met for lunch to discuss all the events, shopping, gatherings, baking, decorating, and needs of the Christmas season. I think he observed me I think he observed me one day as my eyes glazed over while I looked at our packed holiday calendar, and he decided it was time for a major planning meeting in the back corner of Applebee’s—or perhaps he just wanted some barbeque ribs. Regardless, after the meeting my over-the-top “holi-daze” was gone.

I had lists and ideas and a firm budget. I had a step-by-step path to the “perfect” Christmas.

In the week that followed, what I didn’t have was the heart to go with it. There was still something missing. My emotions ranged from stress and anxiety to discontent and anger. I approached December sounding a bit like Paul Revere: “Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! Get with the program, people!”

Part of my stress came from gift-buying. We have so much available in this country—an abundance of things to buy. We may feel pressured to find the perfect gift for a loved one or create a perfect meal. (Note to self: There is nothing perfect this side of heaven!) I’ve often longed for simpler days when children were thrilled to get a fresh orange in the toe of a Christmas stocking. And how refreshing it would be if we could be content to just be together—as my sweet Grandma Parks said, “That’s all the gift I need.”

When I sanctify Christmas in my heart,

I set it apart as holy and precious…

I look for opportunities to tell my granddaughters

about the reason for the season…

I gaze at the Nativity scene on my buffet

and weep that Jesus came to set me free.

A real turning point came for me when I changed the word “holiday” into “holy-day.”

When I remember that Christmas is the day Jesus broke through the barrier that separates heaven and earth to create a bridge for us to have eternal life, it doesn’t remove the busyness of the season, but it does restore perspective (Isa. 59:2; John 10:10; Rom. 5:1; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:5; Rom. 5:8). When I sanctify Christmas in my heart, I set it apart as holy and precious. I focus more on spiritual activities. I look for opportunities to tell my granddaughters about the reason for the season. I open my personal hymn book and read and sing the carols with fresh insight. I gaze at the Nativity scene on my buffet and weep that Jesus came to set me free.

Yes, Christmas is a time for family, yummy cookies, a gorgeous tree, caroling, and colorfully wrapped gifts, but it is also the time when all believers remember the Son who came in obedience to the Father so we could enjoy the blessing of adoption into the family of God. Christmas is all about Him, not us. Converting from holi-dazed to the blessings of the holy-day alters everything, because my heart is changed.

How about you? What stresses you the most during this time of year? How has God changed your perspective?

Note from Ann:

May each of us set this season apart as holy and precious; may we gaze the Nativity, and weep to know that Jesus came to set us free; and may we look for opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas with friends, loved ones, and strangers.

A wonderful ministry highlight of 2009 was having the opportunity to meet Christian author and teacher Nancy Leigh DeMoss and interview about “The Mission-Minded Family” on Revive Our Hearts, a women’s ministry outreach of FamilyLife. These three radio broadcasts should air sometime in 2010.

Stay tuned . . .

A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 2

Our Savior Jesus Christ surrendered everything when He came to this earth; and He did it to not only save us, but to provide His salvation for the whole world!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Focusing on SURRENDER:

This Christmas, what if God would ask your family to give something BIGGER than ever?

What if He would ask you to give something even greater than a special missions-offering or a few extra dollars in that red Salvation Army bucket?

Brace yourself . . . as you consider . . .

What if . . .

• What if God wanted you to sell something of value, specifically to support MISSIONS, and to help expand the kingdom of God . . . perhaps even something really really BIG . . . like a boat, or a car?
• What if God wanted your family to pray about taking a short-term mission trip in 2010?
• What if God would want you to prepare yourself and your family . . . to perhaps pack up everything, and to move overseas to begin a season of fulltime foreign missionary work?
• What if God would ask you, as a loving parent, to release one of your own precious kids or young adults into fulltime, international, and perhaps even dangerous, Christian service?
• What if someday one of your own big kids, out of direct obedience to God’s call, was called to live across the world . . . and he or she wasn’t always able be with you and your family for Christmas?

YIKES!!! YIKES!!!

As parents, would you be supportive and encouraging toward God’s call on your child’s life . . . or would you be God’s greatest hindrance?

I know it can be scary; but I also know that whenever God calls an individual to follow Him, He also provides His GRACE and JOY (and if God would someday call one of your kids to something a bit “out-of-your-comfort-zone” or downright SCARY, He also has a GRACE and JOY for you, as parents, to be able to handle it.

Mission-minded Christmas carols:

• “Go, Tell it on the Mountain!”
• “Silent Night”
• “Joy to the World”
• “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

William Booth, Founder of Salvation Army, (1829-1912)

Did you know that “General” William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, had a fervent PASSION for SOULS? In the early days of his ministry, he had banners with the words “BLOOD and FIRE!” and one of his famous mission motto’s was “Go for souls, and go for the worst.” He and his wife, Catherine Booth, also had a great love for their family. All of their eight children loved the Lord and devoted their lives to fulltime Christian service.

Related article: Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 1

A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 1

We all know the clichés, how, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” and “Wise men still seek Him”; but have you and your family ever considered your willingness to surrender to God’s mission-minded purpose for Christmas, in every nitty-gritty area?

Focusing on GOD’S HOME!

Where will you spend Christmas this year?

For many families, where to spend Christmas is at best, a yearly dilemma; for others, it’s an all-out annual battle, with heated discussions and terribly hurt feelings.

Recently, an informal “counseling” question with a newlywed bride turned to a passionate discussion about world missions and family life. This God-loving friend and her new husband were having a common early-marriage struggle about where to spend their first Christmas. Since they were already living near his family and relatives, wasn’t it “right” that they celebrate Christmastime with her family?

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” is an awesome song, with a heart-tugging theme. With three of our seven children now “grown-up” and living on their own, it’s a momma-dream I can relate to . . . sprinkled with annual hopes and anticipation. Christmas-at-home brings to mind favorite traditions, thoughts of yummy delicacies, memories of siblings laughing together and playing games, and of course, snow and mistletoe.

However, as a surrendered mission-minded believer, I’ve come to understand that my lovely “Home-Sweet-Home” Christmas-dream isn’t necessarily a guaranteed “momma-right” I should expect or think I “deserve.”

As I shared my heart with my newlywed friend, and encouraged her to surrender her “rights” and expectations to God, I shared this inspiring true-life Christmas story about a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators:

I’ll be Home for Christmas?

It was only a few days before Christmas as Bernie May, a pilot for Wycliffe Bible Translators successfully delivered emergency medical supplies to the isolated Amazon village. Now he eagerly anticipated being back with his wife and children in their South American home-away-from-home. Yet as the evening grew dark, he knew he would not be able to fly out until the morning.

With his pontoon plane waiting on the river, Bernie arranged for temporary protection for the night. But then . . . it began to rain. The rain continued, even up until Christmas Eve, the missionary felt increasingly depressed by his misfortune. His wife, Nancy, and their boys were six hours away; and by this time, they would have received his radio message: he would not be home for Christmas.

As a family, they had prepared their hearts to be separated from their loved ones and friends, but it was Christmas Eve . . . and they were now separated even from each other.

Back in Pennsylvania, everyone would be coming home from church-to the sounds of caroling, the smell of roasting turkey, and the sight of falling snow. But where was God’s missionary? Here he was . . . stuck in a remote jungle . . . in a makeshift shelter . . . in the pouring rain . . . alone.

In Ruth Tucker’s book From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, Bernie May tells of his experience:

“Oh God,” I moaned, “I’m in the wrong place.” . . . But that night, under my mosquito net, I had a visitation from God-something like those shepherds must have had on the hills of Bethlehem.

There were no angels, and no bright lights. But as I lay there in my hammock, desperately homesick, I felt I heard God say, “My son, this is what Christmas is all about. Jesus left heaven and on Christmas morning He woke up in the ‘wrong place’-a stable in Bethlehem. Christmas means leaving home, not going home. My only begotten Son did not come home for Christmas-He left home to be with you.”

(Excerpted from The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny, by Ann Dunagan – Published by Biblica/Authentic – Click here for a FREE Sample)

Christmas, and everything about true Bible-believing Christianity, is all about God and His GREATNESS (including God’s GREAT COMMANDMENT, to love God and love others: Matthew 22:36-40, and God’s GREAT COMMISSION, to go into all the world to share God’s love with others: Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15).

As your family is trying decide where to spend Christmas this year, remember to keep the big picture in your mind, and in your heart.

Christmas is about so much more than our home, our family and our “rights”. The true meaning of Christmas centers on the reality of God’s home in heaven (because that’s why Jesus came), and loving people into His family, and surrendering our “rights” to Him, so others can go to heaven too.

Related article: A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 2 (Focusing on Surrender)

Black Friday, Money, & Missions

In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving is sometimes referred to as “Black Friday.” It’s often the CRAZIEST and busiest shopping day of the year. For many, it’s the beginning of busy Christmas preparations, and annual traditions of giving . . . and often needless overspending. It’s a good day to realign our priorities and our pocketbooks to line-up with God’s purposes, and to remember what’s really important. How we spend our money is a direct reflection of where our heart is focused.

How your family views money and possessions is intrinsically connected with how you view God’s priorities in life. As Christians, we should have the perspective that everything belongs to God: all of our time, all of our talents, all of our life decisions, and yes, all of our money.

I believe it’s important to teach our children about God’s principle of tithing (giving 10 percent of our income to Him), but even more importantly, we need to instill in our family that 100 percent of everything in our lives belongs to God. This principle is much easier caught—by our example—than taught by our words.

Even if your family never lives in a foreign country, you’re still called to be fulltime mission-minded followers, and to participate in expanding God’s kingdom—both locally, and throughout the world.

As Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China, often said, “The Great Commission is not an option to consider, but a command to obey.”

There are many ways your family could raise extra money to support international mission projects. Here is a list of activities commonly used by children’s churches, youth groups, and short-term mission teams. The time will come, however, when these efforts won’t be enough.

A true mission-minded family just needs to earn and save money, step out in faith and trust, and manage (or “steward”) those resources according to what’s important . . . for eternity.

Ten Ways to Raise Money for Missions

• Have your children decorate a special container, perhaps with a photo, and begin saving coins for a specific mission project.
• Make a “thermometer” to chart a specific family mission goal, and put it on your refrigerator.
• Have a yard sale with all proceeds going for a specific mission project.
• Have each family member offer to do work for relatives or friends (such as housecleaning, laundry, child care, or yard work) in exchange for people donating toward a special mission project.
• Collect newspapers for recycling.
• Recycle aluminum (and go around neighborhoods to get even more).
• Organize a car wash; rather than charging a set amount, receive donations.
• Make and sell something, like a craft project or a baked item.
• Receive mission donations fo r after-church lattes and espressos.
• Have a “multiply your talents” project. Give each family member a certain amount of money with the mission-minded purpose of using this money, along with his or her talents, abilities, and creativity, for a specified length of time (perhaps two weeks, or one month) to raise money for a specific mission project. A child could use the money to buy gas for a lawn mower, to buy lemonade to sell on the corner, or to buy ingredients for a neighborhood bake sale. At the end of the designated time have each family member return the original money, along with the surplus he or she raised, and give it toward the mission project.
• Remember, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” A great way to “earn money” for missions is simply to SAVE MONEY for MISSIONS. Instead of window-shopping through the malls, or overspending on too many Christmas gifts, stay away from the stores and be on-the-lookout for international mission needs and local benevolence projects.

ON THE LIGHT SIDE: Grasshoppers for Thanksgiving?

By Joshua Dunagan, at age thirteen

“So, what did you eat for Thanksgiving?”

During the week of Thanksgiving, my dad and I were across the world in Uganda, East Africa, holding evangelistic outreaches in remote cities out in the middle of nowhere. It was my second Thanksgiving holiday outside of America. But this time was really different.

In Africa, most people eat the same foods over and over again; at least we sure did.

Day after day, meal after meal, we had overcooked rice, matoke (mashed steamed bananas), and a few chunks of tough meat and guts. But for Thanksgiving we had a “special” African treat. Along with our standard food, we were given a plate full of greasy fried grasshoppers!! They were about two inches long, with the legs and head still on.

As I stared at these insects, thoughts flashed through my brain. I imagined all the yummy food my brothers and sisters were eating at Grandma’s house: turkey and pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and gravy. I also remembered a time I had eaten big bugs before (at a kid’s camp when I was bribed with a bunch of candy). It wasn’t so hard to chug down an insect just once or twice on a dare, but this was different. It was Thanksgiving—and I was hungry!

Actually, they didn’t taste that bad. As I took my first bite, they reminded me of a cross between popcorn and shrimp—crunchy on the outside and a little gooey on the inside. Soon I was eating one after the other, even throwing them in the air and catching them in my mouth. I must have eaten about sixty of them by the time I was done!

By the way, the ministry went well that night.

We preached to thousands of people . . . and I felt just like John the Baptist!

(Note: Photo is actually our son, Joshua, at only 10-years-old, preaching the Gospel in Urua, Uganda)

Happy Mission-Minded Thanksgiving!

Related article on The Christian Post’s “Better Parents, Better Families” blog:

Give Ye, Them to Eat: Thanksgiving, Missions, & “Saints” – By Ann Dunagan

A Mission-Minded Thanksgiving article featuring Nate Saint (Ecuador missionary and martyr) and Rachel Saint (missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators) – two world-renown Christian missionary heroes . . . from the same family!

Mission-Minded Ideas for APRIL – He’s Our Passover Lamb!

Spring is in the air! It’s a great time to focus on God’s new life and our need to “plant and water seeds” of God’s Word, and to share the Gospel with others. From Passover, to Good Friday, to Resurrection Sunday, this month has an abundance of mission-minded opportunities to pray for the lost and to focus of the needs of world missions.

Enjoying Missions Throughout the Year: APRIL

Passover, Israel - This Jewish celebration is to remember how God delivered the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and how the death angel “passed over” their homes. A special dinner called “Seder” includes unleavened bread (Matzah), lamb, and bitter herbs. Jesus celebrated the Passover every year, and through His death on the cross, He fulfilled it. God has provided freedom from the bitterness of sin and eternal death, for “. . . Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7 NLT).

Passover Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s blessing and peace for the people of Israel, and for Jewish people from all over the world. Pray for Jewish families, especially as they are celebrating the Passover, that they would recognize Jesus Christ (Y’shua) as their promised Messiah. Thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ, our Lamb of God. (And isn’t it amazing how Jesus Christ is the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” Rev. 13:8. Even before God created our world, He knew there would be sin, and the need for the Cross. Yet out of His incredible love, He chose to create us anyway . . . and to die for us.

Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Resurrection Sunday, International - Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In many Latin American countries, such as in Antigua, Guatemala, huge processions with large statues of Jesus and other religious relics are carried through the streets. In many of these places, there is little or no mention of the resurrection. In other places (such as in the Philippines, in Asia) men allow themselves to actually be nailed to a cross – stopping just short of death – all done as “penance” (a religious self-effort to pay part of the punishment for their sins).

10 Mission-Minded Family Ideas for EASTER WEEK:

1. Pray for families you know who are thinking about Easter eggs and baskets for their kids, but who have no thought about the real meaning of the Cross and the Resurrection. Brainstorm a few specific ways that your family make an impact, this week, for Jesus.
2. Think of the families in your neighborhood, and pray about who you could invite to church. Walk through your neighborhood, and pray for these families specifically. Make a simple effort (perhaps with a phone call, a stop at their house with a plate of cookies or a simple basket with Easter treats and a church bulletin or handwritten card) and INVITE them to come.
3. Have your kids make simple hand-drawn pictures about the cross of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, with an invitation to your church’s Sunday Easter Service; bring the drawings with you the next time you are in the vicinity of your home church, and have your kids look for someone specific they can invite to church.
4. Read the Biblical account of the Passion Week.
5. Read aloud from Christian children’s books which focus on the true meaning of the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ, such as any Bible storybook. Two of our family favorites are The Tale of the Three Trees, or The Little Rose of Sharon.
6. If you decorate Easter eggs, include pictures of the cross and the empty tomb, and words such as “JESUS IS ALIVE!” (You can write these with color crayon, before you put the eggs in the dye.)
7. Celebrate communion together as a family or even all by yourself during a quiet time – perhaps on Thursday (to remember the Last Supper) or on Good Friday. Play a CD, or sing together a simple song you know about the cross or the blood of Jesus, read aloud I Cor. 11:23 – “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread…”
8. Watch the classic film, The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston, and especially focus on the scene of the Passover and the blood of the Lamb
9. Watch a film about the Cross and the Resurrection – The JESUS Film by Campus Crusade for Christ (from the Gospel of Luke, translated into about 1000 languages and is utilized in missions and evangelism throughout the world), The Matthew Video, The Gospel of John, or The Passion.
10. Look on-line to get a glimpse of Holy Week celebrations throughout the world (such as the links above about Guatemala and the Philippines) – to focus your prayers on other nations and people who need to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

This post is adapted from Ann’s new book, The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny.

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