New Guinea Update

Here is the latest update on the Madak tribe teaching in New Guinea. To think how we feel so inconvenienced when we have to make arrangements in our schedules to go to the dentist...imagine having to drive to another town and fly out to another area just to get your tooth fixed! Thank you so much to those of you who are praying! You can read here for more background information.

"This week's teaching went well as we ended with Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden.

We have been receiving a lot of great comments from people as we have taught our way through the Genesis account. The Madaks have many strange and inaccurate beliefs regarding the beginning of all things.

We are still working on the issue of spirits. We have taught them that God created ALL spirits and, initially, they were all good. There are NO spirits that God didn't create. Then, Lucifer rebelled and many spirits followed him in his rebellion. Thus, the demonic realm came to be. They agree with us when we teach this. However, when we ask them where the bad spirits here in the village came from, the don't answer immediately and you can tell there is still a "disconnect" in their minds. They experience demonic manifestations and activity... it is very real to them in their daily lives. Due to the reality of this, they are having a hard time believing that the things they encounter are actually demons and that they are being deceived. They are too real to be some "bad angel" from a Bible story. They readily agree that demons exist, but the little dwarf bush men they see while they are out in the jungle... there has to be another explanation for them. They are just too real to simply be a demon trying to trick them.

Please pray for us as we continue to present the truth of God's Word to the people of our village.

Please pray that they will begin to see consistent themes re-appearing throughout the lessons.

Themes such as: the result of sin is always death, Satan is a deceiver, God faithfully communicates His truth to His creation (He doesn't hide it from us), etc.

This week we will be teaching on Cain & Abel and Noah.

PRAY WITH US:

~Physical and mental strength for each of us

~Health in the village ('sick season' approaching)

~For the elderly folks in the village who are not able to physically attend- Emos/Anton/Maragus/Sarides

~That God's Word would be CLEAR and break through the current lies theMadaks are believing~Bittner kids (Leah, Micah and Levi) at the dorm

~Karl needs to see a dentist this week as one of his molars chipped off and the filling in that tooth came out. He will be driving to Kavieng on Tuesday, flying to Goroka on Wednesday, getting his tooth fixed on Wednesday afternoon, flying back to Kavieng on Friday, and driving back to Lelet on Saturday. He then needs to be ready to teach on Sunday afternoon.

~Pray for all his flight connections as many times people are stranded for a day or two on their way to or from Goroka.

Thanks for praying!

The Madak Team:

Karl, Maribeth, Laura, Matthew and Rachel Greeb

Chris, Peg, Leah, Micah and Levi Bittner

April Fish

Sharon Mihill

Beth DeLaat"

Embracing the Good and Bad of Life

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thessalonians 5:18

I think many times, as parents, we wonder if our children are truly learning the things that we are teaching and instructing them about. Occasionally, we are blessed with moments that affirm that they are learning and listening even when we thought perhaps they weren't. I had one of those treasured moments early this morning.

Our kids have been working through a stomach bug all week. Mostly our Gentle Strength.(middle child) Everyone seemed well and energetic yesturday and we shared a very laid back and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day together. We did the traditional 'go around the table and say things that you are thankful for'. We were prompting the kids to be as specific as they could. Not just saying, "I'm thankful for Dad;" but saying why they were thankful for Dad, etc.

After we had gone over all of the many blessings we have in our life, we took a moment to remember those who were no longer with us this year at Thanksgiving. My husband and I have both lost dear grandmothers this past year. We explained to the kids that although we miss them, that we are thankful that they both knew the Lord and that they are celebrating up in heaven with Jesus right now. We talked a very few minutes about how we need to be thankful for both the good and bad in life because we learn many things from going through difficult times.

The lesson was cut short with requests for "more green bean casserole" and wonderings about which kind of pie they might choose later on. Sadly, the pie had to wait...both our Gentle Strenth and our Beauty became very ill (stomach bug having gained new momentum.)

Shortly after midnight, I was brushing back my daughter's hair and telling her how sorry I was that her Thanksgiving had ended so sadly. Her response? Shockingly, she said, "It was still the best Thanksgiving ever. We need to be thankful for the good and the bad right? I'm thankful that you love me enough to be holding and brushing my hair back when I am sick...." Quite honestly, I had been the one sad about how Thanksgiving had ended. In those few moments I was blessed beyond words at my daughter's quick and heartfelt response and also challenged that I had allowed their sickness to cut my thankfulness short.

As I slipped back into bed, I was truly thankful that my daughter had been sick...we may have missed a treasured moment had we simply had a bunch of pie with whipped cream and ended the night with a movie as we had planned. Pie, whipped cream, and movies can come later...thank you God for the good and the bad that comes our way...thank you that if we allow you to, you can change the bad into good. It doesn't always become apparent right away. Sometimes it can take months or even years; but when we gaze in hindsight, we can often see the hand of God at work - weaving in the dark threads here and there required to make the tapestry of our lives vibrant, full, and beautiful.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Many Blessings!

Thankful Moments

The other morning my husband and I awoke before all of our children. (rare indeed)

He had coffee brewed and a fire blazing in a matter of minutes. As we snuggled down under a fleece blanket waiting for the warmth of the fire to fill the room; our children began descending the stairs. "Morning Sweetheart" I said. Our oldest silently slipped up into our blanket beside me. While we all stared silently at the rising flames, our Gentle Strength made his appearance. "Hey Bud"... "Morning Dad." He slid quitely onto my lap lanky legs reaching all the way to the floor. (When did he get so long?) Soft uneven footsteps were heard on the stairs. The Littlest one rounded the corner and jubilently stated, "Awake!" He joined our mass under the fleece snuggling onto my husbands lap. All was quiet as we sat snuggled as a family transfixed on the snapping warmth. The perfect moment lasted but seconds..."Eggers?" Littlest One asked touching my face..and so the day began...

Happy Thanksgiving to you & your families! May you be blessed with peace and joy in simple ordinary moments this Thanksgiving Holiday.

Shanda

Titus 2 Tuesday - Build Your House

"The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our homes." Harold B. Lee

That quote instantly reminds me of the Titus woman that I am choosing to honor with today's post. Melissa has a genuine and sweet heart to mentor others - specifically those who are moms with small children. She has a great amount of experience in this area as she has 3 boys and 1 girl. (Their daughter was adopted from Haiti) They range from pre-teen to almost adult!

There were so many things that I could say about Melissa that it has taken me awhile to write this post. I finally decided that the one over-all thought that I have from her is based on Proverbs 14:1 "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." She has encouraged me to honor my husband, bless my children, and to invest in the home that God has blessed us with.

I appreciate the way that she speaks well of her husband and genuinely respects him and his opinions.


I appreciate the way that she has cared more about creating a warm, inviting, and creative space where her children are encouraged to learn, grow and create rather than to be concerned with whether or not her living room could be photographed for a magazine layout.


I appreciate the way that she gives to others and speaks truth from her heart.


She began writing "letters" via e-mail to a few moms who had asked her questions and she got an amazing response so she continued to write more "letters"- mom to mom about real issues and topics. The list has continued to grow. She began her blog as a way to encourage even more moms who may be longing for a mentor but do not have one. As she experienced herself years before. You can read her letters and tips at: http://amomlikeyou.blogspot.com/

I honor your influence upon my life today Melissa!


Click on the "Titus 2 Tuesday" link at the top of this post to read more posts about:

"What have you learned from another woman this week (or ever)?"

Marital Moments Issue 14 - Great Expectations

"Confucius says, 'Man who does not exceed his wife's expectations has not met them at all'..." Quote from my very wise husband :)

I will never forget my very first Mother's Day! I went to bed the night before sure that it was going to be a special day. After all, I had seen all of the commercials! Touching Hallmark moments, cards and gifts from children, breakfast in bed, people saying, "He went to Jared!"

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. There was no breakfast in bed; but I didn't get discouraged. I enjoyed spending the morning with my husband and young daughter and we had a great "Mother's Day" message at church that day. After our church service, we rushed over to a friend's church for her baby's dedication and then onto their house for a fun BBQ. However, half way through the BBQ, my beautiful daughter, (who had previously been a bit "stopped up" from beginning sweet potatoes) suddenly "worked things out" all over me! Thankfully, my friend had some extra clothes that fit us both so we were able to finish out the afternoon.

We arrived back home and it hit me that my husband really had not planned any kind of special "1st Mother's Day" surprise for me. The realization that the only flower I was going to receive would be the drooping carnation that they had passed out at church and the only "gift" from my daughter was an overflowing diaper; I was overwhelmed with disappointment. Although I had truly been blessed with a special day, my expectations had clouded my ability to embrace the beauty in it.

My husband could sense my disappointment and his first reaction was to somehow meet this expectation that I had in my mind. He zoomed off and returned a short time later with a watermelon (my favorite food), french fries from McDonalds (something we both liked), and a bird house from Home Depot. (He CLEARLY hadn't seen the same commercials as me! LOL!) But he had tried and given from his heart. Which is much better than getting something that we expect.

We both learned a lesson that day...how powerful expectations can be.

When we were engaged, we had gone through pre-marital counseling as many couples do. It was a wonderful way to get our expectations out in the open so we could enter our marriage knowing what the other expected from their spouse. But you cannot always know how your expectations will come into play as you interact with each other's families or after you have children. It is something we need to be continually keeping in mind and communicating about.

We also have to be on guard from allowing outside influences to set our expectations. Every major holiday, advertisers work overtime trying to create "need" within our minds and hearts. "If your spouse really loves you they will get ________ for you" kind of messages. Ones that if we allow ourselves to believe can cause so much hurt and disappointment.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are often times when expectations run high. It can be our expectations on the food we will eat, the gifts or appreciation that we will receive, etc.

They can also happen in a different form as well. We may be expecting family get togethers to be a hassle, Uncle Bob to be obnoxious, or little Betty to get under your skin.

As we enter this season of mass expectations, I invite you to join me as I take take a few minutes to try to write out any expectations good or bad that I might be having. Let's talk openly with our spouses about ones that they may need to know about, and surrender our expectations to the Lord. Let's allow the slate to begin clean. To begin without a demanding heart; but one that is able to be truly grateful for any blessing in store. It is one of the most beautiful gifts that we can give.

Many Blessings!

New Guinea Update

I will be posting updates each Sunday afternoon/evening about the missionary group who is ministering in New Guinea to a tribe called the "Madak People." Here is the latest...

"The Madak people, being animistic, are well aware of the spirit world around them. They have specific names for different spirits they encounter. The lesson on Lucifer was the beginning of a process that, Lord willing, will help them to understand how their ancestors were deceived by the spirits and they, ultimately, have been deceived as well. There have been comments made that show they are beginning to question some of this. Their animistic roots run to the core of their being. So, please pray that the Holy Spirit will be at work in their hearts to help them understand the Truth.

Please be praying with us this week as we teach on the fall of Adam and Eve and the results of their disobedience to God. This is a very foundational truth that is critical for them to understand. We need to communicate this as clearly and effectively as we are able to. Please pray that we will do just that. Confusion abounds in their minds concerning this topic. If we had time, we could tell you some wild stories we have heard surrounding this topic. They desperately need to understand what the Bible actually teaches about the fall of mankind. Please be praying.
PRAISE GOD with us:
Weather is still holding up
Continued office help
The Elderly people in the village are faithfully listening to the audiorecordings of the lessons that we take to them each week

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for physical and mental strength for each of us.
Pray that God would show HIS LOVE through us as we interact with the people.
Pray for good attendance as there are many interruptions coming up
Pray for God's Word to open the eyes of these people
Pray for wisdom as we answer questions that the people ask

THANK YOU for your prayers,

The Madak Team
Karl, Maribeth, Laura, Matthew and Rachel Greeb
Chris, Peggy, Leah, Micah and Levi Bittner
Sharon Mihill & April Fish"

My Testimony

When I was 4 years old I remember staying at home from church one Sunday with my dad and my older sister. I think we were getting over an illness and my dad stayed with us in order to allow my mom to get out. (Yes, he was a good man!) As we sat around our kitchen table talking, my sister began asking questions about Jesus. "Why did Jesus die on the cross?" "What does it mean that He rose from the dead?" She believed that she was a sinner-that she had done bad things, and she wanted to receive Christ's gift of salvation.

My dad was so excited to be having this conversation with his daughter and he asked her if she wanted to pray right then and there. She said, "Yes!" and they prayed together. I remember watching the whole thing thinking, "Wow, my dad is so happy!" When they finished, he looked at me and asked if I too, would like to receive Jesus Christ as my savior. I remember saying, "Yes!" but not knowing exactly what that meant. As we prayed (he led and I repeated) I began sliding further and further down in my chair until just my eyes could be seen above the table. I knew that whatever I was doing; my dad was taking it seriously and was extremely excited. Later that day, he told just about everyone that BOTH of his daughters had prayed to receive Christ! If you are a Christian parent, you will surely understand his enthusiasm.

Throughout the next several years, I call them the "thumping years"; pastors, speakers, and missionaries would clearly present the Gospel and give invitations to receive Jesus Christ. My heart would beat so loudly I was sure others could hear it, but because so many people already thought I was "saved," I would talk myself out of responding to the invitation. After all, ...maybe I was saved, I would reason. But I was plagued with doubts.

When I was 16, our youth group was watching the "Thief in the Night" movies. After the first movie, I remember going to the bathroom with my best friend. I asked her, "If you died tonight, do you know FOR SURE that you would go to heaven?" She simply responded, "You don't?" She went with me to talk to our youth pastor at the time and he walked me through the "plan of Salvation." (See below for more details) He asked if I would like to pray with him. I truly did want to "be saved" to have the peace and joy that others seemed to have. We prayed together.

When we were finished he looked at me and said, "How do you feel?" Not being one to mince words, I let him know that I didn't "feel" any different. I didn't think that "it" had worked...he told me he would continue to pray for me and I drove home. You see, I had all of the knowledge in my head, but I was holding it at bay from reaching my heart. We lived about 20 minutes from the church and I had a good amount of time to think on the way home.

Somewhere along the drive it hit me, really hit me that Jesus loved me. That He died for me -for my sins. I was in tears by the time I reached home. I went inside, knelt down beside my bed all alone, and prayed. I confessed that I was a sinner in need of a savior and I thanked Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins. I told Him that I accepted His death as payment for my sins and that I believed that He did not stay dead, but rose again. I asked that He would be preparing a place for me. Afterward, I was crying and felt a freedom and peace that I truly had never experienced before. I knew that it was real and that Jesus was my Savior!

I was a little hesitant to tell my dad. I didn't want him to feel badly that I had waited all of those years and had not accepted the Lord with him. But he was genuinely thrilled.

If you do not know what would happen to you if you were to die today, I implore you to continue reading the verses listed out below with brief explanations. You can pray at anytime, anywhere. You don't have to pray with someone else. You can cry out to God and confess that you are a sinner in need of a savior and He will meet you in that moment. I would be happy to communicate with you further if you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about it. E-mail me at www.ateachableheart@gmail.com



Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We all have sin in our hearts. We all were born with sin.
We were born under the power of sin's control.
- Admit that you are a sinner.

Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."
Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain.
- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.

Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't
earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it.
- Ask God to forgive you and save you.

Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in
that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life. He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us!
- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership. God loves you!

Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!

Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door,
ask Him to come into your heart.

Jesus said,
Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."
- Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door?

If you have responded and prayed to accept Christ today, please let me know-I'd love to rejoice with you! www.ateachableheart@gmail.com or you can comment below.