Ministry Update March 18, 2009
Isaiah 43:1-5
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior … Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, and I have loved you …Fear not, for I am with you…”
From my last ministry update you are aware that Paul and I took a much needed vacation. We headed to Florida to hopefully find some warmer weather. We actually hit a great week and enjoyed relaxing at our resort with friends and taking in a view activities like Epcot. Paul and I had packed a case of my books to take along in case we ran into anyone who might appreciate it and we able to hand a few out. This was our unofficial way of marketing the book!
We also had the privilege of eating Sunday dinner in Arcadia, Florida, with my birthdaughter, Twila, and her wonderful family. Since it was there 14th wedding anniversary, she cooked us the same meal that they had at their wedding reception. It was delicious. No doubt she gets her cooking skills from her mother not her birth mom!
What we weren’t expecting to happen while on vacation was the beginning onset of me experiencing what I would call anxiety attacks. These were scary to me in that I wasn’t sure what was going on. But even in my uncertainties and desire to get home to figure out what was going on God allowed us to have several divine appointments on the beach. One with a 45 year old mother by the name of Alison,who had adopted two children and who herself is adopted. We made an instant connection. She was planning to start writing her own book of her journey and so I gave her a copy of my book. We had much to talk about as we sat on the beach together.
Joe and Deb Risser (pictured above) joined us during our second week which was very helpful in light of what I was experiencing physically. Deb is my administrative assistant and we both realized that I was partially experiencing over exhaustion from my intensive ministry schedule and anxiety over my busy spring schedule. For some reason in my passion for encouraging others to seek God I thought I was super woman and pushed my self to the max. Of course it doesn’t help that as a 52 year old I am going through pre-menopause!
Once home, I went to my medical docter and he recommended that I take a complete month off from the ministry. This was a difficult thing for me to cancel scheduled events but my body and mind were clearly speaking loudly to me that I needed rest.
My goal over this month long sabbitical is to take time to experience personal, spiritual, and emotional renewal.
Please pray for the board and myself during these next couple of months that God would give us clear direction as to what necessary changes are needed to keep my life and ministry more balanced. I think I overdosed on JoyShop:-)
I have really enjoyed having more time with my family and a little more leisure and rest. I have even had time to actually cook meals for my family! JoyShop Ministries is still functioning and Lord willing, I am planning to get back into the swing of things in April
!
Praise God that even though I feel the need to slow down God continues to use my book as an instrument to encourage others and I continue to hear stories of how others are spreading the 21 Day Challenge to family and friends!
Just recently I received a message from a student that is pregnant:
“I barely know you but after reading your book I kind of know how you feel. I'm still carrying my baby and not due for another two months and I have days when I don't want to give him up but I want to thank you because listening to you and reading your book has given me strength in a whole different level. And I want to thank you so much for that. I wish I could do what you do and help teens like me understand that they can't just take God for granted and the boundaries he sets for us do mean something and we need to listen! But once again I admire you a lot and I hope God blesses me through this like he did to you and keep doing what your doing because your changing lives when you speak about his love to us and I think every kid that hears you remembers you no matter what because you have such a gift from God to help change lives anyways thanks a lot and God bless!”
From another young person who read my book:
“…at some parts of it I felt like I was reading part of my story … being a little wild and some sexual sins …I finally realized that I am not the only one going through that kinda of stuff. I know this sounds silly and stupid but I just wanted to say thanks for sharing, and being strong …please know that you r in my prayers. love ya”
Received this heart breaking message as well:
“I just found out 2 wks ago I am pregnant … I need your prayers thanks.”
Please pray for these two dear young girls who are experiencing these unplanned pregnancies and the consequences that follow. I know they each love Jesus and need to know He is with them and they need not fear. (Isaiah 43:1-5)
I also received a story from the Pocket Testament League of a member who joined as a result of our ministry. This woman from Lancaster handed out 6 pocket testaments to different patrons of a restaurant she regularly visits. One man responded, "I need God. I need to get saved." He has agreed to attend an Alpha course at her church. Stories like this thrill my heart!
I covet your prayers during my ministry break and thank you for your continual support. Even though I have had to endure some dark times much new growth has come and I praise God for his faithfulness even though I could not feel His presence at times. If anyone reading this is going through a time of uncertainty hang on to the sure promise of God, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Seeking God,
Anita
