If ever the world groaned for hope, it is now.
If ever the world needed writers, artists, poets, and musicians, it is now.
Even a glance through centuries past testifies to the power of artists, those sage interpreters of the soul, to draw hope from the detritus of despair and unveil rainbows from the bleak abyss of injustice.
And so, if God has called you to write . . .
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That’s it.
That’s my one word for 2013.
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a part that is far from the outside or surface (3) : abyss 2b (1) : a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling); also : a reprehensibly low condition (2) : the middle of a time (as winter) (3) : the worst part 4: the degree of intensity ;; also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge) 5: the quality or state of being complete or thorough ; : beyond the limits of one’s capabilities
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Like 2012, I don’t know why God might be pressing this word upon my heart, but I have my hunches.
See, I’ve heard it said scientists know more about space than they do about the unexplored, unreachable caverns of the sea. Places where unknown creatures wait to be discovered. Places so deep and under so much pressure, even the latest technology cannot probe there.
Places which–if I’m honest–parallel places in my heart and soul which hide from Him.
Places which, if I let Him in . . .
. . . if I let Him in . . .
. . . well, I guess I can’t say for sure what would happen.
But I’m willing to find out.
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“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.” Psalm 95:3
“Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD…” Psalm 130:1
“If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:8
“They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.” Psalm 107:26
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One month after sending letters.
Four days after a social media blitz.
That’s all it took to get my trip to Ukraine funded.
Thanks to you, and as of today, the very day of the 15 year anniversary celebration of Mission to Ukraine, my January trip is not only funded, but MORE than funded! I’m not even going to bother updating the little thermometer I made earlier this week to track your donations, because
Now, I will say, if you were still planning on sending funds, PLEASE DO! Anything over and above my $1200 will go toward a couple other folks who need funds to go. Also, I can use extra funds to do something special while I’m there (like buy the boys bananas–evidently a rare treat for them!).
At tonight’s celebration, I met Tatiana and Ira, two girls I’ll be spending time with while in Ukraine in January. They’re here in Indiana right now joining in the anniversary celebrations.
I also learned more stories of heartbreak, hope and miracles happening right now in the lives of some of the most needy and broken folks in the world, because of the work of Mission to Ukraine. More than that, because of the in-breaking of God’s Kingdom and its triumph over evil.
Happy 15th Birthday, MTU!!!
I can’t think of a better verse than Ephesians 3:20-21 to express what has happened over the last couple weeks as far as God’s miraculous provision for this trip. If this is what He’s done just to fund it, I can’t imagine what’s in store for us when we’re there!
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21 NIV)
In the meantime, hop over to World Next Door for some knee-buckling, laugh- AND cry-out-loud stories of the work they’re doing in Ukraine this very hour. And check out their stories of past years work by clicking here.
I can’t wait to share more with you as the trip approaches, and from Ukraine while I’m there.
I thank God for you and your support of spreading the hope of redemption and wholeness and helping righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations (Isa. 61:11), and especially in Ukraine!
