Getting Oriented

This week, TeachBeyond orientation has been a blessing to us (Matt & Kate) as we prepare to teach at CISP:

-Amazing fellowship
-Testimonies of God's work
-Cross-cultural preparation
-Personal Growth
-Connecting with CISP teachers
-Understanding third culture kids
-Joining a team dedicated to changing the world
-Prayer

Here is a powerful testimony of Christian discipleship works that was shared by a fellow missionary:

A pastor, speaking at an event, gave 2 elderly gentlemen the challenge of physically touching as many people in the crowd of 2,500 as they could within 30 seconds.  Stopwatch starts.  Nobody has ever seen these men move so fast.  Time's up.  "Stand up if you were touched."  Impressive.  Many stand; mostly on the sides and isles, no one in the balcony.

A second time the 2 men were given the task.  This time they were instructed to only touch 4 people each within the 30sec time frame.  But, everyone they touch is allowed to touch 4 more people, who can each touch 4 more, and so on.  Off they go with some strategy; one makes a b-line for the balcony. Time's up.  "Stand if you were touched."  Everyone stands- every stadium seat in the entire place making the "tha-thump" sound.  Hearts are inspired as the realize the significance of the analogy.

This is how Christian discipleship works according to Matthew 28:18-20.  It is about investing in a few and giving them the same Biblical charge to disciple others.  This is one way we plan to make disciples in Prague; inside and outside the classroom.  This is how we can fulfill God's purposes wherever we are located, whatever we are doing.  Who are your 4 people?

Prague-ress

New letter update on my preparation for the mission field.

click here to view and download

Time Czech!

The below article was written for the church newsletter outlining our upcoming mission work.  For a downloadable version click here.  To support us financially please fill out and mail in this form.  To join our prayer team, email mulrich@teachbeyond.org.

The Perfect Universe

Job perks.  About a month ago I had the privilege of meeting and filming Dr. Hugh Ross, astronomer, pastor, and founder of Reasons to Believe.  In his lecture at GCC, Hugh highlights how his research proves that God is a personal God who created the universe exactly the way it needed to be for us to exist and be prepared for heaven.  I have been intrigued by Ross since studying him in my Science, Faith, and Technology class as a GCC student.  Note, that I don't necessarily agree with every theological statement in this video, but don't strongly disagree either- his evidence is compelling.  My point in posting this is simply to show those who have time to watch that God is amazing!!!

Why the Universe is the Way it Is- Dr. Hugh Ross

The Next Step

My life is currently in the midst of many big transitions.  Throughout the process, God has been working to draw me closer to him, help me grow to be a better leader, and to prepare for a life of ministry.

Transition #1: I'm getting married!  A surprise to trip to Praha ended in an engaged Matt and Kate.  We have big plans in the works for many to celebrate with us on July 16th, 2011.

Transition #2: I'm going into full-time ministry!  God has opened the door for me to teach school at the Christian International School of Prague.  I will join their staff as the Information Technology teacher starting this fall.  This process begins now as a move forward to raise an additional $1600 per month in pledged support.  Online donations can be made here.  Inquire for other methods.

I would love to meet with you to share more about the school and my vision for ministry!

Commitment

part 3... the third C of ministry...

Commitment- continually acting on conviction that is greater than circumstances.

Daniel 6:10 ESV
"When Daniel knew that the document had been signed he went up to his house where he had windows in his upper changer open toward Jerusalem.  He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

Daniel set a pattern with his life that modeled a committed relationship to God from his youth.  Nothing was going to deter him from acting on this conviction- even the threat of a violent death (see context).  This should be our first priority of commitment- to be a committed follower of Christ.

Other things that a Christian is called to be committed to:

Marriage, family, a church, and community; prayer, worship, and reading God's word; purity, love, a job, and friendships; etc.

Courage

part 2...the second C of ministry...

Courage- experiencing genuine fear and pressing forward anyway.  Godly leadership requires courage.

Most fears are related to a desire to be comfortable, certain, or in control.  We run from physical and emotional pain to try to stay comfortable.  We always want to know everything so that we can be certain about a decision or the world around us.  We are not satisfied with contributing, but desire to control things so that they are just the way we like them.  Objective attention to advertising shows that most ads attempt to increase ones desire for these things so that people buy their product to help satisfy their desire.  This is our world.  To be courageous is not just for warriors on the battlefield.  It is for those who want to live a purposeful everyday life in modern western culture.

To be successful requires having courage in the face of failure, opposition, pain, and criticism.  Becoming a Christian does not alleviate these challenges, but enhances them.  Moreover, being a Christian provides purpose, meaning, and motivation for overcoming.  To top it off, God himself lives inside us to empower us to step forward in faith.  This takes place in everyday interaction and major life decisions. 

"Be on your guard;

stand firm in the faith;

be men of courage;

be strong.

Do everything in love."   (1Cor 16:13-14)