The Thrill of Hope

After 19 years, it’s still one of those vivid sensory experiences. It was the moment that the hope of Jesus sparked in my heart. Who could know that the spark would fan into a flame that would lead Margaret and me to launch a ministry and disciple Africans?

I can still feel the dry chill against my face, see the stars over the mountains and smell the burning pinon from the kiva fireplaces as I walked alone past homes decorated for the season in my former neighborhood nestled on the high plain of Santa Fe.

I was not a believer in Jesus, but as I walked and looked up at the crystal clear sky, I wondered aloud, “Is this what the night was supposed to be like when Jesus was born?” A Christmas carol, “O Holy Night,” came to mind. The first verse practically stopped me in my tracks:

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

A thrill of hope! Could it all really be true? For the first time in a long time, I realized I wanted it to be true. God gave birth to hope in my heart. It took time and some difficult family experiences to break me. But among the howling coyotes of the high plain on my walk that night, the Hound of Heaven (as Francis Thompson wrote in his famous poem that C.S. Lewis further popularized) was closing in.

My capture was sure and now my faith and hope overflows. Margaret and I are overwhelmed that God has used us as leaders of The Rock to share the hope of Jesus in spiritual and practical ways with so many people in Africa, of all places. Men are building stronger homes and churches through the business discipleship program, university students are blossoming into strong disciples and role models and young children rescued from the street are cared for in a loving Christian family environment.

The fruit from the simple hope of Jesus is inexhaustible and uncontainable! You have played a big part in spreading that hope through your support of the ministry. We appreciate you and need your continued support. For 2009, Margaret and I met less than half our need in personal support.

Our Hope fluorishes. Please help us as we share the best gift of all: The Thrill of Hope. Merry Christmas!

Mark and Margaret Noblin

As Usual He Exceeds Our Expectations

Before I left the U.S. I prayed seriously for wisdom and discernment about what God had in mind for the Rock's future with the mercy homes and the scholars. Mark and I have felt He wanted us to have more faith and realize He is multiprocessing and many times exceeds our expectations. I have to admit things have been crammed packed with one open door after another.

Just to give you a sneak preview, during the dinner for the graduates the manager of the restaurant told me the hotel does internships for university students and that I should talk to Human Resources which I did Friday and they have agreed to review our scholars for internships. Also I was able to set up an appointment for two of the scholars with Daks Courier/UPS affiliate in Uganda for next Monday after an initial introductory meeting. The ATM machine at Barclay's ate my card Thursday night so I had to meet with the branch manager to get it back and she told me they were hiring university students as contract employees instead of doing internships. She said she was glad to help get their CVs to the Human Resource Department.

And if this isn't more than enough to be excited about we have the possibility of an open door with a commercial agriculture project that could be a large piece of the self sustainability puzzle. God is very big!! Lutaaya, Junior, Ken, and I have our second meeting Monday afternoon to present a proposal so we need lots of prayers. The first meeting all of us prayed in the car on the way to visit a farm manager that God would guide us and open or close the door. We spent several hours learning so many things about crops and livestock, then met the key decision makers who just happened to stop by the main office for the project. Anyway we were all so excited about the comprehensive elements of the project that we could hardly believe God had put this in our path.

Let's pray that God will be in all the details and the proposal will be embraced before I leave Uganda.

A Great Graduation Celebration

Last Sunday night we had a wonderful dinner celebration. Christine, Emma, Sam and Junior are the graduates and blazing the trail for the rest of the scholars. The discussions throughout dinner ranged from who believed in paying "bride prices" when they got married to how many cows they needed to being amazed at how much things have changed in their lives over just a couple of years.

I was really moved as I looked around the table and enjoyed the camaraderie among the group. They have become such great friends. Christine told me at the cottage after the dinner, "these guys are different than any around. They are serious and so focused and treat us like their sisters...so caring and protective." This was such great encouragement given some of the challenges ladies face in Ugandan culture. The teaching we are doing is taking root and exciting.

Thanks a million to all of you who are helping the scholars. I wish you could have been a fly on the wall at the dinner because you would be smiling from ear to ear!

Zucchini In Bread…Really!

As we mixed the ingredients to make zucchini bread,in the cottage in Uganda, Joanitah, Christine and Esther shook their heads. I could tell by their expressions this recipe was too weird for them but they were great sports. They are not used to the unusual, American cooking combinations but they quickly “picked up” as they say.

With the addition of the cinnamon and other ingredients and the fact that I told them they could lick the bowl they liked the new flavor. The evening was an evening of firsts for them…baking with a cooker, making bread out of vegetables, making new friends and staying with me in the cottage. They are a wonderful group of gals and there was a special bond spending time in the kitchen together. When girls get together they are the same no matter where they are from anywhere in the world.

Also I forgot to mention we did pedicures and manicures. Was this a typical gals night or not!

The next morning we went to church together then on to the Rock fellowship at Ben’s. It’s a great blessing to be able to encourage these wonderful young people.

The Heart of the Matter

Home is where the heart is and Uganda is my home away from home. Lutaaya, Kenny and Mugowa picked me up at the airport and I was so excited to see their smiling faces.

There is just no substitute for spending time hanging out with The Rock scholars. Ken and Esther spent Thursday with me. They arrived at 11:30 and we talked about many things, went shopping and had a “pitch in dinner party” in the kitchen cooking chicken with rice. Both of them are in law school and from Kenya. The students always want to talk about relationships, Biblical principles and how to stand firm as the world pulls you in so many directions. It was great to hear all about what is going on in their lives and on campus. Esther is a good friend of Joanitah, (another Rock scholar) and lives in the same hostel.

Today (Friday) was so productive. Lutaaya (our partner ministry leader of African Hearts) and I met for several hours discussing the agriculture plan, band marketing, academic performance of the children in the homes and the policies Junior and he have come up with as standards for the students. Both of them understand the vision of the Rock and the importance of preparing the kids for the future so they are giving their best. I look forward to seeing the standards and also the student agreements they are developing. I was so excited that they are being proactive leaders in expecting more from those they are leading. Junior is developing a document for the secondary students to sign like a performance contract. They are serious about results and I respect them so much.

Regarding the agriculture, Lutaaya brought the survey and deed to the land and we discussed several options for the 30 ft. x 60 ft. poultry building. We will visit the land on Monday and get pictures and water source information.

Ben finished class and came to the cottage to confirm the rest of the schedule, and join Joseph who arrived from Kabale Friday afternoon. What a blast at dinner catching up and sharing stories. It was the first time for Joseph to see a toaster and cook on a cooker. I love the memories we are making as they experience new things and gain confidence. Joseph is 15th out of 80 students in his graduating class and looks forward to joining the Rock for university in IT. He will get the scoop on everything on campus tomorrow as Mugowa (who is also studying IT) will give him a tour. Even though the cottage is a bit rustic it is great to be able to cook with the kids. It is more like being at home and people are free to come and go and visit as they can.

Saturday I planned a sleepover with Christine, Joanitah and asked Esther to join us. We are planning a “gals night.” I can’t decide whether to bread with them or muffins. Ben has suggested that they need to learn how to use the cooker. Most Uganda women cook on charcoal so this is a new experience. I guess they can decide.

I hope you liked the monkeys. Life is busy but so great! One thing that keeps coming up in the student discussions is the value of understanding the “condition of the heart.” These students really are using this as a Biblical compass we stress at the Rock as a benchmark to how they evaluate many things in life. Even Joseph shared he talked about it when asked to preach to his secondary school class devotional. Thanks for your prayers.

Freedom and Faith

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will set your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Life is really amazing sometimes and there is such freedom in having faith that the Lord is in control. Thanks for the prayers. They mean so much to me as I prepare to leave for Uganda on Monday. Please continue because I always experience spiritual attack before I leave. Specifically pray for my health, sleep, wisdom and discernment, extended time and God's perspective in everything. Also please pray that He will protect me as I travel. The enemy is a master of distraction, deception and discouragement so please pray for everyone in the ministry that we will be alert, prayed up and ready for battle.

I'll keep you posted on the latest news when I get to Uganda.

If It Is God's Will It Happens

Praise God He is at it again with His promises. If you ask in His name and say you are fine with the outcome and sincerely let go, amazing things happen, like my trip is fully funded now! Over and over again since I became a believer He has been faithful. I struggle like everyone else. I get angry, I shed tears, I want to control things but bottom line if I trust Him there is the ultimate freedom. Tonight I feel like dancing because I'm imagining cooking dinner in a modest little cottage ( I've been trying to cut costs by cooking) for the students, teaching them how to bake bread if they are interested, talking to them about relationships and encouraging them to stay strong and not take any shortcuts. God really has a plan and a future for them and I feel it with everything I believe if they will just be faithful.

Thank you for supporting the vision of spiritual freedom and freedom from Western dependency for the Africans. It really leads to all kinds of other freedom if we just believe it. I'll keep you up to date on all the activity!

Riding the Wave

Life these days is a bit surreal so I had to bring you up to date...from new homes for kids, to the grandkids and a big event in the wings. I can't say I understand why but I have to say the time is calmly passing by. It is like being at the heart of something swirling around you but just moving with it and letting it take you where it wants to go. Riding the wave. Like when you go rafting it is freeing but at the same time scary. But the Lord is good and I'm thankful He is in control.

What's swirling around? Let me share with you a little more...

Lots of great family things happening with our new granddaughter Sarah Grace, and Mark's family. Please keep them in your prayers.

My planned trip to Uganda is not fully funded although I have a ticket for September 21st. Lord willing I will be able to go.

The university scholars are trusting the Lord to provide for them and are always a bright light to me. I can't wait to see them and develop their "career launch plans."

The new Ssenge home with these precious little boys who were once on the street are so cute and lovable. Anyone want to get involved?

The usual distractions that any organization working with Africa continue but I'm claiming Exodus 14:14.

Praising the Lord that Steve Green the 7 Dove AWARD winner is available for a testimonial event in November 21st. We are praying the Lord provides underwriters.

Daniel Mwangi one of the Kenyan Rock businessman, has a restored business and now has his family back together. (He saw his neighbor killed with an arrow through the chest during the violence. Watch for the complete story coming soon.)

So even though things are swirling all around and out of control as they usually are at our house we are thankful for you, the many blessings and have great hope for the future. I'm a realist and know I'm in way over my head, but it's actually kinda exciting!

Each day I have to trust Him to provide everything. I learn many things from the faith of the kids we love so much in Africa. This summer's Bible study was a great encouragement and continues to impact me as we studied people with amazing faith who were just regular people. I wonder how they did it at times but the Lord was with them. D.L. Moody was so open and teachable. I think of the Rock scholars and how they love new things. The kids from the street are true over-comers like William Carey who never gave up hope. Working with orphans I can't forget George Muller as a great believer in prayer and God providing every need. Even Jim Cymbala of Brooklyn Tabernacle one of my favorite places to visit in NY has an amazing story that continues. I'm thankful for those that have gone before me because they inspire me to persevere. God is exciting and trustworthy.

"Expect Great Things From God And Attempt Great Things For God" William Carey

As I studied D.L. Moody, William Carey, George Muller, and Jim Cymbala this summer they were a great encouragement to me as a missionary. All of them were ordinary people that God allowed to join in His work. What an amazing blessing to read their stories and learn how they faced the mountains and valleys. Their faith and courage is a good reminder that things don't always go as we want but they always turn out with God in control.

Because of my previous work experience I have a tendency to want to get things done when things are not happening. Mark tells me I'm prone to be a workaholic if he doesn't distract me with fun activities. Like many people I like the security of my checklist and the feeling of accomplishment, but God is working on me in this area. Will I be a living sacrifice and totally trust Him for provision for the scholarship students, my trip to Africa, paying the bills etc. etc.? Do I need to jump in have a garage sale, try to sell some family antiques, get a part time job as one friend told me to do or believe God? Am I presuming on God and not doing my part? Is this a lie to get me to question God's faithfulness?

I tell myself "I want to do my part in being obedient if God wants me to do something" but if I put myself on the altar and believe God am I a sacrifice crawling off the altar when I don't wait on the Lord? The urge is strong to take control of the situation and make it happen and in ministry our own timing isn't always God's timing. I think the Lord is trying to teach me to totally trust Him to direct me and rest in Him. It goes against my flesh to rest when I see the faces of the students, know they need encouragement, see how all the ministry plans God has laid out for us need further research. He has given me a passion for Africa and I yearn to return and let God use me however He plans.

So I am praying and asking and trying to discern what I should do? I have to trust him for our provision, and trust Him to provide for the kids we love so much in Africa. He knows their needs even better than I do. I want to be forever teachable like D.L. Moody, an over-comer like William Carey who said "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God," a great believer in prayer like George Muller, and remember what Jim Cymbala said in his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire "God is attracted to weakness...Our weakness in fact, makes room for his power." Bottom line I'm believing God.

Believing God for Provision for The Journey

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.

2 Corinthians 1:10-11

I’m believing and trusting God to “move mountains“ in several ways. First to provide for the trip in September to Uganda and secondly for the expanding projects He is presenting to The Rock to do. This summer has been a faith walk with many exciting developments and answers to prayers.

Mark and I have been so hopeful that the Lord would provide for one or both of us to return to Uganda because so many things are happening and there are things to implement.

Praise God for friends who donated air miles so I now have a ticket. Next I’ve been praying for the land portion of the trip during the two weeks I’m in Uganda and one week in Kenya. Recently some friends offered to match up to $1,000 for whatever was donated for the trip Sept. 21-Oct. 11. (I need $2,000 for all the ministry meetings and materials, lodging, food, transportation within Africa, Visas and phone costs.)

So as of today I need God to provide $1,000 more so I can go. We trust the Lord on this and ask you to join us in prayer for provision or to chip in financially if led by the Spirit.

Below are the specific things I hope to accomplish/be available to assist our partner ministries on during the trip:

1) Research with African Hearts leadership(our partner ministry) the farm project details (land, livestock, crops, personnel, players on the team specifically defined, begin developing a comprehensive site plan).

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2) Professional launch plans for Rock university scholarship students who will be graduation in the next year (introductions to businesses, possible internships, business training/plans scheduled for next Rock Class, CV resume development, printing).

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3) Small celebration for Scholars graduating (if anyone wants to send a card or funds for gifts I’ll buy them for them when I get there and attach your card).

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4) Mercy homes-get to know each individual child better, form a closer relationship.

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5) Kampala home boys Royalle Brass Band-available to assist in developing a marketing plan, customer list on the computer, schedule, implementation plan and sales training for the person designated by African Hearts to help the home become self-sustaining.

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6) Sponsored Secondary Students-medical issues and plan forward for help, tutoring, motivation to succeed and rewards if they do, develop plan with A H leadership of something that will work.

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7) Water well plan and research for our second mercy home in conjunction with the project team in that is coming together in the U.S.

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8) Ssenge ladies basket making-evaluate and plan for next step.

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9) Street ministry update-more clearly define The Rock’s role in the transition plan to the homes.

Free Indeed!

I believe the Holy Spirit challenged me to boil down to one word the spiritual basis of The Rock. The word He gave me was, “Freedom.”

Jesus is the source of all freedom. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

Spiritual freedom releases chains of bondage – whether they be financial binds, relational challenges, substance dependencies or spiritual and compulsive strongholds. Freedom through Jesus allows us to be who God created us to be.

In this redeemed state, we enjoy and use the gifts He has given us. In our ministry in Africa, we have seen people freed from demonic torments, from unimaginable abuse and from poverty. This was not done through financial help from the West, but from the power of the blood of Jesus.

With this spiritual freedom, our African friends (like those everywhere) are much like a flourishing garden that produces much fruit. They delight in honoring God with their lives and abilities and move beyond poverty. They desire a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.” They claim God’s blessings to move beyond dependency on the West.

The freedom message rings just as true in the U.S. where people who thought they had it made financially now find themselves in economic bondage. And, the further our society moves from dependence on God, the more bondage we find ourselves in with regards to dependency upon man-made institutions and our own hedonistic desires. We see broken homes, shattered relationships and lives void of meaning and joy all around us.

For these reasons, The Rock will be launching a “Free Indeed!” Campaign this fall. Our plans are to host a series of “Free Indeed!” luncheons and climax with a worshipful dinner honoring God for the freedom He offers us all through His Son. Also we will give thanks for all He has done through The Rock and trust He will provide the resources to multiply the work going forward. Stay tuned for more details!

Living Stones As A Testimony

Ministry always has challenges. The stories are all over the Bible. Mark and I have had some interesting things happen simultaneously to us during our Bible study this summer. Very often we begin to discuss things and it comes out that unknowingly God has been pointing us both to the same scripture verses or the same Biblical concepts. We just look at each other and are amazed at God's direction. God is refining us at the Rock to prepare us to have a some new beginnings. I believe we will have a greater belief in what He can do, greater unity of purpose, a powerful witness of the memories of the past and more. God has been with us all along as we look at our heritage and his sovereignty over our lives. The Israelites placed stones from the Jordon as a remembrance to their children and future generations. In 1 Peter2:4-5 we are living stones because we are reminders to the world that Jesus was here by our own testimony.

There is great freedom in putting our total trust in the Lord 24/7 along with personal guidance and security. I'm excited about the great things He has in store for us and look forward to an amazing faith walk. Ministry is about shepherding and pointing to God and sifting through the everyday deception that the enemy tries to use to distract us from God's purpose in our lives. It is exciting to be on the front line but requires lots of prayer and spiritual alertness. Be encouraged dear friends to step out on the water and into great freedom as we take on His perspective!

Wholehearted Belief Brings Freedom

The ten week Bible Study Believing God is coming to a close and God is so personal. During the study He has been taking me through a process of examining my motives, my actions, my faith and my total obedience. The refiner's fire is hard but as Beth Moore said in the video this morning sometimes we are wounded first then healed so we can be all He wants us to be. We have looked at our heritage this summer and those that greatly influenced our faith such as grandparents, parents, spiritual parents and others who played a role in our lives as we learned about God's character. During the discussion about our heritage I felt great joy about my grandparents and how they modeled a godly marriage for me by their actions. I will always have certain memories of them and how they treated each other. Also I thought of the spiritual heritage I wanted to leave for our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in the U.S. Then I was of course thinking about Africa and the precious spiritual kids God has put in my path as a spiritual mother. It is hard to describe the deep heart connection God has given me for them. Many of them don't know their parents, their exact birthdays, or have memories of belonging to a family and feeling significant. It is the great desire of my heart to show them that love of spiritual family, believing their lives are very significant and developing memories with each one, along with discussing God's purpose for them. What a blessing it is to be allowed to share God's love in the life of someone who yearns for significance and the knowledge that someone really cares about them.

Another powerful thing I learned deals with unbelief and disobedience. I guess I really never thought my disbelief was sin. But it is like saying "God isn't who He says He is and He can't do what He says He can do." It is like saying he is a big lie when we are unbelieving. This is so tough to swallow when we want to do things and check them off our "spiritual list." He wants all of us and wholehearted belief in Him without an ounce of reservation, doubt or control. This goes against everything we are taught in the culture and it really parallels the Israelites in the desert when God had to refine them before allowing them into the Promised Land.

I'm challenged by whether I will accept an attitude of unbelief and live in a cycle of defeat or have prevailing belief and live in a cycle of victory. Bottom line God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us but obedience is a choice. We are saved but will be reach the Promised Land while we are on earth. After crossing the Jordan when the Israelites got to Gilgal (which means circle), God brought them full circle and broke the old cycle of defeat. He also circumcised them so they would be set apart and cut away their disbelief starting a new beginning. Our spiritual circumcision is tough at times but when we choose victory and prevailing belief we are victorious. We have freedom instead of spiritual slavery and great joy comes into all areas of our lives.

Heading for the Hills

Sometimes God shows Himself through dramatic events in our lives. Other times He speaks in a quiet, still voice over time. God has been leading me this year through His gentle prompting to grasp an expanded vision for The Rock.

When I think of all that He has accomplished through The Rock, I realize that nothing has happened without stepping out in faith. I have a tendency sometimes to settle in and get comfortable after God leads us to a new level of faith. I forget His commandment to Joshua as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land: “Be strong and courageous.” I sometimes overlook that the ministry is not about what our Rock team can accomplish, but what God can accomplish through our faith and faithfulness.

I have been reminded several times recently of the story of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. When seemingly hopelessly surrounded by enemies, he acknowledged his weaknesses to God: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) Jehoshaphat led his people in praise and God directed the destruction of their enemies. Turning to God to solve our challenges requires that we have faith that He will do so! This honors God because He gets all the glory when He responds.

So, as I turn to Him and renew my total reliance upon Him, I have retreated to my favorite spot in the mountains of New Mexico to read His Word, praise Him and call out to Him – but mostly to listen to Him.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1) I am reminded that Jesus often retreated to the mountains for prayer. I know that God always is available to me in prayer through Jesus. Going to the mountains is about making me available to Him. Please pray for me as I seek His bold and courageous vision for The Rock!

Believing God to Do Amazing Things

Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day, in the U.S. Today we celebrate liberty and freedom which is so much a part of our heritage. As I reflect on the past and our founding fathers, I think about how they believed God. Everything to do with our country in the beginning was framed within a Christian world view. God has done amazing things in our country yet we are trying to remove Him, turn our backs on Him. As our heavenly Father, it must be so painful for Him. God is trustworthy and I pray we run back to Him in our country before it is too late.

This summer I have been doing a Beth Moore study "Believing God" and obviously it is impacting my filter on things. I have had a strong faith but am I sold out wholeheartedly in all areas of my life? I'm being challenged to let go of some things, allow Him to refine me more, trust Him more. In the study there are 5 Statements of Faith 1) God is who He says He is. 2) God can do what He says He can do. 3) I am who God says I am. (this is especially comforting when I get scared or feel I'm overwhelmed), 4) I can do all things through Christ, and 5) God's Word is alive and active in me. I believe God!

In the world today we are making some radical choices about our future and the enemy is sneaking in the back door through little compromises and we have to decide. Are we going to allow ourselves to give up the fight or be courageous even if it means persecution and isolation from people not wanting to "rock the boat?" As I think about this I am reminded that the "fear of man will prove to be a snare." Proverbs 29: 25. Also "to obey is better than sacrifice" 1 Samuel 15:22. So I want to be able to stand in front of my maker with a clear mind that I was true to Him and stood with Him to the end out of my love and respect for Him. I will not turn my back and hide or make excuses for things I know dishonor my dear Father. If we love Him we will obey Him. And if I mess up which I know I will I desire to be quick to say I'm sincerely sorry and ask for forgiveness from those I wrong and from Him.

This is true liberty and freedom and I crave it! I don't want any kind of bondage whether it is in my mind or environment. Please join me in prayer for our nation as we face many challenges in the coming years. God bless you all.

Reminding Ourselves We Are Only the Clay

One of our great challenges in ministry is working wholeheartedly without striving in our own strength. When Margaret and I overlook God’s sovereignty and slip into an inflated view of our role in achieving Kingdom goals through The Rock, we provide a foot hold for the devil.

Our illusion of control can result in pridefulness when things are going good. When things are not going so well in our fleshly strength, it gives our enemy Satan the opening to discourage us by accusing us of being feckless failures. In truth, the results of our efforts are up to God, not us. We are mere clay. God is the potter. (Isaiah 64:8) We need to remind ourselves to spend more time on our knees calling out to Him. Ministry strategies are good but void of power without God’s hand upon them.

God does not take it lightly when we, in the name of ministry, charge ahead without submitting to Him and giving Him all the glory. Moses is the prime example of this. When the Israelites complained about the lack of water in the desert, God told him to speak to a specific rock and it would pour out water. Instead, Moses took it upon himself to strike the rock twice with his staff, saying, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” The Lord replied: “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” In other words – no Promised Land for Moses.

We are to be a living sacrifice to the Lord (Romans 12:1) and do everything as if unto Him (Colossians 3:23). The great freedom in living and working this way is revealed in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” If we surrender to God, He will work things out regardless of our imperfections.

A related challenge is that, as entrepreneurs, Margaret and I like to see tangible results. Sometimes God blesses us with visible results among the people we are serving, other times not. Just because we do not always see the fruit does not mean the seed has not taken root.

And, as Margaret and I live in faith for financial provision, we must guard against viewing financial challenges as ministry discouragements. When the well begins to run dry, I have sometimes asked the question, “Lord, are you withholding blessings to show me it’s time to leave the ministry?” Recently the Lord convicted me for saying that. He has the authority at any time to speak to me through His Holy Spirit to move on to something else. But I now realize a bumpy financial ride is no reason to question a calling.

Elijah had to be fed by ravens and got down to what seemed to be his last meal when a widow shared her final portions of food with him. Yet Elijah did not question his calling. Instead, he trusted God and saw a great miracle as God continued miraculously to replenish the widow’s portion daily.

The Wow Game Encourages

How do you teach design that sells and encourage excellence at the same time? The "Wow Game" works to set standards while gently developing skills and a positive experience.

Over the past couple of years widows, orphans and students have been learning how to make beautiful earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Creating beautiful jewelry is great therapy and moves them towards financial freedom. The ladies and kids first learn how to combine the beads to make a piece of jewelry of their choice. We encourage earrings because more earrings sell than any other piece of jewelry. Next as a group we show each other our first designs for a vote. Is it "wow" or "just OK?" If it is just OK we encourage them and suggest changes to the design to train their eyes to see how different elements come together. We tell them not to feel bad but to learn because we want their jewelry to sell and we all need to be teachable. They respond well and when they get a "wow" vote and everyone claps, the sense of accomplishment is written all over their faces.

The Rock needs volunteers to sell the jewelry to friends or at crafts shows. We have packets of 20 pairs of earrings that are easy to sell and priced at $15-$30 per pair with natural stones, unique African trade beads from Kenya, all with either surgical steel or sterling silver posts. Proceeds go to support the mercy homes, scholarships, mentoring and the widows small business development. As The Rock is able to sell the jewelry we are able to pour back into the jewelry making businesses along with supporting other projects of The Rock Outreach. If you are interested in sell one packet please call me at 214-366-0425 and I'll deliver them to you.

Baskets-Not Now...

Earlier I mentioned the basket project and God is taking us step by step as we discern what His will is for the ministry. The baskets were well received in Hong Kong by the buyers but the pricing was not competitive with what the Chinese are charging in the low end basket market. We were told the baskets were more appropriate for the boutique market due to the design, unusual style weave and weight. Many of the baskets take 8-10 hours to weave and we wanted to create sustainable businesses with a decent income for the Africans. Also the timing for launching this project may not be what God has in mind. The U.S. economy, the training needs for management in Africa and the logistics are there for a slower ramp up but "zoom zoom" is not an African concept. God's timing is perfect. If we had gotten an order we would have had many challenges and deadlines to meet and this is particularly difficult in Africa. We are sensing that this is a long race and requires patience, perseverance, training and extensive planning to be successful in helping the people we serve to be equipped to do business.

God is so personal and knows what is best for us. Many times he shows us things that make things less complicated as we turn to him for answers to our prayers. He is always faithful in answering "yes, no or not now." This was a "not now" for many reasons. We continue to explore other opportunities for open and closed doors. Your prayers have been greatly appreciated.

Seizing High Ground in World View Battle

Last night as I watched the season finale of 24, I saw Jack Bauer calling for a muslim cleric from what Jack surely thought was his deathbed. They “forgave one another their sins” and Jack supposedly got peace.

When I looked at the news this morning, there was a big fuss over Gideons putting Bibles on a desk in the office of a public school in Frisco. Then there also was a story about supposedly finding the “missing link” to prove Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Just another day of relentless pounding against the Christian world view.

At The Rock, we are working to develop a new generation of leaders who are lights in the darkness -- full of grace and willing to speak the truth in love as revealed in God’s Word, the Bible.

The greater the darkness, the more profound the light. That’s why I’m so glad that Dan Panetti, director of world view at Prestonwood Christian Academy, will be conducting a live Christian World View videoconference Sunday May 24 from Dallas to our Rock university students in Kampala Uganda.

We want all of our scholarship students to be able to think critically (as opposed to being critical people) and to compete vigorously in the marketplace of ideas. Dan will exhort them not only to live their faith, but to seize the high ground in defending it. -- Mark

What It's All About

We are so encouraged and excited that God has used The Rock in the past week to make huge changes in people’s lives! As we trudge through a difficult economic environment, God is doing great things in very personal ways for Daniel Mwangi and his family in Kenya, along with Joanitah Nyanda in Uganda.

Daniel is a leader in The Rock’s Kingdom Builders Development Group in Kisumu Kenya, which disciples businessmen. When tribal violence broke out last year, his retail business was destroyed and he was forced to flee with his family for safety. They tried to start over in different locations but faced one hardship after another which led to the family, which includes his wife and three children, being temporarily separated.

Now that the tribal tensions have eased, Daniel is ready to move back to Kisumu and The Rock asked donors to stand with him financially in helping rebuild his once thriving business. Within minutes of the request being sent out by email, a donor responded with the full amount! Now Daniel’s family is reunited and the Kingdom Builders are welcoming him back with open arms.

Joanitah is another praise! Several Rock supporters spent a day as car hops for Sonic to earn money for her to resume her schooling at Uganda Christian University. Others responded to The Rock’s email plea for Joanitah and still more pitched in at a Rock women’s luncheon.

Now Joanitah, whose parents died when she was an early teen, is re-enrolling for university. The young woman, who has overcome trials through her strong faith in the Lord, had sat out a year of schooling after completing her first year. Had she not been able to re-enroll this month, she would have lost all previous credits.

It’s these kinds of stories that make all the ups and downs of ministry worthwhile. Whatever it takes, it is worth all we have to see God producing fruit in these ways. -- Mark

"Do we go or not go?" Baskets Answer

Two years ago some ladies and youth showed me their beautiful banana fiber and papyrus baskets. I brought some back to the U.S. and some of you bought them as gifts. The Rock African Arts begins! Recently the basket ministry overflowed from Uganda to Kenya. In February we trained over 100 weavers with the idea of creating small family businesses, while discipling the weavers at Deliverance Church-Kisumu,Kenya. Everyone was excited to learn a new skill and even the university scholars and businessmen got involved. Creating a product that was not only beautiful, but could sustain a family motivated all of us.

God opened a door with a U.S. basket wholesaler to do a market test in April so everyone jumped on board and we sent our samples to Hong Kong to the company's showroom. Now comes the test. Would we be able to compete with the pricing of China, Vietnam, and Thailand? With the economic situation would the U.S. companies want something new that was more expensive? Would they like the designs, materials and see the baskets as unique? Preliminary reports are good but we needed an order to move into high gear...

Dan Vick, Mark and I began putting together all the production plans, financial forecasts, packing and shipping requirements to "count the costs." Next came the decision of who would go to train the management, launch the home businesses, monitor design and do quality assurance. God was working on our hearts, because Mark and I had total peace about moving to Kenya for a year or so if the Lord wanted us to jump start the project. Being former entrepreneurs we knew what would be involved. God never wastes experience when He gives us skills.

Could God be providing a way for us to continue our work in Africa in a different way? Funds for our usual trips three times a year have dropped off due to the economic downturn. Could He be providing a way for us to return, and at the same time provide the university students the opportunity to gain practical work experience before graduation? Being faith missionaries means being totally flexible and going with the flow. Many times God is multiprocessing more than we ever know. It reminded me of the transformational cycle of the ministry.

Mixed emotions? You know how women are. I love serving in the U.S. as a mentor mom for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and had hoped to do it next year. Also it is my last year for Bible Study Fellowship next year and I so wanted to complete it. Our daughter Audrey is having our 5th grandchild this summer and the heart tug of the grandkids is ever present. I talked to Audrey the other day and she said, "Mom whatever God's will is for you is fine." Living in Columbus, Ohio we don't see them as frequently as we did when they were in Texas so whether we were in Dallas or Kisumu we would see them the same. God is always in the details. So you see God is doing something. As Mark says," something big is happening underneath the surface but we don't know what it is." Even close friends have said, "go for it, we know how you love Africa." Please pray for us to have clear open doors and closed doors and for wisdom and discernment.

God's Waiting Room

God always answers our prayers, "yes, no, or not now." But what about the "not now" answer? What do we do? I have found strength in prayer, peace in scripture, encouragement from ladies in my Bible Study Fellowship group and open doors where I've had a glimpse of what God may be doing. We are told to be alert and watchful in scripture to what is going on around us. Mark and I marvel at the fruit of the Rock ministry in just 3 years so we must look back and see what God is doing and be patient with the next steps. Are we to stay in the U.S.? Should we move to Kenya? How does He want to use us in the lives of the students, women, business men and kids we are serving? What is God's best for what we should do? Many questions and many prayers are coming to mind as I sit quietly in His waiting room.

When your life is way out of control from a worldly perspective but God is in control there is an unbelievable peace, sense of excitement and anticipation. I don't know what will happen in the next couple of months but I know one thing. God is faithful, in all the details, has provided for us in amazing ways and knows exactly what He is doing.

Thanks to all of you who have stood with us and prayed through this amazing journey. We are always lifting you in our prayers and appreciate your faithful friendships.

Share the Ride with Us

Being faith missionaries is a wild ride. Like a roller coaster, it can be exhilirating and scary at the same time. You can go from peaks to valleys in a flash. And we must depend on God's hand to keep us on the tracks at all times.

Margaret and I have had the amazing opportunity to be on that ride since 2002. When we began as new missionaries, many of our friends and supporters told us they enjoyed hearing our personal stories. And we not only enjoyed telling them, we also felt compelled to share them to give God glory for the miracles He was showing us.

As our ministry grew and God used us to launch a new mission organization, The Rock Outreach, Inc. (http://www.rockoutreach.org/), we have been focused on sharing the vision God has given us for The Rock. We are excited about seeing God break the cycle of poverty in Africa through the power of Jesus. We are raising up disciples and leaders who are spiritually and economically free.

As we focused on building an organization through The Rock to provide mercy homes, educational training, business development and mentoring in Africa, we told our personal ministry joys, challenges and stories less.

The purpose of this blog is to re-ignite sharing of our personal praises and pleadings with God. We want our prayer warriors to get the behind-the-scenes story so you know how to intercede for us and give God glory of ministry triumphs.

So here we go. Let 'er rip!