India Post #2

Sorry I wasn‘t able to post this last night like I promised (The Thunder game was just so intense!) But, I finally put it together. This post is definitely not as emotionally stirring as the last but it is a great example of faith that I feel as Christians we should take note of.

When my team and I commuted to a different province with many villages, we were able to speak with commercial sex workers, pimps, and lower/middle-class people about Jesus. (There are many stories I will tell about these visits later on!) The village life was very different from the city life in India. And I feel like going to more rural areas of India helped me capture the essence of Indian culture. But apparently as we were visiting this province in India there was a lot of political uprising happening. And this wasn’t any typical political conflict. What had happened was the political leader in that province was a devout Christian but was assassinated in a plain crash. This naturally led his son to be the next leader rising to power. But just like his father, he as well was a strong Christian. He also did very good things for the community and so many people loved him. But due to his faith he has been persecuted with false accusations and taken to jail. Because of this, it has started riots in that very region we were ministering in. So my group and I had to stay indoors to be safe, especially since we would attract attention because of our nationality. So as we were staying indoors we tuned in on the news and the Indians housing us translated what was being said.  And at one point the mother of this Christian political leader said, “My God knows my sons heart and my God is much stronger than what is happening.” Wow! What a testament of the power of God. It just shows that the Lord is working in powerful ways in India and I was blessed enough to witness it. The man that has been persecuted was also caught on the news getting out of a car with security saying “God Bless” to all of his loving citizens. He is on public television being falsely accused because of his religion but still has not given up his faith in God and his kindness towards others. I feel like there was no way I could not come back to America and share this great example with fellow Christians.

My team and I, soon after staying indoors, took the long way back around the province to the city to insure our safety. Prolonging the trip from 2 hours to 5 hours!

All of the riots I was caught in during my time at the villages really put in perspective the fear that is in that culture. I have had a lot of people ask me if I was ever felt scared of being in danger over there and I say, “Of course I was!” But it taught me to put my trust in God and in the nationals he provided for me. Something terrible could have gone wrong but what an example of the power of God that nothing didn’t. And even if something were to have gone wrong, like the persecuted political leader, I would still put my faith in Jesus.

“Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Thanks for Reading!

Karlie

India Post#1

“I am just following the story that the Author is writing”

This is a quote that has stuck with me ever since 2010, when I overheard a leader say it on my trip in China. I knew he meant it as God is writing this magnificent story that no human has control of. That we don’t know when, where, how, and who the spirit of Jesus will touch but we should just be his faithful followers that deliver the message.

That quote became very real to me on my India trip. It was heart breaking, uncomfortable, and tiring being over there and working with women and children whose lives have been affected by sex trafficking or HIV/Aids. But regardless, God has a story he is writing and I am just following the lines. And even if what has happened to these women is unfair and unjust, God has a plan. A BIG plan, of which I am only snippet.

There are many stories I would love to share about India but since it would take up approximately twenty pages of my blog, I am condensing it to a only a few that I will post within the next couple of days (so, I guess you could call it a series!). And due to the nature of the people my team worked with, I will not be disclosing the names of the organizations.

So we will call the first story's organization “Organization A.”

1.) Organization A is Christian based organization that works with HIV/Aids victims who are about to die, both adults and children.  Many HIV/ Aids victims in India are disowned by their families because of the honor/shame aspect in the culture. So this organization houses victims, has counselors, nurses, and cooks provided, and has services to tell about the hope found in Jesus. They even try to mend family relationships. This organization does a great job of being Christ-like. The president of the organization cleans toilets and does dirty work just as much as the next person; what amazing leadership! They also grow their own produce and have animals which the children help raise as a therapeutic outlet. It was incredible to just be on the campus. We got to see the children’s end of the summer program where they memorized scripture, danced to Christian songs, and told about what they learned. And lets just say I could not keep a single tear back. These children knew they had HIV/Aids and still sang the song  “Mighty to Save” with every ounce of their hearts. I know that song was real to them. And although young, they have a better perception of life than most adults. This is because they know this life is short, they know that Jesus saves, and they know heaven is just around the corner. These kids were the light to that organization even though the reality of death was something that faced the workers and victims everyday. They turned death around from mourning to celebrating because they would be meeting Jesus soon.

And I had the opportunity to teach these kids how to play the guitar! Mainly just a couple of simple chords (C,G,D,Em), but they soon started to learn how to play “Mighty to Save.” They were over-joyed when they combined the chords and the words of the song together. It gave me goosebumps and I wish I could worship God forever in that very moment.

Check my blog tomorrow for another story!

Thanks for reading!

Karlie

The Passion that Keeps Me Going

           Every Wednesday this school year I have been going to this organization called Spero Project. Which is this thing where OBU college students drive to the City to a refugee complex and play with and minister to the many different kids and families that live there. Yesterday was our last one this year and all I can say is how tremendous of a blessing it has been to me. I could be in tears just writing this right now.

            The beginning of the school year I just randomly heard about this organization and decided to give it shot. But the first experience of my attempt to go was not so “attractive”. This is because the co-chair got a call from the main Spero leaders and they said the complex was having problems and that we could not come. It was alarming that this would happen the first week but for some reason I was so intrigued with the idea of ministering to refugees and felt like God was tugging on my heart to go.

            So, I went the next week. And let me tell you I was sold for the rest of the year from those two very short hours. I was so ecstatic when coming back from Spero Project, I’m pretty sure I couldn’t sleep that night!(I know, I get way to excited about everything!) I just knew this was the perfect organization for me throughout college since I have such a love for cross-cultural ministry and kids.

            And if you know me, I am one those people when I get excited about something I tend to tell EVERYBODY! So, that is exactly what I did, I told every friend I have made in college throughout this year. And lets just say, Spero Project grew A LOT this year. J

But the main point of why I am telling you about my Spero experience is because, I felt like God used that organization to save me. Throughout this whole year I have had a combination of bad test grades, unexpected gossip about me, loss of relationships, stress of academics (just some of the hardships a typical college student can go through) and every time I went to Spero, God reminded me why I was enduring those tough times in college. Despite the fact that every single time I got back from Spero I was covered in mud, dirt, blisters, and occasionally nail polish, I was always refreshed when I got to see those kids. God used them to keep my passion going when I felt like it was on the verge of running dry.

So, people will say, “It is great that you would sacrifice your time like that, you are blessing those kids.”

And all I want to do is turn to them and say “No, you got it wrong; they are blessing me.”

I will miss them so dearly this summer but can’t wait to see what God reveals to me through them next year.

So, since we are on the topic of my passion, I want to now talk about my upcoming trip to India this summer; It is 12 days away!!! I am going to be working with women saved form sex-trafficking and listening to their stories and ministering to them. It is going to be tough tough work, but all I can say is I am willing to travel across the world and live below my means because talking to those women and doing cross-cultural ministry is my passion. Because I know that I will be blessed so much more by those women than vice versa.

And, praise the Lord I have all the money raised! So, now it is just spiritually preparing myself while getting excited for the adventure that is to come.

I also will be journaling over there, so be expecting a blog post after June 3rd when I get back. I am thinking it will be a pretty good one too!

So, now let me ask you this.

What is your passion and what are you doing to keep it alive?

Thanks for reading!

Karlie

P.S. Pray for me while I am India, PLEASE!!

Not Lost but Found

This entry is going to start with a story—a not-so-funny-at-the-time-but-funny-now type of story!

Every year, the OBU Campus Activities Board (CAB) puts on a show called “Spring Affair”. In this talent showcase, students perform songs and funny skits, and friends and family watch. This year’s Spring Affair theme was “Rockumentary”, included iconic songs from many decades.

For this production, my best friend, Ali, and I were responsible for costume design. We came up with creative ways to make costumes and tailor them to each person. We even had to make Mr. Potato head! During this process, we had to stay stocked up on craft items we need to produce the costumes.

And that is where the funny story comes in. We will call it the “Wal-Mart disaster/FAIL” story:

On the night right before the show, our costume committee began to run low on supplies. As a result, Ali and I were sent to Wal-Mart and the mall to get green spray paint, safety pins, black acrylic paint, and an oversized lollipop.  Since we are broke college students, we did not want this to come out of our pockets so we brought with us the CAB Wal-Mart card.

At all times when we are together, Ali and I are acting goofy and having fun. So on the way to get supplies, we are simultaneously enjoying each other’s company and trying to get the job done.  When we realize the mall doesn’t carry lollipops, we then head to Wal-Mart (the cool place to be in Shawnee) to get the rest of the items. We went all around the store to find green spray paint, safety pins, and black acrylic paint.  Once we got these items we went to check out. Everything sounds great doesn’t it? This is where it goes wrong.

When Ali and I got to the checkout line to pay, we both checked our purses to find that the Wal-Mart card had gone missing! Ali and I were sure that it was in the car, so she pulls it around to look and no card was to be found. This is when panic mode sits in. I couldn’t help but to think, “Hmmm, my first time to show responsibility to C.A.B. and I lose the card with all the money on it!” I was determined to find that card.

First, we rummage through both of our purses and her car frantically to find it...not there.

Second, we go back to the mall, where I run inside while Ali checks the parking lot… not there.

Third, we go back to Wal-Mart, where Ali runs through the parking lot looking while I look in the store…still not there.

We went on this errand at 6:00 to get these items and didn’t return to OBU until 9:30 with the supplies…but still no card.

What is so funny about this story is that I looked SO ridiculous running through these stores looking for this card. I swear it looked like I had lost a million dollars. Because of the frantic nature of my searching, some guy even stopped and asked me if I was looking for a child–how embarrassing! But like I said, in hindsight, it is reeeallly funny.

But besides it just being funny, I actually learned something that night, perhaps one of the greatest things I have gleaned this semester. When I was running through Wal-Mart I just suddenly stopped to catch my breath. And right then, I felt as though God said to me, “Child, you know how determined you are to find that card? That is how I feel about you—and so much more.”

Those words were like peace over me. 

So, the story last weekend sadly ended with Ali and me not finding the card. BUT, guess what? That is not the case with God, because in His story we are gloriously found. And if took me losing an important card to remember that, then so be it.

Few things to think about: 

Take this as a challenge to look for God even in the littlest unexpected situations because He will surely speak. 

If you are reading this and feeling lost today, go to the Lord and he will call you by name. Even if you feel far and not findable, take heart because God has found you. I know from experience, he just never lets go of his children.

Or, if you feel confident in being found by God, take time today to celebrate! Because it is something to be rejoiced daily.

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.- Luke 15:24

Thanks for reading!

Karlie

P.S. The Wal-Mart staff found the card in the parking lot that following Monday! 

Into the Potter's Hands

If you were to stick your arm straight out and hold a water bottle in your hand for an extended period time it would gradually cause terrible pain to the muscles. The longer you hold it, the worse the pain will become.  And if someone held the water bottle just long enough it would eventually cause permanent damage to all the muscles in the arm.

Of course, you have to be holding that water bottle for a loooong time for it to finally cause permanent damage but the point of this analogy is to exemplify what will happen if we hold on to our past hurts in our life; the longer we hold on to past hurts the more permanent damage they will cause.

I remember hearing this example at Falls Creek 2008 from my Pastor, Deron Spoo of First Baptist Church Tulsa. I was reminded of this is when I was flipping through my old “True Images Bible for Teen Girls ” a couple days ago and I saw that I wrote this Falls Creek example on my binding. (Side note: Isn’t it so great to flip through old Bibles and journals? This lets us see how God spoke to us in the past and how he has helped us mature. It encourages me to recount my life and God’s movement in it.)

When searching through my old Bible this analogy seemed to resonate with me as deeply as it did in 2008. It spoke to my heart then during one of the hardest years of my life, when I was in the midst of letting go of the past. Now after seeing this again it is speaking in a totally different way. This time it didn’t just say, “Let go of the past,” but it said, “Let go of everything--past, present, and future.”

Past, future, and present?! Really? Letting go of the present and the future would mean letting go of my dreams --dreams that have helped me become who I am today. I wouldn’t think holding on to these would cause any harm whatsoever. But, again I hear, “Let go of everything.”

And I am very good at holding on. Holding on gives me a sense of familiarity, control, and comfort. One example of this is my wardrobe. I never get rid of clothing! I think I will eventually wear that shirt or those pants someday. But guess what? I never end up wearing them. So if I can’t let go of a piece of fabric, how am I expected to let go all of my life? And how and who am I suppose to give my life?

I first had to figure out what this “everything” is and how to let go of it. I got a pretty good idea out of one scripture I read:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

My everything is all of myself. This all of myself I must deny. And these things I deny are not necessarily bad (ex: my passion for missions, my zeal for life, my diligence with academics), yet I am expected to give them up. And you ask why would I give these things up? And who will I be giving them to?

I have come to realize they were not mine to begin with--they were the Lord’s. They were put in me by God so that he could use them for the kingdom.  Lately I have manipulated theses passions and skills in a way I thought would be best for my life. But I remember that the things I think are best for me end up not really being the best at all. So, I think that is why the Lord was beating this “letting go of everything” over my head. He wanted me to know that my everything belongs to him and I am just soft clay in the potter’s hands for him to mold. I just need to trust in his design.

But letting go of everything is not the end. The last part says, “Follow me.” And those words are so simple but so complex. I don’t think any attempt I make to unpack this loaded phrase will do it justice. But I think that is the way the Lord intended it to be. The simplicity of the phrase makes it easy for believers to follow, while the underlying complexity challenges us to trust in God for the answers.  

I’m letting go and following, trusting God that my life will be enriched and faith will be produced. This is what the potter wants for my life, and this is also what he wants for yours.

Care to join me?

Thanks for reading!

Karlie

The God of Socrates

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.― Socrates

This quote has been deeply resonating with me this past month. I just can’t get this old dead guy’s repeating words out of my head! I was curious as to why this was and now I know the reason. SO, let me explain.        

This semester I am enrolled in the class, Introduction to Philosophy. And let me tell you, this class is nothing but confusion. But despite the overwhelming criteria, I have also found it to be very intriguing.  I think I have noticed how Philosophy has a way of getting back to the essentials of life and asks the questions I forget to ask. You know, simple overlooked questions like:                                       

“Why are we here?”

 “Who put us here?”

“What is humanity’s purpose?”

But now I am challenging myself to actually seek the answers to these questions.

Before I took on this challenge I would always find myself extremely upset when I questioned the Nature of God and his purpose. Almost as if I had done the most unspeakable thing a follower of Christ can do. I would think being a Christian opted me out of asking answers to these realities. But I think that is exact opposite of how God would want us to act. And I can say that I have come to the understanding these questions should be asked by Christians.

You want to know why I can say that?

This past month its almost as if the world has been opened up with these new questions my Philosophy class has permitted me to ask now. The more I ask them, the more God proves himself greater. God wants us to ask these questions so we can seek, find, and know the truth confidently. That he ultimately is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And he has humanity here for a reason and purpose.

But after seeking the answer, I also come to the realization that no matter how many questions I ask, I will never even come close to knowing everything. Actually the more insight I find, the more this realization becomes clearer, increasing the gap between me and obtaining ultimate knowledge.

Hmmmm, don’t you feel the quote replaying itself now?

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

Wow. I feel humbled. This world of knowledge is so large and I am so small. God is more than I can ever fathom, that even my deepest questions and answers can never fully describe his character.

And that is a God I want to serve.

Thanks for reading!

Karlie

A Season of Drought

The silence of God can be the most piercing sound.

Lately I have felt a huge burden on my heart to speak about something a “good Christian” doesn’t like to admit. It’s about the seasons when we feel distant from God, regardless of personal bible study or church attendance. In times like these, it seems as if God has cupped his hands over his mouth to play the silent game. And guess what? He is winning.

As Christians, we sometimes look down upon the people who say they don’t feel near to God. Like a Pharisee, we wag our finger and pull out at long list and say, “Have you being doing your daily spiritual chores?” This shows our lack of perspective, because some of my driest moments have reminded me that I am human and in need of a savior. But when we are spiritually dry, where do we find comfort?

The world or the word?  

I have just finished my first J-term, a time at OBU when students have the opportunity to take a short-term course in January. This year I took Old Testament, which required me to read almost all of the first 39 books of the Bible in a three-week period. I learned so much from this class—especially a better understanding of God’s immeasurable love for us. In reading through most of the Old Testament, one story spoke to me above all the others. It was the book of Esther.

Esther is the tale of a Jewish woman who begins the book as an orphan but later becomes the wife of King Xerxes. (Talk about a Cinderella story !) What impressed me about Esther was her boldness. She was willing to risk her life by asking King Xerxes to stop the decree that would kill all Jewish people. She actually hid her Jewish identity from King Xerxes, which put her in an even riskier position. Because of her influence, the decree was lifted, and all Jewish people lived. So, an unexpected God-fearing woman became the key component in saving the Jewish people. This is definitely a story that the Lord orchestrated!

But do you want to know what really hit me about this story? In the book of Esther God’s name wasn’t mentioned once. Why? To me, it symbolizes that regardless of whether we hear or see God, he has already planned out our story and will remain unwavering. He will use your life and mine as a powerful testimony for Jesus. This helps me understand and realize that my dry seasons are just crucial in my life as my not-so-dry seasons. Even though my human vision is narrow, God’s overall vision is unfathomable. So I will trust that he knows exactly what he is doing.

So during the times I feel as if God is silent I will cling onto the word and pray. Because no matter what my human emotions and knowledge determine as a “dry season”, my God will ALWAYS be faithful.

Oh, how nice it is to be adopted by Christ!

Desert Song

By: Hillsong United

Verse 1:

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in the hunger in me

My God is a God who provides

Chorus:

And I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice

I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

Thanks for reading!

Karlie

Ps. Please be praying for my upcoming mission trip this summer to India!