So instead of boxing God up in our plan of self sacrifice, we stepped back and let Him take the lead. Our home is much different that we originally imagined, and it is more beneficial in ministry, too. (I sure am thankful we let God choose the home!)
You are welcome to take a tour...
In case you didn't see yesterday's post, Baptist Missionary Women is taking you on a tour through the homes of fellow BMW's. Over the next few days, missionary women from all over the world are opening their homes to you to share with you God's blessing of a home on the field. Stop in each day to see the new additions to the blog links. Our home is on there, and we would love you to come visit us.
Proverbs 14:1 "Every wise woman buildeth her house:
but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."
It's fun seeing how these women have worked so hard to turn the places that God gives them into HOMES that minister to all who enter. (Many of them use their homes all the time for ministry!)
As you look at the homes submitted, praise the Lord for the special touches of hospitality and love that these ladies have given each place... Proverbs 31 being lived out on the field!
Be sure to leave them an encouraging comment on their personal blogs. It isn't easy putting our homes on display for the whole world! Each lady has worked hard to transform their house into a home, and I am sure they would love to hear from you.
Be sure to leave them an encouraging comment on their personal blogs. It isn't easy putting our homes on display for the whole world! Each lady has worked hard to transform their house into a home, and I am sure they would love to hear from you.
So what have you done to make your house a home? How do you use your home for ministering to your own family as well as reaching out to others around you?
I will be back to my regular posting next week.
Charity, Southern Asia
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this, Charity! It wasn't easy for me to open up quite that much, and we also have slowly let go of our concerns about living like the nationals, etc., to allowing our home to be what it needs to be for us AND for the ministry. It is true that most of us constantly open our homes to Bible studies, guests, and our kitchens to cooking for crowds!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Amy. One of the things we treasured so much in America was privacy. We have had to give that up in many ways and a lot of the time here because our home is a place of ministry and hospitality. Opening it up for nationals has become a treasure to us, though there are times when our family is home alone and thankful to be so. God knew the exact type of home our family needed for what we would be doing. He knew we would be content with whatever He gave. I love His plans. They work so perfectly. Now... Opening up to the world? That was tough! You just never know how people are going to react. Maybe they expect the "suffering for Jesus" shack? Maybe they expect it cleaner? Maybe they expect it smaller? Or bigger for ministry? Maybe they don't realize God still expects us to make our houses homes for our family, decorated and conducive to meeting the family's needs... Or appropriate for hospitality? One thing I love... The BMW ladies have a desire to make the best of what God gives them for HIS glory. Love you, ladies!
ReplyDeleteIt took a long time before I was willing to post our first home tour, but I finally just stepped out. So glad I did! A lot of friends and family have really enjoyed seeing how God has blessed us on the field. The fear of man brings a snare....a verse I must constantly remind myself of as a missionary!
ReplyDelete