Seeking God {Guest Post}

This month has been a bit of a struggle with what I should write. I have had conflicting feelings on what to write if anything. Mostly I am struggling with feeling inadequate to even do a blog. However, as I was thinking about it, I realized something major. I have not prayed about it. In fact I have not really given much spiritual thought to it. That is where I realized I have gone majorly wrong. How in the world can I encourage others spiritually if I am not listening to God’s leading? Yes, I am following God and yes I love Him but recently I have not been as close to Him as I should be. Of course my inner self has no desire to admit this, but the realization hit me that I have a strong feeling I am not alone. I think we have all had those times when we haven’t drawn as close to God as we should. We have let our personal time with God kind of fall by the wayside, or we do it without much thought. It tends to just be something we do because we know we have to. My responsibility is to live my life for God. After all it is my “reasonable service ”(Romans 12:1).  It is only reasonable that I spend time with God, the one who created me and died for me. Jeremiah 29:13 says: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” So this month’s blog is going to be short for the main reason its time I start seeking God again. Thank you for your understanding. I pray that all of us continue to follow close to God each and every day!

Children's Ministry and Growth {Guest Post}

Children’s Ministry and Growth

Not everyone is called to work with kids or youth. I am so thankful that God did put that love and desire in my heart to teach kids and mentor teen girls! I always look forward to Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings with “my kids.” I wanted to share a few things I have done since being on the field.

This was the start of my kids' class when I first arrived. It ranged from ages 2-17. Of course the 17-year old is more my helper and crowd controller!:) As the church itself started to grow we started to get more kids coming to class. I started a points system with my class. You get a point for attendance, bringing your Bible, memorizing your verse, bringing a visitor, helping with weekly outreach, and singing special music in the church service. The reward would be at the end of a specified time period. The winner would get to go out to eat at the restaurant of their choice. I have found that food really is a great incentive for kids! Not too long after I started teaching the kids' class, we held Holiday Bible Club (Vacation Bible School). After a great week of Holiday Bible Club we had added two more girls to the class. We were then able to start Thursday night youth class. Thursday evenings give me a longer time with the kids, and they get to play games, learn music, and learn a lesson from God’s Word.

Over Christmastime, the kids got to decorate their own full-sized gingerbread houses. I don’t think they had ever done anything like that, and they seemed to have a blast. Once again I implemented a points system for Thursday nights as well with a reward “of their choice” should they win. We will know this June who the winners are for the first half of the year. It has been so much fun seeing the kids grow and learn. Sometimes we as teachers wonder if they are getting or understanding anything, but time and time again they prove to me they do hear and it does click. I love the looks on their faces when they make the connection that one lesson we had coincides with another lesson months down the road. Of course we had a Christmas program as well. They did such an amazing job with their lines and songs. For me programs are so much fun. Parents get to see their kids in action and hear the Gospel!

As we began the New Year we also began a monthly Youth Fun Night at my place. Once again, I wanted to give the kids another opportunity to get together, get to know one another, and possibly invite friends who wouldn’t go to church but who might feel more comfortable at a less “formal” gathering. Each time we meet, I do an object lesson that helps to share some truth from the Bible. Some of the themes we have done are Movie Night, Ice Skating, Game Night, Make Your Own Pizza, Play the Wii, Basketball, and Badminton.  Of course my house cannot accommodate basketball and such, so we rented a community room for that. I have seen an increase in attendance to our Youth Fun Nights by some who are not youths, but my goal is for those who want to come to feel free to come. Some of the young adults who come are not faithful yet to church, so I know they are at least getting something when they come for the Fun Nights.

We just passed the time that we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Once again the kids did a special program for that. It is such a blessing to see them get excited about inviting their family to see the presentation. One of our newer girls had her parents come and watch. I do not believe any of them are saved, but they heard the Gospel that day and are planning on coming again! As I look back on these last seven months, it is so clear that God is at work. It is nothing I can do and nothing Bible Baptist can do, but God is leading and guiding. Ladies, especially those like me who are serving single, don’t give up! Don’t believe the lie that Satan tells you about it not being worth it. The hard work, the tears, and the happiness are more than worth our time. These precious children want to learn and grow. They want to have fun while learning. It has been a stretching experience to learn to adapt my lessons to such a large age group and yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you are struggling for ideas I would happy to be of help. Or if you have ideas you would like to share, I am all ears! Just know that God has called you to the place you are. Some of you feel you don’t do well with teaching kids, but that is where God has you. That is ok! One thing I have learned, kids really don’t judge you. They will never know your worry or fear over whether you said or taught exactly what you were ‘supposed’ to teach. Let God lead your lesson. I have found that I planned on going the way the lesson plan was, and while teaching, God led it a different way. Just be willing to serve and watch God give the blessings and results!                  

Guest Post by Deana Hewston, Missionary to Scotland  

       

Sacrifice (Guest Post}

I’ve realized something as of late. I really haven’t sacrificed anything for God. Yes, I am a missionary, and yes, I have left family and familiar culture behind to tell others about Christ, but have I truly sacrificed for God? Lately I have been reading some missionary biographies and autobiographies and am so convicted that my version of sacrifice comes nowhere near their sacrifices for God. I understand that the time and setting is different in most cases, but not the full service to the Savior. In an age of social media, abundant grocery stores, and coffee shops on every corner I have become accustomed to living quite comfortably because I can. Living comfortably is not wrong but it can produce some laziness and lack of zeal in me. 

Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret was recommended and lent to me by a friend, and I am so thankful she wanted me to read it. One of the things I learned, that I never knew, was that George Mueller helped financially support most, if not all, of the missionaries there in China under the China Inland Mission. I have always had such great respect and admiration for George Mueller, for his reliance on God, and his care for the children in his orphanage. The lessons learned from his faith when he literally had nothing inspired me. Then to add to that the knowledge that the money he could have rightfully used in his own “mission field” he send to others who were just as needy as he was. What a conviction! Of course, the life of Hudson Taylor and his wife are just as convicting. What I have gone through since arriving on the field in Scotland pales in comparison to what they dealt with while serving God. Mrs. Taylor died at 33, which is the age I am right now. Before her death she buried three children in China and sent the others to England for their education. I cannot imagine the grief and heartache to see her children die and her others leave her side never to see her again. And here I get worried when my finances are low enough to be unsure of whether I can pay my electric bill. 
We cannot compare ourselves to others, but at the same time I believe it’s wise to take from what we learn of other missionaries who have gone on before us and apply their experiences to our lives.

What of modern missionaries who have suffered?  I think of Martin and Gracia Burnham. Just ten or so years ago, they were captured by Islamic extremists and marched through a jungle for over a year at gun point, with death threatened on all sides. Martin didn’t make it out alive, but Gracia did.  Just this past year, a missionary husband tried to save some kids from drowning and in doing so, lost his life. His wife and family are still carrying on the work God has called them to. There was a missionary family here in Scotland who served faithfully for many years until the husband ended up with a brain tumor and ultimately went home to be with the Lord. Their children were all grown, but the wife is still faithfully serving where God has put her. There are many stories like these that have happened even in the last 10 years. So I have to ask myself, am I willing to truly sacrifice for God? My heart’s desire and longing is to say, "yes." I have so much to learn about trusting God and following him, and I am very thankful that other missionaries have such an amazing testimony that we can learn from and follow.  

My prayer and longing is that no matter what happens and no matter what God has asked of me that I will do it. Not in my strength, for I have none of myself. It scares me to even put this on paper, but I know that what I am doing now is my ‘reasonable service’ (Romans 12:1). With certainty we all deal with the knowledge that we lack any strength in and of ourselves. Ladies, especially those of us who are single, don’t let satan convince you that you are not worth it. Don’t let satan deceive you into thinking God has not called you! I pray that we all can say at the end of our lives, we followed God and served Him to the best of our ability even when it meant loss and sacrifice. In the end it’s worth it when souls are saved and we reach heaven to live with Him!

Guest post by Deana Hewston, missionary to Scotland

Lessons Learned from My First Month on the Field

Lessons learned from my first month on the field

I would not normally think that I am used to instant gratification but upon arrival in Scotland it was blaringly obvious I was very much an instant gratification person. Not to say that I get angry when I don’t get what I want when I want, but I am not used to waiting and jumping through hoops constantly. Things started quickly enough thanks to the family I am working with. They had done the whole looking at apartment thing for me and found one that was perfect for what I needed not only in price but location as well. In fact, the day I landed I paid my deposit and first month’s rent and had my keys given to me. That is when the brakes hit and they hit hard! First things first of course, I needed to pick up my biometric card from the Post Office. The biometric card is my ID here in Scotland. It shows I have a visa and a right to be here. The official paper says you must pick up the card within 10 days of arriving in the country. So, two days later I went to the Post office to get it. What I hadn’t seen on the paper is that I actually wouldn’t be ready for pick up until I had been in the country 7 days. The ladies at the Post office were very kind but brought that to my attention. So I had to think, why is it, they threaten you with being removed from the country if you don’t get it within 10 days, but they don’t send it to you until 7 days after being in town? My friends told me that this was totally normal, although I don’t think I believed them at the moment! 

So, the next step is to get a bank account and a way of communication. Don’t worry I didn’t forget about the biometric card thing. The end of that story is coming. I go down to the local bank and tell them I want to open an account. Although I did have my American ID, they required I have a piece of mail from the government such as utilities or something that proves my address. Well, you would think that would be easy right? Wrong! My utilities are “pay as you go” and so therefore, no bill. I just take the special key card to a local store, put money on it and plug it into my machine and voila! Electric and heating! So the man at the bank said I needed something else. We looked into what I would need and made the necessary contacts to make that happen. The only problem, it would take about 2 weeks just to get that mail in. Meanwhile, I went to the mobile phone place to look into a phone. Their regulations are I must have a Scottish bank account. 

At least I did get to go to Ikea and Costco and get some much needed items and found some things on a good sale such as a bed frame (which I thought would be harder to come by for a good price). Once we got my bed frame put up, it was time to order a mattress. Went to the local mattress store, found a good one on sale and that was that. Or so I thought! When I paid for it, we discussed delivery. I could get it delivered but it wouldn’t be delivered for two and a half weeks! So we asked what if we just took it ourselves? Still won’t be ready for two and a half weeks. I had to resign myself to realizing I wasn’t going to be staying in my new flat for some time. 

Now back to the biometric card. I went in the exact date it said it would be ready. Nope! Not there. Once again sweetest ladies ever, and the one in charge said to check back in two more days. I also got an email address from her to email the proper place should it not come in. I was a bit worried and yes a bit frustrated. Now I began to understand what the missionaries were saying. 

Getting something done here is just plain and simply not easy. Oh, I love it here and everything about this country but I am realizing how good we had it in the states. After a few attempts at trying to find out if my official government paper had been sent out, it finally arrived. I was so excited! Finally able to open a bank account and just in time too, my next rent was due in 4 days! I happily took my ID and my paper with my name and address on it to the bank. I dealt with a different person that day. I gave her my required items and after a moment she said she didn’t think that would work. That not only did I need that official document, but I had to send the application back in and get what they called a National Insurance Number (which, by the way, takes over two months to get). I was almost heart broken. Then she said, wait, do you have a letter from your employer? If I could get a letter addressed to the Bank from my employer (aka the church) it would work instead. Well, of course, we could do that just fine! Wish someone had mentioned that the first time we went in!!! Went back an hour later with letter in hand and opened an account. I am too pampered in the states! 

Bank account in place and now it’s time to go get my mobile phone. That would be easy right? Walk in, tell them you want a phone, give them your bank account particulars, and immediately get denied because I haven’t been in this country long enough to build credit. Those pesky rocks of reality dashing my hopes and dreams again! I could have gone with “pay as you go” for that as well, but the phone price out of pocket was staggering and something I just didn’t want to do. Thankfully my amazing coworkers in the ministry offered to add a line to their account and I could pay them monthly for mine! 

So now the time comes for my mattress to finally be delivered and I get to stay in my own flat! I went grocery shopping and filled my fridge (which also was a huge and crazy story as to how I obtained that)! Decided it was time to try out my oven. Much to my dismay, there are absolutely NO markings on the oven. The thing is so old, it’s all worn away. I fiddled around with the stovetop and figured approximately what was a high setting and low setting. After about a month of waiting I was able to get a new one from the landlord.

You may wonder if things are starting to settle down? Yes they are and I am learning that I am not always going to find what I am looking for and that’s ok. The choices we enjoy in the states are not the same in other countries. You want a solid deodorant instead of a roll on or spray? That is hard to come by. So when you see it buy it, it may be the last one you find! How about canned chicken for easy meals? Every form of canned meat is on the shelves EXCEPT chicken. So I am learning. I am learning to find another way to do things. I am learning that if you see what you are looking for get it, because there is a huge chance it won’t be there tomorrow. And I am learning that that is ok. 

Amongst all this set back and frustration, one thing remains the same. My God! He is faithful and loving and has taught me a lot about leaning on Him even in these frustrations. I have begun to teach children’s church here on Sundays and by the end of the year, we will be starting a mid-week youth program as well. I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing and enjoying the lessons along the way. As I look out my window down to George Street here in the City Centre of Perth, I still have a hard time believing I am here. This is my new home! After traveling for 3 years of deputation, it’s strange to be buying a bed and a microwave and dishes and putting down roots. But it’s a good strange. Will things always be happy go lucky? No, we all know that. But one thing I will cling to for as long as God allows me to serve here in Perth: “Faithful is He who calleth you who also will do it."

By Deana Hewston

Missionary to Scotland

Finding a Place in Ministry {A Post for Single Missionaries}

Finding A Place In Ministry
By Deana Hewston

I have to say most, if not all, of us single ladies have heard it before. “You aren’t a missionary.” “You can’t be a single missionary." “You are only a missionary helper.” I have heard these, plus more. As I was on deputation, and being told these things, I began to think and wonder if what I was being told was true. Can I be a missionary whilst being single? Am I out of God’s will to try to go to the mission field without having a spouse? I am very thankful for a sending church and pastor who does support me and my call into missions, but not everyone has that positive support behind them. 

What does the Bible say about these things? Titus 2:4-5 states, “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” As a lady, I understand that God has a specific role for me to play especially, God willing, as a wife one day. But my role in the home and one day as a wife does not exclude ministry. Acts 1:14: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Women do play a part in ministry, even those of us who are single.  I Corinthians 7:34 says, “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” This is not in any way putting down married ladies, but it is reminding us that we, as single ladies, have a roll and a place to “care for the things of the Lord.” If God has put you in the position as a single lady and has called you into the ministry, don’t be ashamed or afraid. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” (I Thessalonians 5:24)

Whenever I came across someone with a negative view on single lady missionaries, I did not get into a discussion. I thanked them for their time and moved on. Sometimes it’s hard when you are speaking to someone in person, but that’s when God’s grace comes into play. Be kind and caring. Don’t develop a reputation for arguments. Let’s not forget our place of submission and deference to God’s Word, but let’s also not forget that God uses his children regardless of their marital status!

Please meet Deana Hewston, she will be contributing to our blog once a month.

Next month we'll read about her first month on the mission field.

About Me

  

                It’s amazing to me how God works in our lives! When I was born, the doctors found that my heart was flipped on the wrong side. To any normal human being, that could be a death sentence or a life full of surgery after surgery. My parents brought this issue before God and the people at their church. Soon after that, there was another doctor visit to follow up on the heart issue, and sure enough, somehow that heart flipped back to its proper place!

                I don’t believe it was a fluke or a chance happening. I truly believe God had and still has a purpose in keeping me alive and healthy! At the age of 8, I realized that I was a sinner in need of a Saviour. I asked God to forgive my sins and save me. I was very aware that the next step was to follow the Lord in Believer’s Baptism. My extreme fear of water kept me from doing that, however! Finally as an 8^th grader, I could no longer withstand the prompting and prodding of the Holy Spirit and surrendered my heart to God. Praise the Lord that was the same year in which I knew God wanted me to be a missionary. I did not know where or when but knew the path to take to get there. I sometimes wonder, if I had surrendered my fear earlier in life, would I have known God’s will for my life a little earlier?

                I attended a local Christian university and graduated with an Associate Degree in Missionary Preparation. Within a year of graduating, God led me to move back to my hometown of Tucson, Arizona. After a time, God asked me to move again, and this time it was to Cottonwood and there I settled in and became a member of Faith Baptist Church. This was the first time I really got involved heavily in church and enjoyed the opportunities of teaching, running the nursery, singing, and such. This was also the time I knew God wanted me to finally take the next step in my goal to become a missionary.

                Through God’s leading, I visited Aberdeen, Scotland in 2007 for two weeks. Upon returning to the States, I knew God showed me where it was he wanted me to work! Through the next 4 years, God lead me back to Tucson and has had me involved with Sonrise Baptist, my sending church.  In September of 2015 I moved to the field of Scotland to begin helping Russell and Janet Brinkley at Bible Baptist Church Perth.