Elevation Changes

 

Raising support for our full time ministry in Nicaragua has seen a great deal of elevation change!  I love to hike, so this is my analogy.  :)  I know the trail was marked “strenuous” by many people that have blazed the path before us.  My optimistic personality was hoping we were “in shape” enough to make it a “moderate” hike though.  I should have known better.  God is working out our faith, so we can only boast in Him and not ourselves – and rightly so. 

We won’t and can’t complain about our distance in this hike!  We have around 50% of our monthly commitment pledged by many wonderful people and churches thus far.  We began this hike back in May, so we have travelled a good distance.    But my impatience can get the better of me at times!  (Let me clarify that Jeremy, thankfully, is calm and patient in this matter.  God knew I needed him to stabilize me!)  I can be like a 2 year old at times.  When we get to the difficult times of waiting on this hike I want to stamp my feet and beat my fists in the air and scream, “I’m ready to go NOW!  I want to go NOW!”  As you all might guess, after my fit I usually feel pretty silly about my display.  I’m so thankful that my Father is loving in His correction.  I’m sure He has wanted to “take a switch to me” many times. 

I wanted to share what God did for me on Saturday night.  This weekend was full of high and low elevations in my moods towards the support raising.  I’ve gotten pretty discouraged at times with the lack of response from others.  Hearing “no” from people is better than no response at all.  So…there I was happy one minute about our progress and down the next about not going farther.  Saturday night I was about to go to bed when I was checking my Facebook.  I got to a point and said, “God, should we not go?  Can we really make any difference in Nicaragua?”  I was at a low point in this hike.  Right before I turned off my computer to go to bed I checked our e-mail account.  We had one new message.  It was from the AWANA Director over Central America.  He was just emailing out of the blue to check up on us.  He wanted to tell us that he had spoken to a Pastor in Matagalpa that wants to start an AWANA club.  He said there was much to do in that area!  After reading the email I felt like doing a happy dance!  God was giving me encouragement right at the very moment I was questioning the hike.  God was reaffirming the call He has for us!     

Most that really know me know that I don’t sit still very easily, especially on a hike.  I like to keep moving towards my goal.  I want to see that beautiful waterfall at the top.  Sometimes that means I’ve been in too much of a hurry to miss the beauty of the journey there.  At the moment, I feel refreshed on this hike!  I know I will deal with more elevation changes throughout this entire hike, but I will choose to look around at the beauty that surrounds me as we walk…take in each step…each small victory.  I will feel God’s wonderful breeze blow over my face, spread my arms out wide, praise Him with every breath and with each step continue this climb.     

 

 

We Survived WCC Survivor Youth Trip!

Our second year of Survivor (church style) was another success!  We had the opportunity to join the youth again this year.  Like last year Jeremy was on the work crew.  He helped the other adult volunteers build the challenges.  (Evidently my quiet husband was also providing laughs through his witty remarks.)  Greyson and Avery were participants.  And I was able to be a tribal leader again!  I thoroughly enjoy this trip!!  We sleep on the ground with only a tarp over our heads, eat little food (unless we win a challenge and get a food reward), and compete in some awesome challenges.  These conditions can really stretch a person.    The toughest part for the teenagers was most likely being disconnected from their cell phones & computers.  :)  This disconnection would allow them to focus on the most important factor to this weekend:  God's Word.  We had morning & afternoon devotions and nightly tribal counsels.  The theme was Heroes vs. Villains.  Our study of some of the heroes and villains of the Bible brought us to an important question.  Which will we be?  It is so easy to be the villain...going along with the world.  But it is harder to be a hero and step out even when no one will follow.  I pray the 44 teenagers that attended will choose to be heroes for God!!  I pray the Perry Gang will be heroes for God.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."           2 Corinthians 4:7

 

This past Sunday I had the privilege to work with our church middle school girls.  The other leaders and I wanted to pull together something special for the lovely young ladies.  Upon studying and praying, God lead me to the verse above.  We wanted the girls to feel special and beautiful - just how God created them.  BUT the most important lesson we wanted them to learn was that God gave them their beauty and talents so they could glorify HIM.  His power working through us.  We are just jars of clay...fragile easily broken and chipped...  Our true beauty and worth comes from the treasure within all those who trust and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  This treasure is Jesus Christ!!  He is to shine through us.  We are to brighten up the darkened world by displaying His light and love.  Our purpose is to worship and glorify God.  Let us not waste our time on trivial things.  Let us allow the treasure within to shine so bright that no one can even recognize our jar of clay! 

The girls took pictures displaying their hobby/talent and a picture in their favorite outfit.  Through this activity we wanted to remind them to use their talents for God and their beauty is founded only in Him. 

God and Rock Wall Climbing

This afternoon, Jeremy and I went rock wall climbing (indoors).  As I replay the fun date through my mind I keep thinking of trust and teamwork.  Jeremy and I had to trust each other, communicate, and work together for this activity.  I would not have allowed him to be my "belayer" if I felt He couldn't take care of me and I know Jeremy felt the same way.  (I think he faced the biggest risk - especially when I had my giggling fits. HeHe!!)  Thankfully, we came away from this event still walking with smiles on our faces.  What a good "check-up" date for our marriage.  I know we will need all the skills we worked on today - trust, communication, and working together - for our marriage to stay strong.

But how does rock wall climbing relate to God?
God has been dealing with me in the area of trust.  I know God gave me this activity today so I could have a visual.  As I was climbing and trusting Jeremy to get me safely back down (belaying) God reminded me that I needed to do the same and even more so with Him.  God is my anchor.  He is steady and faithful.  I need to trust - completely - that He will do what He said He will do! 

I also need to continue to communicate with Him daily.  The more I am quiet and still the more He will speak.  Oh boy, do I find it hard to be quiet and still!  But when I am...OH BOY, do I learn so much from God!  There is no better place then to sit at His feet.  All the cares of this world seem so insignificant when I am seeking His presence.

Finally, I learned I need to work with God.  After trusting and communicating, I need to work together with Him.  I need to do what He has asked and planned...not what I think should be done or what I have planned.  He actually doesn't need me at all...but thankfully, He loves and wants to use me for His Glory.  He wants to use us all...  
          "...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works
          and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven."  Matthew 5:16
     

Harvest Community Church Outreach

This past Friday was our last meeting for the summer with the Harvest Community outreach. 
The children and I thoroughly enjoyed our time working with Carolyn Harrell & her children with an outreach to a Hispanic community near their church.  While the Moms were learning "English as a Second Language" we had the opportunity to work with their children.  For about 8 Fridays this summer we had the blessing to play games, make crafts, eat a snack, and teach a Bible story to a wonderful group of children.  Their smiles and eagerness to learn really touched our hearts.

Amy, Carolyn's daughter, taught the kids' the Gospel message through helping them make a bracelet.  Mike, Carolyn's oldest son, and Greyson gave their testimonies.

           The children were great listeners and enjoyed making the bracelets.

                                     I'm going to miss these smiles!

Black is to represent our sins.  Red is to represent Jesus' blood shed to wash away our sins.  White represents us after we trust and believe in Jesus' sacrifice for us.  He has washed us white as snow.  Yellow represents Heaven.  Once we die on this earth we will then spend eternity with our Savior in Heaven!  Green represents growth.  Once we become "saved" we need to read His Word, talk with Him (prayer), and tell others about Jesus' love.

Each week the children received points for checking out books, reading them, and bringing them back.  They also received points for memorizing and saying their Bible verse to us.  At our last meeting, the children were able to spend the points at the store.  They had a great time shopping! :)

This is what it is all about!

It has been a whirlwind July and now we are in August!  What?!  I have enjoyed every minute of the ministry opportunities that God has provided for us.  I've noticed life seems so much sweeter when you are busy serving others.  Now if I could only remember that when I get caught up in my own selfishness...

 

At the end of July our church (West Cabarrus) youth had their annual "I Love Cabarrus" camp week.  During the week the youth served out in our county.  I'm so thankful for a church that encourages its church members to get outside of our building and reach out to others.  This is what "it" - the Great Commission - is all about.  Our youth were able to serve in many different capacities - cleaning, witnessing, yard work, praying at an abortion clinic, leading/working VBS, road clean up, rest homes, writing and sending cards to those in prison, etc.  This service is not only helping the people in Cabarrus county but providing a means for God's love to be shown and taught.  Also, this week is giving our youth an opportunity to grow in Christ by "doing" and not just hearing only.  They have been learning and training under Biblical teaching, but, like us all, we need to use the training.  I'm happy to say our youth were given the opportunity to use their training and they preformed well! 

 

One ministry opportunity that I was blessed to be apart of was providing a Vacation Bible School for a local Hispanic church.  They are still a fairly new church and have not had their own VBS yet...until this summer!  Our youth helped this church provide a three day VBS from 9:30 to 12:00.  By Thursday, we had 76 children in attendance!  Praise God!  Our youth provided the music, lesson, game, craft, and snack times.  It was with great joy to see them in action and even greater joy to see the children having so much fun!

Avery and her friend, Kara, lead the music and taught the fun dance motions.  I'm proud of Avery for doing something that was not in her usual area of ministry.



 

 



God provided lots of children to hear His Truth!

 

  

 

 

        Three of West Cabarrus' teenagers taught the Bible lesson each day.  One of them was Greyson.   This Mama was proud!  :)

 



 

 

One of our snack time treats.  Jesus was the perfect sacrifice that completely paid our debt on the cross. 

 

Praise God...three days later He arose!!!

 

Once we trust and believe in Jesus Christ we are then to be "Fishers of Men".

 

I so pray that the waters will be filled with "Fishers"!! 

AWANA MaxOut Camp 2013

I was blessed to be able to stow away with Greyson and Avery to their AWANA MaxOut Camp this past week.  The week was packed with learning God's Word and having lots of fun through many activities.  My job was to be a Counselor for the "Blue" team and for my cabin (Little Lulu) of middle school girls. As always God taught me much.  Every time God sends me somewhere I assume it is to help and serve others, but God always changes me in the process.

For those that do not know, the AWANA MaxOut Camp is for any rising fifth graders to seniors that have completed an entire AWANA book from the past year. This camp is filled with young adults that have learned many verses and Bible truths.  They encourage and inspire me so much.  This year 57 were in attendance - 31 of them were from my home church.  Go West Cabarrus!!  :)  The young adults were split into color group teams:  red, yellow, blue, and green.  They competed in games, Bible quizzing, and verse memorization. Along with that fun, they had morning devotions, morning chapel, evening chapel, and nightly devotions. Needless to say, these young adults were being greatly enriched by the Word of God.  The campers were taught the main point from each New Testament book through the Walk Thru the Bible program and taught deep truths (meat) from the book of Romans nightly.

I came away exhausted, with lots of smelly clothes, a greater love for God's Word, and deep appreciation for a wonderful group of young adults.  God started prepping me before this week for an important lesson He wanted me to learn.  Then He clearly showed me what I needed to learn during the week.  I am a "doer". If there is something that needs to be done I will do everything I can to complete the task. God showed me last week that He wants me to allow others to help in the "doing"...mainly young adults that are ready to share God's Word. I need to invest my time in helping them do just that:  share God's Word.  At camp, I saw MANY young adults, strong in His Word, leading the younger students.  I saw the training and discipling that was poured into these young adults over the years come to fruition.  They willingly started training and discipling the younger campers.  I wish you all could have seen them help the younger campers learning their verses, encouraging them in game time, and quizzing.  Oh how it made my heart happy! This is what the Great Commission is all about!!!  I'm so thankful it is happening here and I so look forward to being apart of the training and discipling in Nicaragua soon!

Along this thought, please pray for our students at West Cabarrus this week.  They are having their "I Love Cabarrus" camp.  This week the teenagers will be working in many different service projects throughout the county.  Our prayer is that the love of Christ will shine through them as they connect with people in our "back yard". One of the projects I will be helping lead - VBS at a Hispanic Church.  And guess what?...I'm leading but not "doing" it.  The teenagers will be teaching the lessons, leading the music, and running the craft, snack, and game time stations.  I can't wait to see what God will do through them!  Avery, my usually quiet daughter, will be helping with teaching the children dance motions to the songs.  Greyson will be teaching the Bible lesson on Wednesday.  I'm so thankful for their willingness to serve God...even when it is out of their comfort zone.

Please also continue to pray for our monthly support needs.  We are almost 1/3 of the way to our monthly goal need of $2,700.  We give God all the praise for this!

Below are a few pictures from MaxOut Camp.  Enjoy!
                                          The Blue Team Flag.

                                              Our Cheer.

                                          Verse Recitation Time.

Game Time!

Of course, we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner time!

Some Fun.

Horseback riding 

Yes, we even had a waterfall hike.  My favorite!

 Bible Quizzing 

Three Happy Campers.  :) 

                                        Nightly Worship and Teaching

      



      

No Lazy Days of Summer Here!

This past week was extremely BUSY, but that is how we work around the Perry house.  :)

Each day was filled with activities that we know will prepare us for the mission field.  Actually, we are looking at each event, activity, etc. differently now.  We are taking each day as more training from God.  This equipping/training will be useful here or in our future location.  Of course, each of us, Christians, should look at each day this way.  God has a purpose for us every day He allows us to live.  We need to be actively looking and seeking His Holy Spirit's guiding.  I, Wendy,  know I can become too busy at times to hear His calling.  I pray I can become more sensitive to His calling!

Now to summarize our past week...

Monday through Wednesday morning my sister, Susan, ran a volleyball camp for 6th graders and up.  I was able to help her in the coaching and our daughter, Avery, was able to participate.  This was an enjoyable experience!  I LOVE volleyball and I was able to learn a great amount from my sister.  Thankfully, volleyball is one of Nicaragua's favorite sports!!!  YAY!  If God opens that door in Nicaragua we hope to minister through the sport.  What a great way to reach the youth.  This could easily be a time of fellowship, shining for Him, and even opening God's Word through a short devotion at water breaks.

Monday through Friday nights from 6:30 -8:30 our church had Vacation Bible School.  I honestly look forward to this week every year!  I have fond memories of my VBS days as a child.  I want other children to feel the same way.  I was given the privilege to teach a couple of the nights and I, of course, love that also!  This year was a little different for me.    The outreach focus this year for our VBS was bringing in canned food to help restock the Cabarrus County Food Pantry.  Our children's Pastor, Brett, created a "friendly" competition for our children.  If the girls brought in more canned food than the boys then Pastor Brett got a pie in the face.  If the boys brought in more canned food guess who got a pie in the face??...Me!  Then he added a twist.  Each child who brought in 20 cans was able to throw a pie at either one of us.  Well, the boys won, but both of us got many pies in the face!  I'm still trying to get the cool whip smell out of my clothes!!  It was a messy night but well worth it since the children brought in a total of 595 cans!  Praise God!

Avery is the third from the left.  She did a wonderful job helping the children worship.
We were proud of her because this was not in her "comfort zone".

             As the kids say, "Mom, getting into her teaching."  I can't help but talk with my hands.  :)

Friday morning the kids and I were able to help with an outreach that my friend, Carolyn, heads up.  I call it the Harvest ministry.  While her Pastor's wife teaches English to a group of Hispanic ladies we are allowed the honor of teaching their children.  I wish you all could see their beautiful smiling faces!  There were 14 children there ready to learn God's Word and participate in some fun.  Carolyn had some creative craft projects and snack.  I was able to teach God's Word about the creation of Adam and Eve.  Greyson, Avery, Addyson, and Bryson were wonderful helpers, along with Carolyn's children.  I'm always proud of them.  They jump right in and do whatever we ask.  Greyson and Avery are great helpers with crafts, etc.  Addyson & Bryson are great at playing along with the kids.  :)  We look forward to being involved in this outreach the remaining of the summer.  I hope to have a picture of the group next time we meet.

On Sunday, we were able to visit two churches and share our Nicaragua Full Time Mission plans.  Each one of us spoke, since this is a family affair!  We were all very nervous, but God took over.  We are especially proud of Jeremy.  As he will state many times over, he is not called to be a preacher.  He feels his spiritual gift is service.  So stepping out of his comfort zone to speak to two congregations really "stretched" him.  He did a fabulous job and we know God was in it all!  The churches were very friendly.  They will always hold a special place in our hearts for being the first churches that welcomed us so warmly.

To end this update we would like to post some prayer requests:

*Harvest ministry - On the 12th I will be teaching the children about the "the Fall".  Please pray that the children's eyes will be open to seeing their sin and need of Jesus, our Savior.

*For more churches to allow us to present our Nicaragua plans and financially support us.  :)

*Upcoming Youth Camps.  In a couple of weeks Greyson, Avery, and I will be going
to an AWANA camp in the area of Polkville, NC.  Greyson and Avery have gone to the camp for many years, but this will be the first time for me.  I have the privilege to be a camp counselor.
Also, the following week our church will have a camp for our teens called "I Love Cabarrus".  Again, Greyson and Avery have been involved with this camp in the past years.  This year I hope to help with some of their outreaches.  More experiences and training ahead!!

*Jeremy, my hard working husband and terrific father, as he leads his crazy wife and energetic kids!  As most of you know, he works two jobs.  He has done this our entire married life - without complaint.  Please pray for him as he strives to be a Godly example in his work place and as he tries to juggle the
new responsibilities pertaining to our full time mission goals.

*For God to help us learn the Spanish language.

Thank you in advance for you prayers!!!

Today we were all involved in the AWANA Sparks Camp-A-Rama.  This camp is a special day for any second grader that has completed three books (usually 3 years of work).  Addyson and Bryson were able to attend.  This means they have learned over 150 Bible verses.  This accomplishment means a great deal to us.  We love our involvement in sports and musical activities, but growing in Christ trumps everything else.  To celebrate, the Sparks played games, went on a Nature Walk, played in bouncy houses, etc.  Jeremy was able to participate in the fun with Addyson and Bryson.  Greyson, Avery, and I were able to help in the Nature Walk.  It was a fun day for all!

The AWANA program has been a part of our lives since our oldest, Greyson, was in preschool.  We are thankful for the years that they have been involved.  The club consists of memorizing God's Word, listening to a Bible lesson, and playing games each week.  AWANA means Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed based on 2 Timothy 2:15.  We want our children to be grounded in God's Word and not ashamed to be called His child.

Since the Club means so much to us we thought it would be beneficial in Nicaragua.  One of our hopes when we move to Nicaragua is to help churches start OANSA (AWANA in Spanish) clubs.  The capital city, Managua, currently has some clubs but they would like to expand.  We pray that God will allow us to help in this goal.  Please join us in prayer over this matter.

"Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."  John 20:21

I love this verse for many reasons.  Jesus is sending us all out to share the Gospel.  No matter where He sends - as our Pastor says, "across the street or across the world" - we need to be ready to share the salvation message.  Since this is our very first post we want to share this most important message!  

God's perfect son, Jesus, came to earth and endured a horrific death.  The pain He suffered through the beating, whipping, and crucifixion is unimaginable, but no one can truly understand the torture He endured when EVERY sin from EVERY human was placed on Him at the cross.  Jesus took our place...our punishment...our torture...because He was the perfect sacrifice.  Thankfully, three days later Jesus arose again (like He said He would)!  Without Jesus' death and resurrection we had no way to God.  Jesus - because of His love for us - completed the work.  The "way" was then open to all that humble themselves.  The humbling comes when a person admits he/she is a sinner and is in need of the Perfect Savior, Jesus Christ.  The next step is so much easier.  Romans 10:9 states, "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."  Confess and believe!  Yes, it is that easy.  We pray that everyone reading this post will receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  True peace will only come through Him.  

Now back to John 20:21.  There are many mission verses, but this one is special.  On the last day of our family mission trip in Nicaragua we went to see and play in a beautiful waterfall.  It was Sunday and the twins' 8th birthday.  We had a mini church service with the Harbinsons in a cave beside the gorgeous waterfall.  Eric Harbinson was sharing God's Word with us about full time missions.  During the devotion, Addyson stood up and recited John 20:21, "Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."  She felt compelled to share this verse and I'm so thankful she did.  I'll never forget her little face as she was speaking God's Word.  Oh, the faith of a child is so sweet.  She did not fully understand at the time nor does she now know the full extent of becoming a missionary, BUT she has the faith to follow God.  

Jesus is sending us...ALL...be ready to share His love!