A Love Story: How God Pursued Me and Found Me (An Impossibly True Story). 

From the author, “My book is filled with the powerful promises of God. The Bible holds 31,000 promises. When in a trial find your promises and believe, even when the circumstances tell you otherwise. My website has 461,000 hits as of 9/21, http://www.SamanthaRyanChandler.com. Almost weekly I hear from a reader and they tell me how my book touched their heart. I feel blessed by God to be tested and I know that this testing has taken me to another level of trust, belief, and surrender.

1 Peter 4:10 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

We are all gifted in different ways, so we shouldn’t all try to do the same things. We need to search ourselves and our surroundings to find where we fit. I have spent years trying to find what my niche is. You may wonder why a pastor was having trouble trying to figure out where to serve. Well, sure I am paid as an employee of a church and I speak and teach on a regular basis. That is one way that I serve the Kingdom. But, if all I did was work in my church I wouldn’t have opportunities to witness to the lost or serve the poor and downtrodden very often. Most of the people I run into here at Grace are great Christian people. There just aren’t a lot of lost people in churches. That isn’t just a Grace problem that is a Church universal problem.

When I was serving in my last church I knew that if I didn’t get outside the church doors and start to serve I would be missing out on a huge opportunity and our church would begin to be irrelevant in the community that it was trying to serve. So, I joined the fire department and I began to substitute teach at the school. I almost instantly began to meet new people and form new bonds for myself personally, but also for the little church that I served. God took my gifts and used them for the Kingdom.

Now that I live here in Asheville I want to serve the community and God in some of the same ways. I almost immediately found a need in the Asheville Fire Department. They didn’t have chaplains. I knew that just wouldn’t do. So, several other ministers and a handful of firefighters  got together and started a chaplain program. We now have four chaplains serving the Asheville Fire Department with more to come.

I have also recently started to read with two kids over at Hall Fletcher Elementary School twice a week. I look forward to sharing with these two young men my love for reading and I hope that some day they will use the skills I am teaching them to examine the Word of God.

I don’t tell you this to toot my own horn. I am not changing the world, at least not singlehandedly. But, I know that if I do my little bit and you use your gifts and do your little bit we can change the world together. So, I encourage you to step outside of what you are comfortable with and find your niche out there in the world. And when you do, this world will be a little better and you might find that you are too.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

by Bob Kinser

For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain,’Move from here to there,’ and it will move; Matthew 21:21

Thirty years ago a young girl form Pretoria, South Africa came to Asheville to spend a year in America as an exchange student. That journey was the beginning of this story about a mustard seed.. During her year with us she learned a lot about out culture and we learned much about hers. Lizanne (Zanie) had just matriculated (graduated) from high school it South Africa and enrolled to repeat her senior year at Enka High School.

Some of the differences  between the actuality of our American every day life and her view prior to coming  were surprising and others not so much. This was the time of apartheid in South Africa and we tended to view South Africa as an armed camp with guns everywhere and anger and bitterness between black and white constantly breaking into battle. Several members of  Zanie’s family advised her not to come because they told her that the teachers and students in America were at war. Here teachers had to teach their class from a bullet proof cubical to protect them from the students.

Naturally there were lots of questions on both sides. Students asked Zanie, “ I thought Africans were black. Why aren’t you black?” Zanie’s straight-faced reply was, “I was. It took me a long time to bleach it out.” Another asked, “Do you live in a grass hut?” Her reply, “No, I live in a tree house and ride an elephant to school every day.”

Other questions had a harsh cutting edge as though she was personally responsible for all the problems  of her country. “Why do you treat the blacks in you country so cruelly? Are they no better than slaves to you?”

Zanie put this question to me on one of our afternoon walks down our road. This was a time for father and daughter to ask and ask questions, no holds barred. “What must I say to them, Dad?” she asked. My advice was to say, “I’m only 18 years old and still have a few years of school ahead. I haven’t been able to run the country yet but when I do I plan to correct all those problems.”

We later took her to Cherokee to see the play, “Unto These Hills.” As we left the theater Zanie turned to me and said, “How can you possible criticize us?”

Her year with us passed all to swiftly and the time came for her to go back to South Africa.          When she left we all wept because she had become family.

As thirty yeas have passed we have stayed family with visits back and forth and lots of e-mails. Zanie and I have kept our father-daughter relationship over time and from time to time questions and advice have crossed the thousands of miles between us.

Zanie prospered in her home country and in a few years became the de facto advertising manager for Truworths, one of the largest department stores in Southern Africa. When she was passed over for the official position she asked me about starting her own company in the advertising field. E-mails flew back and forth for some time with questions and advice.

Zanie stepped out on faith and started  her own company called Mustard Seed Relationship Marketing. (www.mseed.co.za)

It took much courage and hard work. There were many difficult times and we talked about them from time to time.

Even with the struggles of a start up company Zanie’s thoughts were not just for herself and her business problems. She had a heart for the masses of poverty stricken people in shanty towns just outside all of South Africa’s bigger cities. She say the children growing up it this environment and waned to find a way to help.

A few years ago she sent me an e-mail saying that she and Rudi (her husband) were thinking about giving up their jobs and going full time into trying to help the schools where so many of these children were attending. Schools without the very basics like paper and pencils, crayons, books and  other everyday necessities. She asked what I thought. My advice to her was, “Zanie, you are very good at what you do. I think you might want to consider as your contact people every day in your business telling them about some of your concerns and ask it they would consider helping in making the lives of these children better.” Zanie took this approach and I heard nothing more for a number of years until Zanie and Rudi and Roelf, their son, visited us on Easter a year ago.

While they were here she told me this story:

She pondered ways to carry out her plan to help the school children in the poverty stricken shanty towns and in her pondering she remembered something from her time in America. She remembered Spelling Bees. This was a tiny germ of an idea. Just the beginning of a possibility. Zanie’s company’s specialty is planning marketing campaign’s for shopping centers so she set some of her staff to the task of planning a marketing campaign to interest ten to twelve year old children in participating in a spelling bee. Spelling bees were basically unknown in South Africa.

Her staff put together a program to sell to school officials, teachers and students the idea of a spelling bee. There were to be prizes of course but more than that they had to actually sell the idea to overworked teachers, uninterested students, and others who just didn’t care.

The program they worked out had flashy, eye catching advertising to catch the children’s attention. There was a story book that the children had to read that contained all the words that the participants would be asked to spell but the children not only had to read the story, they had to look up the words in a dictionary and understand the meaning well enough to use the word in a sentence.

How to get ten to twelve year olds to do all of the work needed to participate.

There were gifts for every child who participated and bigger prizes for winners. When the program was ready Zanie presented the plan to one of the poorest schools on the Western Cape of South Africa. After some persuading the school agreed to participate.

One of the gifts given each child was a parti-colored clown’s wig. When some of the children started wearing their wigs others wanted one of their own.

One thing led to another. In just a few year that small seed in one school had grown to include most of the Southern part of South Africa. When Zanie visited us a year ago there were 120 schools participating. In this year the number has grown to 180 schools.

Zanie’s company has developed the program, enlisted the schools and made it happen without any government help or assistance. To see more about these spelling bees go to the following sites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F2QDVifCfE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lggqivvfn_M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AcL4c5yguo

None of these film clips mention Mustard Seed Relationship Marketing. When I asked Zanie about this she sent me the following reply:

“You are so right about Mustard Seed not getting the coverage – we are now going on our own drive to get coverage….interesting how the Client takes all the credit….everything from the concept to the execution were our brain child …and sweat!! We have now 180 schools on board – amazing project! Will send you some press releases – you can also look at the website  www.growsmart.org.za  – there is a nice dvd as well  (that we produced) that tells the story as well. “

Personally I think that this program will have an impact on the future of South Africa. Some of these children will see possibilities for themselves and their lives that they never dreamed possible. They will become teachers, merchants and possibly politicians who will guide their country into the future.

Shopping centers over most of the world have a program where they give an annual award for the best community service idea from companies who serve shopping centers. About a month ago Zanie sent me an e-mail saying they had submitted their idea to the award committee and they had received the award for the best community service of the year for South Africa. A little later they submitted their program for the European award that covers Europe, Africa and Asia. They won that award also. They then submitted to program for a global award and won the award for the best community service idea for the entire world.

Oh, by the way, while Zanie was in America as an exchange student she attended Grace Baptist Church.  Yes, she is one of ours.

1. What are some church traditions that you don’t understand?
2. What are some commands in the Bible that you think people wish weren’t there?
3. Why are those commands in the Bible?

What Defiles a Person

1. Jesus says that what goes into a person does not defile him. Does that mean that a person can watch porn, drink, and do drugs all day long and not be defiled?
2. What is Jesus really saying here?
3. Go over the list of things that come out of a person and defile them.

The Syrophoenician Women’s Faith

1. Why did Jesus call this woman a dog?
2. Why did Jesus heal this woman’s daughter after he had already said no?

Jesus Heals a Deaf Man

1. Why did Jesus stick His fingers in the man’s ears and put spit on His tongue?
2. Why did the people not heed Jesus’ warning to keep the miracle quiet?
3. The people said that Jesus did all things well. What does that kind of life look like?

1)      What was it about Jesus that drew large crowds?

2)      Why did Jesus teach in parables and not a lecture style or a three point sermon?

3)      There are usually several layers of meaning to a parable. What truths do you glean from these parables?

4)      Why did Jesus talk about organic things so often when He taught?

5)      Are you helping to spread seed?

6)      How can we help reap the harvest?

7)      It was one thing to see a guy teach and do a few healings. Seeing Jesus calm the winds and the waves was a miracle on a whole different level. It left the disciples afraid, but I think it can leave us comforted. What is comforting about Jesus controlling even the wind and the waves?

1. What are some things that Christians do that keep people from Jesus?

2. How can we help people get to Jesus?

3. The man didn’t ask Jesus to forgive his sins, so why did Jesus do it?

4. What does it take to forgive someone?

5. How can we live lives of forgiveness like Jesus?

6. Why did Jesus eat with sinners and tax collectors?

7. What kind of person were you when Jesus called you? How have you changed?

8. Do you fast? What is the point of fasting?

Mark 3 –

1. Why did Mark include these stories in his Gospel?
2. Why were the Pharisees looking for something to accuse Jesus of?
3. What was the crowd doing in these stories? Why?
4. Why did Jesus call out the 12?
5. Why did Jesus call out Judas if He knew that Judas would betray Him?
6. Why did Jesus’ family think that He was out of His mind?
7. Why did Jesus respond to His accusers in parables?
8. What does verse 29 mean?
9. What does it take to be a part of the family of God according to Jesus?
10. What are some of the perks of being part of the family of God?

What does Mark want us to know about Jesus according to chapter 1? Why those specific things?

Why does Mark not include any of the stories about Jesus as a baby or kid?

Why were people drawn to John the Baptizer?

If John was proclaiming a Baptism of repentance, why did Jesus get baptized?

Why is it important that Jesus was tempted?

How does Satan tempt us?

Mark 1:14-15 says, “Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’” What does that mean?

What is the good news?

Jesus told the disciples to follow Him and they did. What are the characteristics of a person whom you would drop everything for and follow?

What does teaching with authority mean?

Why did Jesus tell the evil spirit to be quiet?

Why did Jesus get up early in the morning? Is this something that we should do?

Do you think that it is important that Jesus touched the man with leprosy?

When you hear about something miraculous happening do you believe or are you skeptical? Why?

The moms needed no further encouragement:

“Moody!”

“Needy.”

“Self-absorbed.”

The critical adjectives just kept coming. After awhile, I raised my hand and said, “Well, I think they are fun.” The moms, once they recovered from their shock, assured me that when I had my own teenagers, I would feel differently.

And they were right.

Now that I have my own three teenagers and spend much of my life with them and other teens, I do feel differently. Teens are not just fun.  They are serious and playful; passionate and confused; hope-filled and desperate. Some are transparent, some are more complex than anyone realizes, some are angry, and some are hopelessly optimistic. They are scholars, athletes, musicians, politicians, and more.  Really, teens are just like people of all ages. Only teenagers are lots more fun!

I love getting to know students and journeying with them into deeper faith and more intentional ministry. So I’m just thrilled to be here at Grace. And I’m looking forward to growing right along with you.

Peace, Grace.

Aileen

PS Everyone asks, so here you go: short “a,” long “leen.” Like Allen, only with “leen” instead of “len.”

Our daughter Parker was up 6 or 7 times a night for the first 18 months of her life. It was, to say the least, exhausting. Deacon, our 7 month old, played with our emotions and slept through the night up until about two months ago. He has now learned that if I cry Mommy or Daddy will come and spend time with me no matter the hour. So, he is now up at least three times a night. Tiffany hasn’t had a full nights sleep in almost 3 years. I help when I can, but I have to get up at 6 am, so I really can’t be up all night.

On Sunday night I took the monitors and headed to the couch. About 11:30 pm Deacon started to cry. I went to his room, put his passy back in, and hoped that that would be that. 3 hours later, I had tried everything I could think of and he was still crying. At 2:30 am I cracked. I was tired and at my wits end. I just could not comfort my son, so I went and got Mommy. Ten minutes later she had him down. Obviously, she has the touch and I am sorely lacking.

When we are upset in life I find that many of us waste hours, months, even years trying to comfort ourselves with thing that just won’t cut it. Honestly, how silly is it that we think that a new pair of shoes or a raise at work will make up for that lack of peace we have. Some people even think that if they run away from it all somehow magically things will get better. It never works and in the process of finding that out we often hurt ourselves and others.

The Lord wants to comfort us. He wants to help us find peace, but we have to call on Him. He won’t force Himself on us. Deacon was trying and trying to get the attention of his comforter, but it wasn’t getting through. Luckily for us, God hears our cries no matter what.

Psalm 139:8-12 - If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Here are some verses to meditate on when you need The Great Comforter to bring you peace and rest:

Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 9:9-10 - The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 18:1-2 - I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 31:23-24 - Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

It’s also in the Bible in case you were wondering: 2 Peter 3:18 – Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus talked a lot about growing. He was a part of a culture that had deep ties to the land. In one of those parables he talked about soil and seeds. Read it with me:

Matthew 13:3-8 - “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

We are going to work hard here at Grace to scatter lots of seeds and to prepare and fertilize the soil. It’s up to God to make it grow, but we are going to be faithful to do our part. If you are not sure how to do either of those thing then come and talk to me. I would love to help you find your place in this family.

We have also adopted the image of a tree with deep roots.

There is a lot of biblical symbolism in the image of a tree. One of God’s first acts was to plant a garden with trees for shade and trees with every kind of fruit for our enjoyment. In Revelation the city of God will have the Tree of Life at its center bearing fruit and bringing healing.

I love the imagery of Jeremiah 17:8 - They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

I hope that you will make deep roots here at Grace Baptist Church. It is my prayer that we all can grow deep in the Lord together and when the heat of life gets turned up on us we can find that The Spring we have tapped into never runs dry.