GPS 3rd Quarter 2015

July.August.September 2015 Edition

We Represent LOVE 4 From the Rubble of Nepal 22 Heart Reboot 10

IPHC Women’s Publication

2015

contents July.August.September

22

DESTRUCTION IN NEPAL

4

REST

18

6 THE LOVE CHALLENGE One Day. All About Love

14

20

A PLACE OF HOPE Be the Light

INSPIRATION Quote Boards

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18

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OIL IN THE DROUGHT Relief in the Oil

A PLACE OF PRAYER Rest

FRESH FRUIT The Pruning Process

Designer Editor: Lindsey Snider Photo Credits: Fotolia, Steffan Light, Cole Snipes, Lindsey Snider

IPHC WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT EMAIL: women@iphc.org PHONE: 405-792-7132 www.facebook.com/iphcwomen ADDRESS: P.O. Box 12609 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.twitter.com/iphcwm www.pinterest.com/iphcwm

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A Place of Vision

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L

ove - the most powerful word on earth. In it people rise and fall. They are filled with it or they are depleted of any trace that it was ever there. What causes us to walk out our lives in it or absent of it? The choices we make, the circumstances we face and the perfect conglomeration of all things that make up our lives cause it. The choices we make involve choosing God, to be fully and completely filled to capacity and overflowing with Him. We then become His image of Love. What a powerful and wonderful thing! God is Love (1 John 4:8). And when we love, we reflect Him to the world.

We REPRESENT Him. We are His ambassadors. We REPRESENT Love.

How do we do this? How do we represent Him…Love?

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Let’s look at this one more time. We are rooted and established in love, grasping His infinite love for us. It traverses far beyond our intellectual knowledge. And in doing this, in realizing how loved we are by Him, we as the Amplified version says it “become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself.”

Wait, what?! Filled with God. What does that

mean? He tells us what it means from Genesis to Revelation. He tells us who He is. Who is inside us is revealed in the pages of His love letter to us. We not only absorb who He is through the pages, but by His Spirit we get revelation of Him that we live out in our lives. Each day we are experiencing Him more. Each day we are becoming more like Him. Taking after the One we love.

And we realize we are filling up with Love - with God Himself. This is a powerful thought that can change our world and it can change the world we live in.

We are His ambassadors and to be an ambassador of someone, we represent who they are.

God is Love. Let’s Represent!

“Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus” (1 John 4:7-19).

A Note From Sam

We bear the name Christian. This name describes what we believe. We want our lives to be a reflection of Christ. He who first loved us is Love. The world can see Him more clearly when we represent Him as He is. So when someone thinks of Christian, let the first thought be “one who loves.” How can we represent Him? How can we be the representation of His love to the world? Let’s be the Ones Who Love! Take the Love Challenge! Find out more on the Love Challenge in the following pages. It may just change our lives!

Samantha Snipes

Let’s do this together!

Director IPHC Women’s Ministries Ssnipes@iphc.org

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It is in the drought that oil is stored and produced, and the longer the drought the more oil that is made available. He is there anointing us with oil.

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ave you ever looked outside just after a summer storm? The flowers have new life, the grass is greener, and often there is a fresh aroma in the air. Years ago, a study found the cause of the aroma. Scientist found that is was mainly from a blend of oils stored and released by certain plants in periods of drought. Once it rains the oils that have accumulated in the soil and rocks around the plant are released. This produces the aroma and also promotes growth. God’s creation has such an intricate design.

We often face droughts and storms in life.

In the middle of each season it may be difficult to understand or see the grand design. In the drought we thirst for relief. That relief can only be found in the living water and we must patiently wait. It is in the drought that oil is stored and produced, and the longer the drought the more oil that is made available. He is there anointing us with oil. God has a plan and a purpose, and He will bring us through.

In time the rain arrives. It may come as a short shower or in the form of a storm. Again, our faith is tested and we must faithfully trust.

As we face the storms of life we must remember that they bring release and growth. Our greatest difficulties prepare the way for our greatest victories. The anointing oil that has been stored and produced during the drought is now released by the rainstorm.

As the sweet fragrance of victory fills the air we begin to notice growth. The growth opens the door to be a blessing to others. Remember the grand design I mentioned earlier? His love

is so great that His purposes not only bring us victories, but allow us to encourage others toward victory. Just like the plants’ oil affects the rocks and soil around it, we affect the individuals around us. We can encourage them through prayer, understanding, and our testimony.

Whether you are in a season of drought, storms, or victory, know there is a purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version) SOURCES Bible- New International Version (Jeremiah 29:11) Smithsonian, http://www.smithsonianmag.com/sciencenature/what-makes-rain-smell-sogood13806085/?no-ist

Leslie Tignor is an IPHC Missionary serving in Kigali, Rwanda. She works to encourage churches in East Africa to make a place for Children’s Ministry and trains them how to use their current resources to get started. Leslie and her husband Michael Tignor share the Gospel through preaching, discipleship, and humanitarian ministry. They also serve as the Coordinators of People to People for the Great Lakes Region of Africa.

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What’s the quirkiest thing about you?

I love sports but I am terrible at sports. I was always the kid that everyone clapped in as I finished the race way behind everyone else.

Once I was in a swimming gala and was sailing through the water, sure that I was winning. As I reached the first lap, someone tapped me on the head. I looked up and it was a teacher telling me the race was over. Everyone else had finished their second lap and was out of the pool.

- Sharon Wooten Africa WM Director

I am a genea-holic. I started “climbing our family tree” over 30 years ago and quickly became addicted. I now do research for clients at our local H & G association, with special emphasis in Cherokee research. I have been known to go without food or sleep when on a hunt!!

- Wanda Elliot WM Director, New Horizons

I’m really a “laugh-a-holic”! It doesn’t matter where I am or what’s going on, once I get tickled, it’s all over. I remember one time in church we had a guest speaker & as he went to say something, his false teeth came out of his mouth & he tried to grab them.

I was sitting on the front & I liked to have died laughing. That’s one time I really wanted the floor to open & me fall through.

- Patsy Deese WM National Board Member

I am a twin and have had several twin phenomenons in my life. On one occasion, when we were in kindergarten, I crashed my big wheel jumping bricks with our cousins. After complaining all night, my mom took me to urgent care & discovered I had a broken collar bone. While we were there my aunt came walking in with my twin sister saying the school called her because Nanette fell off the monkey bars during morning recess and had broken her arm. The hospital staff was so amazed that we both wound up in the ER the same day in 2 separate accidents, that they called the news. We were featured on the front page of the Modesto Bee newspaper and the headline read “Double Trouble”. For a few weeks we were “famous”, being recognized everywhere we went. - Nicole Hammond, Pac West WM Director

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A Place of Healing

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abakkuk 3:19 says, “Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh my feet like hinds feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places.” ASV As many of you know, I love high heels! In fact, while in Hong Kong for the IPHC Global Assembly, on the first day of our tour in China, a young lady came up to me and said, “Brenda, I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you not wearing high heels!” Well, probably so, because I have worn them practically every day of my life since I was a pre-teen.

However, when we talk about good health we hear a lot about teetering sexily atop too high a heel and the effects of doing so at perhaps a greater cost than the shoe itself. I’ll be honest, I don’t like to hear that because I love fashion and I love high heeled shoes, but for the spine’s sake, we are advised to wear them sparingly. It seems the shock waves sent up our legs to the pelvis and lower back when high heels strike hard surfaces can damage vertebra as well as strain lower back muscles. The trouble begins at the ankle and when you’re on a sloped foundation, that’s going to throw your ankle joints off which will then transfer pressure to the knees,

then up to the hips, through the lower back and mid-back, all the way to the neck. Oh no, say it’s not so!

That’s why I was elated when fashion designers conquered this problem and began making high heels with the entire platform of the shoe raised. With this design, there is less pressure on the ankle since the full bottom of the foot is elevated rather than just the heel. Now, that’s what I’m talking about, fashionable high heels that will not cause back problems over time, and that do not leave us teetering in the air on our tip toes! I find that walking in the “platform heels” is much easier, and although high heels have never been a problem for me, others have told stories of being shaken from time to time while trying to walk in many of the designs.

What about our spiritual walk? We live in a society that is increasingly difficult, uncertain, confusing and full of deception, and it seems at times we are teetering on the brink of disaster.

Do we find ourselves shaken by society and floundering as if in quick sand, barely able to stand against the changing times? Ephesians 6:10 tells us that we need always to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” if we are to stand and persevere. Indeed, to be conquerors

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in this life, we need something greater than ourselves to hold on to. That something is Almighty God. David, who bore a heavy load of difficulties, dangers and discouragement before he became king wrote, “My soul finds rest in God alone.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress. I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2).

This needs to increasingly be our position as times grow more difficult. I believe that our faith is increasingly being tested and if we are to meet the tests, we need to establish a firm faith that is true, unshakeable, and cannot be moved.

God is the Master Designer and has given us everything we need for this kind of faith. 2 Peter 1:3 says that He “has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowl-

edge of Him.” If we live within His design we’ll have a faith that cannot be shaken so that, no matter what happens, we are able to stand firm!

Take a minute to listen to “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429.

Dr. Brenda Grasty

Assistant Director IPHC Women’s Ministries

Wedge Shoe Salvatore Ferragamo invented the wedge shoe when Italy was suffering from closed trade with other countries.

Men’s High Heels Men were the first people to wear high heels. Men who rode horses needed their boots to have heels in order to stay in their stirrups.

Platform Performance Platform shoes used to be worn by Greek actors to signify status.

Sneaker Silence Sneakers got their name because their rubber soles do not make noise.

Source: 2015 Huffingtonpost

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A Place of Hope

“Lord, what do

you want me to do?”

(Acts 9:6)

Patsy Deese

Secretary IPHC Women’s Ministries

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People who help others sometimes forget to ask for help themselves.

Here’s what you can do to reach out to caregivers:

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aregivers are selfless people who invest their time, love, and money into caring for others. Sadly, it can be easy to overlook caregivers. You may have encountered a caregiver before and remarked on how admirable they are, but what about taking action that goes further than a kind word? How can we help to make their days a little easier?

“Lord, what do you want me to do?”

(Acts 9:6) Those of you from the “old school” will remember the words to one of my favorite hymns: “Let me not grow weary in the work of love, Send the Light! Send the Light! And a Christlike spirit ev’ry-where be found, Send the light! Send the light!”

We can continue to “Send the Light” through our Forever Loved Ministry.

North Carolina WM Director, Mrs. Janice Marshburn held a WM meeting in her local church called, “Out of the Walls- ttHouse Calls!” The ladies met at the church, divided into teams and went to visit widows and shut-ins that were part of their church family. Then they went back to the church for light refreshments! What a great way to minister outside the walls of the church.

As we prepare to enjoy the hot, lazy days of summer, please prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you do to reach out and touch someone. Have you considered a tea party, a cookout with the girls, or an ice cream social?

Let’s not only “Send the Light” but “Be a Light” to those that need us. We all need to be loved and appreciated.

• Keep up the conversation – If you know a caregiver, give her a call. Let her share what’s on her heart; be a listening ear.

Research has found that caregivers have 23 percent higher levels of stress hormones than average.

Caregivers also are at higher risk of depression than non-caregivers, but they often keep emotions to themselves because they might be afraid to burden someone with their worries. Checking in regularly can help them release some pent-up feelings.

• Encourage healthy habits – Caregivers typically put the person they’re aiding first, at the expense of their own health. In fact, caregivers are at a greater risk of high blood pressure than the average person. So, make a “walking date” with the caregiver in your life. Or, if she is worried about leaving her loved one, offer to take over so she can hit the gym.

• Put your skills to use – Taking just one item off a caregiver’s to-do list, like making dinner or running an errand, gives her a moment to breathe.

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A Place of Love

“I

A s u o r e n e r r G E

t is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35), didn’t make a lick of sense to me until I got married and had children. Well, now that I’ve been inducted into the “grandmother’s club,” it takes on an added, new meaning! As children we eagerly anticipated the unexpected gifts and surprises that came with holidays and birthdays. Oh, how we squealed with glee when we received the awaited treasure. Wait, I still do that at times! But nothing compares to the look on a loved one’s face when they open up the perfect gift we so desperately sought out to give them. Something beautiful happens within us; our hearts grow larger. All of a sudden, a generous spirit has been ignited!

“We will err on the side of generous” has been our family motto for years! Generosity is a wonderful gift that can be given 24/7/365. No specific holiday is required.

Generosity and philanthropic acts are happening all around us. Recently, social media sites were bombarded with ice bucket challenges to raise money for ALS. Currently, people who are not associated with Christianity are hopping on board to raise money for cancer patients, heart research, children with leukemia, disaster victims, world hunger, homeless shelters, literacy programs, schools and ball teams.

“Giving leads to a more satisfactory life” state Post and Neimark in their book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People. These two explored the extraordinary power of giving with evidence of recent scientific research. Here are some quotes from the book:

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IPHC Presiding Bishop Dr. Doug Beacham, Jr. has urged us to focus on the dual themes of a “Place of Hope” and a “People of Promise.” One of the ways to realize this vision is to lead a life of radical generosity. How can we be radically generous?

1.Be Radically Generous to World Missions.

2.Be Radically Generous to

Every person is a person in need of something.

Maybe that something is a kind word, a smile to a passerby, a meal purchased, free babysitting, assisting with a project, a listening ear (no phones please), an anonymous contribution, a tender touch or a heartfelt “thank you.”

Let us admit it is always within our power to give. The IPHC prayerfully values radical generosity. We strongly believe that by putting giving into practice, “together we can make a world of difference.”

People in Need.

3.Be Radically Generous to our Neighbors.

Michelle Drake

Board Member IPHC Women’s Ministries

Down Time The Circle Maker Praying circles around your greatest dreams and your biggest fears

Don’t Be

Your phone is Boring making you boring. “Just having it in sight during conversation keeps you from connecting with the person right in front of you, new research says. “It may make us think of other friends instead,” explains lead study author Andrew Pryzbylski of the University of Oxford. But did they make a lunch date with you? No! So tuck your phone into your bag and focus.

Jesus Calling Enjoying peace and His presence

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A Place of Prayer

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EST AREA AHEAD!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30) It is hard to find any rest with so many trials, tribulations, conflicts, and burdens in our lives today. We are constantly on edge while trying to keep up with deadlines, appointments, natural disasters, family problems, church conflicts; even the clutter in our homes and offices has us in turmoil. Recently, during the night, I was startled by a noise in our bedroom and never found out what it was. I dozed off amusingly thinking to my-

self that maybe it was my guardian angel getting stuck with my boxes and stuff on the floor while trying to check on me that night. On top of all the unrest we go through, our minds are constantly being bombarded with guilt trips from Satan telling us that we’re not doing enough for God. But, when we follow Jesus along the highway of life, He will point to the road sign that says, “Rest Area Ahead!” He will provide us with rest and make our burdens lighter.

“The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14) The life lived by faith is a much lighter yoke, and a much easier burden to carry than the heavy and difficult burden of self-righteousness; of striving to make ourselves acceptable to God through works. We can rely on our Lord to uphold us when we fall and to sustain us when we get unstable. God, our Father, holds up those who have no power by themselves; who would sink under the burdens of life if they were not supported. God sustains all who confidently look to Him to uphold them. He lifts up all who are bowed down. He is a lifter-up to those who are bent and bowed under the duties, the cares, and the

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trials of life. God is able to strengthen them so that they can bear those burdens without being crushed under them.

So when you feel stressed; “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) The key is TRUSTING IN GOD, not yourself, to give you the strength and guidance you need to survive and move beyond stress or bad news.

If you can put Him in charge during the worst of times, you will have your reward in the better times ahead.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Amen.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 )

Prayer...

Only Christians win at life. That’s because none of us who is human has the power to hold back our greatest enemy, death. How awesome to know that when we have persevered, we are given the ultimate victory: LIFE that will not end because our lives are in the hands of the One who defeated death!

Thank you, Father, for giving us the assurance that when all is said and done, we will share in your Life and Victory forever. Help us this day to rest in You; to live stress-free, fearless, and confident, knowing that we have You to UPHOLD us; to SUSTAIN, STRENGTHEN, and UPLIFT us when we are under trial and turmoil. In the name of Jesus, who brings us peace and contentment, we pray. Amen.

Lydia Treviño

Board Member IPHC Women’s Ministries

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Want to share some

INSPIRATION? Download these

QUOTES

from the Women’s Resources webpage

iphc.org/women

A garden doesn’t happen instantaneously. It starts with one seed, then another, and then another. If you want to see spiritual growth happen, plant a seed every day; you’ll see your garden grow. - Lindsey Snider

@IPHCWM

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A Place of Relationship

Corner Carrier Janice Marshburn

Board Member IPHC Women’s Ministries

A

ccording to Luke 5, Jesus was in Capernaum teaching “and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” The venue was packed. Perhaps people were sitting in the windows,on each other’s lap, and crowded around the door listening from the outside.

Obliviously the word had gotten around town, and somewhere nearby lived a paralytic who was unable to come on his own. He was blessed with four buddies who, in a spirit of agreement, each picked up a corner of his mat and endeavored to get him to the feet of Jesus. As they traveled down the streets and around the corners, I can envision the sick man possibly lifting his head and saying in a weak voice, “please do not let go of your corner of my mat.”

When they arrived, getting through the crowd was an impossible task. Maybe the corner carriers began to cry, “for mercy’s sake, stand aside.”

Someone in the crowd maybe responded, “be quiet the Prophet is speaking and you are going to interrupt Him. Anyway, your friend looks too far gone to me.” The four corner carries could have said, “sorry friend, maybe next time,” but in

a spirit of determination they refused to be defeated. Searching for another way, they climbed the outside stairway to the roof, dug a hole in it, and let him down at the feet of Jesus. Jesus healed him both spiritually and physically and he went home rejoicing. I tend to believe he did a little dancing as he left, healed on the outside and the inside.

Our Vision Statement is, “There is a place for every woman in Women’s Ministries.” Many women feel inadequate and incapable; however, each one of us can make a difference in the life of someone. We might not be able to preach, teach, or bake an award winning pie, but we can hold a corner. Through an act of love we can all bear a soul on our heart and bring them to Jesus.

I challenge you to not give up on that one you have been interceding for, no matter how hopeless it might appear. In the eyes of our Savior they are not too far gone. Find three other corner carriers and ask each one to join you in a spirit of agreement in taking your need or your loved ones need to the feet of Jesus.

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M

y emotions were overwhelmed when I began to think- each pile of rubble had its own tragic story, its own death count, and its own sense of desperation.

At 11:56 am on a beautiful Sunday morning, horror struck as a 7.8-magnitude earthquake ripped through the mountainous nation of Nepal killing nearly 10,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and destitute. Tara and Ging Bhandari were at church that morning preparing to share the Word of God when the earth began to shake. While trying to calm church members and lead them to the safety, Tara began to declare, “This is an opportune time for the Church. We must go and help our neighbors.” As dust filled the sky from the collapsed buildings around them, church members hurried along the road pulling people from the rubble.

Since that day, Tara and Ging have continued

to inspire the Church to be “the Good News” to the nation of Nepal. Partnering with People to People Ministries, IPHC Nepal has distributed food packets, helped demolish collapsed buildings, and constructed temporary structures for those left homeless. Even though church members lost family in the deadly quake, they have been a constant source of encouragement to their community.

In June, I visited Tara and Ging in Kathmandu to assess the damage and to help develop a strategy for the relief effort. As I walked through the rubble of entire city blocks, drove through the decimated countryside, and climbed to crumbled mountaintop villages, I found a desperate people.

A people looking for answers. A people seeking hope and salvation. My heart was overwhelmed for the Nepalese people who have lost so much and who have such a long way to go before

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safety is reached.

In the midst of despair, my heart was encouraged because the Church has emerged from the rubble of the earthquake to become the light--Jesus is being preached, and the walls of religious hostility are coming down. A once reserved and almost silent church has become an instrument of service and of worship!

In order to help our Christian brothers and sisters in this unreached Hindu nation we must also respond with purposed determination and liberal generosity. Nineteen IPHC churches are in need of repair or must be rebuilt. In order to prevent another calamity, adequate shelters, warm clothing, and heavy blankets are needed in the rural mountain villages before the Himalayan winter approaches.

How will we respond? Will we help pull the Nepalese people from the rubble of desperation?

Tara’s words shortly after the earthquake resonate in my spirit, “This is an opportune time for the Church. We must go and help our neighbors.”

If you or your church would like to help with the disaster relief in Nepal, please visit www.PTPministries.com and make a much needed contribution to Disaster Relief today!

Matt Bennett currently serves as the Director of People to People Ministries and TEAMS Ministry with IPHC located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Matt’s vision to “Mobilize the Reached to Evangelize the Unreached” has been evident as he has been actively involved in personal evangelism, ministry within the 10/40 Window, training international leaders and social development. Matt and Janese travel internationally hosting prayer and intercession tours to Turkey, conducting iLead conferences focused on raising up the next generation of faith, as well as lecturing on Muslim evangelism and cross-cultural communication.

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A Place of Destiny

Fresh Fruit Irvina Parker

iparker@iphc.org Director IPHC Girls’ Ministries

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I

f you are a gardener (which I am NOT), you know the importance of pruning. The Bible refers to this process in John 15:2 when the writer says, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” The footnotes in Bible Gateway tell me that the Greek for he prunes also means he cleans.

My earthly father always had a garden which provided a lot of what we ate. The pruning and cleaning process was vitally important to producing enough food to eat during the produce bearing months and to can for the non-producing months. Weeds looked ugly in his garden, but they were also life-threatening to the produce.

Weeding is a necessary evil. (I call it evil, because it was a task I hated doing.) However, I learned some important lessons as we girls worked alongside our Dad in the garden.

Those same concepts of pruning and cleaning can apply to many areas of our lives. This seems to be the year of cleaning for me. It started after the passing of my mother as we four sisters began the daunting task of clearing 89 years of life’s accumulations. It is an ongoing task that has of necessity spilled over to my own house (a thousand miles away). In order to make way for new stuff (i.e. old stuff of sentimental value from my Mom’s house) we are having to get rid of less important things. You have to ask yourself a lot of questions about the importance of each item and consider its value– past and present.

Reassigning Value

In our last issue of the GPS, there was a page that highlighted quirks of some of us involved in WM or GM ministry. I was featured as having a map collection quirk. Everywhere I go, I collect maps and guides and brochures! I especially love maps! I love to research places and create adventures from those. There is a folder for almost every state in our four-drawer filing cabinet. But life changes. Technology changes.

With a google search and a few clicks, you can now access that same information instantly.

The value of the items in those drawers has changed. They served a great purpose at one

point, but now they were choking out valuable space for other more important things. Before I could move on, I had to determine each item’s value. Let’s just say since that last issue, things have changed. I filled up our recycle bin to overflowing. It was so heavy that it took me and my husband to carry it to the curb.

We must do the same in our ministries. Are the methods we are using obsolete with the new generation? How do we address those issues without compromising the message? Those are just a few of the questions we must ask ourselves as we submit even our ministries to a pruning process.

The photo of the grapevine in this article is a reminder of the fruit that is produced from years of proper pruning. The thicker branches on this particular grapevine appear old and twisted, yet look at the fruit they have produced. This reminds me of the task at hand for IPHC Girls’ Ministries. In the Great Commission, we are admonished to make disciples. Proverbs 22:6 gives us further instruction as parents and leaders. I like the way it reads in the King James version: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Training, just like pruning and cleaning, is an ongoing process with tremendous fruit-bearing potential. Thank you for doing your part to disciple the children and youth of the IPHC. The value of your task is priceless!

Power Chicks Is Almost Here!

As we spend these last few days in preparation for our third national girls event, my prayer for this event is that it will be a fruit bearing event. Girls’ Ministries exists to help local churches disciple the girls of all ages and preschool boys (through Mpact Kids Clubs). This event is both a celebration of what happens in local churches and a corporate time of growth for girls and leaders. I believe that the messages our speakers and breakout leaders are preparing will provide a time of pruning and reassigning values for girls and leaders alike. We invite you to join with us in prayer over the next few days as we pray over this event. A special prayer guide is available by clicking here.

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