2017 Revive Our Hearts Spring Newsletter

Spring 2017 Newsletter

S

piritual mothers, daughters, and sisters. We need these kinds

of women in our lives.

Women in each of these three categories have made a sweet

mark on my life over the years: •

older women who have modeled what it looks like to love and follow Jesus.

•

younger women who have allowed me to invest in their lives.

•

spiritual sisters who are fellow pilgrims on this journey.

These women have encouraged me, challenged me, prayed with and for me, and played a vital role in my walk with Christ.

The apostle Paul highlights the importance of this lifestyle in Titus 2—women linking hearts and hands to adorn the doctrine of Christ. This is how we thrive. And this is how we make His truth believable to our world.

Day after day, Revive Our Hearts is helping women cultivate these kinds of intentional, life-giving friendships through our conferences, radio programs, blog posts, and other resources.

That’s why we’re hosting Revive ’17—Adorned: Women Mentoring Women the Titus 2 Way. Scheduled for September 29–30 in Indianapolis, this event will encourage women to live out the beauty of the gospel together, through life-on-life relationships within the Body of Christ.

As we close our fiscal year the end of this month, we are facing a serious financial shortfall. It would mean so much if you would send a generous gift to help meet this current need.

I am so grateful for how God is using Revive Our Hearts to help women around the world find help and hope through Christ.

Thank you for your part in making that possible!

WHEN MENTORS BECOME LIFELINES

by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

T

hankfully , she made one more phone call .

The first had been to a cruise ship captain she met while

a remote location “just to talk.” She had been off the boat for several days and found herself thinking of him during a stretch of unoccupied hours.

working on a special ministry assignment, coordinating an evangelistic campaign in various port cities in the Caribbean.

Somewhere in the course of that two-hour conversation,

Though her husband of five years was also onboard, most of

those seed thoughts took root and began budding into potential

his time was tied up with the project. In the course of her own

plans to leave behind her married life and set permanent sail on

work, “Kaylee” had often found herself in close proximity to the

the Caribbean with this seafaring man.

captain. And increasingly—despite the red lights and warning signs flashing in her mind—she found herself looking for ways to

Talk about your exotic romance.

“accidentally” be alone with him.

But as soon as Kaylee ended the call, the dizzying emotions The captain respected Kaylee’s husband and knew he

she had been fueling were suddenly invaded by the conviction

needed to tread carefully. But he also enjoyed Kaylee’s company.

of the Holy Spirit piercing her conscience, reminding her of her

So when she just “dropped by” to talk or eagerly accepted his

commitment to Christ and to her husband. When she got back to

invitation to go scuba diving or pointed out how many interests

her room that night, she placed another call, this one to a long-

they shared in common, he was more than willing to go along.

time friend and mentor back in the States.

Nothing physical had happened between them. Not yet.

But their discussions had grown more and more personal, less and less reserved. When Kaylee dared to hint at how she felt about him, his warm response sparked a tingle that enlivened her waking hours with romantic daydreams of the dashing sea captain, his adventurous lifestyle, and thrilling possibilities.

U N A F R A I D TO R O C K T H E B OAT This older woman had always been a voice of reason and wisdom for Kaylee. At this critical juncture, when Kaylee’s once strong convictions had been eroded by deception and confusion, she felt herself being drawn toward a woman who was sure to tell her what she needed to hear, even if she wasn’t so sure she

THE NEAR SHIPWRECK About two months into this multi-stop journey, with the ministry project about to end, Kaylee phoned the captain from 2 ReviveOurHearts.com

wanted to hear it.

That is why these cords of connection between us women are so important. As these relational ties are strengthened by

time and life experiences, they provide spiritual protection and reinforcement. They become the personal touch that brings truth back into focus when it’s been blurred into so many shades of gray.

And sometimes a relationship like this may be the last available lifeline that pulls a disoriented swimmer back to shore, tugged to safety from the powerful undertow.

We all need people in our lives who love us enough to probe our hearts and hold us accountable. And we need to be willing to be that kind of friend to others. There is a time when it’s necessary to lean in, to say the hard things, to not be silent when one of our sisters is teetering toward compromise. This is how we “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). This is how we live out the beauty of the gospel—together.

What does it mean to be adorned? How do friendships play a role in nurturing growth in Christ? Can one woman’s

THE FRUIT OF INTENTIONAL FRIENDSHIP

example of living out the beauty of the gospel really make a difference in her community . . . and in the world?

At Revive ’17, speakers Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Mary

When Kaylee hung up from the second phone call with “Rebecca,” she knew what needed to happen next.

Kassian, Dannah Gresh, and others will talk about the beauty and influence of a transformed life in Christ by unpacking the biblical model for women found in Titus 2. These short

When she was in danger of making the biggest mistake

messages, coupled with dramatic vignettes by Acts of

of her life, to dishonor the Lord and perhaps throw away her

Renewal, will cover each of the fourteen chapters in Adorned:

marriage, there was an older woman in Kaylee’s life—a woman

Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together and encourage

who pleaded with her to remember her vows and remember her

women to invest in and learn from one another.

God. By God’s grace, Kaylee came to her senses, realized what she was about to do, and repented. As a result, the course of her life was forever changed.

Join us September 29–30 in Indianapolis with hundreds of other women as together—older and younger, married and single—we plumb the depths of God’s good and beautiful

Today, nearly twenty-five years later, Kaylee is experiencing the blessings and the fruit of that watershed

plan for women. Space is limited, so be sure to register now at Revive17.com.

moment. She and her husband have a terrific marriage. They are serving the Lord together. And God is using her to speak into the lives of younger women, helping them avoid the same pitfalls Rebecca helped her avoid decades ago.

Are you comfortable being an intentional, invasive friend?

PS: We’ve extended our early pricing just for you through

May 31. Use discount code NEWSLETTER at Revive17.com to receive $30 off the regular registration price!

Do you hesitate to say (or listen to) the “hard things”? What holds you back? How can you speak truth effectively while remaining loving and gracious?

Adapted from Adorned: Living out the Beauty of the Gospel Together. Order your copy at AdornedBook.com.

Spring 2017 3

Marriage Renewed by Radical Forgiveness A

by Hayley Mullins

I

f

GreGory and aileen salcedo’s story was a fairytale, it

would probably start somethinG like this:

there was a man and a woman who both loved the church, and it was love at first siGht.

Not long after, Aileen attended True Woman ’08. During that

once upon a time,

conference, the Lord did an amazing work of revival in Aileen’s

lord. they met at

life. She left with new books to read––and something even more

she admired his confidence

valuable: lessons from God’s Word. “I went home with a ‘back-

and intelliGence; he was attracted to her sweet and Gentle manner.

pack’ full of information to put into practice and with a lot of

soon these hiGh-school sweethearts were happily married . . . and

things I needed to think about and change in my life.”

it seemed like everythinG was perfect.

but slowly and secretly,

dissatisfaction beGan to disrupt this storybook marriaGe.

As Aileen opened her “backpack,” she chose to take steps toward rebuilding her marriage by taking Revive Our Hearts’ 30-

Aileen realized that marriage wasn’t the easy, happy life she thought it would be. The outgoing man she had been attracted to

Day Husband Encouragement Challenge and praying intentionally for Gregory.

became extremely busy, working full-time while also serving as a worship director at their church. Gregory loved people and serving the Lord, but she preferred to stay home. He was frustrated that his best friend didn’t share his passion for ministry, and she wanted him home more.

Forgiveness Leads to a Second Chance During this time, she also began helping translate Seeking

As their desires and personalities clashed, their relationship

Him into Spanish. She invited Gregory to do the study with her,

drifted apart. They argued constantly about Gregory’s schedule. He

and it began to change his heart as well. As Aileen translated the

threw himself into commitments away from home, and she began

chapter on purity, she encountered a story about a man who was

to focus solely on motherhood––to the neglect of their marriage.

a Christian but was entrenched in sexual immorality, causing his

Soon this once beautiful relationship became marked by distance,

life and marriage to unravel.

not love.

Filling a “Backpack” of Lessons

As she worked over the words, she sensed the Holy Spirit prompting her to ask her husband a hard question: “Is there something you have to tell me?”

During this time, a friend invited Aileen to a small group study using the book Seeking Him. Through this study, God began to work in Aileen’s heart. She recognized that she needed the Lord’s forgiveness for her sins and surrendered to His working in her life.

4 ReviveOurHearts.com

The Holy Spirit had also been preparing Gregory for this moment. He confessed his hidden sin of adultery with another

woman in the church. He had believed the lie that the church’s reputation (and his own) were more important than honesty. Gregory thought he could simply apologize to the Lord and move on, but the burden of his secret sin continued to confront him.

Naturally, Aileen felt betrayed and angry, but the Lord

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES LIKE GREGORY AND AILEEN’S

reminded her of a beautiful gospel truth. She realized she also needed God’s forgiveness for her anger. Armed with that truth and empowered by God’s grace, she was able to extend forgiveness to her repentant husband.

Gregory remembers how this moment impacted him: “When my wife decided to grant me her forgiveness, it was a refreshment from the grace of God.” He no longer carried the burden of unconfessed sin, but there was still a long road ahead. Through counseling, prayer, and public confession before their church, the Lord was able to rebuild their marriage into something better than a fairytale––a picture of the beauty of the gospel.

God’s Grace Transforms a Hopeless Marriage

By God’s grace, Gregory was transformed from an overcommitted, distant husband to a loving, servant-leader.

Aileen is no longer reclusive but instead ministers to others through hospitality. They are both mentoring younger believers and allowing God to glorify Himself through their story. Their marriage, once marked by selfishness and

Imagine all the couples like Gregory and Aileen that have yet to be amazed and changed by the beauty of the gospel. Revive Our Hearts wants to speak God’s Word to them. But what if our resources hadn’t been available for Gregory and Aileen—and so many others like them? What if women who are seeking the Lord searched the radio, the Internet, and bookshelves and never found the truth that transforms lives?

Unfortunately, this “what if” could become a reality. Supporters like you are crucial for Revive Our Hearts to continue, but for several months financial support for the ministry hasn’t kept up with the needs.

At the end of May, we close the accounting books and set budgets for the new fiscal year. Your gift now will help us close the gap we’re facing and avoid having to make potentially deep cuts to our ministry outreaches. Would you pray with us for God’s provision at this critical time? And would you partner with us so we can continue to reach into women’s hearts and homes?

To help meet the current need, just fill out the enclosed reply card, go to ReviveOurHearts.com, or call 1-800-569-5959.

discontentment, is now marked by unconditional love.

You can see that love for each other as they thank God for doing the impossible: “Because of the presence of the Lord in our hearts, even though my husband has hurt me deeply, I love him more now than when I met him.”

Gregory agrees, “I see a woman that is covered by His grace. I see a woman that is putting God above everything else. . . . God can make all things new—and even better.”

To see Gregory and Aileen’s story on video, visit ReviveOurHearts.com/videos/betterthanafairytale.

Spring 2017

5

Mujer Verdadera ‘17 S PA RKI NG A Revival AC ROS S Latin A M E R I C A

by Laura González

“T

he dark area of

mexico.” this is how the city of

Querétaro is known amonG evanGelicals in the reGion.

Kassian, Dámaris Carbaugh, and Pastor Carlos Contreras shared Christ-exalting messages and encouraged women to seek Christ.

it’s considered impenetrable for the Gospel and is known for the

As hundreds of women responded to a call to repentance and

larGe number of sinGle mothers, a hiGh rate of alcoholism and

prayer, you could hear sobbing as volunteers prayed over them.

addiction amonG women, and, until recently, satanic cults.

but God

is movinG in this city!

Volunteers in the prayer room heard story after story of women who had experienced the loss of family members to

Through the True Woman International Conference, Mujer

kidnappings, drugs, murders, and prison. Many witnessed women

Verdadera ’17, held in Querétaro on March 23–25, God has

becoming free from resentments and unforgiveness, while one

sparked the flame of revival! Approximately 4,500 women

woman was able to forgive the person who murdered her parents.

from twenty-three countries attended the conference, with an additional 22,000 joining in via the Livestream. Women attended

One lady shared that she had packed her bags at home

all the way from Germany, France, Spain, Colombia, Dominican

before coming to the conference, planning to walk away from a

Republic, Guatemala, United States, Argentina, Costa Rica,

difficult marriage. At the end of the weekend, she asked our team

Honduras, Puerto Rico, Peru, Canada, Venezuela, El Salvador,

for prayer because she felt the Lord’s conviction to persevere

Panama, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Cuba, and all over

and return to her husband. She chose to trust the Lord with her

Mexico. There were even a couple attendees from Korea!

circumstances and follow His will for her life.

At the pre-conference, held the evening before, over 2,300

Many unbelievers, invited by family members, heard the

enthusiastic young women and their mothers came to hear

message of revival and biblical womanhood for the first time.

Dannah Gresh and Betsy Gomez talk of God’s grace and mercy

After the first day, many decided not to return. But they ended up

and the importance of His Word in their lives.

coming back on the second day and gave their lives to Christ.

FINDING FREEDOM

ACROSS MEXICO AND BEYOND

During Mujer Verdadera ’17, God used the speakers in amazing ways. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Dannah Gresh, Mary 6 ReviveOurHearts.com

We are grateful for what the Lord did at Mujer Verdadera ’17.

We pray that fruit may abound as women return to their homes,

churches, and communities and that seeds of revival will spread across Mexico and beyond to all of Latin America.

May the True Woman Movement continue to accelerate and take root in the hearts of Spanish-speaking women around the world!

RE AC HIN G THE WORLD THROUGH TE C HN OLO GY

YO U R S U P P O R T M AT T E R S TO WO M E N A R O U N D T H E WO R L D We’re so thankful for how God is using Revive Our Hearts to transform the lives of those who attended Mujer

Through the Livestream, over 22,000 more women

Verdadera ’17. And He’s opened so many more windows of

joined us for Mujer Verdadera ’17. That’s three times the

opportunity—and so many hearts—all around the world.

viewers that watched the Cry Out! True Woman ’16

Your support can help more women in Latin America and

Spanish Livestream!

lay the groundwork for expanded outreach in places like South Africa, Nigeria, the Middle East, Brazil, and multiple

Here’s where they were from:

locations in Europe.

Would you help us continue our current outreaches

Mexico

37%

and move forward with new ones, as God directs? Your gift today can help close our financial gap as we end our fiscal year—and ensure that we can continue pointing women to

USA

16%

the truth that sets them free.

Give today. ReviveOurHearts.com/Donate

All Other Countries

10%

Spain

1%

Costa Rica

Dominican Republic

Chile

Colombia

Peru 2% 3% 4%

Argentina

9%

11%

5%

Praise God for technology that enables our message to reach women around the world!

Spring 2017 7

What Makes a HUSBAND Feel Loved?

by Robert Wolgemuth

L

et me start with a very important truth: no such thinG as no communication.

communicatinG with the people you are with.

there is

you are always usinG all forms of

communication is the best way to let your husband know you love him.

COMMUNICATING LOVE WHEN IT’S HARD If your relationship feels stagnant or distant, find common ground and talk about things he likes. Ask how his day went and

COMMUNICATING LOVE WITH YOUR WORDS While it’s generally believed that only a small percentage of what you communicate is actually through your words, writing or verbalizing your love to your husband leaves no doubt in his mind that you love him.

about his feelings, too. The best conversations happen when you get past the facts and open your heart to each other. He may not be comfortable talking “feelings,” but you can give him a safe place to open up.

One last thing—don’t ever let your husband be your prayer request with your friends. That doesn’t communicate love to your husband. It communicates that he’s a project you want to “fix”.

The older a man gets, the more competitive he feels about his life, his career, and his body. As his wife, you have the singular opportunity of anyone on the face of the earth to encourage him.

Leave him notes. Send him a text. Simply say, “I love you.”

You can’t change your husband. You can only work on yourself and pray. The Holy Spirit can change him. That’s His job.

In summary, never stop communicating what you want to communicate to your husband, and be careful that you don’t communicate to him what you don’t want communicated. Let

COMMUNICATING LOVE WITHOUT WORDS

him know that if you had the chance to do this all over, you’d pick him again.

The majority of communication is nonverbal, such as body language or tone of voice. You can communicate love—or disrespect—to your husband without saying a single word. Be careful also not to miss the power of communicating your love through physical affection.

Love is also communicated in our actions through things like gifts or playful moments together. Make it your aim to bring your

To learn more on marriage from a husband’s perspective, listen to the series “Like the Shepherd” that aired May 1–5 on Revive Our Hearts. Nancy interviewed her husband, Robert, about his brand-new book of the same title, available for purchase at ReviveOurHearts.com.

husband joy. Cheer for him. Make him smile. Surprise him with a gift or batch of cookies. These are all ways to communicate love.

Looking for bite-sized, daily encouragement right where you are? Follow us on:

Revive Our Hearts is an outreach of Life Action Ministries PO Box 2000 • Niles, MI 49120 • ReviveOurHearts.com • 800.569.5959

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Copyright © 2001, Crossway Bibles, esv.org. Used by permission.

All rights reserved worldwide.

Editorial: Mindy Kroesche, Leanna Shepard, Hayley Mullins, Samantha Nieves, and Paula Marsteller Art Direction: Benjamin Hannah Design: Nicole Tejera Photographers: Lightstock