Surprise!

I think we’ve discovered one of the biggest shocks all rooky missionary families realize when they settle into their mission.  I think we all discover that life “out on the field” is the exact same as it is at home!  I’ve been told this by missionary’s for 15 years; but never believed them.  Now that we’ve here I see they were right.  I assumed everything would seem more spiritual, more full of joy, more “intentional”.  And you know what?  It can.  However, it’s no different than at home.  As I was reading Luke 6 this morning, as these thoughts came to me.

³⁷ “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

This scripture has inspired a renewed desire to bless those who are around me by giving freely.  What do I have that the Lord has not provided?  Has God provided these things for my benefit alone?  As my brother (Christian Brother) Russ has always told me; “You don’t need to move anywhere to serve the Lord”.  So, there you have it; it’s the same.  I think that’s great news.  Any and all the blessings from the Lord that I have access to down here in Mexico, you have access to back home.

Isn’t it exciting to think that God is pleased to pour out abundant blessing and life on us in order that we can bless those that are around us?!!  Who loses on that deal??  The answer is, there is only one group that loses.  The ones who reject the Lords blessing by rejecting him are the only people that lose.  These perks of blessings are only available to seekers/followers.  The only scary part is kick starting the process.  God doesn’t need any encouragement, he needs to see obedience and sacrifice before he’ll start the process.  The fact is, he has already started the process of blessing.  We (typically or at least speaking from myself) just haven’t given enough away yet.  We need to empty our pockets of what we possess.   Then God will refill them with true riches and blessing.

We just recently hosted a team from Santa Cruz Bible Church (our home church).  What a blessing to be with friends and loved ones again.  We spent every waking moment we could with them just enjoying being around them.  They gave sacrificially and will be blessed for it.  It was strange seeing them off a few days later watching them leave as we stayed.  So many times we’ve gone home with them.  They are like family.  We miss them already.

I have yet to find a passage in the Bible were one of his saints comes up short when fulfilling his will.  God has always provided.  Be encouraged; the Lord is watching and waiting.

Blessings,

The Hanson’s

Now that we are here.....

Disappointment-

You are probably afraid that I’m referring to the Lord’s provision.  Rest assured; I’m not.  I’m referring to myself and how I am responding at times with my attitude.  You know, I think most of us assume that when we reach our goal (whatever that may be) that we’ll be automatically happier and more resilient under stress and pressure.  You’d think there’d be some benefit to finally reaching the “end of your rainbow”.

Melissa and I have had this goal (serving cross culturally) for a long time; over ten years.  I just assumed I’d be happier, less grumpy and overall a “jolly well big fellow”.  Turns out I’m just as grumpy as I was back home.  Furthermore, all the bad little things within my character that I hadn’t dealt with back home, got bigger down here.  It turns out that I’m the same as everyone else, and respond the same way as most people do to a big move in ministry.  So much for being Super Spiritual.  So, one of the lessons are, deal with your “junk” when you realize it.  Don’t put it off for a rainy day.

Melissa and I have been reading a great book and it’s been helping us clarify a number of things as well as our goals down here in Mexico.  It turns out in my own mind I had devalued our administrative role down here which lead to other negative attitudes.  Our admin role will offload our visionary bosses and grow the ministry.  Melissa and I are growing the ministry indirectly; which is an important role.  I guess I forgot that for a couple minutes J.  I’ll be responsible for the management of the vehicle fleet; and Melissa and I together will facilitate the work the short term teams will be engaged in while here.  Melissa is also going to be doing some health screenings and fitness classes as well as helping the kids with homework at night.  She’s busy!  But she loves it.

Secondly, we are going to start a discipleship program with the children from Grace Children’s Home (GCH).  We are going to call it “Camp Out”.  It will be on Friday nights, sometimes at our home; other times somewhere else.  Our hope is to do some fun stuff like camping etc but also have a time where these young people can connect with us or other mentors individually in a small group setting so we can get some issues young people face out on the table.  Yep, small groups; that’s what we are going to try to facilitate here.

Please continue to pray for us as we get into the swing of things down here and move past “transition mode”.  Home schooling is going great but can be a challenge at times.  Pray for Melissa and the kids as they work on their education together.  Pray for the spiritual development of our family.  We’ve switched churches and cultures and that stuff just doesn’t happen automatically.

Today was Sarah’s birthday.  We crossed over the border last night and stayed with our cousins in San Diego (The Linde's).  We went to the Zoo today and had a blast just relaxing and staring in amazement at God’s creativity in our animal kingdom.  What a blessing.

Thank you for praying for us and/or supporting us financially.  It is such a blessing to be here and the ministry can be so full of joy and encouragement as we try to bless others.  Thank you so much for partnering with us!

Blessings,

The Hanson’s