Service

November 1, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

30 Days of Thankfulness | Can You Help?

I’m excited to announce that I’m participating in 30 Days of Thankfulness with All Things Southern. Thirty Days of Thankfulness is an annual humanitarian effort designed to coincide with the Thanksgiving season. Last year, the campaign worked with Life Today to drill a well in Southern Africa. Even as you read these words, that well continues to supply fresh, life-sustaining water to an entire village. AWESOME!

By participating, I’m also partnering in our drive with other authors and their respective communities. The goal of Writers and Readers Reach Out 2012 is to combine our individual platforms and thus multiply our efforts.

The recipient of this year’s efforts will be Make Way Partners, an organization that works with individuals, churches, and other groups to help prevent and combat the evil of human trafficking and all forms of modern-day oppression. Shellie, who is in charge of the campaign, was in the planning stages of our drive and deeply burdened by what she was learning about human trafficking when she read Passport through Darkness by Kimberly L. Smith. She knew immediately that MWP, the organization founded by Kimberly and her husband, was where we needed to focus our attention this holiday season. (Download a free chapter of Passport Through Darkness.) Make Way Partners works with individuals, churches, and organizations to help prevent and combat the evil of human trafficking and all forms of modern-day oppression.

If you’ll take the time to read just a few of the real-life stories on Kimberly’s blog of women and children whom Make Way Partners has rescued from slavery, and for whom they provide long-term care, I strongly believe you’ll want to participate in this beautiful journey of restoration.

Eight years ago, Kimberly began chartering small mission planes to fly her into the war zone of Sudan where U.S. sanctions and Islamic regimes rendered thousands of orphans unadoptable. Providing food and opening a first-grade school in a lawless land with no other educational systems, MWP partnered with an indigenous leader to rescue and care for these most vulnerable orphans. Year by year, they’ve added a new grade to their school. Now, graduating eighth grade, the orphans of MWP have more education than many current leaders of their nation. It is time to build a high school, making it possible to raise up the next generation of educated Christian leaders who will stop the cycle of violence and slavery.

Read about a few of these amazing students and the complete high school proposal by clicking here.

I am so excited about the opportunity to join this effort! To quote the late Hellen Keller, “It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” It feels so right to quote Ms. Keller to the tribes of writers and readers joining with us as it was the power of a word, written in the palm of her hand, that unlocked Ms. Keller’s heart and mind and subsequently impacted untold lives around the world!

As readers and writers, no one knows the value of education better than we. Let’s dream big and build a high school for the world’s most vulnerable orphans!

Can we catch this vision together? I think so, hope so, and pray so. I’m respectfully asking you to consider the weight of the subject and the scope of the work being done by Make Way Partners and make your own personal decision about your contribution. What would we be willing to do or give if it were our children and grandchildren being bought and sold?

You can make your donation online using this donate button. It’s linked to Make Way Partners. In the field that asks where you learned about Make Way Partners, please copy and paste the following label: WritersandReaders,TriciaGoyer

If you prefer to send a check or money order, that address is: Make Way Partners, P.O. Box 26367 Birmingham , AL 35260

In addition to donating, everyone can be of incredible assistance by using the power of social media to spread the news of this drive. When twittering or pinning this drive please use hashtags #WritersandReaders2012 or #WR2012.

UPDATE: One-fourth of our population has been impacted by super-storm Sandy, and many areas remain in distress. Far too many people have seen their homes destroyed and many others have suffered the painful loss of loved ones. The winds of Sandy have literally caused us to adjust our sails as we respond to the heartache in our own country. Writers and Readers Reach Out 2012 is enlarging the vision!

As you make your donation to Make Way Partners, please consider making a matching donation to relief efforts underway for our neighbors on the East Coast. I believe strongly that our being mobilized to respond to the needs of our neighbors at this very moment is no coincidence. We’ve been given much, let us give much.

Authors and Bloggers:
It’s not too late to join this effort. If you’d like to participate please comment below and contact audreym@makewaypartners.org with your blog site, Facebook page, website address, or any other acknowledgement you would like to use for your readers to track this opportunity.

October 11, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 7 Comments

What to Expect as a Tricia Goyer Roommate

In two weeks I’m going to the Allume conference. I can’t tell you how excited I am. And a wee bit nervous. I told my friend Crystal Paine (who’s also going to be there) that I feel like a junior high girl moving to a new school. Will I make friends? Will they like me? LOL . . . I know I will have an amazing time, but it’s still the uncertainty of a new place, new people, new ideas. I’ve been attending writers conferences since 1994, but this is a whole new world (cue music).

So in the midst of my trying to wrap my mind around this upcoming experience, Trina Holder informed me and September what to expect as her roommates. You can read it here!

I had a HUGE smile as I read it. I also read behind the lines. 🙂

1. Bring my pom poms. I was a cheerleader at Weed High. I still have my pom poms. I know how to cheer!

2. Be ready to coo at adorable toddler photos. I can do that. I have Alyssa who is two-and-a-half and I think is the most darling toddler on the face of the planet. I’ll bring my own photos to share 🙂

3. Don’t jabber all night . . . late into the night. OK, got it. I’ll bring duct tape for my lips.

4. Hide the chocolate. And the coffee. Until morning.

5. Um, raw bacteria?! Nuff said. I don’t mind being educated, though.

6. Expect laughter and giggles. RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!

7. Have a camera ready at all times . . .

8. I’m bringing my list of topics to discuss. LOL

9. I’m bringing my scarves, too, because I need ideas how to wear them.

10. And I’ll bring a notebook to take notes to share with the next roomie!

Since Trina was such a great tutor I thought I’d make a list of my own.

What to expect as a Tricia Goyer roommate???

1. I’m an introvert. I’m not shy (at all!), but large groups of people drain me. If I look like a zombie when I first enter the room, give me five minutes and I’ll be recharged.

2. I s-p-r-e-a-d my things to one end of the room to another. While I’ll do my best to behave, I’m an equal opportunity employer of any flat surface.

3. I wake up, wide awake, all hours of the early morning. I’m usually fine just lying in bed praying, but if you see the light slipping from under the bathroom door for long periods of time I’m OK, really. I most likely am sitting on the tile with my laptop capturing my brilliance.

4. I’m a novelist. If I like you, I might make you a hero in my next novel. If I don’t . . . well, you might get a black hat. (But I’m pretty sure I’ll like you!)

5. I’ve been a mom for twenty-three years. If you need a pep talk, a prayer lifted up, or a boo boo kissed, I can do it.

6. I can answer 93.75% of all questions about book publishing, but only 32.14% of all questions about blogging (and that’s rounding up!). I might have a lot of questions for you.

7. I’m a great listener. Feel free.

8. I’m addicted to posting on Facebook & Twitter, so feel free to toss me some good material!

9. I like to touch base with my hubby every day. Feel free to eavesdrop. I’ll keep it G 🙂

10. We’ve been approved to adopt from the foster care system, so I’m officially “Paper Pregnant.” I don’t think I’ll have any special cravings, but if I act a little giddy at times, I’m dreaming of the moment “the call” comes.

September 10, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Summer Through Alyssa’s Eyes

Take a peek at what summer (including our missions trip to the Czech Republic) looked like through the eyes of my daughter Alyssa! View the slideshow here.

September 6, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Don’t Miss This!!

Thomas Nelson Author and Hoops of Hope founder, Austin Gutwein, to host September 6 online event to focusing on themes his latest release, Live to Give.

On September 6 at 8 PM EDT, Austin Gutwein will be hosting a live Facebook web event to encourage participants to conquer their fears and use their talents to help others. The webcast will center on the themes Gutwein writes about in his latest release “Live to Give: Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles” (Thomas Nelson/August, 2012). At the conclusion of the webcast, the winners of a month-long social media fueled “Get and Give” contest will be announced, including the winner of a Kindle Fire and $250 donated to the winner’s charity of choice.

Join Austin on the evening of Thursday, September 6th as he shares about his own experiences and encourages others to conquers their fears and “live to give”. Austin will also be taking audience questions and interacting with participants. PLUS – there will be several “Live to Give” giveaways – books, gift certificates and much more! RSVP today and tell your friends.

Based on the John 6 story of Jesus feeding the 5000, in “Live to Give” Gutwein challenges his readers that regardless of age and talent, God can use them to make a difference. Even though God could take care of everything Himself and doesn’t really need our help, He desperately WANTS us to help Him care for others. Gutwein walks young people through discovering and embracing their unique God-given strengths and abilities, then figuring out how to use those talents to help others. Sometimes doing that takes a leap of faith on our part, and often becoming fearless in the process.

More about Austin: At eighteen years old, Gutwein speaks with wisdom and has the experience to reinforce his message. When Austin was just nine years old, he watched a video that showed children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Gutwein realized these kids weren’t any different from him—except they were suffering. Feeling called to help, he took his love of basketball and decided to shoot free throws to raise money for orphans in Zambia. On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Through sponsorship from parents and friends, Gutwein raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia.

Over the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia.

Enter to win a Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to your favorite charity. Click for the banner for details and entry or visit http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive.

Learn more about Austin and Hoops of Hope at www.AustinGutwein.com and www.HoopsOfHope.org.

August 23, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

I Love Prague

I love Prague. The architecture is amazing. The castles, the cathedrals, the buildings, the shops, the cobblestone, the statues, the bridges, the boats, the sky, the parks, the birds . . . LOL. There is a lot to love. But I don’t love it as much as I did in 2000. Or actually, I love it as much, but I so long for things to return to how they were.

When I visited in 2000, it was May and the streets were quiet. My first moments in Prague included standing on a near-empty Charles Bridge looking up at the fairytale castle and cathedral on the hill at midnight. They were lit by a million twinkle lights.

I remember falling asleep with an open window. I was sure the cool air carried a bit of history and mystery on its wings, and I couldn’t wait to explore the next day.

I remember awaking to the sound of church bells announcing Sunday morn. If there was one bell there were a hundred, and I was certain I’d landed in the most magical place on earth. And then, just as the bells died down, one solo voice rose up—an opera singer strolling the cobblestone lanes. I didn’t understand her words, but the music of her voice moved me.

I remember walking the cobblestone streets the next day with just a few tourists and mostly locals. I felt a part of something big, something unknown but special. People had walked the same streets for hundreds of years and here I was. My feet pressed down over the places they walked.

I remember my friend and me being the only shoppers in the marionette shop. The handsome salesman had us blushing as he caused the puppet to dance at our feet.

I remember authentic restaurants and little stores with sweet grandmas selling their handmade items. I filled a suitcase with items made by a sweet woman named Michaela. She was sweet as she’d show me the things she’d worked so hard to make. I enjoyed her so much I named one of the characters from my first novel after her. That’s what I miss the most—women like Michaela and the shops of random handmade items. I could handle the tons of tourists (there are tons now), but I miss the old shops. Most of them have been replaced by cheesy souvenir places that sell the same T-shirts, shot glasses, and Russian stacking dolls, which aren’t close to being Czech.

Folks have discovered Prague, and while I don’t mind sharing, I wish today’s tourists could know what’s been lost. Of course, on this trip I discovered a new city a few hours away by train—not as big, but just as beautiful. There were amazing buildings and castles and cathedrals and shops and cobblestone and statues and bridges and parks. I wish I could tell you where it is. If you beg me, I will tell, but I have to admit I enjoyed escaping the crowds and seeing only a few other tourists. I wouldn’t mind keeping it to myself for a while.

What about you? Do you have a special place that exists that way only in your memory? What did you like about it? What do you think has been lost in the years since?

August 21, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Cobblestones and River Paths

Have you ever had one of those moments when all seems right in the world? More than that, when life seems to be a series of steppingstones that has led you to one specific place and time?

I felt like that our last night in Olomouc, Czech Republic. We’d just had some great pizza and ice cream, and our mission team was walking back to the Bible college where we were staying. Laughter echoed off the centuries-old buildings and cobblestone streets. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the ancient city and peace settled in my heart.

Earlier that day we’d gotten back from youth camp. Thirty Czech teenagers had given up five days of their summer vacation to hang out with Americans and improve their English. Many, many of them also heard about a relationship with Jesus for the very first time.

As we walked, Lucie’s words rang in my heart. “I’d seen a few people who believed in God on television, but I’d never met real people who believed. And now I’ve heard stories from so many of them.”

Every night at English camp we shared our testimonies. One by one, eight of us got up and shared our pasts, our pain, and our decisions to follow Jesus Christ.

Another young woman I talked to, Jana, told me, “My mind is so full. There is so much to think about—things I’ve never thought of before.”

Both of these young women spoke to me through translators. They didn’t speak English well enough to share their hearts in a second language, but even without the translator I saw a difference on their faces. A new hope sparkled in their eyes. And these young women—along with more than a dozen others—lined up to get a Bible of their own when offered one.

Amazing. Exciting! God’s Word given to eager hearts.

It’s crazy when I think about the series of events that led to this. The first steppingstone was my trip to the Czech Republic in 2000 with my author friends Cindy Martinusen Coloma and Anne de Graaf. I can’t explain why I fell in love with Prague and the Czech Republic, but I did—so much so that I traveled there again in 2002 to research for my novel Night Song. I chose the location so I could go back to Prague. A good writer always does through research, you know.

Listening to God’s voice then led the Goyers to go on two family mission trips in 2008 and 2009. My daughter, Leslie, fell in love with the country, too, and she’s visited every year since 2008. This summer she spent two months there, falling even more in love with the country, falling even more in love with the people.

Vacation, research trips, mission trips, (a Czech exchange student, too), and extended visits. A special peace comes when you return to a place and realize it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.

And that’s how I felt the last night as we walked back to the Bible college: like I was standing on a stone in a river. I could clearly see the path behind me, leading me—us—to this place. I could also sense that the stones continued . . . to places I couldn’t yet see. But one step by one step, we were following God’s purpose for us to be spots of light—sharing the truth of Jesus with the Czech people.

I’m unsure where those steps will lead, or who God will ask to join in the journey. Our daughter Leslie is praying about making the Czech Republic her forever home. If that is God’s plan—or something else—it’s good to know that our family has followed God’s leading, and we’ve tasted the joy of having our hearts connected to a beautiful country with beautiful people on the other side of the world.

As for Lucie, Jana, and the others . . . their stories are still in the works. I’m not sure what God is going to do with their lives, but I know He has a plan. He always has a plan. Sometimes it just takes a while to realize how those seemingly random steps lead to something greater. Something beyond yourself. Something similar to laughter bouncing on cobblestone under a golden Czech sunset.

August 20, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

There Comes a Time . . .

There comes a time when you take “Go, Ye, into all the world” seriously and invite your neighbor out to coffee and look into taking a mission trip with your kids. When you realize people need Jesus and if you don’t reach them, who will?

There comes a time when you consider that Jesus meant it when He said to care for the widows and orphans, and you think about opening your home and making friends with the aged and lonely.

There comes a time when you set your prejudices aside and consider who are “the least of these” that Jesus talks about. He says when you feed them, care for them, and love them, it’s like you’re caring for Him. It’s a teen mom, a single mom, a needy friend who needs time, love, and attention.

There comes a time when church service becomes a verb instead of a noun. You look for ways to serve on Sundays and not be served.

There comes a time when you realize you need to change more than your spouse needs to be changed, and you start praying about that and asking God to start with you. True love is rooted in true sacrifice and preference to another person.

There comes a time when you realize the whole point of raising kids is to launch them into the world—not for them to be successful, but to be obedient to Jesus Christ, even if that means they must live a life of sacrifice far beyond your reach.

There comes a time when you spend a lot of time fundraising and a lot of money out of your own pocket, and when you put life aside to travel 40+ hours simply to stand in front of a few dozen teens to tell them God loves them . . . then you have no doubt it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be at that moment.

There comes a time when you realize the dreams God placed in your heart aren’t about you at all. They’re about the world and God’s desire to touch, help, and inspire those around you. They’re about being a foundation stone that Jesus can build on for His kingdom.

There comes a time when you hold a piece of yourself in a book and you don’t know where the words or story came from—except from God—and you understand the message was as much for you as anyone else.

There comes a time when the most impacting friendship isn’t when someone is there for you, but when you’re there for someone.

There comes a time when you get more excited about promoting other people than promoting yourself.

There comes a time when you realize when you asked God to give you His heart, you can look around and see He has. And you pray it’s only the beginning. And deep down you know it is.

August 9, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 6 Comments

A Day of Stories

Auschwitz

Today was a day of stories. We traveled to Poland to see Auschwitz-Birkenau. I’ve read many books about Auschwitz. Part of my novel Night Song took place there, and being there was surreal. More than 1.4 million people visit Auschwitz every year, and the place was packed with people from around the world. As we walked, we heard facts about the locations, and in my mind I scrolled through the stories I read of those who’d been there.

As I walked through the barracks, I considered those who’d walked the same path. I looked at prisoners’ photographs, and I wished I could hear the story of each one. My heart broke the most when I saw the suitcases stacked with names and birth dates of those who’d traveled by train not knowing what awaited them at the last stop. Parents were scared and worried about their children. They most likely guessed that hard days lie ahead, but no one could imagine that death waited, that only those capable of work would live more than twenty-four hours within the barbed wire.

I also teared up to see the small sweaters, shoes, and dolls from the children. Lives cut short because of evil. Little Alyssa was with us through the tour. She rode on a backpack on her dad’s back. His smart phone played Barney and happy songs flowed through her earphones. She had no idea where we were or what that place represented. Her smiling face and plump arms and legs were such contrast to the skeletal photographs plastered on the walls.

I was amazed by the side of Birkenau. Brick chimneys stretched into the distance as far as I could see—the remnants of the barracks, each one holding between three hundred and five hundred prisoners. Yet in that place wildflowers now bloomed. Visitors came to weep and remember. The truth of what happened there can never be completely known. The tragedy won’t ever be understood completely by those who stroll alongside the railroad tracks, but we were there and were trying to understand. I think those lost would appreciate that—appreciate that we won’t forget their suffering.

Auschwitz barracks

The stories from within the camp weren’t the only ones I listened to. On the drive to and from the camp we had the chance to spend time with our Czech pastor friend, Petr. His family’s story moved me. Christians during WWI, during WWII, and during the Communist regime, his family served God and others during difficult times. I could almost picture the printed pages of a novel as I listened to him speak. About my age, Petr has experienced so much. Following Christ has been downright dangerous for his family, and that amazes me.

Where would we be without stories? Our view of the world is limited until we dare to step out. Dare to listen.

Listening makes me want to listen more. It makes me want to understand deeper. It makes me want to write a translation of my own—whether a blog or book—to help others understand, too.

Of course you don’t need to travel to foreign countries to experience such things. Stories are all around us; we just need to take time to focus on the words of another.

I’ve only been in the Czech Republic for a few days, and my heart is already full of thankfulness for all I’ve experienced. God never ceases to amaze me. I can’t wait to see what else is in store!

August 7, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Friendship (Despite the Language Barrier)

It’s very cliche, but the song that’s be going through my mind is Michael W. Smith’s song “Friends.” The start of this mission trip has centered on friendships. First, the friendships of the team members. I love these people, and I’m enjoying the time with them. We’re getting to know one another better (how could you not over four days of travel, including three planes, four trains, two taxi rides, miles of walking, and at least fifty flights of stairs—all while carrying big luggage). We’ve laughed and prayed and sang together when we weren’t in transport. And then laughed some more.

We’d only been in our Prague hotel thirty minutes when John and my friends Ivana and Pavla showed up. (Bunny showed up, too!) They walked around with us for a while, and we caught up on life. The time went fast, but hugging their necks was so wonderful! This mom and daughter were campers we got to know during our first two mission trips, and then we were blessed when they came and stayed with us a month when we lived in Montana. During our walk Ivana shared about how God recently answered one of their prayers, and it was encouraging to hear that!

Thursday we traveled to Vysoke Myto and stayed with our dear friend Gabi and her daughters, Klara and Elishka. Gabi is one of the pastors’ wife, and we’ve worked together on two camps. We felt comfortable in their home (her husband and son were away on a camping trip), and we had a great time sharing God and worshiping together as a group. To sing worship songs together reminded me again how the Holy Spirit unifies. We’re believers who life half a world away, but our hearts were united in a way that only God can do.

The Vysoke Myto church also planned a get-together so we could see many of our friends. It just felt right to hug and laugh and talk with those we’ve gotten to know over the years. The best part about friendships is that we just picked up where we left off two years ago. We rejoiced to see believers from the church and to reconnect with those who haven’t made a decision for Christ and are still on their faith journey. The more I see these people. The more I want to see these people. I can’t imagine living life without them. I’m so blessed!

Then yesterday we traveled to Olomouc, and we reunited with our daughter, Leslie. This is “her” city, and we was so excited to share it with us. Over and over again we’ve heard from those in leadership what an amazing job she’s done building relationships and ministering to the people of this city. She is greatly loved here—by those inside the church and those who’ve yet to take a step inside a church building. Jesus’ love flows through her, and I’m thankful she’s dared to take this step of faith. So many times questions or doubts or fears cause us to hold back from the hard things God asks us to do. May we all be willing to take steps of faith because God indeed shows up!

Now that we are here in Olomouc, I’m excited to get to know the pastor, Petr, and his wife, Jana, better. We’ll also be working with the Czech team for camp next week, and our hearts are all focused on pouring out onto the teens at the camp. Petr and Jana are great people, and I can see how much Leslie has grown to love them during her time here. Please pray for us, that God’s Spirit will guide our teaching and leading at the camp!

Finally, I have to mention Alyssa’s friendships. Over the last few days she’s played and played with her new friends her age. Last night Alyssa and Daniel (Petr and Jana’s son) jabbered for hours as they played, and I don’t think they realized they speak different languages! That’s such a clear example of joy that crosses cultures and languages. A smile, laughter, and outstretched arms go a long way . . . crossing over when words—language—fail.

I’m eager for the new friendships that will be built over the coming week. May each one we connect with know they are special and that God’s love has propelled us to come and tell him or her so.

August 6, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Bread of Life

One of my favorite things about the Czech Republic is the bread. A simple roll is called a rohlik. John thinks it tastes like any other bread, but being baked fresh daily tastes so much better to me! Bread is a staple at any Czech table, and this morning I woke up thinking about the Bread of Life.

The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31

Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.'” Exodus 16:32

He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. Deuteronomy 8:16

In the desert, God give the Israelites manna to be a daily provision for them. In the New Testament He gave them Himself.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

In Czech: Ježíš jim odpověděl: „Já jsem chléb života. Kdo přichází ke mně, nebude nikdy hladovět; kdo věří ve mě, nebude nikdy žíznit.

In German: Jesus aber sprach zu ihnen: Ich bin das Brot des Lebens. Wer zu mir kommt, den wird nicht hungern, und wer an mich glaubt, den wird niemals dürsten.

In Spanish: Jesús les respondió: —Yo soy el pan de vida. El que a mí viene nunca tendrá hambre, y el que en mí cree no tendrá sed jamás.

In Hawai’i Pidgin: Jesus tell dem, “I jalike da bread. I da One dat can make da peopo come alive fo real kine. Anybody come by me fo be my guy, dey no goin come hungry eva! Anybody trus me, dey no goin come thirsty eva!

In Ukrainian: Ісус відповів: «Я і є той хліб, що дарує життя. Хто до Мене приходить, ніколи не буде голодний, хто вірить у Мене, той ніколи не буде спраглий.

Jesus is the bread for me today. Jesus is the bread for you today.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

“This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” John 6:58

Today, share your bread. Share THE Bread of Life with someone who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. What you offer will be available to them daily . . . and will provide for them for eternity.

August 6, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Bringing Light in a Dark Place

The truth is I don’t think much of spiritual warfare in everyday life. I know we have a real enemy. I know that enemy wants to thwart our efforts and discourage us, but we’re quick to blame challenges and discouragement on life and on the fact that sin is real and life won’t be easy or perfect until the day we are in heaven with Jesus.

Yesterday, I listened to Leslie and Emma talk about spiritual warfare. Emma had a horrible, horrible nightmare. And Leslie’s been having them often. They understood this was spiritual warfare and have been praying against it. They are continuing to pray.

It makes sense that the enemy would be fighting for this ground, in the Czech Republic—one of the most atheistic countries in the world. While the country is beautiful and the people are friendly, there is a dullness in so many eyes. There aren’t the smiles and laughter I see on the faces of so many of my Arkansas friends back home who follow Jesus.

Because of the gloomy attitudes and down-turned gazes, light is easy to recognize. When I look at my daughter, she simply glows. And others witness it, too.

Yesterday I was talking to a new friend, Hanza, and he told me (through a translator) that Leslie has a light in her eyes he hasn’t seen before. I told him it was the joy of the Lord, and he nodded. The light is Jesus inside her, reflecting through her gaze.

Light is easy to see in a dark place—but that also makes it a target for the spiritual forces of darkness that do not want to give up an inch of ground. Won’t you pray for the followers of Christ here in the Czech Republic, both the Czech Christians and the others who come here to serve?

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that You are the Light of the World. The only light we have flows from You being in us. Fill us, Lord. May your light and love be seen by everyone we meet. You are Lord, and I pray you strengthen our spirits to fight against the rulers and authorities of the unseen world. May you send your heavenly angels to do the battle around us, preparing peaceful ground for us to walk on.

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Isaiah 60:2 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

Lord, may you be glorified in our words and our actions today. Although darkness covers the earth and the people of this earth, rise among us. May your glory appear over us. And may those who are living in darkness take steps to the light. May they confess those words, “Jesus, you are the light of the world.” And through their confession may the light of life fill them.

In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4 (NIV)

“While I [Jesus] am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5 (NIV)

I [Jesus] have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46 (NIV)

And for those who may not yet have a relationship with Jesus, here is a prayer to pray. (You do not have to use these words exactly, but this is a guide for you.)

Dear God in Heaven, as Your Holy Word, the Bible, says, I believe that Your Son, Jesus, is the only way to eternal life and the light of the world. Lord, I do not want to stay in darkness, but I desire to walk in Your light. Come into my heart. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins. I need Your forgiveness. I release my control to You. Fill me with Your light, Jesus.

I believe Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross and died for my sins. You said in the Bible in Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved. I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. At this moment I accept Jesus as my personal Savior.

I thank You that according to your Holy Bible I am saved, that at this moment You are writing my name in Your eternal book, and that I can look forward to eternity with You. Even more than that, I know that on this earth You now live inside me, and Your Holy Spirit will fill me and guide me. I accept that. I am thank for that. My heart rejoices over that fact!

I know your unlimited grace has saved me from my sins. May my salvation never give me license to sin, but may Your Spirit inside me always lead me to repentance. Fill me with Your Light and transform my life so I might bring glory to You. Protect me from the enemy of the world who wants to discourage me or bring me harm.

Thank You, Jesus, for your sacrifice and for the gift of eternal life. Amen.