Thanks so much for writing this. It is something that I have struggled with. It's not easy to be a missionary. The hurt and frustration and feelings of failure are enormous at times. It is hard to be misunderstood, people have told us that we are wasting our time, that we should let people believe what they want to and not interfere. Others have told us that we can minister to people in the U.S. "where it is safe." Oh my, the irony in that statement. That's probably oversimplifying it. When I felt called as a missionary while I was in high school, I left behind my desire to be an actor, and I have never looked back. What I may have "given up," the Lord has more than repaid. Still, it has not been easy. I wholeheartedly support the idea that the gospel is for everyone. Jesus did not wait until we were sinless or pure or perfect or worthy to die for us on the cross. "But God demonstrated His love for us in this, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). God has given me such a love and burden for the LGBTI+ community. As someone who struggled with same sex attraction for a number of years, I know that God has a perfect purpose and a plan and is calling all men and women to Him. He is the one who works and who transforms human beings. God hears and God heals, in His perfect way and in His perfect time. Thanks, Deb, for stepping out and sharing with all of us. You are blessing people, and I, for one, am grateful. OX
Ed, it's so good to hear from you. I can't imagine what you go through as a missionary. Just today I saw the most vile letter and death threat sent to Sean Feucht, from the ministry "Let Us Worship." I read his book "Brazen" as I was traveling to be with my dad and mom, when dad collapsed on Dec 19th 2020. I keep you and your family in my prayers as I know there has been growing problems in Ecuador. I do believe in God's plan for us and in His timing. Thank you for pouring your heart out to me. It truly blesses me. I am sending you so much love, a huge hug.. and would love to meet you someday. You and your family are a blessing to all who you encounter - even if they don't know it now. love, deb ox
Thanks so much for writing this. It is something that I have struggled with. It's not easy to be a missionary. The hurt and frustration and feelings of failure are enormous at times. It is hard to be misunderstood, people have told us that we are wasting our time, that we should let people believe what they want to and not interfere. Others have told us that we can minister to people in the U.S. "where it is safe." Oh my, the irony in that statement. That's probably oversimplifying it. When I felt called as a missionary while I was in high school, I left behind my desire to be an actor, and I have never looked back. What I may have "given up," the Lord has more than repaid. Still, it has not been easy. I wholeheartedly support the idea that the gospel is for everyone. Jesus did not wait until we were sinless or pure or perfect or worthy to die for us on the cross. "But God demonstrated His love for us in this, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). God has given me such a love and burden for the LGBTI+ community. As someone who struggled with same sex attraction for a number of years, I know that God has a perfect purpose and a plan and is calling all men and women to Him. He is the one who works and who transforms human beings. God hears and God heals, in His perfect way and in His perfect time. Thanks, Deb, for stepping out and sharing with all of us. You are blessing people, and I, for one, am grateful. OX
Ed, it's so good to hear from you. I can't imagine what you go through as a missionary. Just today I saw the most vile letter and death threat sent to Sean Feucht, from the ministry "Let Us Worship." I read his book "Brazen" as I was traveling to be with my dad and mom, when dad collapsed on Dec 19th 2020. I keep you and your family in my prayers as I know there has been growing problems in Ecuador. I do believe in God's plan for us and in His timing. Thank you for pouring your heart out to me. It truly blesses me. I am sending you so much love, a huge hug.. and would love to meet you someday. You and your family are a blessing to all who you encounter - even if they don't know it now. love, deb ox
Here's to more weekends like that ❤
Yessss!!!! ox