International Workers

      

We were sitting in a cafe in Caledonia sipping tea and trying to get some work done when the call came. For two days we had been on pins and needles waiting for this call, feeling discouraged and letting our minds wander to 'what if?' What if we had this all wrong and it isn't God's will that we go to Germany? This has been a crazy year, we are very tired and have been through many transitions (Trochu-Three Hills-Belleville ON-Hamilton ON-Caledonia ON-Belleville ON-Toronto-Caledonia etc.), but the wonderful thing is that God is always constant! He has wonderful plans for us and for you, plans you cannot even fathom right now. 

So as we sat in that Cafe trying to take deep breathes, and trust that God is Sovereign, our contact from the C&MA in Calgary called and told us these wonderful words- 

"You have been given the go ahead and are now fully licensed as International Workers with the C&MA!"

Relief, tears, more relief, smiles, jumping up and down, thank you's and a lot of hugging proceeded. A man came up to us after and said- "Excuse me, you two are just exuding some crazy energy and I'm wondering what is making you so happy?" So we laughed and exuded some more as we told him. 

A picture of Kandern Germany where the school is

We are both feeling overwhelmed with joy at this point and are now getting down to fundraising! Check out our website for more information! www.jandrculp.ca. 

A Piece of His Puzzle

It's the movie "Les Miserables". It's the story I know so well. I have seen it live, I have read the book, and watched two versions of the movie before I watch this one.
My husband and I sit in his parents house watching the new version late into the night. Have you seen it? Have you truly seen it?

Have you seen the young, sweet girl, forced into prostitution because of desperation to save her daughter? I saw it. Hollywood doesn't miss much.

I will be the first to admit that I am desensitised to much. I see blood on screen, it's normal. I see sex, I close my eyes or fast forward, as is proper. I see war and am not shocked. This life of living with movies.
So I know that when I am shocked, when I am appalled and the tears come, that Jesus is showing me a glimpse of his heart.
I couldn't sleep after the movie so I prayed. I asked God why. Why has sex become a nightmare in most of the world? For millions of women?
Why are the innocents suffering?

It's the book called "Girl Soldier" about a young girl in Uganda that is stolen along with a hundred other girls to be "wives" to the officers in the "Lord's Resistance Army." It is her words of praise to God for delivering her, for being her comfort and help during that time.

 

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame."

-Isaiah 58:9-11

 

 



These are the things I am filling my mind with on our trip to the East. If this Bible passage is true, if He will truly guide us always and strengthen us and satisfy us if we love the oppressed, then why would anyone who follows Jesus not do what they can? If we step out in faith, He will take care of us and guide us.
There is suffering all around us, you don't have to go to Uganda, or the streets of London to find those whom Jesus loves. They are right there with you.

We are going to Germany (Lord Willing) in August to live with a dorm full of boys. At first I asked God why He would send me to boys when He knows my heart is with discipling young women. But as I read books like "Girl Soldier" and watch movies like "Les Mis" the question becomes, who will teach my sons how to honour my daughters?

 

And my answer becomes, I will. I will go, if it be your will.



I will become a piece of your puzzle to bring Your love to the world! For You are all that matters.

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

-Isaiah 49:13