Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A stranger

Exodus 23:9 may seem like a strange verse to apply to yourself.  It may seem like a strange name for a blog.  But, this verse jumped off the page at me a long time ago because of one word:  stranger.  Our family has been living in India for over 10 years, but I am still a stranger.  Wherever I go, I stick out like a sore thumb!  No matter how many years I live and work here, I will always be stared at and pointed out in public.  Why?  I am a stranger.  A blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigner!  In another way, our whole family are strangers.  My husband and children may not stick out because of their looks, but we are a Christian family, an American family, that chose to move to the Third World.  (Strange, I know!) We are asked constantly, "Why would you leave America and choose to live here?  We are all trying to get there!"  It is great to hear that question, because we have an answer.  The love of Christ!  He gave us an incredible opportunity to hear the Gospel, and to be saved. He has given us an opportunity to share this with others.  That they be "no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens of the saints, and of the household of God" Ephesians 2:19.  So, how about you?  Are you a stranger?  Do you know the heart of a stranger? 
     I pray that you will somehow be blessed by hearing of our life and work here, as "strangers in a strange land".

9 comments:

  1. I am so excited that you are blogging! Can't wait to read more!

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    1. Thanks Jen! I enjoy hearing about your life and ministry there in Australia.

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  2. How appropriate! YES!! I am like a stranger in my own country, at my place of employment, and sadly to say, sometimes at my own church...
    Thank you for this post, it has ministered to me.
    God bless you!

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    1. It's so true, that we are all called to be strangers in this world. I appreciate your prayers for me so much!

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  3. Wow! Thanks for sharing that with us. It gave me a new perspective and appreciation for you and your family. I look forward to reading more.

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  4. I'm looking forward to reading more about your life there! SO glad you are blogging now :-)

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  5. What a wonderful testimony for the Lord! Just know that we are praying for you and your beautiful family. We have been also praying for your safety as you serve the Lord there. If you would like to visit our web site: www.gatewaybaptist-md.org you will find several of the Pastor's messages posted there every week for you to enjoy. Also, I have created an FTP site just for missionaries to share very large files with family and friends. My email is: billsr@hawleyfamily.com and my name is William Hawley, Sr., Staff Evangelist, Gateway Baptist Church, Rising Sun, MD - one of your supporting churches. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.

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  6. Thank you Bro. Hawley, we always enjoy our visits to Gateway! We will definitely check out the website. It is an encouragement to listen to messages from our supporting pastors.

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