Succes in God's Sight
For the past few years I've felt that I haven't been super involved in ministry, but God has shown me otherwise. For the last year Karina and I have been able to continually encourage a former athlete of mine as she has grown in her faith at college. Recently she went on her first mission trip and I was able to send a word of encouragement after reading one of her favorite Bible verses on her Facebook page.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
I went to the text and what I reminded her of was to read the passage in context, the verses before and after. As believers we can be assured that the Lord has his best in mind for us, but his best might not be what has been ingrained in us from the world's point of view.
What can we take from the first few verses of Proverbs 16 . . . 1. Commit our requests and concerns to God through prayer; 2. Remember from v. 2 that God weighs those requests and concerns by our motives (our heart); and 3. Finally, v. 4 "The Lord works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster." Notice the word "everything," that means everything, not most or some, but everything. He is in control, not us, no matter what we think.
So, what does success look like in God's Sight? Take the time to get in your Bible today and read Matthew 6:25-34 and take a glimpse of what it looks like. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Remember that we are not promised health and wealth but are called to seek him first and it is the Lord that weighs our motives and works out everything for his own ends. Today, I pray that you seek him first and strive for success in his sight and not the world's.
Posted February 1, 2010 by Willie and Karina.
Moving to France
Dear Friends and Family,
As you well know the last 2 ½ years has been a whirl wind of change in the life of the Server family as we prepared to move our family overseas for ministry opportunities in Russia. Traveling and meeting with many of you during this time, preparing for vocational ministry, and all that goes with career change. Now another change has developed over the last 2 ½ months . . . our ministry field. If you have known us long at all, you know that Karina and I have live, breathed, and bled Russia for well over a decade and anticipated living and ministering there for as long as God would allow. All along we have said that if God were to close Russia we would not leave SERVE-International, but would move to another field.
Two and a half months ago began a journey of prayer, tears, and counsel. First, we were made aware that the Russian government was again making it increasingly difficult for foreign nationals to live and work in Russia. This started the ball rolling as plans were developing for our trip to Russia, Ukraine, and France. Second, we were presented with many options as it looked very probable at the time that Russia would close and our team would pull out to a fall back location. This is where the tears came in as we mourned that we would not be living and ministering in Russia. Finally, through prayer, seeking counsel, and discussion one of the possible fall back locations began to touch our heart. The Western Europe team, located in Vence, France, will now be the new home of the Server family.
Some of the most commonly asked questions and answers follow.
Q- Is Russia Closed?
A- No, Praise God! There is still work to be done as we found during our time there in June and a new national leadership training board has been formed to lead the way alongside current long term SERVE missionaries.
Q- Are visas a problem?
A- Yes! They are a continuing problem that will not go away anytime soon.
Q- What changed so much that you would move to another field?
A- Through our time of prayer and counsel over the last few months we have realized that we have a heart to do what our name says . . . serve! Whether that is in Denton, Russia or France. We do feel that we are suited for overseas ministry and there are many reasons that France is that place.
1. God has given Karina and me a precious responsibility, our kids, and we want to provide a stable place to minister as they go through many changes. We don't want to be in a place for a year or two and have to move a second time and add a third language during their developmental years.
2. France is on the cutting edge of post-modernism and most of Western Europe follows what France does. This is a strategic location for ministry as a gateway to Europe, French speaking West Africa/North Africa, and the Middle East.
3. The French language is one of the official languages of both the United Nations and the Olympic Games. Prior to World War I it was the primary business language the world over.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to call or email us and we would love to have coffee and visit.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support of God's work through our family.
In Christ, Willie, Karina, Jake and Katie
Posted July 23, 2009 by Willie and Karina.
Leadership Training Board
In a few short days Karina and I will be traveling to Moscow for a short two week trip. We are going to meet with our team leaders Adam and Heather Richardson along with four Russian nationals in order to begin the vision for a Russian National Leadership Board.
Our vision is to see the Russians that have been trained over the last decade begin to take more leadership and develop a vision for pastoral and lay leader training. We don't want to work our way out of a job, but see more Russians involved in Kingdom building. Over time nationalization of ministry will be key and then we become an encouragement, mentors, and resources to our brothers and sisters.
We will give a full update via newsletter when we return.
Please pray for: 1. Our Russian brothers and sisters to catch the vision for national leadership and that we are able to understand one another and share ideas during these beginning stages. 2. Our safety and that of our kids (they will be staying at camp Grandma and Grandpa while we are gone). 3. Our vision of ministry as we are now done with formal training and just need to see God raise the last of our monthly support needs to hit the field.
In Christ, The Servers'
Posted June 14, 2009 by Willie and Karina.
05-17-2009 Missions Conference
03-11-2009 Travel Tips
10-21-2008 Friday Night Lights
07-29-2008 West Texas Whirlwind
05-27-2008 What is there to Tell?
