Joy

“How lovely is your dwelling place O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrows finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young at your alters, O Lord of host my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praises. Blessed are those whose strength is in you in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer, give ear to, O God of Jacob. Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” Psalms 84

How does the psalmist view the goodness and grace and character and worth of God? What is being commanded?

The obvious joy of the Lord shined through the people in Burundi. Now that I have been home for five weeks I am slowly being able to articulate lessons that I have learned in these last few months. My joy in the Lord has been a theme. It has been easy for me to believe a lie that that seeking pleasure is “selfish, self-seeking, prideful,” which has ironically lead to discouragement and too much concern with the situations I am in and people’s approval.

I have been reading Desiring God by John Piper.  Blaise Pascal is quoted in Johns book, “All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every man, even those who hang themselves” (Piper, 19).

We get to delight ourselves in the Lord, a pursuit of joy IN the Lord. We don’t make God out of pleasure, but He is our pleasure. John describes that we tend to have it backwards, we are far too easily pleased.

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a vacation at the sea. We are far too easily pleased” (Piper, 21).

 Seeing the people of Burundi who have been through unimaginable trauma praise the father through song and dance solidified more of what the Psalmist writes. Reading John’s writing helped this click for me. How incredible that the Lord of all of the universe loves us, has plans, guides so that He may be praised; our creator.

I don’t know if I will have another opportunity to go to Burundi or not. I learned more about the Holy Spirit while I was in Burundi. How incredible that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. We are not our own, but bought with Christ’s blood. A new creation; eternally praising our father. Praise: the completion of enjoyment. The process of how the Lord provided peace and finances through the whole time leading up to my time in Burundi was incredible to experience. As of right now, I don’t have peace about it and I will continue to pray and see how the Lord directs my steps.  I see how I have found security my own plans, and I need to be patient and wait on the Lord right now.

Next step: Denn Hague, The Netherlands!

WFMC blog

http://www.facebook.com/tyler.groenink#!/WFMCglobaloutreach

Here are more stories about our time in Burundi through the WFMC global outreach progam.

The red dust has been wiped away and I am home!

The red dust has been scrubbed out of my toes, and I am back at home. Joy and gratitude has filled my heart these last few weeks as I am processing my experiences in Burundi. Everything is a gift from the Lord; the fresh air in the northwest, running water, family, friends etc. We are only rich in Christ.
The consistency of the Lord and His faithfulness has been very evident through His people despite cultural differences. I have been more aware of how easy it is to become attached to things of this world; although these things are not bad in and of themselves.
The camps went very well. Teaching the health lessons to the widows was a joy and I was initially overwhelmed to tears... yes tears (I say I don't cry often) of the joy that the women and children had in the Lord. They praised the Lord through song and dance continuously throughout the seminars.
I loved having the Wenatchee Free Methodist youth group in Burundi along with a few leaders. We had so much fun dancing with the Burundians, playing games with the Burundians, participating in bible studies, visiting widows in the villages, and hanging out with each other. My desire is to go back to Burundi next year with more students from Wenatchee Free Methodist Church. We shall see how the Lord guides us.
I will continue to post stories of my experiences in Burundi as time goes on and I get my own computer to download photos.
The way that Sister Connection Organization provides hope for the widows has been humbling to see. Many of the women surrender their lives to the Lord after being sponsored because it is a complete miracle that something like that would happen to them.
One of the many favorite stories of mine:  one of the widows had been crawling for two years with a hip issue. She asked the Lord to heal her before we had arrived. She welcomed us with song and dance... that's right, dancing, on her feet for minutes! Incredible. We then were given two chickens and twelve eggs that day from widows as gifts and ate them for meals for many days!

Thank you all who have supported me in various ways to go to Burundi.

Psalm 73:23-27
"Yet I am always with you; you hold me with your right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

I am off!!!

In 48 hours I will be on the plane to Burundi! Ah, I can't believe it is finally here!
I spent the last two weeks working at Warm Beach Camp working in the recreation department and spending a lot of time with the new summer staff counselors.
I also had some time to plan my health lessons and organize many different recreational activities/games that I can lead in Burundi. My main focus is on nutrition and hygiene; however, I will be teaching about spiritual health and emphasizing how Jesus is the one who truly satisfies us.

Here is how you can pray for the team and also a schedule of what I will be doing each day.

Pray that we would be in awe of the Lord, united together as believers in awe of the love of our father. Pray that the women's ears and eyes would be opened to the gospel and hope that we have in Jesus. Pray that we would be satisfied no matter what our circumstance is in the Lord knowing, John 6:35 "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." Philippians 4:4-9 " Rejoice in the Lord always again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be know to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of god which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure whatever is lovely whatever is commendable if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me- practice these things and the God of peace will be with you." 
Pray that all the glory would be given to God through whatever happens in all situations

Daily prayers:

- Tuesday, July 3 Pray for safe travel for the

first 12 team members as they leave the U.S. and for

the Lord to continue to prepare their hearts during the

long flights.

- Wednesday, July 4 Pray for the Lord to grow a

deep bond in this team, rooted in Christ, as they arrive

in Burundi tonight and rest from travel.

- Thursday, July 5 Pray that our eyes will be

opened to see people as Christ sees them, today and

for the whole trip.

- Friday, July 6 Pray for God’s protection from

the enemy for this team and all widows and kids—

protection from sickness, from those who would do us

harm, and for our hearts and team unity.

- Saturday, July 7 Pray for strength and joy for

the Burundian team (Sister Connection employees and

volunteers) as they coordinate the final details for

widows’ and children’s camps.

- Sunday, July 8 Pray for spiritual preparation for all

who will be teaching, leading worship, and translating

in the Widows’ Retreat and Children’s Camp.

- Monday, July 9 Pray for safety, protection, and

spiritual preparation for the widows and children ages

5-12 as they travel to camp today.

- Tuesday, July 10 Pray that all teachings will be

led by the Spirit, for our hearts to be in tune to Him at

all times, and that we trust Him to give us the words HE

has for the widows and orphans, even if it means that

we change direction in the middle of a lesson.

- Wednesday, July 11 Pray for joyful, free worship

that blesses the heart of the Father, exalts Jesus Christ,

and welcomes the Holy Spirit to come and work in the

heart of each person present—widows, children, and

camp team.

- Thursday, July 12 As the widows and children

travel home, pray that the Lord will seal the work He

has done and protect each person from the enemy

snatching away the seeds that were planted. Pray for

physical health for the camp team as they rest from

these busy days.

- Friday, July 13 Pray for safe travel for the six team

members who will be returning to the U.S. this weekend

and for the Holy Spirit to counsel them as they process

the trip.

- Saturday, July 14 Pray that we be considerate of

each other, putting others before ourselves, as a team,

giving grace and mercy where we might be tempted to

give impatience and irritation.

- Sunday, July 15 Pray for God to show Himself

individually to each team member.

- Monday, July 16 Pray that our focus will be on

glorifying God and giving Him the credit.

- Tuesday, July 17 Pray for safe travel for 13 new

team members as they leave the U.S. and for the Lord to

continue to prepare their hearts during the long flights.

- Wednesday, July 18 Pray as the Lord leads you.

- Thursday, July 19 Pray for the Lord to unite our

whole team as the new members arrive in Burundi today

and rest from travel.

- Friday, July 20 Pray that our eyes will be opened

to see people as Christ sees them.

- Saturday, July 21 Pray for team members’ families

and friends at home, that their ears, eyes, and hearts to be

open to the gospel and they will want to surrender their

entire lives to Jesus.

- Sunday, July 22 Pray for safety, protection, and

spiritual preparation for the first group of youth, ages 13-

17, as they travel to camp today.

- Monday, July 23 Pray for joyful, free worship that

blesses the heart of the Father, exalts Jesus Christ, and

welcomes the Holy Spirit to come and work in the heart of

each person present.

- Tuesday, July 24 Pray that all teachings will be led

by the Spirit, for our hearts to be in tune to Him at all

times, and that we trust Him to give us the words HE has for

the youth.

- Wednesday, July 25 Pray for the Lord’s seal on all that

was done as the 13 to 17 year old youth travel home

today, and for safety, protection, and spiritual

preparation for the 18 to 26 year old youth as they travel

to camp.

- Thursday, July 26 Pray for healing in the hearts of

these youth who experienced so much trauma during the

war.

- Friday, July 27 Pray that all teachings will be led

by the Spirit, for our hearts to be in tune to Him at all

times, and that we trust Him to give us the words HE has for

the youth.

- Saturday, July 28 As the older youth travel home,

pray that the Lord will seal the work He has done and

protect each person from the enemy snatching away the

seeds that were planted. Pray for physical health and

spiritual growth for the camp team as they rest from these

busy days.

- Sunday, July 29 Pray for safe travel for all remaining

team members who will be returning to the U.S. and for the

Holy Spirit to counsel and guide them as they process the

trip.

W idows’ Retreat: 

July 9-11: Barb will be teaching about courage. Ginger will teach

about courage as mothers in tough situations, like Jochabed, and

courage as daughters of God, like the woman with the issue of blood.

Susan, Brittney, & Jennifer will be teaching about health, hygiene, and

nutrition from Burundian fruits and veggies (in all four camps). Denise

will be speaking about God’s faithfulness, our source of courage.

C hildren’s C amp: The Holy Spirit with Us

July 9-11: Wayne will be teaching about God as Creator and how to

recognize Him all around us and find hope and strength through His

presence with us. Josh and Michelle will be teaching about relying on

and obeying the Holy Spirit.

Youth C amps: 

July 23-25 & 25-27: Tyler will be teaching about Jesus, who came to

be with us and did not “leave us as orphans” (John 14.18), but sent the

Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and teach us.

Schedule:

Sometime between Sun, July 1 to Tues July 2--Michelle, Josh (Michelle's new husband), Denise, 3 Patch kids, Susan Rice, Brittney (intern) & Jennifer (intern) fly in.  This is the U.S. team of visitors for widows' and kids' camps, and a few will stay for youth camp, too.  

Wed, July 3--visit HAU campus & a Buja widow home

Thurs, July 4--head up-country, visit Mt. Hope or Kibuye, widow homes

Fri, July 5--visiting homes, hearing testimonies, greeting friends

Sat, July 6--visiting homes, hearing testimonies, greeting friends

Sun, July 8--church and  preparing for camps

Mon, July 9—widows and children arrive in afternoon

Tues, July 10—Widows’ Seminar and Children’s Camp 

Wed, July 11—Widows’ Seminar and Children’s Camp

Thurs, July 14--rest, travel to Buja

Fri, July 13--Michelle and Josh fly out (or Saturday, depending on flights).

Sat to Tues, July 14-17--Denise & kids, Brittney, and (Jennifer) rest, debrief, and visit homes . . . 

Mon, July 16 Barb & Wayne Vibbert fly out of Buja (Barb & Wayne will not be there for youth camps).  

Thurs, July 19—Wenatchee Team (13 team members) and possibly Julie Greissinger with her kids Alex, and Katie arrive in the afternoon (Rest in Buja and visit Hope Africa U).  They join Denise and her kids, Brittney, and Jennifer to help with youth camps.  

Fri, July 20--Could visit Ruzzizi for hippos and crocs; go up country, visit widow homes

Sat, July 21--Prep crafts, games, & special songs, visit widow homes.  Dinner: debrief widow home visits

Sun, July 22--Church & rest

Mon, July 23--Youth Camp #1

Tues, July 24--Youth Camp #1

Wed, July 25—Team rests, debrief a bit, prep more crafts, shopping in Gitega

Thurs, July 26—Youth Camp #2

Fri, July 27—Youth Camp #2

Sat, July 28—Team heads back to Buja, additional shopping, Dinner: team debrief youth camps

Sun, July 29—Morning: church, Late evening: team flies out

Wenatchee Students

I got to go to Wenatchee last weekend and meet the high school students who will be going to Burundi with me! They will be there for about two weeks participating in the camp with the Burundian orphans.

I first went to Wenatchee Free Methodist Church for their service on Sunday. In their lobby, they have a hut set up that informs people about Sister Connections. There are four binders on display that list the widows who have been sponsored by people at WFMC. There are over 300 women sponsored through WFMC alone. It was incredible to see dramatic pictures of people in Burundi recieving a new home; I teared up looking at them... and I don't tend to cry too often. Although, I seem to be these days... sometimes I don't know what to do with these watery substances that have been dripping out of my eyes recently, but the watery substances have been from an awe of the Lord's grace. It truly is sufficient; yet I forget, and I must remember.

After the service, I went to a potluck with the students who will be going. I got to chat with them for a while and hear how the fundraising process has been going and what they are most excited about when going to Burundi. We will be reading "A Hole In The Gospel" together before arriving in Burundi, and we will be discussing it as a team when we are over there. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned when we go.

The students are hosting a 5K race at Walla Walla Park at 1pm on June 3rd in Wenatchee WA. All of the money goes towards supporting the students who are going to Burundi. I might be able to make it.

^{Ephesians: 1:22-23} "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

100%!!!

Last weekend I realized I am still in need about about $600ish dollars for Africa. Although I have until June to raise the support, ideally Sister Connections would like the support in by May 1st. So again, I asked the Lord to provide soon.

I baby-sat for a family last weekend. This family really shows Christ's love through their family, and I get to go over there weekly and help with house cleaning. After I baby-sat, they started writing me a check towards going to Burundi and I saw a 6 and a 0... I thought, "oh no, I think they over paid me." So I get into my car, and look at the check and no, it was $600!!! The Lord is so good; incredible. I ran back into the house and asked them if they accidentally added an extra 0... and they smiled at me.

I just heard from Oikos, and I have all the funds that I need stored at the church!!! I will know more details more later, but I get to purchase my plane ticket this week; incredible.

In two weeks I get to meet the high school students from Wenatchee Free Methodist Church who will be in Burundi with me for two weeks.
1 Peter 1: 3-9

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Crazy Story

Last weekend I asked the Lord to provide abundantly for Africa. I began to question the Lord's provision and tried to figure out how I could make enough money to go to Africa. The very next day, I went to church  a little cranky, tired, and discouraged. While I was teaching Sunday School, a missionary from my church told Oikos (my church) about my financial need to go to Africa. After I finished teaching, I walked into the church area, and people began handing me money for Africa! I couldn't believe it; even people who I don't know well gave!

I went into the back of the church to deposit my money, and the Lord provided $1,200!!! The Lord is so so faithful. In the midst of my discouragement and doubt, the Lord blew me out of the water.

 "Trust in the Lord your God with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. This has been a favorite verse of mine and I am understanding it better.

Ahhh! I am actually going! I will be getting my shots next week and ordering my visa. In addition to all of this, I have seen my family's heart change about this as well which is another answer to prayers. I only have about $700 more to go!