Saturday, July 11, 2009

The Missionary

29 comments:

  1. True words Donna - I tray to be a missionary with my own abilities. To lift up people when they are feeling down. Just haveing some nice words left for them, or when I send emails, I do the same. I smile at people as much as I can to let them feel good. - Your Anthony, Bobby, Robert and you are in my prayers. I'm not forgetting you all! - Rosemarie

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was surprised when I was able to reach out to a couple of nurses when in hospital without knowing that I was. I was told that they would miss me when I was discharged because of the way that I greeted them with a smile

    ReplyDelete
  3. Simply a terrific message Donna. I have always taught my girls that how you live your life is a great testimony to people. You can call yourself a christian but if you behave in certain ways people who are non-believers can be turned away from God. When my middle daughter was in high school she came home one day and said a friend told her that she thought my daughter was the coolest christian she had ever met. She told my daughter that she could see the love for God all over her and could tell she truly believed because of the way she lives. It was a neat experience for all of us.

    You never know whose life you are going to touch. We live in the Seattle area and it is one of the least church attending areas in the United States. Sometimes I feel like I live in Sodom and Gomorrah. I cling to my faith and every day prayer that I can touch somebodys life. I'm not sure if I make a difference but your message has given me lots of hope.

    Thanks so very much for sharing!
    Dana

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great message Donna,

    It brought to my mind a sermon many years ago where the Minister began with the words, spoken with conviction, "YOU are the salt of the earth. YOU are the light of the world". Then the Minister asked the congregation to extend our arms and hands to our front and look at our hands as he said, "The hands you extend and are looking at ARE today's 'hands' of Jesus!"

    Just like that Minister's words from years ago stay with me your messaage will stay with me, and I will remember them. Now, I can add the concept of acting as a 'missionary' in small ways thoughout my life while I use my hands as Jesus would wish.

    Thanks for your words. God is blessing you and all who follow this site!

    Jan-Michael

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. "cysradill", the story of your son was quite beautiful and I read it to my wife who felt a strong connection to the story!

    I see you have removed the text, as do I sometimes, if I feel a better way to express myself but I hope you will not mind my still commenting.

    My wife tells me at her church she was often praying when she thought of another lady in church with a handicapped child. So my wife then said a prayer for the woman and her child. One day my wife bumped into the woman and told her how she and her child kept coming to mind as my wife prayed. "So", the women said, "you are the one who keeps praying for me. I could feel someone praying for me and now I know who and can thank you".

    Truly, there are things we do not understand but it is enough that these wonderful connections of spirits take place.

    God is blessing you.

    Jan-Michael

    ReplyDelete
  7. thank-you Jan-Michael. I am glad someone read befor I deleted it by mistake. My skills on the computer on not the best.
    But I did want to say that we can be missionary,s at home also as Donna said. There are so many little things we can do for God. Even just a smile and hello at a lonely person. And every time you donate your used clothing and send money to places that feed the poor is working for God and takes so little to help alot. God Bless everyone. Cysradill

    ReplyDelete
  8. cysradill, Jean Michael. No matter what you are writing, why deleting and write a complete other comment? You should fully accept yourself and your opinion! I even do not know how to delete and correct my tiping errors. What's out, it's out!!! - I think in advance what I write. Are you aware how many people have already read your deleted messages?! Blessings, Swiss Rosemarie

    ReplyDelete
  9. cyradill, yes you are right! As you said and it is worth repeating, "There are so many little things we can do for God. Even just a smile and hello at a lonely person. And every time you donate your used clothing and send money to places that feed the poor is working for God and takes so little to help alot".

    I am so glad you commented on my post. You had deleted yours the following day of course by error while my deletions at times are where I realize after posting that, due to (my)Multiple Sclerosis difficulties with vision and typing, I have missed putting in an important point before sumitting my post. So, I just quickly have deleted and added a clearer post a second time.

    Now, I click the profile and preview (if I remember) and check that I got it right! In any event we are all friends as Rosemarie intimates and our points of posting are always just to send inspiration and you cyradill have reminded us how we can do "little things" as Missionaries for God.

    God is so blessing you and yours.

    Jan-Michael
    PS I have surely made some errors in typing this and missed seeing them but no matter. You will all get the gist of what I am saying.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Donna. I just got back from the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains. I was blessed to spend some time with my beloved family.
    Your message is, like always filled with love and wisdom, thank you for sharing this with us.
    You know, there is a sort of resemblance between your 5yrs old son Anthony ad then and myself (59) today.
    A very dear friend of mine just cannot believe that there is a God, she was not brought up in a Christian family so some time ago I bought her a childrens Bible in the hope that this would be a help for her to get to know the Lord Jesus. She said that she would read it but that she was not planning on getting saved. (yet)
    She has everything in her that would make her a true Christian: love, kindness, generous, always willing to give a helping hand to those who are in need, you name it, but... she doens't know the Lord Jesus and his wonderful salvation. Isn't that sad.I feel such a powerlessness sometimes. I just cry for her just like Anthony did for his friend and wish that I could give her that one thing she needs the most. Your words are so true Donna, the one thing I do for her is pray, and I think back what Robert said to me in Amsterdam, never ask IF God answers your prayer but WHEN, because he always answers. And I will hold on to that.
    While typing this about my friend I feel that I would like to share something that comes much closer, my husband, although he believes in God, he does not have a personal relationship with Him. When we were just married we always went to church on Sunday. To make a long story short, he had a very bad experience with so called christians, lost his job because of that,and we went through a very difficult period in our lifes. From that time he has never seen a church from the inside again.
    Until 3 years ago when (on our way to Canada)
    we visited the CC.
    We started to watch the hop together and I know that he liked listening to Robert. And while we listened to his sermons I prayed that God would open my husbands heart and mind. Praying for his salvation, that is all I can do and leave it with the Lord and perhaps a miracle will happen.So since Robert left we watch hop very selective. It saddens me so much that the one I love the most, my husband, lives without Hope,and you know, like I mentioned about my dear friend, he too has everything in him to be an example to all of us.Please, shall we pray for those who are still without God and for ourselves that we might be a good example and try to be a good Christian??

    God bless you all and keep you in his care.

    Much Christian love,

    Ria (The Netherlands)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Between your posirive messages and now The Gathering Videos ...

    http://ocgathering.blogspot.com/2009/07/obedience.html

    ...it is terrific what has come along and a rainbow of Hope shines brightly!

    When Robert has started on TV and on-line in the fall, I will be thrilled to be able to spend a day on your message, another on The Gathering and then Robert's messages. WOW!

    God is making a rainbow at the end of the storm more vibrant and inspiring than I ever thought possible.

    I can honestly say I feel more positive and connected with God's spirit now than when I attended a service at Crystal Cathedral last October before all went awry.

    You Donna gave me hope with your first messages and then Bobby and his vision for The Gathering, St Patrick Mission now sending missionaries out to train....

    God is so blessing us through you and yours
    Jan-Michael

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks everyone. I have been out of town and without being able to check my blog. I just watched it for the first time and then I read all of your comments. Please know that I continue to pray for all of you. You are very special to me!
    Thank you for continuing to encourage me.
    Your friend in Christ, Donna

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Again,
    I will post a new blog later today. I was out of town all last week and got back Friday night. Bobby was preparing for his Sunday message yesterday and last night we had a dinner in San Diego. Sorry to make you all wonder and wait! Robert and I are off to The Gathering this morning. Love in Christ, Donna

    ReplyDelete
  14. P.S. And....my computer crashed before we went out of town last week. Finally took it in today after church. I need a new hardrive. Fortunately it is under warranty. Message will have to wait until tomororow as I am using Robert's right now and he needs it! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Do not worry, my dear Donna. God is in control. - Rosemarie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Donna,
    Even though I don't read your blogs enough I find when I do I feel such peace. It is so wonderful knowing we can look forward to each and every one of then. I find when I am in a funk all I have to do in go to my bookmarks and there you are.
    Thank You

    ReplyDelete
  17. You give us so much 'food for thought' and inspiration Donna, I would take advantage of the situation!!
    Why don't you go for a nice long walk on the beach and relax a bit, you deserve it.
    Meanwhile, I'll read some of your blogs again, I always discover something new in your messages.

    Much Christian Love,

    Ria (The Netherlands)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dear Donna: I agree there is still much peace in each of your blogs and lots of food for thought. You also need time to collect your thoughts and rest.
    and sometimes computer's take time to fix. So please don't worry we have the gathring also with lots of good messages .
    God Bless Cysradill

    ReplyDelete
  19. HI All,
    Thanks for being patient with me!! I got my computer back but I have nothing on it!! Everything on my hardrive is gone and my external backup storage has nothing on it!! I am very frustrated and almost cried. I then asked myself if any of this will matter in a year from now? The answer is "no" so I will just try to move forward and concentrate on what I have left instead of what I have lost! (difficult but I am going to focus on this though!) Meanwhile I have to try to remember all of my passwords, one being how to get into my blog account. so I can do a new blog!! Pray for my patience please. More soon. Donna

    ReplyDelete
  20. I feel with you Donna. Have had 4 years ago severe computer problems. I know how it feels! Craying can help, do it! - My thougths and prayers are with you Donna. - Rosemarie

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey Donna,

    Someone from Japan once told me business there, at year-end, required they throw out all unfinished business and start the new year fresh! They said it was wonderful as once all the old stuff was gone they were able to be even more creative and, in fact, most relished the opportunity!

    I am praying you find even better ways to reach us with your inspiring messages and you can be sure we are staying patient.

    Like Rosemarie, I had computer frustrations once or twice as have many. I have no doubt this is very frustrating and truly I am sorry.
    But, I similarly have no doubt you will have your blog up and running with a great message in due time.

    You are a blessing and maybe this is a good time to relax and take a break? You know we all miss your words but also want you relaxed and happy so do not fret about us.

    Looking forward yo your new blog whenever...

    Your friend in Christ
    Jan-Michael

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi: Donna: Remember we can do all things through Christ who stengthen us. So we will all pray for you and you pray. And it will all work out . And usaually there is a reason for everything that happens. It will be interesing to see what God had in mind when this happen. God Bless You All. Cysradill

    ReplyDelete
  23. Donna,
    Please don't stress and take your time with future postings. I admire your determination to post your weekly blogs, but sometimes things happen that are out ot our control. Maybe this was God's way of telling you to slow down and BREATHE, JUST BREATHE. Take care. You're always in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi. I received this mail today from a dear friend of mine, I'd like to share this with you.

    Powerful Story!!

    AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR
    SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS
    SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS
    IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

    IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST
    MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM
    TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT
    WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE..

    WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

    'A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC
    COAST ,' HE BEGAN. 'WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO
    GET BACK TO THE SHORE.

    THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED
    SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO
    THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.' THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,
    MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE
    THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

    THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, 'GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE
    FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH
    BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. HE ONLY HAD SECONDS
    TO MAKE THE DECISION..

    THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS
    SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY
    THE TORRENT OF WAVES.

    AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE
    TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK
    TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS
    INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.

    HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

    BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW,
    ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S
    MOUTH. 'THE FATHER,' HE CONTINUED, 'KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO
    ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S
    FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE
    SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. '

    HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US... OUR
    HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED.
    I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE
    LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.'

    WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE
    FILLED THE ROOM.

    THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF
    SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE
    APPEAL.

    WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE
    OLD MAN'S SIDE. 'THAT WAS A NICE STORY,' POLITELY STATED ONE OF
    THEM,'BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP
    HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A
    CHRISTIAN..'

    'WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE,' THE OLD MAN REPLIED, GLANCING DOWN AT
    HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN
    LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, 'IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT?
    BUT, I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE
    OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD
    TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.

    YOU SEE... I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND.'

    Much Christian love,
    Ria

    PS: I prayed for you Donna!! Take care and try not to worry too much

    ReplyDelete
  25. There we have it from Ria and her friend... an inspirational story full of deep and thought provoking words...truly food for thought and prayer!

    Thanks Ria for sharing that wonderful story!

    Your friend in Christ
    Jan-Michael

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank-you for sharing that powerfull story with all of us and helping us to understand what God gave up for us. Helping do God,s work can be hard but in the end very rewarding. And through Donna's blog we are able to share these storie's with each other. This maybe what God had in mind when the computor crashed. We can help Donna this way. God Bless Cysradill

    ReplyDelete
  27. You know Cysradill and Jan Michael, yes, maybe this is what God had in mind when Donna's computer crashed. And "there are so many little things we can do for God", like you said in your comment Cysradill. I just needed to share this important message. With prayer and trust that the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

    With much Christian Love

    Ria (The Netherlands)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love you all! What great dialogue has developed between you! I met with Bobby today and he did my video. It will be an update on what is happening here with all of us and our ministries. I hope you enjoy since you had to wait so long to hear back from me! Weekend blessings, peace, and joy to you all. Donna

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a blessing it is Donna, to have your exemple and influence in our lives! We are so thankful to be able to have the guidance, the support we have had from your family's teachings!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. Please try to stay on the topic and remember also that there are many who are struggling through all kinds of challenges. Let's all be kind and thoughtful with our comments please! :D