Childhood, Romans 11, and some Election Reflection

I've already heard many Christians bemoaning the election results and the fact that God has now left us. I certainly disagree strongly with Obama on some points but am nowhere near the Chicken Little syndrome that appears to be sweeping through much of the evangelical church. I definitely agree that the U.S. has gone away from God on some important issues, but this election has proved that on one issue God has shown us tremendous mercy.

In Romans 11, Paul presents an extremely quick overview of the history of the world; past, present, and future. The chapter discusses how God in this present age is not working directly through the nation of Israel, but through the church. The warning that Paul gives to the church is this, "Do not become proud (Rom 11:20)." Paul knew that because the church contained a predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) base, then Gentiles would be tempted to develop ethnic pride. Paul reminds the Gentiles that God will still work with the Jews (11:2). God has constructed the history of the world in order to crush ethnic pride. The predominant Gentile makeup of the church crushes Jewish pride and the mercy that will be shown to Jews in the future will crush Gentile pride. All this to say, the issue of ethnic pride or racism is a fundamental issue of Christianity. God is so concerned that no one forget to see Him as the the center because they're focused on their own ethnicity that He has constructed all of history in order to crush ethnic pride.

So, how has God in this election shown us mercy? For the first 200 years of U.S. history, America failed miserably on this issue of racism that is so central to God's heart. And this incredible failure placed America in a position that we could (should) have been judged. But God has shown mercy.

I remember growing up in North Carolina and hearing and even telling racist jokes. I remember hearing people say they would leave the country if a black man were ever elected president. Not that they would leave if someone pro-abortion got elected or an atheist that scorns God's wisdom, but a black man.

The fact that at the present moment my state of North Carolina is still too close to call means that a black man ran for president and white people cast ballots not based on the color of a man's skin, but on who he was as a candidate. Again, I'm not saying Obama is a perfect candidate or even that he should have been elected. But the fact that he had a fair shot shows me that on at least one issue, God has shown this country mercy. Yes, He has allowed our country to ignore His commands on many other issues and we should mourn that. But on one issue incredibly close to God's heart, we have received mercy for which I am incredibly thankful.

Witnessing History

Watching the news tonight I am excited. America has finally elected it's first African American president. Regardless of your political views, it is exciting to watch this amazing step in our history as a country. I am glad that I am able to witness a bit of history in the making tonight.

Boarding School!?!?!?!?!

I always thought of this as the 14 letter phrase that no one should ever say when speaking about missionaries, and it was definitely something that I would never say. I even told a veteran missionary that I would never send my daughter to boarding school (when I told her this I was 8 weeks pregnant and definitely couldn't imagine my little one ever leaving me!). This very wise missionary told me at that point, "Be careful. Never is one thing you should probably never say. Be open to what God would have you do."

I am very thankful for this friend who shared these words with me, and for the way God has been preparing me for service overseas. This past week, Wayne and I attended a conference on educating your children overseas. During this conference we discussed several different options for education in a different country, as well as several challenges we will face in educating her overseas, such as what language will she learn to read in first and then when will she learn to read in the other language! We realize that we have many challenges ahead of us as we seek to minister as a family in Senegal. We also realize that God has given us some exciting opportunities as well. Our first plan for Addie's schooling is for her to attend a Senegalese Christian school where 80% of the kids are Muslim. We desire for her to learn French and be able to interact with the culture in Senegal so that she might serve Christ there.

And now back to that dirty 14 letter phrase :) Yes, we did talk about boarding school this week as one of many options (the others being national schools, homeschooling, International schools, International Christian schools, online schools, and a few more). And no, we're not going to send Addie to boarding school in elementary school! But it may be an option later. With prayer and consideration, and discussion with Addie, boarding school may actually be a good option for high school. And I know you may be thinking, "Isn't she only 2?" Yes, and we're not planning her entire schooling this week, but God has opened both of our hearts to more possibilities than we were previously open to. I have heard so many good stories about boarding schools lately, about kids who beg their parents to let them go and love the interaction with other kids. I have heard about how boarding schools can make strong families stronger and build the relationship between parents and kids. I have heard about how they grow kids character as they prepare to return to the States for college. And God has softened my heart and told me that maybe, this might be an option for Addie one day.

Again, we are incredibly thankful for the training we are continuing to get and for God preparing our minds and our hearts for serving Him in Senegal.

Wisdom from Addie

Yesterday, Hilary's sister, Kara, was talking about the opening sermon illustration she heard that morning about the two presidential candidates talking a lot about change to which Addie responded, "I like to change my diaper."

Cleaning up your own mess. Sounds novel. Addie for President in 2052!

Soul Care

I've recently been very exhausted with the constant travels, presentations, phone calls, etc. and spent some time this morning trying to recharge by reflecting on Hebrews 11 and a sermon from my boy Johnny Edwards.

Here's a great quote from a sermon based on Hebrews 11:13, 14, "And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country."

Commenting on how all pleasures now are but a foretaste for eternity with God, he writes

"To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean."

FAQ (updated)

I posted a FAQ a while back, but thought it was time to update it.

Q - What is a good amount to give?

The short answer is anything. Many have asked, does a $10 or $20 commitment make a difference. The answer is definitely yes! We currently have about 1/3 of our support coming from commitments in the $10 to $50 range.

Our most common amounts that people give are $25, $50, or $100/month, but those certainly aren't the only amounts that are helpful as we have commitments from individuals or families ranging from $10 to $300/month.

Q - What is ongoing support?

Our mission board sets a monthly budget based on how much it costs to live and minister in Senegal. We need commitments that equal our monthly budget. These commitments can be made on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. We must be at 100% of our ongoing support before we are able to leave. This means that for every commitment, the first gift needs to have come in before we leave.

Q - How can I give to ongoing support?

We often call our ongoing support, monthly support, but it can actually be given on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.

Monthly commitments can be given through Electronic Funds Transfer or mailing a check to WorldVenture. If you're interested in having the money drafted from your bank account, just download this form and mail it to WorldVenture (see address below) with a voided check. If you want to send in support by check, just download this form indicating how much you're committing, how often you will send the gift (i.e. monthly quarterly, annually) and then mail it to WorldVenture along with the first check.

Please be sure to include our name and missionary # on the forms, Wayne and Hilary Denny (#026)

WorldVenture
Attn: Receipting Department
1501 W. Mineral Ave
Littleton, CO 80120-5612

Also, if you decide to commit, it helps us tremendously if you can send us a note letting us know how much you're committing, wdenny@worldventure.net.

Q - When should we start giving?

As soon as possible! All monthly support that comes in before we leave goes towards our outgoing expenses and current ministry expenses. Also, we need the first gift to come in before Jan 1st in order to get us to 100% of our budget.

Q - What percentage of your budget do you need to be at before you can leave?

100% committed and the first gift sent in.

Q - How can I give towards your one time needs?

You can give directly online or mail a check to:

WorldVenture
Attn: Receipting Department
1501 W. Mineral Ave
Littleton, CO 80120-5612

Please be sure to include our name and missionary #, Wayne and Hilary Denny (#026)

Q - If I begin monthly support, how long is the commitment?

There is no formal commitment. Some may only be able to give for 1 year. Others may support us for 30 years. It's easiest for us if you can commit to whatever our term length is. Our initial term will be 4 years (beginning Jan 09). If our support falls off while we're on the field, it's more difficult to raise it back up. Of course, we do realize that situations change and some will either choose or be forced to withdraw support. Ultimately God knows yours and our situation and is in control.

Q - What if I can't commit to a monthly gift, but would still like to give gifts as enabled.

Our monthly budget set by our mission board is not an exact science. Over the course of time, we are likely to have supporters that are unable to continue giving and will need either new supporters or unexpected gifts to make up the difference. Also, if the value of the dollar goes down, so does our salary. Unexpected gifts can make up the difference here also.

Q - Are the gifts tax-deductible?

Yes

Q - Any more questions

Contact Michael Smith at WorldVenture, 800-487-4224 or email me, wdenny@worldventure.net

Long overdue update...

We're at 84% of our support committed!
We've applied for our visas to France!
We have plane tickets reserved for January 1st!

Wow, I think we're going to be moving in a couple of months!