Waldrops' Walk, Work and Worship

Religious versus Mission Giving

2009-06-10T12:23:00.002+03:00

Donations is often a hot topic among missionaries. The faith we develop as we see God continually supply is amazing -but we do often find ourselves asking "Where is God's provision?" I think this arises because we see so much need around us and we often give so much of our own money to meet those needs. My observations tell me that mission workers give far more than the average American citizen.

I read a headline today that said that donations in 2008 had declined by 2%. My instincts told me this was true due to the continuing economic situation. However, I was curious. I went the source of the study. Giving USA Foundation conducted the study and commented that the decline was not significant given the severity of the economic downturn. However there was very good news as I read the whole report! The study found that "Religious congregations and other religious organizations received an estimated $106.89 billion . . . This is the second year that giving to religion has exceeded $100 billion. Giving to religion increased an estimated 5.5 percent (1.6 percent adjusted for inflation)." WOW! I was actually shocked! How could this be? Studies have always shown that the vast majority of religious giving comes from the lower 2/3 of the people economically - yet, they had increased their giving when they were hit the hardest by the downturn!

I am still unsure how to interpret this information. I'm sure someone has done a study of where all the religious donations go. I don't see it on the mission field. The missionaries I know have had serious declines in donations and have had to work harder to get what they get which takes them off the field. One missionary I know received nothing one month! Others have had to step up their fund raising activities by making trips to the U.S.

I just know, my faith is in Jehovah-Jireh! He knows my every need. It is my job to adjust my lifestyle and ministry to His provision. Only He can break into people's hearts and help them see what He sees. God is good - all the time!

How "Casual" Can a True Believer Be?

2009-06-03T09:26:00.000+03:00

A good friend recently shared an article which helped me to understand the "State of America". I have found myself truly in a fog when it came to trying to comprehend things like election results, Supreme Court decisions, liberal churches, and even the principles espoused by some of my friends. These anomalies have been especially disconcerting when observing "Christians" in church seemingly oppose what is specific in scripture.

The article is an interview with George Barna concerning a recently released book, The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why they Matter. Two of the seven tribes are labeled Captive Christians and Casual Christians. His survey showed that 66% of the adult population in the U.S. are Casual Christians, while 16% are Captive Christians. Casual Christians have a faith that is not demanding but provides comfort. They have a desire for a "pleasant and peaceful existence." Casual Christians have a "desire to please God, family, and other people while extracting as much enjoyment and comfort from the world as possible."

In my title, I asked the question, "How casual can a True Believer be?" Herein lies the problem. Too many of us are asking this question in regards to our own living arrangements when the question we should be asking is, "What does the Father ask of me?" or "How can I better honor my Lord and Savior?" Our failure to impact our world as a Christian community is directly tied to our insatiable desire to be accepted by everyone who might make our lives uncomfortable if we were to live a Biblically principled lifestyle. We often find ourselves hedging on what should be our conviction in the name of "love" or "making peace" etc. I do think it is very important to develop and maintain loving relationships, but these relationships are worthless if we sacrifice our authenticity as followers of Christ.

In Galatians 1:10 Paul states, "Am I now trying to win the approval of people or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant." George Barna puts it this way: "Casuals are about moderation in all things while Captives are about extreme devotion to their God regardless of the worldly consequences." I hope that each of us will choose on a daily basis the 'road less traveled' that Christ walked.

Blessings to all!

My Darkest Days

2008-05-18T21:39:00.000+03:00

Worship this morning in our fellowship brought me back to some of the darkest days of my life. I praise my friend Jesus – He brought me out of those days and gave me victory over them several years ago. However, I am occasionally taken back – not to relive them – but to gain new perspectives my Father wants to reveal.

In our spiritual family, we were celebrating the life of a child who died within a few hours of birth. We were recognizing that God has a plan and destiny for everyone, no matter how long or short our earthly experience might be. The parents of this child had chosen to carry Samuel rather than abort him as many suggested when they were told the child would not survive. In worship, we celebrated Samuel’s earthly life with recognition that he is having an eternity with the Father. As worship progressed, our pastor, asked for all who had experienced the loss of a child to come to the altar in celebration of the life God had given.

As some know, Janene experienced a miscarriage between the births of Jill and Jullianne. Janene and I were already having challenges as we had custody of our nephew and were trying to blend him in with our family. The struggles we were having had placed a strain on our relationship with each other. We were visiting our family in Tennessee when the miscarriage occurred. It was an excruciating time for Janene. My responses were often less than sensitive in the days that followed. My response only increased the strain on our relationship. There is much more to the story and God is glorified in the ultimate outcome. I want to share the new insight God gave me today, as He allowed me to revisit those days.

First, my Father showed me that He wanted to create a greater capacity for me to exhibit a father’s heart. I missed the opportunity, during the events surrounding the miscarriage, to be a father to my unborn child. As a result, I was not able to share the same loss as my wife. Today, God is giving me greater revelation of what it means to be a father and the great healing power it brings to families and relationships.

Second, the Lord showed my need to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit as He shows me how I need to respond to the “now”. There is always so much going on around me that I often miss the “now” opportunities to express God’s heart and see the magnificent happenings all around me. Sometimes God speaks through the Holy Spirit and I don’t hear until I slow down – by that time I have missed a “God Moment”.

Lord, show me more of what it means to be a father from your perspective. Give me spiritual eyes to see what You are doing and what You want me to see and respond to. Thank You for the lessons you continue to teach us even through dark times.

Psalms 23:4
Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.

Standing Against the Darkness

2008-01-31T00:25:00.000+03:00

Ever since the elections in Kenya and the ensuing violence, my soul has been increasingly burdened for a people I have never met. However, over the past 2-3 days the burden has been amplified. The feeling in my spirit must be something like a woman feels as the birth of her child grows closer. Janene has shared how the love a mother has for her unborn child is resolute and unfailing. The mother’s concern for the child’s health and well-being begins at conception and never ceases to grow. As the time grows very close, the concern can be almost unbearable when everything is not going as expected. I still remember when she had a miscarriage and I could not even comprehend how she felt. My insensitive comments during that time quickly helped me to see the wonder of a mother's love.

Please take time to read the excerpt below that a friend (Sarah Brickman) sent me. It explains so well why God does not call us to run from His will. It will also give you a glimpse of the need in Kenya and the rest of Africa. God will be victorious. The darkness cannot stand against the light.

I hope that each of you is taking the time to pray – especially for the Kenyan Christians standing strong against the onslaught of evil.

God Bless all of you! We love you.

David, Janene and Jullianne

Sent by Sarah Brickman:

Friends, this is an excerpt from my friend’s newsletter about Kenya. He’s been a missionary in Kenya for 10 years and is home this year on furlough. What he writes I felt compelled to pass on b/c it helps get across the mindset of the people – even Christians – and how we can better pray for them.

“Kenya is in big trouble, to say the least. The area in which I live is not so bad off, although many whose houses have been burned are taking refuge there; and, because of the violence, there has been no transportation of food and supplies to the stores. “Hunger”, “blood”, “fear”, “genocide” and “death” are all very real words of the time. Speaking to my pastor one day, I stated that maybe this is the reason I am in the States at this time; his retort was, “I know it is”. As it is, I am not there helping at this time of trouble. Those in my compound and who work for me are troubled and searching for food. Please, pray that the Kenyans learn that this tribalism/racism must come to an end, and be submitted to the lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The continued responsibility of the long-term, full-time, over-seas and season-trained missionaries continues. As I continued to explain in the past several newsletters, there is a responsibility of the church to send missionaries to help change the anti-biblical culture, customs and traditions that are blended into the Christian church of our day. The present condition in Kenya is a very clear example of such. Because of their previous, pre-Christian religions, there was no belief of a heaven or hell as their ultimate reward for their life’s actions and beliefs; the dead just moved into the spiritual world and became more powerful. So their concept of God can be distorted; maybe not in a conscious manner; and this isn’t true for all. To the many, who hold onto their ancient cultures, customs, traditions and beliefs, God is both good and bad to his people; so it is alright to do whatever to justify the end result. Hence, when someone wins an election there is justification to do what Jesus doesn’t advocate, because “culture”, “customs” and “traditions” are regarded as more important than Jesus’ teachings. One result is that we have the violence in Kenya after the December 27th election. These things necessitate that entire multi-people groups repent of the old to a new mentality of the lordship of Christ, submitting their entire past to the Lord Jesus. We cannot return evil for evil and must love our enemies. What are the American “culture”, “customs” and “traditions” which stop our sensibilities to the wooing of Christ?”

Physical or Spiritual Eyes?

2008-01-03T17:00:00.000+03:00

With all the turmoil in Nairobi and throughout Kenya over the past week, I have many people alarmed that God would call us to go to such an area. I'm reminded of the event in the life of Elisha where he prays that his servants spiritual eyes would be opened to see the Lord's Army.

What we see going on in Kenya is a confirmation of the need God's Army of Light to combat the darkness many in Kenya find themselves in. It also reminds me that most of the world lives in very unstable conditions and the safety we feel in the United States is not the norm. Satan thrives on creating chaos whereas Jesus Christ is our peace in th midst of chaos

Continue praying with me over the people God is preparing for our ministry. I envision opportunities to work with the Holy Spirit in raising up young people who have a vision of leadership that is based on God's principles. God is in the business of calling out leaders as He did Abraham, Moses, Paul, etc. I want to be a part of this in Kenya

Blessings to each of you and I promise to be more attentive to adding to this Blog

David

Prayer and Preparation Update

2007-11-10T18:26:00.000+03:00

If there is one thing I have learned the past month or so, it is this:

When you jump into God's River, the destination is inevitable!

In other words, God is so gracious to honor our surrender to Him. As we totally surrender to Him, he multiplies our time and resources by taking care of the details. Some examples in our journey are:

We have a serious prospect for the sale of our home without utilizing a realtor or even putting up a sign! (Pray with us over the details, we have a major meeting with the potential buyers this week) The potential buyers are also Christians and have a serious interest in our mission work.
Even though we have not begun asking for support, friends, family, and people we did not previously know are asking how they can contribute! (Pray as we work out these details. We will have information on how money should be contributed as a tax deduction very soon)
God continues to lead people into our lives that have the expertise to help us with things such as travel, insurance, new skills, etc. (Pray that we are wise in our decision making over these details)
God has moved on each of our hearts, individually, to extend our commitment to two years. Jullianne came home from a weekend retreat last week and shared with us over dinner that she had something to share. She told us that she felt God was telling us to stay for two years. This was an answer to my prayer!

Additional prayer opportunities:

Favor as our sponsor applies for our VISAs.
Opportunities to share our vision with others.
Richard Isindu, our sponsor in Kenya. Pray for his strength and continued anointing in his work.

May God richly bless all of you as you continue to provide prayer support for God's work in our lives.

David, Janene, and Jullianne

PrayerWalk to Africa

2007-10-09T01:11:00.000+03:00

Hello friends,

When I take my daily walks in and around our quiet town, I take time to reflect and speak with our Savior. Well, yesterday God spoke to my Spirit concerning a fun and motivating project that each of you may choose to participate in. The first thing I heard is that He wanted me to walk the distance to Africa between now and the time we left! After doing some quick calculations in my head, I realized that would require walking over 30 miles a day until we leave for Africa. I said to myself that there was no way I could do that, so I began to think I had heard wrong.

Then I realized that God was speaking the same Word to me he had spoken that morning. He was reminding me that I could not do this alone. Just as I needed to have many people praying for me to be an effective missionary, I would need many to accomplish this 8400 mile trek to Africa. “Thank you, Lord for reinforcing this to me.”

So here is where each of you comes in as the Lord leads in your life. I am asking you to seek God for participation in a project of combining our walking miles as you pray for my family’s preparation for and work in Africa. If you can’t walk and God still wants you to participate, you can ask someone who would like to walk for you while you pray.

I will provide updates of progress on a weekly basis so we can all see what we can accomplish together. This will give us a vivid picture of the power of many praying for one purpose.

There will also be incentives for those who participate (We really want to encourage your praying!). For those who walk 50 miles, we will provide a T-Shirt especially designed by Jullianne. For each additional 50 miles you will receive a pin of some sort to be determined. I believe God’s purpose in this is to draw us together in His work and the T-shirts will be a continual reminder to pray. Wear the shirts as you walk and perhaps you’ll have an opportunity to share Christ when you walk!

Finally, please respond with your desire to pray for us (even if you don’t walk). This would be a great encouragement for the days ahead.

May you be richly blessed!

David, Janene, and Jullianne Waldrop

Initial Mission Trip Announcement

2007-10-09T01:03:00.000+03:00

Greetings in our Lord,
Some of you already know of our Family’s plan to go to Africa as missionaries for a season. Janene and I (as well as Jullianne) developed a growing burden for the African Continent since our scouting trip to Botswana a couple of years ago. Some of you even know of God’s calling on our lives to go into missions that we have run from over the years. God has so graciously and mercifully given us this opportunity to redeem the time and we have set our faces towards him and our lives to the task that is set before us. I glorify Him for His long-suffering with us in our disobedience.
As we have been preparing to go, we have daily recognized a great need for prayer support. We have understood, as never before, how vital it is that like-minded believers pray together for God’s guidance in their lives. Because all of you have sown into our lives so richly at some point in our lives, we are requesting that you bless us once again with your intercession during this critical time in our preparation. At this point we have identified the following needs for prayer:

Where in Africa are we to go and who would God choose to sponsor us? Four locations have been placed before us and the more I have prayed, the more I am unsure what God is speaking. This is what has prompted my realization that I really NEED prayer support. At this time we are considering the following locations:

1) South Africa – Cape Town or Johannasburg. Our previous pastor is ministering in Africa and is based in Cape Town and has been used by God to stir our hearts for the seed God planted in our hearts years ago. In Johannasburg, we have become acquainted with a leader on two separate occasions who has offered to assist us in any way possible
2) Botswana – This is the country we visited a couple of years ago. We were moved by the need in Gaberone as well as an established ministry in Maun.
3) Kenya – Our good friend Sarah Brickman is now in Nairobi working with Dove Ministries. Her parents (previous pastor and wife) have greatly enriched our walk with the Lord and worked with us in some very difficult times. We have also recently met a wonderful man who is a native of Kenya working to build churches and schools in some of the poorest areas.

Daily guidance as we make decisions to get rid of the ‘stuff’ we have accumulated over the years. It’s amazing the junk we keep. We need to hear from God what we should keep and what to get rid of. This is especially difficult for Janene.
Continued Spiritual growth as God works in our hearts to prepare us for the work.

This is a start. I would also ask that you do a few of other things:
Let us know that you are praying for us and share with us any Word you may receive on our behalf.
Share with us any others you know who would be interested in hearing about what God is doing in this work. We would be honored to share with them, as well. If they do not have email, we will send letters if we have their address.

**Please share with us anything we can pray with you about. God’s principle of "Give and you shall receive" works in prayer. We want to be invested in praying for those who pray for us!
Welcome to our God-given adventure! We glorify Him for all that He is doing. We will share more with you later. God burdened me this morning to get this out quickly. If you would like for us to share our calling with your friends or church, we are available.

Thank you for your time and may God Bless
David, Janene, and Jullianne

Purpose of My Blog

2007-09-30T15:50:00.000+03:00

I told one of my darling daughters I had no idea what to write on my first blog. She said I just needed to get started, so here I am.
I hope I will be able to chronicle my family's journey into missions to include what God tells me along the way. It is my desire to intrigue you with God's workings in our lives and what He might be saying to you as we journey together. This blog will hopefully feel like a journal as you read it, but I will try not to bore you with some of the details. Feel free to communicate with me as your words will be used by God to speak to me as well.
Let's have fun together as we experience the wonderful world of God's calling in all of our lives.