A more indepth look at the modern missionary today...

When I started this blog, it was more just to give you insight from my thoughts and revelations of the Word of God.  However, I am being led, to be more open and give you more insight into the day to day life as a missionary in the field.  This opens up more of my life than I previously thought.  I work in a country that I must also keep in mind the effects of what I say due to the view of Christianity and missionaries here.  So when I talk, keep in mind that I am going to change the names of people and places to keep others out of harms way.  I also realize that things are different on the mission field than many understand back home, and that you may not always understand or agree with methods, thoughts, etc.  That is okay.  I am going to follow what I am led to do.  I am still growing and make mistakes myself, yet striving to become an image of my Father above.  I do not understand all, and question much.  This will be reflected in this blog.  This does not mean that I agree or disagree with something.  Or that I am judging it.  It means that I am seeking, and my Father has promised that I will Find.  I encourage you to follow the blogs and use the comments section or my email to send encouragement, discussions, etc.  (No negative language, hatred, etc.-this blog is my Journey with God in the mission field).  In the past I have not written as often as I like, and will make an effort to do this daily, but keep in mind that internet is not always accessible on a daily basis.  I encourage you to share this blog with others.  I pray that it will be a source of encouragement and a learning experience for others too.  Being a missionary today is a bit different than in the past.  In the days of computers, society, and economy it requires a different approach in just every aspect of the life of the missionary and ministry.  May this blog be to God's Glory, not mine.  It is Him who works within us and through us that deserves the praise and honor.  ---joy

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! from joy

   Happy Thanksgiving!!!  Yes, in just a few hours it will be Thanksgiving Day here (for the Americans... aftit is an American Holiday, not a local holiday).  It took some doing, but the family I hang with here managed to search all over our area and Hong Kong and came up with all the fixin's.  It will be a great Thanksgiving Dinner.
   Back in 2006 or 2007, I had a vision.  This vision was of a peninsula-type area of land.  On the land was a lighthouse.  They sky, grey and dark, filled with a dark, cloudy, windy, storm.  The storm was so strong, it was as if it were night.  The waves of the sea were high.  The lighthouse beamed a stream of light out into this sea.  As the light beam canvased the area, I could see dark figures (shadow-like, not actually flesh) walking up out of the dark stormy sea towards the lighthouse beam.  As the beam hit them, they became figures of light rather than darkness.  They were coming in from sea by the millions....  They were everywhere....some were even coming out of the storm by land.
      I realized this had to do with my calling.  I am very thankful this Thanksgiving to be a part this move of God in this country.  It is amazing to see as more people come to know Christ than we can keep up.  They are so hungry for Him.  It is truly an amazing thing to be a part of.  I am thankful for you who have contributed with finances, prayer, etc....who have been right here on the frontlines with me because of your involvement.  Thank you.....----joy

Back in the saddle...

   I am headed back again soon.  Stay tuned for the date, after the travel arrangements are made.  Keep things in prayer.  I will also be continuing the drawing classes online, working directly with the teacher by way of scans and email.
   For those who support by way of prayer groups and intercession, I will begin sending out letters out with updates for specifically for you in February.  And for all those who are financially supporting, newletters will be going out in mid-Feb.
   There is also a website available for prints of drawings to purchase as I draw a visual journal of the next 12 months or so.  http://www.chinajoy.artspan.com/ .

waiting...

Still waiting on the visa to go......and working on two pictures now... one is the previous drawing and another is from a gardening shop here in Clarksville, TN. The first drawing I am still working on, is almost completed. I can't seem to get the shrubs and the grass right...I will keep at it.

Okay. Waiting is necessary but definately not fun. Visas (especially for China) take time. In the meantime I am working on drawing a picture for a very good friend. It is of a vision (or dream--I don't remember which) that she had. It is just in the starting stages, but will keep me busy until I am ready to leave for China.