I can't explain it

I feel like I am pretty good at explaining things. I know some people who are very knowledgeable about certain topics, but if you were to ask them to explain something about one of their areas of expertise, you wouldn't understand a word of their explanation. It doesn't mean they're not intelligent, it just means they can't explain it in terms that those of us who are less informed about the topic can understand.

An example of this would be the stereotypical computer tech guy. Many of us have asked a computer expert a question, only to be given a reply that is so filled with tech language that it does little to clear up the problem. That's when we hear the tech guy say, "MOVE," as he slides in front of our computer to fix the problem himself.

But, like I said, most of the time, I feel pretty good about my ability to explain things. For example, one time I was playing a game that really highlighted the importance of clear explanation and communication.

Here's how the game worked:

Each team consisted of 3 people. One person was given a small "model" made out of Lego's. Another person on the other side of the room was given those exact same Lego's, but they were not connected. These Lego's were loose in a Ziploc bag. But, other than not being put together, they were exactly the same as the model - the same shapes, the same colors, etc.

The goal of the game was to try and assemble the Lego's in the bag exactly like the put together model on the other side of the room. But, obviously there was a catch. The person with the model was the only one on the team allowed to see the model. He had to explain how the model was put together to the third person on the team. That person had to run to the other side of the room and tell the person with the pieces what to do, according to what they were just told.

The role I played was that of the person with the original model. So, I decided to give small bits of information to the "runner". Back and forth the runner went. Delivering my step by step instructions to the builder.

When the game was finished, our model was nearly perfect! The only error was a reversal of colors between two of the blocks. But, other than that, the team I was on had done an excellent job of communicating and explaining. It made me feel really good. I put a lot of pressure on myself to explain things well. So, to play the game so well made me feel like I had really accomplished something. I'm so awesome...in your FACE, other teams.

Of course, whenever I start to feel that I'm so unbelievable, I'm always brought back to reality.

Lately, there has been something that I've had a hard time explaining. I think many people are not fully understanding why my wife and I would make the decision to sell a bunch of our stuff, try to sell our house at the worst possible time, quit our jobs, leave our families, and move to Oklahoma to work without getting paid for a non-profit organization called The Voice Of The Martyrs.

Does it really make sense to do this? Isn't it crazy to dump a nice, new 3 bedroom home for a 2 bedroom apartment? I'm moving in the wrong direction, right? It's not just a decrease in pay that I'm facing. I'm facing no pay at all. Can I really live off of the support of family and friends? What am I going to do when the year commitment is up? Do I really want to get rid of stuff that I've worked hard to accumulate? Is this a wise career decision? How does this affect my future financial security?

The questions could go on and on. These are questions that run through my mind and they are questions that others have asked me. And, for once in my life, I can't explain it - but I have to do this.

Of course, I realize that this looks crazy in many ways. But Christy and I have come to a place in our lives where God has been very clear about how He wants us to react to His call. How He wants us to react is simply, GO. This is merely step one for us.

In 2 Corinthians 2:17, Paul writes, "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."

Many of my friends who are in the ministry are good examples of people who "do not peddle the word of God for profit." These friends could be making a lot more money and be living much more extravagant lives if they chose other professions. But, they have responded to God's call on their lives to sacrifice their own comfort so that others may come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. These friends are the most joyful and fulfilled people I know.

I also have many friends and family members who may not be in "full-time" ministry careers, but who are still making daily sacrifices of their time, finances, and resources so that the Kingdom Of God is advanced. Just look at my list of partners to see examples of some of these people!

This world is temporary. I don't have much time here. The last thing I want to do is waste my time accumulating "things" and worrying about money. The result of me gaining things of this world is the loss of my soul. I also want to do whatever God tells me to do, without hesitation. He's in control, not me. Even if I don't fully understand His plan, I know He has a plan. I'm just glad to be a part of it. And, I am already experiencing an amazing fulfillment as I align myself with God's will for my life.

I don't have all the answers. I don't know how to convey to all of you what I know in my heart to be directly from God. All I know is that I am being sent from God, and I say that with the utmost sincerity.

I can't explain it.

Updates

In just one month, we will load up our vehicles and make the move to Oklahoma to begin our year of volunteer work with The Voice Of The Martyrs. We are very excited as our moving date draws near. But, at the same time, there are some important things to take care of before the move takes place.

First and foremost, we really need to sell our home. As we all know, economic times are tough. It's not easy to sell a home these days. But, no matter how impossible things may look to me, I know that nothing is impossible for God. Therefore, I would like to ask you to pray for this situation. I don't know God's plan for how or when I will sell my house, but like I've said before, I know he has a plan. Join with me as I pray everyday that God will bring a buyer through my door so that we can serve in Oklahoma without the burden of owning a home in Ohio.

I know that many people are partnering with us through prayer...but, I haven't had too many of those people ask to be added to our "Partners" list. Please, if you are willing to commit to praying for us regularly, let me know. If you know me, you know that I have a terrible memory! This list will help me to remember who to keep in contact with about prayer needs and answered prayers. It will help me to remember to pray for you and your family. It will also serve as a source of encouragement for Christy and I as we are far from our friends and family. So, please contact me if you are willing to simply pray for us.

There is good news when it comes to our support raising efforts! Financially, we are nearly half-way to our goal and we are still expecting some additional commitments from a few more partners. The generosity of everyone has been overwhelming. I thank God everyday for those who have given to us!

There are things to pack, things to sell, and lots of arrangements to make! And through it all is the excitement of what is ahead of us.