Arrival at our new base!
Whew! I can think of few things that compare with an international move. This seems to be particularly true when you are moving and maintaining your ministry responsibilities both at the same time. I am so grateful to Lynne who did so much of the sorting of some things we’ve had in our lives over our 30+ years of marriage. Most of all she coordinated and substantially ran our three garage sales and the sale of so many of our furniture and appliance sales. They were all major tasks and God upheld her although there were some pretty rough days. Thank you so much, Lynne!
The date we’ll remember for a long time was May 12! We arrived in Indianapolis, however, not together. My travel privileges are still in force with Continental Airlines so we travel on a stand-by basis. Our flight from Houston to Indianapolis only had one seat available so Lynne went because Katie was waiting on us. I came in later that day and Lynne’s brother met me in a pick-up truck because we had 6 pieces of luggage. Katie and Lynne had already proceeded to Huntington, IN and I caught up with them that evening.
It seems like a lot of time has passed since the first two weeks and those weeks were jam packed! Here’s a synopsis:
May 13: Returned to IND to pick up freight, truck developed a $1,700 oil pump problem. Engine had to be removed from the truck to get to the oil pump. (Unexpected moving expense)
May 14: Moved Bryce out of the dorm and into Grandma's house
May 15: Purchased a car. We got a 2000 Buick LeSabre, great shape. Took written driver's exam for a license.
May 16: Church with Katie & Bryce. Shopped for a bed in the afternoon.
May 17: Moved Katie and roommates from one rental house to another. Cleaned the basement of the new rental house. Someone had been using the dryer without a vent. Lint covered the walls and floor joists. What a mess!
May 18: Got auto insurance, driver's license, and transfered car title into my name. Continued moving things for Katie and her roommates.
May 19: Drove to IND and got bumped on 3 flights and spent the night in a hotel in an attempt to get to Ft. Myers, FL to drive my parents to Indiana for the summer.
May 20: Arrived in Ft. Myers around noon, got to my parent's home and began the necessary things to close up their home for 3 to 4 months.
May 21: Left my parent's home at 7:30A and drove until 8:30P. Made it across the GA/TN state line and stayed in a hotel in southern TN.
May 22: On the road again around 8A and got into New Castle, IN about 4P. Got into our car and drove to Huntington and got there at 6:15P.
May 23: Church with Katie & Bryce, team softball practice at 1P. I'm the only 'seniors' representative on the team. I'm the only player that qualifies for AARP!
May 24: Settling into more office hours. Yard work, only 2.6 acres
May 25: More office hours. Evening double-header softball games.
We are graciously being hosted by Lynne’s mom while we get our feet on the ground. Lynne is now the secretary for the Student Development Office at Huntington University. Praise the Lord for this provision!
Wonderful friends of ours, Michael and Trish Pinckert in the Houston area, hosted a housewarming gathering for us in their home on June 5. About 30 of our friends and supporters came and we had a great time of catching up. Lynne and I had the opportunity to bring everyone up-to-date in person, give more details on our return from Honduras, and make a presentation on WGO (World Gospel Outreach).
As I explained to our friends in the Houston area, I am still a missionary, albeit, a stateside missionary. The ministry is still not strong enough financially to provide me with a salary and I have no indication from the Lord that I have been spiritually released from his original call on my life. I have served WGO now for over 16 years and have grown every year to believe more and more in its vision and will continue to spend 25% of my time in Honduras. (My first trip back was June 21.) The remainder will be done from a home office utilizing the internet and phone. I don’t make this statement to be boastful but the ministry still needs my talents, abilities, and the knowledge I have gained with and through it these past 16 years. It is my heartfelt desire to continue with WGO as a self-supported missionary. I believe that God will continue to use me in even greater ways in this ministry in the years to come.
If you are not currently a part of our support team, may I ask you again to consider some level of financial support for me and my family? Some believe that if they cannot give enough to ‘make a difference’ their support doesn’t help. I can tell you from personal experience that even the smallest amount DOES ‘make a difference’. If everyone believed this and gave their small amount, we would have been much closer to reaching our approved monthly budget the past two years. Believe me, no amount is too small.
Now that we’re stateside, it is our hope to be able to visit with many of you that we have not seen for far too long. Although we’re in Indiana, we haven’t seen many of our Indiana supporters yet. We’ll eventually feel as though our feet have hit the ground.
New phone numbers: Steve – 260-366-3480; Lynne – 260-366-3488
Please give us a call at your convenience!
Thank you all so very much for all your prayers in our behalf, your friendship, and your spiritual, emotional, and financial support!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Big News
Why are we moving? If you received the newsletter of April last year, you will remember that we were granted a sabbatical by the Board of Directors of WGO to receive biblical counseling through a ministry in Ft. Wayne, IN. Lynne has been struggling with bouts of depression, and it became more debilitating in November, 2007. The counseling pointed out how transient Lynne’s life has been and how she longed for geographic and relational stability. A local doctor also diagnosed her with subclinical hypothyroidism, which can also cause depression. For that reason, we have decided to move back to Huntington, Indiana, to be near Lynne’s family. Although it means significant changes for both of us, I (Steve) realize how much Lynne has sacrificed these past years. It is now my turn to invest in Lynne’s peace and happiness.
As the Chief Financial Officer for WGO, I am currently working on what I believe is the most significant project I can accomplish for the ministry. WGO contracted with an independent financial auditing firm in the fall and our first annual audit is underway. The audit should be complete by the end of May and upon the receipt of a favorable report from the auditing firm, application will be made to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Membership in ECFA indicates that the ministry has met the highest standards of compliance with accounting procedures and moral, ethical, and spiritual conduct.
As for our personal support, 2009 was a difficult one, as it was for many of you. Our approved budget was only met for three months, leaving us a 25% deficit for the year. Staying with WGO means we will continue to raise support for our living expenses which will be higher due to added expenses of living in the States, such as federal and state income taxes and insurance. The transition to the U.S. will also be more challenging than the transition to Honduras. Shipping costs are more expensive going to the North, so we are selling almost all our personal belongings. We will be starting over again.
Please be in prayer for us during this time. We have no doubt that God will meet all our needs as we face each challenge. Pray that God would provide housing, financial support, and physical strength during this transition.
If you sense God asking you to be a part of our ministry and the blessings that will follow, please send your financial gift to: World Gospel Outreach, P.O. Box 14348, Humble, TX 77347 Attn: Razor Family Fund.
Our desire is to keep you informed by updating our contact information, using our Internet blog site, and our Facebook pages. We appreciate your love for us. We have worked at being open and transparent about what we have gone through, so if you have any questions, you can e-mail us at the5blades@juno.com. God’s grace and peace be upon you. - Steve
Monday, September 7, 2009
Learning Humility
One of the most difficult lessons we learn over and over in life is that we can't do everything by ourselves. Watch a two or three year old attempting a new task and it won't be surprising if they exclaim, "I do it!" as they brush off the help of a parent or older sibling. We like to do things by ourselves because it gives us self confidence or worse, it puffs up our pride. Pride can be a deadly thing, especially when you never admit that you can't do it by yourself.
My experience (Lynne) the past two years or longer has been a dry desert road. I have tried to be strong, pull myself up by my own boot straps, so to speak, and keep going. The result has been to fall flat on my face and not be able to get up without some help. I have been fighting clinical depression, meaning I need medication for help, and it has been tough to admit that I need that help. Christians are supposed to be above depression, using the word of God and prayer to fight the good fight and stand firm, or so we have been told by some people. But what happens when a good soldier is wounded and can't fight any longer? He or she should get rest and good care. That is why Steve and I decided to take a three month sabbatical this past May through July.
We sought out the help of a counselor who deals with people in vocational ministry, and learned what had short circuited my ability to keep living life the way I used to. I won't go into the details, those are mine to keep, but I will say that we tend to think that God will only speak to us in ways we are used to hearing, but suffering and depression brings a different mode of communication. We think God is absent in the desert, but then find that He is the one who has led us there to speak words of love and tenderness. This surprising way of loving his bride opens a way of hearing that we couldn't otherwise. My strength could no londer prop me up, my existence no longer able to sustain my performance oriented mentality, and that was when I could finally hear God whisper His words of love to me.
I'm still learning to believe those gentle words, walking by faith that His word is true for me. I had to go to the desert to be stripped of my own "righteousness" and count on His righteousness alone. The desert is not a fun place, but it is a good place to go. Missionaries have all the same warts as anyone else, we just live in a different country sometimes, and the stress of living in a different culture and speaking a different language can make our weaknesses come to the surface. Thank God for His amazing love and grace to each of us as we journey through this life. His faithfulness is bigger than my faithlessness, and I will love Him forever.
My experience (Lynne) the past two years or longer has been a dry desert road. I have tried to be strong, pull myself up by my own boot straps, so to speak, and keep going. The result has been to fall flat on my face and not be able to get up without some help. I have been fighting clinical depression, meaning I need medication for help, and it has been tough to admit that I need that help. Christians are supposed to be above depression, using the word of God and prayer to fight the good fight and stand firm, or so we have been told by some people. But what happens when a good soldier is wounded and can't fight any longer? He or she should get rest and good care. That is why Steve and I decided to take a three month sabbatical this past May through July.
We sought out the help of a counselor who deals with people in vocational ministry, and learned what had short circuited my ability to keep living life the way I used to. I won't go into the details, those are mine to keep, but I will say that we tend to think that God will only speak to us in ways we are used to hearing, but suffering and depression brings a different mode of communication. We think God is absent in the desert, but then find that He is the one who has led us there to speak words of love and tenderness. This surprising way of loving his bride opens a way of hearing that we couldn't otherwise. My strength could no londer prop me up, my existence no longer able to sustain my performance oriented mentality, and that was when I could finally hear God whisper His words of love to me.
I'm still learning to believe those gentle words, walking by faith that His word is true for me. I had to go to the desert to be stripped of my own "righteousness" and count on His righteousness alone. The desert is not a fun place, but it is a good place to go. Missionaries have all the same warts as anyone else, we just live in a different country sometimes, and the stress of living in a different culture and speaking a different language can make our weaknesses come to the surface. Thank God for His amazing love and grace to each of us as we journey through this life. His faithfulness is bigger than my faithlessness, and I will love Him forever.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ministry Update
Steve’s world at WGO has seen some significant changes this year and he’s as busy (or busier) than he’s ever been. His primary responsibilities have always been financial as he serves as World Gospel Outreach’s Chief Financial Officer, but he has also been responsible for the coordination of the short term mission teams that come from the states.
Within the first few days after Steve’s dad’s accident, a week of training for 2 new travel coordinators had been planned in Houston. His only travel coordinator was attempting to carry the load of the travel coordination for over 50 groups participating in 31 weeks of ministry in Honduras with WGO. Postponing this training really was not much of an option so Steve flew from Florida to Texas to help with the first two and a half days of training. His travel coordinator, Mary Jane Barnett, then took over and completed the week so Steve could return to Florida. The travel coordination staff is now up to 3 people who have committed to at least 2 years of service in this capacity and they have really relieved a significant load from Steve and Mary Jane (particularly Mary Jane). The addition of these travel coordinators increased Steve’s complete staff to 7. Six are stateside and 1 is in Honduras.
In the month of May, Steve was asked to temporarily assume the responsibility of the management of the short term mission groups in Tegucigalpa serving the poor. The short term participants in these groups make up about 750 of the 900 people WGO hosts each year. (Accepting this responsibility increased the number of people in Steve’s staff by 21.) Thankfully many of these 21 staff members have been with WGO for some time in Honduras. The direct management of these short term mission teams could last up to 18 months.
In July, one of the missionaries who has been on staff with WGO in 2 different terms of service, was able to free up 2 days per week to help Steve in the finance and accounting area. Robert and his wife, Jennifer, oversee the The Bridge Ministry which prepares our oldest residents for independent living. It is called the Bridge Ministry because it provides the ‘bridge’ between a family living environment and independence. These are the young adults who are continuing their post high school education in the city and Robert and Jennifer provide them with spiritual, practical, and financial mentorship. Robert & Jennifer live in the same home with these young adults. Robert’s profession before coming to the mission field was as an insurance adjuster and his college degree was in the area of economics and finance. He has a very analytical mind and Steve has wanted to have Robert work with him since they met several years ago. Robert is working on various cost analysis projects during his two days a week that help the ministry keep a close eye on expenses.
Along with these responsibilities and the accompanying staff of 28 also come occasional vacancies. Steve currently has 2 vacancies and a new position to fill. Two of the positions are missionary positions and one is a Honduran staff position. The Honduran staff position is titled Brigade Coordinator. This person interfaces with the Honduran pastors where the short term mission teams assist the poor during their one-week trips, hires translators, coordinates the ministry on a daily basis, and a variety of other responsibilities. He is also looking for a Mission House and Group Director. This missionary position oversees the staff (7) and logistics of the facility where the short term mission teams stay and the staff (14) who work directly in daily ministry with the short term mission teams. The new missionary position that has been added because of the growth of the ministry is an Accounting Manager. His desire is to find someone with a degree in accounting and experience in non-profit accounting. This person will review WGO’s current accounting procedures and make the necessary changes to prepare the ministry for annual audits. If you have an interest in knowing more about these positions or someone who might, please contact Steve at srazor@wgoreach.org or you can call him in the office at 713-344-1449.
Within the first few days after Steve’s dad’s accident, a week of training for 2 new travel coordinators had been planned in Houston. His only travel coordinator was attempting to carry the load of the travel coordination for over 50 groups participating in 31 weeks of ministry in Honduras with WGO. Postponing this training really was not much of an option so Steve flew from Florida to Texas to help with the first two and a half days of training. His travel coordinator, Mary Jane Barnett, then took over and completed the week so Steve could return to Florida. The travel coordination staff is now up to 3 people who have committed to at least 2 years of service in this capacity and they have really relieved a significant load from Steve and Mary Jane (particularly Mary Jane). The addition of these travel coordinators increased Steve’s complete staff to 7. Six are stateside and 1 is in Honduras.
In the month of May, Steve was asked to temporarily assume the responsibility of the management of the short term mission groups in Tegucigalpa serving the poor. The short term participants in these groups make up about 750 of the 900 people WGO hosts each year. (Accepting this responsibility increased the number of people in Steve’s staff by 21.) Thankfully many of these 21 staff members have been with WGO for some time in Honduras. The direct management of these short term mission teams could last up to 18 months.
In July, one of the missionaries who has been on staff with WGO in 2 different terms of service, was able to free up 2 days per week to help Steve in the finance and accounting area. Robert and his wife, Jennifer, oversee the The Bridge Ministry which prepares our oldest residents for independent living. It is called the Bridge Ministry because it provides the ‘bridge’ between a family living environment and independence. These are the young adults who are continuing their post high school education in the city and Robert and Jennifer provide them with spiritual, practical, and financial mentorship. Robert & Jennifer live in the same home with these young adults. Robert’s profession before coming to the mission field was as an insurance adjuster and his college degree was in the area of economics and finance. He has a very analytical mind and Steve has wanted to have Robert work with him since they met several years ago. Robert is working on various cost analysis projects during his two days a week that help the ministry keep a close eye on expenses.
Along with these responsibilities and the accompanying staff of 28 also come occasional vacancies. Steve currently has 2 vacancies and a new position to fill. Two of the positions are missionary positions and one is a Honduran staff position. The Honduran staff position is titled Brigade Coordinator. This person interfaces with the Honduran pastors where the short term mission teams assist the poor during their one-week trips, hires translators, coordinates the ministry on a daily basis, and a variety of other responsibilities. He is also looking for a Mission House and Group Director. This missionary position oversees the staff (7) and logistics of the facility where the short term mission teams stay and the staff (14) who work directly in daily ministry with the short term mission teams. The new missionary position that has been added because of the growth of the ministry is an Accounting Manager. His desire is to find someone with a degree in accounting and experience in non-profit accounting. This person will review WGO’s current accounting procedures and make the necessary changes to prepare the ministry for annual audits. If you have an interest in knowing more about these positions or someone who might, please contact Steve at srazor@wgoreach.org or you can call him in the office at 713-344-1449.
Steve's dad
Many of you know that Steve’s dad, Ray, had a bicycle accident in Florida in February. When he fell he hit his head on the pavement and was in a coma for 12 days. When we received the call from Steve’s mom, Chery, we didn’t know if Ray would still be alive when Steve got to Florida. God is still in the business of doing miraculous things and Ray is still recovering as this update is being written (July 25, 2008).
His recovery has spanned a hospital, 2 rehabilitation hospitals, and a nursing home in Florida and a hospital and nursing home in Indiana. To say this has been a difficult year so far for Steve’s parents, especially Ray, is an understatement. While Ray is recovering pretty well physically, he is still struggling with short term memory loss.
During February, March, and April Steve’s dad was receiving rehabilitation care in facilities in Florida and everyone was amazed at how well he was doing. He came home in early May but shortly after getting home his memory deteriorated and confusion set in. In the middle of May we discovered that he had suffered from a bleed in his brain just before or at the time he came home. This was another miracle in his life. Ray was on blood thinners at the time yet God stopped the bleed before it took his life. Fortunately he did not have to be hospitalized since it was discovered after the fact but he did have to stop taking his blood thinner. When he was given permission to travel, Steve’s brother, Scott, flew to Florida and drove Ray & Chery to Indiana where family there could help Chery care for Ray.
Being off the blood thinner then created another complication. Blood clots formed in Ray’s legs and abdomen and he had to be hospitalized in Indianapolis. Again, God had already made provision to allow Ray to survive yet another serious condition. While in one of the rehabilitation hospitals in Florida, a filter was installed in Ray’s abdomen in the primary vein returning blood to the lungs. This filter kept the blood clots from reaching the lungs and again preventing his death. The hematologist told Chery that if he had not had the filter she would have been planning his funeral.
Ray is now home with Chery in their apartment in New Castle after 3 weeks in the hospital in Indianapolis and 2 weeks in a nursing home. His strength is returning slowly and he is doing as much walking as he can to help keep the formation of blood clots from recurring. His short term memory loss is still quite evident and we would ask you to join us in prayer for a full recovery over time.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
An Explanation
If you have never heard of the Razor's Great Adventure, an explanation is in order. The name was chosen in 2001 when we wrote our first newsletter announcing our decision to move to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with World Gospel Outreach. http://www.wgoreach.org Steven Curtis Chapman's song, The Great Adventure, was still playing on our favorite Christian radio station, and it struck us that we were on this great adventure of God's grace, not because we were answering God's call to foreign missions, but because He had called us into this great adventure as His son and daughter, saved by His redeeming love. So, we share part of this adventure with you through our new blogspot which will replace our newsletter. Hopefully, we will stay in better contact, free of the encumberances of postage, ink cartridges and stuffing envelopes.
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