Mari Isaacson

Thoughts on seeing missions from the perspective of a missionary!

M = the Message…

1. …is the most important in the world. As missionaries, as believers, we have the one message that has literally turned the world up-side down! It has transformed lives for centuries. That atoning message is bound up in one person, the Lord Jesus Christ. His coming was foretold in detail centuries before transpiring. The impact of the few short years He lived here as a human was radical. His death and resurrection are critical for a relationship with God. His coming again is the foundation for Hope and a Future. Jesus gives meaning to an otherwise meaningless existence. Those who come to faith in Jesus are never the same again! John 3:16 sums up the message in a nutshell: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Another way to sum up the message is found in Psalm 118:8, which by the way, is the very central verse of the Bible: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” So, why is it…
2. …the most unpopular and offensive? There is just something about the name of Jesus that brings such a negative response to so many. The fact that Jesus himself said in John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”- is NOT tolerant! Only one way? Many say, “No way!” In my experience on the mission field, you can talk about God all you want and most people won’t care, as if God were harmless. If they knew God even a little, they would find He is anything BUT harmless. “Go ahead, talk about God. Just don’t talk about Jesus!” In Austria as long as I taught out of the Old Testament, the Austrians even encouraged their children to come to club. But as soon as Jesus came into the picture, many children were no longer allowed to attend. The Bible even refers to Jesus as being an offense and stumbling block: Isaiah 8:14 says: “He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense… as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” 1 Peter 2:8 says, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. They stumble being disobedient to the word, to which they were also appointed.” Jesus was continually rejected along with His message. Thus, the majority of the world doesn’t want to hear what we have to say either. Perhaps it has to do with Psalms 118:8. They don’t want to trust in the Lord. They would rather put their confidence in man. Still one is…
3. …always trying new ways to present the oldest truth in the world. It is not easy to find new ways to present an age-old truth… perhaps we try too much and in so doing, complicate a simple message. Perhaps we need to take a closer look at how Jesus did it. Many would say that was culture. Jesus goes beyond the boundaries of culture. He is the creator of all culture!

I = Isolation…

1. …from family and friends. If you have never been there, you can never fully grasp this concept. You are literally giving up your family and friends. That is, you are giving up the close relationship you had with them. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant by Matthew 10:37, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” When I first went to the field, there was no email or Facebook. To call home cost a dollar a minute. To send a letter was also over a dollar and took a few weeks. Today communication is more accessible even with Skype, but it still is not the same. To hear of the family celebrations such as weddings and birthday parties along with other gatherings and not be able to attend was a loss that tore at my very soul. I especially missed the special gatherings my sisters had through the years. The loss: that bonding time and growing closer together as adults. Being sure of my call didn’t make the loss any easier. The desire for that closeness never ceases. The same was true with close friends and church family. God did give me good friendships and even a great church in Austria, but that closeness was lost with those I grew up with and really cared about. As a result I experienced…
2. …deep loneliness and discouragement. When you are on the field, you can share struggles and prayer requests, but often the deep struggle doesn’t show through on black and white. Often times the missionary is afraid to share the personal struggles for fear of misunderstanding, ridicule, and even judgment. We are not more spiritual than anyone else. Loneliness and discouragement are real. Each move to a new area, starting over, is a challenge. New relationships take time. For some areas of the world, MUCH time.

S = Service…

1. …24/7 You are always on call! It is expected of you. So, it’s a part of life. It’s not always bad, though it can be very draining. Funds are not always available to take some time off and get away. Ignoring the phone is an option but you don’t really get the break you need, your body needs. And then there is…
2. …service of all types, even those you are not good at or have knowledge about. Flexibility and being able to learn on the spot are an important part of your resume’. Paul wrote: “He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24. God does enable.  He also wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness…“ Without His help we would be lost. It is awesome to be totally dependent on Him. Only thing is, when you are busy doing what you aren’t good at, there is often a shortage of energy to do what you are capable. Mistakes happen. Expectations are high for the missionary to know everything. We don’t. This attitude then brings about…
3. …lots of thankless jobs. Again they expect it, so why thank you for it. Oh what a joy and encouragement when someone does say those two little words, “thank you!”

S = Sacrifice…

1. …of Personal goals: We all have different goals we hope to accomplish before we pass on from this earth. Some goals we have had since childhood. Goals are a good thing. But often as a missionary, some of those special goals just aren’t possible. They get put on hold indefinitely. Some missionaries are just too tired to even think of personal goals. Which brings us to…
2. …personal wishes and dreams. It was always my hope and dream to get married and have a family some day. Yet once I said yes to Austria as a missionary, I knew that dream would most likely be just that, a dream. Even now, living in Canada hasn’t changed that. For one, my line of work does not put me in the right circles for meeting other singles my age. For another, I have been single so long, I don’t know if I could ever get married. The adjustment might be too big a task. Which leads to…
3. …personal feelings. We have thoughts and feelings too. Sometimes we just want someone to care about how we feel. As a missionary, we often have to keep those thoughts and feelings to ourselves. There are times for expression, but people often expect us to be stronger and don’t understand when we are not. Then too, there is…
4. …personal touch. Sometimes you need that personal touch or tenderness that comes of good friendships. As a single missionary, that personal touch may often be very sporadic, definitely not a daily thing which all humans need. What do they say; a person needs at least 7 hugs a day to be healthy. Spiritually, God should be sufficient, but let’s be honest. We are humans and we need that physical affection. That’s why God gave us friends, spouses, children, church family, etc. We need each other! Then there is the topic not many like talking about…
5. …which is personal health. Unless they are very motivated or have a job where they do lots of walking, many missionaries struggle with this issue. Not to mention that in many countries good medical care is not available. You would be surprised at the lack of medical attention many missionaries get. Then there is the biggie…
6. …of belonging. You are always the outsider! Living in a country for years doesn’t change the fact that you are still the foreigner. In Austria I could never get my friends, even close friends, to break the habit of introducing me as their “American” friend. They couldn’t understand that for me it was always a reminder that I was the outsider. Missionaries who often have to move around don’t always have the opportunity to bond with people. I was lucky to live in one area for 17 years, but that is often the exception to the rule. Now in Canada I am starting all over again and am greatly overwhelmed with trying to adjust to my new country. Perhaps Canada isn’t a lot different than the USA, though some would very much disagree, but Canada is very different than Austria. It’s the Austrian culture I have been familiar with for the last 19 years, not the American culture. Most difficult is being an outsider in your home country. Living “overseas” has changed your lifestyle and thinking. Thus you no longer fit in at “home”. Family and friends don’t understand. They say they want to hear all about what it is like living somewhere else, but never take the time to do so. They expect you to fit back in, but don’t want to find out why that is easier said than done. As a result, you never really BELONG anywhere. The song: This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thru… is something missionaries understand very well.

I = Insomia

1. Seeing the needs of which there are often so many. Jesus said in Luke 10:2, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” You want to help, but you can’t do everything. Nationals are trained to help, but unless they really see the needs for themselves they won’t be devoted to the task. Often I have been told, “Well, that is why you are here.” No, I am here to train you to do the job. I strongly believe this to be one of the big reasons God pulled me out of Austria. We had trained so many in my area and only a few were doing anything about it as long as I was there. Which leads us to…
2. …expectations a missionary has them of himself and of his work and those that others have of the missionary and his work. They can be killers, causing many sleepless nights. Then you can be…
3. …overwhelmed by work, by life, by change, by culture differences. These all can cause sleep deficiencies because it is very hard to shut down at night. 1 Peter 5:7 says, ”Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you” is easier said than done. To totally let go and trust God is something we all try to achieve. I’ve even quoted Psalm 127:2 many evenings while lying in bed: “For so He gives His beloved sleep.” And when I don’t go to sleep I then struggle with the thoughts of inadequacy. This…
4. …leaves one often too tired to care about diet and exercise: it’s a vicious cycle.

O = Only by the Grace of God!

1. Missionaries also make lots of mistakes. People tend to think that missionaries are some kind of “super heroes” but we are not. I have made many mistakes in my lifetime. I have often felt like a failure. Many apologies I have said. Sometimes that has only been by the grace of God. It is not easy to say that you blew it… especially when expectations are so high. And yes, we…
2. …make wrong decisions for which we, just like everyone else, have to pay the consequences. People forgive the “normal” person much easier than the missionary because the missionary “should know better”. Well, we too are “sinners saved by GRACE!” Do I dare mention…
3. …bad habits. Yes, missionaries struggle with bad habits. Tiredness, health issues, laziness, allowing themselves to be over-burdened, and more, all these contribute to developing bad habits. For we are…
4. …imperfect people in an imperfect world. We could do nothing but for the GRACE OF GOD!!!

N = Never enough…

1. …time for yourself, for the work, or for God: Time?!?! The work is never completed. Often, time with God or even for yourself is sacrificed for the work. The goal is to get caught up, but you never really do. Then too there are never enough…
2. …finances or resources to do the things that need to be done. Especially with the economy the way it has been the last 5 years. People are hurting and support is down. Unfortunately the cost of living continually goes up. But not even that is the biggie. There are never enough…
3. …converts. People expect you to have lots of converts. Often it is years before you see the fruits of your labors. In the 19 years that I was in Austria, there were perhaps a dozen who I personally lead to the Lord. It wasn’t until the last few years of my time in Austria that I started seeing the fruits. In the meantime, I was often discouraged for lack of results. Moreover, I struggled constantly with what I was doing wrong. Still, the biggest lack was…
4. …prayer. I never pray enough. Prayer is a constant struggle. Martin Luther once said that because he had so much work to do, he had to spend MORE time in prayer. He often spent 4 hours a day in prayer. I honestly don’t know how he accomplished it. Also getting others to pray for the ministry is difficult. Communication is the key. Communication takes time. It is hard to always get those prayer requests out. Furthermore, it is difficult getting people to attend  prayer meetings. Thus it is necessary to spend more time not only praying myself, but getting the needs known.

S = Spirit Fed

1. It is His ministry, He is at work. But in the end, it is the Holy Spirit’s enabling that brings about success. Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He is the one who gives us the spiritual gifts for ministry. He intercedes. He moves in the hearts of non-believers and believers. He convicts. Titus 3:5 says, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, He strengthens the inner being. He gives hope and the ability to persevere. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” The Holy Spirit goes beyond cultural differences. A missionary friend’s daughter said this: “You can never fully understand how one culture interprets an event until you are actually a part of that culture. And that, I suppose, is an excellent reminder of why the Holy Spirit is the ultimate and indispensable agent in communicating the gospel.” Without the Holy Spirit we can do nothing. Consider this:
2. James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Key words: COUNT IT ALL JOY. Joy has nothing to do with circumstances, but everything with the inner confidence in God who is at work in everything. Therefore as the song says:
3. “It will be worth it all”:

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God’s eternal day.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We’re tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav’n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem – just go to Him in pray’r.

Life’s day will soon be o’er, all storms forever past,
We’ll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We’ll share the joys of heav’n – a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we’ll lay our burden down.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Please pray for:
1. more possibilities to share the message of Jesus Christ with those who are open to hearing it!
2. The isolation, loneliness and discouragement!
3. The difficulties of service!
4. The many sacrifices and their affect on the ministry and personal life!
5. For restful sleep on a regular basis!
6. More GRACE!
7. More monthly supporters!
8. More fruits due to the working of the Holy Spirit!

Thank you and blessings,

mari

I sit here staring at a blank piece of paper… heavy hearted, unsure of what to write. These past three weeks have been difficult beyond words.

More friends than I want to count have lost loved ones in this time. How do you mourn with those who mourn? An amazing book I read in the last week was excellent in this regard. Highly recommendable: Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. Her honesty is refreshing and encouraging. If you have lost someone, it could be a help to you.

Depression is not something I struggle with much but it tore through my soul and held me fast for over a week, leaving me edgy and exhausted. The experience allowed me to better identify with friends of mine who struggle on a regular basis from depression, some more so than others.

Not feeling well, not sleeping well, not getting enough work done, and feeling very very lonely have all contributed to the difficulties since returning from my trip to Ontario and Winnipeg last month. But I am not alone in any of these things. Thus, I would like to share a poem with you I wrote many years ago, but fits well for today. If you are struggling remember, this too shall pass…

This Too Shall Pass

Here we are, Lord
just You and me
alone, in this room.
Your arms are outstretched,
and to them I go…
tears streaming,
I stand there clinging
wanting You to hold me tight.
I am hurting, Lord,
with pain that is deep,
But who cares?
Who cares?
You say, “I care.”
And I know that You do,
for I remember that it was
for me
You died.
You hold me,
You love me,
You stay by my side.
“This too shall pass,” are Your comforting words,
“Yes, this too shall pass!”
Understand?
Me?
I don’t!
Oh the frustration’s there
But stray I won’t.
You alone are my source of joy,
of peace,
of unfailing love.
Yes, I will trust You
for this too shall pass!

So, in the midst of your struggles and sorrow, I wish you JOY! This too shall pass.

Blessings,

mari

Dear friend,

It was almost 23 years ago that I began to work full time with Child Evangelism Fellowship. I graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada in 1987 and worked on staff there till God literally kicked me back to Austria. Before Bible School, I had spent a year in Germany and Austria in ’82 – ’83. Through that experience my heart became burdened for Austria… a burden that grew with time. In 1988 I spent time in Austria and Germany again then took the CEF CMI (Children’s Ministries Institute) training in Switzerland. The application for CEF was sent off during that time and the acceptance letter was waiting under the Christmas tree when I returned home from my second adventure in Europe. Little did I know the journey that would lie ahead.

The purpose of CEF is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to disciple them in the Word of God and in the local church for Christian living.

In May 1990 I left America and joined the work of CEF in Austria, one of the 165 countries where CEF is presently working. There were blessings and challenges during the next 19 years that followed. Learning a new language was perhaps the greatest challenge as well as adjusting to life in a country far from home. It had helped that I had already spent some time in Austria before. Nevertheless, it is a major difference between visiting a country and moving there. Some have said that the heart of CEF is its training program. Believers appreciated help in how to share the Gospel with boys and girls.

God’s plans are often not the same as ours. My plan was to stay in Austria forever. God began to show me in 2007 that it was only for a season. He had other things in mind for me. So, in the early summer of 2009 I packed up everything that wasn’t already shipped and moved back to Eastern Washington, which was only a transition to my next country assignment.

In 2007 and 2008 CEF Alberta asked me to join the small team there in reaching Alberta’s lost children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2008 I accepted and in the spring of 2009 was packed up again. This time the move was to Edmonton, Alberta. Alberta has approximately 600 thousand children, most who need to hear that there is a God who loves them and wants a relationship with them. Matthew 18:14 says, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” So it was with mixed emotions that I said goodbye to my time in Europe and settled back in North America.

An important part of my own ministry is to have a strong support team. I am thankful for each one who partners with me by praying and giving, some since I began in 1989 and others just beginning. In order for my ministry to effectively continue more people are needed to join my support team. My prayer letter will keep you informed of current requests. I am in the process of raising support and am asking the Lord for people who will give monthly for this ministry (whether $10, $50, $100, —or another amount). Paul wrote, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7. Would you prayerfully consider joining my support team? If so, please contact me at: austria.girl@gmail.com and I will give you the information you need.

Yours in His care,

Mari Isaacson

What an incredible Christmas season my first Christmas in Alberta is proving to be.  Attending Handels Messiah or the Nutcracker have been on my “wish list” for years and in the last few weeks I have been to both! Then there were the concerts including a brass concert, going to Candy Cane lane to see all the Christmas lights, decorating 9 Christmas trees (no, not all mine!!), going to or having a few Christmas parties and more. My folks are already on their way here to spend Christmas with me, I am singing at my church on Christmas eve and plan to go to a German Christmas Concert on Christmas day. That is definitely more excitement than I have had in a long time.

As special as all these things are, they would mean absolutely nothing if the true meaning of Christmas was forgotten or even taken for granted.

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us. Matthew 1,23

This year, more than any other I have pondered the fact that GOD Himself became man! The GOD of the Universe! The Creator. The Sustainer. The Almighty. The Holy One. The King of kings and Lord of lords! GOD! And He did it all for love!

The last clubs of the year at Mundare School I told the children a Christmas story from Austria. It was about a boy who discovered that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday and wanted to know why everyone else got the gifts instead of Jesus. Anyway, he thought of the best gift to give Jesus for His birthday… himself. Included in the story was also a mention of the cross and why Jesus had to die. The children had heard that many times before, but that day it hit a few of them in a way that they had never comprehended before.

After the story we played charades. The children were informed that each charade had something to do with Christmas. The kids did a great job acting and guessing. Well, the last charade was the cross. After that was guessed correctly, a girl raised her hand and asked, “what does the cross have to do with Christmas?”

“The cross has everything to do with Christmas. That was the reason why Jesus came. He came to die. His death was no surprise. It was His sole purpose for coming. He came to die for your sins and mine!”

Several children made startling comments but I will never forget the look on that young girl’s face… Astonishment. Understanding. It was priceless.

One pastor defined sin thus: sin sums up our need for Christ in the Cradle.

Phil 2, 5-11 says: Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God came…

God spoke…

God died…

GOD became man! Do we give Him the glory He deserves?

Christmas is just a few days away. Take some time out of the hustle and bustle to really dwell on the fact that God became man for you. What have you given Him for His birthday this year?

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

mari

This time of year, being Advent, always reminds me of Salzburg. Salzburg is my absolute favorite city in the whole world. Well, the part of the world I have had the privilege to visit or live in. Christmas time is a fantastic time to visit this special city all lit up and ready for the holidays. Tabea and I loved to take the train early in the morning so we would arrive at the outdoor Christmas market before the throngs of people arrived. By 11am the market would be so crowded that you could barely move, let alone see anything.

Thinking of Salzburg reminds me of an incident that took place in the early winter with another friend of mine.

It had been a relaxing lunch with a mixture of English and German being tossed about like a salad. It was good to be back in Salzburg again after almost a year away. After the enjoyable meal, a pit stop was necessary, so I went looking for the sign.

“Wo ist das WC?” I asked the Kellner after my search proved to be unsuccessful.

He started to give me directions in English, which I found rather odd since I had spoken in German.  Called his attention to it, he shook his head as if recovering from a trance. This was followed by an apology and directions leading up the stairs. Actually the WC, bathroom, was not hard to find once you knew where to look. I was indeed grateful. This information would surely be useful again sometime.

As I was coming out of the bathroom, two young girls also made their exit and headed towards the stairs. I followed. Coming to the top of the landing, I realized that these were not the stairs I had taken coming up to this floor. These stairs, furthermore, led to the outside. Thus my steps to the bathroom were retraced easily enough. If only the rest had been so easy. There I was, standing where I thought the stairs must be. Had to be. To my surprise and horror, the stairs had disappeared! I kid you not! Instead, I stood before three closed doors.  Very bare, very similar doors. The strange thing was I hadn’t come through a door on my way to the bathroom. This was definitely a dilemma.

Voices were coming from behind one of the doors, but I didn’t have the courage at that moment to get close enough to discover behind which door the voices were coming. Furthermore, every ounce of nerve failed me for I did not trust opening a strange door that lead to who knows where, or to whom, even if my life depended upon it. What was I to do? Marietta was waiting for me downstairs. By now she would be wondering where I had disappeared. I pondered. I decided. I took the stairs leading to the outside. It was a safer decision. Going back into the restaurant would be no problem.

The stairs led down to an alley between the Getreidegasse and the next street over. No problem. Through the window I could see Marietta waiting for me so I rushed to the end of the alley and onto the street. At least that was the plan. I didn’t make it to the street.

Smack! Bang! An explosion erupted! My body was plastered all over the glass door that materialized out of thin air. Stuck to the window like a bug on a moving car, plastered for all the tourists to see, I couldn’t more. I was in shock.

After the shock began to wear off and my body started to register pain, lots of pain, I peeled myself away from the glass. Comprehension was still very fuzzy. What happened? Why? When realization started to hit I was very grateful for two things: One, the glass I ran into was still totally in tact in spite of the impact. Two, my glasses, though smashed up against the see-through wall, were also still in one piece. The whole thing could have been disastrous. Taking a deep breath I walked through the door and onto the street, ignoring the stares of onlookers who had witnessed the mishap.

Thinking about it, it was rather humorous. The expressions of passer Byers alone was pretty comical. I am sure they would have said the same for me. By the time I reached the restaurant door, I was so overcome with laughter I could hardly walk. Thus the explanation was not easy in coming. Marietta wanted to know what was so funny and why I had been outside. After my story, her laughter could not be contained. In that state we went our way.

This reminds me of the verse in Psalm 91, 4 “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Shield and buckler. Defensive armor. It must have had some type of defensive armor protecting me that day. Better than that, I had God with me and He is stronger than any situation I might run into… literally and figuratively. It is good to know that He is able to protect me in any situation I might face. I couldn’t be in better hands when I take my refuge in Him. Thank you, Jesus!

Working with children, you never know how they are going to turn out. Some reject Christ but continue to attend club due to parential persuasion or friends. Others make a decision for Jesus in the club but then later walk away from Him. There are those who don’t really understand what it means to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus till they are much older. Then you have those who really do stick with the decisions they have made as children. We work by faith, but only God knows how each child will really turn out.

Roland was one of those children you could wonder about. He was the oldest of five siblings I had the privilege to teach in club. He was very lively, intensely curious, genuinely open for many things, in truth mischievous. He wanted to have LOTS of fun… often during club time! At age 10 this rascal of a boy met Jesus at camp and it changed his life.

As a young teenager, he loved to help out with the 5-Day clubs in the summer and the 9 to 12 year olds during the school year. His enthusiasm drew the children to him like a magnet. In no time at all, he was taking on more and more responsibilities in the different groups and helping out with special events. At age 15 he preached his first sermon in church, which was excellent. Nothing could hold him down. Soon he became responsible for his own club. He was proving to be a very gifted young man.

So what became of Roland? Bible School became his next challenge. Not just any Bible School, but my Bible School, Prairie Bible here in Alberta, Canada. English is not his first language. Furthermore, learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Roland has grasped this truth and has been very much involved these last 3+ years with street evangelism in Calgary, teaching Indian children on a reservation, going on mission trips to Brazil and Mexico, being a dorm leader, preaching when possible, and much more. Moreover, he is a husband. Both Roland and Brittany have a real love for the Lord Jesus and want to serve Him full-time on the mission field.

Working with children really does pay off. Yes, there are lots of disappointments. Many children decide to go their own way and do their own thing once they are too old for the clubs. Nevertheless, there are those gems God brings your way that turn out to do even greater things than you could have imagined. Who ever thought when Roland was a little troublemaker in the club that he would be headed down the road he is today? I look at my childhood. Roland doesn’t even know the meaning of the word “troublemaker”! But someone believed in me.

Child Evangelism Fellowship believes in children.  Do you? Our hearts desire is to reach the children for Jesus Christ. Is it yours? Is there a Roland in your life just waiting for you to invest in him?

Mari Isaacson

Children never cease to totally amaze me. I am awed by their sincerity, their honesty. But this one child I will never forget.

It was a big children’s pumpkin festival at the end of October that CEF Alberta was privileged to be a part of. We had the wonderful task of sharing the gospel with hundreds of children and their parents in 15-minute presentations. We took turns. It was fun. It was fascinating. It was challenging. It was totally rewarding!

At the end of each slot two children had the opportunity to win something. The task of asking the questions and giving out the gifts was given to me and I greatly enjoyed it. One gift was extra special. It was also only for a child under 5 years of age. It was supposed to go to some very special child. But how do you pick out that special child in the midst of hundreds that would show up during the 3 hour program? So I prayed. Continually.

There came a point during the afternoon where I felt the Spirit say “Now.” So, I called all the 3 and 4 year olds down to the front. The question I asked these little ones I had asked many times before. “What was the most special thing God created?”

Anticipating the normal “me” response, I was surprised when this little girl, full of pride, replied; “my brother!” Immediately the brother, around 7 or 8 years old, jumped up from his seat, pointed to himself, and excitedly shouted, “That’s me! That’s me! She’s talking about me!”

Their mother was also in the audience. She was overwhelmed. Awed. Her reply filled with emotion; “you can’t imagine how much that means to me…”

We had found that special child.

But you know, to God YOU are that special child. Have you ever taken the time to meditate on Psalm 139? It’s all about what God thinks about you! Just a sample is found in verses 14 to 16:

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

God doesn’t stop there with His love for us. Read verses 17 and 18!

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

Do you grasp the implications of those two verses? He is constantly thinking about you. He is always there. We don’t always feel His presence, but He is there nonetheless. Moreover, He wants us to trust Him. Are you willing to wait upon Him?

Wait Upon Me

By Mari Isaacson

Wait upon Me, my child,

Though it’s difficult and dreary around.

Wait upon Me, my child,

Don’t you perceive I’m your solid ground.

I love you, My child,

Can’t you fathom it’s true.

I love you, My child,

And I’m ever present to bring you through.

Wait upon Me, My child,

Have confidence that I truly do care.

Wait upon Me, My child,

For I have My faultless plan to share.

Be of good courage, My child,

Look to me each day.

Be of good courage, My child,

Step out and pursue My way.

Wait upon Me, My child,

I’ll supply you with the strength you need.

Wait upon Me, My child,

Glorify Me through your life and deed.

Blessings to you as you pray that many children here in Alberta will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior! Blessings to you as you realize just how special you are to the Father. May that love continually change your life forever!

Mari Isaacson

Jeremiah 31, 3 says: The Lord appeared from of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.

What an awesome verse! Look at it for a moment. Meditate on it. My grammar is not the greatest, believe me, but… there is LOTS of action in that one verse. Furthermore, it is all coming from the same source: The Lord. He appeared. He spoke to me. He loved me. He has drawn me. He continued His faithfulness to me.

Words fail me as I sit here pondering the truths in that one verse. I am humbled. I am overwhelmed. I am awed.

Through this poem I wrote during a very difficult time in my life, I long to give you encouragement in whatever problems or struggles you are facing right now. It is my prayer this poem will give you hope and a fresh new look at our heavenly Father who loves you so very dearly.

Father, My Father

By Mari Isaacson

Father, my Father

Even after all this time

It is difficult to believe it is true;

YOU, Holy God

Are my Father

And I genuinely belong to You.

I am awed

And utterly amazed

More than words can begin to express.

Yes, to grasp

That even before the foundation of the world

You chose me just for this.

To be Your child

YOUR CHILD

Through the good and bad of it all.

You paid the price

Because You love me,

Father, I stand in dumbfounded awe.

Then too

What about all the times I’ve fallen

And didn’t have the courage to stand.

But there You were

Right beside me

Holding out Your supporting hand.

There were also those times

I felt absolutely alone

And didn’t believe You really cared.

Oh I realize now

How extremely ignorant I was

Of Your compassionate friendship wanting to be shared.

Father, You love me

And it is not a temporal love

Like that of the world in which I live.

Your love Father

Is unconditional and eternal

An expression of the life You give.

Oh the ecstasy in knowing

I can talk to you, King of all,

At absolutely any time of the day.

It doesn’t matter

What I’ve done or how I feel

You listen, actually listen, to every word I say.

To delight

Truly delight myself in You Father

Do I really understand what that means?

Obviously not

For I still struggle

In seeking delight and acceptance in other things.

Oh yes, to laugh

Like a child who’s secure

And knows what it means to have fun.

To be content

Taking time to appreciate You

Having eyes to see each thing that You have done.

It is difficult to accept

That You, as my Father,

Correct me when I am wrong.

But I am learning too

That even in my darkest hour

You can fill my heart with joyful song.

You are righteous

A God who absolutely

Can have nothing to do with sin.

As my Father though,

You have forgiven me totally;

I stand before You forever un-condemned.

Wow!

All these years I’ve questioned You

And found it hard to trust that You do know best.

I cannot promise

I won’t ever doubt You again,

But I do want to be faithful in each and every test.

Father, my heavenly Father,

Here we are, just the two of us

And I am struggling once again.

But oh the delight in knowing

You are my Father

And You actually call me Your “friend”.

Slowly but surely Father

I am starting to realize

What a treasure it is in knowing You.

From the depth of my heart

I long to please You

In everything that I say and do.

I love You, Father,

I love You.

I am at a loss at what more to say than this.

Your love

I’ll share with others and say,

“You too can be a child of His!”

Blessings to you as you meditate on the awesomeness of your heavenly Father!

mari

Have you suffered loss? A loved one? A friend? Even an acquaintance? There have been different friends and family members of mine who have suffered loss in the last few months and I am always at a loss as to what to say. It doesn’t mean I care any less. My heart really goes out to you. For I too have suffered loss: Some recent. Some not so recent.

Thus, I would like to dedicate my article this week to you. This poem is a result of some of the deeper losses I have experienced. Though life does go on, those losses will always tug at my memory, reminding me of special people who will never be forgotten.

Even if your loss was not even recent, this poem is for you. Hopefully it will be a blessing to you: A hug in your time of sorrow. This is my hug to you. Thank you for taking the time to let me grieve with you.

Engraved On My Heart

by Mari Isaacson

I looked for your face:

Those eyes full of expression,

The many facets of your moods,

Your laughing lips.

But now there are only shadows,

So changeable in the wind.

I listened for your voice:

The talks,

Your humming and singing,

Your laughter.

But now there are just whispers,

Hidden well within the walls.

With you things were different:

You sought me out,

You spent time with me,

You were always there for me.

I know,

To you I was very important.

Please don’t let me forget:

Your humor,

Your tenderness,

Your capacity to listen.

Everything, really,

Was a treasured gift.

You were a part of me:

My brother,

My friend,

My confidant.

The separation hurts,

It tears at my soul.

There are moments when I still sense you:

A fragrance that was like you,

An object that was from you,

An experience that we had together.

The memories,

They bring tears to my eyes.

But then I think, what if:

You never existed?

Our paths had never crossed?

You had never loved me?

My life,

It would be totally different.

There will be a reunion in Heaven:

You are gone,

I can’t cling to you anymore,

I must leave you in God’s hands.

For this,

I am so grateful to God.

Looking back I have my regrets:

That I held you at a distance,

That I was too afraid of disappointment,

That I was silent about my true feelings.

The time is past,

It’s just too late.

I did love you:

Even when the pain is less today than yesterday,

Even when the tears no longer stream,

Even when your face is no longer clear in my mind.

Believe me,

You’re eternally engraved on my heart.

Blessings,

mari

The Bible says in Acts 20, 35: “…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That is so true. Yet, to receive can be a very humbling experience!!!

The first time I was on my way to Europe to go to Bible School, I sold my Falcon Ford. It was just enough to pay for my plane ticket. You might think great!  For me it was a problem. You see, I had made a commitment a few years before to tithe on EVERY money that came into my possession. The plane ticket had to be paid for.  Waiting was not an option. So, what do I do? I paid the ticket and went to my knees regarding the amount I would have tithed off the sale of my car. God was more than able to provide that extra money somehow. He did. The answer just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.

A high school friend wanted to get together before I left the country. Great. Since she had married and had their first child, she didn’t have a whole lot of time for friends. It was due to the fact that she and her husband both had several jobs just to stay afloat and support their little family. Still, time was made and we were able to spend an afternoon together. It was a special time.

When she delivered me to my doorstep, she took out her checkbook and proceeded to write out a check for me. I protested. They didn’t have any extra money. There was no way I was going to take money from her. As she folded the check and handed it to me, she looked me in the eye and said, “God wants me to give you this money!” Those words shut up my protesting real fast. Furthermore, it was very humbling to actually take the check from her. Moreover, I was totally overwhelmed when a glance at the check revealed the exact amount I was praying for!

Being a missionary, I have since learned grace and humility in receiving. Most often support does not come from those I would have imagined. But rather from those who do not have much money or are already supporting other missionaries or organizations. If you are one of my supporters, I thank you so much for the lessons in generosity you continually teach me. Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive!

Phil 4,19: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. That is so true.

One time in Austria I had run out of money with almost two weeks still to go before the next paycheck. There had been extra expenses that month. What was I going to do? Pray. Pray I did! That evening I attended a prayer meeting where I was to share about the ministry. So, I shared about what God was doing and asked prayer for different ministry needs. Nothing was mentioned about finances.

After the meeting two different ladies came up to me and slipped money into my hands.  One lady said it was for the ministry, the other lady stressed that her money was for me personally. It was enough to get thru the rest of the month! God had provided!

It is an awesome privilege we have to approach the throne of grace with our needs and requests. I love to challenge children to give their own money for different mission projects or needs that they hear about. If they don’t have money, I challenge them to pray for the amount they would like to give. The story I love to share has to do with just that.

While I was in Canada on furlough, there was a student at PBI who was in need. The extra money to help out wasn’t in my budget, so I prayed. Moreover, I prayed for a specific amount. Shortly afterwards I went for a bike ride. At one point, I got off my bike to park it but was stopped by something lying on the ground just beside the front tire.  It was a bill. In fact, it was the exact amount I had just prayed for.

There have been other times I have found money (NOT in a wallet!) just lying on the ground after I had prayed due to a specific need. God delights in meeting our needs. God delights in helping us help others. Do you sense God is challenging you to help a specific need? Perhaps it is a friend who is struggling, a church project, a missionary or missions project. You think you don’t have the funds to help out. Pray. Ask God to provide a specific amount to meet the need then keep your eyes open to see how He answers. His answer just might blow you away!

We serve an awesome, generous God!

Blessings,

mari