GPS 4th Quarter 2018

October. November. December 2018 Edition

Not By Sight 4 Oh, the Holidays!

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IPHC Women’s Publication

Christmas 4 Missionaries 22

4

Not By Sight

6

12

20

14

22

My Mission Field The Marathon of Life and Is A Psychiatric Ministry Hospital

On Waiting Well

Wait Training

10

18

I Thirst

Her Joy! My Surprise!

Woven: the Art of Sisterhood

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Oh, the Holidays

Designers: Meredith Light & Lindsey Snider Photo Credits: Unsplash.com, Fotolia.com

- GPS 2 -

A letter from the editor What comes to mind when you think of fall? For many, fall is a time of transition.

Children returning to school, temperatures begin to drop, days become shorter, and we begin shifting our focus to holiday preparations. Even here at the IPHC, Women’s Ministries is in a period of waiting and transition as we look to fill our need for a director. It is our hope that you will join us in prayer as we search for the woman God has called to fill this role.

The topics in this quarter’s GPS are coming at the perfect time. Within these articles you will learn about the true purpose of “waiting” and how to get through it gracefully, as well as encouragement for gaining strength, endurance, and restoration through God’s Word and the people He places in our path. We hope this issue of GPS will help you find inspiration to overcome whatever transition you are facing in your own life.

May the cooler weather leave you feeling refreshed and ready to focus on the loved ones around you.

Women’s Ministries Team

Connect with Us! IPHCWM

IPHCWOMEN

IPHC.ORG/WOMEN

IPHC WOMEN’S MINISTRIES EMAIL: women@iphc.org PHONE: 405-792-7132 www.facebook.com/iphcwomen ADDRESS: P.O. Box 12609 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.twitter.com/iphcwm www.pinterest.com/iphcwm

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Not By Sight

- GPS 4 -

I

n this issue of the GPS, we will challenge and encourage you

This enables them to realize goals for family, for careers, and to

to be a part of the destiny and fulfillment of the vision for

understand and embrace their role in the Kingdom of God.

IPHC Women’s Ministries.

If you have ever observed a blind person working with

We do this together as women of God in unity called to impact and change the world! As we reach out to others,

their guide dog, you have observed the truth about blind faith

they enrich our lives as well. This brings a consistency of the

that 2 Corinthians 5:7 is trying to teach. You have seen what it

vision running through the ministry of IPHC as each one plays

means to live by faith and not by sight, since the blind person

a vital role in winning souls and making disciples. God has

must totally trust in the ability of their canine companion. They

called each of us to fulfill His plan, for the redemption of

cannot see the dangers that lie in front of them.

humankind!

As IPHC Women’s Ministries leaders and groups, we have been set free, filled with the Holy Spirit, and must hold fast to what we’ve received from God; the revelation He has shown us and the words He has spoken to us. We must continually move toward God’s purpose and vision for women across the nation and around the world. God’s purpose and vision directs us toward our destiny when we place total trust in Him and walk by faith, not by sight!

The Holy Spirit instructs us through Habakkuk 2:2-3 (The Message), “And then GOD answered: ‘Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming.

It aches for the coming-- it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.’”

The very thought of a vision implies the thought of future impossibilities. To have a vision speaks of looking at things as they are and seeing things as they can be. George Barna in his

We must continually move toward God’s purpose and vision for women across the nation and around the world.

book, The Power of Vision, writes: “Vision is a picture held in the mind’s eye of the way things could or should be in the days ahead.’’ Although God gives us personal and individual group-focused vision for our specific ministries, there is one purpose and vision given to all.

Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

As we look forward with purpose and vision to win souls and make disciples, we realize our ability to accomplish that destiny and fulfill the great commission is through our empowerment and freedom in the Holy Spirit. Through His powerful direction, we act in boldness and surety, employing innovative and relevant methods of ministry, attractive to all generations. This is our purpose; that all people may live in freedom and enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

BRENDA GRASTY Rev. Dr. Brenda Grasty is serving as the Assistant Director on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board.

She is the Director of Deborah’s Daughters for Women’s Ministries, and Missions Director for the Cornerstone Conference. She also serves on the Falcon Children’s Home Board. She is an IPHC Ordained Minister with a Doctorate of Theology degree who teaches, preaches, and sings for conferences, revivals, and other events.

Brenda and her husband, Rick, have four children and three grandchildren.

- GPS 5 -

On Waiting Well A

s for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God

he noticed the right side was warmed by the sun. The other

my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

side was darkened by the shadow of a building.

A few years ago, my husband, Lou, dreamed about

Only one person sat on the benches. He was a lone man

waiting. We were in a prolonged season of delay, wondering

resting on the sunny side with suitcases stacked around his

when it would end. Each day we sought direction from God,

feet. Lou noticed his pleasant, peaceful expression, and then

but His instruction stayed the same—wait. We were nearing

recognized the man. Lou walked over, bent down and said,

frustration when God gave Lou the dream.

“Leon, this is Lou.” Then he awoke. Immediately, Lou sensed

It took place in an airport, unusual by post 9/11 standards.

God showing him a picture of how we should wait— with

To get to departure gates, passengers walked through open-air

contentment, joy, and peace but with bags packed and ready

atriums, set with rows of benches. As Lou entered one atrium,

to move forward at any moment.

- GPS 6 -

When Lou shared his dream with me, I was struck by the awareness that the man in his dream was the only blind man

DON’T NEGLECT PRAYER God sets the priority of prayer in Psalm 2:8 when He

we know—a man who couldn’t see what was ahead but rested

says to His Son, “Ask of Me.” Be bold in your asking. God has

secure and trusting in the destination.

immeasurably more purpose for your life and for IPHC Women’s

IPHC Women’s Ministries is in a waiting season, awaiting the appointment of a new director. You might be in a personal

Ministries.

Ask God to ready your heart for His next move. Pray for

season of waiting, for God to answer a prayer or to fulfill

greater degrees of intimacy with Him. Ask Him for enlarged

a dream. As we wait on God to move, consider these three

territory and multiplied influence for His glory. Pray for God to

principles of waiting well.

work His will in your life and in the life of the woman He calls to

DON’T RUSH THE WAIT The biblical word for wait is not like the foot tapping impatience we experience when we discover we’re, once again, in the slowest line at the grocery store. The definition in scripture connotes not passivity but alertness. It’s a conscious pursuit. It’s active. It’s anticipating. It’s maturing.

Sue Kidd describes waiting as a “still journey.” The still journey does not halt our progress. Instead, it quickens our pace in God’s direction. After all, what God is ultimately after is us.

God will use any circumstance in our lives to give us opportunities to journey inward, to give us time to recognize and embrace His purpose for our lives, and to give Him time to change us from the inside out.

Waiting shifts our focus from an outcome to Him. The closer we get to God, the more we realize He is not in a hurry. The closer we get to God, the more we are willing to be still and wait for as long it takes.

DON’T FEAR UNCHARTERED TERRITORY While you wait, pray for courage to move into unchartered territory. God doesn’t require a season of waiting only to leave us where we were before. Waiting ushers in change.

God wants to move in your life and in Women’s Ministries, in

lead.

The psalmist made this declaration in prayer: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me” (Psalm 138:8). Paul wrote a similar declaration in his letter to the Philippians: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (1:6).

God has a plan to insure a progressive maturity in your life and to accomplish an intended purpose through your days. He will sometimes call you to wait, but the wait will result in His highest possible good for you and for the women you lead.

God will use any circumstance in our lives to give us opportunities to journey inward, to give us time to recognize and embrace His purpose for our lives, and to give Him time to change us from the inside out.

new ways. The person or ministry we are today cannot hold the increase God has planned. Increase requires a new container.

One that is flexible, changeable, and pliable (Matthew 9:17).

Keep in mind, His methods might not resemble His work in others or how He has moved previously.

Embrace the change He brings. The hardest thing we might be called on to do, is not to do what we’ve always done.

While God is working in this waiting season, ask God for a greater understanding of His love for you and an increased measure of your love for Him. God’s perfect love drives out fear (I John 4:18). Cast aside fear so you can go where you’ve never been before.

BECKY SHIREY

is a speaker and writer with A passion for encouraging others in their journey of faith. She has spoken in venues across Europe, in Asia, and throughout the United States. Becky and her husband, Lou, are members of America’s National Prayer Committee and presenters for Galatians 6:6 - GPS 7 -

I Thirst

- GPS 10 -

A

fter this, Jesus knowing that all things were now

other criminal he had ever seen. No cursing, no blaming, no

accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled,

anger.”

saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:

The Samaritan woman at the well was thirsty just as are

and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop,

many women with whom you come in contact on a daily basis.

and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the

However, the joy of it all is that He has forever released an

vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave

overflow of His living water, so we can freely drink, and freely

up the ghost.” John19:28-30 KJV

share.

For the children of Israel traveling from Egypt to Canaan,

When your cup overflows from the fountain of grace, mercy,

water became a precious commodity. We read in Exodus 17:3

and joy, I challenge you to not hold back or hoard what God

that they thirsted for water. Tormented by this thirst, they said

has poured into you. Instead, pour into the cup of another. The

to Moses, “Why did you ever take us out of Egypt? Why did you

water you share will be life to them. I once read that we give

bring us here to die, with our children and cattle too?” (Living

Jesus a drink by sharing of what we have with others.

Bible). While meditating on this scripture, I wondered if there

Someone you know may be in a desert season, a place of

might have been families in the group with water secretly

extreme thirst. The water you share could be in the form of

stored away which they were unwilling to share. If so, they

your time, a monetary gift, a card in the mail, a hug or phone

failed their own people; for someone to share of their water was

call, words of exhortation, affirmation, or forgiveness. Let us

to give life to another.

keep our sponges soaked with the Water of Life so that we

From the cross, the Source of living water…the Maker

can act from an overflow of His wisdom and knowledge. Be

of the waters…the One who had the power to open heaven

responsive when we hear the cry, “I thirst.” Let us stay spiritually

and send rain or close it and restrain the rain, cried “I thirst.”

hydrated enabling us to see every opportunity for appropriate

His statement highlighted His humanity as well as fulfilled

change, growth, moving forward, and spiritual victory as we

Psalm 69:21.

focus on the true purpose of the ministry of Women’s Ministries:

As I meditate more deeply on this scripture, I believe He

hearts and souls changed, restoration of lives, addictions

spiritually thirsted for sinners to come to Him, healing for the

conquered, broken marriages rebuilt, the sick healed, walls of

sick, intimacy with humankind, mending of the broken hearted,

division broken down, prodigal sons and daughters returning

and to be with the Father.

home, and those in bondage set free. These are the precious

Prior to being nailed to the cross, Matthew 27:34 tells us that He received vinegar mixed with gall to drink, and that when He

commodities that make a Women’s Ministries vibrant; things that bring it life.

tasted it He refused it. That was because it would diminish the pain. However, while hanging from the cross, and after crying, “I thirst,” a sponge was dipped in a vessel of non-alcoholic sour wine vinegar and raised to His mouth on a hyssop stick.

After Jesus drank enough to moisten His parched throat, He announced His words of triumph, “It is finished.” He then bowed His head, gave up His Spirit, and died.

When your cup overflows from the fountain of grace, mercy, and joy, I challenge you to not hold back or hoard what God has poured into you.

A sponge was part of a Roman soldier’s gear used as a drinking receptacle and also used to line and pad the soldier’s helmet. When Jesus indicated He was thirsty, it is believed it was one of the soldiers who moistened his sponge. From his personal supply of vinegar, he lifted it to the mouth of Jesus.

This was truly an act of mercy to the One who was merciful to all humanity. Sometimes God uses the most unlikely source to bring refreshment to His children. Dr. Ralph F. Wilson wrote, “A soldier wasn’t required to share his drink with the criminals under his care. But he had seen that Jesus was dying unlike any

JANICE MARSHBURN

Janice Marshburn is an IPHC Ordained Minister in Jacksonville, NC, were she serves as the Women’s Ministries Director for the IPHC Good News Ministries.

She preaches God’s word nationally and internationally. She serves as the North Carolina Conference, Women’s Ministries Director, Director of Deborah’s Daughters, and serves on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. Janice has a heart for God’s power to heal bruised and battered women, and those who are merely existing to walk out of their spiritual grave and experience new life in Jesus.

- GPS 11 -

My Mission Field Is A Psychiatric Hospital

I

t is very important to set the stage for you of my call to

broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and open

ministry. Picture a young twelve year old girl who, after

the prison to them that are bound.” (Isaiah 61:1) Isn’t this your

accepting Christ as her personal Savior, prayed and

role too? Wherever you find yourself, be encouraged that God

answered the call of God to become a missionary. All she could

has called you and He is faithful. The dark nights of your soul

talk or think about for years was missions work. I was that child.

are for an equipping! Everything the enemy used to defeat

It was a favorite pass time of mine to think about all the places

me is now a weapon I have in my arsenal to use against him in

in the world I could go, and how I could bring the love of God

setting others free. Isaiah 54:16 says, “See, it is I who created the

to those places. I would have never believed that God not

blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon

only called me, but He had also been equipping me for the

fit for its work.” You are being forged by God for your ministry

mission field I now work in.

and no weapon formed against you will prosper. 2 Timothy 1:9

I am a Chaplain in a State Psychiatric hospital. All my years

NKJV, “Who hath saved us, and called (us) with a holy calling,

of verbal abuse, rejection, loneliness, tragedy, and brokenness

not according to our works, but according to His own purpose

were a direct result of being enrolled in a school of suffering.

and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world

I now treasure my years of suffering because the school of

began.” Bloom where you are planted. It is your mission field!

suffering, graduates exceptional scholars. I first read about the school of suffering from a devotional called “Streams in the Desert.” (Cowman, 1925) It came during the darkest night of my soul and pointed me to the voice of God. I answered the call of God at the age of twelve but my ideas of what the mission field would look like and God’s ideas were very different.

God always knows best! God does not merely call us, but He equips us for many years through the ordained steps of life, especially in its trials and troubles.

My school of suffering has given me a compassion born out of experience. This is my greatest gift! It is no coincidence that I received ministry in my greatest time of need from a book written by a missionary. God knew that Mrs. Cowman’s experiences missionary work in Japan and China would help launch my ministry in a psychiatric hospital. I embrace my school of suffering as an instrument of God’s love and grace in my life. He gave me beauty for ashes and placed a radical acceptance in my heart.

Everything the enemy used to defeat me is now a weapon I have in my arsenal to use against him in setting others free.

The suffering I endured was the only path that led to radical acceptance. I would need this special kind of acceptance to work in four different buildings on the hospital’s campus. Each building is unique to the needs of the patients. One of the buildings is a forensic unit and all the buildings are locked units that require security clearances. I consider it a privilege to serve the Lord here. It is my mission field.

When you realize that the word, missions is from the Latin language meaning, “the act or instance of sending,” then it is easier to see that wherever you are, that is your mission field. I know God has sent me to this unique mission field to bring the ministry of His presence to the broken. My role as a chaplain is to “bring good news to the poor, bind up the

DEBI ADAMS

Debi Adams lives in Greensburg, PA and serves on the board of the IPHC Women’s Ministry. Her roles include serving with her husband in the River of Life Conference where he serves as Bishop and pastoring LifeSpring Christian Church. She is passionate about her ministry as an Ordained IPHC Minister and is employed as a Chaplain in a State Psychiatric Hospital. The Association of Certified Christian Chaplains is where she obtained her Board Certification. Her passions include deployment to disaster areas as a Billy Graham Rapid Response Chaplain and helping people in Crisis.

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Wait Training

W

e all have to wait in life—in lines, in traffic, the

Those who wait will have their hearts bound to the Lord,

doctor’s office, for your kids, and even God! The

connecting intimately to Him.

days we live in are so fast paced that waiting seems

like a punishment. It’s even worse when you are in the battle of your life.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”

The word ‘wait’ means to wait in the sense of expecting.

When you go to the gym for ‘weight’ training, you do certain exercises, and you expect a certain result. Likewise, there are exercises in ‘wait’ training and results that you can expect, and they are as follows: 1. PAUSE “THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH” Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him.” When I pause and lean into my sofa, I expect it to hold me

The Hebrew word for wait in this passage is qavah; meaning “To

without a second thought, because it was designed to hold me.

bind together” (perhaps by twisting) and “to be strong, robust.”

Isn’t our Creator, the one who designed all living things, more

- GPS 14 -

than capable of holding us?

When you pause, you can expect renewed inward strength, because you receive power by dwelling in God’s presence.

2. PRAY “THEY SHALL MOUNT UP WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES” Communicating with God lifts us up, and we can learn His perspective. Eagles are masters of wind currents and rise effortlessly. Discerning the wind currents, they depend on a source other than themselves. The eagle is said to be the only bird that can look directly into the sun. As you spend time in prayer with the Son interceding for you, you’ll be able to discern the wind of His Spirit.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

When you pray, you can expect upward strength, because you will be able to rise above any circumstance.

When you pause, you can expect renewed inward strength, because you receive power by dwelling in God’s presence.

answer, even before you see it.

The result you can expect from giving praise is onward strength, because praise silences your enemies and you can keep moving forward in your faith walk.

2 Chronicles 20 shows us a great example of these exercises and their results. Syrian armies had come against Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, paused, prayed, and fasted.

He pondered the things that God had done, and then the Spirit of God told him to take their position and see the deliverance the Lord was going to bring them. They fell down in worship.

Before the battle began, Jehoshaphat praised God! This teaches us that there is nothing more important than praise and worship when battling problems. The person who kneels before God in praise and worship can stand before any obstacle they face.

The opposing armies began to fight amongst themselves.

They were so confused, they didn’t know what was happening.

Praise is a powerful weapon that confuses your enemy!

When you think about it, ‘wait’ could possibly be one of the best answers God gives us. Waiting causes us to hope in Him and cling to Him, rather than an outcome. God knows what we need. He sees the future and His perspective is eternal.

Someone once said, “Waiting is not just about what I get at the end of the wait, but about whom I become as I wait.”

Don’t let your condition change your position. How we position ourselves while we wait is important. Stay connected with God, and remember to pause, pray, ponder and praise. His name is I AM, not I WAS. If He did it before, He’ll do it again.

3. PONDER “THEY SHALL RUN AND NOT BE WEARY” Psalm 103:2 says, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.”

Remembering the faithfulness of God encourages us to keep moving forward. The result you can expect from this exercise is outward strength, because no matter what battle you face, it belongs to God. 4. PRAISE “THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT FAINT” Psalm 18:3 says, “I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.”

Your praise is a weapon and the voice of faith. When you believe God has heard your prayers, you’ll praise Him for the

NICOLE HAMMOND Nicole Hammond currently serves as the Pacific Western Network Women’s Ministries Director and serves on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. She loves to help women discover their purpose, participate in ministry, pursue their passions, and live boldly for Jesus as they go about their daily lives! She and her husband, Mark, are partners in life, ministry, and business. They enjoy life with their four children and two granddaughters, who all reside in Modesto, CA.

- GPS 15 -

- GPS 16 -

F

ierce Hearted gives us a unique and personal look

Each chapter begins with a quote from a fellow female

behind the curtain and into the day to day life of

author, with discussion questions for each chapter at

a woman who is seeking to live fully for Christ.

the end of the book. You can also order the devotional

Holley Gerth is a best-selling author, renowned speaker,

e-book, “Strong, Brave, Loved: 21 Days Ways to Live a

life coach and counselor yet in this book she sets that all

Fierce hearted Life” to supplement your small group or

aside and simply shares her most vulnerable moments,

Women’s ministry.

reminding us that “He is made perfect in our weaknesses.”

Gerth writes each chapter so that they seem to be

This is a great book for any woman who is needing a little encouragement, a little love, and a little gumption.

a collection of loosely connected thoughts, covering a myriad of topics such as prayer, having a child-like faith, facing conflict when you have been hurt, and even her own journey with infertility.

A celebration of everything that makes women unique, Gerth challenges her readers to see themselves as powerful, not because of their strengths, but because of their weaknesses. Our places of hurt and brokenness are the very places that God can use us the most, and Gerth encourages us to not run from those places but settle in and allow God to change our hearts through the life we experience.

KALEIGH BISHOP

Kaleigh Hamilton-Bishop is a dreamer, designer and bibliophile living in the heart of Oklahoma. Her interests include creative development, servant leadership, and event planning. Kaleigh is passionate about creating opportunities for women to raise their voices and share their story . She seeks to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and find their own creativity.training them to grow in their faith.

Her Joy! My Surprise!

- GPS 18 -

O

ne Sunday afternoon, my husband and I decided

eyes. A well-dressed woman hugging a dirty, unkept, homeless

to take a drive to the beautiful coast city of Laguna

woman. But this homeless woman was filled with God’s love,

Beach, California. It is a city that has an emphasis on

joy, and peace. She was grateful and didn’t know how to repay

the arts and is affluent with its unique shops, boutiques, art

the debt of being redeemed; She didn’t know how to express

galleries, and restaurants. You may also see games and activities

her gratitude to me for taking time to sit down, share the

that occur at the beach side. Parking is difficult to find, but there

gospel, and lift her up. There were no words she could express,

was one spot right in front of some trees and a grassy area.

only a pink scarf that she wrapped around my neck and said to

To my surprise, there lay a homeless person on a made-up

me, ““Please take this.” I argued against her generosity, because

cardboard mattress, covered from head to toe by dirty blankets.

she needed that pink scarf to keep her warm at night. How

It was a sight I had never seen and was a bit shocking to us all.

could I take something from a homeless woman? However, she

We went about enjoying our day and upon returning to our

insisted and said, “You have no idea what you just did for me!”

car a couple of hours later, there sat the covered-up person

There are hidden blessings in front of us, all it took was

who happened to be a girl approximately in her mid to late

a wave and a hello to someone less fortunate. It became her

20’s. I waved and said hello to her, and as I entered my car, I

joy and my surprise! Her gift reminds me and moves me to keep

heard her ask if I knew where the nearest dispensary was. The

my eyes open to the less fortunate in front of me.

question puzzled me. As I got out of the car questioning her as to why she needed to know where a dispensary was, she told me she needed to get her head straight. I asked what was going through her mind that would cause her to need such a thing. As I continued to converse with her, the Holy Spirit began stirring my heart. I kept asking Him to lead me and guide my conversation with her and I became more certain that He was working in this moment.

She began telling me her story, and I listened attentively.

She had pulled up her cardboard mattress towards me, so I could sit by her. This invitation was my opportunity to share God’s love with this young lady. She was from Florida and her parents had neglected, abandoned, and abused her physically,

She’s no longer hungry or thirsty, as she has found the bread of life and the water, which will never run out, to satisfy her soul.

She’s found Jesus!

mentally, and emotionally. She carried that deep hurt in her heart. She had been married to an army man who died during active duty. They had two children who had also died. A woman, lost to depression and drugs, wanted desperately to forget all her suffering and pain. God showed up in her life that day, and she opened her heart to Him and felt the beautiful presence of her new savior. Her face lit up as God lifted her burden. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:30.

1 Corinthians 4:11 says, “To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.”

No longer is she homeless, her home is heaven. She’s now clothed with garments of praise. She’s no longer hungry or thirsty, as she has found the bread of life and the water, which will never run out, to satisfy her soul. She’s found Jesus!

People walked by, staring as we hugged, and wondered what was happening and why we had tears rolling down our

HISLENA SERVIN

Hislena Servin serves as director for Golden West Conference Women’s Ministries and the World Intercession Network. She also serves as a member on the Golden West Conference Board and is a Chaplain for Marketplace Chaplains. She has been in the dental field for over 25 years as a Dental Assistant. Also, she has served on the GWC WM Board, is a former Pastor, and has been local church WM Director, Missions Director and Girls’ Ministries Director.

She has her bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries and holds certifications as a CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) and with C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team). For 34 years, Hislena has been married to Marcos Servin, a former US Marine. They have two adult children, Mark and Kristen, and four grandchildren, Isaiah (7), Sid (4), Shayla (3) and Lux (4 months); with whom she loves to spend time. She enjoys long walks, movies, traveling, and the beach.

Her faith, commitment, and dedication continue to be a driving force of volunteering her time to reach and love people, so they may come to Christ, as well as teaching and training them to grow in their faith.

- GPS 19 -

The Marathon of Life and Ministry distance race, which measures 26 miles and 385

T

first started running in college. Walking? Yes. Running? No!

years. The word ‘marathon’, for me, has always been

Within a few years, it led to her participation in various running

tied to something more closely related to the binge watching

events. Then, our son joined in and they did a few events

of movies (although I really don’t do much of that either), or

together, and soon, my husband decided to walk some of

crafting (the more probable option). A marathon for me would

the events with them. Before long, she announced that she

be based on the length of time I did something, certainly not

was doing the half-marathon in Oklahoma City. She has since

the distance of miles I ran.

done the full marathon and the team relay. The event is the

he main definition of the word ‘marathon’ is a long-

I must admit, I was surprised when our daughter Jennifer

- GPS 20 -

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, which remembers the

tried, and then walking the old roads in the ancient cities of

victims of the Murrah Federal Building, which was bombed in

Corinth and Ephesus, bring the struggles of the early apostles

Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. That horrible tragedy pulled

into greater perspective. They wrote from firsthand experiences.

out the best in our city as citizens rallied behind the rescue

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud

workers and the families of the 168 victims and 600-plus

of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the

injured.

sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance

I have been a spectator at the Memorial event but never a

the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer

participant…until this year! In the early part of 2018, Jennifer

and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured

convinced me that I should participate in the April marathon

the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of

event. “How on earth did she think I could accomplish that?,”

the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition

I wondered. I am a fast walker, but running is not for me.

from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”

Nevertheless, I am now the proud owner of my first marathon

(Hebrews 12:1-3).

medal. However, I must confess that it was for the Kids’

I have always loved the “Hall of Famers” list in chapter 11,

Marathon, a part of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

which prompts this powerful beginning of chapter 12. Looking

David and I did it with our 5-year-old grandson, who was

back allows us to gain great perspective of the power

far more interested in the tall buildings downtown than

of faith. They are great witnesses, whose stories testify to

the marathon itself. I also must confess, that with the Kids’

the faithfulness of our God. There is obviously a huge gap in

Marathon, only the last mile and a half are completed as part

between those listed in this chapter and today, but no doubt

of the event. The other 24.5 miles are completed and recorded

you have plenty of names that you can add to the list. I know I

ahead of time, in various activities, over the course of a few

do!

weeks. I am pretty sure this will be the only marathon I will

Wherever you are in the ‘Marathon of Life’ today, take

ever be able to complete. The event was so fulfilling, that I have

a few minutes to remember those who have gone before

vowed to return in 2019 with all my grandchildren and twin

you and can testify to God’s greatness and faithfulness.

great-nieces. We are going to do it together. It’s exciting to have

Then you must act on the rest of that passage in Hebrews 12.

the streets lined with spectators, who are there to cheer you

We are reminded to keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ!

on and tell you that you can do it! You can finish what you have

Whether you are a leader in Women’s Ministries, Girls’ Ministries,

started.

or another ministry in the local church, lean into the promises He has given. Walk in His footsteps and trust Him to continue to

Walk in His footsteps and trust Him to continue to light your pathway. His endurance and victory at Calvary give us hope.

On our once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece the very next month, we saw the Olympic Stadium, along with many other reminders of the games which started there. The Biblical references by Paul and others, of running the race, makes so much sense in that context. A visit to Mars Hill, where Paul was

light your pathway. His endurance and victory at Calvary give us hope. The writer challenges us to consider that victory, in order to “not grow weary and lose heart.” Because of Him, we can face the challenges of the ‘Marathon of Life and Ministry’ with boldness and determination. We can win the race!

IRVINA PARKER

Irvina Parker serves as the director of IPHC Girls’ Ministries. Prior to accepting this position, she worked for IPHC World Missions Ministries.

Irvina is a third generation IPHC member. She has served the IPHC from the Global Ministry Center for more than 43 years. Irvina and her husband David live in Oklahoma City and attend River of Life where they serve as directors of the River Reach World Missions team. Irvina loves writing, scrapbooking, snow skiing, going on missions trips, and spending time with the grandchildren.

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Woven: The Art of Sisterhood I

remember the first time I strolled through the pebbled

gentlemen handed me a palmetto rose he had just finished

streets in Charleston, S.C. It’s such a beautiful, quaint

creating.

city full of vibrant colors and southern charm. While

After researching this ancient craft called “basket weaving,”

walking through the Historic City Market, one booth stood

I learned a few things. First, these baskets (known as “fanners”)

out. Several artisans sat there weaving together baskets of all

were originally used by old-world, West-African rice farmers in

sizes, colors, and shapes—each one unique and crafted in such

the process called “winnowing”, where they would toss hulls

delicate manner. As I stood admiring their artwork, one of the

into the air to separate the chaff from the rice. Though the

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skill was developed in Sierra Leone, it eventually made its way to Charleston, SC in the 17th Century. The baskets are made using sweetgrass, palmetto, bull rush, and longleaf pine. As a history buff, I found all this miscellaneous information, about a topic most people would never investigate, very interesting.

However, what I found most noteworthy about basket-weaving is how strong the baskets created through this process are.

These hand-crafted baskets are woven so tightly together that they can hold water, and last a lifetime.

Maybe you’re thinking, “What does basket weaving have

Ladies, we must be woven together tightly, forming a sisterhood that’s willing to lay all these things aside and exalt the name that is above every name.

to do with sisterhood?” Allow me to answer that question.

First, let me tell you my heart truly desires to see women

My dear sisters in Christ, like a basket delicately woven

from different generations, cultures, denominations, and

together, will we allow our Creator to weave us into a

backgrounds, come together as sisters in Christ and allow

sisterhood that can literally change the world? Can you imagine

our Heavenly Father to advance His Kingdom through us.

what we could do together, unified, using our strengths and

Although, I have hope that what I’m seeing around me is the

gifts to bring others into the Kingdom? Let’s stop getting

beginning stage of this—not only among women, but within

caught up in all the personal preferences and comparisons.

God’s Kingdom at large—I still sense a deep urgency about this

Let’s start getting caught up in who God is. I believe with all my

matter.

heart that the Father is doing magnificent things and, further,

While in prison, Paul wrote a letter to the church in Colossae

that He invites us to all play a role in his grand story. However,

encouraging them to stand firm and united against false

discord, disunity, and division stand in the way. So, I encourage

teachers who were attacking the church by denigrating the

us to resist “strangled relationships” by refusing judgement and

deity of Jesus. Paul says to these Colossian believers, “My goal

comparison. Let’s say “no” to competing against each other,

is that they (referring to the Laodiceans, Colossians, and all

and let’s be simply and profoundly united in love. Let us

believers who had yet to meet Paul) may be encouraged in

allow the Father do His work.

heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col. 2:2) In this text, Paul clearly links the church’s being “united in love” with their ability to fully receive the “riches of complete understanding” and the knowledge of “the mystery of God.”

ERICA CAMPBELL Erica Campbell graduated from Emmanuel College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in the School of Christian Ministries.

Wow! That’s a huge statement! In other words, we cannot

She works as an Administrative

allow worldly influences, church politics, and our differences to

Assistant at LifePoint Ministries

prevent us from receiving the fullness of God. Ladies, we must

overseeing Communications and

be woven together tightly, forming a sisterhood that’s willing to lay all these things aside and exalt the name that is above every name.

Jessica Honegger, founder of Noonday Collection, made

Event Planning. She also serves as the Girls’ Ministries Director and is the Advisor of Revive Dance Team at Emmanuel College.

She is presently serving as secretary on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. She and her husband, Jon, live at Emmanuel

this profound statement in her new book Imperfect Courage:

where he serves as the Assistant Director for Residence Life

“The sisterhood effect happens when women refuse to let

and the Residence Director for Wellons Hall. Erica’s passion is

perceived threats strangle our relationships, when we let

to encourage women of all ages to reflect the heart of Christ,

empathy triumph over judgement, and let collaboration win over comparison.”

to embrace her world by serving the Kingdom of God in every season, and to constantly be in pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ – the true purpose of every disciple.

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Oh, the Holidays!

T

hanksgiving, family gatherings, decorations, holiday

house, and other preparations, I didn’t consider that leaving

smells, a chill in the air, shopping for family and loved

just days before Thanksgiving was a bit hasty. I was just ready

ones, Christmas parties, drives to look at Christmas

to enter our next season of life. I hadn’t even considered that

lights, baking, and New Year’s lunches. The joy that fills the

the holidays we celebrated in America weren’t necessarily

months of November and December is exhilarating. It has

celebrated all over the world, and those that were, were

always been my favorite time of year.

celebrated differently.

When becoming a missionary, I never considered how

The first three holiday seasons were a bit rough, but we

difficult the holidays might be. I was so thrilled to finally

made the best of them. I will never forget moving into a

be able to get on the mission field after all the itinerating,

newer and much bigger house at the end of October 2003.

fund raising, packing, sorting all our belongings, selling our

We immediately invited our small American circle, mainly

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missionaries, to share Thanksgiving dinner at our house that

1. Find joy where God has called you. Find the things you

year, since everyone could now fit. However, I was completely

get to experience now, of which you wouldn’t be afforded if

shocked when I realized the house didn’t come with an oven,

you were back at home.

not even a place to put one. I remember being completely

2. Be thankful for technology and use it. During the holidays,

crushed, trying to figure out how I would cook a Thanksgiving

it’s so important to set time aside to share in special moments

dinner for friends. Keep in mind this was the first time ever I

with family back home. There were several years our kids

would be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully my sweet

couldn’t wait to hear their Papa, my dad, read the Christmas

dad had compassion on me and those other missionaries. He

story to them via Skype.

gave us the money we needed to buy a convection oven. Really that was the easy part, preparing Thanksgiving dinner without my mom, that was the hard part.

Christmas season revolved around our church members and

3. Create new traditions. Find something you can enjoy with those close to you and make it a tradition.

As a missionary with World Missions Ministries, I thank those who contribute to the Christmas 4 Missionaries

celebrating the birth of our Savior with them. Our kids were

offering. It’s truly a blessing to receive that gift, and it helps

small then, only 5 and a half years old and 6 months old when

make our Christmas special.

we arrived. We quickly learned that when family and churches sent a gift, we had to pay a tax on the amount declared, diminishing the little we had to buy gifts for each other. We focused our attention Christmas morning on making it special for them and enjoying the few gifts we were able to buy them. I did my best to keep the smile on my face, but inside I just wanted my parents and siblings to share these moments with us.

As the years have passed, it’s gotten easier in a way, however, you still know you are missing out. Every year I seem to suppress the loneliness more. I try to focus on the positive and on the people that are in our daily lives. I am thankful for the new family God has given us. No one will ever replace our parents, siblings, or family at home, but I also know God has brought people into our lives, people that we minister to and

No one will ever replace our parents, siblings, or family at home, but I also know God has brought people into our lives, people that we minister to and minister with, and they have become like family to us.

minister with, and they have become like family to us. Brussels, being the capital of the European Union, is a very international diverse community. Therefore, many of the people we work with and minister to are in the same position we are in, away from family during the holidays. We have a tradition now of

GRETCHEN SCHWARTZ

having Christmas Eve dinner at our house. We usually have

Gretchen Schwartz, along with her

between 18 and 25 people from several nations. Everyone

husband and two children, has been a

brings a dish to share, and we enjoy each other’s company. The

missionary in Belgium since November

more I am celebrating with people I truly care about, the less it hurts when missing those I love back home.

On more than one occasion, I have found myself pursuing what God has put in front of me to do and in the middle of it,

2002. She is passionate about church planting and helping to organize Converge, which is a week of discipleship for youth and young adults

I was completely caught off guard by sadness, loneliness, and

in Belgium, and now also in the UK. Gretchen also loves

longings of being with family. It comes out of nowhere and

mentoring young ladies and working with a ministry where

figuring out how to handle those emotions can be hard. Over

shares Jesus to those working in the red-light districts of

the years, I have tried to follow these three steps.

Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium.

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Christmas 4 Missionaries, formerly known as Agnes Robinson Missions Offering, is an annual opportunity for people around the IPHC to help provide a monetary Christmas bonus for our full-time and retired missionaries.

Contributions are made to missionaries in late November, but funds are received year round.This offering tells a story that is still being written. It is the story of dollars given

by IPHC women around the United States, dollars that spread heart-felt smiles, holiday meals, needed medicine, precious memories, and more in their wake.

You can be a part of this story through your gift.

You can make the difference in the life of a missionary!

Give to Christmas 4 Missionaries through your local or conference Women’s Ministries, or contact General IPHC Women’s Ministries at 405-792-7132 or women@iphc.org.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

For more information, visit http://iphc.org/discipleship/women/christmas-4-missionaries/ Or, click HERE for online giving.

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