Lemonade Anyone?

The other day I took a sip of some fresh-squeezed lemon juice; somehow expecting it to taste like lemonade. It was tasty, but rather sour. It needed some sweetness. The phrase "making lemonade out of lemons" is a modern day proverb that encourages us to make the best out of a bad situation; for bringing a little sweetness to an otherwise sour existence.

I was reminded of the Scripture that says, "what was intended for evil, God used for good."  These wise words were spoken by Joseph, who himself endured an enormous amount of slander, torture and suffering. Joseph goes on to say, "He (God) brought me through it all so that I could be in a position to save the lives of many"  Gen. 50: 20.  God does not cause bad things, but rather He is there to bring us through it so that others can be blessed through us!

Throughout history, as recorded in the Bible, we see that God is the ultimate lemonade producer!  Our Heavenly Father continues to be exuberant in making something good out of what was meant for evil.  He is indeed a very present help in times of need. The life and work of Jesus reveals the Father's continued desire to bring rescue and comfort…to turn bondage into freedom; sorrow to gladness.  "For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins" Col. 1:13-14.  See also 1 John 3:8 and Luke 4: 18-19.

Old Town Sarajevo

In a month, Natascha and I fly to the Balkans to meet with other church planters, as well as to work out more details for our move there. We will visit Croatia, Bosnia-Herzogovina and Montenegro. As you've heard and seen the recent TV / Internet reports, a few weeks ago the Balkan region was hit with the worst flooding in over 100 years.  The devastating waters have since subsided, but the cleanup and rebuilding will continue for many years.  The link below describes how the international rescue efforts are unifying the region with a wonderful sweetness not seen for a long time.  http://blog.novakdjokovicfoundation.org/good-news/thank-you-all-the-time-when-the-balkans-got-united/  The Balkan people are coming together like never before in the bond of love and care for one another.  Could it be that the flood waters are acting like a healing balm over the Balkans?  Is God washing away old wounds? I believe that our loving Heavenly Father is making lemonade out of lemons here!  He is bringing a little sweetness to the Balkans.

As we finalize our trip, would you please pray with us and FOR us?

• Pray for continued healing of old wounds.
• Ask that God would continue to bring His sweetness to the Balkans; and that Natascha and I would be 'honey and oil' for all we meet.
• Pray for good meetings; planned and unplanned.
• Pray / give $ for the Balkan flood victims.  (we will bring flood funds to the Vineyard Church in Sarajevo).
• Pray / give $ for travel expenses.  (we still need $1000…airfare has already been taken care of!!)
• Thank our extraordinary God for using ordinary people to bring His sweetness to the Balkans!

GIFTS

Mail or E-transfer tax deductible gifts to:

The Vineyard Church

PO Box 13218

Des Moines, Iowa 50310

OR  

online at:

http://yourvineyardchurch.org/contact-us

Please write: ‘Balkan Missions’ in the memo line with either 'flood relief' or 'travel expenses'.

If you are able to give any $, please let us know as soon as you can, so that we can plan accordingly.

As always, Natascha and I are VERY thankful for you…your friendship, your prayers and your encouragement.  We NEED you….we can not do this alone.
Blessings to you!

Jay