So today, for my time with God, I was going through You tube and listening to some Hillsong songs and just worshiping Him in praise and singing. And through out this week God has been showing me about the revolution that He has in store for His people. He has this revival for His people, a life with joy and freedom in Christ!

He wants us to know the freedom that we have in him, freedom from sin, freedom to have dreams. It’s amazing what this freedom from sin can feel like. It is indescrible, unfathomable, and it is hard for us to convey to those who are still in this pain. There have been many hearts hurt and that need repairing, and guess what? God is able to repair your heart! This is the freedom that we find in Him!

He wants us to be able to break free from these things that are keeping us from walking with Him, but sometimes we are not open to the change. Maybe we are comfortable in our way of life and like it too much. We need to give all of ourselves to the Lord. We need to trust the Lord in these things. We need to be unlike Thomas in the sense we believed without seeing the holes and seeing him risen. We need to step out on faith trusting that the Lord will help us, because HE will

I think my prayer for our world is what we learned in Ezekiel 37. My prayer is that God would use our dry bones for His Glory. That He would raise the dry bones up for Him. That He would use us despite ourselves. He will do this. When I was growing up, I had an awesome Youth Pastor. And He reminded us, God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called. I want you to remember this, God will use you, God will help transform you, just be open to it. Give everything to Him, because He gave everything to you. Let Him have it all, and give it all to Him. Moses had this problem, He had to give everything, His son. He had to sacrifice His favorite thing, and God cherished it and provided for Him. What’s your Issac? What is that thing you need to give to God? It doesn’t necessarily have to be something bad, but what is keeping you from totally being dependent on God and giving it all to Him? Think and Pray about this. Is it your job, your current relationship, or could even be your cell phone? I’m not saying throw away your cell phone, but is it getting in the way of your walk? What is that thing that could allow you to break free?

I will be flying out March 6th. So excited, Words just can’t express my feelings towards this. I’ve been working so hard for it, and it will be well worth the wait.

So much to do,

Finish Video. Im working on the intro of this video. I can’t wait. Will be wonderful. But my external hd isnt working and well I need it to… Why does technology seem to stop working when i need it to? I ordered a new power cord, so i hope that this will help it. If not, i will not be able to use all of my moving backgrounds. uh oh.

Ok then I need to pack. What to wear for a year. Hmm thats a good question.

Then I need to buy peanut butter and other things. Mari and Alex, anything you think that I need to bring other than peanut butter.

But these are all small details.

The MOST IMPORTANT THING is that God provided what was needed. He provided the rest of my support so I can come to Romania. I’m still in shock in the way that He did it. No matter what I worry about it, I know that God had put a peace on my heart. He continues to bless it and will forever.

Well, In a few days, after D-Now at Mt. Bethel, I will update you guys. Have a great night.

Jeff

Saw this video on a fellow GEM Missionary’s Facebook and felt I needed to share. It really shows the need of the Gospel in Europe.

Many of you have been asking how can you help with God’s call on my life to go to Romania? Well if you go to http://americaninromania.wordpress.com/want-to-get-involved/ or click on the link on the top of the page, I’ve written ways you can get involved!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jcardell316@gmail.com or JCardell@gemission.com

Thanks Guys

God Bless

(Photo courtesy of SGA)

Eastern Europe (MNN) ― Oppressive new laws in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan required religious communities to re-register with the government by January 1, 2010 or face illegal status. As of December 16, only about 100 of Azerbaijan’s 534 religious communities had been able to do so. Fewer than half of Tajikistan’s religious communities re-registered. 

According to Joel Griffith of Slavic Gospel Association, officials place obstructions in the paths of churches trying to re-register. 

“They will find some technicality or basically any reason to deny registration. So even if some of the groups actually follow the law to the letter and meet the requirements, it just seems very arbitrary and capricious as to whether the officials will agree to register to not,” he explained. 

It’s unclear how strictly the governments of the two nations will enforce their laws. 

“In the worst case scenario…they could basically close congregations down and impose pretty stiff penalties,” Griffith said. “In the best case scenario…unless they agree to fully repeal these statues or amend these laws, I think we need to just hope and pray that even though they’re on the books, these things won’t be enforced.”

That’s often the case in countries that have similar laws. The new laws include other burdensome requirements in addition to the re-registration mandate. Azerbaijan’s law requires religious communities to provide more information for registration and to obtain approval to build or rebuild places of worship. It also prohibits the sale of religious literature in unapproved locations and religious activity outside registered addresses. 

Tajikistan’s religion law censors religious literature, bans state officials from founding religious communities, requires state approval to invite foreigners for religious visits or to travel abroad for religious events, and restricts children’s religious activity and education.  

Christians in Azerbaijan are especially concerned about how courts might interpret unclear provisions in the law. They fear a loose interpretation could penalize “peaceful religious activity.” Griffith quoted a passage from the law obtained by Forum 18 News.

“‘The community formulates its relations with other religious confessions on the basis of religious toleration (tolerance), respect and the avoidance of conflict,’ and the community cannot use violence or the threat of violence in proclaiming its faith. Well, if you don’t define those terms, such as ‘respect and the avoidance of conflict’…you could almost say that Christian evangelism could even be illegal under a formulation like that.”

Since Christians believe in only one means of salvation — Jesus Christ — it would be entirely possible for disagreement with other religious groups to be interpreted as “conflict.” However, Christians are not the only people worried about the potential impact of the law. 

“It’s not just Christians that are concerned; we’ve got Muslim groups that are concerned. These are largely Muslim nations,” Griffith said. “I think there are a number of people that are concerned about what this will possibly do down the road.” 

No matter what does happen, the Christian church will remain committed to the Gospel. 

“Regardless of what happens in these countries, the churches still have their marching orders from the Lord: to proclaim the Gospel,” Griffith said. “And no matter what man does, they’re going to continue to proclaim the Gospel.” 

Christians in Tajikistan and Azerbaijan need the prayers and support of their fellow believers. SGA has been supporting churches in the former Soviet Union for 75 years, and it continues to support churches in these two countries. 

“It’s important to help them take advantage of every open door they can find to share the Gospel,” Griffith said. “It might be through supporting a church-planting missionary; it might be through providing Russian-language Bibles and literature; it may be through helping to support in-country training, and sometimes that training has to take place quietly…. But for churches here in the West that have the resources, it’s important to support our brothers and sisters there who don’t have the resources that we do.”

These past few weeks I have been really just amazed. This week’s bible verse that I have been focusing on is Proverbs 10:23 “A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.” This doesnt necessarily focus on what we do, but what we think. It’s the small things. Like the TV shows we watch. Then some ideas came to mind, are these shows on TV helping me find pleasure in evil conduct? What are we filling our minds with, and is it being reflected into how we are acting? I think tv does how affect how we act and things we put priority on. Just think if we spent the time we watch tv and instead read the Bible? I think I’d be an official Bible scholar! Haha )))

Anyways hope you guys are doing well! I am at 60-70 % pledged. I ask that you pray for connections that are being made with local churches. I hope also that these churches will want to learn more information about romania! Also pray for financial and prayer partners. I thank you for all of your support!

If you want more information, please leave me your email.

Your brother in Christ,
Jeff

Second of all, the term missionary is so high and holy. And well lets face it, im not better than the next person. Paul writes in his first letter to Timothy saying,

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. ¹³Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.¹⁵Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Continuously i am reminded that i dont deserve Gods favor. Lets be honest, no one does….not even the Pope. Ooooh Blasphemy!! If i were only catholic!!! haha But really we dont deserve it, and yet he bestows his grace upon us.

There is nothing we can do to deserve the gift. Let us never forget who gave us this gift and let us sing for the rest of our days!

Lord my prayer, let me remember this and keep humility before you. Let me be reminded who You are and What You’ve done.
Amen