Faithful

When the Santa Ana winds come around they are relentless driving through the valley and over the lake. The water gets a bit choppy and the wind whips at your face – it almost feels like a west coast storm is brewing, but its dry and rather than gusty, it is a constant force. Now as we find ourselves settling into December, we look back on our first term here in California in a bit of a daze, the whirlwind of seminary life subsiding just a bit. 

Five months ago we limped into town in our Rav4. A dependable and beloved vehicle stuffed to the roof (and beyond) with most of our worldly possessions. It brought us through 1 province and three states to begin a journey here in California. Five months later the Rav4 was forced back to Canada because it lacked a required US safety feature – a tire pressure monitoring system. In its stead is a worthy replacement… a very economical Honda Civic – provided by God through the kindness of a brother in Christ and his family. 

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Five months ago we left our four grown children in Canada. Five months later to say we miss them is an understatement. Some days, like today, I am aching to give them all a great big hug and feed them all their favourite things. I know Nathan would love to take them out to the lake and limit out on trout or go hunting for chanterelles. We would probably even willingly play hours of Monopoly while one of the kids in particular attempts global domination. But even though they are so far away, they are a source of great joy for us as we watch them navigate life as young adults. They are constantly in our our prayers.

Five months ago we stepped into our new home feeling like guests. We were strangers in an unfamiliar place orienting ourselves to a new reality. Five months later we have grown to know and love our neighbours and feel at home in our corner of Southern California. Five months ago we were getting used to the Summer heat, often over 40C, longing for balmy 20C summer days in BC. Five months later we reach for a sweater before we go out for a walk in 20C.

Five months ago, Nathan knew only a few Hebrew words, Five months later he is reading Old Testament passages entirely in Ancient Hebrew. This coming term Nathan will dig deeper into “Hebrew Grammar”  with Dr. Zhakevich along with “Prayer and the Pastor” with Dr. Hargrove, “Mechanics of Preaching” with Dr. Lawson, “Expository Preaching Workshop” with Dr. Duncan, and “Pastoral Counseling” with Dr. Street. 

Nathan continues his work on campus and is looking forward to volunteering in the LA County Prison Ministry. Nathan has also spent some time volunteering at Grace to You, the very ministry that first brought him the Gospel 10 years ago. Christina continues to serve at The Master’s Academy International. In these last five months there has been a constant flow of experiences, emotions, and challenges that have impacted us in countless ways. 

Some moments are like soft breezes that gently rustle trees nurturing an increasing dependance on God. Time and time again, we experience need, and time and time again God (Jehovah Jireh) provides for us in abundance. And its not just material needs like the car! Our spiritual needs are being pointed out by the Lord and satisfied as well, as we experience a range of emotions all tempered by the Lord’s lovingkindness and faithfulness. 

Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together.

Genesis 22:8

Some moments are like the eroding effects of a powerful gale scouring the landscapes molding us into the image of Christ. Focusing our thoughts and intentions on serving God – for His glory – not our own. Old goals, dreams and desires are fading quickly as we spend time in fellowship with brothers and sisters and observe the examples of the godly men and women around us who model hearts and minds dedicated to Christ. 

Being a part of a body of believers in unity and submission to one another is such an encouragement to our faith, especially in these unusual and unprecedented times.  We are so thankful for the commitment to God and His future hope, that is demonstrated by the elders here at Grace through the faithful and sacrificial shepherding and care of their flock. 

Five months ago we stepped into the wind excited but unsure of what the future would bring. Five months later in a moment of calm we still marvel at being here and are grateful for the privilege Nathan has been given to study at TMS. We still have no idea what the future holds for us but we welcome the transforming effects of the winds to come. 

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

If I close my eyes in the sharp coolness of this October morning, just for a moment, I can imagine I am back on Vancouver Island. The sound of the freeway blurs into the familiar rhythm of the coast and the cold pinches my nose and cheeks into the obvious pink chill of fall on the island. Of course, I am actually standing in our apartment complex parking lot a few blocks away from the 5 Interstate in Southern California. Not exactly my amazing island birthplace, and if I allowed myself, I could get drawn into a bout of homesickness, sure to consume my day. But this surprisingly crisp fall morning reminds me that our present circumstance has its own blessings as well. As the air tugs at my ears and bites at my nose, the endearing voice of Anne of Green Gables whispers, “isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 

I adore the naive and whimsical hope of dear Anne, who, fully aware of her ‘mistake-making expertise,’ assures Marilla that she learns from each mistake, confidently explaining that she never makes the same mistake twice. I’m not sure any of us could truly make that claim, (though I admire her resolve). But the sentiment reflects the heart of a Christ follower. That though we make mistakes and succumb to the flesh, by the grace of God and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we have an increasing awareness of our sin, and a sincere desire to stop sinning and walk in obedience to Christ. Tomorrow is a new day indeed, with no mistakes in it – yet – but our Christian life is fraught with the residual effects of living in a fallen world, tainted with sin. God hates our sin, but He is gracious and patient with us and when we do sin, He is faithful to forgive anyone who asks for forgiveness and turns from it. Our walk with the Lord is not perfect, but we are being perfected. Day by day, by God’s grace we grow in the image of Christ. Indeed, His mercies are new every morning. No matter where we are, grace abounds. He walks with us and we follow Him. In BC, In California. Everywhere. 

The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22-23

So on this lovely morning I consider some of the gifts the Lord has given us lately. The opportunity to meet and talk with a missionary family, an early morning walk with a friend, our grown up kids who ignore the distance between us and ‘visit’ us regularly online, the technology that allows us to stay in touch with loved ones, the opportunity to explore new landscapes and get some exercise, the sprouting of a second lemon seed, the joyful sound of children playing in our courtyard, and being able to get through to a real person at the DMV by phone (haha!).  Whether it is the everyday simple gifts like these or the incredible gift of salvation in Christ, we give Him thanks and praise.

“Behold, the sower went out to sow…”

Matthew 13:3

A gardener must grow, even when he has no land to grow on. If that’s the case, then recycled Starbucks cups and a bag of soil from Walmart will do the trick. This particular episode of Gardening with Nathan is brought to you by a lemon. A fresh, home-grown California lemon, picked from the tree of new friends we visited when we first arrived here in Los Angeles. 

Nathan was so thrilled to have a freshly picked lemon. It was a precious gift. For the entire 25 minute drive home he imagined how delicious it would be and described in detail how he would make ‘Dad’s Lemonade’. There was a lot of smelling, sighing and singing… yes, even singing. One of the many reasons I love him, is because he finds so much joy in simple things. It was a very entertaining drive home. 

As I am sure you may have guessed, Nathan went immediately to the kitchen, eager to prepare ‘Dad’s Lemonade’. Slicing the precious citrus in half, Nathan gasped – a seed. “I could grow my own lemon tree!” He exclaimed. Carefully he wrapped the seed in a piece of paper towel so it would not get lost and the very next day he went on a mission to find soil. But unlike BC where you can pull over to the side of any rural road and find some dirt, the ground here is just too hot, dry, and concrete-like. After a trip to Walmart a few days later, Nathan triumphantly returned home with a bag of soil and planted his precious lemon seed. 

I admit I was skeptical about this gardening endeavour, but I made room on the shelf near the window for the lemon seed. As you can imagine, he carefully tended to the little seed day after day… and day after day he slowly began to take over more shelf space with random recyclable containers. Seeds collected from our neighbourhood walks or from produce in our refrigerator were deposited into these containers filled with soil. 

This afternoon, as I was tidying up our apartment, I noticed the little lemon plant, now perched on Nathan’s desk, just a wee bit taller and with a couple more leaves. This tiny lemon seed is growing steadily under the thoughtful and loving care of my precious husband. Not far away the shelf is full of seeds sown with a hopeful heart. He knows the gift within each seed, and that when sown in fertile soil, they will yield new life, abundant fruit and more seeds to scatter.

My husband is a faithful sower. And just like he faithfully and lovingly sows the seeds of plants, he also faithfully and lovingly sows the word of God. When he finds seeds inside a lemon, I can’t stop him from planting them in any soil he can find and the same is true with the word of the Gospel. He will sow that word on the heart of any person he meets. He knows that faith in Christ comes from the Gospel. No one can believe the gospel unless they first hear it, so he is highly motivated to proclaim God’s truth to every heart he can. He is not ashamed, and he trusts in the power of God to save sinners. I am so grateful for his passion to preach the gospel, in fact it was his faithful sowing that planted the seed of the Gospel in my heart! Nathan did not save me, only God saves. God prepares hearts and makes them fertile ground for sowing. God uses the saints to do the sowing to spread the word of the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. 

My husband is a faithful sower. Even where there is hardly a speck of soil to scatter his seeds he proclaims the wonderful message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He obediently and lovingly tends to his crops and joyfully watches God’s word do the work of producing softened hearts and lovers of Christ. 

My friends, we are all sinners, we all sin, every day all the time. Big sins, small sins. Lying, cheating, stealing, pridefulness, self-importance, greed, gossip, envy, idolatry… I could go on. People don’t like to talk about their sin, because no one wants to feel badly, no one wants to be told how to behave or what’s right or wrong. Our hearts are deceived, we want what we want, we want our own truth – you do your thing, and I’ll do mine. But the reality is we are all guilty. God is the creator and sustainer of the entire universe, including you and me. He is holy and perfect and He hates sin. We have all broken God’s law, so we are all condemned to an eternity in Hell. But God is also a compassionate and loving father, so He has made a way for people to avoid this judgement. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, born by the virgin Mary, to live the perfect sinless life that we could never live. Jesus was crucified on the cross, bearing the punishment for sins as a substitute for those who would place their faith in Him. He then rose to life on the third day, defeating death and He now sits at the right hand of God in heaven. If you acknowledge your sins against God, turn away from them and ask God to forgive you, He is faithful to do so.  If you place your faith in Christ you will have the promise of eternal life with Christ in Heaven. It is an incredible mercy, that, while we were yet sinners, hostile to God, He still loved us. He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him, giving us incredible hope and peace as we trust in Him. 

The gospel is an incredible seed. And oh the joy in seeing God germinate that seed, and bring new life to the heart of a believer. No wonder Nathan gets so excited seeing the seeds sprout… it is a picture of the work of the wonderful Gospel. 

“…And [other seeds] fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.He who has ears, let him hear”

Matthew 13:8-9

It is not always easy to write an update. Now that we have settled in our lives feel pretty simple – It seems as though there isn’t much to share. Each week, Nathan works hard on his assignments and goes to work at the seminary. Keely and I are at home, working on schoolwork. When we have time as a family we like to go for walks and our absolute favourite is spending time at the beach, which we try to do once or twice a month. Keely spends so much time in the water, I am pretty sure she is growing gills… Nathan and I love the beach in Carpinteria, Keely’s favourite so far is in Malibu due to the big waves that we encountered, but she is eager to check out new beaches all the time. Nathan was thrilled to survey the fishing scene at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. Now that he has made careful observations and organized his gear, he is ready to give it a stellar effort. I am very confident he will catch something next time we go. If anyone can catch a fish its Nathan! As an aside, I was gifted some English Toffee from the candy shop on Stearns Wharf…it was delicious. I highly recommend this treat if you like chocolatey, nutty toffee… Yum!

So here we are, now, more than two months into seminary life. It feels ‘normal’ here now. We don’t feel like we are on a holiday. We are growing more accustomed to the nuances and cultural differences between Vancouver Island and Southern California. Our lives have a simpler quality with more time to focus on our Saviour. We pray we do not squander this opportunity, and that we grow in our walk with Christ. 

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Colossians 3:23-24

The last few weeks have, as expected, gradually intensified like slowly climbing a steep mountain. Nathan’s course work is becoming more demanding, and with that, so is Nathan’s reliance on the Lord, though he still wears a huge grin and is loving every minute of his studies. In particular, he is blessed with the fellowship of his fellow seminarians and faculty members. Our schedule is becoming ‘busier’ and to be honest, the word busy is getting used so much these days it is beginning to lose its meaning! The calendar is filling with school activities, errands, visitors and opportunities to serve. Nathan has begun working part time at the church and we are all getting plugged into bible study groups. Nathan is eager to conquer his fear and hunt a rattlesnake and thinks he may have found a friend to join him! Keely and I are less keen to find rattlesnakes, but we hope to explore some hiking trails in the mornings when the weather is a bit more comfortable.

As we slowly make our way up this mountain, we are reminded daily at the marvellous grace and kindness the Lord has extended to us in bringing us here. As real and tangible the day to day routine is becoming, we still regularly shake our heads and pinch ourselves – just to be sure – because a year ago this all seemed so impossible. Yet, here we are, settling in more and more each day, all because the Lord made it happen. Not every day is easy, we miss family and friends back home, and we are adjusting to a different culture, home, and financial circumstances. But even though it isn’t easy, we are enjoying ourselves, finding a rhythm and seeing the Lord at work in our lives and in the lives of the people around us. 

Last week we had the joy of celebrating with our friend BK, who recently completed his Doctorate at TMS. Witnessing his graduation and the graduation of some of our new friends from the Master of Divinity program was a wonderful encouragement. Just for a moment, we went round a corner and caught a glimpse of the top of the mountain. We are reminded that “God blesses obedience” (Luke 11:28) and, “God’s will, not ours be done” (Matt 6:10) ”because we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.” (Phil 4:13)

As we endeavour to obediently follow the road laid before us, we give thanks and praise to our dear Good Shepherd and gracious King, Jesus Christ that we have this opportunity and we pray He will use it for His glory.

Well, we are very overdue for an update. There is so much to tell, but I don’t even know where to start. So much has happened in a few short weeks.

For those of you who know Nathan really well, you won’t be surprised to hear that he has started an indoor garden of sorts. This farmer at heart is carefully tending to a mint plant, a lemon seed and 2 avocado pits. Thankfully this is not negatively impacting his studies. In fact, the same care and dedication that he applies to gardening, he also applies to his studies. To say he is a passionate guy is an understatement, and so here we are 2 weeks in to the semester and he is loving every minute. 

For those of you who know me really well, you won’t be surprised to hear that I am trying to find ways to make good use of my time. As the school year gets underway, I am finding it both strange and exciting not to be working in my career. I am enjoying the extra time I have with Keely, and we are working together to figure out school for her here in California. I am also looking forward to volunteering a few hours per week. 

For those of you who know Keely really well, you won’t be surprised to hear she has been eager to explore the area and get to know other kids her age. In particular, she has had fun at high school ministry events, spending time at the beach, and checking out stores that we didn’t have back home. 

California has proven to be an exciting adventure so far, despite the interruptions caused by COVID-19, we have still managed to experience some beautiful beaches, lovely parks, sizzling heat, the unfortunate but incredible reality of wildfires, driving on the biggest freeway system we have ever encountered, the occasional In ’n Out Burger, the wonderful hospitality of the local church and the love and kindness of the saints. 

Please keep us in prayer as school for both Nathan and Keely ramp up and our schedule starts to get busier. In particular we consider Colossians 1:9-11,

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.”

Here I sit at my kitchen table, fumbling for a spiritual seat belt so to speak. I feel like I am standing at the edge of a bridge, bungee cord strapped to my legs, blindfold on with absolutely no awareness of where I am or what will happen next. Someone is standing next to me, about to push. It’s going to be a wild ride. I’m excited – very excited, but admittedly, I am also a little nervous about what the future holds. 

Yesterday was orientation day at TMS. Nathan is about to start on campus studies to complete his M.Div. We have been praying and preparing for this for several years. You might assume that yesterday morning, after a cup of coffee together, I fixed Nathan’s tie and then gave him a kiss and proudly sent him off to seminary, but this was not the case. Orientation day included an orientation for new seminary wives and while I had anticipated that our time here would be impactful, I now know I have underestimated how so. The orientation peeled away some of my preconceived ideas of what life might be like in sunny Southern California, and I am catching glimpses under the folds of my blindfold. I also have a very deep awareness of how naive I have been until this point. Enter the bungee jump analogy. 

But here is the amazing thing, this nervous anticipation is not fearful. With an incredible degree of gratitude for my experience at the orientation, it is hopeful. Hopeful because of the testimony of the folks I have met here at Grace Community Church and The Master’s Seminary.  Over and over again, faculty, staff, church members, current students and alumni have shared their experiences speaking confidently and powerfully to God’s grace and sovereignty in the life of the believer. Accounts of how the Lord has provided for physical needs and spiritual needs are everywhere.  A pervasive, steadfast hope in Christ abounds here—exemplary hope.

The thing is, there’s something really unique here. The seminary experience is not just an academic endeavour on Nathan’s part. For both Nathan and for me, it takes place within the context of the local church. The relationship between the seminary and the church allows for students and their families to grow in profound ways as they prepare for the ministry God has prepared for them. In just one day – at the orientation, two characteristics brilliantly displayed how this takes place. Two characteristics that shone from each individual and from school and church as a whole. Faithfulness and love. 

Faithfulness and love were demonstrated in how they lived out the “one anothers”, offering encouragement, support, prayer, love and kindness, and also in how they showed submission to the word of God through their obedience to Him and in their confidence in His faithfulness to us.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Faithfulness and love flow abundantly here at TMS and Grace Community Church. I had heard this in the past, but yesterday, I witnessed it and experienced it in great measure. It is a light on a hill – A beacon of the hope that is in Christ. We are in for a wild ride, but I am not afraid – I know who is driving.

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5

Today marks the end of our first week in Southern California. Last Sunday, we limped into town after making our way across the border and through 3 states. Our trusty little car, weighed down with all we could fit inside – and on top of her – made it almost the whole way before running into some mechanical troubles no more than 20 minutes from our new home. It was as though God was reminding us one more time that He was in charge and it was Him that we needed to rely on to bring us safely home. No sooner had we pulled to a stop on the side of the interstate and prayed when an angel appeared to help us. In broken English we learned he had worked as a mechanic and lived very close by. After surveying the problem he departed quickly, saying ‘uno momento’. Not long after, he returned with a part from his home and calmly and creatively repaired our little car so that we could get over the mountain and to our new home where it could be properly fixed the next day. We were so grateful to God for sending him to us, but it wasn’t long until we would see again how graciously and abundantly the Lord provides.

We pulled into to our new apartment building exhausted and hot! Several times that day it reached well over 40 Celsius! Our building managers, Jenni and Keith were waiting to greet us having heard of our car troubles. We had been in conversation with them over the last several months and it was wonderful to meet them in person for the first time. They showed us to our apartment and left us to settle in, but over the course of that evening and next few days we have met several other neighbours and have been very warmly welcomed. We feel incredibly blessed to live here, and are grateful to God for our dear friends, Jake and Ang, who supported and encouraged us along the way, and ultimately helped us in moving here.

We came with only what we could fit in our car. We sold most of our belongings to raise money so we could come here and have Nathan attend The Master’s Seminary. Again we would need to rely on God to provide us with what we needed to live here. We were put in touch with the WISH ministry at Grace Community Church. Anna and her team at WISH generously and lovingly outfitted our apartment and left us a basket of goodies (including but definitely not limited to a box of brownie mix, which Keely eagerly made this week-yum!). Our dear friends and neighbours also made sure our fridge and cupboards had some essential food items to get us started and make sure we were fed. Again, the Lord provided for our needs through our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As the week has unfolded we have over and over again felt loved and encouraged by the Church. In some ways materially — by the provision of things — but also spiritually, through the example of love and kindness people have shown in actions, edifying conversations, and our shared love of Christ.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

We look forward to sharing how God is working in our lives to mold us to the image of His son, Jesus Christ, as we learn to more deeply know Him and trust Him during our time here in California.

We have so much to share and we will do so as soon as we have a moment! Please continue to pray for Keely, Nathan and me. In particular, please pray for safe and healthy travels. By the Grace of God, we are on our way!

Today we had our final fundraiser. A massive yard sale with donations from 12 or more families. The support from the wide body of Christ was incredible, with brothers and sisters form more than 5 local churches stopping by to offer love and support. The love of Christ was palpable.

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We raised almost $2000. Incredible. God is so gracious.

In January we sent out to raise enough money for our student visas. Originally nearly $40, 000.00 Canadian dollars, revised once we received our paperwork to $40, 000.00 USD. It was a huge number but we trusted God. If God wanted Nathan to complete his master’s degree at the Master’s Seminary and for us to dedicate our lives to the ministry of the Gospel, then it was a small task for God.

$40, 000.00 USD is nothing to the Lord. Now, 3 weeks away from our departure, we are almost there. We have sold nearly everything we own, keeping only a few items in storage — provided for free — by God’s grace.

When Jesus fed the 5000 people, there were 12 baskets left. Just enough for the disciples. God provides exactly what we need. All that we need now to reach our goal is $1500.00 Canadian Dollars. If you would like to help us reach our goal, please check out our Gofundme page (reflecting a small portion of our donations) or contact us here.

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” ¹⁴ (About five thousand men were there.)But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”¹⁵ The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. ¹⁶ Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. ¹⁷ They all ate and were satisfied, and the [twelve] disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Luke 9:13-17

Please keep us in prayer. Specifically:

Pray for Keely as she joins us on this adventure and navigates the changes from being away from her friends and family.

Pray for our adult children; Ben, Sara, Tristan and Jonathan, as they embark on their own adventures with college, university and employment.

Pray for our travel, transition and adjustment to California life. Pray that our love and obedience for Christ will grow in abundance.