A Heart & Hands Thank You!

Dear friends,
Thank you so much for your following along on my little blog. It began as a course project for my online communications class and grew beyond my wildest dreams! While I am not able to continue devoting the time into blogging right now, I wanted to express my appreciation to each of you. May we join in heart and hands in our calling to glorify our Savior.

Blessings and much love to you,
Leslie

^"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." ~Ephesians 3:20-21

 

Interview with Minnie Stoumbaugh, Wycliffe Retiree Out of Africa

Minnie and friends in Cameroon

I am privileged to introduce you to my dear friend Minnie. When I think of Minnie, two words immediately come to mind—faithful, and fearless.  At an age where many women might begin looking forward to their retirement, she followed the Lord’s call into ministry, and then went on to Africa for twenty years! While she has now officially left the mission field, she is as busy as ever serving the Lord in our church and community. Minnie also continues to be a growing Christian. A year ago or so, she shared with me how the Lord was working in her heart to love her neighbor and how she was trying to live that verse out in her little neighborhood. Wow. Now in her seventies, she regularly brings women to church and spends her days ministering to many. Her love for the Lord and for people shines through her testimony, and I hope you are encouraged in your own life's journey by reading her story. 

I understand that your mission adventure with Wycliffe Bible Translators started on your 50^th birthday.  Can you tell us how God directed you?

MS  Having become a Christian at age 23, I was about 25 when I had my first understanding of what a missionary was. A young couple just out of Bible school had come to my church saying they were going to Ethiopia “because there are millions of people there who don’t know the Lord.” That struck my heart indelibly, and I instantly felt that I needed to go and tell them! But God could see the big picture, so it would be another 25 years before I would go. But the burden He gave me that day never went away. Isaiah 6:8 became my heart’s cry: Here am I, Lord, send me!

   Years later our singles group from church attended a variety of presentations by Wycliffe Bible Translators, and I would come away from each meeting with a greater burden to go and do likewise. Finally, I was reading a periodical by Wycliffe which answered my questions and spoke to my doubts. With a face full of tears and joy in my heart, I accepted Wycliffe’s invitation and moved forward with my decision of God’s call, being confirmed by my pastor.

Tell us a little of your official position and how you developed a personal ministry.

MS  I came on board as a secretary assigned to our International Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and served there in two different offices over three and a half years.

   After going overseas I was secretary to the Africa Area Director in Nairobi, Kenya. Saturdays I joined a lady in her work with street children and slum women. Sundays I served Belleview Baptist Church, teaching whoever was there for Sunday school and held a ladies class after church.

  My next stop was Cameroon on the other side of the continent where I was secretary to the branch director. Next was a short assignment in Brazil working for the Director of Language Programs before returning to Cameroon for the rest of my overseas work.

   Wherever I went, I took embroidery supplies and developed a Bible lesson to go with the needlework. That is, we referenced Nehemiah 8:10…the joy of the Lord is my strength. Exodus 35:35 reveals that embroidery was an important addition to work in the Temple. Also, continuing in that the older women are to teach the younger from Titus 2:4, when the student finished the embroidery I would say, “You took these simple materials, fabric, thread and needle, and made something beautiful with them. In similar manner, when you put your life in God’s hands He will make something beautiful of you.”

What did the Lord teach you about Himself while you served in Cameroon?

MS  He was always there. Wherever I was, He was already there. The larger picture was that He was as ready to give the people of Cameroon His Word as we were. Though I was not directly involved in translation, I was part of the administration, even though it had been decreed that I would not serve overseas!

       In addition, my heart’s desire was to see a church started and moving forward. It was my privilege in the last three years to play an effective role in the establishing of Grace Baptist Church in Cameroon. God answers prayer!

Do you have any advice for other ladies in cross-cultural service? Is there anything that you might do differently, knowing what you know now?

MS  God was ever so gracious to work in my life and prepare me ahead of time, though there were some struggles. For one advantage, I had developed a good level of flexibility. How many times did I make a plan and God changed it? But receiving the change as from him, made it easy.

      One’s worldview needs to include the biblical reality of demons. North American missionaries bring our secular worldview and we don’t have a clue of what is going on in the lives of people who have grown up with direct influence from demons.

     Another item is getting along with other missionaries. We tend to be self-sufficient, self-motivated and focused, but at least two important things come into play. One is the flexibility already mentioned, another is to not take yourself too seriously. Be able to laugh about differences, changes, issues that are not life threatening. If you are easily embarrassed or can be made to feel dumb or foolish, get over it before you launch out (Psalm 119:165). Learn to see humor in any situation.

     I wish I would have had two books that could have saved me considerable struggle. However, this first one not written until after I retired. Both are available at Amazon.com:

1.  When Helping Hurts, How To Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself, by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert

2.  African Friends and Money Matters, by David Maranz

What are you most thankful for? Was there any particularly hard experience in life that helped prepare you for your ministry?

MS  I am forever thankful for the 11 years I spent caring for my mom before moving into missions. That included considerable training in my own weaknesses and the need to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. Especially in the last two years many hours were occupied with in-depth Bible study. Someone said, “It isn’t so much a matter of how many times you’ve been through the Bible, but how many times the Bible has been through you.”

     I am so thankful for the privilege of serving God in this way! So glad to have had time with people from other cultures.  What an amazing thing to not be able to speak French, yet be able to teach a church through an interpreter.  I am blessed!

Minnie and friends in Cameroon

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." ~Isaiah 6:8

Recommended Reads

Yes, I'm a bookworm. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures, and I love to share what I am reading and learning from my reading. I will often have three books going at once—I try to tell myself that I am striving to be well-rounded—there are just so many books, and so little time!

Having the ability to be taught, encouraged, ministered to, and counseled through others' writings is a gift and a blessing. Here are some of my current favorites. I think you will find them helpful, inspiring, and challenging. Each one has something unique to offer. Just click on any of the images to learn more about each book. I hope you will choose one (or more) to jump into!

 

The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times

 

 This tiny book is packed with help for when we are overwhelmed with life's problems. Using the Israelites' story in Exodus 4 as an example, The Red Sea Rules reveals that even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations, God promises to make a way for us, and that He is in control. The author shares ten strategies to biblically process difficulties and to move from fear to faith.

 

 Off Script: What to Do When God Rewrites Your Life

 

Cary Schmidt transparently shares of his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer and the truths that God taught him to help encourage others when our lives are suddenly taken "off script." He calls these times our defining moments, and shares ten decisions that will transform your perspective in the midst of trials. He is a gifted counselor and encourages others in how God uses affliction to rewrite our life's story, for our good, and for His glory.

 Morning and Evening: a Devotional Classic for Daily Encouragement

 

Charles Spurgeon wrote this classic daily devotional to be read each morning and evening to encourage his fellow believers. Each devotion is based on a single verse of Scripture, is beautifully written, and even one hundred years later provides rich insight that is instructive and comforting.

The Butterfly and the Violin

 

This is a captivating, fictional account of a once celebrated Austrian violinist, who ends up imprisoned in a concentration camp for smuggling Jews out of Vienna. A painting of a prisoner's artwork captures the story of Adele, who found a way to honor God with her music even in Auschwitz, and how she matured and was refined by suffering. This story speaks of hope in the worst of circumstances, and is based on the historical accounts of the orchestra at Auschwitz.

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands

 

This is one of the best time management books I have read for women. The Best Yes will teach you how to prioritize your schedule, apply the Word of God to your daily life, and practice a wisdom-based decision making process. This was my first read for 2015 and it really did impact my decision making by becoming more intentional with how I spend my time. I was inspired by the author's example to make the most of the 168 hours God entrusts me with each week.

Living Well, Spending Less

 

  

Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical action plans which the author labels her "12 secrets of the good life", you will be inspired to make real and lasting changes to your personal goals, home, and finances. While it is full of practical advice and tips, the author is gifted at sharing how the good life--God's best--is attainable, simple, and free. A great guide for inspiring a life of contentment and personal stewardship!

Happy reading!

"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels" ~Proverbs 1:5

Five Tips for Personal Productivity at Work

Most of us are constantly endeavoring to be more productive AND to live a balanced life. I have been asked several times for advice on office organization and management, and while none of this is new, (in fact, to many it may be “old news”) here are a few ideas and practical tools that have made a difference in my ministry work that I hope you will find helpful. So here goes!

ARRIVE EARLY TO WORK EACH DAY

This is absolutely the best time to spend ten minutes or so getting organized and reviewing your list for what needs to be done that day. I value these few quiet minutes in my office preparing and evaluating my priorities for the day before my actual work day begins with the phone ringing and other staff members arriving.

KEEP A DAILY LOG

I keep a steno pad right next to my desk phone and start a new, dated page each day. This is not my official to-do list but serves as an effective assistant. I make a habit of jotting down each phone call with short notes about the call, as well as any verbal requests from others, or just short notes and reminders to myself. I also record what I actually accomplish, because the difference between what is on my to-do list and what I actually get done is usually quite different. A lot of things that I get done have never been on my list, and so this serves as an accurate reflection of my day. Also, with multiple things going on at any given time, anything that I don’t attempt to keep in my head helps preserve my sanity and my productivity. This habit has paid off more times than I can tell you. Using an old-fashioned steno pad is far superior to a post-it or a loose sheet of paper for this reason: it allows you to be able to flip back quickly by date to locate details that would be lost information if you hadn’t recorded it and kept it in a saved notepad form.

MAINTAIN A PUBLISHABLE, SHAREABLE CALENDAR

There are several of these that work equally well, such as Outlook or Google calendars. In our ministry I am responsible for maintaining the internal administrative church, Christian school, sports, and staff calendar. I have been able to manage this so much more efficiently using Outlook, and share it easily with other administrative staff. Being able to set reminders, share calendar changes effortlessly, and access the calendar from my phone is invaluable. While responsibilities in you ministry will differ from mine, having a publishable, shareable, syncable calendar is one great tool that acts as your own personal secretary! If you would like help getting started, click here.

ORGANIZE YOUR PROJECTS

Organize your file folders, notebooks, and supplies in a purposeful way that works for you and that you will stick with going forward. Use one folder, notepad, or notebook for each project that you are working on. We regularly use notebook binders in our ministry for larger or annual projects. Your ministry will benefit from it, and when you or someone else needs information on a particular project, you will easily be able to locate it. If you would like more help in learning how to organize a project binder click here.

PRACTICE A DAILY AFTERNOON CLEAN UP

Spend a few minutes every afternoon before leaving for the day tidying up your office and preparing for the coming day. Prepare your to-do list for the coming day, sort and file paperwork, toss any unneeded papers, and get anything off your desk that is not going to be needed for the coming day. This is when you also might spend a few minutes reorganizing an area that needs attention. You’ll be thankful tomorrow morning when you return to a neat, organized, inviting space.

Of course, this list could be much longer—so I would love you to contribute some ideas. What tools and solutions have you found helpful to your ministry or personal productivity?

 

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish Thou the work of our hands for us—yea, the work of our hands, establish Thou it. ~ Psalm 90:17