About My Betel Europe Missions Trip

Since Jan. 1st, I've been the Administrative Intern for Betel of America, a Christian ministry which has helped hundreds of men become free of alcoholism, drug addictions, and homelessness. In May, I was asked by my boss if I'd like to continue serving Betel (but in a new role) in Spain in a women's residence for three months. Then, I was given the news that I could also serve in England for three months, again in a women's residence.

So, I'm Europe bound to daily show love to very broken, hurting women. I will live in community with them and care for them in tangible ways: cooking, cleaning, working alongside them in the community, and helping nurture them spiritually as God allows and as friendships naturally grow. Just as in NYC, my main priorities will be showing God's compassionate love and praying for the women and local community. I look forward to serving the women in Spain and England from October 2011 to March 2012! Thanks for your help to finance this missions trip!

God’s love transforms lives!
I’d like to share a quick story of how God’s love and my time in Betel have changed a life. Before coming to Betel, Justin was homeless and an alcoholic for 10+ years. Justin became a Christian while in Betel of Britain after experiencing the kindness of others there. He came to NY still very broken by women and very closed off to others. After some time, he became a leader here. When I came, we gradually became friends as he learned that he could rely on me to help him rather than hurt him. He asked for my help with tasks on several occasions and recognized my sincere friendship and care of him. When he left to live in Kansas this June, he shared with me that he was very grateful for all of my help and our depth of friendship!

My Day In Betel:
While I live with the women, my day will be highly structured and include these tasks:

• Cleaning and cooking for the 10-30 female residents
• Promoting betel with flyers and calendars
• Working in local shops and offices that support Betel
• Caring for children

The Betel Women:
The women who’ve come into the Betel program are in need of love and positive support. They typically have pasts that include:

• Abuse or rape
• Prostitution
• Broken relationships with family members and males
• Life in gangs
• Gypsy life (Spain)
• Homelessness

My Betel Budget:
I am in need of your help to finance this missions trip to Europe. For your consideration, if you choose to give financially here’s what your money will be used to purchase:

• Round trip flights = $1500
• Winter clothes (for Spain) = $150
• Hygiene/personal items = $200
• Int’l Driver’s Permit (must for Spain) = $30
• Total remaining needs = $1880

How You Can Help:

• Pray for my time of ministry abroad. May god’s love be abundantly seen!
• Contribute by 9/14/11 online by clicking on the Donate button on this blog's homepage (top LEFT corner)
  
• Contribute by 9/14/11 with a check or money order (made out to myself) to: Amanda Johnson, C/O Betel of America, 26-02 4th Street, Astoria, NY, 11102-4126
  

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR GIFTS!!!

Give God Your Best Because of Love (Devotional)

This morning I gave the devotional for the community. What follows is what I shared.

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Whether or not you even believe in God, what I have to share is very practical. I want to share just a little bit about giving our best. For those of us that are living to follow Jesus each day, that means giving God our best. One way of looking at it means that from mopping the floor to brushing your teeth, you do those things to glory of God or to praise God.

In the Bible, it talks about this in three places -

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

Colosenses 3:17 - Y todo lo que hacéis, sea de palabra o de hecho, hacedlo todo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando gracias a Dios Padre por medio de él.

Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message) - Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

Colosenses 3:22-25 - Esclavos, obedeced en todo a vuestros amos terrenales, no sirviendo al ojo, como los que quieren agradar a los hombres, sino con corazón sincero, temiendo a Dios. Y todo lo que hagáis, hacedlo de corazón, como para el Señor y no para los hombres, sabiendo que del Señor recibiréis la recompensa de la herencia, porque a Cristo el Señor servís. Pero el que actúa con injusticia recibirá la injusticia que haya cometido, porque no hay acepción de personas.

I Corinthians 10:31 - So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

1 Corintios 10:31 - Si, pues, coméis o bebéis o hacéis otra cosa, hacedlo todo para la gloria de Dios.

Some days are going to be difficult to live this out. There are many reasons why it may be hard. Perhaps we are being attacked in those moments by our spiritual enemy Satan and his forces. Maybe we are simply being proud. Then again, our difficulties may arise because God wants to teach us flexibility and change/grow us. Our minds should be shifted to upward, positive thoughts.

Colossians 3:1 - IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colosenses 3:1 - Si, pues, habéis resucitado con Cristo, buscad las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado a la diestra de Dios.

There have been many difficulties in my life, and there have been days when I prayed to God to help me "make it through" the day. A few years ago, I realized how lousy a prayer this actually was. I changed when I realized that, and I started asking God to help me "really live" today. Really living, to me, means embracing God's plans for me even if they are difficult, giving my best, to seek Christ's strength and riches in my day as it says in Colossians 3.

The practical part is this, not just letting the day pass you by, but taking time today, right now, to prayerfully examine how you've been doing. Have you been giving God your best? Simply, what one area do you need him to help you in to "really live"? Maybe you're honestly giving your best in everything. If that is so, still take time to reflect because only a fool says there is no room for improvement in their lives. Pray and ask God to reveal to you your weaknesses. Write down what it is you need improvement in or how you need to change to really give God your best ... AND DO IT. Begin if you can this week.

God, we lift up these weaknesses to you. We ask that you help us to humbly improve. Help us to give You our best out of love. For those in this room that couldn't think of anything to write down, I ask that you speak to them and show them areas that they can improve in their lives, not to become better people, but for Your glory. Help us to know Your love and to abide in it today. Let us be mindful of it and work towards improving all throughout our day. We love you. Amen.