The "Different" Christmas Story

I am amazed at how God can bless us in so many unexpected ways...simple things that make a lasting impression on my heart. Here in Africa, we have now experienced our second Christmas. To give an update, quite honestly, our first Christmas was a little different having Christmas in the summer. We had arrived in our new country just 3 months prior to Christmas and we had left our home, our winter wonderland filled with many Christmas traditions...nothing really felt very warm (except the heat and sweat!) and fuzzy, even with the attention from our American friends.
This year, the warmth of Christmas shown as bright as the sunshine! I loved having children in my house making miniature gingerbread houses! Our Christmas Eve was wonderful spending the day at home playing games after a big homemade breakfast brunch. Then, on Christmas Day we were invited to have Christmas South African style. We attended church on Christmas Day morning (which is very traditional)singing the beautiful Christmas carols. After church, we enjoyed a wonderful meal of Turducken (which is Turkey, Duck and Chicken wrapped together), rice, roasted potatoes, pumpkin pie, salad, peas, ice cream, watermelon, and Christmas pudding and custard! The family, whom we spent the day with, presented the kids with a special shadow puppet display of the Christmas story and then we spent almost all the day by the pool! It was lovely. The Lord has given me much more than I could ever ask for...much more than I deserve. He's given me the Christmas Story, in a whole new way!

Returning to the Shepherd this Christmas

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2:24)

We talk a lot about the Baby Jesus this time of year, how He came down from Heaven and was born in a manger. I love to tell the Christmas Story to my kids. We have the books, movies, Christmas nativity, etc. and we make a point to share with our kids over and over again about the "true meaning of Christmas".

But, as I came to this verse in my study this morning, I felt I should read it over and over again...and with each time I read it, I realized something more.

Not just "HE" but "he HIMSELF" bore our sins...that we might DIE to sins and LIVE for righteousness. We have been HEALED. We were (so!) like sheep going astray, but we have been RETURNED to the ONE who is our Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
That is the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus came for a purpose. Do you know Him personally? Do you love Him passionately? Do you live for Him purposely?

A Long Over-Due Update!

Life has certainly been hectic here, as we have hit our 1 year mark living in Africa! The 4 boys have become involved in activities outside of school and homeschooling continues to press on! We go from guitar to Cubs to baseball to Kindermusik! It won't be long before Anna Katharine will be into something. In the midst of all that, I am truly seeing the Lord at work here. It is amazing to me how faithful our God really is.
I am working through a new study called Glimpses of Godliness and what I read this morning really began to tie all the studies thus far together. "...that we give forth glimpses of godliness that are so unusual people take notice."
One of the struggles I have faced living here, is finding that part of "ministry" that God has called me to. As I read that quote, I see that sometimes even in the small things that we do, where we don't think it matters...God is glorified.
For example, I recently was very grateful to be able to participate in a Parenting Seminar our church was having. I remember one lady saying to me, "I sit behind you in church and I am amazed at how beautiful your family is and how well behaved your children are!" I was taken unexpectedly by that comment and realized that people see us and the way we live even when we are unaware of it. As we Believe, Obey, Stay Faithful and walk Courageously "Glimpses of Godliness" will appear through our lives!

To bring the life events up to date...in August, Canon celebrated his 12th birthday with a spend-the-night party! He had a few of his closest friends over to enjoy lots of cake, coke, junk and stay-up-all night movie fun! In a blink of an eye, I realize they will be teenagers! Scotland also celebrated in August his 6th birthday at an Indoor Jungle Gym Venue with all of his friends! (I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your prayers for us and for our children! Praise God for giving my children wonderful friends!)
Also all the kids survived their yearly standardized testing. Canon, Isaac and Scotland are all academically doing very well and at grade-level and above in their learning which makes mom take a breath and say "Shewww!" We will continue homeschooling as the Lord guides us and keep evaluating and making adjustments when necessary.
Kyle has had numerous and rewarding trips to various parts of the continent, including Madagascar and Capetown. His work has been fulfilling in many areas as he continues to grow in his position and build relationships throughout the areas he is working in. Kyle and I continue to grow in our relationship with each other as we walk through many adjustments and changes in our personal lives. A couple who has been married longer than us invited us to join them in a series called Love and Respect. It has been a blessing to us and we are very thankful for the friendships we have been given here as well.
As the future holds, we plan to spend Thanksgiving with many of our American friends and Christmas with some national friends! We are looking forward to some upcoming camping trips (much needed family time!) and then in February our time in the states!

Who built the Ark?

Have you ever been amazed at a timeless child's story from the Bible? Noah...Next week's Sunday School Lesson is about Noah and the Ark. As I began meditating and reading the story through this week, so many parts of the story just pricked my heart.

"The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain." (Gen. 6:6)

Do I grieve the Lord?? Oh, I pray that I don't...But-I know I have.

What was it that grieved God so much??? Let's look back a few verses..."When men began to increase in number...the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose..." (Gen. 6:1,2) Okay, so there are alot of ideas about these verses, but basically they married women that were maybe not God's first choice. So, does that bring such condemnation on the world that God would be so grieved that He would wipe away an entire population of that which He created?

What about these verses (Gen.6:11). "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways." Well, violence and corruption would seem to be a better reason for almost wiping out an entire existence, huh? Since God created man in His own image, I would imagine that the destruction among that which He had created must of truly grieved HIs heart.

Do I grieve the Lord?? Oh, I could say that I don't. I could say that I have never killed anybody. I could say that I have never been destructive. I could say that I never thought poorly of anyone or that my actions have never indicated such selfishness and disregard for someone else--oh, I could say that. I could say that I am righteous (but Saint Paul says "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God." (Romans 3:10) I can think of myself as better than another..BUT, I am not. "in God's sight" the earth was full of violence and corrupt. Hmmm. I wonder what He sees in our world today???

Let's look at the contrast. "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." (Gen.6:10) Whoa!! What was that??!!! "HE WALKED WITH GOD"...He WALKED with God. He walked WITH God. And HIS life was spared. My life was spared because of the righteousness of God. In God's sight He sees a Savior who is pure and righteous, blameless, upright, sinless...and I walk with God. I may not be perfect, but the perfection part comes in Christ. The walking with God part comes with me.

"Well, regardless...I know one thing. Walking with God is where I want to be. Not just talking to God, showing up to see God, being a part of God's work, doing a God thing, asking God to bless me, reading a book by God...BUT--WALKING...WITH...GOD. It takes courage. It is filled with mistakes. It means sacrifice. You might look stupid (Noah did). BUT such sweet fellowship with the God who created me in His image....oh, it is worth it.

Happy Anniversary!

August 17-15 years ago, Kyle and I were married! We have experienced ups and downs through our travels, ministry, juggling kids...but I am so thankful that God brought us together!!!! If you haven't heard the story of our beginning, it was certainly God's idea. And both Kyle and I are the better for it! We are looking forward to many lovely years ahead!

The kids are finishing up their school year and getting ready for the World Cup games! We will take a small break before starting up the new year. The two older boys will be playing in Upward Soccer and we are planning a camping trip in September with some great friends! Canon continues on the guitar (he is playing some Beatles now!) and Isaac has worked towards a few badges! The other kids are getting along and growing...Eli just celebrated his 4th birthday!

As our plan is, we will be on Stateside from Feb.1, 2011-May 29, 2011. We will be staying in Valdosta. We look forward to seeing all of you in the States during that time that will be here before we know it!

Howz it?

"Howz it?" is a common phrase you hear in South Africa. We continue to learn a new culture and a "new" language with many different phrases and meanings. Just a few examples would be...rubbish (trash), nappies (diapers), fetch her (pick her up), tekkies (tennis shoes), and whoz on (who's it)? It doesn't take long for the kids to begin speaking with an accent! Recently, while I was going over the B.verses during neighborhood S.S., my friends were making fun of my accent when all the kids carefully repeated the verses in a Southern American accent!

So, what are the kids up to these days? Well, Canon is working diligently through his BJU homeschool 6th grade and doing well. He is also taking guitar lessons that he is enjoying. Isaac is busy with 2nd grade Abeka, but we are looking forward to changing his curriculum next year. He is doing well, but ready for a change. He is still enjoying Cub Scouts and has made a lot of neighborhood friends. Scotland is now reading and continues through some Pre-K workbooks. He will start Abeka 1st grade next year. Eli and Anna Katharine enjoy playing together most days and doing a "little school" when we can! Anna Katharine knows all her colors and is talking like a 3 year old! We see the day of no diapers very soon in our future! Eli is looking forward to turning 4 and will be celebrating with a big party!

Keeping the Dream in Front

Sometimes in life, we must remind ourselves of the promises G. has made us. For Joshua, it was the promise of a land. For us, it may be something else. Nonetheless, the command is the same..."Be Strong and Courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Joshua 1:7,8

The Call to Allegiance

Just recently, as I was studying these passages (Luke 14:25-35) in Luke, I thought about the people of Jos, who are currently forced to live in a place of unrest. There are many Christians that live in the middle of fighting between groups of religious people, political struggles and overall instability.
There are also people in Ukraine, who live with the uneasiness of a presidential election and what that might mean for their own lives. Each one of us is faced with challenges and life issues that, in essence, call us to allegiance. Will we be faithful to trust our G. no matter what difficulties our lives bring?

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost...or suppose a king is about to go to war--will he not first sit down and consider...In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Granted, I skipped through these verses (please, by all means, read through it for yourself), but the overall theme is Jesus teaching the multitudes about allegiance to Him. I thought about my own life and my own allegiance...do I really count the cost??? Do I really know what it means to pay the price, to carry my cross, to follow Him in total and complete allegiance???? If not, well, then I cannot be His disciple. Being a disciple is stretching further into the depths of His mercy and life. Are we willing to count the cost?

Here is an account of what is going on in Jos from a personal testimony (Thanks BP)...

The situation the day before yesterday was extremely grave as the fighting and burning of homes and places of worship have spread to most parts of the city of Jos and Bukuru (a town about 14km south of Jos). The situation could best be described as a total breakdown of law and order. Many homes have been raised by fire and several people killed or severely brutalized. (Friday, Jan.22)

Please lift up the people of Jos (including some of our own M's who are there) who have recently been living under a 24-hour curfew. They have been unable to safely leave their homes due to the fighting going on. Kyle continues to assist and remain alert of the conditions uprising there.

Please also remember the people of Ukraine and their country as they await the results of a political election and hope for some greater stability in their government.

Please p--- that the people who know HIM will not lose their saltiness (v.34) but will continue to remain firm and steadfast until the Day of His coming!

Christmas...in the Summer!?

Well, we are adjusting to South Africa more and more each day. After 2 months, it is beginning to feel like home. Christmas in the summer, I am not sure, will ever feel normal though! Just the other day, we all chose names (to buy Christmas gifts) within our family and it was so neat to see the love my children had for their siblings. Isaac wanted Canon's name so badly and praise the Lord (with no cheating from mom or dad!) he got his brother's name. He was so excited to be able to buy his "best friend" a gift. Even still, Canon got Isaac's name! Daddy was blessed to buy for Evan (ha, ha!) and the rest were equally satisfied. They have all been doing chores for money and spent their own money to buy the gifts. I pray that as they grow, they will continue to love and cherish one another. I am challenged each and everyday...some days I am victorious, some days a failure. But, I praise God for each and every little breath of these children. Please pray for our children as they continue to grow...that they would grow strong and faithful in the Lord, that they would be protected from the enemy's attack and stand firm in their beliefs.

Kyle is away on his second trip since we have been here in SA. We miss him when he is gone and we always look forward to his return. His new position here is more of a support role and has been an adjustment for him, but he is doing well with the new challenges. Please continue to pray for his wisdom as he makes important decisions.

The kids are continuing in their homeschooling. They play a lot with other kids in the neighborhood and they have been blessed with other MK friends. Our team will have a Christmas party soon and we will celebrate Christmas with a family from our team. God has richly blessed us and we are humbly thankful.

Merry Christmas to each of you and may God's love touch your hearts, may He richly bless you with spiritual blessings, may your walk with Him continue to be close ...blessings.
In His Mercy,
Maya McLane

Hold Firm!!

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess, for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

I remember these verses vividly, as I sat in one of my first precept classes taught by my mother-in-law. We were studying Hebrews and as a new believer, I will have to admit, that the power of these verses were still very hidden to me. I could understand the truth of our great high priest and the way he could sympathize with our weaknesses. But, now I am seeing more clearly the meaning of "hold firmly to the faith we profess." Are we holding firm??? We must hold firm, no matter how long we have been serving our Lord, He will always have a fresh and new bit of truth for us. So, let US hold firm and approach the throne of grace with confidence. Mercy...grace...help. It's all there.

"The marks of a man of faith...are battle scars."

As I continue working through the book of John, I unintentionally skipped ahead to John 21...but was glad I did. In these passages, Simon Peter is in the spotlight. I dearly love Peter; always have! I love his passion, his confidence...he always seems to have something to say, doesn't he??!!
Here, Peter says, "I am going out to fish." I can only imagine that he said it with some emotion! The grief of denying Jesus three times, no doubt, weighed heavy on his heart. He had to think. He had to fish. Fishing - he knew. So, there he is trying to clear his head when His Lord appears once again. Peter was not the one who saw Him first,(maybe because he was so filled with anguish and own thoughts)yet when he heard "It is the Lord!" he wraps his outer garment around himself and jumps into the water!!! His need to be with the Savior was great.
After eating and just spending time together, Jesus asks Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" I'm sure that Peter quickly responded with, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." With that Jesus replies "Feed my lambs." (If you haven't read this chapter lately, it is worth reading!)
Jesus asks two more times and I can only imagine that Peter begins to hesitate in his answers...maybe he fights back the tears...It says, "Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time."

"Feed my sheep...feed my sheep. Follow me...follow me." We don't always know where God is going to lead us - for Peter, it was a death which would glorify (v19) God. Nonetheless, Peter's love for Jesus (I think) was far greater here than it had ever been. As it says in Acts 10 "Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who hear Him and do what is right...He (Jesus) commanded us to preach...to testify."
So, like Peter, we must continue on preaching and testifying. We must continue on telling people in every nation the saving grace of Christ. What the end has for each of us, is not our concern...but following Him today IS!

Adjusting to life in South Africa

Well, our family is approaching the 1 month mark here in South Africa and we are beginning to feel that it is home. We are still waiting on our boxes to arrive from Ukraine with most of our things...so that will definitely help in our transition. Who knows how long it will take for them to actually arrive in our home! We are juggling sleeping arrangements with the kids, now. We originally had the two older boys in one room, the two younger boys in another room and Anna Katharine was cuddled into an empty corridor. The area was near our living room (lounge) and there was not a door there. She was happy, but it cut out the usage of that space when we had guests. We have decided to try the younger boys in bunk beds and Anna Katharine squeezed in there. So far, the boys are loving the bunk beds and Anna Katharine is hating sleeping in her brother's room!! Oh well, she'll have to get used to it...for a time! Then we will readjust as she gets older.

Evan is a great little companion, but he still needs some work in potty training! I thought we had that taken care of, but I see that it is not going to be that easy. He is still a young dog and takes some time. He likes to pull on my foot when he wants to play, he is a finicky eater and he needs lots of running!! So, I have another child to look after! Life is good! Kyle is beginning to get a lot of information cultivated for his new position here. He will soon be going to training and that will also help.

Please continue to think of us and our safety here and how we can be used by Him. Also, a dear family, who has been such a blessing to us here...just found out today that their son died of a massive seizure. It has been a very heart-breaking day.

For His Glory?

For His Glory?

For some time now, I have been signing my emails, my letters, my notes “For His Glory.” I even once wrote a testimony of why...ultimately, because our desire IS for His glory-we serve to glorify our Lord.

Recently, here in Africa, I went to send an email and as I signed it...I couldn't write “For His Glory” from the heart. Why??? Was it because I no longer serve for His glory? Absolutely not. Was it because I don't seek to glorify my Father?? No. Of coarse not.
It was just that the words I so confidently signed at the end of my emails were replaced with this... “In His mercy.”

I think it comes through growth in my spiritual life. When you leave the comforts of home (the US) in the beginning, you are vibrant, fresh, a “new missionary!!” If you have ever been on a short-term mission trip or done some type of evangelical ministry (like Backyard Bible Club, VBS) you know that feeling of excitement! “Okay, God, I am ready to serve YOU- For your glory...let's do it!!” With such passion and confidence you burst out of the starting gate, running full speed ahead....screaming all along, “for His glory, for His glory!” And it is great!!! You run the race well!!

Then what.

Well, that fire and passion, that excitement is priceless, necessary and by all means beneficial.
But, I realized that something in that “For His Glory” might just involve me. Something I am able to do for Him. I am seeing that through our move to Africa, God is changing me, transforming me, moving me once again to a deeper walk with Him. “For His glory” is changed to “In His mercy” I serve. I don't serve out of any confidence, but out of PURE adoration and love for my God who calls me once again...now, to Africa. It is only, only by His divine love for me that I can possibly serve Him. It is only in Him that I can leave a country I loved (Ukraine) and be used by Him at all. I find it hard to believe that He calls us into a relationship with Him...and I find it even harder to believe that He continues to call us into a deeper relationship with Him. Praise God.

I still serve my Lord and Savior...that He might be glorified in me, but it is only through His mercy that I am privileged to serve Him at all. As John puts it (I am now studying the book of John), “the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

In His Mercy,
Maya McLane

Photos: Anna Katharine puckering up for a kiss, Canon standing behind the many gates that secure our house, the kids in the yard, inside our new house in Africa

Of ALL the nations...

"And Jesus came and spoke to them (disciples), saying...Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:16,18,19

These verses take on a whole new meaning. When our family was called to missions a few years back, we read and understood what it meant to "Go". Now, after 5 years on the mission field, we are seeing another facet of this familiar verse. "Go" is not a one time event. It is not to just one nation, one nationality...it means just being obedient and to "Go" no matter where, no matter how many times, and no matter when.

God has once again called us to "Go", as we make our move from Ukraine to Africa. I will have to say, that this move is more difficult for me (Maya) than the move from America. For many reasons including the fact that I may never see many of these beautiful faces again! Leaving the United States left me with a feeling of..."I will see you in a couple of years, but I will see you again (Lord willing!)". Leaving Ukraine doesn't give me that same kind of hope. It may just be that I don't return here and my good byes will be until glory. That kind of good bye cuts a little deeper.

We never dreamed of going to Africa, actually we were adamant about NOT going to Africa 5 years ago, but God makes His plan and purpose clear in His timing. We thank Him for His faithfulness in our lives as we step into the next chapter of our journey with Him.