Relationships

This week has been a real challenge for me in DTS. The topic of discussion for the week was relationships. Monday Dane & Bee Myers talked about our Relationship With God on Monday, Family on Tuesday, Confrontation on Wednesday, Dating on Thursday, and Marriage today (Friday). My personal relationship with God, is pretty solid, and growing each day. My family relationship, not so good. I struggle to even call my mom every week, and sometimes I don't even call her once a week.

Probably the biggest struggle for me was the dating and marriage topics. Hard to believe, but I've recently laid down my rights to marriage on the altar. I honestly don't care if I get married, and I'm even to point where I think it'll be a hindrance to my walk and call to missions at this time. Like Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5;

Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Since I made a promise with God a few years ago concerning impurity there is no need for marriage like this passage states. Sure Paul was a little weird, but think about it. If you're spiritually attached to another human, there will have to be times where you have to spend time with this person. Time, ultimately, I'd rather be spending concentrating walking in my call and personal time with God. A married man, can't just pack up and fly off to another country for months at a time, but someone that has no ties can. I'm not saying that I'll never get married, but I am saying that I have given up my right to it all 100%.

If I do get married, it will truly be from God. My standards for marriage is that she HAS to have the exact some call to Taiwan and Asia, as me. She HAS to be willing to travel to remote places, maybe never have our own house, fancy car, or lots of money. I'm called to be a disciple and missionary of God. I'm trying to give up my rights to everything, including my own life. To do this requires giving up EVERYTHING, including my rights to marriage and children.

One Long & Powerful Month

A relationship renewed, new faces becoming friends, and a new place to call home. Being here in Taiwan has changed virtually everything about my views of God, and even part of my own character. It's been a long month being overseas, away from my family & friends, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I've learned, and still learning, so much about Listening To The Voice of God, Evangelism, The Character of God, and Spiritual Warfare. I can honestly say that I've learned more here than I've learned & been able to acknowledge with the 4 years of going to church on a regular basis, and the months spent in a ministry school. I'm not sure what it is, but I believe the people here that impact me are the most amazing people I've ever met.

Brent & April Wildeson (DTS Staff/At Risk Women Ministry) are, to say the least, the greatest inspirational couple I've had the joy to grow with. There's just something about Brent that draws me to know more about him. Nash Huang (YWAM translator/DTS leader) is incredible as well. He still has a lot of growing to do, like us all, but has been blessed by God in so many ways, and he knows this.

Learning to hear the voice of God has been the most challenging thing I've even done. Especially, after hearing a direction from God, going out and doing what He has shared with me. Being bold has been a big problem in my past after hearing something from God and simply not sharing it. Now, I'm learning boldness is key to becoming more acquainted with my heavenly Father. Also, to make things cooler, I'm been shown the location of my calling as a missionary, and it's Taiwan. Confirmation after confirmation have come pouring into my life. Even an attack from a demonic being, showing the enemy doesn't want me here, has fueled my ambition to keep battling for the Taiwanese people still dwelling in the dark.

Keep praying for my finances. I'm still short, but I've fully given it to God, and I'm tired of worrying about stupid stuff. I'm also heading to Hong Kong tonight to renew my Visa for Taiwan. Pray I have favor with the Taiwanese government, and everything goes smoothly. Lastly, pray for my boldness. I long to be like Paul, being unafraid of not pleasing people, but caring about what God whats. Blessings.