Friday, March 29, 2013

Meet the Missions Director

After a year of struggling with visa issues and wondering what God was doing....

After six months of praying about a particular ministry opportunity that was presented to us....

We are happy to announce that on Sunday we became members of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California (Pastor Jack Trieber).  On that day, my hubby also became the official missions director for Golden State Baptist College.

You can see us join the church and watch the testimonies we gave by clicking here and fast-forwarding to the 48-minute mark.

Though we will be living stateside now, our #1 goal and purpose in life will always be missions.  We are called to it, and will still be actively serving in missions through many upcoming trips overseas.

We pray that, in our lifetimes, more souls will be won to Christ by our training missionaries.  After all, who better to be trained by than someone who has lived it their entire life?  Since my hubby was born on the mission field (Mexico), served on a different mission field (Ukraine), and speaks three languages fluently, he certainly has something he can share and teach.  Really, missions is all that man knows.  He is the grandson of missionaries, the son of missionaries, the nephew of missionaries, the cousin of missionaries, and the brother of missionaries {Whew! That was a mouthful!}  Yes, missions runs all through his family.... and through his blood.   It is his heart and heartbeat, and I am excited for those who get to sit under his teaching and be influenced by him.

Our change is a big one, but one that we know God has been in right from the start.  Though we were prepared to stay on the field forever (and would still go permanently if we knew God wanted it), God had something different in mind for us.  He wants us to be willing to teach, encourage, train, and share, and we are up for this new challenge and phase of our lives!

54 comments:

  1. Is it selfish of me to say I'm glad you all are only a car ride away? :)
    Katie V

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  2. DeeDee SterlingFriday, March 29, 2013

    Wow, what a year of change you guys have been through! I am excited for your family in this latest adventure! Love you dearly!

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    1. Thank you, DeeDee! It certainly is an adventurous journey the Lord has us on. Love you too!!!

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    2. I will also do my best that my awesome Russian speaking friend is not going to come over and have cold feet for Jesus with me! Sniff! Sniff!

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  3. I'm so excited for you and your family! What a great opportunity. And who better to serve in that position! It's a much needed course! Praise the Lord no more visa problems! We love and are praying for you.
    Stephanie Way
    PS. Will you keep your blog going? I'd love to keep up with your sweet family.

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  4. Excited for your new adventure! Praying for your family!

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  5. So happy The Lord has given you clear direction! My sister-in-law's sister-in-law and family attend there and are involved in the music... That's a close enough reason Togo put there and visit/meet you in person, right? ;-) Does this mean your new header will be "With Love from California"? :-)

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  6. I'm excited for you and David ms Jolene. I hope one day you and your family will be able to come back to Oklahoma to visit! taumikamills

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  7. Wow, yet another big change in your lives! Looking forward to following your blog and your new adventure!

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  8. What a big and exciting change! Praise God for His leading in your family. I trust He will use you greatly in this new ministry!

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  9. Excited for ya'll and praying

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  10. "As for God, His way is perfect."

    Aren't you glad that we can trust Him?! I am so happy for you as you begin this new, exciting journey, Mrs. Missions Director's Wife!!!

    Love you so much.
    Anna
    --Oh, you look absolutely gorgeous in that outfit!!!--

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  11. Rejoicing in the Lord with you as you start this new journey our great 6od has for your family. It is wonderful to see the Lord answer your prayer for direction, I know your family will be a blessing here in the states. Love in Christ, Misty

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  12. David and Jolene, we will be praying for you in this important step of faith. May the Lord graciously guide you and use you for His glory, and may many souls be saved and lives be touched through your faithful obedience to His will. God bless you, Bill

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  13. I KNEW you were staying!!!

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  14. Phyllis BlickensderferSaturday, March 30, 2013

    How wonderful to start a new phase of missions! There are so many ways of sharing His message. What a blessing it will be to work with young people preparing for mission fields. Every one of them will be touched through your work and prayers, just as those they witness to in their fields will be. Tremendous opportunities God has opened for your lives, and we'll continue to lift you in prayer for this new field.

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  15. Oh my. This will certainly be a HUGE change! Praying for you as you adjust, friend!

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  16. Wow, I'm sure this will be quite and adjustment, but what a blessing! Can't wait to hear all about your new adventures in CA! :)

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  17. When I read this, I thought how perfect your hubby will be to fill that position! To be trained, encouraged, taught, and mentored by one who, as like you said, lives/breaths/LOVES missions, is a tremendous blessing!!! May the Lord use you all there in CA to bring glory to His name in all you do!
    Praying for you, your husband, and sweet children as you adjust and begin to serve the Lord there.
    May He fill you each day with His grace and joy as you rest in Him!
    love you!!!

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  18. I'm sure it was a very difficult decision, but I was so excited to hear that you are staying and that you will be staff members when I'm a student at Golden State this fall! :) GSBC is very blessed to have you and your family!
    - Cassidy

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  19. Just finished watching your testimony video and am in a puddle of tears... WOW, what a MIGHTY God we serve, dear sister! HE has continued to place you (and now your husband and gorgeous family) exactly where He wants you to be. You are bringing HIM glory throughout the nations and changing lives all over the globe. HIS Name is being lifted high and your obedience is stunning!

    I'm continuing to pray during this transition and so excited to hear more of what our Father is doing in and through you in California!!!! Love you all so, so much and praying, praying, praying! Hugs ~ Sheri

    Oh, and tell Brianna, that I really like her beautiful haircut! She shines inside and out, like her mommy!

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  20. How exciting and wonderful that you can settle down again and get into a routine! :) I agree that GSBC is blessed to have your family! Love you guys! ~Rebecca

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  21. Oh Jolene,
    So happy for you as you continue to follow God's plan for your lives. This sounds like a great new adventure. I think you all will be perfect for this calling.

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  22. Oh wow, what a new adventure! So glad to hear you'll be serving with Br. Treiber, but know they'll miss ou on the field!!!

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  23. Congrats! I'm excited for you guys!

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  24. So happy to have you and your family here!

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  25. Wonderful! And Brianna looks so grown-up with her new hair do!

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  26. So awesome, congratulations! You are no doubt the best man for the job. Grandpa Steve is looking down smiling too I'm guessing!

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  27. Fantastic- look up Seth Lunday!

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    Replies
    1. My cousin Sonny Wilkiins was a Deacon there for many years.

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  28. Congratulations to you all! I know that your hearts are still in Ukraine like ours, but it is so much better to follow God! Amen! It is so funny we are both on the West coast! Love you and miss you!

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  29. With all the different nationalities we have in the states, it is certainly a mission field here. Really harder to witness here. They aren't as receptive sometimes. Know you will do a great job where ever God sends you. Love ya'll

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  30. I'm excited to hear about the changes and also a little sad for you. I know it will be both a exciting thing and a sad thing. Sad to leave behind people that you have grown to love, but exciting to meet new ones. Sad to leave you "home" but exciting to find a new one! I'm sure it will be a big change for you! Are you excited? Will you be staying in the staff housing or finding a different house? How's the weather there??? Lots warmer? I will continue to pray for you as you adjust!

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  31. That's terrific news!! We are so happy for you!

    Nola & Andy Holmes

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  32. Dearest David and Jolene,

    I'm writing this through my tears...so touched by your testimonies on the video, and not amazed, but awed at how God is using your lives, and now your new ministry.

    To say I am proud of you might seem a bit boastful; so I'll say that I'm honored to be your...

    ...Mom
    Nahum 1:7

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  33. Excited for you that the Lord has shown you what you are to do. You'll both be a great asset to the ministry there. I'm happy for you and them. Coming to a wedding mid-June...hope to see you all then. Love and hugs to all the kids.

    Love,
    Mrs. Z

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  34. Praise the Lord when a door is closed............. God always opens a window... He never fails ..
    Can hardly wait to hear more adventures from you and how God is Blessing... So very excited for you all......
    Still praying ..........
    Mrs. Nell

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  35. Carl and i are so happy for you and for us. You mean the world to us and we love you so - even if it has only been a short time that we have known you.
    It is fun to sit back and watch how the Lord works in our lives and in the ones we love. He is a tremendous Savior, Lord, and King.
    Know that we pray for you....
    Carl and Suzie

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  36. David & Jolene,
    We read about your new missions positions in California. Welcome back to the U.S. Suzanne and I are very happy for your family. Please let us know if you are ever in the Atlanta area. We would love to see you.

    -Frank & Suzanne

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  37. Congratulations to David. It's always amazing to watch how God works. Hope y'all have a wonderful Easter weekend!!!

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  38. What a beautiful testimony both of you gave! And David's special song was wonderful. I was in tears...God has always been good. Have a great time in your new ministry!
    Love,
    Ruthie

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  39. Wow, congrats! I can't imagine leaving the field but if God's in it then he makes it a dream. Enjoy and keep blogging!

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  40. Selfishly, I'm sad to see you go, but I can be glad for you, too. I hope you'll keep writing here!

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  41. So happy the Lord has given you clear direction! My sister-in-law's sister-in-law and family attend there and are involved in the music... That's a close enough reason to go put there and visit/meet you in person, right? ;-) Does this mean your new header will be "With Love from California"? :-)
    ~Lisa

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  42. Dear Jolene,
    Hey! Sounds like you have quite the many changes ahead of you! I'm positive that this new journey will be a wonderful experience for you and your family. God only gives His children what is best for them and for His glory. But I know you all will miss Ukraine... I'm thankful for a God Who knows all about us and knows where we can be best used by Him.
    Much love and prayers,
    Lyd

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  43. Wow! I was wondering when you did the post about all the different places you were in in 2012 when you were planning on going back to Ukraine. That sounds like a great, open door for your husband. I know you will miss the people and the work in Ukraine, and your beautiful house there. I'm sure The Lord has much in store for your family. I'm looking forward to hearing about it. Maybe we'll see each other around. I mean California isn't THAT far away from Ky! Gail

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  44. Wow! Your back in the states to say (for awhile) Congrats on Missions Director!! Best wishes to you and your family :)

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  45. We are thrilled and honored to have you here in our church.

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  46. What a great story!!! Thank you for sharing((: God bless y'all!!!

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  47. What a blessing you will be to those preparing to head to the field! I'm happy for them, excited for you all as you start your new ministry and sad for Ukraine. You'll be missed here.

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  48. How exciting! We listen to North Valley via livestream on our way home from church every Sunday night, so we heard the announcement and part of your husband's testimony. God bless you in this new phase of the ministry!

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  49. Dear Jolene, Praying for you all as you adjust again. Looking forward to reading about how God is using you all there in California.
    Patty

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Thank you for your encouraging comments! "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25