By Gayla Parker, BCM/D WMU Executive Director, Missionary for Missions Education and Customization, Missions Innovator Specialist (WMU, SBC)

Gayla Parker

One of my husband’s pair of jeans has been around since the flood; I have no doubt.

It is evident by the color, tears and size of the jeans. Every spring when I clean out closets, I ask about those jeans. His reply is always, “No, don’t throw those out they are still good.” Good is matter of perspective. I’ve decided not to mention the fact that his waist size is slightly different in 2010 than is was in 1973 when we met and he wore those very jeans. (So, is mine in all fairness.)

Most of us have things that we hold on to. It is a favorite item or has sentimental value or reminds us of days gone by that we don’t want to forget. There is nothing wrong with that. But every once in a while there are things in our lives that we are called on to lay down.

Exodus 4 tells the story of Moses and his rod. “Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground’” (Exodus 4:1-3) You know the story. The rod became a snake until Moses picked it back up and then it turned back into a rod. At the end of that encounter, God said to Moses, “This is so that they may believe that the Lord…has appeared to you.” (Exodus 4:5)

From that moment on the rod possessed new strength. It was with that rod that Moses used to part the Red Sea and lead the Israelites out of captivity. The rod had been Moses’ tool, but now it was God’s.

Brian Pruitt, a former football player for Central Michigan University, tells about letting go of football for awhile. Brian was a sought after player in high school, but was disqualified his freshmen year of college because of low grades. He had to lay down his football. It was his talent, but he had to lay it down. When he picked it back up, it wasn’t his anymore; it was God’s. God took that year to prepare Brian for the fame and publicity he was about to receive. Brian was no longer a football player, but a Christian who played football.

In my own life, there have been a few times God said to me, “What is that in your hands? Lay it down.” Each time was hard and came with struggles causing me to question. But in the end, there was new strength.

One was leaving the mission field to come home permanently. “What is that in your hand? Lay it down.” There were Filipinos in my hand and I didn’t want to lay them down…they were lost and needed to hear the message of hope. “What is that in your hand? Lay it down.” It was hard to let go, but it was also clear that God was calling us home and asking me to let go of what I was so desperately holding on to. Once I let go, God did amazing things. We left 23 churches and now there are almost 50. Secondly, I still have the privilege of telling the God stories more than ever before! And third, I live next door to a Filipino, the very people group I laid down. God is full of surprises! “What is that in your hand? Lay it down….that they may believe.” The stories in the Philippines are no longer about the missionary who lived there, but about the God who stayed there. “Lay it down…that they may believe.”

This year God has asked me once again to lay down what has been in my hands, a project I’ve been working on for many months. I’m not sure what God will do with it, but I can say that I have already seen Him at work. When I get to pick it back up, and I know I will, it will be full of new strength that can only come from God.

“What is that in your hand?” What is the talent, gift, resource, job, or person that you are holding in your hand? Do you have a tool that needs to be God’s tool? Is God asking you to lay it down today? No worries, when He tells you to pick it up again, it will have new strength that can only come from God and all will “believe that the Lord…has appeared to you.”

Gayla Parker

By Gayla Parker, BCM/D WMU Executive Director, BCM/D Missionary for Missions Education and Customization, Missions Innovation Specialist (SBC WMU)

Last fall I was part of an event in Kissimmee, Fla. Nothing was going as planned. The Power Point presentation worked on the trial runs prior to general sessions, but refused to work during general sessions.

Conference leaders were delayed at airports; others were sick; lunch was delivered late, well…you get the idea.

In the midst of it all, I was to be the last keynote speaker on Saturday morning. By Friday afternoon, I was not even sure I would be alive by Saturday morning.

The stress was building and I knew it was critical to find some time alone with God. Instead of going to dinner with the crowd, I chose to stay behind and look for a quiet place to pray. I found my quiet place outside in a grassy area behind a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It was there I sat on the grass and poured my heart out to God. My plea was, “God please remove the distractions and stresses from my thoughts.” It was about then I caught a glimpse of something moving in the water that had collected in a ditch. “Was that an alligator?”

Almost stopping in mid-sentence, the conversation with God ended. There just a few feet away was an alligator. He turned his head and looked right into my eyes. My mind was racing. “Do you stare back at an alligator? Do you look away? Do you run? Do you sit still? Do you yell for help?” I had no idea what to do should the alligator decide to do more than stare at me. All I knew for sure was that he had very sharp teeth that had potential to remove my shoeless feet from my body.

We stared at each other for several seconds (seemed liked several hours). Without taking his eyes off me he turned his body and started moving in closer. He stopped continuing to stare. Then he moved yet a little closer. He stopped again still staring into my eyes. And then for no reason he turned and went on his way. All I could do was laugh out loud and thank God for sending an alligator my direction.

You see God had just removed all the distractions and stresses from my thoughts! An alligator was not what I had in mind when I asked God to refocus my thoughts. As a matter of fact an alligator was nowhere in my thoughts. I was thinking in lines of God sending a passage of scripture to mind, or the memory of His presence, but no, God sent the alligator. And I might add that it was quite effective.

Before that prayer time began, I was totally stressed and physically and mentally exhausted. My heart and mind were not where they needed to be when I stood as a speaker in less than 24 hours. One glimpse of an alligator changed everything. It was immediate. It was complete. When the alligator left, my mind never went back to the stresses of the event. All I could think about was the alligator. God had already answered my prayer. And I praised Him with a very joyful heart.

How do I know the alligator was from God? When I returned to the church, I mentioned my alligator sighting to the pastor. He said, “Gayla, I have been at this church for 24 years and I have never seen an alligator this far inland. Are you sure it was an alligator?” Oh yes, I was sure. I had just spent several minutes eye to eye with my very special alligator friend.

It has been some months since that trip to Kissimmee and there have been other stressful moments. Whenever they come, I think about the alligator and how God answered my prayer in a way that I could never have dreamed or imagined.

Eph. 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine….” Gideon experienced it when he went to war with a few hundred men. Joseph experienced it when being sold into slavery led him to a place of leadership. And I experienced it when God sent an alligator instead of a Bible verse.

The year 2010 is well underway. My goals and plans are in place. But should the year turn out to look differently than I planned, I will praise God for His work that always exceeds mine. And I will remember the alligator.

For more information about mission education, contact Gayla Parker at gparker@bcmd.org.

By Gayla Parker, BCM/D WMU Executive Director; Missionary for Missions Education/Customization; Missions Innovator Specialist WMU, SBC

Christmas is a time of celebration and traditions. Because we have blended traditions at our house we have many. But there is one tradition that is perhaps a bit unusual.

One morning after decorating for Christmas, I came down the stairs into our living room to find a most unusual site. There at the manger scene were multiple G.I. Joe figures. Some were laying on their stomachs the roof of the manger scene with weapons in hand. Others were hanging from the roof of the manger scene looking down at Baby Jesus. And a few were standing behind the manger scene with heads barely visible and weapons in hand.

My first reaction was to remind our sons that the manger scene was not a place to play, but a reminder of the birth of Jesus. Before I began my lecture that morning I asked the purpose of the G.I. Joe figures around the manger scene. I certainly was not expecting the answer I got. Nathan, our second born, replied, “I put them there. They are guarding Baby Jesus so Herod can’t get him.”

Who could argue with that? The boys never heard the lecture I was prepared to give. Every year since then our manger scene has housed a few G.I. figures for the purpose of “guarding Baby Jesus.” Even though the memory brings a smile to my face the G.I. Joe figures remind me that I should be intentional about “guarding” Baby Jesus during the Christmas season and every other season.

The changing times are no less dangerous to the real reason for Christmas than Herod was to the Baby Jesus lying at the manger. “Happy Holidays” has taken the place of “Merry Christmas.” Prayer is no longer allowed in public schools. Bible studies are no longer allowed on the campuses of public schools. The debate of rather “In God We Trust” should remain on our currencies or “One Nation Under God” should stay in our Pledge of Allegiance. Marriage is being redefined as something other than between a man and a woman. Church membership is on the decline. New rhetoric applied to freedom of speech when citizens are vocal about Biblical standards. With each new trend or law I have to wonder if I’m doing my part to “guard Baby Jesus.”

Luke 10:27a says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” That is how we “guard” Jesus. The way we live life, both as individuals and as the church, is what gives Jesus his reputation among non-believers.

When we love the Lord with all our heart, then the words that come out of our mouths are edifying rather than destructive.  Matt. 12:34b says, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” If our hearts are not overflowing with the love of Jesus then perhaps our words come out sounding like something other than that of a follower of Jesus. During this season, fill your heart with Christ and allow that to be the overflow that comes out of the mouth. The response might surprise you.

Loving Jesus with our minds is thinking on these things, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy…” Phil. 4:8. It is amazing how grumpiness and irritability is instantly gone when we practice this advice from Paul.

Loving Jesus with our soul is reflected in our actions. In Matthew chapter 2 the wise men knew Jesus had been born because they saw his bright star. We are His bright stars today leading others to Christ when are living lives of integrity in ALL things big and small, taking responsibility for ALL our actions good and bad, and our attitudes reflect ALL of the fruit of the spirit. We love Jesus with our soul when we seek Jesus everyday just as the wise men did on that day.

In the day of Jesus’ birth He was a threat to Herod. I wonder, is the church still a threat to powers today? Are our words an overflow of Christ in our heart? Are our thoughts on all that is good? Are we the stars that lead men to Christ?  Is the testimony of our life “guarding” the reputation of Jesus?

During this Christmas season, let us all be intentional about “guarding Baby Jesus” so that others might come to know Him today as the Savior of the world.

By Gayla Parker, BCM/D WMU Executive Director; Missionary for Missions Education/Customization; Missions Innovator Specialist (WMU, SBC)

The wages of sin is death. So when Adam and Eve sinned, they should have died. But God chose another plan. When the people of the world turned their back on God, Noah should have drowned in the flood. But God gave him the ark because he was a man who walked with God. When Israel was in need of a king, David was a simple shepherd. But God made him the shepherd of His chosen people. The paralytic at the gate should never have walked but God healed his legs. When the world needed a savior Jesus could have stayed with God. But God sent Him to earth to die on the cross for our sins that we might have the chance to join Him in heaven.

“But God…” It is the story of  hope. Recently I was given the privilege of hearing my youngest son Jesse and three of his friends stand in the pulpit and share the story of hope. As Jesse shared about the great creator God, the great I AM God, my mind went back to when he was five. We were home on furlough traveling by car from Arkansas to Virginia. It was October so all the leaves were changing colors much like they are in Maryland today. Jesse had never seen fall before so he was amazed at all the color. He exclaimed, “Mom! Isn’t it cool how God painted all the leaves different colors in America. He did a really good job. We should thank Him.”

Today that five year old is 21 and there he was standing in a pulpit once again exclaiming about the greatness of God and giving Him thanks. “God is I Am and that is enough” was Jesse’s closing statement.

The next young man told about the fall of man and the separation from God it brought, the third told about the redemption of man through the cross, and the fourth challenged the audience to share the story of hope. There are people all around the world telling that same story of hope.

One is from an unreached people group in Asia. I heard his story this past summer. After accepting Christ as his Savior his brother shot him three times. That did not stop him from telling the story of hope to others in his people group. For those in his faith, there is no such thing as salvation only the hope that your good works are enough to get you to heaven. What a relief for them to hear the story of hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

One lives in country influenced by Buddhism. Her family has placed her in prison for her faith. She tells the story of hope in prison to anyone who will listen. They may be in chains now but like Paul one day they will be free with Christ.

One lives in Jackson, Miss. She tells the story of hope to women coming out of prison. She tells them they are treasures and God has a plan for each one. She could be enjoying retirement but has decided to house these women in her home while they are in transition. Everyday they hear the story of hope.

Another is telling the story of hope to children in her downtown Baltimore neighborhood. Every afternoon children whose families cannot afford after school care go to her house. She helps them with homework, provides a snack and tells them the story of hope.

When Jesse’s friend talked about sin he said, “Adam and Eve abused a resource. What resources do you have that you are not using, taking for granted, or abusing? That is sin and separates us from God.” His statement pierced my heart.

There are many resources at my fingertips; my home, my finances, my talents, my freedom, my job, my car, my spiritual gifts, each 24-hour day that I live.  Am I using them to tell the story of hope?

Today I could still be living a life without hope but God…and now it is my turn to tell the story of hope.

By Gayla Parker, WMU Executive Director/WMU,SBC Missions Innovator Specialist Missionary for Missions Education/Customization

“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” Those words were written by Anna B. Warner in her book, Say and Seal. Not many today are aware of this book, but it was a best seller. “Jesus Loves Me” is written as a poem in the book being read by Mr. Linden, one of the characters, to Johnny Fax, a dying child, as a means of bringing comfort to the child.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Jesus loves me! Loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill,
That I might from sin be free
Bled and died upon the tree.
(This verse is found in the original text of the book Say and Seal)

CHORUS:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Warner’s father was a successful lawyer who lost everything in the great depression. The family had to leave the city and moved into a home they owned near West Point Academy. Anna and her sister, Susan, began writing for the income it provided. Along with her writing, she also taught Bible studies at the Academy for the cadets. Her books, her poems, her classes and her hymns were all an extension of her love, life and legacy. Her influence at the academy was so great that she is the only citizen that is buried in the West Point Cemetery.

Ms. Warner’s story is a tragedy that God turned into a victory. It was the financial crisis of the day that brought her to the place where writing and teaching became a necessity. If writing had not become necessary, the words we have all sung and loved so much may never have been penned.

All throughout scripture, there are examples of God taking tragedies and turning them into victories.

Today, He is still at work in tragic situations. May 2, 2009, Annie Brown went to heaven to meet the Jesus that she loved so much. Annie lived a very short life. She had just turned six when she went to meet Jesus. But that very short life had a very large impact on the lives of doctors, nurses and hospital staff who met her. Annie’s favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me.” She sang it every morning to the nurses and doctors who were treating her brain tumor.

In the midst of shots and treatments, Annie would say to the staff, “It’s okay that it hurts. I love you.” When she talked about her illness, she was not concerned about life or death because for her either way Jesus had won the battle. Jesus might choose to heal her, but if not she would be in heaven making him beaded necklaces and telling him, “I love you, Jesus.”

On May 7, almost 400 people gathered in Harrington, Del., to celebrate Annie’s short life. Her physician’s assistant said this about her, “Annie fought a brave fight and showed lots of courage in her battle with cancer. But that will not be her legacy. Her legacy will be the unconditional love she gave us (the hospital staff) everyday. Annie’s voice saying, ‘I Love You!’ will long be in our hearts. Annie, we will pass it forward.”

Her service ended with the congregation singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Who could have imagined that what was written as a poem in a book to comfort a dying child would be the testimony of a child with a brain tumor? “Jesus loves me this I know;” words of comfort for us to claim and for us to share. Pass it forward.

By Gayla Parker, BCM/D WMU Executive Director, Missionary for Missions Eduction/Customization and WMU SBC Missions Innovator Specialist

Can and do students really make a difference in the world? It is easy for students to be absorbed in homework, papers and tests. The demands of school leave very little time for anything else. But in the heart of believing students, God can stir the emotions and courage to make a difference in the world. All He needs is a willing heart.

In 1806, a group of students from Williams College with a willing heart gathered together to pray for the lost people of Asia. Among those meeting were Samuel Mills, James Richards, Francis Robbins, Harvey Loomis and Byram Green. They became so engrossed in praying for and discussing the lost in Asia, they did not notice an approaching storm.

Soon it began to thunder followed by downpours of rain and lightening flashing across the sky. The men ran to the first shelter, a haystack and continued their meeting. Samuel Mills continued speaking pouring out his heart; trying to convince his friends the gospel must be taken to the lost of Asia. According to Claude Hickman, Mills ended that plea with this statement, “We can do this if we will!”

The idea of spreading the gospel began to grow, especially among students. In 1808, Mills began a group called the Society of Brethren whose purpose was to spread the gospel in Asia. Mission groups were born all across America on college campuses.

Today, we see the results of those early prayers. The Christian movement in China is equal to none other; a movement that only God could orchestrate. In India, there are missionaries spreading the gospel across the country. Calvin Fox, a former missionary with the International Mission Board, saw his first pictures of India as a student. He knew immediately God was calling him to India even though missionaries were not allowed. Calvin never lost sight of his call. Because of circumstance, Calvin chose another country trusting God would one day open the door to India and indeed He did. After serving 20 years in Asia, Calvin and his wife, Margaret, went to serve in India. Hearts were ready to hear the message Calvin had to share. On his final furlough, Calvin died of a massive heart attack but not before seeing God transform lives in India. Lives that had been prayed for in 1806!

Today’s students are still impacting the world through prayer groups and volunteer programs. The Jeremiah project led by Jess Jennings on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines is made up totally of volunteer students; students with willing hearts to spend a summer backpacking through the mountains sharing the message of Christ in each village encountered.

In Baltimore on March 28 of this year, 1,086 students with willing hearts spent a Saturday afternoon serving  the churches and people of Baltimore in the rain. The sound of students singing as they cleaned up city parks touched city officials. Seven homeless people prayed to receive Christ because of willing students who came to hand out bag lunches. Neighborhoods were left in awe as students worked tirelessly picking up trash and praying over every house. Because of these students and their willing hearts and desire to make a difference in Baltimore lives were changed forever.

Have you noticed the connection? God is still working through students making a difference around the world, a movement started hundreds of years ago behind a haystack.

Did God hear the prayers of those five young men that day? You bet He did! Not only did He hear, He is still answering those prayers using students with willing hearts. But much remains to be done.

According to statistics there are 5.5 billion lost people in the world that need to hear the message of Christ. If one person said the name of Jesus over and over again without stopping it would 175 years for each of these people to hear the name, ‘Jesus.’ But what if there were thousands of us saying the name of Jesus? The time frame would be drastically shortened.

The “Haystack Prayer Meeting” still continues today. The prayer is still the same, that every people group, tribe, tongue and nation will hear the name of Jesus. “We can do this, if we will!”