I don't know if I'll have a baby shower or not being in Canada, and with so many of my friends and family strewn out across the globe, I made a registry if anyone wanted to help us with some of the things we needed. Don't feel obligated at all! I know it says wedding registry, but that was the only option, haha. Here it is
:https://www.etsy.com/registry/MzY3NTQ5MXw1MDM2NTYxMg/
It would be quite a blessing!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
BIG news
Alot of things have been changing recently, and it's clear to us that God is leading us on another big adventure!
While we were in Canada, we visited a base 10 minutes from Nathan's house, and discovered they have a heart for the 10/40 window, which is where Nathan and my heart have been for a long time. Nathan and I plan to go back there after the baby is born, and continue serving in missions there. However, to do this is going to cost quite a bit of money... For plane tickets, language school for Nathan, and for rent, which in the country we're going you pay ahead by 6 months. As well as the fact that we are about to have a baby, which isn't cheap!
When we were visiting, Nathan's dad offered Nathan work on the farm, and we can save everything because they also have a place for us to stay for free. So this will help us to save all we need for China, while I continue working in YWAM there as well.
Another thing we found out is that I do qualify for free healthcare, which would mean we don't have to pay an arm and a leg to have our baby either.
All of this has been growing in our hearts for quite a while, since last year, but the way wasn't clear until very recently. Our base leader feels this is the wise choice as well and is sending us out from here, with Mexico being our home base.
We are sad to leave all of those we love and care about, as we've been here for 2 1/2 years already, and our relationships here run deep. We've watched friends children grow up, and seen many things grow and change in this ministry in this time... It's not easy to say goodbye.
But, we know that our next step is what God has been calling us to do. We're so excited to see this progress, as we've been preparing for the last couple years for this very thing.
This doesn't change anything as far as support goes for those of you supporting us. This base will continue to process our support as we are being sent out from here to places YWAM isn't official.
We love you guys and thank you for all your support as we contine on in this calling as missionaries!
While we were in Canada, we visited a base 10 minutes from Nathan's house, and discovered they have a heart for the 10/40 window, which is where Nathan and my heart have been for a long time. Nathan and I plan to go back there after the baby is born, and continue serving in missions there. However, to do this is going to cost quite a bit of money... For plane tickets, language school for Nathan, and for rent, which in the country we're going you pay ahead by 6 months. As well as the fact that we are about to have a baby, which isn't cheap!
When we were visiting, Nathan's dad offered Nathan work on the farm, and we can save everything because they also have a place for us to stay for free. So this will help us to save all we need for China, while I continue working in YWAM there as well.
Another thing we found out is that I do qualify for free healthcare, which would mean we don't have to pay an arm and a leg to have our baby either.
All of this has been growing in our hearts for quite a while, since last year, but the way wasn't clear until very recently. Our base leader feels this is the wise choice as well and is sending us out from here, with Mexico being our home base.
We are sad to leave all of those we love and care about, as we've been here for 2 1/2 years already, and our relationships here run deep. We've watched friends children grow up, and seen many things grow and change in this ministry in this time... It's not easy to say goodbye.
But, we know that our next step is what God has been calling us to do. We're so excited to see this progress, as we've been preparing for the last couple years for this very thing.
This doesn't change anything as far as support goes for those of you supporting us. This base will continue to process our support as we are being sent out from here to places YWAM isn't official.
We love you guys and thank you for all your support as we contine on in this calling as missionaries!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Why we are the way we are? Surrender.
I know that there are many people who are confused by the way that Nathan and I live, especially when you see facebook posts asking you to help us with money.
There are days like today where I am sometimes confused as well, for a moment in a time of need, when the day to pay a bill has come and we don't have the money we need, I sometimes feel confused as well. Sometimes thoughts cross my mind of simply going home and living a "normal" life like everyone else... Having jobs and getting a paycheck.
Today I had that thought, as I cried during worship time at the base, filled with fear that we wouldn't get what we needed in time, and the shame of having to ask people to help us yet again... But, then I felt the Lord speak to me, the same thing that he does every time I have that thought of wanting to go home.
Surrender.
I gave my life to God a long time ago, I surrendered, and I promised him I would go where he called and do whatever he asked me to do. For me, going home and getting a regular job would not be obedience, because he clearly called me to be a missionary, he told me this was what he wanted me to do, spend my life furthering his kingdom in this way.
It doesn't make sense to the world, not one bit.
But, my love for him beckons me to obey, to lay my life down and remain where he's called, to give it all for him no matter what it costs me. My life is to be surrendered.
In case you don't know what Nathan and I do in Mexico, we work for an organization that builds homes for homeless people. Families that live in shacks made of plywood and hung up curtains. We live to make a difference to people who have nothing, and we do it because it's what Jesus commanded us to do.
We love what we do, we love to be surrendered, even when it's scary, even if that means we don't have what we could have if we lived at home with regular jobs... We love living in surrender, and for us there is no other choice. To go home would be disobedience, to stay means depend on God for what we need, and to humble ourselves and ask when we need, allowing you guys to be a part of the work we do by partnering with us to help keep us here.
For us, this is our identity. Surrender.
There are days like today where I am sometimes confused as well, for a moment in a time of need, when the day to pay a bill has come and we don't have the money we need, I sometimes feel confused as well. Sometimes thoughts cross my mind of simply going home and living a "normal" life like everyone else... Having jobs and getting a paycheck.
Today I had that thought, as I cried during worship time at the base, filled with fear that we wouldn't get what we needed in time, and the shame of having to ask people to help us yet again... But, then I felt the Lord speak to me, the same thing that he does every time I have that thought of wanting to go home.
Surrender.
I gave my life to God a long time ago, I surrendered, and I promised him I would go where he called and do whatever he asked me to do. For me, going home and getting a regular job would not be obedience, because he clearly called me to be a missionary, he told me this was what he wanted me to do, spend my life furthering his kingdom in this way.
It doesn't make sense to the world, not one bit.
But, my love for him beckons me to obey, to lay my life down and remain where he's called, to give it all for him no matter what it costs me. My life is to be surrendered.
In case you don't know what Nathan and I do in Mexico, we work for an organization that builds homes for homeless people. Families that live in shacks made of plywood and hung up curtains. We live to make a difference to people who have nothing, and we do it because it's what Jesus commanded us to do.
We love what we do, we love to be surrendered, even when it's scary, even if that means we don't have what we could have if we lived at home with regular jobs... We love living in surrender, and for us there is no other choice. To go home would be disobedience, to stay means depend on God for what we need, and to humble ourselves and ask when we need, allowing you guys to be a part of the work we do by partnering with us to help keep us here.
For us, this is our identity. Surrender.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Sweet news
I have waited a long time to be able to write such a sweet and exciting update.
Nathan and I are pregnant!!!!
This has been an interesting last four months, because we actually miscarried earlier this year, and that was very difficult, but we are expecting again and absolutely thrilled to be!
We would love to invite you to pray with us for this baby and protection do all of us :)
We love walking this journey with you guys!!!!
Nathan and I are pregnant!!!!
This has been an interesting last four months, because we actually miscarried earlier this year, and that was very difficult, but we are expecting again and absolutely thrilled to be!
We would love to invite you to pray with us for this baby and protection do all of us :)
We love walking this journey with you guys!!!!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
This life of faith
These are the types of blogs I don't really like to write... It can be humbling to express need.
I often have to remind myself that God called me to this life, and he promised that he would take care of me, and that there are times that I will have to leave my comfort zone of independancy.
I'm writing this blog because I need to ask you guys for help. There have been many things that hit Nathan and I this month that we weren't really expecting, and we are in a place of great need.
There are doctors bills that came in from Nathan's fall, totalling around 800.00 that insurance didn't cover, and we have rent due on the first for 450... As well as several other very immediate needs on top of these.
I trust that God will come through on his promise to us, that being where he's called us is the right thing even if it's not always comfortable to lean on others for that support as well.
But, I want to also remind us that Jesus made some big promises, not just to those on the road serving him, "missionaries" or "disciples" if you will, but also to anyone that even gave a cup of cold water to one of them because they belonged to Jesus.... Matthew 10:42
I often have to remind myself that God called me to this life, and he promised that he would take care of me, and that there are times that I will have to leave my comfort zone of independancy.
I'm writing this blog because I need to ask you guys for help. There have been many things that hit Nathan and I this month that we weren't really expecting, and we are in a place of great need.
There are doctors bills that came in from Nathan's fall, totalling around 800.00 that insurance didn't cover, and we have rent due on the first for 450... As well as several other very immediate needs on top of these.
I trust that God will come through on his promise to us, that being where he's called us is the right thing even if it's not always comfortable to lean on others for that support as well.
But, I want to also remind us that Jesus made some big promises, not just to those on the road serving him, "missionaries" or "disciples" if you will, but also to anyone that even gave a cup of cold water to one of them because they belonged to Jesus.... Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
I want to remind us, that those who simply support missionaries, share completely in the reward as well. We missionaries NEED you guys in order to be out on the field, you guys play a VITAL role in the spreading of the gospel, the feeding and sheltering of the poor, the binding of the brokenhearted and the freedom for the captive.
I want to say that, because I want you all to know how big your role is in our lives as missionaries... You are indespensable. All of the body works together to do this awesome thing, and you guys are very much a part of it!
Would you pray and consider helping us out with a donation to help us through this crazy time?
Because of the urgency of the need, going through the regular online channel would take many weeks to get to us, and so if this is something you would like to do, you could send cash/check to 100 west 35th st suite R National city, CA 91950
You can make a check out to Charissa Goode
God bless you guys!!!!
Also please remember to be praying for our big thanksgiving dinner in Tijuana tomorrow!!!! It's going to be crazy!!! I will have pics and hopefully a video up soon!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The least of these
I want to talk to you about something our YWAM base is doing this Thanksgiving.
We have a ministry here called Zona Norte, in which we go every Wednesday to the border area of TJ, and take food to feed about 250 homeless men and women that hang out in this area. Some of them are drug addicts, some of them were deported from the states, and some of them just can't find work.
Last thanksgiving we took a thanksgiving meal to them, preapring for 300 homeless men and women, and 500 showed up. So this year we are doing it again, but we are preparing for 600 instead :)
But, this year our vision is a little bigger than just giving them a thanksgiving meal to sit down to.
This year, we want to wash their hair and give them haircuts, and THEN lead them to their seat to give them a sit-down Thanksgiving meal. There is a youtube video of a ministry that's been doing something like this, that reminds me of what we're going to do. I hope to get pictures and videos of what we do that day as well, but for now, here is something to give you an idea of the impact this has on a persons heart and soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a6VVncgHcY
This is what Jesus would have done, and this is who he is talking about when he talks about the least of these, therefore we know that when we do this, we are doing it to him.
I plan to be one of the people that helps cut hair that day, and I'm really excited about it.
We still need to raise 1500 dollars to buy all the food and supplies to feed everyone. This is taking place in just two weeks!!!
Would you cosnider donating to this event that we are putting on? It takes about 3-4 dollars to cover one homeless person's meal and haircut. Would you consider supporting a few, or even more?
Remember what Jesus told us, "whatever you do to the least of these, you do unto me"
we can count on His promises and rewards! :)
We have a ministry here called Zona Norte, in which we go every Wednesday to the border area of TJ, and take food to feed about 250 homeless men and women that hang out in this area. Some of them are drug addicts, some of them were deported from the states, and some of them just can't find work.
Last thanksgiving we took a thanksgiving meal to them, preapring for 300 homeless men and women, and 500 showed up. So this year we are doing it again, but we are preparing for 600 instead :)
But, this year our vision is a little bigger than just giving them a thanksgiving meal to sit down to.
This year, we want to wash their hair and give them haircuts, and THEN lead them to their seat to give them a sit-down Thanksgiving meal. There is a youtube video of a ministry that's been doing something like this, that reminds me of what we're going to do. I hope to get pictures and videos of what we do that day as well, but for now, here is something to give you an idea of the impact this has on a persons heart and soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a6VVncgHcY
This is what Jesus would have done, and this is who he is talking about when he talks about the least of these, therefore we know that when we do this, we are doing it to him.
I plan to be one of the people that helps cut hair that day, and I'm really excited about it.
We still need to raise 1500 dollars to buy all the food and supplies to feed everyone. This is taking place in just two weeks!!!
Would you cosnider donating to this event that we are putting on? It takes about 3-4 dollars to cover one homeless person's meal and haircut. Would you consider supporting a few, or even more?
Remember what Jesus told us, "whatever you do to the least of these, you do unto me"
we can count on His promises and rewards! :)
Monday, October 21, 2013
New season
So it's been about four weeks now that Nathan and I have been in this school. We have taken a week to go in depth in each book of the bible, and now we are in Deuteronomy. God is doing huge things in both of our hearts as we study the word together. A huge foundation is being laid, and I feel like he's revealing little by little why this school was so vital for us to do.
Every Christian has questions, every Christian has things in their life that they don't quite understand. Sometimes we can go a long time before we face those questions, and when we do... it can turn our world upside down.
For me, in my life, I have experienced a large amount of tragedy... Things that wounded me deeply, and filled my heart with questions. Those questions are gently being answered by my father in heaven as I study his word. He is showing me his character, he is showing me things I have believed about him that weren't actually true. And he is filling me with hope and Joy like I've never had as he gently cleans deeper into my heart and heals those age old wounds.
Why is this important for Nathan and I to do in order to be missionaries?
Because what can we give a hurting world, if we are still hurting deeply? If there is nothing in us to pour out, how can we pour to those that are starving around us? God has made it clear to the both of us, that this process is going to take us further in being able to lead a lost world back to their father, as he leads us deeper and closer to him ourselves.
He is grinding at our hearts, stirring them up, ripping old things out, and laying a beautiful foundation to save us, and to save those around us. Because we will have more to give once we are full ourselves as well. More to give than we have ever given.... the fullness of our father.
Please pray with us as we go through this together. Pray we get all the financial support we need for this school. Pray if God is asking you to partner with us financially. Pray that we are filled with the truth in a bigger way than ever, so that we can pour out to this hurting world in a way we've never yet been able to.
we love you so much!
Nathan and Charissa
Every Christian has questions, every Christian has things in their life that they don't quite understand. Sometimes we can go a long time before we face those questions, and when we do... it can turn our world upside down.
For me, in my life, I have experienced a large amount of tragedy... Things that wounded me deeply, and filled my heart with questions. Those questions are gently being answered by my father in heaven as I study his word. He is showing me his character, he is showing me things I have believed about him that weren't actually true. And he is filling me with hope and Joy like I've never had as he gently cleans deeper into my heart and heals those age old wounds.
Why is this important for Nathan and I to do in order to be missionaries?
Because what can we give a hurting world, if we are still hurting deeply? If there is nothing in us to pour out, how can we pour to those that are starving around us? God has made it clear to the both of us, that this process is going to take us further in being able to lead a lost world back to their father, as he leads us deeper and closer to him ourselves.
He is grinding at our hearts, stirring them up, ripping old things out, and laying a beautiful foundation to save us, and to save those around us. Because we will have more to give once we are full ourselves as well. More to give than we have ever given.... the fullness of our father.
Please pray with us as we go through this together. Pray we get all the financial support we need for this school. Pray if God is asking you to partner with us financially. Pray that we are filled with the truth in a bigger way than ever, so that we can pour out to this hurting world in a way we've never yet been able to.
we love you so much!
Nathan and Charissa
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