Do You Live as a secret disciple (follower) of Christ…?

I have always had a special love for the story of Nicodemus in John 3: 1-15. However, recently in one of my daily readings, I had to smile at the story of Joseph of Arimathea in Mark 15:42-47. Please pour yourself a cup of coffee or soda and take time to read the above passages and then consider the two men.

Joseph of Arimathea was actually part of the group of Jewish religious leaders known as the Council (Sanhedrin) who called for Jesus’ crucifixion. But in Luke 23:51 we see that Joseph was opposed to the Council’s decision and he was looking for the kingdom of God. Scripture tells us that he was a wealthy man (Matthew 27:57) and referred to as “good and upright” (Luke 23:50). Joseph of Arimathea is finally identified in scripture as a “follower of Christ” in John 19:38, which reads:

“After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So, he came and took away his body.”

Nicodemus, on the other hand (John 3:15), was also a ruler of the Jews, a Pharisee. He also took an interest in Jesus. He came to him by night seeking to know more about Jesus. Scripture never tells us for sure that Nicodemus became a disciple of Christ. Yet, Nicodemus did assist Joseph of Arimathea in the preparation of Jesus’ body for burial:

“After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So, he came and took away his body.  Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.” (John 19:38-39)

These two men are obviously drawn to Jesus. We know Joseph became a secret follower of Christ. We don’t know what Nicodemus’ relationship was because Scripture leaves it unanswered. But both remind me of the power of John 6:44:

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”

I love that truth! No one comes unless the Father who sent Jesus draws him. When I listen to someone’s testimony I am always listening for that truth. Were they drawn to Him? It’s that leading of the Spirit that you can’t really explain, you just know.
 
What a picture these two men paint. One became a disciple (follower) of Christ. The other we do not know about according to Scripture. Both men were drawn.

Did Jesus draw you? Remember, no man comes to Jesus unless God draws him to Him. If he did, your life has never been the same. Did your life change? God’s word tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

A Changed Life,
His,
Vickie

TEAM ARRIVED HOME THIS PAST SUNDAY…

Yes, I have already been in trouble from several of you for not getting this blog out sooner. (smile) To summarize our time in Brazil, it was really good. We were blessed with two contact people from the beginning through the help of several of you here in the states. Melissa and Rachael were priceless in their roles of making sure that logistics regarding arriving, hotel, sightseeing, etc., were in order.

The team that traveled to Brazil was amazing. We actually had 5 newbies that had never traveled with us before. They were incredible. The missionary women are without a doubt, precious. They are my “people group” so I have a special affection for them. (smile) As always, the missionary women are on their fields of service as singles, families, widowed, and/or divorced serving our LORD in the destinations He has called them to. Yes, they have struggles, yes, they aren’t perfect, but they, like many of you reading this blog, desire as we do at Pure Joy International to serve him wholeheartedly in spite of our imperfections. Thank you, LORD, that you aren’t looking for perfect people (there aren’t any) but you are looking for Christ followers! That is what we saw in our missionary women and team that attended the conference, Christ followers.

We pray that God touched hearts through affirmation, conviction, and challenges that lead us to live vertically in this crazy world instead of horizontally. In other words, by faith not by sight.

I am including some of the pictures of the wonderful women we were able to come alongside and pour into because of your prayer support, giving, gifting and going.

Can’t even begin to share with you how much each one of you that invest in this ministry in the smallest minute way touches a life across the waters. Thank You from the depths of my heart for caring for the women that leave the comfort of worldly things to obey the call, to Him, their husband, their children, and ministry.

His,
Vickie

Been Missing the Blogs this week...

It’s simple, I haven’t posted any since Tuesday or was that Monday. Ha, ha, ha

I have been waiting for us to be able to post more pics. They speak so much more than just the words. However, there have been some issues getting things downloaded or is that uploaded? Anyway, I will post pics when we get back.

Let me say for now that this week has been awesome. The ladies are wonderful. They came in with such open hearts ready to receive and be vulnerable. We have covered a lot of territory from God, to husbands, to kids, to families,  to ministry, etc.

They are “loving the gifts” you have made for them. Many have shared with me how they would have never been able to attend this conference apart from the generous support provided by you, along with the prayers lifted up and being lifted up. Also, by the time you read this tonight they will have received their favorite bags. I can already tell you they are going to be happy campers. (smile)

So, continue to pray as we bring the conference to an end tomorrow. Pray for the missionaries and team members to all arrive back to their families safely.

Love you all, Keep praying!!
 
His,
Vickie  

Retreat begins...

Report from Brazil tonight is that all is well. The missionary women have arrived and the first evening went well. Pictures coming later in the week.

Days 2 & 3

It is 7:06 p.m. here which means it is 5:06 p.m. in the central U.S. We are 2 hours ahead of you. Tonight, I am going to give you a collage of pictures from the last two days. Some of the team, some of meals, some of places we have seen, some of the team meeting and planning for some of the last-minute details. Enjoy!

Team Arrives In Sao Paulo, Brazil in different planes…

Mary shared with you last night that the team was on its way to Brazil after rain delays.  Those delays resulted in some of the team members being shifted to another airline and flying out of Houston to get to Sao Paulo, instead of flying out of Dallas.

This picture is the team arriving from Dallas into Sao Paulo. 

 Once there we made it though custom with no issues.

This picture is of some of our team 

that had to be shifted to fly out of Houston.

They pulled in behind us by about 2 hours.

Going through customs was a little more exciting for them 

because the agents wanted to go through several of their trunks.

We also have one more team member flying out of Dallas tonight that couldn’t make it sooner due to work. Please pray safe travels for her.

Rachael, one of our contact people here in Brazil met us at the airport and made sure we got to the hotel and found a place to eat a meal together. We are preparing to have our first team meeting and devotional shortly. Please continue to pray that everyone gets rest tonight and that God speaks to our hearts and unites us as a team as we journey towards our time with the missionary women.

God has put together a great team! Thank you for your prayers!

His,
Vickie

Brazil Team is on their way...

Despite weather delays, the Pure Joy International Team is headed to Brazil. Please keep them in your prayers as they complete their travel.