Thursday, December 26, 2019

Pure Joy Christmas Flights and A New Year Challenge…


Once again Carl Potter one of our Advisors here at Pure Joy International used the beauty of the Christmas lights in the Tulsa, Jenks and Broken Arrow area of Oklahoma to raise donations for Pure Joy International.   Carl an avid pilot himself as well as instructor has been providing these Christmas Flights for several years now to raise donations for the ministry.  Thank you, Carl, for your love for the ministry!

Also, thank you to all of you that have given to Pure Joy International end of the year donations as well as those of you that give monthly to help maintain our general fund.  We could never go if you were not faithful givers. 

I know many of you are still spending time with family during these next days and into next week.  But, as we begin a new year ahead of us, I have a challenge.   Would each of you reading this email, blog, and or whatever form you receive this email please commit to praying for us weekly.  And would you allow it to be as simple as this passing thought, “LORD, remember Pure Joy International Retreat Ministry”.  If you would just pray that for us one time a week or as it comes to your mind, we would be ever so grateful.   See, we believe God knows where we are suppose to travel to, who is suppose to be on the team, who is suppose to be in the final 50 women that come to a retreat, the hotel we are to stay in, the flights we are to take, the dates we should go, etc.  He knows.  And as for our part, we will seek His face for direction regarding the ministry daily.

For those of you that take up the challenge, Thank You.  For those of you that can’t possibly add one more thought to your plate, we thank you for just supporting us in so many other ways. 
As we close out this year…
                      
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From the Board, Advisors, and Staff of Pure Joy International

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Things Lost and Found...


As we celebrate the Christmas Season this year, I want to encourage you to get a God perspective on the Season.

The stories of Luke 15 that tell of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son have always stirred my heart deeply.

I remember as a believer the first time I heard these parables my heart was stirred at the all-out search and celebrations of that which was lost and found.  Luke 15:1-24 reads…..

Story of the Lost Sheep
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”  So, he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Story of the Lost Coin
Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Story of the Lost Son
 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

What powerful parables of things lost and found and the celebration of each.  As I ponder them
during this Christmas Season I am reminded of when I was lost.  I spent the first 35 years of my life lost.  I didn’t even know I was lost.  Sure, I felt hopeless at times, lonely at times, misunderstood at times, fearful at times and I made plenty of bad choices that affected my life and many of those around me.  But I had no idea that God had sent someone to this earth to draw me out of the darkness of being lost, into the light.  But He did.   He sent Jesus in the manner of a babe in a manger.  Baby Jesus our hope, the young man Jesus our example, Jesus on the cross our Savior, Jesus Risen our way to our eternal home.
So, this Christmas Season when you hear and see the Christmas Story acted out may we take courage and hope in knowing He is still the Light of The World.  Please take a minute to pray for all your family, friends, co-workers, and those people all over the world that are lost and in need of JESUS.

His,
Vickie

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Pure Joy International Headed to Lisbon, Portugal Spring 2020...

Hello to our missionary women serving cross-culturally outside your country of origin.  Pure Joy International will be in Lisbon, Portugal April 29 - May 2, 2020.  Registration for this event will open January 13, 2020.   As always, first come, first served up to 50 women, then we go to a waiting list.

For information contact vickie@purejoyinternationl.org

Please began to pray with us as the team is solidified.  The Pure Joy Staff began praying for missionary women, team members, gift makers, givers, and prayer warriors in November.  We will continue to pray and believe that God has the very women He wants to be in attendance, knowing the team and messages He puts on our hearts.  More information to come towards the end of the month.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.  Now as we prepare to step into this Christmas season I pray we really can step back from all the horizontal chaos of this world and live vertically being reminded of the most important gift from above, JESUS and the difference He has made in our lives as believers and how He intends for our lives to make a difference in this world.

His,
Vickie

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

From our ministry at Pure Joy International 
to your ministries and 
to all of you that support our missionaries/missionary families 
on their respective fields of service, 
May God Bless You!

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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

Friday, October 25, 2019

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














Friday, October 18, 2019

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  

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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.

Monday, October 14, 2019

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!













Saturday, October 12, 2019

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

Friday, October 11, 2019

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.

Monday, September 30, 2019

Sao Paulo, Registration Closed…


We have closed registration for Sao Paulo, Brazil as of Wednesday night, September 25, 2019.
Please continue to pray for the team and the missionary women that will be attending the conference. 
Thank you to all that have sponsored the missionary women to be able to attend free of charge except for travel to and from the conference.  Also, thank you to our prayer warriors, those that gift, give and are going from your local churches.
You all are the BEST!  Our ministry is blessed because of you!

For A Good Laugh…
This past Tuesday, my great-nephew (BK) and his cousin (RS) (respectively 7 and 9 years of age) were riding in the back seat on the way home from spending time after school together, having had quite the fun time.  As usual, no matter where they are together, eventually someone must go home.  This usually leads to some form of a meltdown for whichever one must leave. On this day RS was having to go home. 
To keep this in perspective, several days earlier BK had gotten in trouble about something and was upset with me. Instead of having a full-blown meltdown, he left the room and went to his Nana’s room. Several minutes later I went in to check on him and he was laying across her bed but had calmed himself down. I told him how very proud I was of him that he had chosen to control his temper instead of allowing it to control him. Of course, he loved the encouragement!
Now, back to the back-seat conversation. As RS continued to be upset BK decided to share his 7-year-old wisdom with him.The conversation went something like this; 
BK:  I’m going to tell you how to control your temper when you get mad.
RS:  Looks at him like, “What?”
BK:  When you get mad, run into your room and SLAM your face on your bed!
RS: Still looking at him like, “What?”
BK: Really! It will knock some sense into you!
Of course, I was laughing to myself so hard I’m sure they had to have noticed. And I’m confident that RS left the car that day still thinking “What”?  
Proverbs 25:28 (MSG)
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.
Have a great week and remember, take time to laugh!
His,
Vickie