Where Has All The Joy Gone?

Where Has All The Joy Gone?

by | Sep 4, 2014 | Missions, Thoughts

 

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Sunflower Field, Moldova

Sunflower Field, Moldova

These two images represent joy to me. I should first let you know that I am one of those people who has to fight for joy much of the time. Not that serotonin equals joy but I think it helps and I think my levels are low. Nor does a glass half-full mentality equal joy but, again, at least this points us in the right direction. I naturally dwell on what’s not working, could use improvement, the half where the doubts and questions linger. So, generally, I’m fighting for joy; I’m praying for it; I’m seeding and watering it. Which is why I was surprised when I discovered it in the most unlikely places.

See the Discovery boat in the Amazon? See those sunflowers in Moldova? These pictures embody places that have brought me joy, but not simply because of their beauty or majesty. Though a generalization to be sure, the Amazon is where the forgotten live and Moldova is where the orphans live. And nothing has brought me greater joy than meeting these people and experiencing the power and love of the Gospel in the harshness of poverty and hopelessness and abandonment. I’ve also found this same joy here in my own community, too. This next picture represents that community: meals around the table, family suppers, home bible study, afternoon coffees, the place I have to love others.

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My Dining Room Table, Nashville, TN

Serving, reaching out, bringing in the lonely, encouraging the downcast, throwing the birthday party, taking a mission trip, teaching the Scriptures in your home, holding babies in the nursery, praying for the sick, however you’re doing it… this is where the joy is. I watched a fabulous sermon this morning by a friend of mine, Mike Meyers, who is on staff at my father’s church. The title is “Do Something” and if you have 40 minutes of quiet, I would spend it right here.

Mike spoke out of James 1:25, which says, “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” 

I’ve read that verse so many times and missed what Mike so brilliantly pointed out: “Knowledge without action robs us of our true joy.” The flip side is this: When we do what we know to do we’re blessed. It suddenly dawned on me why my greatest most sustaining most fulfilling joy has come from being a part of the change Jesus is bringing about in the lives to whom He’s called me. It’s why I’ve found joy in such unlikely places, in parts of the world and in my own neighborhood where it makes no sense to find joy. Because God blesses our obedient doing. And when He blesses, His blessings are full of joy.

As we fly into September, and the Fall promises a new school year, the holidays, a fresh routine, I’m asking myself how my joy is faring. What am I not doing that I know to do? Who needs the warm embrace of Jesus? Where is He asking me to go? What step has His Word told me to take?

Because there is blessing in the doing.

And there is joy in the blessing.

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Cultivate: A Women’s Gathering Around The Word

Cultivate: A Women’s Gathering Around The Word

by | Aug 12, 2014 | Events, Missions, Music

 

Cultivate LogoFor the past few years I’ve dreamt about a women’s event that would reflect my love for the Scriptures, acoustic and thoughtful music, honest fellowship, all threaded by a passion for missions, both local and international. Eight months ago those years of dreaming turned into several months of praying, asking God if this was a gathering He wanted me (and a few special people around me) to put together. Several weeks later we came up with a name: Cultivate. And then a bit more description: A Women’s Gathering Around The Word. A few months after that we invited Michelle Margiotta, former worship leader at Times Square Church in NYC, to join a small trio of musicians to lead in worship. Without giving everything away, I have an invitation for you…

If you live in the Nashville area, or are willing to pile in a car with some friends, would you consider joining us this Friday evening and Saturday morning, August 15-16, for our first ever Cultivate? (Details here). I would love to experience this dream become a reality with you as we are filled with God’s Word, inspired through worship, encouraged in fellowship and absolutely energized by mission. All with the expectation that Jesus will be there waiting for us.

***All proceeds will be benefit the great work of Justice and Mercy International.

Feel free to email or call Bethany Bordeaux at info@kellyminter.com or 615.410.2282 for further information. 

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Back From Moldova

Back From Moldova

by | Jul 21, 2014 | Justice and Mercy International, Missions, Moldova

To say that I went to Moldova kicking and screaming would be strong, but to say I went a bit tired and with my arms folded—and a little concerned about the unrest in that part of the world—is just about right. So, where in the world is Moldova, you ask? See llustration #1

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My sister’s co-worker left this on her door while she was in Moldova. In case someone needed her.

Simply put, the part of my heart that’s devoted to missions and ‘others, Lord’ was already full of the Amazon and a few long-standing activities I had going on at home—there’s only so much love and selflessness to go around, you know? But the ministry I partner with in the Amazon, Justice and Mercy International, has been working with the orphan population in Moldova for a decade now. It was time I saw the work firsthand. Still, my mantra was firm: I have no more of my heart to give away; I’m just coming to observe. To try the stuffed cabbage rolls.

And then I walked into a swarm of approximately 80 vulnerable and/or orphaned children in the western countryside of Moldova. And I realized that the space God gives a person for the poor and orphaned isn’t a fixed compartment you try to keep at a comfortable capacity. Rather, the borders keep expanding with each new face. Every fresh name. Another story of an individual life.

Enter Clara, Marta, Sofia, Nicoletta, Victor, Igor, Olga, Petro… (names changed to protect identity).

I’ll be sharing more about the work of JMI in the days, weeks and prayerfully years to come. But right now I want to ask you a question. It’s a question that was asked me a number of years ago: Do you know the name of a poor person? Not, do you know where poor people live or do you hand the homeless a dollar on occasion, but do you know the name of a poor person? I shared a few names above and they’re ones I’m putting before the throne of Jesus these days. Father, protect Sofia from the physical blows of her teenage brothers, keep Victor diligent in his school work, come to the rescue of Marta, Clara, Claudia, three sisters living in a shelter whose “mom road away on a horse one day and never came back.”—the exact quote of the five year-old.

I’ve decided that when I get to know names I have more time and more resources than I thought had—than I thought before boarding that plane to Moldova. Yes, the Amazon is still pressing on my heart and so are the people of my local church and so now are the people of Moldova and, guess what, all of them propel and inform the service of the others. God is masterful at replenishing our love and expanding our capacity when we reach out to the forgotten, those on the fringes of society.

Okay, but we have a reality happening: We’re compassion-fatigued. We’re overwhelmed by the need, flat numb from the pleas of non-profits, unsure of where to send our money or devote our time. So let me encourage you. Ask God to give you a name.

Ask Him to give you a heart for a nation.

Or a neighborhood.

Or a neighbor. 

Because when God gives you a face and a name (in America or in the Amazon or on your street or in your church), He gives you room in your heart. When you don’t think you can cut out another latte a month to sponsor that child, you’ll remember  his peculiar smile and you’ll figure it out. When you don’t have it in you to lead the youth group through another semester, that one teenager will lure you back. The morning you’re dying to sleep in, you’ll set your alarm 15 minutes earlier to pray for the orphan who stole your heart. The day you just can’t board another plane, you’ll cram yourself into the nosebleeds of coach one more time to hold a little girl, to kiss her forehead. (Even if you’re sure your hugs and kisses are all accounted for.) Because this is what happens when God gives you a name.

So, start by praying. Start by asking your local church where you can get involved. If you need another place to start, visit Justice and Mercy International.

***Lastly, I’m simply excited to share with you the bigger version of this story God has been working out in my life over the past several years. Wherever The River Runs is my most personal and honest book to date, and it may help bring focus to what God is asking of you. Mostly it’s about how loving the poor has enriched my life and my relationship with Jesus, and how it will enrich yours too.

Will you ask God for a name?

 

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Wherever The River Runs New Book

Wherever The River Runs New Book

by | Jul 9, 2014 | Bible Study, Wherever the River Runs

WTRR_FLAT_STICKERI’m so excited to finally be able to share about a book I’ve been working on for the past two years. It’s called Wherever The River Runs: How A Forgotten People Renewed My Hope In The Gospel. As many of you know I’ve traveled down Brazil’s Amazon jungle on a river boat–sleeping in a hammock–many times over the past few years. I’ve written about some of my experiences in my Ruth and Nehemiah Bible Studies, but this book has allowed me the chance to tell the whole story of the life change I’ve experienced in one of the most captivating places on earth: The Amazon River.

I’m excited about this book for two simple reasons: One is about style and the other content.

1. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to write in a narrative, memoir style for the length of a project. I’ve been able to do a little of this here and there over the years but have never had the challenge of writing a story with dialogue, arc and a bit of character development. I have no idea if I did it well, but I enjoyed the endless hours on the learning curve. For those of you writers I benefited a great deal from reading books on writing such as One Writing Well by William Zinsser and Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark. The writing was a challenge, and may I say that my wonderful editor wasn’t afraid to cut thousands of words at a time if they didn’t move the story forward. So that was fun. In the end, you all have been such an encouraging audience for me and I’m thrilled to put something in your hands that feels both fresh and vulnerable.

2. Ever since my first visit to the Amazon jungle its forgotten people have captivated me. God has used them to break my heart, purify it, quicken my conscience, convict, renew, transform and challenge me. I’ve discovered that no matter where in the world you go–as close as next door–when you lay your life down for your neighbor, God changes you.

I appreciate each of you so much. I feel so incredibly supported and love the privilege of meeting many of you on the road and also through the written word. My prayer is that Wherever The River Runs will be just the adventure you’ve been longing for. The one that doesn’t require a trip down the Amazon River in a boat, only the one God is tugging your heart toward.

Watch the Book Trailer Here

Receive Four Wonderful Giveaways If You Pre-Order Now

If you’ve already pre-ordered the book, you have a chance of getting even more goodies including Brazilian coffee, some AWESOME chocolate, a Justice & Mercy International tote bag, and a personal thank-you note!  Enter below!

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The Minter Kitchen Recipe Contest

by | May 14, 2014 | Recipes

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The Minter Kitchen Recipe Contest

When I wrote my first Bible study, No Other gods, I needed a few girls to give me feedback on the study. I figured there was a better chance of them accepting if I lured them with dinner (which I’m not so sure was much of a lure back then). What transpired was each of us taking turns cooking and hosting, bringing some of our favorite recipes to the table, many of which found their way into the Bible study. I discovered that cooking and eating together, in some strangely powerful way, helped us share more honestly, laugh more deeply and open up about how God was working in our hearts. To this day, nothing delights me more than fellowship over a meal.

Over the years I’ve heard from many of you who have cooked the recipes from the studies and shared them in your homes or churches. For the most part the feedback has been good – a few of you really don’t like cilantro, which I’ve noted. My wonderful publisher, Lifeway, and I thought it would be fun to give you a chance to add your recipes to the mix, especially since I quite frankly am running out of ideas. We’d absolutely love for you to be a part of this fun contest—who knows, several of us may be spearing our forks into one of your amazing creations one day soon. Check out the contest details below and scroll down to submit your recipe!
~ Kelly

Submission Guidelines:

–Recipes perfect for making and serving to small groups (or hosting Bible studies!

–Recipes must be original and not copyright

–Recipes must include mostly fresh and/or whole ingredients. (We’re trying to stay away from heavily processed or preserved items or things that can live in a can for more than 37 years.) For desserts, this is a little more challenging, but try to think on the healthier or whole-foods side of things. (Chocolate is absolutely a whole food.) Be creative!

–Please categorize your recipe as either a: main dish, side dish, salad, dessert, or miscellaneous/snack

–Please include (about) 3 sentences describing your recipe, its history and/or why it’s special to you.

Winners:

Winners will receive these fun prizes listed below and will be chosen at random and notified by email.
–1 Kelly Minter “What Love Is” Bible Study Leader Kit
–1 copy of Kelly’s new trade book “Wherever The River Runs”
–A handwritten note from Kelly
–Some winning recipes may be used in on of Kelly’s Bible studies or featured in future editions of “The Minter Kitchen” on The Lifeway Women Blog and Newsletter.

Rules & Regulations:

By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge the official promotion rules of Kelly Minter LLC, and LifeWay Christian Resources. This giveaway starts Tuesday, May 13, (5/13/14) at 12:01 AM and ends Friday, May 23rd (5/23/14) at 11:59 p.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once per category. The winner/s will be selected at random. Participation in contest and submission of each recipe gives LifeWay Christian Resources and Kelly Minter to print the recipe in publications or online. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Bethany Bordeaux at Kelly Minter, LLC, PO Box 41763, Nashville TN 37204. For our complete list of rules and regulations, you can CLICK HERE to read all “the fine print.”

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