Interview: Author and Prayer-Warrior, Cherie Hill

I remember running across Cherie's blog a couple years ago. She was a kindred spirit. Her insightful articles about the truths of God's Word had me returning to her blog every time she posted. Her commitment to praying for me convinced me that she took her ministry seriously. Today I have the privilege of hosting author and prayer-warrior, Cherie Hill! Join me in welcoming her!
  

Maria: Welcome to Life Lessons, Cherie! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Cherie: Thank you for this opportunity Maria! I love how Life Lessons connects us with others in the world working to fulfill God’s purposes in their lives! It encourages me greatly!

There’s an old me, that lived by the flesh, longing for what only the world gives, and there’s the “new” me that lives on Living Water alone, after meeting Jesus at the well. But some things don’t change even through that encounter:  I’m a homeschooling mom of two boys, wife, and most importantly, devoted servant to the Lord. 

My favorite times are those when I get one on one with God in the great outdoors, so I’m thrilled beyond belief that our family is currently in the process of moving to Colorado! My joy is helping others to hear God’ voice, through His Word, via my ministry ScriptureNow.com

Maria: Congratulations on your upcoming move! How did you get started as a writer?

Cherie: I can honestly say that I’ve never aspired to be a writer. I’m having a hard time convincing myself that I am one! LOL 

Truly, literally it started in the wee morning hours as I sought the Lord in the depths of emptiness. I met Jesus at the well when my life had been emptied and there was nothing left. It was there that He offered me Living Water and I began to be filled with His Truth. I’d been believing lies for far too long―He refreshed and renewed my soul and then asked me to step out in faith and begin a ministry called “ScriptureNow.”

The purpose is simple: connect people around the world with God’s Word. As prayer requests poured in, God’s Spirit began to speak to me, and I began to write. I have truly known what it is like to experience His heart flow in and out of my own. The joy is overwhelming.

Maria: Wow -- now that's encouraging! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Cherie: My relationship with Jesus IS my writing. My writing comes from sitting daily at His feet. My books are mostly revelations of my own inner walk of faith displayed in my books. What I've found is that my own struggles with faith are no different than those of others around the world. I've discovered that what God has spoken to my heart has a dramatic impact on the hearts of others. As God has encouraged and strengthened my heart, it is through my writings that I have been able to encourage and strengthen others.

Maria: Awesome! Give us a sneak peek into your upcoming release:

Cherie: My latest release will be published by Dec. 10^th 2012. I am incredibly excited about this book as its message is one that is powerful and can have a life transforming effect on the reader. The title, “empty.” says it all. I’m continually hearing, through my ministry, the cries of emptiness within people around the world. They thirst, they’re dehydrated, life has drained them dry, and they are desperate. The purpose of the book’s message is to lead people to Living Water, the only thing that satisfies the soul.

Maria: Sounds fantastic! And SO timely - what a wonderful gift to give this Christmas season: an introduction to the Savior.

With the many demands on your time, I understand you've started your own publishing services. What do you offer?

Cherie: This has been an amazing turn in my journey of life. I never anticipated offering publishing services until I began to have other Christian authors reaching out to me for help. I have experienced great success through the Amazon.com CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing programs. I have learned “tricks of the trade,” and have enabled other authors to catapult their books into BestSeller and Hot New Releases lists on Amazon. I offer full paperback and ebook editing and formatting as well as professional cover design and synopsis writing. It is a great joy to help others to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives through their writings! My publishing services website is:

http://www.WriteSourcePublishingServices.com

Maria: You're a wealth of information Cherie! What advice would you give a first-time author?

Cherie: Before publishing, talk to me. : ) The publishing industry has been turned upside down, and that is a true benefit for authors. I have seen authors who were turned down hundreds of times by traditional publishers, now able to make sizeable mortgage payments through Amazon.  Amazon provides EVERYTHING you’ll need to give your writings maximum visibility. Of course, that does not always mean there is a guarantee of sales. But it’s like walking into a book store and seeing your book on a front table display―it’s front and center. And Amazon’s promotional tools allow you to take your book and make it HIGHLY visible to the WORLD!

As the industry has changed, I am also saddened by so many authors publishing through subsidy publishers who are charging an unbelievable amount of money to publish; providing a less than average product, and leaving the author with little to no royalties. I have clients that have published with TOP subsidy publishers and have been grossly disappointed. So, I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of publishing to contact me . . . I consult on publishing for FREE!

Maria: You can't beat a free publishing consultation!  What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Cherie: Truthfully, if I could speak anything into anyone’s life it would be this: Trust God’s Word and keep walking in faith even through your doubt. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll find yourself walking on water.

Maria: So beautifully put! Reminds me of some words of wisdom penned by King Solomon: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths," (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV). Thanks so much for joining us today, Cherie! I look forward to reading your new book and seeing how God continues to use the many ministries He's entrusted to you!

Connect with Cherie:

http://www.amazon.com/Cherie-Hill/e/B002BM00SC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354046601&sr=8-2-ent

www.cheriehillblog.blogspot.com

www.scripturenow.com

www.writesourcepublishingservices.com


*Cherie Hill is the founder of ScriptureNow.com. She has a BA in Psychology and is trained in Biblical Counseling through the AACC.

Cherie is an Amazon.com Bestselling Christian Living author. She has been ranked #6 in Bestselling authors for Amazon in the Religion and Spirituality category and is consistently in the top 20. Her published works are: "Waiting on God," "Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms," "Beginning at the End: Finding God When Your World Falls Apart," "The Ways of God: Finding Purpose Through Your Pain," and "Hope Being Gone."

Cherie writes the Christian Women's column, "FAITHLIFT" for CWAHM.com and is a contributor for FAITHVILLAGE.com, as well as several other on-line Christian magazines.

An Interview with Alene Snodgrass - Author of Graffiti

For the past several weeks I've had the privilege of taking a writing course, Tribe Writers, taught by Jeff Goins. Not only have I learned a lot, but I've also been blessed to meet some fantastic people! Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to my new friend, Alene Snodgrass. So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy reading about this amazing lady!

Maria: Welcome to Life Lessons, Alene! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Alene: I grew up in south Texas, married a military man, traveled the world for 23 years, had three children, and then ended up back in south Texas. I went from a country girl to a suburban girl. I love my camera. There are days when I could live behind the lens just capturing life. There is nothing like a photo that takes your breath away with a story.

Maria: How did you get started as a writer?

Alene: I began writing in 2007 at the prompting of friends. It was a struggle for me, because all I could remember was cheating my way through English in college and all those red F’s. But I took baby steps and followed the dream that was being birthed within my soul.

Maria: I'm glad you pursued your dream! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Alene: My writing has only came about because of the love I have for Jesus. When the nudging became so strong to write and I knew in my own weakness I couldn't, there were years that I put off writing. It wasn't until I was convicted that delaying my obedience was being disobedient. I became diligent in writing at that point and published my first study Dirty LaundrySecrets.

Maria: Give us a sneak peek into your eBook, Graffiti: scribbles from different sides of the street:

Alene: Graffiti is dear to my heart. Three years ago I left my nice, fancy church to begin serving at a church in the inner city. I had been there for a few months when I met Rick, a homeless man. We became great friends and we both loved to write. Our friendship grew as we began sharing writings and the stories of our lives. I learned so much from Rick. The most important thing being that it doesn't matter that we think we don’t have much in common with those that are “different” and from “the other side of the street," we are more alike than we know. It’s a beautiful story and one that is told in Graffiti.

Maria: It's amazing what God teaches us when we follow Him in obedience! What do you hope readers glean from your book?

Alene: I believe in this message so much. I think most of us living in America live lives too comfortably. We get caught up in our daily routines and schedules, while missing so many in need around us. It doesn't have to be the homeless; it can be your neighbor across the street that needs a hand. This book challenges us all to live in the moment, keep our eyes open to those we can help, and then step out of our comfort zones to help meet their needs.

Maria: Challenging stuff! What steps can we take to step outside our comfort zones?

Alene: For each of us it will be different. I used to think I had to be a missionary in a foreign land, but that is not what Christ actually teaches. He says start in your own neighborhoods and streets - see those who you can serve and then do so. Yes, the homeless need help. But so do our neighbors across the street, children in our children’s classrooms, single moms, and sometimes even the elderly or disabled in the grocery store. Needs are everywhere. We have to slow ourselves down and peek out from behind our comfortable zones to see.

Maria: You're absolutely right, Alene! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Alene: Many I often visit with are looking for meaning and purpose in their life. They are looking to gain significance through material things, more money, and even a title at work. They seek and search for more and more. But the odd thing about our purpose is that it will show up when we get our eyes off ourselves and begin serving others. I know we've been taught to chase the American dream for fulfillment, but really it is in helping others that our true purpose is found. 

Maria: Thanks for those words of truth! It's been a pleasure interviewing you and getting the message out about your new eBook, Graffiti! I look forward to hearing how God uses it to impact the lives of those who read it! God bless you!

Connect with Alene:

alenesnodgrass@gmail.com

www.alenesnodgrass.com

www.graffitithebook.com

Great news! November 26th - 30th, Alene is giving away over $75.00 worth of resources FREE to anyone who buys Graffiti. If you buy the book this week, she'll send you nine resources as a gift. Here's all you need to do:

1. Buy the book for $3.99 BEFORE November 30th.

2. Email a copy of your receipt to graffitibookgifts@gmail.com When you buy it, just forward the Amazon email receipt you get. Do not submit questions there. If you have a question, email alenesnodgrass@gmail.com.

3. Check your email and enjoy your resources!

*Alene Snodgrass is an energetic and motivational  Christian speaker, Bible teacher, and author. Her relevant messages and Bible studies have created drastic changes in the lives of people, as well as helped many step out to serve the broken, abused, and downhearted in their communities. She is the author of Dirty Laundry Secrets - a journey to meet the Launderer, and I'm a Fixer-Upper - a day-by-day remodeling guide. 

Alene has been published in numerous books, online publications and writes regularly for WHOA Magazine. She serves as the Bible Studies director at Bay Area Fellowship Westside Campus in Corpus Christi, Texas - a church that ministers in the inner city.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Are you ready to take a step outside your comfort zone? Come join in the discussion!

Interview with Best-Selling Author, Jody Hedlund

I remember stumbling upon Jody Hedlund's blog prior to her first book release. This amazingly talented lady is now the author of three historical romance novels -- with more on the way! It's my pleasure to introduce you to Jody and to share her most recent release, Unending Devotion.

Maria: Hi Jody! So glad you could join us today. Tell us a bit about yourself:

Jody: I'm a chocolate-lover, coffee-guzzler, avid reader, passionate writer, busy mom of five, and wife to my college sweet-heart for over twenty years.

Maria: Wow! Sounds like there's plenty to keep you busy. Give us a glimpse into an ordinary day at your house:

Jody: I'm not sure that we have any ordinary days in our crazy house! Since I homeschool my children, our home is usually very busy and noisy. I spend most of my day teaching my children. Then once we're done with our school time, I try to squeeze in a little writing. As my children are getting older and are involved in more extracurricular activities, I've also become a taxi mom and an expert at juggling a busy schedule!

Maria: From the sound of it, you've mastered your busy schedule. As an established author, what is your favorite part of the writing process?

Jody: As a writer, I love telling stories. I especially like the feeling that comes as I near the end of the book when everything looks hopeless, the characters are in big trouble, and somehow I’m able to wrap up the book in a satisfying way. I call it the first-draft love affair! I fall absolutely and madly in love with the story and think it’s the best thing I've ever written.

Maria: Let's talk about your recent release, Unending Devotion. Being a Michigan girl myself, I could identify with the setting of this story. But I have to admit, I was unaware of the devastating effects of the lumber industry. Share a brief summary of what your research revealed:

Jody: During my research for the book, I began reading biographies about people who lived during the lumber era. And as I did, I ran across stories of young women who didn't fit into the glamorized legends and songs that we usually associate with the lumber era.

The stories of many of these women were much darker. They're tales of women who were abused, exploited, and even enslaved.

Unending Devotion is inspired by one of those women, Jennie King. She rode a train into central Michigan in answer to a newspaper ad for a job. She expected to work in a hotel. Instead she found herself enslaved in a brothel. She fled, but was recaptured and beaten. The brave and desperate woman escaped again, wearing only a nightgown, and this time gained help from a local family. The brothel owner tried to get her back again. But the family helped smuggle Jennie out of town and to a safe place.

Maria: I know one of your hopes in writing this book, was to heighten awareness of the issue of white slavery (forced prostitution) during the lumber era. Unfortunately, this is still a problem in our generation. Lily Young was willing to stem the tide of evil in her day. How can we get involved in combating this type of slavery today?

 

Jody: I actually have several organizations listed on my website that are helping to increase awareness of the problem and fight against it, and I'm donating part of the proceeds from UnendingDevotion to help stop trafficking. One of the organizations I have listed is World Vision. They work directly with victims rescued from a life of trafficking. They give hope to young girls by offering  assistance like medical care, nutritious food, non-formal education, vocational training, compassionate counseling, and, where possible, reintegration into a loving family environment. To learn more visit World Vision’s website.

Maria: What a positive way to make a difference! I applaud your personal efforts to be part of the solution.  I was drawn to both of your main characters, Lily Young and Connell McCormick. How would they describe themselves?

Jody: Because Lily was an orphan growing up, she would say she has a heart for the under-privileged. She's very caring and wants to save everyone and everything. On the other hand, she often doesn't stop to think before she acts. She's rather impetuous and rash which leads her to rush headlong into trouble.

Connell's father is a lumber baron who has made millions off lumbering. As manager of several of his father's lumber camps, Connell has a sense of loyalty and duty to his father's thriving business. He works hard and is determined to make his father proud of his efforts. Amidst all of the lawlessness and evil that surrounds him in the lumber towns, he figures as long as he leads an upstanding life, that's all that matters.

Maria: Do you purposely weave your own personality traits into your characters, or do you develop your characters with traits you'd like to possess?

Jody: While each of my characters are unique with no intention of replicating myself or any one person I know, each book does bring out my passion for helping the underprivileged. I usually have a heroine who is fighting against social ills of some kind. And I always seem to have a minor character struggling through timeless issues like poverty, exploitation, abuse, etc. Since I have a masters in Social Work, I guess it's inevitable that I would weave in characters struggling against social ills.

Maria: I can definitely see the parallel. I know you must have another book in the works. Can you give us a sneak peek?

Jody: My next book (releasing in April 2013) is A Noble Groom. It's another Michigan book set among a rural immigrant faming community which is facing discrimination, drought, and then the Great Fire of 1881.

The story starts with recently widowed Annalisa Werner having the feeling her husband was murdered but being unable to prove it. Alone with her young daughter, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He's been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn't commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he'll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa's farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manuel labor.

Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He's gentle, kind, and romantic-- unlike any of the men she's ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love -- but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

Maria: Fascinating plot! I can already tell I'll be adding your next title to my "To Be Read" list! What words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?

Jody: I recently ran across a pin over on Pinterest which said: "Your dream doesn't have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again." I think that's inspiring for all of us whether we're writers or pursuing some other dream. We don't need to be in a hurry. We just need to keep working and trying.

Maria: I love that thought, Jody! Very encouraging. Thanks so much for stopping by today. And I look forward to reading many more of your books! God bless you~

Great news! Jody has graciously agreed to give away a signed copy of her book, Unending Devotion.

*Leave a comment to this post, include your email address in the following format: morgan(dot)maria(dot)i(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without an email address are not eligible.

*Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you're already a follower.

*Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, and/or Twitter. Please be sure and let me know you did so in your comment.

*This is open to US residents only. My sincere apology to those followers outside the US.

*Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, November 20th, 2012. Winner to be announced in Thursday's post. The winner will be notified via email.

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling book, The Preacher's Bride. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children. Publishers Weekly called her newest book Unending Devotion, " a meaty tale of life amid the debauchery of the lumber camps of 1880s Michigan . . . exciting and unpredictable to the very end."

Jody would love to connect with you! Find her in one of these places:

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/

Interview with Writer & Editor Jennifer Slattery

I had the privilege of meeting Jennifer Slattery a couple years ago. We didn't have the opportunity to sit down and chat. No, we met via the internet. Jennifer was collaborating with some other great gals (Jessica R. Patch, Joanne Sher, and Patty Wysong) to host a Facebook page/community that came to be known as Living by Grace: a fantastic place to engage with readers while sharing insights from God's Word. I was honored to join them in that endeavor.

Time flies. I figured it was high time to track down this multi-talented writer and editor and find out what she's up to these days. Join me in welcoming Jennifer!

Maria: Welcome to Life Lessons, Jennifer! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Jennifer: I’ve been married to my best friend and a man I adore for seventeen years, and we have a fifteen-year-old daughter. My favorite pastime of late has been going on leisurely walks with either or both of them. I especially love those times with our daughter as it allows me to catch glimpses into her heart. I’ve enjoyed every stage of parenting, but this one might be my favorite yet.

Maria: Ah, family is SO important! Between managing your business (Words That Keep), and taking care of your family, when do you find time to write?

Jennifer: I love to write. It’s how I process, and it invigorates me, therefore, most of the time, it sort of just flows. (We always find time for those things we love, don’t we?) But I don’t watch TV except maybe a few times a month, so I think that helps. And I tend to break my day into chunks so that I can make the most of each moment—writing when my daughter is at school and the house is quiet, editing when she and my husband are watching TV. Cleaning when I need a mental break.

   

Maria: I totally understand. Kudos to you for trading TV time for editing time! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Jennifer: Jesus is the reason I began writing in the first place. I started writing for a church I belonged to 13 or so years ago—newsletters, curriculum, dramas. Then one day I realized, “Hey, I like this!” So I started dabbling in storytelling just for fun. Then, I felt God’s call. Or I should say, He confirmed it, although I fought Him initially. It’s one thing to write for fun—when you have time. It’s another to center your day around that—to embrace it full force. And frankly, I wanted to do something that would earn a steady paycheck. That wasn't so hard, so unpredictable. But He kept calling, and after a period of rebellion, I surrendered.

 

Maria: I'm glad you followed the Lord's call! What do you hope readers glean from your writing? 

Jennifer: God’s grace poured in and through our broken lives. I hope those who don’t know Jesus will sense His deep, incomprehensible love for them. I hope that those who do know Him will be drawn closer and into deeper surrender.

Maria: Excellent! Any books on the horizon?

Jennifer: Great question! And one I hope to have an answer to soon. J I have several projects in various stages of review with different publishers, and I’m in the critiquing/editing stage with another project and have a few ideas for nonfiction books I’d like to dive into, when I can.

   

Maria: Fantastic! Please keep us posted! Let's talk about your business. What services do you offer?

Jennifer: Mostly I do line-edits and big-picture reads called betas. I love helping writers strengthen their stories by showing them places they can eliminate unnecessary words/phrases, increase tension, improve characterization, show their reader rather than telling them about a situation/emotion/character, that sort of thing. I also provide marketing coaching and have helped many with press releases.

Maria: Sounds like your business allows you to wear many hats. Share a lesson you've learned through Words That Keep:

Jennifer: God manages the business for me. When my schedule allows and finances require more work, suddenly clients begin contacting me again. I've learned to trust in His timing. Well, I’m learning to trust in His timing. I have a tendency to barge ahead or veer right or left on occasion, but thankfully, our ever-patient Savior always nudges me back on track.

Maria: Thanks for your transparency! Share a little-known fact about yourself:

Jennifer: I once swam in a lake where authorities found a dead body. The month before I swam in it. And no, I didn't know at the time. Ugh!

Maria: I have to echo you, "Ugh!" On a more pleasant note, what words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Jennifer: Trust God in every stage—even the quiet or seemingly non-productive stages. Grab hold of and cherish each moment. He has a loving and faithful purpose in every one!

Maria: Awesome advice Jennifer! Thanks again for joining us today!

Connect with Jennifer:

www.wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com

www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com

www.twitter.com/Jenslattery

Interview with Missionary Wife Mindy Bush

It all started in the church nursery. I was scheduled to work in the infant room with Mindy Bush, a busy mom I had not had the pleasure of meeting. In addition to cuddling adorable babies and changing a lot of diapers, we had the chance to get to know one another. Today I have the opportunity to give you a glimpse into the servant's heart of my new friend, Mindy Bush! 

Maria: Welcome to Life Lessons, Mindy! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Mindy: I was born on a pig farm in Indiana. I happened to be born with a “built-in best friend," my twin sister, Jacky. As little girls we talked about being missionaries one day, and pretty much did everything in life together even having a double wedding and having our first babies within two weeks of each other!

I met my husband, Jeff, at college, and we were married two weeks after graduating. We began deputation pretty much on our honeymoon, and 18 months later we arrived in Peru for language school with our first daughter, Lydia, who was six weeks old at the time. Our two years of language and ministry training with Bro. Austin Gardner (who is now our pastor at Vision Baptist Church) laid the foundation for our future ministry in Argentina. In Peru, God blessed us with our second daughter, Adriana.

Maria: Sounds a little like the stuff stories are made of! Love the part about you and your sister's double wedding! And having your first babies only two weeks apart...I know you and your husband served as missionaries in Argentina, South America for several years. Describe your ministry there:

Mindy: Wow! It’s hard to fit eight years into a short paragraph but I will try. We arrived in Argentina in January 2004, and lived in a hotel for three weeks while we looked for a house. It was our desire to start a ministry from zero and not be close to other missionaries so as not to hinder their ministries. It was a little formidable to figure out how to do everything, but jumping right into the culture and just asking the people, helped us to learn more about them! 

We found a house and then started looking for a building to rent for the church. The first church was started two months after we arrived. It felt like our ministry was on “high speed” the entire eight years we were there. There were always things going on and we kept very busy: Jeff, training leaders and me, being wife and mom to three little ones (I found out I was expecting two months after arriving to Argentina, so we had our third daughter, Johanna, before our oldest turned three years old, so you can understand my “busyness”). 

My ministry was mainly to my family, but I was also involved in discipling and teaching ladies, teaching piano, and English classes! Our ministry focus was on training leaders and starting churches. Today there are four churches going strong for the Lord with leaders who studied in our Bible institute, which is in it’s seventh year and currently has 32 students!  We are excited that the ministry continues even without us there and love hearing from the pastors about how people are being saved and the churches are growing! That’s what it’s all about – seeing souls come to the Savior and seeing those people win others to Him!

Maria: I can see how those eight years flew by! It sounds like you made quite an impact in a short amount of time too. Tell us about your transition back to the states and what your ministry looks like today:

Mindy: When we left Argentina for our furlough last year, we didn't know we would not be returning.  We love Argentina and were planning on dying there! But God started working in my husband’s heart when he went back to Argentina on a visit during our furlough. He was both saddened but happy to find that all the churches were doing exceptionally well….without him. It made him wonder if going back would just hinder the work. 

As he prayed about the next step that God would have us to take, he started asking counsel from many Godly preachers. When Bro. Gardner presented  the need for a Director for Vision Baptist Missions (VBM), Jeff knew right away that this was where God was leading us. 

My husband has always had a burden to see more missionaries around the world and train young people to be missionaries so this is where we are today. We have only been in this position for about four months or so, but it is exciting to see how God is calling out people for His service! We feel very privileged to help these young missionary families as they prepare for the field, and we are praying for more young people to give their lives to God on the mission field.

Maria: It's wonderful to hear how God guided and directed you! Describe a typical day in the Bush household:

Mindy: With five kids and a rather busy schedule, I’m not sure what a “typical” day looks like yet. When we are not on the road, visiting churches and presenting the VBM ministry, I love just staying home with my kids! I homeschool so our mornings are pretty much taken up with that. We are involved in the ministries of Vision Baptist Church so when there is an activity going on there, that is where you will find us!  

Maria: I can understand how homeschooling five kids would keep you VERY busy! Have your kids adjusted to American cuisine? What are their favorite foods?

Mindy: Well, not being able to get a lot of processed foods in Argentina, my girls naturally didn't develop a taste for that kind of “cuisine” so we are still working on getting them to like Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza Rolls, and processed American cheese,etc. Give them a ham and Swiss croissant, an empanada (meat pie) and fresh fruit and they act like it’s Christmas! They ask me to make Argentine food at least once a week.  They will eat anything because they have a strict mama, but if you ask them their favorite foods, they will still say, “Milanesa de Pollo” which is Argentine. J

Maria: All this talk of food is making me hungry! What is the funniest thing that happened on the mission field?

Mindy: Well, we have made many cultural and language mistakes but probably the funniest one was when  I was having really bad morning sickness, and my husband had to get the girls ready for school. Well, Adriana was in K4 and had to wear a smock over her clothes. Jeff just thought she wore the smock so he sent her off to school wearing only the smock. When she came back that afternoon, the teacher had sent a note home telling us she had to wear clothes under the smock.

Maria: That's hilarious - I'm sure you must have been mortified! On a more serious note, what is the most important lesson God taught you when you were in Argentina?

Mindy: That He is enough! I missed my family; I missed American traditions; I missed American food; but I could deal with all those issues as long as He was with me! I had to learn that I couldn't lean on my husband’s walk with God. I had to personally have my own daily spiritual walk with Him or I would be headed fast down the road of depression and “pity parties."

  

Another important lesson that He taught me was that when you are in His will and something doesn't go as we would have thought, that He is in control! Every time our plans went “off script” so to speak, the trials only led us in a closer relationship with God.  

The night a gun was held to my head and we faced the real threat of being shot to death in our own home, we honestly could not explain the peace in our hearts! Even our youngest daughter, Alexa, who was about 14 months old at the time, sat quietly still during the whole experience. I don’t believe that God speaks in an audible voice, but I heard Him speak to me in my heart, telling me that it was all going to be okay and that He had allowed it to happen! That is what kept me from panicking as the men ransacked our house, threatened to kill us and then threatened to come back for our youngest baby and kidnap her if we called the police. God’s grace was enough in that moment of difficulty!

Maria: What a terrifying experience! God certainly is the only One who can give us that peace that passes understanding.What goals do you have for the future?

Mindy: My goals for the future are my present goals really – to be the best helpmeet I can to my husband, to see all of our children accept the Lord as Savior and serve Him with their lives!

Maria: Beautiful! What words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?

Mindy: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV). If God calls you to full-time service – Trust Him! If your life is suddenly “off script” – Trust Him!  

At the end of my life, I’m sure I will wish that I would have just trusted Him more! Worry and fear are emotions from the devil. When we worry, we are not trusting. Faith cancels out all Fear, but Fear cancels out all Faith!

Maria: Thanks for those encouraging words Mindy! I appreciate your willingness to share what the Lord is doing in your life - God bless!

Stay up-to-date with Mindy and her husband Jeff's work at Vision Baptist Missions:

http://www.visionbaptistmissions.com

http://www.reachingall.com
http://www.womenbehindthescenes.com

An Interview with Artist & Writer, Mary Barton Nees

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Getaway-To-Write retreat in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. In addition to having plenty of time to write, it provided a wonderful opportunity to meet some talented ladies. Today I have the wonderful privilege of introducing you to one of them. Join me in welcoming multi-talented artist and writer - Mary Barton Nees.

   

Maria: Thanks for joining us today, Mary. Tell us a bit about yourself: 

Mary: Thanks for this opportunity Maria! The most significant impetus in my life happened in 1970, I became a Christian when I bowed my head with a friend in my college dorm. I took Jesus at His word as the only One who ever claimed to be the way, the truth and the life.  It really all started then. A close friend had been killed near me the summer before, and I could not shake my need for truth over ultimate issues. No one (and I asked everyone I knew, including professors) had answers for the questions that drove me since that death. Jesus did not just say He knew a way, He said He alone was the way. Only His words got deep into my core: working, softening, and re-setting broken places. I know first hand the supernatural power of the Word on a prideful, calloused heart.  I sure did not want religion, but somehow, Jesus wanted me. 

These were radical years. Our campus was taken over and shut down by activists both my freshman and sophomore years. I was interested in those issues and listened to all the speeches, but at the same time my heart was awakening. I became then convinced that unless Jesus is allowed into someone’s life as Savior, all our own saving attempts will be dangerously flawed. Jesus was the true radical who changed me from within. 

I met my husband during those years and together we committed our lives to discipling other men and women wherever the risen Jesus would take us. After my husband’s theological training, we served two churches: one in New York and then one outside Philadelphia. This was all-encompassing work; this is where we grew up ourselves.  We also raised four great kids and shepherded them through all the tests of believing, and still believing in cultures that seemed not to care about God. Our favorite getaways were in the woods and on canoe trips in the Minnesota wilderness. I would always pack my watercolors for those golden days of respite.

Maria: Your background is fascinating. Especially love your statement, "Jesus was the true radical who changed me from within." Sounds like He has certainly set the stage for the work you’re currently involved in - tell us about it:

Mary: In 2003 we moved from the Northeast of the United States to North East Tennessee. The reason for the big shift was an opportunity for my husband to specialize in a larger church, being one on a staff of many. He now gets to work exclusively where his heart beats: equipping others to get involved in God’s heart for the world before our opportunity to do this as Westerners closes. We also both work for an organization that facilitates seminary level training in restricted-access nations.  At the same time, this move afforded my going back to school to gain my Master of Fine Arts degree at a local university. I have worked on the adjunct staff of this Art department, when not traveling with my husband.

Maria: You're a multi-talented lady! I know you’ve also recently completed a work of non-fiction. Give us a sneak peek into your debut book:

Mary: This past year I have spent many hours developing what I hope is a provocative primer into the core Biblical themes that repeat and progress from Genesis to Revelation. The book is only 7 chapters (with 3 appendixes) and is intended to catch the attention of people like I was before Jesus. I know there are plenty of hurting, searching folks out there; they are on my mind a lot. They are my friends. I would hope this book could be a tool to get them meaningfully into just a few key passages which can open up their heads and their hearts. That’s the idea; but whether it ever takes off besides just with my friends, I have no idea. I have over 20 queries out on this project and so far have 9 rejections.

Maria: I know rejections are part of a writer's life. I also know God has a plan for this book you've written! What do you hope your readers glean from your book?

Mary: I think like an artist, big picture themes and patterns fascinate me, and when it is Scripture: these themes are life changing. My hope would be that through looking directly at the pivotal words from the “mother of all living” that some hearts could be caught with hope. Eve models a prototype in Genesis 4 that repeats throughout the book: hope is found only by humbling ourselves before the Maker who (Himself humbly) awaits us. And this is just the beginning. The chapters move into other key patterns: the mystery of prayer, the first use of the concept of grace, the purpose of prophecy and then the unique claims of Jesus in time. Ultimately we all have a choice with these things. It’s important therefore to at least consider what is available to know about God from Scripture, before our time here is done. If we ignore the continuing echoes of the Creator, I am afraid we have already made our choice.

Maria: Sobering thoughts. I'd love to read your book. Changing gears just a little, I happen to know you are also a very talented artist. When did you begin painting? Is your artwork for sale?

Mary: I have been interested in art from earliest ages. I grew up going to the Art Institute of Chicago and remember being marked by Monet’s haystacks: right in front of me were these piles of straw that were aflame! To me, art is symbolic language that can get behind defenses and speak. That in fact is the very purpose of this mysterious thing we call beauty. Psalm 19 says that the Creator is “talking without words” through what He has made, to those who will look and listen. But in my younger years, I never imagined being a practicing artist. I went to undergraduate school to study design and environmental analysis at Cornell University. My goal was to use art effectively, practically in culture.  I worked as a product designer after college, and then a graphic artist. Later in Philadelphia I took some wonderful painting classes and learned printmaking at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. What moves me is finding ways for art to influence, to talk beyond and before words. That is a huge aspiration, I am still eager to get there!

Yes my artwork is for sale. I don’t put prices on my website purposefully because I do hope the work talks first before prices distract.  Maybe that’s silly and I am making it hard for people to buy? If someone’s really interested, they can read about me, and email me. I am preparing work now for two local shows. www.marynees.com

Maria: Thank you for sharing pictures of some of your work with us. It's beautiful! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted both your writing and artwork?

Mary: Hopefully I have answered this, but happy to say more. He is the core of what motivates me. Even before I knew His name, He was motivating and moving me. I am convinced therefore that there are others out there, who don’t look at all like they are interested in spiritual things, but whose hearts are asking very weighty questions.

Maria: So true! Share one lesson you’ve learned on your journey as an artist and writer:

Mary: I am simply following. I am exercising the equipment I already have and moving forward with it, as an expression of Him. This sounds easy, but sometimes it is the hardest fight. I doubt my ability, I argue with the time I think I have, I get pulled by many other good things on my schedule. My pride gets me all tangled up. It has taken me a long time to even come to grips with the crazy idea that doing artwork is somehow important Kingdom work. When I see how the Creator values and uses beauty, however, I am moved again to pattern after Him. Even today, I fought getting my stuff in the car and drove out to a knob on a hill to set up my easel.  As soon as I got there, the windows of my heart opened up and I relaxed. I no longer do artwork to produce a result, I work to follow Him and this is freeing me. Maybe that will soon show up in my work.

Maria: I think it already does! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers? 

Mary: Here’s something really beautiful I just found in a Puritan prayer, unfortunately the book I found this in, “The Valley of Vision” does not attribute authors: The words just melt me:

GOD ENJOYED
Thou incomprehensible but prayer hearing God,
Known, but beyond knowledge, revealed but unrevealed,
my wants and welfare draw me to Thee, for Thou hast never said “seek me in vain.”

Maria: What a beautiful prayer to meditate on today! Thank you so much for sharing your talents and your heart with us, Mary. God richly bless you as you continue your heartfelt pursuit of the Savior. 

Connect with Mary:

mbn7@comcast.net

www.marynees.com

 

An Interview with Missionary Wife, Lori Holt

Wife, mother, teacher, counselor - Lori Holt wears many different hats. The most inspiring thing about this young lady? She strives to serve the Lord with every talent and ability He's given her. Today I have the wonderful opportunity to introduce you to Lori. Join me in welcoming this missionary wife ministering in the country of Chile.

Maria: Thanks for joining us today, Lori! Tell us a bit about yourself:

 

Lori: I’m a sinner saved by God’s grace and blessed way beyond what I ever imagined! I’m so thankful for all the people God has put into my life to help me to know Him more fully. I have an aunt who led me to the Lord when I was 14, and she and her husband were so instrumental in my life when I came back to the Lord at the age of 19. I don’t know where I’d be without them. I really do believe with all my heart that I have the best pastor and pastor’s wife in the world! Austin Gardner knows God, and he knows, preaches, and lives out God’s Word. And he and Mrs. Betty have helped us more than any other people we've ever known aside from our own parents! It’s such a privilege to have a pastor who is also a father.

 

I’m married to Jason Holt. He puts up with me and loves me unconditionally. We have three healthy, beautiful kids who have all accepted Christ as their Savior. What more could I ask for?

I enjoy cooking very much. I get real pleasure out of feeding my family and friends. I love hosting people in my home. God has given us a beautiful home here in Chile, and it’s always full of people. I love to decorate and garden. There’s something about getting my hands in the dirt and working with plants that make me feel relaxed.

 

I play piano, horribly, but I play. I learned out of necessity when we got to the mission field. It’s hard on my pride to play piano because I’d like to do it better, but I do it for the Lord.

I really enjoy reading. I actually only read  non-fiction books to help me get closer to God. I feel like I got a late start in my walk with the Lord, and I always have a lot of catching up to do. The Bible is my authority, and I like to read other books by godly, wise, people to help me more fully understand how I can live for Him better. My favorite author is Nancy LeighDeMoss. I have to give her a quick plug. I listen to her radio broadcast on itunes daily, and I've read almost all of her books.  

Anyone who knows me well is laughing right nowJ I fully understand that I talk about her all the time! But I really do appreciate the influence her writings and recordings have had in my life and ministry. And I’m also an advocate for the “True Woman” movement she heads up. I appreciate the effort she and others are making to help women fulfill their God-given roles. 

Maria: I appreciate you giving us a glimpse into your personal life. Did you always dream of being a missionary’s wife?

Lori: Yes and no. I wasn't raised in church. I have a wonderful family; but we never talked about God or Jesus, or attended church.  My testimony isn't pretty.  It’s characterized by ugly words like drugs and alcohol.  But it’s also filled with a very beautiful word:  Grace! So, no, I didn't always dream of being a missionary. I didn't even know what missionaries did growing up.

But once I accepted Christ and gave Him control of my life, He put that strong desire in my heart almost immediately. Yes, being a missionary was a dream I had, but more importantly a matter of prayer in my life.  I knew God would more likely lead me to a man of God instead of a ministry.  I really longed for my own Christian family. So I took missions trips while in Bible college, and trusted the Lord to line my desires up with His. And after what seemed to be a very long time, He brought Jason into my life. We dated for 10 short months, got married, and left for the mission field one year later! It’s so fun looking back now at how God has worked, and it reminds me to trust Him to keep doing awesome things in the future!

Maria: What an amazing journey! It's so neat to hear how God worked. Describe the mission field in South America: 

Lori: South America is very diverse; and obviously Chile is my favorite country. Actually, Chile is one of the most advanced countries on the continent. It costs a pretty penny to live here:  gas stays between five and six dollars a gallon, and I spend double on my grocery bill compared to costs in Atlanta. But even though we have to pay a lot to live here, it’s worth it! Chile is a beautiful country. It’s 2500 miles long and only about 90 miles wide, with terrain ranging from the driest desert in the world in the north to the Patagonia region in the south.
 

Chile is a great harvest field. The predominately Catholic population is looking for something new. This is true in most parts of South America. And though they aren't begging to hear the Gospel; with hard work and persistence, you can see much fruit here. Jason really believes that this is the time for action in South America. In Chile for example, people are ready. But we’re not the only ones here working for their souls.  There are Mormon temples in every community, and Jehovah’s witnesses on the streets visiting everywhere you look. So we’re working hard here and anticipating that God will continue to do amazing things!

Dressing up for Chilean Independence Day

Maria: The majority of Chileans speak Spanish, right? How long did it take for you to learn the language?

Lori: Let’s see, counting our time in language school, we've been in South America nearly ten years. And I’m stilling learning Spanish! For me, it’s a continual process. I do have an advantage over some of my missionary friends serving in other parts of the world, because Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn. But don’t tell that to someone who just got off the plane! Learning any language is a huge hit on your pride. And if you’re not willing to just throw yourself out there and make mistakes, you’ll never learn. 

I’d say that it took about 6 months to be able to communicate on the level of a five-year old. Then after a year, I could teach in Spanish; but it took much more effort than teaching in English.

Now, with the Lord’s help, I have been doing all my devotions in Spanish for several years (you can’t have Scripture in your heart to share with others in their language if you’re not in the Word in their language), and can teach in Spanish with about the same ease as teaching in English. But I still make mistakes all the time. It goes so much further than just grammar. It’s culture. I've got to know the people to make the right jokes, share the right illustrations, etc. Language is so important for a missionary. How can you talk to people about the most important things in their lives; salvation, marriage, raising kids, faith, forgiveness, and so on; without being able to express your heart in their language? I am always working to speak better and know the people more deeply.

A Wacky Tacky day of school

Maria: Wow! I've never thought of it like that before. How challenging! I know you’ve home schooled your children in the past. How has that changed? 

Lori: I home schooled my kids for 4 years. I enjoyed it; didn't love it, didn't hate it, but I enjoyed it. I am a teacher, I studied to be one and like doing it, and I don’t take lightly the responsibility and privilege of educating my kids. But I started feeling a few years ago that the Lord was showing me that there was a better way to juggle the roles of wife, ministry, mom, and teacher.

I know He really wants me to redeem the time. So I started praying about it. And He has led us to start a new project that we all love. Each calendar school year, a young lady from the US comes on a short-term mission  trip to Chile and teaches my kids and other missionary kids in our team. It’s really been a game changer for the whole family. The kids have more social time, I have more ministry time, and we’re all really thrilled. We’re finishing up our first year, and already have a young lady lined up for next year!  God has really led every step of the way!

Maria: What a neat opportunity for all involved! What is the biggest challenge to raising your children on the mission field?

Lori: My kids love Chile. It’s home. The boys were born here; so their “real” Chileans. When a challenge presents itself, it's through me. And the root of that challenge always grows when I fail to take every thought captive to Christ. If I keep my mind on the most important thing; world evangelism, then I’m happy and fulfilled. But I sure can throw a good pity party! I have thoughts like, “My kids never get to have family around for birthday parties.”  “I wish people would stop staring at me in the grocery store.”  “I miss Mom!”  And the list goes on and on.

Recently a childhood friend suddenly passed away. Our parents and hers have been dear friends all my life.  Leah, the 37 year old who died, was their only child. I want to do more than pray, send a card, or make a phone call. I want to give them a hug, make them some food, love on them. It’s tough. I’m detached. But then the Lord reminds me that our family has a much higher purpose than just these things. He has given us a high calling to be missionaries to share His Word with the people of Chile. And the truth is, we have an amazing life here. I wouldn't have it any other way! 

Kid’s play off of their parent’s emotions. We recently went back to the States for our first real furlough. We were home for nine months. We were all excited about it. But I remember thinking, “Life is going to be so fun in the States, I sure hope the kids don’t think their life in Chile is boring when we get back.” And we did have a blast!

We spent some amazing time with family, got the kids good and saturated with some of their American culture (they really needed that), and even went to Disney World. You can’t get any more American than that. But when we got back home, I never heard a word, not one word, about missing the States. And we came back to a house still under construction with no running water. But they were thrilled to be back. And the two youngest ones had even forgotten all their Spanish. And though I don’t want to sound like I’m taking all the credit for that; I really believe most of it has to do with Jason and me. We love Chile. When I throw pity parties, they’re very privateJ  So the kids play off of us. If we’re excited about something, they are too.  If we don’t like something, they don’t either. My pastor says, “Show me a missionary who’s kids hate the mission field, and you can guarantee that his parents hate it too.” I think there’s a lot of truth in that statement.

Maria: I'm glad your entire family loves the mission field in Chile. What is the funniest thing that’s happened there?

 

Lori: I’ll tell you a story that is funny now, but it wasn't in the moment! I’m a TN girl. Jason calls me his Tennessee Hillbilly. So being a country girl, I like to go fishing. And Santiago has no lakes, which make it pretty hard to fish. Mom (an expert fisher), was coming for a visit; so we planned a trip. I had been asking around and found out where everyone in the city goes to catch fish. Oh, and by the way, Jason is a city boy; no fishing background there. So we bought poles, reels, and everything else we needed to have a good time.  Then we headed out for our day of adventure!

The area was about an hour and a half away. We paid about $10 in tolls and another $20 in gas to get there.  So we started looking for bait when we came to the edge of the city. Everyone we asked said that no one was selling bait right now and that we could find worms by looking under rocks. I’m thinking, “Why does it have to be so hard to have fun here?  America is so easy,”  but I’m smiling at the kids and looking under rocks with them. We found a few tiny worms after about a half hour, and realized we’d just have to use the plastic bait we had instead of live bait. We didn't even know what we were going to be fishing for, so I guess it didn't really matter. So we got back in the car and started driving toward the lake.

When we got there, it was drained!!  Yes, there was no water!  No one told me that they drain the lake at certain times of the year. So Jason’s “I’ll fix this” mode kicks in, and he gets out of the car and starts walking in the mud where the water is supposed to be to see if the little bit of water that is out there could possibly be deep enough for fishing. And about 100 meters in, he falls and is covered in mud!! The story actually goes on and on, but I’ll stop there with this application:  It really does take more effort to have a good time on the mission field sometimes.  America is an entertainment culture, and we Americans are very spoiled by convenient, clean, cheap, accessible, and good entertainment. You really have to use your imagination sometimes on the mission field!

Maria: Hilarious! I wish you had pictures! On a more serious note, what is the most important lesson God has taught you, while on the field? 

Lori: That apart from Him, I am nothing and can do nothing. But He can use whomever He chooses. And for some reason I can’t understand, He chooses to use me here. My pastor’s wife told me once that she likes to make sure she’s never in a comfort zone. That’s a sign that we’re not pushing forward. So He’s taught me to keep pushing, remembering that I’m just the tool. He’s the One really doing the work, and to Him be the glory for it!

Maria: That's a great lesson for all of us to apply. What goals do you have for the future?

 

Lori: Generally speaking; to get closer and closer to God trying to know Him more intimately, to keep being a helper to Jason, raise these kids up to love and serve the Lord and loves missions, win and train Chileans to reach others, keep my eye on the ball and not to mess up too badly, speak less and listen more, and bring honor to the Lord through my life.

Specifically, really, I’m trying not to think too hard about it. I love goals; and I’m involved in some projects right now that I’m really burdened about. But my calling is Jason Holt’s help-meet. And one thing I've learned over these 10 years of marriage: You never know what he’s going to do next! So I’m just trying to be ready to have my heart aligned with his for the visions and dreams God puts in his heart for Chile. 

Maria: I look forward to seeing how God continues to use you! How can a person get involved in your ministry?

Lori: We need prayers! Pray for us! Pray for the people of Chile! We need co-laborers! We want to reach Chile before it’s too late. Come and do it with us!

We are taking another step of faith and starting  church number 4 in a city called Belloto. God has worked so many things together to show us that this is His will. Please pray for this new church plant!

Maria: It's a privilege to be able to pray for the ministry there in Chile. What words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?

 

Lori: I’m too young to be wiseJ I’m turning 36 on Oct 12. But my God is all-knowing! He says in Philippians…. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

I don’t really have any words of wisdom, more like words of encouragement for the ladies who are reading:  Figure out what your mark is and press toward it! God intends for each one of His children to go way beyond just being a wife, mother, church member, etc. He has a master plan: world evangelism. And He wants everyone in on it. I’m blessed because I get the package deal. I’m married to a missionary, so it’s easier for me to keep the main thing the main thing. So just ask the Lord to show you YOUR mark in His plan, and press toward it with all you have. We can rest in eternity. Lord help me!

Maria: Thanks for those encouraging words, Lori - God bless you, Jason, and the family as you serve Him there in South America!

Connect with the Holts:
http://biblicalmissions.com

A BIG congratulations to Karen - winner of Merisa Davis' book, "Bill Cosby IS Right: But What Should the Church Be Doing About It?" Thanks for entering the contest last week, Karen - happy reading!