We’re Here!

by Clay DannerUncategorizedPosted on 4 Comments

January 28, 2016 We’re Here! 祢好！We hope that this finds you all well! So, after about 32 hours of travel, we made it to Taiwan! The girls did very well for the most part. They thought being in airports was really cool and LOVED that the long flights from Detroit to Tokyo and Tokyo to Taipei they got to have their own TV in the back of the seat. It also helped to have Uncle Mark waiting for us at the airport. The familiar face was a warm welcome for all of us. We even had our good friend Eva show up at midnight as a surprise just after we arrived at the guest apartments we’re currently staying in. We’ve been able to reconnect with some old friends already, which has been really nice. So far the girls have done really well and I think they’re finally over jet lag. Charis especially has loved it. They’ve already become (in their minds) professionals on the subway. Charis has wanted to eat Chinese breakfast every.single.morning. Meili would drink this yogurt-type drink they have here the entire time if we would let her. Liliana is quite the fan of rice. They love walking the streets and got to see their first large rat today in an alley we walk quite a bit, which they thought was pretty cool – they even named him “Brownie”. I see all of this as an honor…that the Father would love me so much to stretch my capacity. Where are being stretched? What is a recent example of the Lord’s faithfulness in your life? I’d love to hear your testimony in the comments below. We finally made it! So far, their favorite things are 7-11, the mango and strawberry ice, breakfast, the subway, and the local neighborhood park. We are currently apartment hunting and trying to figure out where we’re supposed to be. We’ve made a few posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, so be sure to follow us there for more going’s-on. Have a great day, we love you! Liliana loves rice Mango_Strawberry Ice_First time First Subway Ride Liliana on subway Comments Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as Ani Kirkes. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* More Posts Faithfulness & Indiana Jones December 4, 2015 2 We’re Here! January 28, 2016 4 Welcome Video April 20, 2016 1 Support Our Mission Every gift helps us reach more people and share the love of Christ in meaningful ways. Donate

Let Your Faith Be Greater Than Your Fear!

by Clay DannerRhonda's posts, UncategorizedPosted on 11 Comments

August 17, 2015 Let Your Faith Be Greater Than Your Fear! Faith Over Fear: Trusting God’s Plan in the Face of Uncertainty “You’re going out of town today?!” Charis said as I was dropping her off for her first day camp. “But what if you aren’t back to pick me up?!” “Charis, have I ever not picked you up?” “No.” she said. “Have I ever not been there for you?”  “No.” came her reply. “I will be there today too.” I said a little frustrated at her irrational fear. I felt the Lord gently remind me…”Rhonda, have I ever not provided for you? Have I ever not been there for you?” “Um, no.” I said in my spirit and smiled as I realized Charis’ worry was a reminder to me of my sometimes irrational fears and how the Lord is always there saying the same thing, “I AM FAITHFUL! I have never not been there for you.” Raising support is a new adventure for us. It’s one that, I have to admit, is a little awkward and uncomfortable at times. These thoughts began coming to my mind…”What if we do the best we can and it’s a flop? What if, after all this time of waiting to return to Taiwan and walking through the doors He has opened, the money doesn’t come in? What if friendships are affected because people feel weird about not being able to support us?” These are some of the thoughts that came one day not long ago. The word I kept hearing from the Lord is “faithful”. He always has been and always will be faithful. I felt Him challenge me to not apologize for what He is calling us to…to see it and share it as an opportunity to partner with what He is doing and wants to do in Taiwan. “But what if my girls have a really hard time adjusting? What about the time they will miss with our family left in America? What about those relationships? I don’t know if I can watch them grieve at such a young age. It will break my heart. I don’t know how I’m going to do this.” The Lord quickly reminds me, “I’ve made them for this Rhonda. I love them more than you do and I have a great adventure waiting for all of you. Your girls are in your family for a reason.” “Do you trust me?” “Yes, I do trust You.” The words of Peter come to mind, “Where else will I go?” Only You have the words of life.” As I surrender…again…excitement replaces the fear. What an honor to be called to this! What an honor to be an empty vessel the Lord can use to reach the nations. This world has nothing to offer compared to the fullness of the Lord and walking in step with Him! That’s what I want my girls to know, to learn, and to experience for themselves even at ages 6, 4, and 8 months old, because He is worth it! He is worth all of it and more. This life is not about me…it’s not about my girls or Clay or our life together. It’s all about Jesus and making His name known and making Him famous in this life. It’s about the Father’s love and how His love can and will abolish fear among the nations and draw His sons and daughters home. Is the Lord calling you to something that seems impossible? If so, is your fight bigger than your fear? I don’t want to miss out on anything He has for me. What an adventure this life is and we only have one life! So get out there and trust Him more than yourself. Let your faith be greater than your fear. Comments JanuceAugust 19, 2017 at 2:24 am | EditReply Love reading this-will again and again! Meryl McGinleyJanuary 18, 2016 at 6:40 pm | EditReply So excited for you all. Praying for you. Loved your message! It inspires me to continue to walk out in faith. Looking forward to your future blogs. Clay DannerJanuary 28, 2016 at 5:44 pm | EditReply Thank you, Meryl! Melissa HesterDecember 21, 2015 at 8:30 pm | EditReply Wow! This post brought me to tears! SO MUCH TRUTH in here that resonates!! And seriously, Rhonda, you are an amazing writer!! Well said, friend. Love you and praying for you guys on this tremendous adventure!! xoxo Clay DannerDecember 27, 2015 at 7:47 pm | EditReply Thanks so much, Mel! We love you too. SabrinaAugust 26, 2015 at 8:40 am | EditReply bon courage! it’s going to be a wonderful journey with the Lord. I realise it’s not about where I am but it’s really about God’s presence with you wherever you go. (Exodus 33:15) Pray for the Lord’s clear guidance, peace, and joy be with your family forever! amen Clay DannerAugust 27, 2015 at 8:39 pm | EditReply Thanks, Sabrina! We agree completely. Jennifer FreshAugust 21, 2015 at 8:12 pm | EditReply Rhonda and Clay, I can completely relate to your fears concerning your girls. When we felt called to become foster parents, our 3 biological children were a huge concern. How would having other children come into our home and live with us effect them? To make a long story short, God has shown me exactly what you already know. My 3 kids were made to be foster siblings. They have loved several other kiddos as if they were our own! It has been such a joy to see! We are praying for you, Clay and the girls! I know God has big plans for you and your ministry! Jennifer Fresh Clay DannerAugust 27, 2015 at 8:38 pm | EditReply Thanks for sharing that, Jennifer! It’s awesome to hear of His faithfulness with you guys. Thank you so much for your prayers! KandyAugust 18, 2015 at 12:17 am | EditReply What a great analogy and vulnerable testimony. Thank you for sharing your struggle …

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