Stupid Bold; It's Not About Me

When we came to Glasgow, we were issued a challenge. The challenge...be STUPID BOLD. Not just bold, but stupid bold. Our Challenge: to walk up to people ask to pray for them, ask to share our stories with them, get to know them. Honestly I was not really liking that plan. I have a hard time starting conversations with people I already know, so to start a conversation with a perfect stranger was and still is a crazy idea to me. I guess that's why it is called stupid bold. I also had other thoughts going through my head like "what good does 'street evangelism' really do, people here won't even want to listen to my story.

Reluctantly we decided to put some stupid boldness into practice. However before we went out to talk to random strangers, I took some time to pray and think about why we would even do this. I asked God to open my eyes to the people around me, to give me a genuine love for them, and to break my heart with their brokenness. I asked God that he would guide us to specific people to talk with. We talked with a few students and although they said "they knew of Jesus, but had no need for him in their lives," they allowed us to get to know them, share our testimonies and the gospel with them, and were very appreciative of our offers for prayer. They were engaged in what were saying and my prayer is that God would send others to water those seeds and He would grow them.

I'm not saying that street evangelism is always the best way to witness to people, it does help to have a relationship with people so you can have follow up conversations with them. But I know that God is sovereign and if he leads us to people to share the gospel with there is a purpose. I may never see that purpose, but it's not about me. I think it is also important to remember that we don't have to go out and "do" street ministry, but rather live our lives with eyes open to opportunities. Be asking God for open doors to share with people, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when he guides you to people. Look for those red apples and take advantage of the opportunities God places in front of you on a daily basis. Sometimes it seems easier to share with people we don't know than with those we see everyday. Maybe we are afraid of what they think or that they will reject us. But if we truly love people the most loving thing we can do is share Christ with them. So maybe stupid bold doesn't just apply to strangers, but with those we have relationship with. Maybe it is a lifestyle. A lifestyle sold out to Christ, willing to go where he calls, and to speak boldly, out of a genuine love for people and an overflow of the love Christ showed to us.

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:7

Prayer Requests

• Praise God that we finally received our debit cards!
• Pray that we would continue to have an attitude of stupid boldness 
• Pray for Craig, Amanda, and Lynn the three students we shared with yesterday. Pray that God would move in their hearts, that they would see their need for Jesus, and be brought to a place of repentance.
• Pray for revival in our hearts, in the hearts of the people of Harvest Glasgow, and for the hearts of the people in Glasgow.
• Pray that we would always have a spirit of humility, knowing God is the one at work within and around us, and it's only by his grace that we can take part in God's Kingdom work.

                                             

Hurry Up and Wait

A little pre-blog treat for those in anticipation of the apartment viewing!

This week, and specifically today, I have been struck with the realization that over the past 6 months during our newest transitional period, that God has been impressing upon our hearts patience.  It's definitely safe to say that we have not only recognized this in the past but also had conversations about this exact topic.  It seems to me that because I am so thick headed at times that God needs to revisit a lot of the things that he has taught me previously, or maybe a more optimistic view is that I did learn the aspect he was teaching me and now there is something new to add into the mix. Good point to ponder I'd say!

Patience in the Bible:

• "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1 

• "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

• "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

• "This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus." Revelation 4:12

Also this week I had the opportunity to listen to a sermon on biblical church planting by Voddie Baucham.  His main text for the sermon was in 2 Timothy.  Since then I have found a huge interest in digging back into the book of 2 Timothy for my personal devotions and have found it quite awesome.  I think I found my verse for the rest of the year and hopefully for the rest of my life!

 "As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."   2 Timothy 4:5

Things we are patiently waiting for:

New Baby

New Believers

New Friendships

In other news...

We have our address for those who wish to send us goodies, just ask!

We have our internet set up in our flat so we can Skype with you all as well!


YOU ARE LOVED!

Home Sweet Home

Ever since we arrived in Scotland, 3 weeks ago, I have been quite homesick. It’s strange because I really do like the city, the people, the church, and life here; but at times I have found myself depressed, thinking and crying aloud “I just want to go home.” To say the least this has not been the easiest of transitions for me. I miss Rochester, my friends, family, and church family back home. (However I’m not missing all the snow that is still falling;)

BUT this week has been a bit of a turning point for me. I still miss “home” but God has been so faithful and is really helping me to see Glasgow as my “home” for the next year, and I have felt much more settled this week. Apart from God’s grace and faithfulness a few practical things that have helped this week are:

1. Moving into our flat! Check back next week for a video tour of our flat
2.  Going grocery shopping and cooking our first meal in our new home
3. Setting up our baby room
4. Getting registered with a doctor. Huge answer to prayer we are covered by the NHS and do not have to pay for any health care including baby costs!
5. Getting some defined roles and specifics as to what are jobs will be here and diving into that.
6.  Lastly our church family at Harvest Glasgow. On Sunday we had an outdoor baptism service after church and I remember just looking around at everyone and feeling this sense of home. In that moment, I believe God was showing me the beauty of the church and was telling me to allow myself to be a part of this family, get to know these people, and grow with them. I felt so encouraged in that moment and excited to see what God is going to do during our time here.

Lesson of the Week

This week I have been thinking a lot about my prayer life and how I have become so complacent with prayer. I was encouraged by a friend to continue praying BIG prayers and I was reminded of the last time I started asking God for BIG things. That is when he revealed his plan for us to come to Scotland. I want to become more dependent on God and I know the only way to do that is to seek him in prayer and allow him to change me and do BIG things in my life. I don’t want to leave here in a year thinking that was a fun year. I want to leave knowing that this was the year God changed my life, brought me to a greater place of dependence on Him, and used me to build his kingdom. I was also challenged in church on Sunday about my beliefs on prayer. As Pastor Scott said when we pray we activate the arm of omnipotence. If I truly believe that somehow my prayers move the hand of the Almighty then my prayer life should look different.

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

Prayer Requests

•  Praise God that we are registered with the NHS and do not have to worry about paying hospital bills for any baby costs. We previously thought we were going to have to pay out of pocket for all maternity check ups and the delivery.
•  Continue to pray for our bank situation as the bank mailed our debit cards to the US. Pray that we will have full access to our money this week.
•  Pray BIG! Pray that we would become more dependent on God through prayer, that God would change us, and that God will use us in ways we can’t even imagine.

Picture of our flat

  

First meal of spaghetti and meatballs

View of our clinic from our bedroom window. That is where all my appointments will be.

The church building we meet in every Sunday

Grace being baptized

You are loved!

If you would like our new address please email us or send us a facebook message. benarant@gmail.com or daniarant@gmail.com

A Changed View

The Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, fueled by the writings of Martin Luther and John Calvin, set the stage for Scotland to produce a rich Christian heritage. From martyrs burned at the stake like Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart, to John Knox who basically brought the reformation to the Scottish church, and David Livingstone, who brought the gospel to Africa, we see no shortage of Christian heroes produced from the great country of Scotland.

I say these few words about Scottish history to provide an unfortunately stark contrast to the current spiritual climate of this country.  Churches are either not growing, or closing their doors. A giant cloud of apathy, towards religion, seems to have crept its way into the hearts and minds of the people. An old Glaswegian motto reads "Lord, let Glasgow Flourish by the preaching of the word." Today the motto has been changed to, “Let Glasgow Flourish.” Secularism is quickly taking hold of this country. *PRAY FOR THE NEXT REFORMATION*

Even in these first two weeks of being in Glasgow, God has shown us more clearly why He brought us here; to reach out to a spiritually poor city with the gospel for the glory of God. What an amazing calling God has placed our lives for this next year!

THIS PAST WEEK
We had another great and encouraging Sunday this week.  One of the elders stepped in to preach literally the day before due to illness from pastor Scott.  God anointed his words as he preached on the armor of God.  The rest of the week was consumed with spending time building relationships, figuring out our roles and responsibilities more clearly, and attempting to set up our bank accounts.

LESSON LEARNED
No matter how difficult the transition is, no matter how much you know or don't know what you are doing, no matter how difficult it seems or even if all of it makes sense, when God says GO...you GO! Learning that if we exercise the faith that God has already given us, and take active steps towards seeking God's will for our lives, He will honor that and we will see the fruit of that in our own lives! #gohardorgohome

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Continued diligence with spiritual disciplines

2. That we would be faithful in seeking out discipleship (building relationships)
3. We would be able to move into our flat soon
4. That our bank account stuff would all get resolved

5. That God would use us in mighty ways to reach the lost in Glasgow

*pictures from Wikipedia

New sights, new sounds, new...COUNTRY!

We arrived in Glasgow last Wednesday! Our flights went very smoothly and the journey was quite an easy one Praise God! 

This week we have spent most of our of time catching up on sleep, getting somewhat acquainted with the city, meeting lots of people from the church, and looking for a flat. We found a great flat for a decent price that was fully furnished. It is a little bit of a walk to shops, public transportation, and the church, but nothing too far or unmanageable. We will hopefully be moving in by the end of the week and hope to start a "normal" work routine next week. We've met a lot of great people; Glaswegians are extremely friendly and like American accents which works in our favor:)

Lesson of the Week
If you know me very well you will know that transitions are not easy for me. Saying good-bye is difficult, meeting new people is difficult, and I get overwhelmed by new circumstances pretty easily. So needless to say this past week has been a challenging one for me. However when I think back to how God has been faithful in the past I am encouraged. 

When we moved to Rochester it wasn't easy. I didn't know anyone besides Ben's family and it took quite awhile for me to make friends and feel at home in Rochester. Now when I think our time spent in Rochester I think of the place where God changed me and grew me in so many ways and where I have so many godly friends that have made such a lasting impact on my life. And that was just a small step of faith to move to Rochester. I am confident that although this year may be difficult, God is going to do so much in our lives and grow us in ways I can't even imagine. In that sense I hope it is just as hard to leave Glasgow as it was to leave Rochester. 

In the difficult times I am reminded to remain faithful to God's calling in my life, and to surrender my fears and anxieties of being in a new place at the cross and trust in what God is doing. Easter Sunday was a perfect day to leave Rochester with such a great reminder of why we moved to Glasgow. We want the whole world to know that Jesus Christ is alive!

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Prayer Requests
-For our bank accounts to get set up so we can have access to our money
-To build lasting relationships 
-For boldness as we share Christ with those around us
-New birth in the city of Glasgow

Highlight of the Week
-Worshipping with the people of Harvest Glasgow for the first time
-Seeing Prince William and Princess Kate...twice!...well their motorcade


We will be updating our blog every Wednesday so stay tuned. Ben and I will be rotating from week to week!

You are loved! 
Ben, Dani, and baby Arant

Its a.....

 BOY!!!!!!!

Ben and I are so excited to reveal the gender of our baby that is going to be born in September over in Glasgow, Scotland.  God has done so many amazing thing in our lives over the past 6 month and we are so thankful for all of the wonderful, loving, and godly friends we have made along the way.

"This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

Since you all have been a huge part of the journey thus far, we want you to continue this race with us by visiting our blog often, and praying for us even more! Together, let's all grow closer to God in this next year more than ever before!

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works..." Hebrews 10:24

YOU ARE LOVED!

A story of God's faithfulness in our lives. Jeremiah 33:3

For my first "real" blog post I thought I would explain the title of our blog and share part of our journey.

Ben and I were living in La Crosse in the spring of 2011 and had been married for a little over a year. I was teaching full time at a Christian school and Ben was working as a manager at Hollister. We liked our jobs, we liked our church, and we loved La Crosse. However we had this discontentment. I vividly remember laying bed and discussing how even though we enjoyed enjoyed being in La Crosse we knew God had something different for us. We were discontent not because of our circumstances, but I believe because God was preparing us to leave and  follow him. We began praying that God would show us what he had for us.

It wasn't too much later that Ben got a facebook message from Steve Deedrick who was planting a church (Harvest Bible Chapel Rochester) in Rochester and asked us to come check it out. We didn't think too much of it at the time but decided to have lunch with Steve and Kimberly the next time we were in Rochester. Conveniently, Ben's family lives in Rochester so we visited often and were able to meet up with them soon after that message. God was super clear during that lunch and we both felt a strong connection to the vision and mission of the church and knew we wanted to be a part of it. We went back to La Crosse and continued to seek the Lord and see if this was something he was leading us to. God opened up many doors, we took a step of faith, and we moved at the beginning of the summer.

Since coming to Rochester in 2011, God has worked in our lives in many ways and we have grown so much. God has shown us his faithfulness, we have fallen more in love with reading the Word and Jesus, and have joy and contentment we haven't experienced before.We feel so blessed to be a part of what God is doing through Harvest Bible Chapel  Rochester and Harvest Bible Fellowship. It is been awesome watching God move and grow in so many peoples lives here.

Moving to Rochester is just the first half of the story. As a result of moving to Rochester and getting involved with Harvest we were also able to attend a conference in February of 2012 for people interested in planting churches. We weren't there to plant churches, but for a weekend of discipleship. Just the fact that we ended up there that weekend was a God story in itself. That weekend we met Kirk, the Pastor of International Church Planting for Harvest Bible Fellowship. We chatted with him about possible opportunities to go overseas and serve with Harvest. We also met Pastor Peter from Nairobi, Kenya who invited us to come to Kenya.

I need to back up a little first. Before that conference God was working. A few weeks prior I had listeded to a sermon on and been meditating on Jeremiah 33:2-3 "Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it-the LORD is his name; Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." I had decided that I was going to start calling out to the Lord and asking him to show me these great and hidden things. Well he did!

We came back from the conference praying this prayer and specifically asking God to send us to Africa for up to 1 year if that was his will, but ultimately to show us what he had for our lives. We prayed and sought the counsel of others and it looked like we would be going to Kenya for a year. We went on a short trip to Kenya with Kirk in the summer of 2012 to discern if this would be a good fit for us. We came back from that trip and continued to pray and ask God if Kenya was it.

We soon realized Kenya was not where God was sending us, but he was sending us somewhere and we needed to wait on him for those answers. After much prayer and fasting God led us to Harvest Bible Chapel Glasgow in Scotland. If you know me at all you would know that I have always wanted to live in Africa. So when God shut that door, I do have to admit it was hard, BUT GOD was SO clear. He answered so many prayers and changed my heart in so many ways to be broken for those who are spiritually poor and not just physically poor. I desire that the gospel be proclaimed in all the nations!

God continues to be clear as we are in the process of raising funds to serve in Glasgow, Scotland for one year. We are trusting him for the money and believe that he will provide and will continue to show us the great and hidden things he has in store for our lives.

Believe it or not this is the condensed version. If you want to hear more I would loved to share with you!

Check out our website for more information on what we will be doing in Glasgow and ways to support us!
https://hbf.missionsconnex.com/Arant

You are loved!