Tea for tea?

I remember the first time I heard someone say that they were offering T4T. I had heard that it came from China. Well, I knew they drink tea in China, so I thought it must have something to do with having tea. I was quite mistaken. But, certainly never did I imagine that it would be something that the Father would allow me to see in action.

T4T is Training for Trainers. It is a method of training believers to then go out and train others, who in turn, train others. It is a vision of multiplicity. It is something that I have dreamed of seeing take place, but I don't think I ever imagined that I would.

Storying is my heart. It is what I love to do most. I love to share His story with preschoolers and senior adults, alike, whether in North America or half way around the world. I am most comfortable with my shoes off, sitting on the floor, sharing a story from God's word.

ST4T combines this dream of multiplicity with my passion for storying.

Through a series of circumstances, I was given the opportunity to join 5 amazing ladies and their incredible professor, from the states, in the big city to lead an ST4T conference for national women. I was humbled by the opportunity that was placed before me. I was intimidated by all that I don't know and all the Hindi I don't yet understand. I was almost convinced that this was impossible. I was sure that these friends who had come from so far away would be terribly disappointed in my inabilities.

Suddenly, the Father spoke. As if audibly, I heard, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9) A relief came upon me. It wasn't possible for me to do this. It was only by surrendering my weakness to Him that this dream could come true. Only through Him could this dream become a reality.

"Great is Thy faithfulness," resounded in my heart throughout the week of the conference. Flexibility was the word of the week; fluidity was required. The plan changed more often than I could keep up with.

These friends had come with the intention of leading a 5 day conference for a large group of national women. On Sunday evening, I heard the pastor announce that a 3 day training would be offered and only 10 national ladies had been invited. Immediately my mind began to spin. What was I going to tell these ladies who had come so far? All I knew to do was to calmly assure them that we would keep busy and there would be purpose in every day.

We began the conference on Monday with 11 national ladies present. Typically, we expect that number to decrease each day. Women have responsibilities that very often are required to take priority over events for them. Monday night we prayed that those 11 ladies would return, and Tuesday morning there were 14 ladies. Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, we prayed that again they would return. Wednesday there were 16 national women hungry to learn more of His story and how to share it effectively.

As Wednesday approached (the final scheduled day of the conference), I became anxious about what I would plan for Thursday. Wednesday came to a close and the women attending the conference were disappointed that they had been given such a limited time to be out sharing the stories in the community. I proposed that we meet back on Thursday, with the only plan being to share stories in the community for a few hours. To my complete amazement, the always late (hours late) South Asian women, were, in fact, 10 minutes early and ready to run to tell His story to their neighbors and friends!

Thursday's program was coming to a close. Again, I didn't have a plan for the coming day (which is quite unusual for the planner that I am). The pastor approached us and asked us to come to another church to train the ladies there with the ST4T stories and principles. I was elated with this opportunity, and with the fact that now we had a Friday plan.

I hoped a couple of the ladies who had been with us since Monday would be there, but I wasn't sure who would join us.

As we reached the roof of a building, we were in the open air. There was construction taking place immediately on either side of the building. The tin roof over our heads was home to a large, and noisy, flock of birds. We had arrived at the church where the one-day training would take place. It was loud. Dirt was blowing in on the breeze. I knew the day would be different from all of the others.

Indeed, it was different. Three of the national ladies who we had trained decided to join us for this one-day training. I spoke to them. I explained that we could really use their help. I shared with them that they had learned everything and that they could in turn teach the stories and method to these new ladies.

The ladies spoke right up; they jumped right in. They were training! They had been trained, and were now training. It was ST4T right there before my eyes.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

~Heather

Snapshots of my days in the big city

We headed off on a great adventure.

Not quite sure of what was in store!

The conference began.


Stories were shared, learned, and practiced.


We prayed for guidance and boldness.


We spent time in homes.


We were thankful for the time we had together.

We prepared for a final training on Friday.


And had to say our last goodbyes.
Praying that the time we had together and the stories that were
shared will carry on long after we are gone.

~Heather

A birthday to remember

Monday was my birthday. I don't love celebrating my birthday. I don't like to stand before a group and be found at the center of attention. I am a behind the scenes kind of girl. So, deep down in my heart, I may have been disappointed if my birthday had gone unmentioned, but it was much better than running the risk of being put in the spotlight. I assumed I was pretty safe since I was spending the day with brand new friends.


We were staying in a hotel just on the outskirts of the big city. As I was finishing getting ready, I heard 5 voices singing "Happy Birthday." I peeked out to find the sweet faces of these 5 new friends who were visiting from the states. I stepped out of my room to find balloons and some of my favorite treats. These precious girls wanted to make my birthday special.

The day opened with these new friends showing love. Following breakfast, we spent time in worship together. We sang some of my favorite songs of praise. I sat on the floor, bare-footed, and shared one of my favorite stories from God's word.

The ST4T conference began and we sang out praises with national women in their heart language. I saw national women equipped to share the stories of how the Father has changed their lives with others who don't yet believe. The day closed knowing that the Father is truly at work in my heart, while He is at work all over South Asia.

Indeed, it was a special day.

~Heather

Cost, or Offering?

My days in the big city have come and gone. They were filled with awe and reflection. Awe of what a mighty, faithful God we serve, and reflection on what I am willing to sacrifice for Him.

I spent a week of my time in the big city with five amazing young women from SEBTS, and their one fearless male leader. It was a remarkable time, in terms of results seen, as well as those unseen. Truly amazing. We opened each day with worship. We sang; we prayed; we dove into His story.

Wednesday morning, I shared the story of the woman with the alabaster flask of ointment (from Luke 7:36-50). This woman was willing to offer all that she had to Jesus. She poured out on Him the most costly thing she owned. Did she consider it a cost, or an offering?

I began to wonder, "How often do I see things I give to the Lord as a cost, rather than an offering? Am I willing to give to Him the most costly thing that I have?" This woman received the same salvation that I have. It is my prayer that I would all that I have for all that He has given me.

After our time or worship each morning, we headed to a local church to train women to use His stories to share with those who do not yet believe. The women that we trained understood cost. I wonder if they saw what they gave as cost, or offering.

Sheila was a dark-skinned, quiet lady who wasn't eager to share her story. After the first day of training, we wondered whether she was a true believer, whether she would return for another day of training.

To my utter surprise, she was right on time and ready to begin day 2. Day 2 began with going out in small groups to share the stories that had been learned on the previous day. As we headed out, Sheila was in my group.

We were warmly invited into the home of one who worships many gods. One of the women in the small group I was with shared her story. Immediately following, I heard, "my husband doesn't know I am here." These words were coming from Sheila. "He beats me when I come home, if he finds out I was at church," she continued, "so sometimes I can't make it to church." Her voice grew to be louder, more confident. "Jesus has changed my life. He has given me all that I need. He gives me peace and hope. He loves me. I choose to worship only Him. He wants to change your life, too. I want you to experience the peace that He can bring you," she shared with our host.

Sheila continued to share stories from God's word and encouraged our host to trust Jesus, and worship Him only.

Sheila understood cost. Or, did she count it an offering? Would I be willing to make such a sacrifice?

~Heather

She came back

The afternoon had come. I was tired. My Hindi had been lacking all morning. I was hot. I was ready to call it a day. But we were again invited in.


As I stooped my head and stepped through the doorway, I was greeted by the smell of gasoline. I'm not sure where we were. Was this a home; was it a shop? Was it maybe both? The man inside grabbed a broom to sweep over the dirt floor. He quickly placed an old curtain on the floor upon which we were to sit.


As we spoke with the man, I asked if he was a believer. He assured me that he was. I encouraged him to seek to be used by the Father to reach others. Again, he assured me that he did. As we continued to dialogue, the crowd of onlookers continued to grow.

Amongst the crowd, two non-believing women were found, each seated on opposite sides of the room in make-shift chairs. A friend who had come in with me began to share the story of truth. One of the women listened intently, the other continually looked around the room. As my friend approached the climax of the story, the second woman excused herself to escort her young son to school.

Just as the story concluded, the woman who had departed earlier quietly slipped back into the room. Following a moment of quiet, my friend decided to repeat the story, beginning at the point at which the lady had departed.

As story was completed for the second time and the women were asked to respond. I assumed that they had only listened out of courtesy, and that the comings and goings from the room had only aided in providing additional distraction.

To my utter amazement, each of the two women proclaimed that they believed the story to be true and wanted to ask the Father to give them salvation.

I'm ashamed of myself. Who am I to assume that He isn't at work? He continues to prove to me that He is faithful and that He will use our most feeble attempts of serving Him to do really amazing things.

I was tired, but I went in, sat down, and struggled through communicating the Father's love to people who are not so different from me. And because so, there were angels singing as the Father's family increased by two more.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

~Heather

Overwhelmed

I am working with some friends in the big city this week. During the day, we have been going into the city and seeking to follow the model provided in Luke 10.

Today as we walked about, talking with ladies, I was completely overwhelmed by the task at hand- sharing the truth with those who have yet to hear it. There are too many. The task is too big. There aren't enough of us, and too many of them.

As my head swam with questions and I sought to find a solution, there was a gentle assurance, a strong piller amidst my shifting thoughts.

"This isn't your task, my daughter, it's mine. I will use you. I want to use you. I can accomplish far beyond anything you can ask or imagine. Remember that I am the one who puts the moon and stars in place and roves about the earth drawing people to myself. This is my task, and I have a plan. Just walk obediently, and I will use you."

The sweet reminder and assurance of a Father who loves his children.

~Heather

Big city, here I come!

This village girl has packed her bag and headed to the big city. Don't worry, it won't be for too long, then I will be ready to return to M-town. I am a village girl at heart, for sure.

I have been given the opportunity to help lead a team of friends from the states in sharing His stories, and training others to do so, in Mumbai. I am thrilled with the opportunity. I know the Father has amazing plans in store for the days ahead. You can stay connected with what we are up to and what the Father is doing by checking out the links in the "Stay Connected" post below.

*Thank the Father for this amazing opportunity.
*Ask the Father to use each of those in Mumbai this week in a mighty way and that He would call the people of this city unto Himself.
*Ask the Father to allow my Hindi to flow smoothly and increase each day.
*Ask Him to use me to draw others to Him.

~Heather

Stay Connected

Mumbai is the pulse of India. The city is a contrast of Bollywood and slums, commerce and unemployment, rich and poor. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Mumbai, India, has about 21 million people in 300 square miles. That is 70,000 people per square mile. It has been said that if you embarked on the task of talking to every person in Mumbai for one minute – working eight hours a day, seven days a week – it would take you 120 years, and that's if no one were born during that time!

But today teams landed in Mumbai to do just that – to start talking, to engage the people of Mumbai in spiritual conversation!

Join these teams of musicians, students and leaders in their search to find persons of peace as they share stories of life change through Jesus.

Email Heather for "staying connected" contact info.
~Heather

Hard Days

Cathy & I have found ourselves in hard times right now. Hard days come, and hard days go, but sometimes they seem to stick around for a little while.

As I left for the airport in the wee hours of the morning, heading off to this great adventure, my heart stung. This was an assignment for Cathy & I to complete together. However, the situation has left me to complete it alone.

Most days, in South Asia, you find yourself not feeling great, but just pressing through, knowing that tummys and heads, noses and throats, they just don't love living in South Asia. Most days we just feel kind of "yucky."

On Friday we decided that there was something more to Cathy's "feeling yucky." So, we headed to Delhi, grabbing what we needed to stay for the night, see the doctor, and return home.

After a series of lab tests, Cathy was diagnosed with Typhoid. Now Cathy is going to be just fine and at the top of her game again soon, but for right now, we are having hard days. I had to leave Cathy in Delhi to recover and march on to conquer this adventure solo.

I don't understand why the Father is allowing these hard times, but I am thankful that He is an ever-present help in time of need.

*Thank the Father for good medical care for Cathy.
*Ask the Father to heal and encourage Cathy.
*Ask the Father to use even these times to draw Cathy & I closer to Himself, as well as, together as a united team.

~Heather

Sacred Marriage

Over the Christmas break, I aspire to read books that have been waiting on my shelf for my eye and pen. Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas, finally got the read it deserved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Does God have more for marriage than a dutiful commitment to remain until death effectively separates? While other marriage books focus on practical issues, encompassed in marriage, like communication, parenting, finances and sex, Sacred Marriage primarily focuses on a theological view of marriage and its details. Calling into question our purpose in marrying, Gary Thomas succeeds in introducing a kaleidoscope view of marriage centering around the opportunity to be refined by the Father.

Every encounter, conflict and event of marriage has opportunity to teach us and draw us nearer to the God we profess and love. Marriage provides a place for sin to be exposed - scary as it may be. Struggling and conflict teach forgiveness.

Thomas lays out the idea of building a sacred history; a story to be treasured, and not disregarded. This sacred history is a tool to teach perseverance. Thomas advocates what he calls "falling forward." He promotes moving toward your spouse, in love, compassion, forgiveness, all the while recognizing they are married to a flawed human being, as well. As one continues to fall forward, servitude is brought into focus. Marriage is fertile ground to cultivate the servant heart displayed by our Savior.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging chapters deals with becoming more aware of God's presence, through marriage. As spiritual insights develop from your sexual relationship, with your spouse, and character develops from everyday struggles, a sensitivity, to God and His moving, grows. Being aware of God's presence lends itself to seeing your marriage with a mission. Your marriage has purpose. A calling and mission is laid out for you and your spouse. Gary Thomas reins all his efforts into helping your realize that, while your calling is unique in aspects, holiness is a common denominator of all purpose in marriage.

Gary Thomas' straight-forward, thick, some times dry style of writing may prove to be more difficult to sail through; but, give it your full attention. Let this be a step towards more fully recognizing marriage as a beautiful picture, painted by God, to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. Begin to see your marriage as a Gospel issue. Know that aiming for less than displaying God's redemptive work, in your life and marriage, is handicapping the potential for joy in the life of your marriage. Recognize that if you choose to give up, to quit, you are playing in to Satan's hand and excitement of marring the Gospel displayed in the most passionate, beautiful actualization embedded in creation. And, if you are single, like me, read this book and know that if God calls you into marriage, you can enter with a weapon to fight against the Enemy and for the glorification of Christ.

~Sarah