For many around the world the new phrase “super size” is a fitting term for Americans. Perhaps for the nationals hosting you this summer, they may have a preconceived idea of what you look like. They may perhaps expect you to look like the guy in this photo!

Take a long hard look at yourself - Not only from the outside mirror image, but from an inside spiritual perspective. Are you indeed a “super sized American?”

Here are some last minute ideas to “down-size” your image.

Out-ward appearance:

1. Loose some weight.

All of us (who need to) could easily loose at least ten pound prior to our ministry trip. The world views Americans, and rightfully so, as FAT!

2. Loose some razzle-dazzle.

Many around the world view us as pretentious. Don’t be so dependant on fad dress and outlandish styles. Modesty in dress is NOT only a matter of making sure our dress is not sexually provocative, but modesty also has to do with being reserve and humble. DOWN-SIZE the extreme hair cuts and colors, get rid of the wild latest fashions. Peter said: Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.

Inward appearance:

1. Loose some attitude.

Many around the world view Americans as arrogant. Quite frankly they are right! Even in spiritual things, we feel we have it all – know it all! While you are on your food diet, your fashion diet, why not also go on a heart attitude diet. Go on ministry this summer with a “let me learn from you” attitude rather than “I am here to teach you” attitude. Peter goes on to say: You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

2. Gain some love.

Let these words from Paul fill your heart and soul:

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.

You can leave a comment on this article at our Let’s Fish weblog

Short-Term Trip to Turkey

October 7 to October 16

Short Term Trip to Turkey See what Turkey was spiritually by visiting New Testament sites, including some of the Seven Churches of Revelation; see what Turkey is today by visiting works in several cities, visiting a village, praying in these places, and sharing your faith when appropriate. Return home with a vision for intercession for this needy country of 70,000,000 people with only about 3,000 believers. Cost $1900 Includes all expenses, but $20 Tourist visa, tips for guide and bus driver and any personal expenditures. This trip is put on by Steve Wibberley's company, Galatia LTD. For more information visit Galatia LTD's website at http://www.galatialtd.com/tours/  Find out why Turkey is a great, safe place to visit. Read Galatia LTD's FAQ page at http://www.galatialtd.com/tours/faq.asp

Steve Wibberley, tours@galatialtd.com; Josh Wibberley usoffice@galatialtd.com

New Trip Registered

June 15 to June 28

Nine Short-termers to Provide Medical, Evangelistic Ministry in Rangiland, Tanzania Nine people from Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Sinking Spring, PA, hope to travel to Pahi, Tanzania, to visit their adopted people group, the Rangi. Medical personnel on the team will assist with special clinic days. Others will assist national missionary Peter Pharles and AIM worker Paul Tanner in visitation and evangelistic outreach. The team also hopes to raise funds to begin construction of a new water line for the township.

Tom Maurer Tommaurer@gpu.com

Looking to Join a Group

Dana:
We have a young man in our church that just is graduating from High School and might be interested in a missions trips this summer. Do you know what churches have trips planned and could you give me the contact people for these different trips...plus maybe an idea of where and what they are doing? Thanks for your help in this matter. Ruthie
CONTACT:
John Vandegriff [ruthvan@optonline.net]

Victory Valley Camp

Among the exciting changes at Victory Valley Camp, this year we begin recognizing our summer staff for what they have always been – summer missionaries.

Instead of calling them 'staff' and paying them $25-to-$125 per week, this year they will raise prayer-support networks and have the option of serving the Lord as a volunteer, or as a supported missionary with a potential pay range from $50-to-$350 per week depending on their level of responsibility.

The Victory Valley board of directors approved this move to ...

• provide more prayer covering for this ministry,

• attract staff who want to clarify their calling and deepen their devotion to Christ,

• better prepare our young servant-leaders for a life of missions and ministry, and

• increase understanding and support of this ministry among members of BFC churches.

You may have already heard from one of our Summer Missionaries, asking you (or your missions team) to pray and to consider financially supporting the ministry. We realize that the financial part of this would be above and beyond any money your church now sends as support to Victory Valley. We're grateful for the many churches and individuals who give sacrificially to this work.

If you have any questions about this you can visit our Summer Missonary forum online, or just call me.

Please encourage your church family to join with these young missionaries-in-training as they boldly go with the gospel. You might also remind parents that they can register their campers online now at VictoryValleyCamp.org

Alive in Christ,
Scott Ott, executive director  610-966-5880

“Our God Is Truly An Awesome God, Part II”

I mentioned before that during our last trip to Kosovo we distributed items to 2200 school children in one large school and two satellite schools. Many of the items we distributed I had collected for months, twenty toothbrushes here, fifty pencils there but God was faithful and we had enough to give to everyone. Now here is the awesome part!! When we got back, within a matter of two weeks, God replaced my 4400 fruit snacks with 15,000 fruit snacks and my 2200 toothbrushes with 2200 more toothbrushes. What had taken me months to put together HE replicated in just a matter of days and at a very low cost. As a result, I am already working with my missionary friends to identify another school(s) where these items can be distributed because I am anxious to see what HE does after the next trip. HE truly is faithful in both the small and the large things. AMEN!

You can leave a comment on this article at our Let’s Fish weblog

Translated the words are so fitting for any of us who choose to “down-size” (see article above)

O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me,
And all things else recede!
My heart be daily nearer Thee,
From sin be daily freed.

More of Thy glory let me see,
Thou Holy, Wise and True!
I would Thy living image be,
In joy and sorrow, too.

Fill me with gladness from above,
Hold me by strength divine;
Lord, make the glow of Thy great love
Through my whole being shine.

Make this poor self grow less and less,
Be Thou my life and aim;
O make me daily through Thy grace,
More meet to bear Thy Name!

You can leave a comment on this article at our Let’s Fish weblog

Your Response is Always Appreciated

Send us your ideas, journal entries, or write an article for Let’s Fish. Remember I LOVE mail! You can contact me at weller@bfcbom.org.