What A Decade!

Chris & Lynn and the PandemicYou may be wondering how does one do missions work while there is pandemic going on? Now more than ever the work of full-time missions is critical for those struggling with the world wide pandemic. Everyone needs easy access to the Bible to brings comfort, answers and light. 

Chris is able to work from home, enabling his work with original biblical languages to be an immediate benefit to reach the lost and dramatically aid in translation work. 

For Lynn, counseling has moved from face to face, in person counseling to talking over FaceTime and Zoom with those who need a listening ear and prayer.

The beauty of technology provides much needed times of, encouragement and prayer for staff but also to the greater community we live in where people are fearful, stressed and need Gods love to see them through the days ahead as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc with our day to day lives.  

~ The bible transforms individual lives, but it can also change nations.~ 


New Life

They say that things change within your heart when your kid, has a kid. That has certainly been the case with the arrival of William Cylas Toney. Cylas was born on Valentines Day to our oldest son Will ( goes by his first name now) and his lovely wife Adrienne.  Lynn was able to fly right before things got tricky with the virus to help out with baby and help Will and Adrienne move We are so blessed with our first grandson and couldn’t be more proud of Will.  Can’t wait til the next time we can connect with these three.   


What a Decade!

10 years. So much has happened. 10 years – each and every one of you walking with us, praying for us and being side by side with us in missions. 10 years – you, our supporters, have journeyed with us through the tears and the joys. 10 years of ups and downs.  Let us look back over the last decade to some major highlights of Chris and Lynn in missions; serving those around the world and in their local community.


 Accidents Happen 

Having two accidents in the early months of 2010 was an experience we both would rather not repeat. Lynn’s boating accident, a collision between a water taxi on which she was riding and another boat, left bumps, bruises and a severe shoulder dislocation for Lynn, and a fatality on the other boat.  Months of doctor and PT visits while doing rehab exercises were left interrupted by the second accident of 2010. Chris was throw from an horse during a family day out celebrating our two oldest son’s 18th and 16th birthdays. Chris sustained major injuries to his brain resulting in a long stay in the hospital, medically induced coma and several medical tests to determine that a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) has long lasting and irreversible damage. 

What we learned in those early months of the decade: That you can and will have strong support and will tangibly see the results of countless people praying and have the knowledge that you are never alone in God’s embrace and love. 

What we are still learning: That life can be lived to the fullest no matter the obstacles; and that a change in course, no matter the size or the event, can bring new things, great things if we only hear, obey and trust in the Lord.
God is our refuge and strength, our ever present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1


Boat’s Goodbye

Living on boats and calling them home for almost 5 years while doing full time missions, while homeschooling your 3 kids, while running DTS schools, while living in VERY small quarters, while overseeing the day to day operations of two large Catamarans was an exhilarating experience to say the least. From hurricane seasons and sailing to safe harbors, to seeing God in nature, to watching students come to a deeper relationship with their Lord, to the perfect sunset, to breakdowns and missing parts, to down pours of rain, to dolphins frocking in the bow, to dark nights of long sails, to worshiping God on the water, saying goodbye to the boats in order to be full-time on land brought a mixture of emotions. 

What we learned: An experience of a lifetime. That God will meet you in the most unexpected ways. To hold fast to a dream created by Him. To never give up, even when everyone around you says otherwise. 
 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in touch with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25


The Nest is Empty 

2013 marked the beginning for Chris and Lynn of what is affectionally called “Empty Nesting” in the U.S. It’s the season of when all of your kids are out of the house and on their own. Will (Cameron), Josh and Jessie were moving into adult living while Chris and Lynn where able to expand ministry focus to include travel and teaching abroad while still serving as base leaders in Belize. 

What we learned: That hard work, trusting the Lord with your kids, being consistent and showing Gods love to them, can pay off to be blessed with amazing adult kids. **If you’re in the season of child rearing, have hope your love and care will pay off.  
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6


The Passing of the Baton

We don’t know about you, but often times the Lord moves through big events and/or changes, prayer, ideas, nudges, scripture or what the world would call a “coincidence”. Looking back now, there were signs; there were things already in motion (remember the comment about learning?) that started off slowly and built momentum as we handed off of our roles as base leaders of Destination Paradise, a Youth With a Mission training base originally founded on sailing boats, and eventually became a strong training campus with over a hundred students each year completing schools, outreaches and internships.  

What we learned: What you think you are going to do forever can change… be open to the possibility of bigger and better as the Lord guides and directs your path. Do you have the faith to step out into the unknown? Sure you do; just trust Him and He will show you the way.  
 For we walk by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7


New Beginnings (again)

Starting off in missions in 1997 left us with the exhilaration and excitement of what have we done?! sense of nervousness for what was next. Who would have known that the Lord would take us, teach us, train us, be with us, and guide us in so many different ways (Mercy Ships, Captain, homeschooler, teacher, trainer, counselor, bible scholar etc..), taking us all over the world and reaching countless people. Leaving Belize allowed for a widening the net, going deeper with new things. He landed us in Kona, but He paved the way for us to travel, to teach and to go.

What we learned: Anything is possible with the Lord. Hold on tight!  You might think you know what the ride will be like, but it turns out to be the ride of a lifetime complete with immeasurable faith and heart pounding experiences.  Given the choice, we wouldn’t change it for anything!
 With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.  Matt 19:26


Let Us Learn (more)

In hindsight, it is easy to see where the Lord was directing both Chris and Lynn from 2011 and onward to the later part of the decade.  Who would have known that both of us would continue  education beyond university in fields that we love and that we would engage that learning so extensively and internationally in the coming years, and now in, of all places, at the U of N campus in Kona Hawaii. Chris started in 2011 with the first of 2 masters degrees through Fuller Seminary. Our neurologist has said many times that Chris’s academic studies helped him in the early years of recovery by stimulating healing by learning. Lynn followed a few years later with the desire to glean more information in the field of counseling and coaching. Association of Christian Biblical Counselors certification was quite stretching with a steep earning curve. Both of our certifications and degrees are used every day for the greater progress of the kingdom. 

What we learned in the process of more education: That you’re never too old to learn. That there is so much out there to do, see and be a part of when education has been fostered, nurtured and grown. 
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:9


No More

How do you explain the term gut wrenching? That pit in your stomach? That headache that comes from stress? That sinking feeling of dreams lost, vision blurred and plans that will cease to happen? Living and doing ministry in Belize was always tricky. Did we see things coming as they unfolded? No. Were there always challenges with the Belizean government from the first day we sailed into this beautiful nation? Yes. Could the base and its new leadership have done anything to stop the ways of a corrupt government? No. The base closure still has long term effects for us both, former YWAM DP staff and those Belizeans we loved and were blessed to be a part of their lives. We always trust that the Lord has hopes and dreams far beyond what we can imagine or understand. 

What we learned: That in the storm, you may not know, can’t see, or feel the reasons for what is happening- but can trust that this too shall pass. When you’re in the midst of the pain, God can and will bring clarity, love and care to his kids. 
See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

A Work in Progress

As we usher in the New Year, it is easy to look over your shoulder at 2018 as a time of reflection while looking forward to what lies ahead. As many of you know, we experienced the dichotomy of two worlds in 2018 bringing a mixture of emotions, challenges and joy. Our ministry here in Kona and globally through the University of Nations this past year has been fulfilling, settling, and a testimony to God’s goodness as well as being life giving for us both. Yet, opposing all that, last year has been one of the most difficult, painful and trying years (minus Chris’s accident in 2010) of our 22 years serving in full-time missions- with 2018 bearing what was essentially a governmental shut down of YWAM DP in Belize, Central America.  

The phrase “A Work in Progress” keeps rattling around in our minds of late. It is an interesting phrase to dissect as we process and debrief the whirlwind of activity that has taken place last year with these two ministry worlds colliding. On the one hand, the YWAM training center we founded in 2003, ran with much success for many years, transferred to great staff almost four years ago and agonizingly closed in 2018; and on the other hand, the awe inspiring season we have had since leaving Belize to follow God’s call to serve more globally within YWAM. The “Work in Progress” includes a challenging mixture of the closure of the base with the intense weight that falls so heavily upon our shoulders and the solid, kingdom calling, continuation of the far reaching work we are privileged to do.

 Scripturally, the phrase a “Work In Progress” is so fitting for the journey we are all on as Christians: Not complete and not perfected.  Romans 15:13 reminds us that hope, joy and peace come from Him. Whether in the midst of an arduous task, a painful season or when life is humming along with jump in your step; God is near. He can be trusted. We need only to rely on Him. 

 A “Work In Progress” we are. Sometimes we are battered and bruised, sometimes things are easy and not so hard- but we are always victorious- always looking to Him to sustain and to strengthen us giving us hope, peace and joy in times past, now and forever. 

What Are The Toneys Up To?

 

We have had many questions about what we’re up to and how we’re doing.  So we compiled some of those questions and did our best to give answers to each. If you have a question we left out, please don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll get right back to you.  There is news out of Belize regarding YWAM Destination Paradise and we’ll fill you in on that soon.  Blessings to you and please read on!

What is the short version of your history in missions?

  • In 1992, we both felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit during a Missions Emphasis” Sunday at church.
  • In 1996, while Chris was working as a Mega Yacht Captain, we knew unmistakably that the timing for us in missions had come.
  •  in early 1997, we gave e a lot of our possessions away and with what was left, had the “Toney Liquidation Sale”.  The 5 of us including our three kids ages 4, 2 and 1 piled into our station wagon and headed off to do our DTS with Mercy Ships in Texas and Trinidad in the Caribbean.
  • In late 1997, Chris served as a deck officer on the Caribbean Mercy for a month as she was sailed through the Panama Canal.
  • For all of 1998, the 5 of us served aboard the Island Mercy in the Pacific visiting and ministering in all but one of the island nations between Tonga and The Philippines including New Zealand.
  • In 1999, we joined the Anastasis in South Africa and served throughout West Africa and Europe until March of 2003.
  • In 2003/04, we began a season of transition between Mercy Ships and the founding of YWAM Destination Paradise.
  • In 2004 we relocated to Whidbey Island, Washington to work full time on the new vision that YWAM DP would become
  • Between 2006 and 2011 we sailed aboard one, then two sailing cats throughout the Caribbean as the amazing and highly adventurous platform for a very dynamic edition of YWAM’s Discipleship Training Schools (DTS).
  • In 2010, while in Belize, Central America, we felt lead to lease a property ashore and begin running schools on land in addition to the sailing catamarans. We did this in Belize until we felt strongly lead to release the boats from the ministry in 2012 and move all schools ashore.
  • In 2013, we moved to a larger facility.
  • In 2016, we handed over the leadership of YWAM DP to a team we had been investing in for a number of years as we prepared to follow the call of the Lord to Kona, Hawaii and the largest YWAM – University of the Nations campus in the world.  And that brings us up to date – but there are more questions 🙂

How has the transition been, since leaving Belize? Is the transition now complete? 
The transition has been good, but harder than we expected it to be.  Leaving Belize was only difficult because of the relationships with amazing staff and with a number of friends in town, but we did not reluctantly leave Belize, it was the call of God after all!  Getting settled in Kona took much longer than we thought it would but it has has been good.  Yes, we would say that transition is complete!

Where are you serving now?
We are both serving in and from Kona, Hawaii – both on the University of the Nations Kona Campus and around the world.

When you say you travel globally for YWAM and the University of the Nations, what does that mean?
We both travel, teach and speak in various locations around the world.  Chris will have over 120,000 air miles in 2017 and Lynn is not far behind!

As full time missionaries what are your roles now that you are not leading a YWAM base any longer?
Lynn is a Biblical Counselor serving the staff and students of the University of the Nations Kona Campus. She also teaches on a variety of topics in YWAM schools here in Kona and abroad.  She is also quite involved in leadership training and coaching for leaders in various locations.

Chris is part of the Bible Innovation Team and very active in Biblical research related to the SourceView Bible App (Apple App Store and Google Play).  His knowledge of Hebrew and Greek is being put to use in significant ways to End Bible Poverty Now.  He is also part of the International DNA Infusion team with Loren and Darlene Cunningham (YWAM’s founders) and David Hamilton (UofN VP of Strategic Innovation) traveling to gatherings of leaders in various locations around the world.

What does End Bible Poverty mean? 
There are just about 7,100 living languages on Earth.  There are still just over 1,600 of them with no Biblical witness at all: no bibles, no bible stories, no recordings of Gospels of John or any other books, no missionaries to act out bible stories for those in purely oral cultures.  In addition to the millions of people who have never seen or heard the word of God, there are many who have the Bible in their heart languages but either don’t know what it means.  Ending Bible Poverty means to put at least portions of the Bible in every language on earth in a way that the people can understand (written and/or oral) and do all we can to help everyone comprehends the message of Jesus.

Where do you live? 
We sold our home on Whidbey Island and were blessed to be able to purchase our home here in Kona.  The guest room is available for you!

How is your support with all of the moving and in working more globally for YWAM?
When we think of missionary support, we always take that term very broadly, not just financially.  We are very blessed to have many people supporting us through their prayers, encouragement, and cheering us on.   The  level of our financial support has not dropped in over 20 years in missions.  However, the places and situations we have lived and served have required a lower level of financial support than living and serving from the USA.  We are praying that more people will find themselves lead to begin or increase financial support for us.

How can we pray for you two?

We consider prayer the backbone of our missions support and are very grateful for all who pray!  We’re doing very well but do feel the drain of working very hard and know we need to take more breaks and breathe more.  Please pray that our efforts may be multiplied.  For the workers the Lord has sent out into the harvest and are struggling, please pray that Lynn’s gifted council will aid in helping them bear much fruit. For the biblical language research and innovation that Chris is both teaching and working in, may it serve to help translations be accurate and the spiritual eyes of millions be opened to the Gospel.  Please do pray with us on in the area of financial support.  We praise God for you and thank you for joining us in missions.

 

God’s Faithfulness

fullsizerender
This post is all about God’s faithfulness to us. If you’re in a season of unknown or hardship, keep pressing into to God as He will be there every step of the way.  The key in the photo above represents hours and hours of prayer, perseverance and trust. This key demonstrates God’s faithfulness. This key brings about closure to years of waiting and uncertainty as we stepped out in faith and into the transition from local YWAM base leadership in Belize to significant global roles and serving from Kona. This key is the key to the house that God provided! Was it a difficult path?  Yes. Was the path filled with unknowns and ‘out of this world’ trusting God for something we could not do in our own strength?  Yes, most definitely. Whatever the situation, however long it takes, good or bad… trust God. He is the key to everything we will ever go through.
Many of you have been asking how you can help with our transition from Belize to working more globally with YWAM. We have had a number of large expenses  with our move as well as setting up a house (washer/dryer, fridge, new flooring, paint etc…).  We’d like to suggest three options:
2 Lowes Hardware Gift Card
3. Costco Cash Card
Our mailing address is:
Chris and Lynn Toney
PO Box 4555
Kailua Kona, HI 96745
Any of the three options would be a HUGE blessing in helping us tackle the needs as we complete this transition and continue our work now on a global level. We are trusting that you will hear from God in whichever option and whatever amount you feel you are to give. Every amount counts.
Thanks and bless you!
Chris and Lynn

New…

passport

2017 Brings a Whole Lot of New Things for Chris and Lynn 

  • New base location to serve through Youth With A Mission
  • New  roles to define and learn
  • New richness in the Lord
  • New place to lay our heads
  • New friendships to grow in
  • New challenges and growth
  • New training, teaching, bible research/projects, counseling and leadership opportunities to share
  • New countries to explore and connect 

and..

  • New passports to break in.

The past 20 years serving in missions has been wonderful… so many memories, challenges and joys.  This current season, a continuation of our service with YWAM with a freshness and newness… well, let it be all for Gods glory.

As Chris and Lynn set out for almost a month’s worth of traveling: to teach, to counsel to love on those in need of Christ’s love, we appreciate your prayers. 

Belize. Nepal. & India. Also, a surprise mystery country we are visiting for ministry opportunities that quiet possibly could involve YOU.. in the near future!! 

Stay tuned for more info. 

Major Step Forward

Sold1As you know we have four primary elements to the transition we are currently in.  To remind you quickly, they are: the sale of our home on Whidbey and purchase of home in Kona, doing our best to secure the long term presence of YWAM DP in our presently leased property in Belize, the formation and development of our leadership team and the completion of Chris’s academic endeavors.  The first of these elements has taken a very major step forward as we have sold our house on Whidbey Island!

We first put the house on the market in July 2015 and were hopeful it would sell last summer – but it did not.  Then as the Fall and Winter have come and gone, we fought discouragement but we finally received an offer a couple of months ago.  The inspection, buyers financing, and everything else has come together and we have just signed the papers on the sale.   Needless to say, we are very excited about the fact that this major step forward in our transition has taken place and we’ll continue to work on the other elements.  Thanks so much for your prayers!  Please keep praying as we dive into a home search in Kona (from a distance), work on renewing the lease for the property in Belize, continue to see (and help facilitate) the YWAM DP leadership team mature and deepen in very exciting ways and the completion of Chris’ graduate schooling in September.  God is good!