Isn’t it interesting how the seasons of life we are in can be really great and really tough all at the same time? We understand this duality very well right now. Our newsletter is our attempt to convey just that. We choose to focus on the great stuff while still acknowledging the not so good stuff. We choose to focus on life even though the uncertainty surrounding our son Josh (is he alive or is he not) is still present. There is much to be thankful for and much needed prayer. May you, in whatever season of life you are going through, choose life. Seek out the Lord, no matter what. We choose JOY. We choose LIFE.
But God, when You choose to leave mountains unmovable
oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul
Lyrics to Even If by Mercy Me
Chaplain
You know how the Lord sometimes orchestrates something through your work or ministry that you were never expecting? Well, for me, I had one of those “divine appointments” happen. As we have shared before, our theme of “the net” going deeper and wider in ministry continues to expand as new opportunities to serve comes our way. In addition to counseling to those on staff with YWAM and work within our community (Hospice, Postpartum Doula ministry for moms/newborns) a new ministry role has emerged. Once a week, I have the honor of coming along those who are hurt, sick or in trauma via the volunteer chaplaincy at our local hospital. Out of the various roles I’ve been blessed to do over the years, this one has kept me on my knees and stretched me the most with a deepening reliance and respect in the Lord. Each week as I move from the ER, to the ICU, to the cancer treatment rooms, to the main floors of recovery I’m struck so profoundly on how Jesus’s disciples must have felt, walking among those people in need. Please pray that I represent the Lord through prayer and scripture while coming alongside those who need a prayer, need someone to talk to and those that need to be seen. *Please be praying as the hospital just went on lock down to all visitors due to an increase of COVID cases in our area.
I have thought about the Bible a lot over the years. Whether traveling and teaching, studying, dissecting various passages, working with Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic, or having quiet times of personal reflection, a consideration of the origins, content, meaning, and impact of the Bible are often on my mind. This short article brings up some of those thoughts related to a very basic question:
What is the Bible?
That sounds like a simple enough question doesn’t it? Maybe not.
These four little words finished with a question mark contain within it, a million other questions that have been asked and answered a million different ways over millennia. On one hand, this question and its derivatives have been the catalyst for unsurmountable strife, wars, confusion, bitterness, anger, struggle and anguish – and on the other hand the source of much peace, unity, understanding, clarity and hope. On both hands there has been and remains much passion, conviction, and emotion. Many have made uncovering the answer their life’s work. Many others believe they have the answer and are fervently committed to the outcome they believe flows from their understanding; whatever that answer is. Still others, perhaps many throughout the world with wealth enough to travel, simply believe that the Bible is a book written by some guy named Gideon that they notice (or used to see) in a drawer of a hotel room. Others couldn’t care less.
Confronted with such a range of possible answers to this seemingly simple question, what are we to do? Some say, the Bible is a book of love; that sounds good. Others are quite adamant that it’s a book all about judgement and hate; shouldn’t we honor the opinions of others in 2021- a time in history when acceptance of others is (or seems to be) rather prevalent. Still other people say that the Bible is: just a collection of stories; a long list of rules; a great hoax; a book left by aliens; good text to steal, change a little bit and start a new religion; the truth; a lie; confusing; the source of hope; and the list goes on and on. Shall we pick the answer we like best? Shall we pick the one that the people we like believe is true? Shall we pick an answer that makes us feel good or that we think is right or that we don’t think is wrong? Is the answer relevant? Does it matter?
I should be able to answer that question, right? I’ve been a missionary for 25 years and have a couple of masters degrees in theology and biblical languages. I can give good answers from a number of perspectives including historical, theological, exegetical, logical, philosophical and practical but in the end, the real answer to the question “what is the Bible?” very much depends on all the other stuff that is behind and intertwined in the question by the asker. My own experience and education mean nothing if I don’t choose to open my eyes, ears and heart to the person asking the question. But then, are they, in fact, actually asking? – or do they already have an answer. Most of the time, people already have an answer.
Do you have an answer to the question, “what is the Bible?” Why do you believe the way you do about it? What is behind and intertwined in the question for you? Have you given it much thought? Have other people asked you this question? What did you tell them? What would you tell someone who asks you this afternoon? Would your answer be the same today is it might have been 5 years ago? Is there only one answer to this question?
William (Cameron) Adrianne and Family
Exciting news with the birth of grandbaby number 2. Vienna Marcelle Toney. Born in a rather exciting fashion May 21.Will delivered baby at their house, with labor being just under one hour, the midwife came 30 minutes after thier speedy delivery. Adrianne and Vienna are doing great. Will a brave Daddy is awesome and Cylas, (17 months) is an amazing big brother. All adjusting well to being a family of four. William (29), just started a new job (remotely) as a systems analyst for a company called Engine Impact. He is doing property management with a technical emphasis on application development and troubleshooting. What a blessing for this new role as it allows Adrienne to stay home with their amazing kiddos.
Jessie and Garrett
A time of celebration with the recent engagement of Jessie, our youngest and only daughter. Plans are already in the works with a summer wedding in July of 2022. We are so thrilled to be welcoming Garrett into our growing family. Here are some pictures from their engagement (in Leavenworth WA) and their engagement photo in HI. Jessie (25) continues to work at Fairfax hospital which is on the east side of Seattle. A number of months ago Jessie switched jobs within the hospital with more responsibility. She is currently the coordinator for release of information through the health information department.
Josh
With births and engagements in our family, there is much to celebrate. And yet, there continues to be sadness since Josh (27) has been missing for 6 months, since Feb 1st. What you see below are the pictures from Josh’s official missing persons report that we filed the week Josh went missing. As you can imagine, that is not something any parents wants to do. Details and the timeline of events can be read in previous updates. There has been, and continues to be an outpouring of support and prayer within this difficult season of tremendous unknowns. Your prayers have carried us in our hardest days. You asking about him via calls, emails and texts have been such a blessing as he is not forgotten while we wait and see…Please keep praying and please keep asking. Along with the rest of our family, we are hopeful that soon we will have answers to his whereabouts either way .
Where is YWAM in the World?
Evangelize. Disciple. Send.
We love the diversity of our missions. People from all walks of life ministering all over the world within the many spheres of society. YWAM Taipei is meeting people with a need for connection and relationship. The Rock Cafe, established in 1996 has been serving coffee for free for over 35 years. Providing ministry in their local community. From English classes to bible studies.. a church has been planted. Now, more than ever with the pandemic still creating seclusion and disconnect this vital ministry counties to bear fruit as the Taipeinesse people are shown practically, relationally and spiritually… Christ.
It is a small world after all… ! Sugi Mulyono and his lovely wife serve with YWAM Taipei. The small world factor is that Sugi served with us during our Mercy Ships days in the late 1990’s.
 | Palm Crosses A while back we did a project of making handmade crosses from the amazing Koa wood, grown here in HI. We spent many hours sanding and waxing; a labor of love. This palm cross can be displayed, have on a table or my favorite- to interact with. This “palm” cross fits perfectly in your hand for prayer and meditation. They are smooth and natural so they feel great curled in your hand. We have a few left over. If you are interested in one, please email Lynn (lynn@toneys.com). We would love to send you one, while supplies last!!! |