SEGUE

Physical/Spiritual attacks?

2012-01-21T06:48:00.002-06:00

In the last week and a half, I've been to the emergency room twice. This would be normal if I were helping my many Bhutanese friends get to appointments or stet to the ER, but it was strange that both me and Simeon, the SEGUE Go Now missionary, were so sick in such a short time.

Simeon felt pain about a week and a half ago, and at the ER we found out that he had kidney stones (yes STONES plural!). After a follow up, he had surgery to boat the 8mm and 7mm stones to bits. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in taking care of Simeon! He also took care of the medical expenses, which would have been impossible without GoNow.

This past Thursday, I sat with Elizabeth as she threw up and felt über-sick. Thankfully, her sickness passed quickly as mine was just beginning. Yesterday, I tarted to be sick all over and out both ends (sorry for being blunt). Finally, when my hands started going numb and I had almost passed out, we went to the ER, knowing that I must be getting severely dehydrated. 2 bags of fluid, 2 morphine doses, and 3 nausea-medicine shots later, I was feeling a bit better. (see my YouTube video to hear about my morphine-induced happy place).

Praise the Lord that I am feeling better this morning, though I am still recovering.

These incidents leave me wandering if the Enemy is on the attack. I know he wants to thwart all our plans with SEGUE. He wants Simeon, Elizabeth, and I to be incopasitated. I have been incopasitated by fear in the past, but as I work through that with the help of Antioch Church, Satan is striking on another front.

Please be in prayer for our protection as we seek to serve Bhutanese in Dallas. God is doing awesome things among His people! And He will not be stopped!

Greater is HE that is in me, than he that is in this world!

For His Name and renown,

Matt

Welcome 2012

2012-01-06T11:49:00.006-06:00

SEGUE Refugee Partnership Ministries is now an official nonprofit organization!! Praise the Lord!
It has been a long road, and we made it thus far, but really this is only the beginning. A new beginning.

SEGUE began about 3 years ago as a discipleship program for college-age men and woman. Today, it has transitioned into a ministry focused on Bhutanese Refugees. In particular, we hope to establish partnerships between Americans and Bhutanese for their mutual benefit and most importantly to grow in the Lord together.

Please pray with us as we continue on this journey. There is still so much to do to establish SEGUE as a nonprofit. More importantly, there are so many amazing people to connect with and share the love of Jesus with.

1 Samuel 7:12
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped us.'"

Let us remember how the Lord has provided for us thus far, and trust Him as we continue on.

Matt

Matt Johnston
SEGUE Refugee Partnership Ministry
6900 Skillman Street Apt 402
Dallas, TX 75231
matt2819@mac.com
575-937-2243

Saturday, What a Day!

2011-11-03T23:57:00.001-05:00

Only God could have or orchestrated what happened last Saturday. I drove over with a few DBU students, excited but never knowing what to expect. Before we even got out of the car, kids swarmed to us. We shared candy, which they couldn't get enough of. Then, they followed us as I led the group to a friends house. As I entered, I tried to get the kids to stay outside and play, but they were relentless. I asked the Christian Bhutanese lady whose house we entered "how are you." She began talking about how she was planning for Christmas. I asked the kids if they knew about Christmas, and they all got excited.
"What is Christmas about?" I asked. They all shouted, "candy!" I laughed and asked again. They had a few other answers, and after Santa and snow, they said "Jesus!"
I asked them again what it was about. They were enthralled. They discussed about Jesus, then one pointed to an "evange-cube." They gave it to me, and I began to explain the gospel. They were so attentive and a couple of them knew the story so well (thank you to all who have gone before, faithfully sharing the good news!). It was so great to be able to share the gospel, so freely and joyfully, and with no strings attached.
From there, we got to visitant other families, and prayed over each of them after we asked if we could bless them by praying to Jesus.
God is so good!!!

Baby Sajal 11-3-2011

2011-11-03T23:37:00.001-05:00

Today we saw baby Sajal, who has been in and out of the hospital since his birth a few months ago. He is overcoming underdeveloped lungs and difficulty eating. Today, he looked healthy and as attentive as could be, though he still had a feeding tube up his nose. We had a sweet time with the family, and I'm happy to say that Sajal has a great big brother and sister who will help take care of him. As I held Sajal today, I thought about the big picture. I dreamed of who Sajal might be when he grows up. I want to be a part of that. I want to see him on his first day of school. I want to help him with homework and play soccer with him-- or talk wrestling with him like his big brother. I want to see him graduate and pursue his dreams. I want to be all part of his life. And I hope you Will be do. As you read this, know that you are beginning to take part in his life as well.

Bad Timing

2011-10-25T17:32:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday, I went to a harvest festival for most of the day. We got to play carnival games with lots of kids from the Vickery Meadow area. It was a lot of fun, but it was draining on an introvert like me. I finally got away and had some time to rest and do homework. I was very excited about a nice, me-centered evening. Then, I got a call from Jyoti, a 10-year-old Nepali/Bhutanese girl who had a rash on her face. We rushed over to her house, and taught her how to keep her face clean and rash-free.
To be honest, I was rather annoyed, but also happy that I could help. I was frustrated that they called at a time when I didn't want to help. I was frustrated that Jyoti got a rash AGAIN-- I took her to the hospital last semester. But, I was also glad that we were there before the rash got as bad as last time. I love Jyoti and her family, and want great things for them. But, I'm also selfish and want introverted me-time. Sometimes, I want to throw in the towel, rather than use it.

Summer 2011 Update

2011-08-03T06:16:00.003-05:00

Wow. It's been way too long since I last posted. I think I'll begin with one of the most exciting things this summer: International Camp!! on July 23-25, we invited about 75 Bhutanese/Nepalese children and youth to Sabine Creek Ranch. Thanks to all those who helped transport everyone!! We had a great time at the ranch playing games, having salon time, driving practice, bb guns and archery, pond, ropes, worship with Dreds and Torpedo, and an all-together good time just getting away from the city and enjoying God's creation. We split up into age groups for Bible study time, and shared the gospel. There were at least 4 who responded and committed to follow the Lord Jesus Christ!! Each day, we were on the road a lot, jamming with the kids to Justin Bieber, as we drove the kids to and from camp. Pray that God will use what these young people learned at camp to impact their lives eternally. Pray for those who made a commitment, that they would grow to understand more about what it means to follow Christ, and that they might find acceptance in their Hindu families.
The rest of the summer was mostly filled with camp; but I was able to slip away a few times, to visit Bhutanese friends. I even got to take a lot of the staff along with me! Some of those times were so blessed: we had an impromptu prayer and worship meeting with about a dozen missionaries that serve in the area. We got to share love and light with so many diverse families!
Well, I think that's all for now...

For His Name and Renown,

Matt Johnston

Shree Ram Festival

2011-04-17T16:38:00.004-05:00

When we arrived at the apartments and made our way to the community center, the first person I saw was the guru, Shree Subedi. He taught me how to say ‘good morning’ and made his way to the temple inside the community center. Eventually, we went inside as well, and were greeted by singing and welcomes by Nepali friends.
Tim and I observed the singing for a while, sitting through many repetitions of Shree Ram Doya Ram, Doya Doya Ram... before I decided to make my way into the back room of the community center.
In the back room, Umesh and Lachu were taking part in a ritual in order to receive their sacred threads. Around age 6-8, Nepali boys take part in this ritual to receive their holy threads, which seems to signify their coming-of-age and taking on of family responsibility. The room was filling with smoke from the small fire in the middle of the room. The fire was surrounded by offerings, with priests around the sacrifices. The boys were around the sacrifices as well, with their fathers, all dressed in colorful Nepali dress. One of the priests was chanting in Sanskrit and explaining to the fathers and the boys what they must do.

Hours went by. About 50 people were in the main room singing and celebrating Shree Ram’s birthday, while the boys were in the back room going through the ceremony to receive their holy threads. Finally, there was some commotion, lots of discussion in Nepali, and the boys changed into yellow clothing: yellow skirts (kilts?), shirts, and head-covering. They were given branches, and told to walk around the offering table 3 times. After that, the head guru, Shree Subedi, came in to perform more of the ceremony. The guru took the boys under a yellow cloth. Another priest banged a bell and sang loud, while the guru presumably told the boys the secrets of life.
We stayed for a few more Shree Ram Doya Ram Doya Doya Rams, and then headed to an apartment nearby to eat lunch. Later that day, Tim and I asked the boys what they thought of the ceremony. “We got money!”
“And we got new clothes! And rice!”
After a bit more discussion, and talking with their father, we learned that they got their sacred thread, which shows that they are now responsible to mourn for their parents when they die. They must perform all of the rituals as they have (and will be) taught, and be good hindus. Of course, they didn’t understand all that.

The day before, I knocked on a friends house, and he slowly answered. He wouldn’t say much, and didn’t seem to want us there. He was very sad and somber; the room felt heavy. We tried to talk to him, and I asked if I could see the family. He said they were in the back room, but we can’t see them. Today, I learned that this is what happens when a Nepali Hindu mourns for his parents. My friend must have gone through the sacred thread ceremony when he was young. I wonder if he knew what he was getting into. Or, did he just say “we got money!”
There were beautiful aspects of this Nepali Hindu festival. The dancing was joyous, the singing was beautiful. The color, the flowers, the decorations, were so happy. The community coherence and unity was wonderful. I think God smiles on those things. However, the extreme reverence for, and almost fear of, the priest was burdensome. This is just one aspect of the repressive caste system. The emptiness of singing words and performing rituals which have no meaning (certainly to the boys, and often to the adults as well) seemed to be empty as well.
Yet, at times, the ceremony looked so similar to the typical American church scene: many don’t know what is going on but they take part, singing, giving tithes or offerings, a preacher or priest with great authority over others. Colorful, but overall, rather empty. I pray that your service is not like this. I pray that their is deep meaning in your life, that the songs you sing reflect your heart. I pray that the gifts you give are out of love, not compulsion. I pray that your respect for others is because of their love and humility, not their position or power. I pray that your rituals would be focused on Jesus Christ, overflowing with love, and filled with Truth and deep meaning.

Bible Story Time 3-7-2011

2011-03-08T12:57:00.003-06:00

After watching a bit of a Nepali movie, I had the chance to share a Bible Story with some friends who had just arrived from Nepal 2 weeks ago. They were excited to share that the children had been attending Sunday School in the refugee camps, and it was great to hear as they took turns reading the Bible story. The story was in Nepali, with a column translated in English; I had to rely on them to read the Nepali side. It was great to share the story of how God created the unseen world. We talked about God's character as well: He is powerful, righteous, all-knowing. God hates evil, He is the source of grace, and He keeps His promises. Pray with me that the Bhutanese will learn about the One True God, and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as we share these stories each week.

SEGUE Blog, 3-2-2011

2011-03-02T14:51:00.000-06:00

Baptism

Sa, Oma, and I sat in the pew while their son tried to keep himself busy with my phone camera or a pen and scrap paper. It was this families' first day in an American church. We were at a Presbyterian church, waiting to watch a Bhutanese friend get baptized. That's when I realized that something wasn't right. The baptismal still had it's cover on, and I couldn't find my friends. I explained to Sa and Oma that we were at the wrong church, and we slipped out just before the service started. Thankfully, we made it to the RIGHT church in time. I explained to the family what Baptism was about, and we waited for the service to start. It was so awesome to hear the testimony of my Bhutanese friend as he shared his decision to follow Christ and be baptized. It was even better that there were Bhutanese around me who had never heard about following Christ and being baptized. The pastor then came up and spoke about Abraham's life and the covenant God made with him. Dipsan was getting restless, and I could feel the glances as he complained or banged his pencil on the pew. I started to feel bad that some of the people in the neighboring pews might be distracted from hearing the message. Then I remembered that my friends had NEVER heard this message. I figured it was worth the judgmental glances as long as Oma and Sa could hear the message.

Pray for us as we are planning to start Bible storying with Sa and Oma, and other Bhutanese who have recently moved to Dallas. Pray that they will hear the gospel and be transformed by the power of Christ.

SEGUE Blog, 2-15-2011

2011-02-16T09:54:00.001-06:00

People always say "she looks so peaceful" to try to console someone who has just experienced loss.

Looking at Selah today, I couldn't help but think the same thing. She looked so peaceful. Maybe that was because she was gone, and her body was okay with that departure. Before the funeral home took her body away, we all knelt beside her bed and prayed. I pictured her dancing and singing in the presence of God; even doing the hokey-pokey, which she learned in the refugee camps. The sobs of Selah's daughters brought me back to earth, and reminded me that death still has a sting. It stung today, there is no doubt. But it will not sting for long: death has been defeated, and we have hope that we too will do the hokey-pokey with Selah someday.

Today, I explained to a boy that my shirt has a verse on it which says "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." As we mourned together, there is little doubt that we were living this verse out. They shared with us their songs, and we shared our prayers. I looked across the room to the short mongolian man with few teeth left and a "happy new years" top-hat on, and saw my brother. My sisters were there crying, then singing, then serving us tea. I held my daughter today, and was touched by the joy that such innocence can bring. I pray that you will share with me. Be burdened with me. Lose sleep with me. I know God goes to great lengths to pursue us. He saturated me with His truth until I was convinced of it. He showed Selah Himself through dreams and visions. He pursued another Bhutanese friend through little gospel tracks handed to him as he worked in a restaurant. Pray that God will pursue the Bhutanese, and reveal Himself to them. I pray that He will be relentless if He has not captured you with His love yet.

Hudson Taylor had a conversation with a Chinese man that ended like this:
Chinese man: "How long have you had the Glad Tidings in England?"
Taylor ... ashamedly tells him that it was several hundred years
Chinese man: "What! Several hundred years? Is it possible that you have known about Jesus so long, and only now have come to tell us? My father sought the truth for more than twenty years, and died without finding it. Oh, why did you not come sooner?"

I pray for more people to go and share the good news. I pray that more Bhutanese will join Selah in heaven one day.

Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

Thank you for your prayers. Please pray that God will be glorified in amazing ways this Saturday, at Selah's service. Pray that many Bhutanese will come to know the living Christ.

For His Name and Renown,

Matt

2011-01-26T12:56:00.002-06:00

Jaimasi. Yo mero dosrah SEGUE huncha. Malai sancai lahgyo. Ma ali kati nepali bhahsah bolchu. Ma aru cahhan sik chu. Whether or not any of that makes sense, I do not know. I'm making more progress in learning the Nepali language and hope it will lend itself much this semester.
It's a new semester and it's easy to see by the changes both at the apartments and at the ranch. Friends and families are leaving or moving around while potential new friends and families seem to arrive every week. But SEGUE is about transitions and growth. I only pray that any changes will be directed by and of benefit to God.

Something Beautiful

2011-01-25T13:19:00.000-06:00

Recently i have joined up with this Segue team and have been on this adventure for about two 1/2 weeks now :). Moving up to Royse City has had its ups and downs , but i am finding more of what is beautiful here. A few things: While getting to know the Nepali families, i have been able to learn more about their culture and to hear about what they consider "beautiful". A young girl named Sunita (spelling?) told me about which side of the nose i should get pierced, and how in their culture they put a certain type of leaf in their hair (which is special to them in some way). Learning about a new culture and learning a new language is exciting. Whether learning about the small things or big things, i think is beautiful. (even if it is hard to understand)
.)
A few beautiful things i have found at Segue: ( Baby sheep named Bambi, Sophia and I :))

Sunita and Anita:)

A new Nepali family we got to meet yesterday (they were mesmerized by the Nepali movie):

It is very neat to live life with the refugees and see how God can work here. Okay that is about it folks!

Pray the Prayers of Paul

2011-01-25T09:44:00.002-06:00

Please pray the prayers of Paul with us. This semester at SEGUE we meet each day in the Prayer Room at Sabine Creek Ranch and pray a prayer of Paul. Today we will be praying Phil. 1:9-11.

" ⁹ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. ¹⁰ For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. ¹¹ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ^b]">[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God."

Please pray for the Rai family (refugees) that their love will overflow more and more, and that they will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. Please pray that they will understand what really matters, so that they may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. Please pray that they will be filled with the fruit of their salvation and bring much glory and praise to God.

My favorite advertising slogan right now is from Chase Bank, "Chase What Matters." Phil 1:9-11 reminds me of this slogan when Paul prays that we would understand what really matters.

Spring 2011!

2011-01-19T18:58:00.002-06:00

In the past few weeks, there have been many great stories to share. Here are a few:

I was at Dill and Purna’s house when a lady walked in with a bowl of black paste. Dill explained that it was “teete,” and consisted of burnt chicken feathers and many spices. She said that Selah, Dill’s mother, really liked it. Then, she asked me if I wanted to try it. Of course I did. Who would pass up burnt chicken feathers? Not me. So, Dill handed me a heaping spoonful. Like a champ, I took a big bite and began to savor the fiery flavors. That’s the best way I can describe it: fire. It was really spicy, tasted and smelled like charcoal, but had bits of bone in it too. Everyone in the house looked on as I tried to work up a smile. It was not convincing. I declared “mito,” which means “tasty,” and again they were unconvinced. We all laughed together, and Selah ate the rest of the teete. 

Hakuna Matata. It means no worries. So does “Chinda no garnu.” I learned this the other day, after spending a couple hours at the eye doctor, then a few more at the DMV. Bhuma was concerned that I had spent all this time helping her family, and was saying that she felt sorry for me. I said “Hakuna Matata,” and Chandra and Gita laughed. They explained to Bhuma what it meant, and Bhuma said “oh, chinda no garnu.” So, the rest of the day, when we were waiting or stressed, I told Bhuma, “chinda no garnu!” No worries.

Nepali News from Baltimore

2011-01-12T22:03:00.003-06:00

Check out this great testimony from a Nepali church in Baltimore:

"Gray skies and steady rain outside did not dampen the spirits of those who came to the Sunday service and fifth annual medical block party for the community surrounding the Nepal and Bhutan Baptist churches in Baltimore.

Inside, pews were filled with worshippers clothed in colorful ethnic dress who celebrated as some 30 men and women made professions of faith during the joint service.

An excited Samuel Cho, 72, pastor of both The Nepal Baptist Church of Baltimore and The Bhutan Baptist Church, welcomed the diverse congregation of 170, a mixture mostly of Nepali and Bhutanese as well as some Korean, Filipino, Indian, white and African Americans. The First Secretary for the Nepali Ambassador for the United States, Ananda Sharma, was an honored guest and speaker.

“I’m going to give you one of the best messages of the Bible, because I love you so much,” Cho said from the pulpit."

To read more, go to http://www.go2southasia.org/2011/01/korea-born-missionary-opens-heart-to-nepalese-bhutanese/.

“Right now,” Shrestha said, “people are understanding the difference between Hindu[ism] and Christianity, and the church is growing.”

Cho said he teaches them, “When you were a refugee, you were mistreated. But now you are equal and made in the image of God.”

(article by By Laura Sikes, from Baptist Press, Nov. 10, 2010: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34049)

Block Party! 11-8-2010

2010-11-09T22:56:00.002-06:00

Last night, I stood back and watched much effort, planning, frustration, and prayer become reality. It was SO great to see people from the Forge and local friends jumping in (sometimes literally) and helping out with the Block Party. If you didn’t know better, you might think that the two inflatable bouncy castles were the highlight of the night, but the true highlight was seeing such love and acceptance from all of our friends, and interaction among so many cultures. Seeing everyone play and have fun together, enjoying the good things in life, was a picture of heaven.
It is hard to judge the fruit of our efforts. Many times I work so hard only to come home frustrated, feeling that we are going backward instead of forward. But last night, I put myself aside, stepped back, and watched what God was doing in our midst. It was a good thing-- a very good thing!

SEGUE Promo (1st draft)

2010-10-22T03:18:00.003-05:00

I finished the first draft of my SEGUE promo earlier this month.
It shows a little glimpse of what we do every week.
(For better resolution, try the Facebook link)

Dasara

2010-10-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

What a day! We went to Dilli’s house, not knowing what to expect. They gave Tim and I a traditional blessing involving singing and putting a Tika on our foreheads and leaves behind our ears. Then we ate (a lot), and headed to the park for more festivities...
At the park, we enjoyed traditional Nepali dances and singing. Many of our friends were a part of the festivities as well. The Nepali people were so welcoming; they called each of us (the American people that were there) up by name, welcomed us, and placed a shawl around out necks. We were the honored guests. How humbling. We then ate more Nepali food and enjoyed some comical dances and more traditional singing and dancing.
As I talked to Rob about the festival, he thought of a perfect SEGUE into the gospel. Just as the Nepali people celebrate when their (false) gods defeated the giants, so we can celebrate when the One True God defeated the ‘giants’ of sin and evil and Satan himself through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Just as David conquered Goliath, so too, Jesus has defeated sin and death. What great victory we can celebrate!
It is amazing, but sad too, that our friends have some grasp of the (little “t”) truth. They understand that they need someone to conquer the demon giants that were haunting them. But, they look no higher than a false god to answer their call for help. I pray that they will look higher, to the One True God, to the Way the Truth (big “T”) and the Life, Jesus Christ.

SEGUE, Intern Blog, October 9

2010-10-09T14:57:00.007-05:00

(photo by Timothy Armstrong)

Hello friends, fans, and supporters of SEGUE!

I'm a current SEGUE intern, and have neglected the SEGUE blog posts for a while. However, I am sharing information with others through a personal blog.

Feel free to check it out:
http://web.me.com/matt2819/SCR_%26_SEGUE/Blog/Blog.html

But for now, just one story:
We visited the Chimariya's house on Monday. They, as such gracious hospitable hosts, wouldn't let us leave without feeding us. As we ate, Bhuma and Dilli shared about their various holidays and festivals. Dilli then explained why Hindu people revere and respect the cow. He said that just as a human mother is the one who keeps her child alive with her milk, the cow keeps humans alive with its milk. Thus, they revere the cow as a sort of sacred ‘mother’ figure. While I do not agree with venerating a cow, I now have a better understanding of it. It was fascinating to hear from Bhuma and Dilli about their own lives, culture, and religion. The more we stop and listen, and genuinely care, the more we are able to share about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for your prayers!

Matthew Johnston

Quick Update 1

2010-10-05T19:07:00.003-05:00

It's been a busy busy first month. We dove head first into it before the semester even started and have been full force ever since. It's been a blessing how quickly we have become friends with the refugees and I look forward to being able to continue sharing God's love. Currently we are on our way to our first recruiting event at Wayland Baptist University and are in good spirits. Looking forward to this recruiting month.

love this pic!

2010-09-24T14:36:00.003-05:00

Love this pic from last semester. Just thought I would share it with you. We love this family in the picture. Please pray for them. What a courageous family, can't believe all they have endured in the refugee camp and in the process of relocating to America.

SEGUE lunch with Joel Warren

2010-09-17T16:25:00.004-05:00

What a great time with Joel Warren discussing Worship and Missions over lunch at Texas Roast!

Repeating Conversations~Amanda Kelley

2010-06-21T21:29:00.005-05:00

(Warning: this post is sappy.)
"HELLO Amanda How are youuu?" This is the opening line of a phone call I generally recieve every three to five days.
"I'm good, Ganga, how are you?" I answer.
"Gooood!" she replies, and I can tell she has a huge, Ganga smile on her face.
"How is your family?" I always ask, and I always know the answer is going to be:
"They are gooood!" she tells me "they are all here. We are eating!"
"That's great, Ganga." I know she is at her cousin John's house, because she is using his phone. Or maybe he is over at her house. Last time, apparently everyone in the whole clan was over for the Phone Calls.
"How is Dawn and Jessica?" (pronounce Don and JessiKa). "I call them but they do not aaannnswwerrrr me!" (Dawn, Jessica, you gotta start answering some calls :)
"I think they are okay. Call them again, Ganga." I always tell her.
"Where are you?" This is, inevitably, the next question. And, as certain as the rising sun, I answer her.
"Very far away."
"You are in Arizona?"
"No, I am with my family in Texas, (for the record, I was in Arizona for a while) but I am five hours away."
"Where is Jessica?" she asks. "Where is Dawn?" (I think our Bhutanese friends have short-term memory loss.)
I tell her where they are.
"Why are you not visit meeee?" Killer question, Ganga, killer.
The phone here gets passed around, either to her cousin, John, or his wife Meena, or her brother who is six, or her sister who is five, or her other sister who is 5th grade, or her dad, or another cousin...all the conversations are about the same with everyone, depending on their English mastery. She gets the phone back, and asks how my sister is doing in Thailand. She tells me about how she loves the Bible she was given, how much fun Tuesday nights are, and how she has watched a movie about Jesus.
Finally, she yells "I MISS YOU!" into the phone, and I tell her I miss her too.
I can't tell her how important these lines of connection that I maintain through her and the others that I talk to are to me. Getting to be a part of the lives of these 10 or 20 families (I lost count) planted in the midst of Dallas straight from refugee camps in Nepal, with no idea of how to run a dishwasher or drive a car, fill out change of address forms or hospital papers, radically affected my heart and my idea of a lifetime that is worthwhile, meaningful and Godly. I miss them like crazy, and I miss the long drive to see them with the other two intern/missionaries, the trips to Sonic (more soda drunk than humanly possible, I'm pretty sure), the barn AND occasionally Cabin 1, the class Perspectives, which broke through the confined prison of my worldview and my faith, and showed me how God has really connected the snagged, broken, seemingly futile trails of human history into one glorious story of His Son.
It has been about 40 days since I left Sabine Creek and the refugees, but hopefully I will be back to visit "Soon." Like I always tell Ganga.
Post by: Amanda Kelley

Semester Report!

2010-05-17T15:58:00.009-05:00

SEGUE is supported by friends, family, churches, and this semester received a special one-time grant from the Mary Hill Davis Offering. Please read our report to see how God worked this semester. Thanks!

End of Semester Report for Mary Hill Davis Offering

SEGUE Ministries at Sabine Creek Ranch would like to update the BGCT on how the Mary Hill Davis offering has been utilized thus far. We have been able to continue and grow the ministry with Bhutanese refugees in the Dallas area extensively in the following ways: gas money for SEGUE interns to commute to Dallas, birthday lunches, gift cards for seminar speakers and tuition for the interns to take Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. The funds received through Mary Hill Davis have allowed SEGUE Ministries in essence to operate effectively.

The funds allocated to pay for the gas money have allowed the SEGUE interns to start an ESL ministry in the home of a Hindu refugee family, opening up doors to share the gospel with their community. During the ESL class the interns teach chronological Bible stories. Benefiting lives through teaching necessary English skills has allowed the interns to share the love of Christ in a culturally relevant way. The gas funds have also blessed the ministry by providing transportation for refugees to go to necessary doctors appointments. The SEGUE interns and other local Christians have been able to minister to a Hindu wife and mother, Ishori, by seeking healing through prayer and by locating doctors who will see her free of charge. Her leg, which appeared badly infected, and had been pronounced staph infection multiple times, was found to be eczema. Because of the Mary Hill Davis offering the interns were able to show Christ’s healing and compassion to her entire family. Another way the interns have been able to intercede for the refugees has been through weekly prayer meetings with local missionaries as well as Christian Bhutanese refugees. All of this would have been impossible without the Mary Hill Davis offering.
Part of the intention of SEGUE ministries is to disciple the interns so that they can continue to minister effectively beyond their time at SEGUE. A significant portion of this discipleship element has been accomplished through taking the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course at FBC Plano. This class, which provides a sweeping view of God’s global purpose for His glory, has blessed the interns and the ministry. Another part of discipleship has been to provide two different books for discipleship times with the supervisors, as well as blessing the speakers of monthly seminars on community, worship, missions and discipleship with a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

May 5, 2010 Update: Over the remainder of the semester SEGUE ministries has hosted two outdoor days at Sabine Creek Ranch. On March 27th SEGUE brought 32 refugees to the Ranch for a “family day,” including Bible stories, songs, ropes, games and lunch. The Bhutanese families included both Christians and Hindus. The Mary Hill Davis offering equipped SEGUE to provide this ministry to the Bhutanese refugees. April 10th was our second outdoor day. About 28 children between the ages of 5 and 22 came to the Ranch to hear the story of Daniel and the lion’s den and to worship. They also were able to experience the boats, ropes, games and golf cart driving lessons that the camp provides. Most of the children were from Hindu families. The outdoor days opened up many opportunities to share the gospel with these families. Through these outdoor days SEGUE has also been able to partner with college students from the BSM at A&M Commerce and from UNT in the ministry. On May 8th the female SEGUE interns invited four of the older Bhutanese girls back out to the ranch for golf-cart driving lessons, prayer and fellowship.

SEGUE has continued to share Christ with the Bhutanese by providing transportation to medical appointments, government offices, grocery stores and other necessary locations. This ministry provides not only the advocacy that the Bhutanese desperately need, but also opportunities for sharing Christ through the relationships the interns have been able to build. Hari, one of the women that Christians have been trying to minister to for over a year, had a baby in March. Since then her family has heard the gospel. One of the reasons she has softened to the word of God was that the SEGUE interns have been able to help her with transportation to medical appointments and held a weekly Bible-based ESL class at her house. Along with the opportunities for ministry and seeds that have been planted largely because of the increased resources that the Mary Hill Davis offering has provided, SEGUE ministries and the interns personally have been hugely blessed by the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class. Perspectives has expanded the vision for ministry in SEGUE and will continue to be a part of the discipleship and mission training that impacts the SEGUE interns and ministry. SEGUE has been hugely blessed by the Mary Hill Davis offering and sincerely thanks all those involved. Without the offering the ministry would not be able reach the Bhutanese for Christ.

Goodbye from an Intern

2010-05-13T13:21:00.004-05:00

It has been a long time since I have written on this BLOG, but since I am about to leave I thought it was due time. Serving with SEGUE this Spring has been such a privilege and a learning experience as well as a growing experience. I loved working with the Bhutanese people, learning their language, and about their culture. I also loved getting to share Jesus with them in word and deed. Even a simple doctor's visit in my eyes would turn out to be an opportunity to share the love of Christ with that person.

The Lord has opened up so many opportunities this semester to share of Him and His great story. I have come to realize and appreciate that it is not I who is responsible for conviction nor salvation, I am just responsible to make Him known- what people do with His story is their decision as well as left up to the work of the Spirit. It is going to be hard to have to leave- just saying goodbye was awful enough, but actually leaving the Ranch and going back home to prepare to leave for Africa is going to be a new adventure with new emotions, new challenges, and new leaps of faith. I am excited for all that the Father has for me, but I will never forget the impact that the Bhutanese had on my heart and on my view of ministry.

The Bhutanese people are a very loving, family oriented people, who are super hospitable. They would have you stay at their house every night if they could! They love having company and love letting us help them get adjusted to life in America. This window of opportunity to minister to the Bhutanese I believe was orchestrated by God and has proven very effective. It is amazing to see how the simple act of taking someone to the grocery store, or to the doctor, or teaching an English class can share the love of Christ and soften someone's heart to really hear the truth from God's word.

Although I will miss the Bhutanese I know it is the right time for me to leave and say my goodbyes. I can trust that the Father in that he will send more laborers and also that He will convict and convince the Bhutanese of their need for relationship with Christ. All glory be to Him from whom all blessings flow! It is for His glory alone that I am able to boast of anything! Praise Him for His great works among the Bhutanse this semester.

Until all Know His Name,
Jessica

March 2010 SEGUE Update

2010-03-18T19:56:00.023-05:00

The following report was submitted to the Mary Hill Davis offering in appreciation for their support this year. Check it out for an update on what has been happening with SEGUE so far this Spring semester.

Mid-Semester Report

SEGUE at Sabine Creek Ranch would like to update the BGCT on how

the Mary Hill Davis offering has been utilized thus far. We have been able to continue and grow the ministry with Bhutanese refugees in the Dallas area extensively in the following ways: gas money for Segue interns to commute to Dallas, birthday lunches, gift cards for seminar speakers and tuition for the interns to take Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. The funds received through Mary Hill Davis have allowed SEGUE in essence to operate effectively.

The funds allocated to pay for the gas money have allowed the SEGUE interns to start an ESL ministry in the home of a Hindu refugee family, opening up doors to share the gospel with their community. During the ESL class the interns teach chronological Bible stories. Benefiting lives through teaching necessary English skills has allowed the interns to share the love of Christ in a culturally relevant way. The gas funds have also blessed the ministry by providing transportation for refugees to go to necessary doctors appointments. The SEGUE interns and other local Christians have been able to minister to a Hindu wife and mother, Ishori, by seeking healing through prayer and by locating doctors who will see her free of charge. Her leg, which appeared badly infected, and had been pronounced staph infection multiple times, was found to be eczema. Because of the Mary Hill Davis offering the interns were able to show Christ’s healing and compassion to her entire family. Another way the interns have been able to intercede for the refugees has been through weekly prayer meetings with local missionaries as well as Christian Bhutanese refugees. All of this would have been impossible without the Mary Hill Davis offering.

Part of the intention of SEGUE is to disciple the interns so that they can continue to minister effectively beyond their time at SEGUE. A significant portion of this discipleship element has been accomplished through taking the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course at FBC Plano. This class, which provides a sweeping view of God’s global purpose for His glory, has blessed the interns and the ministry. Another part of discipleship has been to provide two different books for discipleship times with the supervisors, as well as blessing the speakers of monthly seminars on community, worship, missions and discipleship with a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

In the next few months, SEGUE plans to use the remaining funds to host two Outdoor Days for the refugees at Sabine Creek Ranch. These two days will include Bible stories (taught in Nepali), worship, games, crafts, ropes, meals and golf cart driving lessons. The Gospel will be presented by two missionary kids (served in Nepal) who are now involved in the Baptist Student Ministry at nearby Texas A&M Commerce. The second Outdoor Day for the refugee kids will involve college students from the University of North Texas. A local church is also sending volunteers to help the kids build bird houses for Sabine Creek Ranch and for the refugees to take home. The time that the refugees, who are primarily Hindu, spend at the ranch opens up many hearts to receive the love of Christ.

Another hope is to purchase and distribute Nepali Bibles. The Mary Hill Davis offering will continue to provide for transportation costs for the interns and allow them to continue ministering to the refugees. Without the offering the ministry would not be able reach the Bhutanese for Christ.

"Welcome to America" Boxes

2010-02-04T15:35:00.007-06:00

Thank you to the cub scout troop that brought boxes to the Ranch to share with the Bhutanese refugees! These boxes were delivered at the beginning of January by Bill Beck and have now been distributed. These boxes were hand packed by the cub scouts in Katy, TX with candy, toys and American flags. There were decorations on the outside of the boxes wishing the refugees a 'Merry Christmas' and welcoming them to the United States. These gifts were such a sweet blessing to SEGUE and to the refugee kids.

At the end of January, some of the boxes were distributed at the to eight refugee kids who came out to the camp for a fun Saturday. Some were also given to a Bhutanese couple who are Christians to be

distributed to new Bhutanese or whomever they felt most needed them. The remaining boxes went to a missionary couple who are working full time with the Bhutanese refugees here in the Dallas area. We are so thankful to the Cub Scouts in Katy, TX for helping us bless the refugee kids with the "Welcome to America" boxes!

Worship Seminar with Jeremy

2010-02-02T22:47:00.003-06:00

We were so blessed to have Jeremy (worship pastor at Ridgeview Church) lead us in a Worship Seminar. What an amazing teaching on our role as priests. Thank you Jeremy!

Each month we have a seminar on either Worship, Missions, Discipleship, or Community. Please let us know if want to recommend someone to lead us.

How you know you live on a Ranch

2010-02-02T16:09:00.001-06:00

When there are Cows in your front yard

When your toilet bubbles due to disinfectant and a leaking bowl

When you feed the fish as an outdoor activity with little kids

When there are wasps flying out of your ceiling

When it rains through your door

When your car sticks in the mud

When the daily footwear is rain boots

When you run away from the camp dog because she smells like SKUNK

When you take a stick on your walk to keep the mean dogs away from the sweet camp dog

Update from an Intern

2010-01-28T10:28:00.002-06:00

Thank you all for you prayers and for your support. I cannot tell you how the Lord has blessed me with such a group of individuals who are not only for me and want to support me as an individual, but also that care for the people that I am working with in order to bring the glory to the Lord's name. You are all a part of this journey along with me and play a part in the ministry the Lord has allowed me to be a partThank you for playing your part!!!

I have settled in and gotten used to living on a Ranch at least I have gotten used to the peace. It is beautiful, a place where I can rest and be still. The other morning I got up, watched the light rise- as there was no visible sun due to the cloudy morning. It was so peaceful. As I overlooked the small lake, and prayed, I was reminded of just how precious it is to have a Father in heaven who knows me and loves me and is mindful of me even though I am a messed up human.

We have met with a couple of different families- the Chimariya family- which is composed of three different sons and their families. They are all very sweet, but need to know Jesus. Some of the wives may believe and have possibly prayed, but they are not professing boldly the faith they have. Also on Sunday night we met with a few of the Bhutanese Christians and prayed with them and some SBTC missionaries who work with the refugees in the area. It was really great being able to lift our voices and requests to the Lord in the name of Jesus with another people group! We learned a lot just talking to Carl and Kerry and then, the Bhutanese were very informative.

We are in the process of helping a family move to another part of town where the whole family can live near each other, which would be great since they are very relationship oriented. They are supposed to move at
the end of January!

We started the Perspectives class on Monday and were going to take it online, but we found that the
class was enthralling and we really enjoyed it, so we will be traveling about an hour to and from the class on Monday nights. Tuesday nights we are involved with an ongoing ministry of many different people who story to the Chimariya family. Pray that the veil over their hearts
would be lifted!

I was reading in Matthew 9 today and God really just pounded my heart with having FAITH- he healed in response to faith and he answers when we have faith. I am just having faith that He will use me this semester for His namesake and for His glory. I do not know what that is really going to look like, but I am excited for the journey. I was also reading about the part where Jesus has compassion on the crowds. On Sunday the pastor at the church I attended said that word means to feel for from the core of one's being. I asked myself: "Do I have this compassion in my heart for those that I am serving?" My response was no...not really...but I want that to be true. I want to love what the Father loves- and he loves the nations- He has compassion- a feeling from His core, from His nature.

Please pray for:

Gita- as she is still on my heart and we have gotten to spend some extra time
with her. Pray that her heart would be open to the Father.

Chimariya family- That they would have a successful move and would be able to see the truth of the word

Bumika- she may follow Jesus- but is so young, pray for strength

Prithi and Sita & Neeru- Christian Bhutanese- pray for strength and boldness to talk to their people about the truth of Jesus!

Thank you all! Have a great week, and I will be sending an update weekly. Thanks for traveling with me and loving alongside me as you play your part in the Father's kingdom work!

Until all Have Heard!

Jessica Riemersma

SEGUE Interns are off to a great start!

2010-01-24T22:29:00.006-06:00

SEGUE interns are off to a great start. Misti and I are having such a great time getting to know this team. They are so gifted. Amanda brings her experience from serving with Mission Arlington in Apartment Ministry last summer. Dawn has 4 years of camp ministry experience with Ropes training and she is a Wrangler (horse ministry). Jessica brings her experience as a semester missionary in Africa and her experience serving refugees in Phoenix last summer wiht her church. Of course all three have lots of other gifts, talents and experiences. We are so blessed to have them serving with SEGUE.

Amanda is coordinating our Perspectives Course and working on special projects to recruit future SEUGE interns. Dawn is coordinating a monthly outdoor education day at the ranch bringing 25 refugee kids to the camp each time. Please pray for the first outdoor ed day coming up this Saturday. Jessica is coordinating a special project funded by the Mary Hill Davis offering which might involve day camp at the ranch for the refugees and ESL classes at their apartments. This project will take more shape as we discern the best way for this group to serve the refugees.

So... the interns have been very busy. Sunday nights are spent in a prayer meeting at a Christian Bhutanese apartment. Mondays are spent at the apartments serving the refugees followed by the Perspectives Course at FBC Plano. Tuesday nights are spent with the refugees at apartment 114. You might know that this Tuesday night ministry is what birthed the whole concept of SEGUE. Misti leads a discipleship group on Thursday nights. Saturdays are spent doing outdoor education or at the apartment complex with the refugees. One other day each week will mostly become the day for ESL classes at the Park Lane area apartments.

Jeremy Roseberry, worship pastor at Ridgeview, led us in a worship seminar the second week. What a great teaching about the Biblical role of priests. Monthly seminars are planned on our core foundational themes of Worship, Missions, Discipleship, in Community.

When the interns are not in all these discipleship and ministry opportunities they are preparing for the special projects they lead for the refugees (like the outdoor ed days, recruiting for SEGUE, etc).

It has been such a joy to get to know each other and discern how to best utilize this team. We are so blessed to serve with them. Please continue to pray salvation for the Bhutanese. Praise the Lord with us that we have connected with a few Christian Bhutanese. Our hope is to strengthen and support the Christians and encourage their minsitry to Bhutanese new arrivals.

This pic is of a fun lunch we had to celebrate Amanda's 22nd b-day. Special guest, Annetta Box, joined us for lunch. So thankful for all Annetta has done to birth SEGUE.

Happy Birthday Amanda!

Thanks for reading this update and for your support,

Rob

Sunita's Birthday

2009-12-01T13:12:00.008-06:00

Sunita's Birthday

Please pray for Sunita today. It is her birthday. Pray with us that she will know the love of God in a real and personal way. Please pray for us as we serve her in the name of Jesus. Her family will be moving soon to another apartment complex farther away from us. Please pray that we will not lose touch with her.

We are praying for a youth group(s) to help us host two more International Camps this Spring Break and Summer. Do you know anyone interested?

Thanks for praying,

Rob

International Camp '09

2009-07-27T09:45:00.011-05:00

International Camp '09 - special thanks to Lake Arlington Baptist Church

These pics of International Camp '09 could never convey what God did, but take a look and thank God with us for His work in so many lives. We had about 75 Burmese kids each day and 25 Bhutanese kids. 18 kids prayed a prayer to receive Jesus. Please pray for God's continuing work in all of their lives.

Without a Doubt

2009-07-11T17:44:00.005-05:00

Doubt is so annoying sometimes. It is one of those things we deal with as humans. As a Christian, it causes us to question ourselves, our family, our abilities, God, the enemy, whatever is around. We all deal with doubt in something at sometime. Usually more often than we'd like.

But there are some things we know without a doubt. We know the sun will rise in the morning, and the moon will follow later that evening. We know that it's hot in a Texas summer and cold in a Colorado winter. We know as humans we are no match against natural disaster, and we know as humans we are the only ones who can rebuild, in God's goodness, after one has occurred.

In Psalm 82, God reminds us of something else we need not doubt. He says, " 'How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.' ... Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance."

This shouts to me that I never have to doubt it will be time well spent if I give an hour, a day, a week, a lifetime helping the poor and oppressed. The weak and needy. Those who are clueless and need guidance and direction. Those whom have had their foundation shaken, what might even seem like a natural disaster.

This passage perfectly describes the refugees in America, even right here in Texas, whom the United Nations has brought over from refugee camps across the world in order to help them assimilate into our culture and have new life. The problem is they are given only 4 months support, then they are on their own. These precious people often know absolutely nothing about surviving in America. Some have been in jungle refugee camps for 18 years.

They truly are weak and often fatherless. Their rights were stripped from them in their own land because of race or religion. They are weak and needy - weak from not understanding nutrition, and needy for someone to teach them simple living practices such as washing their hands and turning on the heat in the winter. They are poor - skilled in different tasks, yet needing someone to hire them without strings attached and other humans helping them with the basics of life here in America.

The enemy is hard after them. They know nothing about food stamps, medicaid, Walmart, driving. They speak foreign languages. Their children are thrust into public schools in low-income areas, knowing nothing. They walk in darkness, and God so desire for them to walk in the light of Jesus. Yet truly, the foundations of their earth have been shaken. It is hard for them to see much beyond the fear of not making it here.

So we, in our simple human efforts, and in God's amazing goodness, attempt to help rebuild what the enemy has tried to destroy in the lives of these refugees here in Dallas. Simple things like helping with homework. Giving driving lessons. Helping them find a job. Taking them to the doctor. Our family enjoying a cup of tea with their family.

These are husbands and wives with beautiful children and an elderly mom. These are young 20-something men working hard, so if they prove they can make it, then their parents can be sent here, too. These are elderly couples, whom have spoken nepali or bhutanese their whole lives, and are in ESL classes here every week. They are our friends, now. They are a part of us. It is good and right to be in their lives, and they in ours. It is God's heart. It's what we are to do... Without a doubt.

World Refugee Day

2009-06-23T00:13:00.003-05:00

World Refugee Day at New World Apartments! What a privilege to know these people! What a humble time of friendship. Last year these same people were celebrating World Refugee Day in a United Nations refugee camp and had a grand celebration with cultural dancing, etc. This year it was soccer, songs, and popsicles in a Dallas apartment complex. What a change in a year! Why are they so overlooked?

Please continue to pray for us and for them. Please pray for revelation, wisdom, and financial support.

thanks,
Rob

Simple Prayer

2009-06-13T08:39:00.002-05:00

Pray not as you ought to be, but as you are. (C.S. Lewis, paraphrase)

Simple prayer - this is what Richard Foster calls prayer of constant communion with God in which we simply pour out our struggles, frustrations, questions, doubts, joys, and thoughts. We have often been fed the idea that in order to truly come to God in prayer, we must come with the right motive, right form, and right words. However, God simply wants us to come. It is in simply coming, being transparent with the Lord in what is already on our heart, that he transforms us. It is in this complete vulnerability and honesty with ourselves and with the Lord that we then begin to be put in a realm of transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Simple prayer is not found in the lofty and rehearsed words of the pharisee, but in the reflections on truth and questions of seeming abandonment of the psalmist. It is a reflection of and a fuel for relationship. When building a new friendship do you prepare for your times together by making sure you have everything fully prepared and together before you meet? No, you just meet and you share. Simple prayer is a part of daily life, not apart from it.

Today, whether you are spending the day with your kids, in an office where you feel anything but edified, or having a great time with friends at the lake...start with simple prayer.

Let There be Mud

2009-05-20T21:53:00.003-05:00

Mud happens. It just does.
And it happens a lot. If it rains long enough or hard enough, or both, and if you're at the right place at the right time, it will happen. there will be mud. Seriously, what's one to do?

Rob, our three kids, and I recently moved to Sabine Creek Ranch to help start a new ministry called SEGUE. [SEGUE is two-fold : 1) We are helping young adults transition from where they are to where God desires them to be through a 9 month "Gap Year" experience that involves discipleship, worship & missions as we all minister to 2) refugees who have been relocated to Dallas Texas from all over the world by the United Nations, and help them transition to this new life.] I'm a city-girl, so living on the ranch has been quite educational for me in so many ways, but especially when it comes to "mud-avoidance". The first day we arrived at the ranch, my friend gave bright yellow John Deer shirts to my 3 kids which read, "There will be mud!". Cute and fun. That's all I thought. I had no idea there was a deep ancient truth that spoke through those shirts, nor did I know that this truth would try to change me.

Over the next few weeks, I would fall apart on the inside every time my children walked out the door, knowing that no matter what they did, they would come back in the house with the dark, black North Texas mud that surrounds us. I created almost a "Border Patrol" feel at the back door to ensure no mud would enter the house. I have been through an ungodly amount of Shout stain removal, gallons and gallons of clothes detergent, and most people that come by notice that my washing machine is always running. I have supplied rubber boots for my entire family that stay by the back door, which are to be taken off BEFORE entering, and there is an in-depth inspection that takes place before crossing over.

But this is tiring. And truly, a hopeless battle. Those bright yellow shirts that were presented only 8 weeks ago to my kids are dingy with faded mud spots carelessly splotched all over the front and back. I am growing feeble of "patrolling" the back door, and the boots are wearing out fast. There are some places I cannot allow mud to go, but I am softening on other places. I know that mud is actually a good thing for many situations. I know that nothing could replace the fact that my kids are running and playing and romping and roaming with their Davy Crockett and Batman gear on, or just simply digging the deepest mud-hole around. This is good.

I guess I kind of see it like this - we can either try to avoid the mud over and over and over again, working effortlessly to stay "clean and stain free", or... we can let it change us. I am not talking about mud=sin. Just talking about what life brings - some of those situations that are just dark, black mud. It stains. It even kind of stinks, but it does something to us when we just go ahead and receive it, learn from it, and even suspect that God might be the one who brought it.

I think He likes mud. He used it to heal a blind man. The blind man allowed the mud to go somewhere I don't think I would be very welcoming to at all... his eyes! Yet, he was wiser than I, and received it. I know, he probably didn't know Jesus was making mud for his eyes, because he could not see at that point. Kind of like me a few weeks ago. But God makes the mud anyway, and then he lets us choose what we will do with the mud. I want to be healed of any thing that is blinding to me. I want to be free of attitudes and thoughts that hinder my perception. I don't want to be a stick in the mud. I want to see mud the way God sees mud. It's actually a tool of change. So, I now say.........
Let there be mud.

Annetta Box on Shannon's Porch

2009-05-19T14:08:00.018-05:00

Annetta and Shannon throw a party on Shannon's porch to raise funds and spread the word about SEGUE. Great music, food and good times!!

Thanks to Casey Shock and the David Cote' band for sharing their music and their support for SEGUE.

Thanks to Shannon for her porch!!

May the Lord continue to use this event in the hearts of those present as they help us spread the word and pray for SEGUE.

Day of Fasting and Prayer

2009-05-11T11:20:00.008-05:00

The staff of SEGUE and Sabine Creek Ranch participated in a day of fasting and prayer. Some of you knew about it through our Facebook group and participated with us. Thank you so much. It means so much to us. The next prayer emphasis will be advertised through this blog as well as Facebook.

God gave us a new intern application last Thursday and we were interviewed for the Baptist Standard newspaper! It was a great day for SEGUE and a great day for listening to God for the future. Did God give you a word for SEGUE as you prayed last week or as you have been praying over the last several weeks? If it is a word you would like to share with me then please email it to me. I would love to hear it and take it before the Lord in prayer. Thanks for your support through prayer. We can't do this ministry without it. Please feel free to schedule your own personal day of fasting and prayer for SEGUE.

"Don't despise the day of small beginnings" is a word that was given to us at Eastfield College. Amy Welch and I were there recruiting for SEGUE and prayerwalking the campus to discern if God wants us to send a team of SEGUE interns to Eastfield to establish or grow a campus ministry. A prayer warrior on campus came out of one of the practice rooms where she was worshipping on the piano and gave us the word, "Don't despise the day of small beginnings." That word continues to bring me encouragement and the proper perspective on what God is building. My commitment is to serve well and not despise the day of small beginnings.

Worshipping and praying together as a staff continues to be the greatest highlight from our day of fasting and prayer for me personally. Misti led us in a couple of songs and we cried out to God together as a staff. As we worshipped I caught a glimpse of SEGUE with more young adults joining us to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. May worship/prayer always be the driving force behind our missions teams at SEGUE.

Recruiting, Mice, and Poodle Skirts

2009-05-01T20:02:00.005-05:00

UPDATED: now with pics!

Copied from Amy's Blog: Lingering Traveler

Did ya see the title? Yeah...I bet ya can't wait to read what all that's about!

With SEGUE, we've had some great recruiting opportunities recently! - Mineola FCA, DBU, SMU...and such... Well, my story comes from our day out at DBU. Annetta and I were holding down the fort (okay, recruiting table)...and Rob had just disappeared.

I texted him to see where he was, to which he responded, "I'm in chapel...someone let mice loose in here!" NO WAY! Sure enough, as a prank someone let loose some mice during the middle of chapel! ...I saw 4 of them myself.

Aren't they cute? ...completely different from the building-infesting kind... :)

By the way, that poor little guy jumped out of my hand and I grabbed him...I wasn't intentionally trying to just dangle him... :)

All of this was in the middle of this week's special chapel concert: The Silver Seranades. Yes, you guessed it - a large group of people of many years with gray, okay -silver-, hair - singing the songs that we call the "oldies" and they call "from back in my day..." Had some good Bing Crosby...and other songs that I only recognized because they were featured in movies like Back to the Future (ya know, from the one when he's transported back into the 50s...okay, yeah). :)We've been making some great contacts and meeting some awesome people! Let us know if we can recruit in your place too!

Annetta, Amy, and Rob at an FCA meeting

2009-04-27T15:38:00.007-05:00

Recruiting for SEGUE!
God provides opportunities to share about SEGUE at

SMU
Houston Baptist University
Howard Payne University
Dallas Baptist University
Eastfield College
Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Mineola
Heritage Christian Academy in Rockwall
Faith West Academy in Katy
Youth groups in Wichita Falls, Garland, etc.
Church college groups
Home School Groups
and more

Do you have a place we can recruit?

Check Out the New Video!

2009-04-23T11:55:00.002-05:00

This is a glimpse into SEGUE! Pass it on to any of your friends who you think may be interested!

email me! amy@sabinecreek.com

Hope you like it!

Friends from Around the World

2009-04-20T21:42:00.002-05:00

Well I got on to blog about our night with the refugees and the Children of the World...but I see Rob has already beat me to it! :)

What a great night!! We were able to set up a special concert for our friends from Bhutan put on by Children of the World...a group of orphans, this group from Uganda and Nepal, who travel the country giving concerts and raising awareness of orphans around the world. I think they enjoyed it a lot! ...I know I did! The kids were great...they definitely dance far better than I do! :) One of the most touching parts was when they sang, "I'm a Promise/I'm a Possibility/I am a Promise/With a capital P/I am a great big bundle of Potentiality!" ...I remember singing along to that song when I was their age - what an even more powerful message coming from their mouths!

I personally had the opportunity to drive one of the refugee families from their apartment to the ranch for the concert. What a great time of building what I hope will be relationships that only continue to develop... On the way back to the apartment, I taught the dad the meaning of some of our road signs (he had a lot of questions, as he wants to get his drivers license soon...) - and he taught me some Nepali!! Oh man, I love languages so much so this was quite a treat for me!! ...And he really seemed to enjoy the fact that that I really wanted to learn words in his language... Here are some words he taught me:

shaTHI - friend (shaTHIaroo - friends)
rook - tree (arook - trees)
tal - lake
ramRO - handsome
ramREY - beautiful
NAramrey - ugly
MAYa - love

...hmm..hard to really write out how the words sound...ask me about it sometime when you see me in person! :)

Refugees at the Ranch

2009-04-20T10:17:00.006-05:00

Our refugee friends came to the ranch for a concert by the Children of the World Choir. Amazing connection for all of us. One of the sponsors of the choir is from Nepal and shared her story in the language of our refugee friends. Powerful night!

Praise God for new staff!!

2009-04-15T09:59:00.007-05:00

SEGUE is blessed to have three new staff members!!

Amy Welch (not really new) delayed her admission to Duke Divinity school and is now onboard full-time with SEGUE - Praise the Lord!!! Please pray for her as she raises support. Amy is helping us so much with Administration and with the Spiritual Formation/Discipleship part of SEGUE and more. We love you Amy and can't wait for you to move to the Ranch soon.

Marilia Ortiz started yesterday helping us with public relations, recruiting, and more. We love her. She is a Dallas Seminary student from Puerto Rico. She ran her own advertising agency in Puerto Rico. She is awesome.

Annetta Box is joining us. Keep your fingers crossed while we work out the details and she raises support. (hint?) We love Annetta! She will help us so much with the Worship component of SEGUE and recruiting and mentoring and a songwriting group, and writing, and the prayer room and so many things.

Please stay tuned for more to come about each of these awesome young ladies. Please continue to pray for the interns who are coming and for more missions team leaders. Check out this photo of a recent night with the refugees. Please pray for interns to help us serve them. They have so many needs and there are so many ways we can help.

Great meetings this week with Bob Roberts, Randy Miller, and Jordan Fowler over at Northwood Church. Check out Bob's blog at glocal.net. I am learning so much from him and his book, Globalization.

more later,

loving God,

Rob

Now This is Where It's At -

2009-02-20T13:28:00.007-06:00

Before we go forward, let's turn back the pages to an earlier part of the story. You already know SEGUE is located at Sabine Creek Ranch and that the ranch houses camps during the summer...but how much more do you know than that? Well, let me help you out. Below is a video of the history of Sabine Creek Ranch. After a slide show of photos and video from summer campers, you'll see Eddie and Sarah Walker, owners and administrators of Sabine Creek share the amazing story. This takes us back to the beginning! You'll see pictures of the development of the ranch, as well as hear testimonies of God's faithfulness in providing the resources, people, and funds to make it all happen! It is an inspiring legacy - yet a legacy that continues to this day and is now dawning on a new chapter of the story of Sabine Creek Ranch: SEGUE.

Sabine History Video

Moving...

2009-02-17T10:00:00.009-06:00

The Matchetts are moving to Sabine Creek Ranch. Our house in Katy has a contract after only 5 days!! Can you believe it? It could have happened faster but we negotiated three offers. Not just one, but three families made an offer to buy our house. God is in this move and He is getting us there fast.

God is moving through SEGUE to establish a place for worship, missions, and discipleship in community. God's heart is for the interns who will be living and learning at the ranch. He is moving interns to the ranch so He can show them amazing things about Himself.

God's heart is also for the refugees who have moved to Dallas from all over the world. God has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5). He is in the business of reconciling people to Himself. What does that mean? How do we get to be a part of it? How does God use an American guy like me to "make his appeal" (2 Cor. 5:20) to a Bhutanese refugee.

God pursued us and made us "new creations" (again from 2 Cor. 5). Now we are given the same mission. God has chosen to do His work through us. His love within us compels us to share the love and forgiveness we feel from God with others. Why not spend some time today receiving God's love so that you are compelled to give it away? Pay attention to how God is moving in your life and where He is calling you to go.

Don't take my word for it. Move on over to 2 Cor. 5 and read it for yourself.

Rob

ready * set * we're at the get-go

2009-02-10T21:45:00.007-06:00

Are you ready?

This is the blog for Segue and you are probably here because you've heard something new is starting up and you want to know more about it. Well, Welcome! This is exactly the place to be.

More info is to come (what would the fun be in a blog if all was spilled in the first post?), but here is the nutshell for now:

What's Seg-u-ey?
Well, first of all, it's pronounced SEG-WAY. It's a musical term that means a smooth transition from one piece or element to another. This is what Segue is about - creating an environment for a smooth transition from one place to another. Maybe you've just graduated from high school or college or are even still in college. Maybe you have a desire to soon begin college, join the business world, serve in vocational ministry, plant yourself in a culture overseas, or ...well, you fill in the blank. Segue is that year of transition in between.

So...what is this year like?
Well, there will be ministry classes on the Bible, discipleship, worship, and missions. You will also be working with a group of refugees nearby. Though there are people from all over Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the primary group we have begun relationships with so far are from Bhutan (find a map and look it up - hint: it's not in Africa)...but the opportunities are endless and the fields are ready for harvest! Besides spiritual needs, there are so many practical, everyday needs to be met! PLUS, we will also have a prayer room on site!
And that's only the tip of the iceberg! More info on the classes, ministry opportunities, prayer room, and other info coming soon! ...Curious, aren't ya?

How long is it?
It's equivalent to about a school year...beginning in September.

Where is it?
Great question! (I'm surprised you didn't ask this first...). It is onsite at Sabine Creek Ranch (sabinecreek.com). While a camp and retreat center during the summer, it is a ministry training center during the school year! It's located in Royse City, TX - which is just outside of Rockwall - which is just east of Dallas.

How big will the group be?
This is one of the beauties of Segue - it is like a family rather than a large group where you may not really be able to know the leadership and all the fellow participants.
The leadership currently consists of Eddie Walker (owner of Sabine), Rob and Misti Matchett (preparing to move from Houston as we speak), and myself, Amy Welch (recent grad of Ouachita Baptist University with a passion for missions, teaching, and dark chocolate).
The participants - or as we shall say, "interns" - are...well..that's you! We're looking at having 25-30 interns this coming year. This small number exemplifies another huge emphasis of Segue: community. Living in community, serving in community, learning in community...you get the idea.

Meet the leadership:

Misti and Amy

Eddie and Rob

So remember - this is a continuing blog, so check back again soon for new info...we will be blogging! If you would like to contact us for more info or are interested in being an intern with Segue, we would love to hear from you!

Amy - amy@sabinecreek.com
Rob - rob@sabinecreek.com

Ready? Set? Alright! Let's go!