Looking Forward to 2014

It is hard to believe all of the events that have occurred in the past twelve months. Last January I was working in Porterdale, GA for Garbutt Construction and Val was working on gowns in the Dublin loft. We were preparing to attend pre-field training, six weeks at the Center for Intercultural Training, our last phase of training before launching our ministry in Rome, Italy.

We spent two weeks in March, all of April and the first two weeks of May traveling from Georgia to Michigan and back, raising support and visiting family and friends.

On May 12 we had our send off from First United Methodist Church, Dublin, and on Tuesday the 14th we left Miami heading for Rome. Upon arrival we began looking for a place to call home and locations to could serve. We were successful at both. On the following Tuesday, we began our service at the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center and on the 31st we moved into an apartment.

We were off and running. Through our work at the JNRC and the USO Rome we met other Christians dedicated to serving the oppressed. We learned of other refugee centers and began making many good connections.

After we arrived in the field, we began to see that there were other mission agencies working in Rome that we felt were more aligned with our vision of service, “… delivering an authentic Gospel that fully integrates mission and compassion.”

We also learned in June that GEM would be assessing a flat rate monthly administrative fee, not the 10.5% as clearly stated in their handbook. The flat rate came to 34.7% of our monthly support which was unacceptable to us. By way of explanation most missionary couples have significantly higher monthly budgets and the flat fee GEM assess is reasonable.  However, since we do not have to pay for health and life insurance or retirement and, we do not draw a salary or have a car, our support budget is much lower. After discussions with GEM, they admitted the flat rate was adversely affecting us, however, they were reluctant to change their policy and we mutually agreed it would be best if we switched to an agency with a percentage-based administrative fee.

We were already involved with ministries serving refugees and oppressed groups (trafficked women) through ITeams and ReachGlobal in Rome so we contacted International Teams in August and began the application process. We were able to have an in-person interview at ITeams Headquarters in September when we came back to the States for Jessie’s wedding. We also had several meetings with ITeams leadership in Europe. On November 22, 2013 we received our acceptance letter and notification that we scheduled to attend a week of orientation in Elgin, IL beginning January 6, 2014. Please take some time and explore the ITeams website.  I think you’ll like what you read.  www.iteams.us

We finished our orientation with ITeams and we have meetings scheduled this week with both the Italian team leader and the US team leader. We are going to be developing our ministry with oppressed people in both Italy and Georgia.  We will also be furthering our training and experience in service to those caught up in human trafficking as Atlanta is one of the primary cities with this problem.

Once we are cleared by ITeams to return to Rome, I will be going back ahead of Val to find a new apartment. That is another area where we have learned some good lessons. We will be renting month to month and with all utilities included. We keep reducing our monthly expenses so that we can provide more resources for those we serve.

As mid-term volunteers we will be able to assess our support each year and then evaluate how far it will take us. We understand how critical support is to missionaries, it goes beyond caring for the missionary. We use our support to provide for some needs of those we are walking alongside. Their needs are so basic, it is impossible to separate the spiritual and the physical.  

Our families have had some life changing events that will impact our lives in a big way. We found out that we will be grandparents in 2014.  Paul provided that blessing.

2013 was a year of learning and growing. We have been through some rough spots but, through it all, we remain committed to serving the oppressed and lost. We are learning how we can best serve God and keep ourselves focused and strong.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, He calls us to be “fishers of men.”  This was one of Jesus’ first public statements and His last was…”Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Matthew 28:18-29

In previous writings I have told you about Nasim and about the relationship that developed between us. Through that relationship and through others that I was lead to in Rome, I believe God was opening my eyes and exposing me to a frontline battle that is taking place in His kingdom, the battle for souls between Christianity and Islam. Through prayer and study my focus is becoming more and more clear. We will continue to trust in God’s leadership over our lives.

Many people asked us when we first began this journey “why Rome, why not Africa or Asia or South America, aren’t the people in Rome already Christians and well off?”  At that time I could only answer “that’s where God called me.”  Today I know this was part of my journey, the next of many steps to come. I would say to anyone answering the call, it is not the yellow brick road you will be following, it is not that simple, it is a journey of faith. To quote Oswald Chambers “Faith never knows where it is being led. But it knows and loves the One who is leading.”  There will be distractions and detractors along the way. At the end of Mathew 28:18-20 Jesus gives us cause for all the faith we will ever need “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I know some of you may be asking yourselves, what are the Edens doing and should I continue to support them?  Or maybe even, is this something I should begin supporting? To answer that in part I would like to remind or suggest to you that you think of it as supporting God’s work. Just as we are doing, trust God and where He is leading.

Regarding the location or people group we serve, I offer the following analogy.  During WWII America had soldiers and civilians serving in the South Pacific, Africa, Europe, the US and in almost every country around the world.  Through the efforts of which group in which part of the world would you give the credit to for our victory in WWII?  You’re right, it was the combined effort of every American and our Allies.  It is the same today in our battle for the lost souls in the world, it will be the combined effort of all of Jesus followers that leads to victory.  When you pray for those on the frontline and sacrificially give of your resources and love, you are part of the global team God is putting together to expand His Kingdom to all nations and to every corner of the world.  

We give heartfelt and grateful prayers of thanks everyday for all of you that pray of us and lovingly give of your precious resources.  Thank you for trusting in the work that God is doing in us and through us.  

Follow us at markedens.net

To give go to http://www.iteams.us/give/

Georgia in the house.  It all started with popcorn.

The Refugee Art Exhibit Opening was complete.  The show was held in the back (big, carved double-door street entrance on Via Nazionale) of the sanctuary of St. Paul’s Anglican Episcopal church.  The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center is housed in the basement of the church.  It is a day center – no one sleeps there.  

Our two new friends, mentioned in my last Field Notes column, arrived at the show.  Helen and Adele, Michigan State University Ad/PR majors, enjoyed seeing the art, meeting some of the artists and learning more about the stories of the center.  After meeting the rector’s wife, Jill, and summer intern, Kate, they planned to meet and prepare their summer study project on the “Peace Flags” artisan project which raises money for the JNRC.  How wonderful!  Our ‘chance’ meeting at a bus stop a few days earlier turned into sharing knowledge and compassion – as well as a finished video – for God’s Kingdom expansion. Once I get it, I will share it in future column.

I held six long bags of fresh popcorn in my hands as I returned from putting away dishes in the room off to the side of the altar.  As I glanced across the pews, they were filling in with smiling faces.  It appeared to be a group traveling together, mostly women.  Assuming they were on a bus or two, I thought of the long days of travel and offered the popcorn left over from the show.  Yes, there were takers.  Here, over there, until reaching the back of the group.  The bag left in my hand was double-sized and we laughed together when I mentioned she would “have to share” if I gave her this one!  Her name was Lisa.  I asked where she and the group were from.  The US.  Georgia.  Decatur.  Whaaat?  Ray of Hope Christian Church was ready to share their talented choir with a full sanctuary.  It didn’t take long for the others to hear about the lady from Georgia who, at that moment, decided to stay for the concert.  It was their first performance of a multi-city tour. 

The first four pieces on the program (out of 11) each had an asterisk.  They were the selections which would be performed at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City the next day and at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice on July 1.  After completion of these beautiful songs, the music folders were closed and passed down the rows until all hands were free.  I smiled when the director shared that “these were our sacred hymns.”  I knew what was coming next – we were “going gospel” and it was gonna be great!  You really haven’t lived until you’ve been lifted up in song and celebration to the likes of “Caught Up”, “Souled Out”, and “Oh Happy Day”.  Good ol’ Southern Gospel can take you to new heights.  I especially enjoyed “God Wants A Yes”.  I need to look up those lyrics again as I/we have been working mighty hard to give God that “yes” in our lives.

Next came shout-outs to cities near Dublin.  Choir members were running up and hugging me.  It was delightful to talk with one woman who’s daddy was a preacher in Dublin (I have to look for her name in my notes.)  I shared our sending and home church of Dublin First United Methodist and sister church Howard Chapel UMC.  Cynthia Walters and her mom, Miss Eulah, came up in the conversation.  She had just been on the phone with Cynthia’s sister a few days earlier.  What a beautiful, interconnected world we experience when we share the same family in Christ.  One woman chased me out the door onto the sidewalk yelling “Vidalia”!  I said, “Don’t tell me, you were a Sweet Onion Queen!?”  Wonderful unexpected fellowship.

Excerpts from their printed program: 

“There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them.  And so we came to Rome.”  Acts 28:14 

Church Vision:  To be a City of Hope where People will Impact and Transform our Present World into the Kingdom of God!

Empower – Elevate – Exalt – Equip – Evangelize  

“Therefore go …. Matthew 28: 19-20”   www.rayofhope.org 

Part I

The last two weeks have been filled with Michigan and Georgia encounters!  Every one of them is connected to God’s work in the world and to Rome in particular. 

We were invited to Peter’s home on Sunday, June 23, to enjoy an afternoon meal with him and family friend, Katrina.  He is working through the aftermath of Cinny’s recent passing and we were pleased to share this time with them over Rotisserie chicken, salad and gelato on the Terrazzo.  Certainly not lost on me was the joy of his art collection gathered over the years, mostly exchanged with artist friends.  The bronze sculptures of his babies when crawling and stone busts of his twins were among the beautiful places to rest the eye.  We joined him again on Tuesday night at a nearby restaurant where we were delighted to get to know him even more personally.  We had the honor of visiting his nearby studio and hearing the history of much of his work.  He asked me to “fill in” for him at the JNRC (Joel Nafuma Refugee Center) two mornings a week leading the clay/sculpture table, which I will do, as he leaves for a three-month period.  I hope Fimo clay play in Sunday School counts as experience.  (Of course, it is not about the clay, but about the relationships built and the love of Christ shared over the tables.) 

Note here for Dubliners:  Deano’s own Jennifer Shaffer let me know that her Grandfather was in one of Norman Rockwell’s illlustrations, The Pharmacist.  A young Peter is featured in “Soda Jerk”. He laughed and said that his father would pay others $5 for a sitting but not his own kids – they only got a buck. Check it out at the link below.

www.columbusmuseum.org/blog/collection/soda-jerk/

Waiting at the bus stop after leaving Peter’s that Sunday, a large group of American students gathered with rolling luggage in tow.  I noticed a Michigan State University tee shirt and gave a shout out.  Sure enough, all were from MSU, returning from a weekend in Paris with several more weeks of study in Rome.  They are Advertising/PR majors.  It doesn’t take long for them to ask what we are doing here.  Once the word missionary comes up, the conversation heads to the work and needs surrounding us.  Helen shows particular interest in the work at the JNRC and I share that an opening of an art exhibit with the stories of individual refugees will be held in a few days.  We exchange emails.  She also asks about where she might attend an English-speaking Protestant church, so we help her with several options.  She and her friend, Adele, are Asian-Americans.  I welcomed them with excitement to the exhibit that Wednesday evening.  Now, you know I love this part.  They ask if there are any specifics of the center that could benefit from advertising, just getting the message out there.  Of course.  I introduce her to Jill, the rector’s wife at St. Paul’s Anglican Episcopal Church, as well as to Kate, the summer intern from North Carolina.  They must produce a finished video for their classwork.  Adele says, “Imagine, this could be an influence of faith on our classmates and larger community, not just complete an assignment.”  Yes, what could come of this connection?  Helen Song is heading on a mission trip to South America soon.  She has promised to keep me updated and we will look into supporting her with our own tithe designation.

Stay tuned for Part II – “Georgia in the House”

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

Thank you to all of our faith partners for your promise of love, prayers and support. Without you, we would not be spreading God’s word and sharing His love with the people of Italy and to those forced out of their homeland that are seeking refuge in Rome. We have felt God’s hand upon us and His blessings have been with us every step of this journey.

Our permission from Greater Europe Mission to deploy in May was based on monthly and annual pledges and faith promises made by our supporters. Unfortunately not all of the funding we were counting on has come through for May or June and it has created a deficit in our support account.

If you have given a gift that helped launch our ministry, would you now consider a monthly faith promise to keep us viable. We are also in need of one-time gifts if anyone feels they can share this way. You can give at the link provided below.

We were reminded this past week that our ministry is not only our service to God’s lost, it is also about our “Faith Partners” and their service to Him. I would like to share the inspiring message Val received this week from a loving faith partner Connie.

“We started our summer study on Galatians this week, with Dorrie leading…. so you can imagine how amazing it was. She is special and we all ‘sat at her feet’ and listened intently to His Words and her heart. She mentioned that we all have a choice to either GO, SEND, or… be disobedient. I’m so happy I get to help send through people like you and Mark. Blessings to both of you.”

That is God’s work being carried out by His children. If you feel God has called upon you to support our ministry in response to His “Great Commission” please make the sacrifice and answer His call. We need your prayers, love and financial support for May, June and every month until God’s work through us is complete.

We continue to pray for all of you daily. Mark and Val Edens

Philippians 4:17  Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

This is a safe place.

This is a place of peace.

This is a place of refuge.

Imagine reading these words when you have nothing and don’t know anyone.  I expect the closest comparison we have would be a sanctuary.  For me, when life pulls me to my knees, a church sanctuary – the Word, prayer and music – brings peace.

I could not have known what to expect the first day I walked into the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center  http://stpaulsrome.it/jnrc in the basement of St. Paul’s Anglican Episcopal Church on Tuesday, the fourth of June.  Descending the stairs, the sense that triggers first is that of smell.  (I don’t notice it anymore.)  Mark traversed the room and waited patiently for Piero, the coordinator at JNRC.  I decided to sit at the end of the trio of tables covered in plastic.  The clay being pressed and molded intrigued me.  A gentleman, my senior, approached and asked if I was a volunteer.  I said that we were discussing those options.  He was reluctant and almost gruff.  Time passed and we shared more conversation as I was interested in one sculpture in particular on the table.  “I did that one,” said Peter.  He sounds American.  I appreciated his work.  Before long, I was in the back room viewing a wide variety of pieces done by the refugees (one a bust of Peter by his ‘star’ student).  I learned that Peter is a professional sculptor.  He is now in his seventies.  He volunteers each Tuesday and Friday morning, leading in clay.  I am now invited to assist him on those mornings and, hopefully, learn from him.

Peter asks where we are from.  I say Atlanta as it is recognized instantly abroad.  He tells me he is an historian, as well, and has spoken at ….. he tries to remember ….  Emory.  He goes on to say that he also lectured at the “High” (High Museum of Art for those not from Georgia), however, that was on his father’s work.  As an art lover, I say that I would enjoy seeing images of his dad’s work at some point.  He pauses and says, Norman Rockwell.  Yup.  I look at him as though this slightly sarcastic gentleman is pulling my leg.  Nope.  His last name is Rockwell.  Norman’s third-born child.  I feel rather dumb though not sure why.  I guess I don’t need anyone to “show me” his body of work.  Peter is in my prayers.  He lost his wife of 55 years just over a month ago.  

Building Relationships 

This is really where all work begins, missional or otherwise.  The list of new friends is simply long and getting longer (and it’s just been a month).  I will share more of those whom God has planted in our path over the next weeks.  

Tamim.  Javid.  Ali.  Mamadou.  Cisse.  The latter two are from Niger and my first students in English Class.  Yvette is returning to the states for two months and had been praying for a teacher.  In I walked, thanks to our partners.

Tamim has excellent English skills.  We have been friends since our first day talking at the clay table.  There is always interest in America.  From Afghanistan, he is quick to help me communicate with others from his country.  He is thirty.  I asked (after several meetings) why he was in Italy.  The answer was quiet and simple.  The drug smugglers want to kill him.  He is here under political asylum, as are all the others (around 200).

Javid did not want to work in clay, but he wanted to talk.  I asked if I could use his face as my “model” to learn.  He liked that.  We liked our end result.  It will go into a show on June 25 open to the public at St. Paul’s Within the Walls. http://www.stpaulsrome.it  If it sells, the money will go to help him.  (Okay, I may have to buy it.)  He did end up making a cow out of clay before the morning was over.  I asked about his reason for being in Rome.  Again, his enemies were trying to kill him.  He has no enemies here.  I share that I am very happy he is safe.  He gets two pieces of fruit for the afternoon and wants me to have his peach.  I am grateful and eat it immediately. I brought him toothpaste this morning.

Ali stood between Tamim and Javid yesterday after English Class.  His English is limited.  He asked about my family.  Of course, my i-phone has a family snapshot as background.  His face grows expressionless.  He shares that he has lost many.  His wife.  His three children.  His sister.  His mother.  Air raids.  Three years ago.  We quietly talk through translation and I let him know I will be praying for him.  I am sad for his great loss.  When will I go back to America, he asks.  In October for my daughter’s wedding, I answer.  He has something he wants to give me.  It belonged to his sister.  He wants me to bring it to my daughter as a gift.  Generosity, compassion, the example of Christ’s love – exchanged daily.  I am blessed to serve.  

The First 35 Days in Rome

I have written an update on our first 21 days in Rome and upon attempting to edit it I decided it would take 21 days to read it. You will not have to endure that kind of punishment. 

We arrived, we found an apartment we are very happy with, we moved in and we are doing great. Our GEM teammates in Italy has been very supportive and loving.

We have been serving at the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, http://stpaulsrome.it/jnrc check it out at the link provided. I have been going in and helping with the serving of  breakfast daily.  Then we distribute items for hygiene, there are facilities available where they can clean up. Clothing is also distributed, this varies from day to day depending on what comes in. Most of the items come from churches in the US. After that it is just conversation and smiles. Most of the refugees are new to Rome and a friendly place with smiling faces is a blessing to them.  

Val is working with them in the Arts and language. The first day we went to the JNRC to offer our service and love we learned that just a couple of days earlier one of the two english teachers had returned to the US. And that the other was going back at the end of June. They did not have any idea where they were going to find a new teacher so in walked Val. It’s funny I can’t figure out why they didn’t ask me to teach English? God is the “Great Coordinator.”  Val will write an update in the next few days and provide more of her own insights.

We have been blessed at every turn in our ministry and God is putting us where He wants us and bringing those people into our lives that He wants us to reach. 

All of you that pray for us, know that your prayers are being answered. And those of you that support us, know that we are grateful for the opportunity you have provided for us to answer Gods call upon us. To God be the glory!!!

I want to keep this short, so thats it until the next time. I will be more diligent in my timing going forward.

Love and blessing to all. Mark

Our visas have been approved, we will picked them up at 9:00 AM Tuesday, 14 May, and at 3:55 PM we will depart Miami for Roma. 

On Sunday we were commissioned and sent out from First United Methodist Dublin, GA. What a moving morning it was, surrounded by our four children and our loving church family. 

Thank you Father and all His children that have shared this journey with us. 

In His service, Mark & Val

Ciao Ciao

It’s official!

     On Sunday 12 May, we are going to be commissioned at our sending church Dublin First United Methodist. We will have all of our family together for the weekend, what a joy!  Then we will travel to Atlanta, be dropped off at a hotel near the airport and say goodbye to our children.  Not sure what that will be like, but …..

    On Monday 13 May, at 6:30 AM we will fly to Miami, visit the Italian Consulate and get our visas.  That’s a bold statement but hey that’s what has gotten us this far, “bold faith.”

    Tuesday 14 May at 3:55 PM we fly to Dusseldorf, Germany then onto Rome arriving at 11:20 AM, 15 May.

    So continues our missionary journey, what began as a small favor for a friend in March of 2010 has developed to into a life changing call to serve God as foreign missionaries.  We consider it an honor to serve and a blessing to have some many wonderful supporters.  There will be a new pin added to Roma, Italy on the map at GEM HQ’s on Tuesday and many of you will own a piece of it. 

   This week we began to have a few butterflies.  Not so much over what we are about embark on or where, but more about what are we forgetting to do. What are we missing. What still needs to be done, etc…  This is different from any journey we have ever undertaken.  We will be thankful for your love and prayers.

   We are hoping for a last minute surge in the number of new partners and one-time donations. Both accounts are still underfunded so if you feel led to become a monthly faith partner or want to make annual donations please visit www.gemission.org/donate  you can find us by our name or account number 13770.  One time donations to our launch fund would be greatly appreciated as well. Same place. We need you on the team!  

   The love and support for this ministry has made us realize that the mission has been underway since the very beginning.  God has been working in all of us to bring His plan of salvation to all His people.  This is a team effort and when we say “our ministry” you are included.  We are grateful for your support and pray daily for God to make us worthy of your trust and the task before us. 

I went to bed with this Bible verse on my mind and it was still there when I awoke, so I decided to share it with you. “A new command I give you:Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35                          

The love and support that has been shown to us since our surrender to His call has been a clear affirmation that our ministry is the will of our Father. We have been blessed in every way by our brothers and sisters in Christ. The pouring out of love and care is humbling and inspiring. We give thanks to God for His lovingkindness which is shared with us by His children. Praise God and may His blessings rest upon all who have supported and cared for Val and me.

the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. To the right is the view from my brother Don’s Camp near Channing, MI. We will travel to Lower Michigan on 28 April to visit old friends. Our plan is to return to Dublin on 2 May. Our sending church, First United Methodist Dublin, will commission us on 12 May at the 11:00 AM services. Please join us if you can.

Our Visa applications are in the hands of the Italian Consulate General in Miami. Hopefully everything we sent them is correct and acceptable, in which case our visas will be in our mailbox when we return to Dublin. Visas and 100% support are the only steps remaining in our answer to God’s call to ministry. If you feel His call to help us, please answer it. His plan, our partner.

We pray for all of you who have lifted us up to this point in time. Thank you and may God bless you and your families.