This Monday: Sacred Pathway - The Traditionalist

Like Tweet Forward Traditionalist: Loving God Through Ritual & Symbol It's another 1st Monday of the Month! It's also the last 1st Monday of the year. The AWA Christian Connections group retreats again this monday to talk about traditions, ritual, symbol and your traditions for Christmas. There are some good nuggets to pass on from the chapter on Traditionalist in Sacred Pathways (it was the longest one in the book, so Gary Thomas must be a Traditionalist!). So, we'll spend some time with that. HOWEVER.... We also want to hear from those who've come: What have been traditions or ritual which have deepened your spiritual "walk," in a church worship setting, or in your individual practice. No one is forced to talk, but this group usually has a great collection of mature women with great insights. I'm looking forward to what happens when we open it up for discussion! Can't make the meeting? Share your spiritual traditions or rituals here with the group!  More about Monthly Mondays & Sacred Pathways: Our desire with these once a month Monthly Mondays mini-retreats is to create a place for individuals from different backgrounds to explore drawing near to God and knowing him better. There is a core team of women who have agreed to read the book Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas. They help me plan these gatherings for the larger group. We have really enjoyed this past year and look forward to more in the future! Our hope is that we plan them in such a way that it will be enjoyable not only for those who follow Jesus from various Christian backgrounds, but also for those who are interested in learning more about Christian spirituality. Monthly Mondays is part of the AWA (American Women's Association) Christian Connection sub-committee. You don't have to be American, or be a member of AWA to attend (though we encourage joining!). We strive to create a safe place where people seeking the God of the Bible can find him, whether or not they are involved in regularly attending a church. If you want to pick up the book Sacred Pathways from Amazon (kindle), Fishpond or any of the local Christian bookstores (our favorites are SKS and Campus Crusade Media). You don't have to read the book to prepare, but it is a great resource, highlighting ideas for nine various spiritual temperaments! We've already explored Caregivers, Naturalists, Aescetic, Sensate and Contemplative. Still to explore are Traditionalist, Enthusiast and Intellectual. Blessing. Joy. Humility. Gratitude. Grace. K!Mberly Creasman Church Resource Ministries

"What's Your Passion?"

Forward This is a question I love to ask people when I meet them. Almost everyone, after they settle into the unusual question, has an answer. Eventually. For as long as I can remember, the answer for me has been: "Exploring ways to use theatre and the performing arts in service of Christ's church and the advancing the Kingdom of God." For the last few years, my clarity about this has begun to lost its conviction. I'm still not sure what this means and I'll keep asking God what's up. It's been mystifying. I've not been too short on opportunities this year. There was the role in the play 8 Women, singing in a Music Festival, even a small one-episode role in a TV show. But, well, there was just no "groove" if you know what I mean. I have looked at it as a gift from God during a season I'm needed in more supportive roles. By removing my passion for the arts, perhaps God's keeping me from initiatinggood things, when the best thing is for me to travel with Jim for his ministry and being a homemaker. I've enjoyed making this new home a retreat for him when he's not on the road. He's weary and having a struggle in the "groove" department too. Beside's, there's been plenty of real life drama moving across the border to Malaysia! What's your passion? Is it white hot or waning? Or are you still trying to discover it? I'd love to hear! Fueling the Passion for Leading People out of Spiritual Darkness We are writing this from meetings in Ukraine with 20 international CRM leaders representing 11 countries.  We are discussing ways to grow and help each other in our common vision: We envision movements of fresh, authentic churches, pioneered by godly leaders, fired by a passion for their world, compelled to multiply their lives and ministry; so that the name of God is renowned among the nations. It is a privilege to be in the room with this small group. These people have spiritual depth and spiritual authority. Middle East, Ukraine. Hungary. Canada. Southern Africa. Western and Eastern Africa. United States. Venezuela.  Charles Tan, the new CRM Singapore President is with us. We are thrilled to now have a Singaporean partner interacting with Christian mission leaders from around the world and bring the Singaporean gifts and perspective to the table. Thank you for making our work here an extension of your heart for God's Kingdom in Asia. We love hearing from you & pray that you have a rewarding life of great faith and generous service. We also pray as well that you will have great joy in your charitable contributions. If it's with us, thank you! It is a sweet and humbling blessing to be your partners in the Gospel! Jim & Kimberly Creasman Learn more about CRM/donations online:www.crmleaders.org 1240 Lakeview Ave, Ste. 120, Anaheim, CA 92807 USA. You may designate by adding: "preferenced for Creasman-acct 5651" I dont know how I missed reading Lord, Teach Us to Pray all these years! This short classic book is public domain = free. If you have an electronic reader, this is fuel and tools for speaking with and hearing from God. Both of us have read Movements That Change the World, Steve Addison. If your motivation for seeing people find new life (real life) in Christ is waning, this easy to read book will give you a serious re-charge! Read this book with us and let us know if it inspires you to invite people to join our movement!

You've Got a Friend in Malaysia

Forward Last week Jim was with networks in China The collage above shows highlights from our years living in China '97-99. It hangs in Jim's office. So much has changed, especially the size of the boys! But one thing has not. We are still excited aboutbuilding the spiritual leaders of the church in China! Every couple of months Jim has been going in to China to meet and mentor two groups of pastors in a major Chinese city. It's a long and exhausting week (or more) of nothing but Chinese! He teaches and leads the sessions, and then the participants want to have one-to-one time coaching on the breaks! Lord, thank you that you have given Jim ministry that is certainly meeting a need in leaders lives. But multiplication of this ministry is proving tough! You know that in this cultural context, leaders are reluctant to put themselves forward as a "mentor." We pray you will give us cross-cultural wisdom as you will raise up a ministry partner (or partners!) in this itinerant work Jim has in the region. Now in Hong Kong for a Leadership Consultation This coming week (15-18th) will be a great time for Jim to enjoy collaborating with others who are focused on ministry in China. He'll see old friends andcolleagues from CRM as well as be part of a panel discussion. Lord we pray that you will bring refreshment to Jim as he shares wisdom and experience with others who are laboring for your church in China. May they encourage and build each other up to better serve your purposes in that influential country. On the home front We're loving the extra space, natural surroundings and quiet of our new home in Malysia (as of September 17th). Singapore's airport is the closest international airport, and the commute our first time was just over an hour! In Singapore Kimberly still has her team of women leaders for the Monthly Monday Retreats exploring Sacred Pathways. She is also humbled to be seen as a mentor for The Group, a dynamic group of (350+) Christians who are artists in Singapore. They have events for nurture and fellowship every other month. On this side of the border, we're meeting neighbors and picking up a little Bahasa Malaysian. The biggest difficutly in the move was bringing our dog "Jack" across. But that's behind us now as of Friday, and now all that remains are a few more boxes to unpack. There have been a few divine appointments. I'll tell you about one: After a "chance" meeting with a nearby neighbor on my first walk with Jack Saturday, I ended up sitting on a panel discussion the next day in an Expo promoting investment in this Iskandar region of Southern Malaysia. It was a delightfully odd experience and a chance to meet some influential people. The man to my right is involved in deveolping culture and the arts. We shall see what God has intented from that! Lord, thank you for leading us here and the friendly community spirit amongst our neighbors. Give us wisdom how to bless this neighborhood and town while we are living here. Open hearts to your good news of hope and salvation, and give us the joy of leading people to knowing you like we do! Do let us know how we can also be praying for you. Blessing. Joy. Humility. Gratitude. Grace. Jim & Kimberly Creasman Empowering Spiritual Leaders with Church Resource Ministries USA (and Singapore) JIm's reading Francis of Assisi, by Lawrence Cunningham and  A Prisoner of Birth, by Jeffrey Archer And, yes, Kim's still reading:Restoring the Foundations. sigh. I've not been a good reader this past 2 months!

Big Transitions. Thank you for praying!

WHERE TO LIVE: Many friends wrote and joined us in prayer and fasting over this decision. Thank you! Over the weekend, we finally signed a lease. This unexpected move is scheduled for September 16-19. God is in it. As we shared last month, Jim travels a good deal of the time, and we will only be in Asia another 14 months before a scheduled home assignment. My earnest prayer was to be within shouting distance in our current neighborhood, or near friends who are beingintentional about loving their neighbors for the sake of the Gospel.  I was so touched by friends here who really tried to help us find a place that suited us, and was within our budget. Our boys were here while we were looking, so they got to see the options and help in deciding. The search confirmed that the rental costs here have surpassed what we feel is reasonable for us to pay in this season of itinerant ministry; and we did scour Singapore for the options!  So, the new home isn't near a soul we know (yet), but we're at peace about moving to the "Singapore suburb" of Iskandar, Malaysia, a development that's not even on Google Maps yet, but you can see where it is here. The win-win of this option is that we are commuting distance from Singapore. I can stay involved in ministry here. Housing is way more affordable. And, we found a beautiful space that will be a wonderful recharging retreat when not traveling. The best part is, there's plenty of space and a guest room, so come for a visit! CAMERON'S BOARDING SCHOOL: It was quite the drama earlier this summer when we had news that Chamberlain-Huntmight not open again in the fall. Those dear folks in Mississippi have had a rough summer, and we are in awe of their positive spirit and faith! When the dust has settled, the latest news is that there are only 25 boys confirmed for the fall, and unless there is a good number of new students applying for the spring semester, the school will indeed need to close. In 6 hours, Cameron heads back to Port Gibson where he's finally realized he can (with a disciplined environment and great teachers) be successful in school.   Lord, we continue to pray for the Saints who are running CHA, and for God to provide the needed students to keep this school going. They've been in operation since 1876 and there really is no other Christian school quite like it! If you know of anyone who's boy 7-12th grade would benefit from this kind of loving but disciplined environment away from distractions of the modern age (ipods, gaming, cell phones, youtube, short skirts!), please encourage them to consider CHA! Whirlwind of a Week! We had such a great month with both ofthe boys here. Deciding what of their remaining Singapore possessions, would fit in a footlocker, they took it all back to US last Thursday, August 29th. We dropped them off at the airport,changed a wad of money to Malaysian Ringgit, and drove up to Johor to make the necessary deposit. It's a trip that takes about the same amount of time as a trip between LAX and Disneyland (also depending on the time of day)! On Friday, August 30th, we installed NEW Leaders for CRM in Singapore! The transitions we've asked you to pray for in establishing the next Board for CRMS are official.  Lord, it's been encouraging to see how you have raised up a new slate of board members and local leaders for the ministry. Thank you that Jim's role in leading the local ministry will be handed over to a capable and godly new Singaporean President and board. Trip to Vietnam: Jim is off again today September 2nd! He's meeting with the 2 different groups of Vietnamese pastors/leaders he's been meeting with regularly since the beginning of 2012. Coaching and consulting and mentoring these pastors is thrilling for him. It makes any of the physical hardships worthwhile! Empowering Spiritual Leaders with Church Resource Ministries USA (and Singapore)

An Open Prayer for Egyptian Christians

My heart is heavy with news from Egypt, both from the news media, and from those who are my friends there. As you are aware, Christians are being scapegoated for the public outcry and protests which prompted the military ouster of their democratically elected Muslim Brotherhood leader. 

The last 5 years I've had 3 opportunities to do some drama training with Christian youth in Egypt. Some from Cairo, and many from other cities we're now hearing about in the news.  These kids call themselves my Egyptian sons and daughters. I love them.

After sending a few messages via Facebook this week, one such young man, wrote today of having been kidnapped and tortured last December (2012) because of his involvement in a peaceful protest back then. His house was burned this Wednesdays. He's struggling with discouragement (here's a link to our FB conversation, with his permission to publish).

So I wrote to him my thoughts and my prayers for him and for Egypt.

18 November, 2013 A Group Photo from our Drama Camp

I know you feel like hating. And I want to write to you my brother and say that you may hate. 

You may hate the one who is behind their acts. Hate with a vengeance our enemy the Devil and any forces of darkness who serve his aims. Know, as you hate him, that you have the God of the universe on your side who will bring justice. Perhaps not for these individual victories Satan has had against you, but surely in eternity. God has placed this in our DNA the need for justice. And he has promised to be just. In the Bible we read prophecy of eternal punishment and also eternal blessing. We read of a promised life free of pain, and darkness, and evil. This promised eternal life of blessing and joy (the one our best dreams foreshadow), will make the worst seasons in our entire existence here feel very much like what the Apostle Paul called "momentary afflictions."

I know you know this my friend, but our enemy the Devil will target YOU. Because of your strength and exceptional talent, the Devil will, no doubt, target YOU.

And he will use those who are victims under his darkness to target you as well. He hates the truth. He hates our God. It is only in causing problems for those God loves - us - that he has any power to grieve God. And I know that in what is happening in Egypt there is no one more grieved than our Father in Heaven (as much as it may seem - on the ground - like he has turned his back on you).

And, as hard as it is to see it from your vantage point. The Muslim Brotherhood are victims too. Victims of lies from the very beginnings of a religion that followed a false prophet who promotes hate, and war and domination. They did not choose to be born into Muslim families, where they would not have a chance to hear (rationally) or see (experientially) the truth of a loving heavenly father who initiated the incarnation of his son as a way to restore humankind to a relationship with himself. They don't KNOW yet what we know and have experienced. And it's not their fault they don't know. So while I pray for you...and Egypt's military...and world leaders to be wise in their support...I also pray for those who are living in darkness. Including the Muslim Brotherhood who are being so hateful and prejudiced against my brothers and sisters in Egypt...and other places around the world. Here's my prayer for you...and all of our brothers and sisters in Egypt. 

God have mercy. Help us figure out a way to convince those who follow Islam that you Jesus, and "ISA" in the Koran, are the Way, the truth and the life. No one comes to you God, except through your Son! [John 14:6] 

Lord, Jesus, Dear Father, Powerful Holy Spirit, I pray for my friends who are struggling in their hearts and minds to have courage and integrity, and the will to rise above this evil against them. They need the grace you alone can give us to see these horrible events and their suffering as you see it. We admit that we cannot do this on our own! It is so unjust! We look to you Lord, knowing that our life on earth is but a breath, and that you will reward and bless us, even though we don't deserve your grace, and even if there is no justice, now, on a war torn earth. While we will continue to beg you to bring justice and peace on earth, and use us to be part of the solution.  

We will persevere by your strength to fight not only for ourselves, but for all victims of injustice, as you allow us to be involved. Encourage those Egyptians who have stayed in Egypt, rather than finding peace and a better lifestyle outside of their homeland. We pray for you to use them as lights for your Gospel in that nation and in that region.We know your kingdom is coming, and we know that you have proven your love for us because of your incarnation and suffering on the cross. But in the face of this hardship and suffering, your children in Egypt need your comfort, your peace, your hope, your Holy Spirit.  

Lord I pray that your children in Egypt will resist the temptation to harden their hearts. And that you will give them fellowship with other believers to encourage one another to be steadfast and strong in the face of the present darkness that assaults them. Lord, I will continue to pray this, because I know it is your will. Please strengthen them today, and use them and the story you are writing with their lives to strengthen others.  

AMEN!

Before the end of the evening. I got a reply. "Just informed that the (Freedom & Justice) Party leader in Assiut, the one who supervised the process of torturing me, was arrested!!"

Let's continue praying.

Creasmans What's New(s) July

Like Tweet Forward AUGUST=Big Transitions. Only God Knows Where! WHERE TO LIVE: A few weeks back we had an unexpected email. Our Landlord wants to move back into our apartment when the current lease expires on the 14th of September. With Jim traveling regionally for ministry now, and with the costs of living so high, we know we don't have to stay in Singapore. We could go somewhere else and figure out how to get a visa to stay in that country. I would miss our dear friends and the potential of more ministry with artists and international women, but I'm adventurous and I'm open to a change. After all, we're empty nesters right? We have been planning to be back in USA for a year's home assignment. But that's not for more than a year, November 2014. This unexpected move is 14 months too early! Could it be that we need to return early? CAMERON's boarding school sent an interesting announcement last weekend. The school has just been sold and the current top 3 administrators are leaving by months end. The new owners intend to continue a school in the fall. In the transition, the school has lost some teachers and students. Cameron is registered and has tickets to go back the first week of September, and It's too late in the summer to process the needed paperwork for him to get into the school options we know of on this side of the world, and besides, we don't know where we'll be living for sure. So he's also on this adventure with us asking,"What is God planning for us?" TYLER arrives in a few days, July 29th, for a month back in Singapore. It's been 2 years since he was here last: when he graduated High School! Our plans for a together are being reconfigured. By the time both boys fly back to US on August 29th, we trust we'll have answers about this move. CHINA: Until August 6th Jim is in some rustic conditions while meeting with those Chinese leaders in very different groups. The pastors and mission leaders he can assist through coaching and consulting and mentoring is thrilling for him, and makes any of the physical hardships worthwhile! NEW Leaders for CRM in Singapore: The transitions we've asked you to pray for in establishing the next Board for CRMS will be finalized officially at the AGM the end of August. It's been encouraging to see how God has raised up a new slate of board members and local leaders for the ministry. As of August 30th James' role in leading the local ministry will be handed over to a capable and godly new Singaporean President. Will you consider joining us sometime in the next 2 weeks in some kind of fasting and prayer as we look to the Lord for direction? Please tell us if you will join us in this somehow. If you're unfamiliar with the practice of fasting, here's some notes from Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, and the chapter on fasting from Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. God does have a plan! We are waiting on him to tell us while researching what our options might be. Our trip to Vietnam in July was a great family time, letting Cameron see what his dad does for work. On Sunday we visited 2 different Vietnamese worship services. This was followed by a chance to meet up & serve with a summer team from Fullerton Evangelical Free Church, Jim's original home church, where we married in 1984. It was an opportunity for all of us to work together sharing the Gospel through English classes and a kid's camping trip with primary aged Vietnamese children. Admission: we're all now hooked on Vietnamese iced coffee. Do let us know how we can also be praying for you. Blessing. Joy. Humility. Gratitude. Grace. Jim & Kimberly Creasman​ Empowering Spiritual Leaders with Church Resource Ministries USA (and Singapore) Thank you for making our work here an extension of your heart for God's Kingdom in Asia. We love hearing from you & pray that you have a rewarding life of great faith and generous service. We also pray as well that you will have great joy in your charitable contributions. If it's with us, Thank you! It is a sweet and humbling blessing to be your partners in the Gospel! Jim is reading: John Kotter,Leading Change Charles Kraft, I Give You Authority Enjoying the community of friends God has given me in Singapore, and wanting to learn how some have taken more serious steps to living like those in the New Testament Church, I started this good book! I'm fascinated! Kimberly's still reading:Restoring the Foundations.