Bring an umbrella

 .Science tells us we can’t stop anticipation from happening. The human brain is always on and always working. Anticipation is rooted in the portion of the brain known as the cerebellum, which controls “automatic, “non-thinking” behavior. (Now,  how many of you knew that little fact?)

With  anticipation always in play, the human brain desires more Dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter. It’s released from the brain’s frontal lobe and acts as a stimulant that prevents pain, stimulates arousal and causes excitement. Dopamine stimulation happens when we experience and expect good things. Anticipating positive events sustains the output of dopamine into the brain’s chemical pathways.

Scientific experiments show that most people anticipate future positive events, as opposed to future negative events. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re an optimist or a pessimist; the brain is wired to anticipate positive experiences.  ( God sure did create a great brain)
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All the above is knowledge for the head, now here is  some heart knowledge on, "anticipation", which is a powerful Biblical principal. 

To anticipate is ‘to foresee and act in advance of, example....

In Exodus 12, Moses instructed the Israelite's to get ready immediately for their immediate exodus from Egypt. They were to eat the Passover lamb in anticipation—clothed, prepared and ready to go on their journey. (Exodus 12:11)

Get ready! It is time to move!

 Anticipation is an expression of faith

Anticipation is about preparing and making room for what you know is yours by faith. It is getting ready for what God has told you is coming.

Noah began building the ark—a large boat—in anticipation of a flood. Hebrews tells us, ‘By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.’ (Heb 11:7)

‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ (Heb 11:1

Ten people gather to pray for rain in a time of drought. One person brings an umbrella. That’s 

anticipation!

Our family is not ark builders, nor are we preparing for an exodus from the United States,  but we  did start planning for a family reunion this Christmas. 

Our goal way back was to all be together in one house for Christmas this year.  Since last Christmas we had been putting aside a little funds just for this special event.  And God started working out the details and with each answered prayer our anticipation grew.  

 About three and half months ago  we, along with our son and family decided to do the California thing and rent a house together.   We had been looking for over a year for just the right house that would work for two families and God in His timing provided, and it's perfect for our family get together. 

This past weeks I have prepared everyone's favorite candy, cookies, bought the ham and turkey, stocked our cabinets with lots of goodies, planned our menus, checked on museums and zoos to go see,  and even praying about going to a theme park.  Honestly though,  our number one thing to do is just hang out together, play games together, do some hiking together, and of course eat all I have prepared.  

 There must be a lot of Dopamine stirring in my brain because I am super excited. Today is the day our faith will be come sight when our daughter and family step off the plane.

A friend ask me a few weeks ago, what if something happens and your plans do not come to pass.  It would be a huge disappointment but I trust the Lord to help me if that happens.  He did not promise us a family reunion here on this earth.  But there is one coming someday that no one can stop because God has planned it, prepared for it and He will bring it to pass.  The anticipation is building for that day when He shouts and calls us home.  But for now I am going to enjoy this Christmas to it's fullest.  

 This song popped into my heart as I wrote that last paragraph. 
 What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see

When I look upon His face , the one who saved me by His grace

When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the promise land

What a day glorious day that will be

(I've got my umbrella ready and waiting for that glorious day). 

                      Merry Christmas 

Latest update...on Member Care ministry.

 

    A recent ministry trip to visit some missionaries on home assignment had us driving through
Northern California and into Oregon where there was snow on the mountains surround by beautiful fall colors.  I know Ace got tired of me saying, oh stop here, then just around the next bend, I repeated it, please stop.  Thank God he is a patience man and even took pictures for me.

I started thanking the Lord for the meetings that prompted us to travel over 2000 miles and meet with eight missionaries. Our first stop was Fresno, California where we had our first meeting with a couple who had just returned to the states.  That night we met up with a gal, Mary,  who served in Papua New Guinea for years. It was encouraging to hear how God was meeting her needs since she returned.

Next day we head into southern Oregon, making it in time for the church service  at the church (Foots Creek) we attend when in that area.  That night they were celebrating Thanksgiving, it was great connecting with folks we had met on a previous trip.  

We fell into bed contented knowing  each meeting had the hand of God on it.  The third day of our trip while Ace was getting a transmission issue looked at , I visit a young mother who had served in South East Asia that was home due to family issues.  We talked for hours about what God has been teaching her about trusting Him. That night we went to dinner at the home of the worship leader of Foot Creeks church.  They had also invited a couple we had met at the Harvest Party who is very interested in New Tribes Mission.  To our surprise this couple wanted to meet us for breakfast and talk more about missions.  Our excitement was building as they ask one question after another about missions.

We had already arranged a meeting with another couple the next day and also spend some more time with the young mother home from Asia due to family issues.
 An extra bonus, we got to take her two girls to McDonalds and give her a little break.  We try to look for practical ways to help beside just sitting in meetings.

Our main ministry is to connect with those on home assignment but we always try to meet up with a retired missionary in whatever  area we are visiting.   We love to hear their stories, draw from the wisdom and insight God has given them through the years.  But mostly we just want to take them out to eat and say, thank you for your years of service.  John Jette was living about an hour away from where we were staying so we connected with him and he was willing to meet us at a great restaurant. John served 31 years in Papua New Guinea, mostly in the Aria tribe where he translated the bible into their language. He has the best stories, one in particular we love to hear him tell is when he tossed out of boat into the ocean for 7-8 hours in the open sea.  A government boat finally picked him up and told him he was the catch of the day. 


Our goal was to keep this update to one page.  We had several more visits and will share them next time.  The longer we do the Member Care ministry the more we see the importance of it.  To be able to give an understanding ear, counsel, encouragement and resources is just one way to help a missionary adjust back to stateside living. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support that makes it possible for us to be flexible with those who have given their lives to take the gospel to the least reached.  It's your support that buys our gas, pays for the meal we share with missionaries, supply the  resources  when needed.  It's about being part of a team whose goal is reaching the lost. Thank you.  
        
                                      In His Service, Ace and Betty Draper.