security

Safe and Secure

Who is safe anymore? No one! But international workers are exposed to many more dangers. We travel more. We live in sensitive and sometimes volatile places. We are often the first targets for violence.

It’s been almost 11 years since I wrote on international safety issues. At that time the World Trade Center bombings had just happened. In the intervening years our world has been rocked by any number of other terrorist attacks, tribal wars, and crazed shooters killing innocent people.

Where can we find safety? Do we hide in our houses and never venture out? That’s not possible. Do we go back home? We knew when we signed up for international service that we stood higher risks than those who remained home. Many of us signed papers releasing our organization from responsibility should we be kidnapped and held for ransom. [Read more…]

An Issue of Trust

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It is December again. We all have Christmas in the back of our minds even if we are not actively thinking about it. The message of the angels to the shepherds was, “Peace on earth and goodwill to men.” Are you experiencing God’s peace? Are you at rest in God and the work He has given you to do? Are you secure in His provision in this economic atmosphere?

Judith Havens shares her lesson on trust with us. In whatever ways your world is turned on its head this Christmas season, let your stability come from your deep abiding trust of the God who gives us peace.

Have you ever ridden on a roller coaster? You know, that up and down motion. One moment you are excited with anticipation of what is to come…the thrill of a life time. The next moment you are being flung through the air and wondering if you will survive. That is usually when I think, “I will never get on this thing again!” [Read more…]

Safety Precautions

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Tuesday morning in eastern USA, was Tuesday evening on Borneo. We had enjoyed a wonderful, badly needed day of rest at a lovely resort at the foot of jungle covered mountains overlooking the South China Sea. Much of the day had been spent soaking in the pool and resting on chaise lounges. Our idyllic peace was shattered at 9:15 PM when my husband channel surfed to CNN. Pictures of the World Trade Center in a pillar of smoke and the Pentagon engulfed in flames shook us as the horror unfolded. Nothing could have prepared us for the shock.

36 hours later, we still hardly know what to say when asked how we feel. But last night my husband began a series of camp meeting addresses. With the tragedy so fresh on everyone’s minds, there really wasn’t another topic that seemed right for that session.

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