My Grandma the Missionary

This is what I shared at my Grandmother's Memorial today.  I hope it brings inspiration and encouragement to you.

Good afternoon. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jillian Wellman and I am Joyce’s granddaughter.

How many of you, at some point in your encounters with my Grandma, heard about the love of God from her - either directly or indirectly? (I think everyone raised their hands)

This is my greatest memory of my Grandma, and the legacy I hope to continue: She was always sharing about the Lord, his love, and his work in her life. And not in a judgmental way, either. If she didn’t share the same beliefs or opinions as someone, it didn’t diminish the way she treated that person with love and acceptance. We just saw pictures in the slideshow from when Grandma served the Lord in Nigeria. But the amount of hands raised earlier indicates that Joyce Hale was a missionary no matter her location or occupation.

Now, my Grandma wasn’t perfect. She’d be the first one to tell you she was a sinner who struggled to live rightly, just like you and I. However, she didn’t live from her status of imperfection, but from a place of grace. She had experienced and received the grace of Jesus in her life, and it impacted her so greatly that she lived from a place of grace toward others. That is what I mean when I say she was a missionary in her very essence. It wasn’t a job title she held when overseas. It was who she was.

My Grandma taught me so much about having a real and living relationship with God. She taught me that being in a relationship with God means serving him by serving others in love. Her relationship with God was lived out in all she did. Grandma taught me that no matter what life throws my way, God is WITH me. When my brother, Jeff died, she was the rock in my family that reminded us that we weren’t going through this grief alone, but that Jesus really was with us to comfort us. He wasn’t a distant or unavailable god. He was a good God. A God who cared for us. Grandma also taught me the power of forgiveness. Her life could have been a recipe for bitterness, burdens and reclusiveness. But because of forgiveness, her life was one of joy, freedom, and many wonderful relationships. 

Now, some of you will recall the two things in her life that taught us to pray the most: Her cooking and her driving. Yes, she was a terrible cook and a worse driver. But... often she was cooking for family and friends or driving to go shopping for baby clothes for a family at church, or to go visit her friend, Betty Jane, or to help lead a Bible Study. You see, even in her terrible culinary and driving skills, we saw her heart to serve and care for others.

I was so blessed to spend August with Grandma this year. We ate meals together, went shopping at Walmart together, went Garage Sailing together, and we had some great conversations... about life, love, work and the Lord. Some of my most treasured memories with Grandma were made this summer. We have always been close, ever since she lived with my family and our rooms were adjoined. But this summer, we were more than Grandmother and Granddaughter: we were friends. I will miss my Grandma greatly. I am changed... different... better because of her influence in my life.

And now, her prayers have become my prayers: that her family and friends would come to know the peace, hope, joy, and love that is found only in Jesus. And that those of us who do have relationship with Jesus would live like it: that we would be missionaries, that we would exude peace, hope, joy, and love, in all that we do, for the glory of God.

There are tulip bulbs in the foyer for each of you to take, to plant and remember Grandma.  The verse from 1^st Corinthians talks about each of us doing our part, but that ultimately, growth is up to the Lord.  Grandma did her part and found great joy in doing so.  Now it’s our turn.

 

Thank you, God, for the gift you gave us in Grandma.

Photos of CSBS Staff 2013

Taking photos with this year's staff was a lot of fun.  

Standing (from left to right): Anne, Geoff, Emily, Ylva, and Eva.  

Sitting (from left to right): Jillian, Nigel, Megan, and Patrick.

So blessed to be working with an AMAZING staff!  

Even if we are slightly awkward and a bit creepy.

I don't know what's happening.

Ylva's face says it all.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Outreach in the Caribbean was amazing!
Time visiting my family and friends in Washington was wonderful.
The UofN Workshop in San Antonio Del Mar, Mexico was also wonderful.

Now, it is time for the CSBS (Chronological School of Biblical Studies) to start TOMORROW!

Last year was pretty crazy.
We had over 20 students and lost 2 staff due to visa difficulties less than a quarter into the school.
But, we survived and a lot of awesome stuff came out of that school.  For a big chunk of the school, we had only 5 staff.

This CSBS, 4 of the students from last year are joining us as staff!  Which means we have 9 staff in total AND we have a smaller class this year - only 10 students.
Which means more rest for the weary.
And surprisingly, I still feel weary.  I've had time to rest and recuperate in Washington.  But I still feel tired.  So, I'm grateful that we will have a slightly lighter workload this year, even if it means not as many students.  God knows.

I'll try to get back in the habit of blogging now that the school is up and running.
For now, it's good to be back.
-Jillian

Out of Office Memo

It's true.  There are still places in the world where people don't rely on the internet for daily connection with the rest of their world.  I will be in one of these places for the next 30 days.
Crazy.
The last few days have been a bit of a blur, but here are some highlights:

I turned 31

The temperatures in the valley hit triple digits for several days straight

The Caribbean team has prepared to teach Inductive Bible Study Seminars & Bible Overviews

The Caribbean team got our visas to the nation where we are going

My computer battery died and since I typed that I've accidentally bumped the power cord and had to restart it once - thank God for auto-save

The CSBS graduated last Saturday

Two CSBS students are on outreach in East Asia currently

Four CSBS students and two staff (myself and my friend, Emily) are about to head to the Caribbean

I suppose that's about it.  If you try to email me or call me during the month of July, I won't respond.  I won't actually get your message until I get back in the USA.
So... here's my out of office memo.
See you all in August!
Pray for us!
We need it!

11 Days

The CSBS (Chronological School of Biblical Studies for any newbies to my page) is graduating in 11 days on June 22nd, 2013!  It is starting to sink in that after 9 long months and 66 books of the Bible, 20 amazing young men and women will be graduating and going on to change the world with the truth of God's Word.  I have had the awesome privilege of walking alongside these students as a staff member - grading their homework, leading them in worship times, and teaching lectures on Inductive Bible Study and the books of Job, Micah, Jeremiah, 2nd Corinthians, and Titus.  I've also just lived life with them along with the five other amazing staff members.  Because we are an intensive course, students don't have multiple courses they are taking with different teachers and different classmates in each course.  Rather, for nine months, we have walked through the Bible and walked through life together as one group - we are in lectures together, we eat meals together, we hang out in our free time together... yep - it's like a hippie commune.  But with showers and soap.  :)


I've really grown to love each person in this CSBS and will miss the ones that will leave us after graduation.  But I'm so excited to hear the stories of God using them and using his word to transform European University Campuses, the Fashion Industry in the USA, various nations in Asia, and who knows how many other areas of society!

My roommate, Shannon, just returned from leading a DTS (Discipleship Training School) outreach to China and their school graduates this Saturday... it's so fun and inspiring to hear stories of how God used these teams in China, Kenya, and Thailand!  Very cool.  God could just reveal himself to people in dreams and visions (and he does do this, also) but often times he chooses to use us - fallible, plain, and rather weak human beings - to reveal who he is to the world.  A few of these DTS students are considering doing the CSBS in September, which I will also be staffing.  Pray that God would speak clearly to each one of these DTS graduates about his calling and plans for their lives and that they would be obedient.  IF that happens to be CSBS, that would be awesome!  :)  It is such a great foundation for any believer who wants to live according to God's word, but definitely for anyone who wants to be a missionary!

Finally, on July 1st I will be leaving for the "Caribbean" with the CSBS teaching team I am co-leading.  The four students taught as a team for the first time last week at my church in LA, Winds of Hope.  They taught a seminar on the Inductive Bible Study Method and went through the book of Titus with Spanish and English speakers.  This was excellent practice for the Caribbean nation where we will be in July.  We are meeting weekly and getting excited about the opportunities that are opening up for us in a not-so-open nation.

Jill, Amanda, Geoff, Josh, Kate, & Emily with Winds of Hope Church

Titus Inductive Bible Study Seminar with Winds of Hope Church

So, lots of fun and exciting (and a little hectic) stuff happening this week and the next!  I will try to post one more time before I leave for the Caribbean (no internet access where we will be.)
Until then, have a WONDERFUL WEEK!
- Jillian

So grateful...

My parents are seriously the best parents ever.

And my friends and family in Washington are pretty great as well!

My mom initiated and organized a fundraising event for my outreach team, called "Gospel & Grub!"  My Dad helped make a ton of Caribbean Jerk chicken for the event and also run the sound system, and the event brought in not only enough for my outreach fees but for two other students as well!

There are so many people who gave towards our outreach... and I'd just like to take a moment to say, "THANK YOU!!!" I would thank each and every one of you personally for your help with the Gospel & Grub night... or for giving financially towards our team... but I'd have a difficult time knowing where to start.  If you happened to give by check, then I can track you down.  But I know you didn't give for the thank you card.  You all are awesome and I am humbled to be a part of serving alongside you in the Kingdom of God.  I hope someday I will get a chance to thank each one of you who contributed time, efforts, or finances to seeing my team go to teach the Bible in the Caribbean region.

But there's one person I want to take the time to publicly and personally thank - my momma.  She put so much heart and soul and elbow grease into making this "Gospel & Grub" event happen.  So, here's my little shout out to my mother who had an idea and ran with it.

Mom - you continue to inspire and encourage me in all areas of life.  You serve and bless people regardless of their age, nationality, or background.  You give selflessly to people you've never even met!  And you genuinely care for others.  Throughout the years I've learned so much from you: the value of helping and serving others who are in more difficult circumstances, the value of honoring parents and caring for them in their old age (yes, I will be there for you when the time comes!), and the value of doing everything wholeheartedly and with excellence, from cleaning the house or weeding to working in an office or playing music.  You and Dad have taught me what it means to follow through with commitments and how to laugh and have fun in the midst of hard times.

I know Mother's Day and really, May 13th, are not easy days for you.  There is the pain of our loss, and I can only imagine that is stronger for you when you watch other mothers honored or shown affection by their kids and think of the hole in your life because Jeff isn't there anymore and your one living child lives far away.  So, while I want to say thank you for being my mom and for being the example that you are and always have been for me... I also want you to know that I am praying that this coming Sunday and Monday are not only bearable for you, but are filled with joy as you think of happy Jeff memories (he loved you very much) and knowing you have a daughter who also loves you very much even if she lives so very far away.

I wouldn't ever want to trade you for any other mother in the world.
You're the best mother I could have ever asked for.
Just sayin.

More about Outreach in July!

Hey all!  Here's some photos of my outreach team and a video sharing about what we're doing.  Still not mentioning the nation by name, but if you haven't figured it out by now, you can email me at jillianesther@gmail.com for more details!  :)

From Left to Right: Kate Cook, Josh & Amanda Warner, Geoff Cummer, Emily Yoder, Jillian Wellman

We are completely serious 100% of the time.

So excited to be co-leading a team with my buddy, Emily.  

Outreach!

My heart is heavy as I think of the nation where my friend, Emily, and I will be leading a team of four Bible students to teach for the month of July.  

To our understanding up until recently, this nation has been enjoying more religious freedom than normal.  We will be going to said nation with "religious worker" visas.  For us outsiders, we will be safe and legally allowed to teach the Bible in small house churches.  Closely monitored, of course, but permitted to teach, nonetheless.  This is pretty amazing!  

But, for local pastors and believers, there is still persecution - even beatings and imprisonments.  As I read an article about this current persecution, I realized what a privilege God has given us to be able to serve these churches in a time where they need some truths on which to stand, in which to hope... truths found in the promises of God in the Bible... truths that will help them through this rocky time.

This brings me to another current reality:  I don't have the finances needed for this outreach.  I am so blessed to receive consistent monthly support from a variety of people, but this monthly support goes to living expenses with little left to save for special projects, such as this trip in July.  I truly believe God has opened doors for myself and our little team to travel to this "closed" nation to encourage and teach the believers there, who are hungry for teaching and Bible study resources.  I also believe that God is faithful to provide for the things to which he calls us.  My dependence is on God alone for my needs.  However, he does often use people to meet those needs.  Perhaps he is calling you to be a part of bringing Bible teaching and encouragement to the persecuted church in this undisclosed nation, by supporting me financially to be able to go.  If you feel this is something God is stirring in your heart, I would be honored to partner with you for the sake of the Gospel.  

I need $2100 by May 15th to cover flights, visas, housing, food, transportation, and ministry expenses.   

If you want to make a tax deductible donation, you can do so by sending a check (made out to Jillian Wellman) to:

     Hockinson Community Church

     15918 182nd Ave

     Brush Prairie, WA 98606

Or, you can go online to ywamla.org to make a secure online donation.

If you want to know more about this current persecution, please email me for a link to the article I mentioned.  

DISCLAIMER:

Please don't get me wrong - I don't share this information to persuade or manipulate you to give towards my trip.  I truly believe God will provide and that may or may not be through you.  But I was challenged by a supporter of mine who recently said, "Jill, if you don't tell people your needs, you might be robbing them of a chance to get involved in missions!"  I hope you don't feel expected to give or ANYTHING like that... I'm only trying to be obedient to the Lord by sharing this opportunity to be involved in missions in a nation I am not able to mention here.  :)  

Why the Old Testament?

Last week we finished studying the Old Testament in the Chronological School of Biblical Studies (CSBS.)  Emily Yoder taught on Malachi and at the end of her lecture she posed a question to our students:  Why the Old Testament?  Why is it important to study it?  Why did God take so long to bring about his plan of redemption through Jesus?  Why the Law?  ... Basically, why the Old Testament?

I could write my answer to the question... but instead, I'd like to share some of the things that our students shared.  I only copied their words into my journal.  This makes my heart happy.  And, while we've seen Jesus throughout the Old Testament, I feel this anticipation and excitement for the students to study the New Testament (now that they have studied the Old) and meet Jesus in a whole new way.

P.S.  Click on the image to zoom in!  :)

Jeremiah teaching

I know, I know.  

It's been several weeks since I taught Jeremiah.  

Nonetheless, here are some photos from the last day I taught.  We had a funeral service for Jerusalem... 

Mourning the destruction of Jerusalem (We have a thing for drama in our class.)

Eva, Peter, Patrick, and Jeff during a time of prayer and reflection

It was a somber time of realizing the cost of Judah's persistent rejection of relationship with God... the cost of sin.  And the lengths to which God went to get his people back.  

If you have never read this book, I encourage you to do so.  It is long, but so worth your time.  Jeremiah was a guy who lived a hard life, was extremely unsuccessful in ministry, but he had a relationship with God in a time when few did.  

Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet... 

He weeps, God weeps... it's a sad book.  

But we can all learn from Jeremiah's consistent obedience to God despite opposition.  

And we can all learn from Judah's mistakes.  

And we can ultimately learn that we have a God who loves mankind so much that he will do whatever it takes to bring about his plan to redeem us all.  

Oh yeah.  And he did!

Practically speaking... if you're going to read Jeremiah...

A good devotional on Jeremiah's life is Run with the Horses, by Eugene Peterson.  

But, honestly, just open up your Bible and read Jeremiah from start to finish and see if God doesn't show you more of his heart through the book.  If you get confused or want the back story, email me, or check out a bible dictionary or encyclopedia online.  There are so many resources out there.  

Okay, I'm done with my shameless plug for reading the Bible.  

What can I say?  

I'm passionate about people knowing the Word for themselves.  

Jeremiah Chapter 19

Well, that's about it for now.  The CSBS is studying Ezra & Esther this week.  In only three more weeks we will be finished with the Old Testament and ready to start into the New.

If you're interested in receiving my Spring Newsletter, please email me your address (or email address if you prefer a PDF version.)

Now, go read your Bible and be blessed! 

Teaching & Preaching

Hey friends,

Life has been a bit hectic for January - I prepared then taught Jeremiah (which is the longest book in the Hebrew Bible) this week in the CSBS and I am also preaching at my church, Winds of Hope, this Sunday.  I will be giving a much more thorough update with photos soon, but just wanted to touch base with you all.  I'm alive and well and have so much to share!  But... for now, a simple hello will have to do!

Love from the city of Angels,
Jillian

If I Stand

Happy New Year!

I heard this song recently and though it's an oldie, the words really resonated in my heart.  "Stuff of earth competes for the allegiance I owe only to the giver of all good things..."  Rich had a way with words.  How many of us can relate with this competition for our allegiance?

This is our first week back in the CSBS and the students are studying Hosea.  In lectures, Megan Burmester, who was teaching Hosea, called God's love "a love that tolerates no rival."  Pretty grateful that the same God who desires our undivided affection has grace when we screw up and go after the stuff of earth rather than him.  I need that grace today.  

Anyway, here's the lyrics and a link to the song on youtube.  Hope you are encouraged by this song!

There's more that rises in the morning
Than the sun
And more that shines in the night
Than just the moon
It's more than just this fire here
That keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger
Than this room

And there's a loyalty that's deeper
Than mere sentiment
And a music higher than the songs
That I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes
For the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver
Of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home

There's more that dances on the prairies
Than the wind
More that pulses in the ocean
Than the tide
There's a love that is fiercer
Than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother's
When her baby's at her side

So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That you will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home