Back from Istanbul, Turkey. God started with some cleaning ...cleaning my heart that is!!!

It's funny how people who love God want to be shaken by Him. I know him , trust him and down deep are far from him. When he reveals how wicked I am, I'm grateful because he is going to clean and restore me to a right heart. When I say that the trip was great , it was. God moved through us and in us. That first day God revealed the sin in my heart...... Selfishness, impatience, lack of steadfastness and lack of love. I could go on and on with the list. I wasn't fit for this trip, but God was going to work anyway. Little did I know that he had a plan for me and if he had to ...he would use me!
The picture you see is of a toddler (little over 2) and his infant brother. Their mom is hidding in these bushes. She is waiting for people to come by , feel sorry and put money in a cup that is waiting near the baby. This image bothered me all day. We are told that many refugees are in Turkey. Some find housing and jobs but some do not. I don't know the story behind this situation but I do know that this level of "living" is not what I can relate to. "I" could not imagine any mom doing this to their children but "I" have not been in their situation. This woman might of been forced into prostitution and these are babies out of that. We are told lots of stories. My mind wanders and can only guess. Are these children loved and cared for?? (I don't think so) What is their future? ....... I pray that someone will share the love of God with them someday and they will have a real "life". Life in Jesus!!!!!
When I asked God to reveal himself to me , he wants to show me what he sees........ brokenness, despair, and lost souls that need him!!!
1 john 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus walked.
(I will post more soon. Next one will be lighter:) )

Missions mmmmmm

Steve (my husband) and I are going to Istanbul, Turkey. We leave Aug 7 and return Aug 19.
Missions mmmmmm......... We love Jesus. We want to love Him and show we do by loving and serving others. We are open to go wherever, do whatever and love whoever. The ultimate goal is to win many for Christ. This is our mission for the whole time we are on this earth. If it's to win our neighbor next door or a person across the world. So for now God is directing us to Istanbul. We will be helping a refugee center, teaching classes (I'm cutting hair and Steve is teaching harmonica and kazoo), doing MIME, teaching line dancing, going on prayer walks, visiting and encouraging existing missionaries, visiting home churches, cooking and serving over 100 refugees and whatever else they would have us do!! Pray for us for openness in the hearts of people, health for the team (9 of us), safety and smooth travels through customs and such. Anything else that you can think of , please pray. We know God is faithful to change us!!! Pray we cooperate with Him! Thank you for your prayers!!!!!! We love you , Steve and Karlene