The Fragrance of Cologne

It’s a well-known fact that sensory responses trigger recall.  The most prevalent catalysts for me are smells.  There are a few random, yet distinct scents that remind me of childhood.  In the most peculiar way, the faint hint of cigarette or pipe smoke; or the aroma of fresh baked cookies takes me back to my favorite place as a child - my grandparents’ home in Ohio. In contrast, my Grandparents’ home in North Carolina had an aroma comparable to The Cracker Barrel. The wood stove in the family room marked the air distinctly year-round. Of course, any time I stayed at their house, the smell of coffee, bacon & made-from-scratch biscuits met me at (early) morning. These are all great memories! 

There are also odors that bring to mind less-than-favorable recollections.  For reasons I’ll not elaborate, I simply detest cinnamon.  (How ironic since it’s one of the more popular candle/air freshening scents year-round, but especially at Christmas!) Our noses get little credit, yet they have the amazing capacity to bring to mind people, places and events from our emotional and experiential archives. 

As a teenager - I was an ardent fan of Giorgio. Nowadays - I'm strictly a Vera Wang girl. Hopefully, if anyone has come to associate "Vera" with my physical presence, it will be a positive connection - if at all reminiscent of me in the future.  While commercial fragrances may seem trivial - as Christians, we don the eternally life changing, sweet aroma of Christ. I hope and pray that those who encounter and subsequently remember me - will associate the memory with that of  a follower of Jesus: A memory marked by supernatural peace on display - especially in the midst of storms;   of unconditional  love - for all people; of unusual  generosity; transparent authenticity,  and beauty beyond what human eyes can behold.  I pray it will never be recollections of hypocrisy, hatred or haughtiness - what an unimaginable disgrace to the name of Jesus!

 This summer, I have been given the opportunity to act as a "Perfumer" – dispensing the "sweet aroma of Christ" in Cologne, Germany.  How fitting the name of this city!  Our team is one of six, called  to influence the "fragrance" of this city through street evangelism, discipleship, church planting and by supporting the ministry efforts of missionary families already on the ground.

 

Cologne, not unlike the US, has been marred by the stench of greed, lust and hatred.  Vastly different though - Cologne has a Christian population of less than 1%, with a growing Islamic population.  The people of Cologne are in dire need of a new fragrance....one that will linger pleasantly, drawing others toward truth, freedom and eternal salvation.

This will be my second mission trip overseas and I could not be more excited! Often, I hear from family and friends that they don't "get" the need for overseas travel when there are so many physical, financial and spiritual needs right here at home. If you are of like mind - I can see how you might think similarly, especially, if unfamiliar with the implications of Acts 1:8:

 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Fellowship takes Biblical mandates very seriously.  We are a church extensively involved in our local community and with our church family (our Jerusalem).  We are actively engaged in ministering to the Metro and Downtown areas of Atlanta (our Judea) – and throughout the USA (our Samaria.) In recent weeks alone - I've been personally involved in serving   over 1100 of the under-resourced in our local community through "Roswell Day of Hope.” The joyful privilege of ministering to local widows on multiple occasions has been one I’ve come to embrace.  Lastly, on Mother’s Day weekend, for the first time I went behind prison walls to share the hope of Christ with incarcerated women in Georgia’s largest all-female correctional facility.  

Acts 1:8 does not stipulate that each person must travel “to the ends of the earth”.  However, as members of the Body of Christ, we are called to participate in sharing the gospel with the entire world in some way.  You have an opportunity to do so through financial support and most importantly through your prayer coverage.  Please join us in taking the transforming hope of Jesus Christ abroad!  Our team of 6 must quickly raise approximately $18,000 to cover the costs of flights, lodging, food and supplies.  Would you please consider supporting us with a one-time financial gift?  You may contribute financially as the Lord enables you, in one of two ways:

 1.       Via paypal:  http://fellowshiproswell.org/about/generosity/online-giving/   (designate Cologne 6/Tawnda)

2.       Send a check, payable to Fellowship Bible Church,  to:

     

Fellowship Bible Church

ATTN: Cologne 6/Tawnda

480 West Crossville Road

Roswell GA 30075

 

(Fellowship will send an end of year statement for tax purposes)

 If you would like to receive team updates leading up to our July 19^th departure, as well as daily updates during our time in Cologne, please indicate so in the comment section.  (You can submit your email address for team updates to:  t@fellowshiproswell.org)

Thank you for prayerfully considering coming alongside of Team 6 as we embark on this God-Sized adventure!  Your support through prayer, finances or both – is a tremendous blessing and an encouragement!  

Grace and Peace,

Tawnda 

 

 ^“ For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

 “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)

Taking a Heart like His to Trinidad

It’s been an incredible honor to partner with several dear friends and family members who have been called to the overseas mission field.  Most exciting has been seeing my children involved in missions.   All along, I’ve comfortably joined them from home with prayer and financial support.

While my children, friends and other family members have long been involved in overseas missions – I have supported and served in numerous community outreaches to children at risk, the homeless, veterans, unwed mothers, and more.  All these years, I never sensed God calling me abroad to serve others.  The local mission field is plentiful.

 Several years ago, our youth pastor invited me to join a team to Ecuador – one that my youngest daughter was a part of.  Being a borderline “helicopter” mom – very protective of my little ones, my flesh desperately wanted to go.  It was my nature to watch closely over my baby girl – and with her so far from home, it seemed obvious that I should/would accept the invitation.  However, never before and never since, have I heard so clearly that God was telling me “no”.  Through disappointed tears – I declined the invitation. 

We don’t always know or understand the “why” of His ways.  This time however, He gave me the gift of knowing and understanding how my presence would have prohibited healing, growth and life transformation in the hearts of my daughter, her team – and those they encountered.  He also grew my faith and dependence in the process. After the team returned from their trip (which ended up being to Brazil – due to civil unrest in Ecuador), these facts became apparent.  

That was the closest I’ve come to an overseas mission – until now.  FBC’s Women’s Ministry Director invited our staff ladies to join her in producing a women’s conference for the ladies of Trinidad.  It was after sensing a “resounding yes, this is your time to go” that I enthusiastically responded.    Since that time, she has been diagnosed with cancer and is unable to leave the country.  The trip’s future was questionable for awhile, but we know God wants it to happen. We trust that great things are yet to be done in the nation of Trinidad.  

Sadly, Trinidadian women are subject to rampant abuses – physical, sexual and psychological.  It’s estimated that 1 in 3 women under the age of 35 have been victimized by gender based violence.  Our understanding is that in addition to the mistreatments mentioned, there is a high rate of incest.  The women who will come to the conference in June – will in many cases, bring their daughters with them.  Home is not always a safe environment to leave a young girl with her male relatives.  It’s a sad reality that most of us here in the states cannot begin to fathom.

Our 8 member team of ladies is going to Trinidad at the end of June.  We’ll share the life transforming hope and healing found in Jesus.   The theme of the conference is “A Heart like His.”  Each day will provide opportunities for learning the truth of His Heart for all of us.  The ladies will have a chance to reflect on their own hearts, their need for healing and practical takeaways for the days, months and years that follow.  Our team will also engage with the Trini ladies through personal testimonies, prayer, breakout sessions, crafts, dancing and more.

We must quickly raise approximately $10,000.00 in order to secure necessary flights, ground transportation, equipment, food, supplies and so forth.   Additionally, with the socio-economic climate in Trinidad, there is a need for us to provide scholarships for many who will attend.   While financial support is absolutely critical, the support we need most is prayer.  Would you please consider partnering with our team in both areas?  We would all be grateful if you would come alongside of us.  Please indicate your desire for updates and I’ll add you to our email distribution. 

If you are able to contribute financially – in any amount, please give now to the Trinidad team via paypal at: https://www.paypal.com/us

Send the funds to 770-309-5444 – there is no fee  if you make the payment under the personal tab and designate “gift”.  You will receive a contribution statement at the end of the year for tax purposes if you provide your mailing address. 

Please prayerfully consider supporting our ministry to the women of Trinidad – with any dollar amount – but most definitely with prayer!

Many blessings!

Tawnda

PS – if you prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to Fellowship Bible Church – and mail to:

Tawnda Holley

Fellowship Bible Church

480 West Crossville Road

Roswell GA 30075

Britts Brazil Team Update

We’ve been monitoring news out of Rio de Janeiro since morning…. It’s been an emotional, prayer-filled day! Thankfully, we know from the blog that the team was able to get to the hotel in Rio tonight.
 As of this morning (Wed), they had completed 21 ministry meetings in only 3 days – and of course, there was no way to foresee the challenges awaiting them after leaving Campinas. (Google “landslides in Brazil” for the latest updates)

As Brittany and her teammates come to mind, please say a quick prayer for them, pray for:

 Discernment for the team as they determine how to adjust itineraries and to act as “the Hands and Feet of Christ” to a hurting community.

 Protection – physical and emotional (pray against further landslides and flooding!)

 Team unity - especially, as they face unknown, potentially challenging circumstances.

 Supernatural strength and endurance as they finish strong over the next few days.

 Health & Healing – especially for those who have been dealing with stomach issues.

 Life change/Growth – for the people of Rio, for the 14 team members, and for those of us at home.


There is no doubt that God has been preparing the hearts of the locals – they are desperate and will surely be open to hearing the hope available to them through Christ. God has also been preparing everyone involved. Pray that a deeper faith, and powerful testimony will be written on the hearts and lives of Britt and the others, as they see God’s hand move in miraculous ways. As we learned on her prior trip to Brazil – He doesn’t just work in the hearts and lives of those in distant lands. He works in unexpected ways in those of us at home. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. I sat at my desk this afternoon and wrestled with the reality of having two of my children in harm’s way. It’s a helpless feeling….and I’m prone to worry….but between waves of anxiety and tears, I kept coming back to The Faithfulness of God. “Remembering” all that He has done and realizing that the floods and landslides are all a part of a greater design – one in which He will be glorified in a way that man cannot orchestrate. This song has been playing in my mind all day…. If you have a minute, listen to the words – maybe it will minister to you in the way it has to me, in the midst of whatever circumstances you’re wrestling with:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDOsDs95ugA&feature=PlayList&p=E91AECAD771629D8&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=35


Team Leaders, Keith and Sara , have been diligent at updating the team blog: : http://goandserve.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/safe-in-rio/

Your prayers and supportive words mean so much to all of us! Don’t stop now….Greater things are still to be done!