Keeping Your Eye On The Ball
by Michael Bagby
There are times when you know that you are on track. Sometime it is a rather unpleasant confirmation.
We are all suffering illness! Really! All our leadership team in Nicaragua is dealing with some physical illness this week. It started two weeks ago when our project director Truman was hit with severe illness that was connected to his diabetes. He is in recovery, but progress is slow. Our school superintendent Augusto just returned from a few weeks downriver has some internal organ issue that requires trips to the doctor. Our Bible teacher Onofre was hit with a bodily infection that has taken its affect, and this just a few weeks after his wife Sonia, who is the organist at the Moravian Church in Waspam, suffered a heart attack. Even Tom Keogh got off the airplane trip from Managua last week feeling “really bad”. I have been suffering from some inflammation in my colon for these past weeks.
Is this a coincidence? Hardly. It is an attack from the enemy to discourage us and get our mind off our objectives.
My friend Pastor Buddy Tipton was visiting us a few days before we left Vero Beach, and we began talking about the discouraging events of the past weeks, and how it has taken the wind out of our sails emotionally.
We have had some financial surprises that have also weighed us down with preoccupation.
Buddy made an interesting comment to us: “If things are going well, get ready, because things will change.” Buddy has been pasturing for almost 40 years and speaks with experience. He went on: “In Ministry, there will always be good and bad things happening, and these things will have the tendency to discourage and worry you, and take your attention off the objectives that God has given you. We have to develop the ability to stay focused even when things are happening around us that would normally distract us. We have to keep our eye on the ball.”
(I often throw bread to the seagulls at the beach and they have to keep their eye on the bread to catch it.)
He then shared a story that was told to him by an older member of our church who was a special forces soldier in the Vietnam war. It seems that this Green Beret was part of a team that was assigned to cross the Demilitarized Zone, and attack a “sanctuary” base of the Viet Cong which was located inside North Vietnamese territory. It was supposed to be a top secret mission, but when they began to approach the landing zone in the Army helicopters, the enemy was alert and waiting, and they opened fire with machine guns. Men were being hit and dying before the helicopters touched down, and once they landed, the soldiers were rolling out and crawling through the grass, terrified of the enemy fire.
In the middle of this chaos, their Captain stepped out of his helicopter and walked to the front of his men, who were hugging the ground tightly. This captain calmly surveyed the situation, and then did something extraordinary: He took out a cigarette, tapped it lightly on his Zippo lighter, lit it, and slowly took a few drags- all the while bullets were zipping by him, and bending the tall grass, and kicking up dust. Then he motioned for the platoon on his right to move out, and the soldiers all got up, began returning fire, and took out all the “welcoming committee” that had killed many of their comrades. The entire team moved out of the LZ and arrived at the base, and completely destroyed it. It was a successful mission for one reason: Their leader was unfazed by the distractions of the bullets. He stayed focus on the mission, knowing that the lives of all his troopers depended on his ability to remain cool and confident in the face severe distractions.
He was right. When all the attacks of the enemy come, we must learn to stand firm, and stay forcused. Listen what Paul says to his friends in Ephesus:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Eph 6:10-13
Financial Woes? Relational Disappointments? Critical Words Spoken Against You By “Friends”? Health Issues? Failed Plans?
These are normal parts of the Christian Life, especially for those in leadership positions. When they all happen at the same time, as it has with us these past months, you can definitely get distracted and take your eyes off the ball.
This seagull did not take his eye off the ball.
Pastor Buddy is correct.
When things are going smoothly, get ready, because it will change. And when you are felling overwhelmed with all the missiles and bullets coming at you, it’s time to stand your ground, because this too will change.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be mature and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4
Pray for our leadership team in Nicaragua! We are making some great progress on our spiritual agenda this year. Our teachers are displaying more maturity, and our students are responding. This our enemy does not like. He thinks that the Rio Coco is his place. He thinks he is in charge. We have had personal encounters with him often over these past 27 years. But guess what? He is defeated, and we are standing firm. Now please fire your spiritual missiles and pray for good health and protection for our leadership team.
Pray also that God will provide all the resources we need to make a difference in the lives of our 1227 students and their extended families. MB
Lamb Bleatings By Laura Bagby
While at a graduation party, my talented singing and flute playing friend and gifted chef husband told us about a guitarist they had discovered and wanted to share some of his music with us. We sat and listened and were mesmerized by the accomplished gift of this talented and well rehearsed guitarist (since the age of 4) playing a concert.
I was struck with the glee it gave me to listen and hear my friends rave about this man’s gifting. I looked at my two friends who are very gifted themselves in the things they are doing and their beautiful sweet hearted family and felt blessed. I saw in them more of the gifting in them aching to come forth in full force. The thought I had was, “in due time, it shall blossom in its fullness.”
Gifts are great especially when you give one that suits the occasion and moment and you know that the person you have given to really appreciates what you gave. It creates joy for me and a sense of satisfaction that makes me feel purposed in my expression of love.
God gave to us many gifts….each one of us are filled to full with gifts from God. Ephesians 1 declares how we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. We lack nothing in the expression of His goodness and fullness through us and as we die to our flesh, He and His specific gifting in us is released. The world around us then has the pleasure of enjoying those gifts through our lives.
Michael and I find our greatest pleasure in seeing young lives get in touch with God’s gifting in them. There is great joy in seeing God in action through the gifts that He has so generously given to each one of us. We are excited to watch the process of God happen in each heart & life with team members and also with the new disciples we will be making on Utila. Please join us in prayer as we impact the many lives that surround us. Laura
Now Three Articles from our Maui Girls who are part of the Utila Team.
These ladies are beuatiful inside as well as out!
I could imagine the conversation with the young man travelling to Utila who meets these three at the Rio Coco Cafe:
Maui Girls: "Would you like a cup of Coffee?"
Italian Young man: "Yes, Anything from you will be fine!"
Maui Girls:"We are Christians and are having a Bible Study later today. Are you a Christian too?"
Italian: "I am today!"
God Opens The Doors By Alex Ebernate
It all started two years ago when I began going to a Bible study at the Bagby's house while they were in Maui. I looked forward to every Wednesday to fellowship with all of my close friends and the Bagby family. Each week spent with them, I learned more of their story and was inspired by how they lived solely for God. I remember watching a video at their Missions auction at Hope Chapel in Maui. The video was all about their Coffee ministry. I was fascinated at how big God's vision was and how the Bagby's listened to what God's direction was for their life.
As high school was ending, I started asking and seeking God's direction for my future plans. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but God opened the door to my Future. This past March 2011 Maik and Laura were at Hope Chapel Maui. Maik spoke that night on how everyone has a God given story. After the service, Maik came up to me and told me about Utila. I knew at that moment that God had answered my prayers for my future.
Now I am on my way to Utila, and I'm excited to be used by God. When I go down to Utila I hope to Incorperate my love for art by painting signs/pictures for the coffee shop and teaching others to do art. The past two years I have been working for Trilogy (a Sailing Company), and have learned usefull skills such as teaching snorkeling and ocean saftey. I have also been Stand Up Paddle boarding a lot in Hawaii with my friends. All these skills are useful in Utila to Teach and reach out to others and draw them into God. I am thankful that all along God has been preparing me for this coffee ministry in Utila. Thank you for all of your love, prayers and support. Alex
God Planted A Seed By Tehani Gangini
It was November 2009 when the Bagby's were at my house on Maui for dinner. After dinner they started to talk about what they were doing in Nicaragua and Honduras and the new adventure with Seek The Lamb and the coffee ministry in Utila.
I was 15 at the time and God was working in my life and starting to change my heart. Thats when the seed was planted. I'm now 16 and that seed that was planted at my house over a year ago is now growing.
This past January my sister Talia went to Florida and was able to see the Bagby family while she was there. During that time they mentioned how they were going to Utila this summer and encouraged her to possibly come with them. When my sister told me that, I had a deep feeling that God wanted me there this summer. I kept praying about it and kept asking the Lord if this was something he wanted me to be a part of. He kept putting it on my heart so I finally called the Bagby's and asked for all the information and how much it was going to cost. After I officially decided that I was called to go to Utila, I had a month to prepare and I had no money. However God has a plan and we sold many bags of Rio Coco Coffee! He also blessed me through many of my friends.
In the past year the Lord prepared my heart in stand up paddling lessons, and working on the Trilogy because I was able to talk to people constantly and make relationships. I'm excited for the opportunities that the Lord has for me while I'm in Utila. I look forward to meeting new people and also look forward to be able to tell them about Jesus and show them God's love.
I know my experience in Utila will take me out of my comfort zone and I look forward to the opportunities He chooses to use me in ways that will advance his kingdom.
I am thankful that God got me here and that I get to serve with close friends. In Utila I am going to be doing everything I love which is stand up paddling, dancing, designing the Rio Coco coffee shop, and spreading the word of God.
Thank you for all your prayers and support. Tehani
Living My Dream By Whitney Johnson
School is out! I can’t believe I graduated from Bible school. Attending the Great Commission Bible Institute for a year was definitely the best thing I possibly could have done with my life. This past year studying the Bible from cover to cover, I have to be honest, it wasn't all fun and games. But it was definitely worth every single second I studied. This past year has prepared me for my life. I feel I have a map of what Gods direction is for me. I have not studied this hard in my entire life.
Being in classes trying to understand and take in everything I possibly could, I felt as my mind was being ripped out of my head. I left class with a bunch of puzzle pieces. I got really frustrating to have all these pieces and not being able to see the complete picture. The more and more pieces I got the more and more I learned that it’s a life journey to put them into their place, and as I keep walking with God the puzzle will be growing and I will see more and more of the puzzle being put together. I have gained a tool chest, I am confident in myself to know that I am capable to attack and wrestle with scripture and be able to put principles in it. I defiantly miss being in school having the opportunity to take time and study the bible. But it is a relief to have time to really process what I learned. I am excited to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together and use all the tools I have gained over the year at GCBI.
What’s most exciting for me is to start living my dream of being a missionary. Now that I am prepared God has opened so many doors. I am so excited to be used by God where ever He leads me. This summer I get the opportunity to serve side by side with the Bagbys and some of my very close friends.
Utila is full of up coming relationships that God is going to use to tell His story.Tehani and I are going to start a dance ministry with some up coming friends we have yet to meet. I see the coffee shop as a light house, and from there we are going to build relationship to bible studies to seeing the kingdom of heaven advance. The coffee ministry is just the begining of what God has planned to do in the island of Utila.
Getting the opportunity to use these new tools to those who have a misconception of who God is, is so exciting. Being able to use what God gave me is like trying out my new toys on Christmas day! God is always so good and faithful .There’s no greater joy in life then knowing you are right where God wants you to be and being used by Him in all sorts of ways. Whitney
The Bagby Bunch Corner 
The weeks have gone by like vapor, yet they have been full! We are learning so much as we step into new territory, and extend our need for trust in God to come through and do His part of this plan.
The last time we were in Honduras was at the end of April. We felt the liberty to make some commitments to open the Utila Ministry in July, and that set into motion a string of events to 1) purchase all the items needed to get onto a container to Honduras; 2) finalize the lease on the team house with our friend Dorcus in Texas (she is a Utila native who inherited the house from her father and is kind enough to lease it to us with an option for purchase); 3) prepare our team for the launch of the ministry, and 4) purchase our tickets and go. All of that is a full time job.
Add to that the opportunity to do our “Farmer’s Market” coffee service on the pool deck of an oceanside hotel in Vero Beach which began the second weekend in June, and just when the schedule got overwhelming, the sudden notice that we would have to move out of our present building where we roast our Rio Coco Bean Coffee in July or August (when we are in Honduras and Nicaragua), due to the bank taking ownership of it. Now we are talking multi-tasking!
Laura said to me one morning as all this was unfolding that “God must think highly of your ability to give you so much to accomplish.” I hadn’t thought of it that way. I think He knows that I am smart enough to know that if I do my part, He will do His. Fortunately that is where friends like Scott Coffey, Tim Durfee, Kelly Vold, Lukas Bagby, Mikaela Bagby, Lani Bishop and Joe Miller, and others have stepped in to lend a big hand. You need your brothers! And when you have brothers and sisters like these, you can leave the country and expect things to run smoothly. This is God doing His part through His People. We are blessed to have friends who will step up to the plate for us and take their swings. That is what this things called Christianity is all about. Thanks for all of you who are taking your swings with us this month!
Call us on our Utila internet “Magic Phone”. It is a free call! 772-252-9545 Laura & Michael
Give a Gift that will make a difference this month!
Click on this secure link to contribute to Seek The Lamb’s outreach projects.
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