Operation World

Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation is a book that can change the world. It’s an amazing book. Imagine what a difference it would make if all Christians prayed specifically for missionaries around the world and for the needs in each country. This is a daunting task but it is made easier by this marvelous book. Operation World lists every country in the world, giving information on Geography, Peoples, Economy, Politics, and Religion for each country. It also lists Answers to Prayer and Challenges for Prayer. Maps and charts are also given. The book is packed with information.


Operation World is designed to be used as a prayer guide with a date listed at the bottom of each page so you can work your way through it in a year. Christians around the world can and will be informed, guided and inspired by this book. When we hear about a country in the news or when there is conflict in a region Operation World is a quick resource to learning about the country, understanding the issues and knowing how to pray. My church is using Operation World in weekly prayer meetings, focusing on one country each week. It can also be used by families during family meetings or prayer times, to teach children about our vast world and to educate them about world geography, the diversity of peoples and the vast need to spread the Gospel. Parents who are home schooling will also find this to be a valuable resource.

The Completely Revised -7th edition of Operation World was published in 2010 by Jason Mandryk so the information is as up to date as it possibly could be. Reading and studying Operation World is a great way to increase our knowledge of other countries and cultures and great way give us a heart for missions and to focus our prayers. And it is guaranteed to lessen our provincialism.

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” Mark 16:15 NLT

Blessings, Dottie

Seeker of Hearts

Seeker of Hearts by Steven P. Smith is a recounting of the life of Jesus in a modern day setting. And I do mean modern day. Think Jesus and the disciples wearing blue jeans, driving vans and using cell phones. The setting is an America-like land, currently occupied by foreign troops. Much of the dialog is straight from the NIV Bible following the gospel accounts accurately. This gives Christians a fresh way of thinking about Jesus and his mission.

Seeker of Hearts is written in every day language and the scenes flow smoothly from one location or view point to another. Smith very adeptly describes, for example, the healing of the man born blind and the hullabaloo following it. He is inventive in scenes such as the raising of Lazarus from the dead - in a modern cemetery. Smith fills in behind the scenes stories we’ve always wondered about, including dialog between Caiaphas, the chairman of City Council, and Judd (Judas).

The events from the Last Supper on are riveting. I couldn’t put Seeker of Hearts down. It reminded me of Riven by Jerry Jenkins! I won’t tell more or I’ll spoil all the surprises. This is a must read for Christians who want to gain fresh insights into the life of Christ. The book can be read aloud to children, with discussion to help them see Jesus as a real person and as God in the flesh. Teen-agers also will find this book inspiring, even life-changing.

“I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6

Blessings, Dottie

Investing Time

Here are more thoughts about time. There are three ways to spend the present. We can waste it, spend it or invest it. Time wasters include worry, fear, sleeping more than needed and busyness, accomplishing little. We also waste time on petty anger, procrastination, indecision, complaints and pity. These confuse us and keep us from accomplishing our dreams. They also separate us from God.

Spending time might be described as merely existing. Our life has no purpose or direction. We simply do what has to be done, no more. We sleep, work, eat and little more. Our life is dull and routine.

We invest our time when we know our life has purpose and meaning beyond our own self-interest. We invest our time when we do some thing that touches the lives of those around us, when we offer a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word. We invest our time when we help a worthy cause.

We waste some time. We spend some time aimlessly. We’re human. When we focus on God and have purpose we minimize time wasters and we live with zest. We do what has to be done with speed and joy in order to have time to invest in our purpose.

To make changes this year lean on God and live in the present. Make conscious choices about your priorities in life and take small steps each day to pursue your dreams. Someone has said “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift - that’s why it’s called the present.” Enjoy the gifts of God given each day to us.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines is steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Blessings, Dottie

Using Time

Many of us struggle with how we use time, often wishing for more time, often pressured by time. Human beings are different from any other creature on this earth. We are aware of time. We are also blessed with both memory and imagination. We can remember the past and we can imagine our future. These enable us to live thoughtful and creative lives.

However, our memory and our imagination also create problems for us. Often our minds are influenced by painful memories and by negative, imaginative thoughts of the future. Our memory reminds us of past fears, worries, guilts, hurts and discouragement. It may say, for example, “Remember how foolish you felt when you tried something new in second grade and the class laughed at you.” And so we back away from change because of memories. We decide not to try something new.

Memories, conscious and unconscious, cause us to be fearful of the future. Many of our fears, worries, and jealousies, are created by our negative imaginations. We picture the worst happening? We say to ourselves, what if ____ happened? And then we start to worry about “it” happening. Someone has said that worry about the future is interest paid on a debt that may never come due. Worry changes nothing and keeps us from growing and trying new things.

How do we not worry in our complex world? We can use our minds, our memories and our imaginations to remind us that God is in charge and that his purposes are good. We can then make conscious choices about how we use the time we have (the present). Only mankind is capable of this. We can remember the past but we don’t have to be bound by the past. With God’s help we can use our wills, to set priorities and to move toward them. This way we use our time wisely.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6


Blessings, Dottie

Thoughts on Time

At the beginning of a new year we think back over the previous year and remember both high and low points. For many people the past year was difficult with job losses, illness or even the loss of loved ones. Even in a good year many take stock of what was accomplished in the prior year. Did we use our time wisely? Did we grow and learn? Did we spend our time in ways that pleased us and pleased God? We also look ahead and plan and wonder what lies ahead.

I spent some time thinking about both of these – the past and the future. I thought of many marvelous times with family, friends and church in 2010. I also thought of family members and friends with health problems, or who lost loved ones. And I thought of the friends whose funerals we attended in 2010, including a cousin the last week of the year. We really don’t know what lies ahead – not even one day ahead. But God does. He’s in charge and he is good.

I talked with him about all this. It was early in the morning; the sun was shining on the brilliant white snow. I was dazzled by the beauty of the world and by God’s beauty. I sat in my comfy recliner, a glass of water nearly finished, on a tray beside me. My lamp was shining directly on the water. God surprised and awed me, as I glanced at my simple glass of water appearing clear, silvery and beautiful – like crystal. I felt God’s presence in this moment and realized he is good, pure, beautiful and true. And life is beautiful even when the glass is nearly empty; even as the years slip by. Life with God is full even when the glass of your life seems nearly empty.

“I trust in you, O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15

Blessings, Dottie

Bitter-Sweet Endings

Endings are often difficult. We want to hang on to life as it has been. We don’t want to let go of the past. We don’t want things to change. But endings are inevitable. The end of the year is upon us and all of us face a new year ahead. We must say good-bye to the year 2010 and welcome 2011 very soon.

We are personally facing a bitter-sweet ending on 12-31-10. The John Engle Christian Counseling Center (JECCC) in Hamilton, Ohio is closing. The funds to continue this ministry are just not there. My husband and I, along with many other people, helped birth JECCC and nurture it through its infancy. We saw it grow and blossom and most importantly, we saw it help many, many people. We also witnessed a number of Hamilton churches working together to support JECCC; displaying marvelous unity in the body of Christ.

For almost fifteen years JECCC provided professional individual, couple, and family counseling regardless of background or ability to pay. The counseling “heart” of JECCC is closing. This is the bitter part. JECCC also offered educational/support groups which will continue under different auspices. This is the sweet part.

The Third Option educational group for couples started in this area in 1996 under the sponsorship of JECCC. The Third Option is a national program helping couples revive and renew their marriages. The sweet part is this program continues in two locations, at Princeton Pike Church of God, Hamilton, OH and at Montgomery Community Church, Cincinnati, OH.

Mending Hearts group for children continues under the auspices of Companions on a Journey. http://www.companionsonajourney.org./ Mending Hearts, for children 4-18, offers a safe, nurturing environment to explore and address issues related to the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.

Pearls, a women’s support group, continues at Serve City in Hamilton, Ohio. This group provides a warm, caring place where women can help each other learn and grow.

When JECCC started in 1996 we “hoped” it would continue at least five years. It has provided life-changing help to many desperate people and has lasted three times as long as we originally hoped. This is sweet. God is good. And the ripples of these life-changing groups continue with mostly volunteer staff. Amazing!

“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1

Blessings, Dottie

Christmas 2010

Below is a poem by a friend. He said it “came to him” this past Sunday and I could share it – I could be his publisher, so here it is!

The chill had come, The ground was white     
with snow which fell throughout the night.
The twinkling stars in rhythm blend
With whispers from the winter wind

To hint at that which would come soon
To give great joy from virgin womb;
The Gift from God to mortal man,
The lowly birth of Great I AM.

The sheep and cattle onward look
As tale unfolds from Holy Book
And precious maid is used of God
As was foretold inside His word.

The earth knows not that they behold
A greater worth than much fine gold;
A gift to man of grandest worth,
Behold, today is given birth.

A child is born, a Son He gave;
Amazing Grace, He came to save.
The gift of life He bought through death;
Our hope was gone, He gave new breath.

So, in this time of stress and care
As we run here and scramble there,
Remember friend, to bend the knee
And thank Him, for He set us free!

By William F Powers

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Have a blessed and merry Christmas, Dottie