A SMOOTH SEA NEVER MADE A SKILLED MARINER
~OLD ENGLISH PROVERB
I've been wanting to do a post on Hannah's family, the Millers, as they have the most amazing ministry. When she sent me the pics I knew the time had come. Hannah is a writer and avid reader who's just revamped her blog beautifully and somehow manages to stay on top of things while sailing with her family and sometimes making landfall in Canada and the U.S.
They have a marine-based ministry delivering vital cargo such as Bibles, clothing, food and other supplies to faithful coworkers in Christ who minister to many, often the very needy. They really are Christ's hands and feet and I love following them on their travels. Never a dull moment aboard their boat! Just read their newsletters/updates and you'll find out.
I think Lael looks quite happy at sea! Hannah has read TFD more than once so it means a lot that she cared enough to bring Lael along this time. But she's like that:) Love you, Hannah! If you'd like to learn more about their family and ministry, please send them your email info at paul@millersemmanuel.com Prayers are so appreciated as they continue their much needed work.
Is there a missionary who has inspired you, past or present? Ever been on a missions trip? If not, where would you like to go?
*I'm trying to implement the new Blogger comment thread today so we'll see if it works. If there are no comments, I guess it's not!
Those pictures do warm you right up! I think Hannah is awesome too. :D
ReplyDeleteI sure hope the threaded comments work for you! They won't on my blog and I was sooo bummed. Maybe they'll work out the kinks and it get it working. :)
I love 'The Frontiersman's Daughter'...its my favorite I think. But when I saw all that water stretch out beyond the boat, a feeling akin to panic rose up within me. Guess I would be a terrible sailor. And thats just what my Dad was....a sailor & gunner aboard the U.S.S.Hornet, the aircraft carrier. I just finished 'Unbroken' a bio about one of our POW's. I thought about his story for days. I'm glad your friend has such a vital ministry of helps. May the Lord give them smooth sailing!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, Casey, bless you for leaving a comment! I don't think it's working here either. Bad Blogger! Hannah is awesome, that's for sure, and I'd love a little of her sunshine right now:) She has the neatest lifestyle though it's not without its dangers and struggles. But how awesome to have a sailing ministry! Hope today is a sunny day for you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to figure out how to add the threaded comments thingy on my blog. I think it is working for you now, Laura!
DeleteCarrie, I am chuckling mightily from my end. YOU, who are clueless as I am about these things, by your own admission, seems to have mastered Blogger's comment thread! You and only YOU!
DeleteI just updated to Google Chrome and it's working for me now. I wonder if that has something to do with it??
DeleteYAY! I had to do the same with Chrome, Casey, as my browser stopped working. And then I had to update Blogger as well which threw me into a spin as the new format is so different internally - better but different. Glad we're on the same page now, so to speak:)
DeleteMaggie Ann, So interesting about your dad! Like you, I am a bit terrified of water and think I'd be mostly seasick on board. It's just so vast and awesome. I admire anyone who takes to it whether in the service or ministry, etc. I'm glad to know Lael's story is your favorite:) I always wonder about things like that. Since it was my first published story and took so long for me to write, it will always have a special place in my heart. The title "Unbroken" is sure evocative and gives me a clue as to what the book is about. We've been watching some WW2 history lately on the history channel and it's so humbling all that our POW's went through, etc. Bless you for your comments here - they always add so much!
ReplyDeleteOh, she has my fav book by my fav author!!! Wish I was on board. NOOOO, I don't actually, because I am happy right here with my little family, but it does look fun!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I'm not sure what's up with the threads as it works for some and not others! But I so appreciate your comments, however they come in:) So glad Lael has a special spot on your bookshelf. If I ever write one that you like better, I can't wait to hear! Hope your own writing is going very well and all else.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that Lael gets to go on a trip to the Caribbean...I'm jealous LOL I could use some warmer weather right about now! It's so cool that Hannah and her family travel around passing out Bibles and supplies. My mom wasn't a big traveler but when she was a teen her and her family were missionaries in the Amazon in Brazil! They were there for a few years. I can't imagine what it was like to live in the jungle!!!!
ReplyDeleteRenee, I LOVE that your mom was an MK from Brazil/the Amazon!! Cool:) I think anything below Mexico would be a real challenge yet an adventure, too. I bet she has vivid memories of that time. Wow! That's what I love about these comments - you learn the most interesting things. And I'm with you - I could use a little sun right now. I remember you and I aren't cold weather lovers at all. I keep thinking that spring is right around the corner for us both - another month or a little more till March:) Thx so much for checking in!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember her last name right now, but Katie the young woman who inspired the book Kisses from Katie inspires me, she's in her early twenties went to Africa to work for a year and ended up staying; she lives there now. Not only that she ended up adopting fourteen African orphans, girls who had no other family to take them in, and I think she's only 23. She also teaches school at on orphans. I have yet to go on a mission trip; it's on my bucket list. The two places I would love to go is anywhere in Africa, and the Eastern part of Kentucky. This summer I may get the chance to go to eastern Kentucky on a mission trip and I am looking forward too, it's to the poorest county in Kentucky; but I cannot remember the name.
ReplyDeleteCarissa, I just heard about Katie recently and that HUGE adoption! You're right, it's an amazing, inspiring story and I think she's single, too! Love that the eastern KY trip is on your list:) I have a heart for that, too. When Randy and I were newlyweds we traveled the back roads of Kentucky, crossed swinging bridges, and went right into the heart of Appalachia. We saw some amazing things and ended up at Oneida where they have a missions type school. Long story but very memorable. I pray you do get there this summer. And I hope you share with us!
DeleteHey Laura,
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is just one missionary that inspires me! They all do!! I believe they live Christ so well. I have been on two mission trips, El Salvador and The Dominican Republic. I need to decided whether or not I go to Nicaragua or Africa this year. Nicaragua would be with the youth at church as a chaperone. Africa is a trip with the adults at church. The Africa trip has a medical component as a part of it. Decisions, Decisions!!! Must pray about it!! Maybe I can do both!!! Hope all is well with you. I was thinking do you need more cards? I would be happy to send you some!
PS..I have posted more pics on my picture journal if you want to take a look :)
Stacie, Hooray for your 2 missions trips!! Per our last email, I remembered that you were contemplating another one so posted this with you in mind, hoping you'd show up:) Africa would be very challenging. I have a friend who got back from there recently and she had a pretty rigorous round of shots like you've implied. But then Nic. might be just as intensive. If you do both, I'm behind you all the way! And I can just imagine how the pics would look in your online album you're doing:) Thx so much for your comments. Prayers with you as you contemplate everything!
DeleteDo you see my question about the cards? :)
DeleteStacie! You are so thoughtful! I need to have my reading glasses on when I do this blogging bit;) Would you believe #2 son found my glasses behind the dryer last night after they'd been missing over a week?! Grrr. And I DO see your comment. In my zeal over your missions trips I spaced out. I would love them but only if you have time to do them. They are such a blessing to me and others. I just sent one to Alabama:) I actually feel a bit selfish with them as I want to hoard the ones I have!! Thanks so much for asking. Praying today is a good day for you and work is a glass half full for all!
DeleteOh, whoops! What can I say except that I'm a real blonde!!! It just took me 24 hours to see the reply beneath each comment. GULP;)
ReplyDeleteHee hee. I never added the feature to my blog. It just appeared out of the ether one day. Good thing too, or I'd still be trying to figure it out. Those pics of Hannah's are gorgeous. So nice to see on such a gray day in the NW. I could wish we had your snow, but down south of you it was all rain, rain, rain. But that's a blessing too, because before that it was dry, dry, dry! All things in moderation, though, I say. :)
DeleteLOL, dear Lori!! You were the one who inspired me to take this crazy leap and now I learn the truth...;) Blogger must love you. We're back to rain again though we still have several inches of snow on the ground. Now high winds which I love! Except for the power outs;( Wreaks havoc on the laptop. Oh, hubs said we're expecting a few more inches of the white stuff tonite...
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to minister! I love it! I hope that this will be something you explore once in a while and post about- missions. Missions has always been something on my heart. Little by little, I am exploring the idea with my children. The past couple years, we've discussed different things about missions and missionary stories and included this with world geography for homeschooling. Something I've always wished to do is go to a Native American Reservation. Both my dad and I wish to do so, go figure. Not sure when the opportunity will arise, but I sure pray God orchestrates it for me. It really has been a dream (boy, I think I have lots of dreams! LOL!). Also, I was SOOOO CLOSE to going to Uganda last year with my church BUT they ended up not taking the trip. My friend (Donna, in Washington, just like you) is making a month's trip to Uganda taking school supplies. I say that my parents are missionaries because their little church is a part (or was) of a non-profit historical building in a state park. The chapel is a one room place in the heart of some "Appalachia" style country/people. One Sunday, a goat wandered in through their doors during the service. LOL! My parents more or less are the so called "pastors" and my mom is now called the music director. They are true missionaries to me....they do this all out of their heart for the people, not getting compensated. The congregation maxes out at around 30. There are many needs there, and God took them from a church they loved after some saddening circumstances, one that has 1,000 people to this backcountry church of 30. Truly amazing. That's where Rich and I took our kids for Christmas Eve, and we contributed to the music. It was a special time. God's presence is EVERYWHERE and needs HIS PEOPLE in all areas of the world, near, far, in your neighborhood. That is what I am trying to teach my children. That is what God teaches me. Even you, Laura, are a missionary- your books reach out to so many ALL OVER. THAT'S TRULY AMAZING! And, your words inspire those who are involved in doing God's work- what a wonderful promise!!!!! Oh, this all excites me! LOL! ~AMY
ReplyDeleteAmy, I sensed you have a heart for missions, too. I've felt the need to spotlight some missionaries here though it's a bit tricky as those who work in certain countries like my brother don't want the publicity and I have to be careful of what I say. In my zeal, I tend to go overboard, like I told Hannah above, no pun intended. It's wonderful to expose your children to this. I know you have been honoring Him with that at home. Another of my reader friends, JR, is cultivating that awareness with her littles and it's beautiful to see. Her little girl already has a BIG heart for that and she's only 4-5.
DeleteOH, LOL about that goat!! I can just see that playing out in my head - it belongs in a book;) I love hearing about your mom and dad's ministry. Truly a needed one, obviously, and another wonderful example of how numbers don't matter. My mom sometimes reminds me that if my books only reach one person for Christ, then that is enough. We can never measure a life or a soul saved. But I appear to be preaching and best leave that to my brother!
Love, love, love your excitement for Christ:) It's contagious and it blesses me so.
HA! It DOES belong it a book, that goat! Yes- very true you need to be careful about certain places and publicity. It's good you are in tune to that. I hope you get to follow your heart and the appropriate missionaries pop up for you to post about! I more than hope- I will be in prayer about that. What your mom said- so, so good to hear. ONE at a time.
DeleteI forgot to mention that the quote you used up top of your post? I included it in a post of mine a couple weeks ago! ~AMY
Amy, I've recently met some missionaries in Nashville, TN who have an incredible sports ministry and testimony and hope to spotlight them soon. I'm slowly learning more about their work and it's very true what you said - God's presence is everywhere and His people are needed in all areas and aspects. Amen.
DeleteOh, that quote is great, huh? I borrowed it from the Miller's newsletter - glad to see you found it, too!
Wow, Hannah and her family are inspiring! I'll have to check out her blog. Lael sounds so interesting and I haven't even picked up the book yet, lol! So happy that TFD is already on my e-reader. Now, if only I had a boat to read on... :-)
ReplyDeleteChuckling about needing a boat, Gwen;) My sentiments exactly! Only I could do without all that sea as I'm such a poor sailor. I forget you haven't met Lael and Ian and that other fella that I still get mail about... OH MY! Thanks so much for getting it as an e-read! Hope you enjoy the story. I'd love to know which of the 3 you like best. I never can pick myself but maybe I'm not supposed to have favorites! Hope this is a great writing day for you. And thanks again for posting such a beautiful review of CML. Still smiling about that one. You're the best.
DeleteLove the pictures! Sounds like Hannah and her family are doing a wonderful job for our Lord!
ReplyDeleteMarian, Love how you say "our Lord." YES! Hannah and the Miller crew are so inspiring. I've told her she needs to write a novel based on their life and story. You know the old adage, "Write what you know." So happy to see you here this morning. It makes my day!
DeleteThanks for sharing the pictures Laura and Hannah! They are great! I'll have to check out their blog later. I've never been on a missionary trip. There's one that Southland does that I would love to go on. It's to a place in Austria called Haus Edelweiss, which is a school that educates pastors serving in Eastern Europe. Maybe someday. :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I can just imagine Southland doing that as they do everything else so very well:) Austria - oh so beautiful! Love the name Edelweiss. Paul plays that on his violin and it's very moving. It's so interesting learning about these places - I do hope you can get there someday. I've never been on a missions trip either and my brother is a missionary. And Hannah's blog is beautiful if you can stop there in future. Hope today is a good day for you at work and everywhere else. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks SO much for posting Laura. Your friendship is such a treasure. And thanks to all of you for commenting. Our family really does love what we do for God and it's really all you people on the land giving us prayer support that make this happen!! So, thank you to all of you who will pray and who continue to prayer for our ministry.
ReplyDeleteSmiles and Blessings
Hannah
Hannah, It's such a privilege to have you and your family here. You're so right - prayer makes things happen, protects, guides, opens doors, etc. We just can't understand or comprehend how very important that is to ministry. Love the thought of you sailing through all that blue:) Bless you bunches!
DeleteI'm a little late to this one! What a great ministry Hannah and her family have. I'm terrified of the ocean so you wouldn't catch me on a boat haha. I'm a missionary at heart though I haven't been to as many places as I've wanted to go. I've been on missions to Mexico, Kenya, Morocco, and Scotland. I came to Scotland and never left LOL. Kenya was the most heart-renching as we did a lot of work with orphanages. Morocco was the hardest as it being a Muslim country it was hard to break some barriers, but 1 guy did get saved through our team and baptised in the Atlantic Ocean. I would love to go on more mission trips and take my kids along as I think it a great thing for them to experience!
ReplyDeleteAh, my dear Scottish (via Texas) reader:) SO happy you're here again!! Wow, I'm in awe of your missions heart and the trips you've taken. So interesting that you met your husband that way! I've heard that Africa is amazing and will leave you forever changed. My brother is doing some work in Morocco and you're so right - barriers to be broken and overcome, etc. So heartening to hear of one who was saved there. I like to that of that one influencing hundreds for Christ, maybe more. Like you, I'm terrified of big water and all sizes of boats! That's one of the reasons I so admire the Miller crew and Hannah herself. I am awfully good at getting seasick, too;) I don't think they'd take me on as a crew member! And I do hope you get to share your love of missions with your kids. No doubt that will play out as you've already invested so much of yourself in that. Bless you today, dear TM!! Wonderful to hear from you. Hope you're looking forward to a lovely Scottish spring!
ReplyDelete