His Mansion Ministries: February/March 2009 Newsletter
February/March 2009 Newsletter
Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Mk 1:17
Greetings in the Name of Jesus,
As I write this missal, fifteen inches of new powder has given a fresh look to the two feet of snow already covering the ground! We went several weeks never getting above freezing! For those born to this artic environment, it comes as no surprise, but for those used to milder climes it can be a trial.
Dr. Tso and his family, who you will recall me introducing in the previous newsletter, are among the dazzled and frazzled, having enjoyed temperate Portland, Oregon for the past fifteen years. I was recently privileged to intercept a letter from Emily (Mrs. Tso) to her church leadership back in Portland. It expresses exquisitely what many feel after arriving in this exciting but stressful ministry. I share some of it with you because I think you will appreciate her heart. Jesus says “Follow Me” and we say; “Yes,” – yet there’s often quite a bit more going on inside of us...
“Sometimes my faith walk reminds me of an amusement park bumper car ride. I drive my little car around in circles, bumping into sides and walls, jerking away from other cars in my path, fueling my toy vehicle with small spurts of electricity each time my foot pumps the pedal. The source of power to move forward doesn't come from me, but I love feeling like I'm in control. God watches me on my little ride going around and around and He rescues me as an attentive attendant should, when I run myself into a corner or untangles me from a clump of cars so I can go back to zipping around the rink.
“Even while I'm playing around on my kiddie ride, God is there, drawing my attention to what's going on outside, giving me the view of something more exciting than the bumper rink. He patiently waits for me to finish playing around. He waits for me to climb out of my car so He can take me on His ride of faith on an open roadway where He powers the vehicle with His Word and His love, where He has a map that frees me from my bumper car boundaries, where He introduces me to new friends (instead of detached, but friendly adversaries careening about in identical cars), where He can show me incredible sights and take me on heart-stopping adventures not pre-paid for in my $1.00/ride bumper car where I feel safe, because there are no unknowns, no map needed, but also no deep thrills either. He waits for me to experience the thrill of trusting a HUGELY POWERFUL God. I am still driving around the bumper rink, enjoying the image of control when it's really the environment of hedges I've set up as limits that control my life and walk of faith. BUT God is the Holy Wild, like Lewis' Aslan, God is not safe, but He is good.
“When the timer runs out, my car gradually comes to a halt and I step out - out of my subdivision life into the greatly expanded arena of missionary life. My Portland, Oregon amusement park ride never could have made the life-changing cross-country trip to His Mansion in New Hampshire, but I've discovered (am still discovering) that I'm still living in the old mentality, just in a new location. New experiences at His Mansion have been fun, refreshing and even stretching at times, but I use them as references for where to lay my new bumper track. I'm still not completely sold on the idea of leaving my kiddie ride behind. I'm still afraid to try, to trust the Father, to trust His leading in new settings (why are all these places 45 minutes away?!), new relationships without comfort "bumpers" on all sides of my plastic, rink-bound pod (who will I come in conflict with next?), and new accountability (I will certainly fail to meet someone else's or at least my own expectations at some point). Fear still prevents me from traveling the open road of life with Him. If moving here wasn't enough to jump-start my faith, what will? When will my heart be fully won over, to cry out, “I give You everything that I am and all that I ever will be?” When will I receive His holy courage to pry my hands off the controls, step away from my toy vehicle, and dance in the middle of the road?
~Emily Tso
You can find more relevant and exciting articles posted on The His Mansion Ministries blog at http://hismansion.wordpres
We challenge our residents and mentors alike, “Are you ready for a great adventure?” I always recommend counting the cost carefully, and then doing it anyway!
I have such high respect for folks who step out of comfortable lives to serve as missionaries in stressful, less visible places – away from those who’d applaud for them if they were easier to see. Those who serve at His Mansion may have put life completely on hold for anywhere from three to five years. No one is promised longer, nor can anyone really expect to set down deep roots. By the world’s standards such insecurity would be unacceptable.
Praise Report
It has been a month of anxiety and praise for Joan and me. Doctors found a lump on the rear of her tongue that looked to be potentially cancerous. A biopsy was scheduled and the ensuing waiting period was the equivalent of standing blindfolded against a wall—for both of us!
The biopsy day came but so did the storm. Appointment cancelled! More waiting! Cancer victims can appreciate the further anguish this produced, but the day finally arrived. I prayed that the lump would shrink and disappear. While it did not disappear, it did turn out to be only a cyst – which was lanced, cleaned, and is now healing. Better yet, no cancer was found. Prayer does change things – this time from a lump of fear to a cyst! Praise God that He is our Healer!
Staff Updates
Linda Hogue came in 2004, along with her husband Jim, to serve as Office Manager. Linda also served unofficially as the hospitality coordinator for community interactions. She is especially fond of parties! Jim and Linda are relocating in upstate New York where there’ll be nearer their son-in-law, daughter and a precious granddaughter. We wish them well.
A young bachelor left the nuclear engineering field eight years ago to serve at His Mansion. This industrious man had acquired a house and had set down roots. He liquidated possessions and left the northwest to join us. Jeff Devilbiss found a treasure he did not come seeking. Last year, another servant, Wendy Crowley, caught Jeff’s eye and well, the rest is history! Jeff will be relocating to Pennsylvania to be near Wendy and his own childhood roots, in anticipation of marriage. We’ll keep you posted.
Jeff is replaced by Mr. Todd Battles. Todd just completed a year of service here as a Mentor, teaching, coaching, managing our barn and heading up various work projects. He has decided to serve His Mansion in a new capacity, and assumes the position of Director of Public Relations & Recruiting. Todd is working closely with Dr. Tso and he will play a big part in communicating what God is up to on this hill.
Todd came to His Mansion via L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, MA where he studied, and served on staff. He’s a graduate of Colgate University with a BA in English and theater, and he earned his JD from Tulane University School of Law in 2000. Todd has experience in consulting, criminal law and commercial real estate – but more importantly, he has experience with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Byron and Rachel Norsworthy have only been with us for a year. Byron was in charge of the gardens last summer and worked in our agriculture department generally. The quality of his work in the fields was heralded loudly as the harvest came in. He has a real gift for growing. Rachel served as a mentor in the women’s program and a cook in the kitchen.
They thought that they had counted the cost and ramifications of moving into their tasks. That was before God planted a treasure in Rachel’s womb! The Norsworthy family has decided that a different environment is needed in which to nourish and care for mother and developing baby. They also will relocate to upstate New York to be nearer to family.
Byron and Rachel are replaced by Hank and Cathy Van de Berkt of Vermont. The Van de Berkts have served at the Mansion for the past several years on their spare weekends and during vacations. They built their log cabin home themselves, have a lot of experience with gardens and with preserving foods in an attempt to live intentionally and frugally. They’ve known for years that God was calling them and so they have prepared. Their children are grown and they are free to join us in time for this year’s planting.
All of these changes are a part of the joy and stress of overseeing this work. I think, despite the panic and uncertainty, that new blood brings with it new ideas and fresh perspectives. Our ministry will be better for the diversity and the change.
There have been an unusual number of men and women choosing to not complete the program. Some of this can be attributed to the pull of the holiday season’s pleasures, yet I sense an increased level of spiritual opposition to the rescue work we do. The majority of those here were worshipping Satan not so very long ago - if not intentionally, in point of fact. Our experience shows us that the Enemy does not relinquish his servants without a fight!
Despite the turnover, our beds are filled and we have a waiting list running out several months. If you have ever thought of serving in short-term missions, this is an excellent time to join our mentor staff. The work is difficult, stressful, and selfless. Certainly that should attract you! “Follow Me and suffer.” This was the enticement of the Master as He drew His team en route to Calvary. Get on board! Call 603 464 5555 or send an email to our Director of Recruiting and Public Relations; Todd Battles at todd@hismansion.com. You may also apply online at: www.hismansion.com. Please also be praying for the Lord to call strong young men and women of faith to serve Him here.
Continued Blessings!
My requests from the last newsletter brought results! Chop saws, wire, valves, lumber, and lots of other great items that will help keep our expenses down. We are looking ahead to summer and realizing that we could use a couple of healthy, heavy duty lawn mowers; even a tractor driven machine would be well used.
Our books are settled and we can share how things went and forecast better where they may be heading. We projected an income of $390K for 2008. We planned on expending all of it. We actually expended $485K in 2008. That means we broke the budget by $95K. There were significant capital expenditures that we planned for 2009 and we determined that significant savings could be realized by pre-purchasing. His Mansion entered the year (2008) with a $276K surplus. The long and the short of it is that we end the year with all of our bills paid, no debt, and a $185K surplus.
These are difficult times for every family, businesses, and churches/ministries. Unfortunately, those caring about their family members who have become addicted and the church staff charged with helping them call us with ever increasing frequency and urgency. God has called us to rescue the perishing and we will continue to do so trusting in Him to help us make it happen.
Every effort is made to be good stewards of your hard earned money. Prayer is a precious commodity, but one that has no price, only profit. Please do not allow your pinched budget to effect your generosity in prayer!
As you pray and as His Mansion Ministries passes through your consciousness, please follow His leading. Pressure is on a ministry like ours to compromise and to look to sources for income that would not have been palatable or acceptable in years past. His Mansion will continue to be a faith ministry, accepting no aid whatsoever from state or federal sources. We hold no fundraisers and sell no products. We pray. God speaks. We receive from you. Thank you for considering this work as you invest in His Kingdom.
Joyful in His Service,
Stan Farmer; CEO
His Mansion Ministries, Inc.
Mk 1:17
Greetings in the Name of Jesus,
As I write this missal, fifteen inches of new powder has given a fresh look to the two feet of snow already covering the ground! We went several weeks never getting above freezing! For those born to this artic environment, it comes as no surprise, but for those used to milder climes it can be a trial.
Dr. Tso and his family, who you will recall me introducing in the previous newsletter, are among the dazzled and frazzled, having enjoyed temperate Portland, Oregon for the past fifteen years. I was recently privileged to intercept a letter from Emily (Mrs. Tso) to her church leadership back in Portland. It expresses exquisitely what many feel after arriving in this exciting but stressful ministry. I share some of it with you because I think you will appreciate her heart. Jesus says “Follow Me” and we say; “Yes,” – yet there’s often quite a bit more going on inside of us...
“Sometimes my faith walk reminds me of an amusement park bumper car ride. I drive my little car around in circles, bumping into sides and walls, jerking away from other cars in my path, fueling my toy vehicle with small spurts of electricity each time my foot pumps the pedal. The source of power to move forward doesn't come from me, but I love feeling like I'm in control. God watches me on my little ride going around and around and He rescues me as an attentive attendant should, when I run myself into a corner or untangles me from a clump of cars so I can go back to zipping around the rink.
“Even while I'm playing around on my kiddie ride, God is there, drawing my attention to what's going on outside, giving me the view of something more exciting than the bumper rink. He patiently waits for me to finish playing around. He waits for me to climb out of my car so He can take me on His ride of faith on an open roadway where He powers the vehicle with His Word and His love, where He has a map that frees me from my bumper car boundaries, where He introduces me to new friends (instead of detached, but friendly adversaries careening about in identical cars), where He can show me incredible sights and take me on heart-stopping adventures not pre-paid for in my $1.00/ride bumper car where I feel safe, because there are no unknowns, no map needed, but also no deep thrills either. He waits for me to experience the thrill of trusting a HUGELY POWERFUL God. I am still driving around the bumper rink, enjoying the image of control when it's really the environment of hedges I've set up as limits that control my life and walk of faith. BUT God is the Holy Wild, like Lewis' Aslan, God is not safe, but He is good.
“When the timer runs out, my car gradually comes to a halt and I step out - out of my subdivision life into the greatly expanded arena of missionary life. My Portland, Oregon amusement park ride never could have made the life-changing cross-country trip to His Mansion in New Hampshire, but I've discovered (am still discovering) that I'm still living in the old mentality, just in a new location. New experiences at His Mansion have been fun, refreshing and even stretching at times, but I use them as references for where to lay my new bumper track. I'm still not completely sold on the idea of leaving my kiddie ride behind. I'm still afraid to try, to trust the Father, to trust His leading in new settings (why are all these places 45 minutes away?!), new relationships without comfort "bumpers" on all sides of my plastic, rink-bound pod (who will I come in conflict with next?), and new accountability (I will certainly fail to meet someone else's or at least my own expectations at some point). Fear still prevents me from traveling the open road of life with Him. If moving here wasn't enough to jump-start my faith, what will? When will my heart be fully won over, to cry out, “I give You everything that I am and all that I ever will be?” When will I receive His holy courage to pry my hands off the controls, step away from my toy vehicle, and dance in the middle of the road?
~Emily Tso
You can find more relevant and exciting articles posted on The His Mansion Ministries blog at http://hismansion.wordpres
We challenge our residents and mentors alike, “Are you ready for a great adventure?” I always recommend counting the cost carefully, and then doing it anyway!
I have such high respect for folks who step out of comfortable lives to serve as missionaries in stressful, less visible places – away from those who’d applaud for them if they were easier to see. Those who serve at His Mansion may have put life completely on hold for anywhere from three to five years. No one is promised longer, nor can anyone really expect to set down deep roots. By the world’s standards such insecurity would be unacceptable.
Praise Report
It has been a month of anxiety and praise for Joan and me. Doctors found a lump on the rear of her tongue that looked to be potentially cancerous. A biopsy was scheduled and the ensuing waiting period was the equivalent of standing blindfolded against a wall—for both of us!
The biopsy day came but so did the storm. Appointment cancelled! More waiting! Cancer victims can appreciate the further anguish this produced, but the day finally arrived. I prayed that the lump would shrink and disappear. While it did not disappear, it did turn out to be only a cyst – which was lanced, cleaned, and is now healing. Better yet, no cancer was found. Prayer does change things – this time from a lump of fear to a cyst! Praise God that He is our Healer!
Staff Updates
Linda Hogue came in 2004, along with her husband Jim, to serve as Office Manager. Linda also served unofficially as the hospitality coordinator for community interactions. She is especially fond of parties! Jim and Linda are relocating in upstate New York where there’ll be nearer their son-in-law, daughter and a precious granddaughter. We wish them well.
A young bachelor left the nuclear engineering field eight years ago to serve at His Mansion. This industrious man had acquired a house and had set down roots. He liquidated possessions and left the northwest to join us. Jeff Devilbiss found a treasure he did not come seeking. Last year, another servant, Wendy Crowley, caught Jeff’s eye and well, the rest is history! Jeff will be relocating to Pennsylvania to be near Wendy and his own childhood roots, in anticipation of marriage. We’ll keep you posted.
Jeff is replaced by Mr. Todd Battles. Todd just completed a year of service here as a Mentor, teaching, coaching, managing our barn and heading up various work projects. He has decided to serve His Mansion in a new capacity, and assumes the position of Director of Public Relations & Recruiting. Todd is working closely with Dr. Tso and he will play a big part in communicating what God is up to on this hill.
Todd came to His Mansion via L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, MA where he studied, and served on staff. He’s a graduate of Colgate University with a BA in English and theater, and he earned his JD from Tulane University School of Law in 2000. Todd has experience in consulting, criminal law and commercial real estate – but more importantly, he has experience with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Byron and Rachel Norsworthy have only been with us for a year. Byron was in charge of the gardens last summer and worked in our agriculture department generally. The quality of his work in the fields was heralded loudly as the harvest came in. He has a real gift for growing. Rachel served as a mentor in the women’s program and a cook in the kitchen.
They thought that they had counted the cost and ramifications of moving into their tasks. That was before God planted a treasure in Rachel’s womb! The Norsworthy family has decided that a different environment is needed in which to nourish and care for mother and developing baby. They also will relocate to upstate New York to be nearer to family.
Byron and Rachel are replaced by Hank and Cathy Van de Berkt of Vermont. The Van de Berkts have served at the Mansion for the past several years on their spare weekends and during vacations. They built their log cabin home themselves, have a lot of experience with gardens and with preserving foods in an attempt to live intentionally and frugally. They’ve known for years that God was calling them and so they have prepared. Their children are grown and they are free to join us in time for this year’s planting.
All of these changes are a part of the joy and stress of overseeing this work. I think, despite the panic and uncertainty, that new blood brings with it new ideas and fresh perspectives. Our ministry will be better for the diversity and the change.
There have been an unusual number of men and women choosing to not complete the program. Some of this can be attributed to the pull of the holiday season’s pleasures, yet I sense an increased level of spiritual opposition to the rescue work we do. The majority of those here were worshipping Satan not so very long ago - if not intentionally, in point of fact. Our experience shows us that the Enemy does not relinquish his servants without a fight!
Despite the turnover, our beds are filled and we have a waiting list running out several months. If you have ever thought of serving in short-term missions, this is an excellent time to join our mentor staff. The work is difficult, stressful, and selfless. Certainly that should attract you! “Follow Me and suffer.” This was the enticement of the Master as He drew His team en route to Calvary. Get on board! Call 603 464 5555 or send an email to our Director of Recruiting and Public Relations; Todd Battles at todd@hismansion.com. You may also apply online at: www.hismansion.com. Please also be praying for the Lord to call strong young men and women of faith to serve Him here.
Continued Blessings!
My requests from the last newsletter brought results! Chop saws, wire, valves, lumber, and lots of other great items that will help keep our expenses down. We are looking ahead to summer and realizing that we could use a couple of healthy, heavy duty lawn mowers; even a tractor driven machine would be well used.
Our books are settled and we can share how things went and forecast better where they may be heading. We projected an income of $390K for 2008. We planned on expending all of it. We actually expended $485K in 2008. That means we broke the budget by $95K. There were significant capital expenditures that we planned for 2009 and we determined that significant savings could be realized by pre-purchasing. His Mansion entered the year (2008) with a $276K surplus. The long and the short of it is that we end the year with all of our bills paid, no debt, and a $185K surplus.
These are difficult times for every family, businesses, and churches/ministries. Unfortunately, those caring about their family members who have become addicted and the church staff charged with helping them call us with ever increasing frequency and urgency. God has called us to rescue the perishing and we will continue to do so trusting in Him to help us make it happen.
Every effort is made to be good stewards of your hard earned money. Prayer is a precious commodity, but one that has no price, only profit. Please do not allow your pinched budget to effect your generosity in prayer!
As you pray and as His Mansion Ministries passes through your consciousness, please follow His leading. Pressure is on a ministry like ours to compromise and to look to sources for income that would not have been palatable or acceptable in years past. His Mansion will continue to be a faith ministry, accepting no aid whatsoever from state or federal sources. We hold no fundraisers and sell no products. We pray. God speaks. We receive from you. Thank you for considering this work as you invest in His Kingdom.
Joyful in His Service,
Stan Farmer; CEO
His Mansion Ministries, Inc.