Ministry Archives - Page 2 of 2

March 31, 2022 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

Obeying a God Nudge: From Selfish to Willing

An email request asked Lakes Area Writers Alliance members to volunteer for a shift in a non-profit booth at the county fair. My irritations added up. The group held meetings, inconveniently, on Saturday mornings, and this request also involved weekends. A four-hour shift seemed like a long, boring stretch of time. All of my reasons not to participate felt squelched by a “God-nudge,” to use my husband’s description of a gut feeling that God wants you to do something. I preferred to volunteer for a two-hour shift, but four hours in a row? Really?! How much could I say about group meetings that I rarely attended?

That “God-nudge” prompted me to sign up for the last Saturday morning of the fair. Yes, I volunteered for the day I didn’t want to go, for the job I didn’t want to do, and for a stretch of time I thought seemed too long. But I did it anyway, begrudgingly out of obedience God.

Our writer’s alliance event coordinator had thoroughly prepared the displays. Two rectangular tables included an obligatory candy bowl that attracted kids and other sweet-seekers. A raffle jar offered a prize basket of books written by members of our writers’ alliance—my memoir included. Some group members had self-published short stories in a collection entitled The Storyville Project. Copies were stacked and available for sale. Displayed in racks, stacks, and fanned arrangements, brochures and bookmarks spread across the table tops.

Volunteers had permission to sell their own books, so I spent the first minutes placing my books on easels. As I set up my sales display, I chatted with the woman in the neighboring booth. Her story tumbled out quickly: she was widowed three months prior, after taking care of her ill husband while he was on hospice. Confined to a hospital bed in the living room, her husband needed full-time care, so she had slept on the couch, ready to jump up and help him 24/7.

Her tears flowed as she spoke of her grief. I tried to reassure her about the grief processing she had already accomplished, even though nothing felt normal to her yet. Not surprisingly, the fatigue she accumulated as a caretaker now compounded her grief. We spoke of God’s healing and comfort. I gave her the GriefShare website, so that she could sign up for daily emails and check out this fall’s grief groups. Later, a woman walked by the booth dressed in a memorial t-shirt that displayed several family members’ names and dates of death. We also discussed death and grief, and I gave her the same resources and information.

My entire booth shift turned out to be a pleasant surprise, and the four hours passed quickly. Several teenagers approached the booth, some reluctantly as their supportive parents asked questions on their child’s behalf. Identifying these shy teenagers, I started conversations about their favorite genres and encouraged them to continue writing. Hoping that the teens would be challenged and validated by submitting a story, I asked each one to contribute to the next edition of The Storyville Project. One teenager described working on projects with her sister who created anime drawings for her stories. As I marveled at their talents, I encouraged them to keep collaborating.

I enjoyed giving booth visitors information about our Lakes Area Writers Alliance. Not all conversations related to writing as I talked with kids, parents, and families. The Gideons International hosted a nearby booth where they gave out New Testament Bibles. Unlike the plain covers I remember from decades ago, the new Bible came in colorful covers: designs, graphics, and even camouflage. I engaged a few kids in conversation as they walked by with their pocket-sized gifts.

Afterward, I thought about my much-needed attitude rearrangement. I had signed up for my shift out of reluctant obedience to the “God-nudge,” or God’s prompting. That reluctance started to change when I recognized God’s divine appointments. Within minutes of my arrival, God arranged one-on-one time to speak with a grieving widow in the neighboring booth. God blessed my volunteer shift with meaningful conversations with kids, families, grieving people, writers, and friends. Once my selfishness got out of the way, God changed my attitude to willing—even joyful—obedience.

Lord God, Forgive my reluctant and frustrated attitude toward obeying your prompting, or those “God-nudges.” Change my heart, dear God, and teach me to be joyful and willing as I obey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
[Originally posted August 2021]

March 30, 2022 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

God’s Will and the Blessings of Sunday School Kids

Five-year-old Will proudly held up the card he brought for his Sunday school teacher. “Look at my name!” he insisted, giggling as he pointed to the extra three letters he had creatively tacked onto his full name. Before anyone could comment, he set the card on the table and ran around the room. His joy and enthusiasm made me smile.

Then another boy walked into the room slowly, clutching a potted geranium and card that he handed to his teacher. Accepting the gift, she expressed her thanks and gave the boy a big gift bag in return. The four Sunday school children each received large gift bags from the teacher, their names on cards tied with a ribbon. Inside each bag were summer gifts: a beach towel and a manila envelope full of activities for them to review lessons about Jesus and His love.

This was not my class or my students, but I gladly joined their last day of Sunday school before summer. The COVID pandemic had locked me down for over a year and shut me out of in-person ministries. Excited to be fully vaccinated, I joined the Sunday school class with the intent of volunteering in the fall. I enjoyed seeing these kids thank their teacher. What a thoughtful teacher who challenged her students with summer learning materials!

After the gift exchanges, the teacher expertly drew the kids’ attention to the lesson. With her two-year-old by her side, the teacher gave each child a pamphlet of stapled sheets of colored construction paper. Using this wordless book , she asked the children to turn the pages and follow along as she presented the Gospel of Jesus. She explained the concepts at a four to six-year-old level of understanding, patiently guided them, and asked questions to assess their understanding.

Part-way through the book, the teacher gave an object lesson using balloons. Given time and space to move around, the kids got out of the chairs to keep their balloons in the air. A great break for littles who don’t sit long, the jumping and balloon-batting brought lots of giggles. Until it didn’t, when one boy ran out of the room in anger because the two-year-old touched his balloon.

I followed the boy into the playroom and tried to talk him into returning to the classroom. He refused, so I watched and listened as he worked things out while climbing on the plastic slide. He vented his anger about the two-year-old, who in his mind was trying to steal his balloon. When the teacher looked out the classroom door, the boy began to cry, but then he walked back into class.

When the teacher finished the wordless book, she introduced a board game. The board spaces included Bible verses and concepts that reviewed the year’s Sunday school lessons. She had prepped everything: colored game ‘boards’ pasted onto construction paper, play pieces cut out, and buttons used as board pieces. The teacher’s attention to students’ needs became obvious as she guided each child to take a turn. Afterward they each received a game of their own to take home.

I felt honored to be a part of this Christ-based curriculum presented by a young mom who poured love and support into her students. Playing and learning about Jesus, Will and his enthusiastic classmates brought energy and fun to my morning.

Lord, please open up hearts and minds to learn more about you as Sunday school and other ministries resume after the lifting of long-imposed COVID restrictions. Motivate people to volunteer, sharing the truth of Christ with your precious children, in churches and ministries all over the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
[Originally posted May 2021]

October 31, 2019 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

Discipling Across Genders and Generations

Driving home from church events last week, I listened to a sermon series by Philip De Courcy on my radio station. In his expository teaching on Titus 2:1-5, De Courcy explained discipleship between older and younger women in the church. One recurring phrase of De Courcy’s resonated with me: “the church’s job is to disciple across genders and across generations.”

What does discipling across genders and generations look like in my life? My starting point is Jesus’ sending words in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” My decades’ long discipling project changed focus as my two children, a son and a daughter, launched as young adults. Much as I would love to hop a plane and be a missionary elsewhere, I live in the northern Minnesota woods. Now that I am an empty nester, how does God challenge me to disciple across genders and generations?

Across Genders

The football hit my leg as I spoke. Sitting in the front row, Jacob listened and focused on me even as he tossed the football in the air. Then he missed the catch. After it bounced off my leg, I picked it up and set it behind me. Jacob obviously sat where he could not be distracted by peers, held eye contact with me (so much so that he dropped the football) and paid attention.

God, why me?! Our youth director asked me to give the middle-school lessons on Wednesdays. I can’t do this! I don’t have the physical comedy skills to get their attention. My language is old; my references, slang, and language patterns are far removed from these kids. That antsy energy that I used to get in trouble for? They have that too! I don’t want to shame them or discourage them from listening and growing in Christ. Help me, God to serve in your name and teach from your truth only. In Jesus’ name.

After background checks and other paperwork, volunteers from local churches participated in a mentoring lunch program at our public middle school. Each assigned to 1-3 kids at a time, volunteers spent three lunch periods in a row playing board games, enjoying seasonal-themed activities, and talking with the middle schoolers. On my first day, I met “Lexi” (not her real name). Lexi ate her pizza and talked, spilling out anecdotes of family dysfunction, neglect, and gender dysphoria. I connected with her on places of my own family wounds, but mostly I listened as she poured out her story. Later, I relayed concerns to the school counselor in charge of the mentoring program, who assured me that Lexi was receiving regular and professional counseling.

Dear God, you love “Lexi” so much! Please help her to realize that she is your precious child, created in your image. Please protect her in that chaotic household. Make her aware of your love and guidance. Dear Jesus, please let me love with your love and listen with your patience. In Jesus’ name.

“Sorry, guys. David [our youth director] called and texted every man he knew, but he couldn’t find a man to lead your group tonight. I am their last choice so you are stuck with me.” I introduced myself to the 8th and 9th grade boys’ small group on a recent Wednesday night. This fun group of young men surprised and humbled me as they discussed how they spent time with God.

God, thank you that these young men are yours. Keep them loving and following you, and please bring a male group leader to challenge and encourage them. In Jesus’ name.

Across Generations

Titus 2:3-5 spells out how older women should teach younger women. Mature Christian women have blessed me (thank you, Mom and Maryanne!) and now, as an empty nester, I want to bless others that way. Before we moved, I volunteered in MOPS as a mentor mom and now I occasionally return to speak. In my current location, I mentor informally or when moms contact me.

Lord God, teach me to open my heart and schedule to mothers and wives who need encouragement and direction from you, Lord. Help me to always point them to the truth of Jesus. In your name.

In my new church, I co-lead a small group of middle-school girls in youth group. Last year, we had sixteen 5th-8th graders; this year our list includes eight 6th-8th graders. We discuss the lessons, share from our hearts, and pray together.

Dear God, you know and love these girls. Please keep drawing them to you and deepen their relationship with you. In Jesus’ name.

Six months ago, Pastor Mark gave a kick-me-in-the-butt sermon (my words, never his) about loving your neighbor. God used that to convict and motivate me to meet and serve the family at the end of our gravel road. I now spend time helping 93 year-old, bedridden, cancer-ravaged Edith. As a nurse, the diarrhea and diaper ministry is doable, but listening to anger and cursing are not my choice of ministry. When I hear Christ’s name yelled in hostility, my strategy is to sing “Jesus loves me, this I know . . .” Turns out Edith’s mother sang that song to her eighty-some years ago, and now it seems to calm her.

Lord, once again you sent me where I didn’t want to go. Forgive me for resisting. Change my heart to love and serve my neighbors in your name. In Jesus’ name.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19 to “go and make disciples of all nations” includes all genders and generations. May God affirm our identity in Him, teach us to obey, and ground us in His love as He sends us to disciple across genders and generations.

Lord, teach me, humble me, and use me to minister in your love. Please send me to disciple across genders and generations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

August 2, 2019 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

A Machete, a Boy, and an Invitation to VBS

The blade glinted in the son, the sharp point rotating on the asphalt, as the boy spun the knife handle. This was vacation Bible school, or VBS, that summer staple of churches across the United States. I have volunteered with many church VBS programs, across two states, multiple denominations, and two decades. But never have I dealt with a machete-wielding kid at VBS!

A child should have a footlong hot dog, not a machete blade stretching over a foot long! Why did he have the knife? Was he going to use it on himself or on the vacation Bible school (VBS) kids?! My internal safety alarms triggered, I walked quickly toward him. Although aware of my presence, he did not look up, but continued to spin the dangerous blade.

Concerned for his safety and curious about his motive, I finally got close enough for him to hear me. “Hi, what’s your name?”

“Isaiah.” His face resolute and his eyes on the knife, Isaiah (not his real name) spoke softly.

Isaiah was not enrolled in VBS. On the other side of the asphalt were fifty VBS kids squealing, playing, and running around on a sunny day. Trays of watermelon and yogurt packets filled the snack table. The inflatable house, tie-dye crafts, and water games were set up on the church’s back field that bordered Isaiah’s house. What kid would not want to join that?!

Isaiah eventually opened up and started talking with me. The VBS director then walked over carrying the leather sheath, which Isaiah had dropped on the ground by the inflatable house. Isaiah reluctantly handed his weapon over to the VBS director, who slid the blade into the long leather sheath and handed it to me.

After a short conversation with mild-mannered Isaiah, I realized that he posed no threat. Instead, he was a normal ten-year-old, trying to get attention and join the other kids. And Isaiah’s method of doing that was to grab the coolest thing in his garage and bring it to show the other kids. He didn’t want to answer my questions about the knife, but he became interested when I asked if he wanted to join us. “Do you have anyone at home that I can ask about you coming over to play with us?”

“Yeah, my mom and grandma.”

“What if we bring the knife back and ask if you could come to vacation Bible school?” Holding the sheathed knife, I walked Isaiah home and told him about VBS. When we got to his yard, he went straight for the garage, but I called him back. “Isaiah, let’s go to the front door so I can talk with your mom and grandma about you coming to join us.”

Just then a large man walked out the garage side door. Before I had a chance to explain, he snarled at Isaiah, “I told you not to touch this!” Isaiah hung his head and slumped into a porch chair.

Realizing that this was probably Isaiah’s grandfather and the owner of the weapon, I held out it out to him. As he took the knife, I launched into a description of VBS and an invitation for Isaiah to join us. “We go until 12:30 today and then we have three more mornings of VBS. We just need someone to come over and sign him up.” I tried to be welcoming, but looking at Isaiah as he sat with his head lowered, I feared that there would be punishment and no chance of Isaiah coming to VBS.

“That is up to his mother,” the grandfather said, pointing the boy into the house. Then he turned and carried his machete into the garage.

I walked away with a heavy heart, realizing that no gentle invite or encouraging words would convince Isaiah’s family to let him join us. I prayed that God would intervene to bring Isaiah to our fun-filled VBS playground.

During snack time, our pastor joined us outside. Apparently, Isaiah had been out with the machete the previous day. Pastor Mark had met Isaiah, walked him home, and then spoken with his mother and grandmother. They had no idea he was out of their yard with the machete. Pastor was surprised to hear that Isaiah had come back with the knife, given his mother’s anger about the first incident. Pastor Mark had also invited Isaiah to VBS, but his mother didn’t sound like she was interested in sending him. We did not see Isaiah again that week.

Lord, you know and love this young boy. I pray that you minister to his lonely heart. Bring him into fellowship with you and with others who love you. Please protect him from punishment or hurt. Lord, instead of playing with knives, bring this precious boy to the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Grow this boy up to understand how alive and active your word is (Hebrews 4:12). Lord, teach him to serve you, that he would wield the sword of your word to your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 31, 2019 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

Thank You, MOPS Craft Coordinator

I am not a crafter. When I am at an event that includes a craft-project, I get antsy and wonder how long it will take and how long it will take me. Crafts are an exercise in frustration for me. I don’t enjoy putsy work that requires me to do things precisely or creatively, especially if I have the pressure of a time limit. I much prefer to purchase someone else’s item and appreciate the artist’s creativity.

Amber, our MOPS group (Mothers of Preschoolers) craft coordinator, thankfully gave me a different perspective. Amber presented options and helped me see creative possibilities that I would never have considered. The quintessential craft lady, Amber translated the world of art projects into reasonable projects for me, a craft-impaired person.

When our small group was called up to the supply table, I positioned myself at the end of the line so I could hear how to do it. Amber had worked tirelessly to prepare all the supplies ahead of time. She had cut and stained boards, printed mini-posters, and created options for different styles. Although I was a mentor mom, in crafts I was far behind the artistically talented moms at my table. I dreaded the decisions. What did it matter if I choose a rustic dark frame or a painted white one? I didn’t know what I wanted, didn’t think I needed it, and certainly didn’t want to fuss over it.

This was one of our last MOPS meetings in the spring. Amber had prepped everything in amazing detail and printed out instructions. Of course, I needed extra help. I watched the inspired moms at my table apply their creativity to the project, hoping to learn from them. Eventually, I chose a Bible verse poster and made the wood-framed wall-hanging. Little did I realize how meaningful that project would later become.

I wondered what to do with the wall-hanging. My husband and I were moving that summer, and we needed to downsize everything. I almost gave the project away, knowing that everything we owned would be packed up for 6 months to a year as we constructed an addition onto our cabin. Living out of a suitcase for the first 4 months, I somehow I found that wall-hanging in our boxes of stuff relegated to an unfinished room. I saw the project and then read through the Bible verse:

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts. Psalm 28:7a ESV

Reading that verse, chosen long ago from Amber’s tabletop of colorful options, I recognized my need to apply those words to my construction-zone frustrations. I pounded a nail into a 2×4 and hung up the verse in our bare toilet stall. Little did I realize how poignant and meaningful that verse would become over the next six months. My husband ended up with an acute illness lasting almost two months, which required lots of time in that room, to phrase it tactfully. During the long-lasting construction projects, I also had plenty of time to memorize and meditate on that Bible verse.

Thank you, Amber, for giving us physical reminders that stir our hearts to grow closer to God. You may never realize the impact your projects make on individual lives, but I pray that you keep sharing the artistry and creativity God designed in you.