An Architect Missionary

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Clifford

Clifford Jason Luebben was born at 2:20 early Friday morning on April 28, 1989. You were the first child I was able to witness being born. This was such an amazing experience to behold; how can anyone ever doubt that there is a God who witnesses the wondrous miracle of birth? I will never forget that amazing night; or rather, early morning. You were such an observant, and calm little one; the Lord was gracious to allow my first baby experience to be a baby such as you. You had a great big smile, and seemed to take-in everything going on around you from your earliest months.

You were an easy child to raise: didn’t fuss much; slept through the night early on; were not inclined to get into trouble; had a great imagination; loved learning; playing with your siblings; thoroughly enjoyed your family. You were also such a great big brother to Josiah, Micah, and Elizabeth; and close friend to Josiah during your pre-teen years.

It seemed that it was in your sophomore year of high school that the Lord really grabbed ahold of your heart in a new and powerful way. You had always seemed to love and follow Him; but sensed Him calling you to be a missionary, and after your first short term mission trip to Guatemala, began living such a sold-out life for our Lord. And now, about seven years later, you have traveled and served our Lord in a handful of countries; quite an amazing experience for such a 23 year old.

College brought another person of interest into your life from your very first month; and now that person of interest, Jennifer, is not only your wife of one year, but is carrying your first child. Clifford, my first son, you have been such a sold out servant of our Lord. You were such a pleasure to raise; and now you and Jennifer will be raising your own child, WOW! We know that you two will raise our newest granddaughter in the love and admonition of our Lord. This gives your mom and me a joy that you cannot imagine – and yet, if the Lord tarries, we trust that this is a joy that you, too, will someday experience.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Calan Construction Update

The following update on Calan Nazarene School construction was written by Jillian Finkbeiner, who helps with the sponsorship organization, teachers conferences etc.

Undeniably Bigger Than I Can Imagine

Posted: 13 Jul 2012 04:02 PM PDT

When you think of the possibilities of what God can do, do you doubt? do you fear? do you become mute? do you refuse to move?These past two weeks have not only demonstrated, but proven the immense love and unlimited possibilities of God. He is not some being that sits in the heavens with disregard for us. He is not just a good example to possibly follow. He is GOD, the KING of kings, the LORD of lords, the ALL-POWERFUL, the ALL-KNOWING, the ONLY GOD! If we choose to follow Him, NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.As our second work and witness team departed this morning, I reminded them of their eternal impact and blessings they have given to the community of Calan. They might just think they laid a concrete floor, but GOD will use that new floor to allow hundreds of children to play and learn on, and to hear about His grace, peace and love for them. On that very floor, the Escuela Nazareno students will be reminded that NOTHING, not Satan, demons, drugs, alcohol, prostitution, sex trafficking, sickness, death, can EVER separate them from the love that is Christ Jesus. Because, if God is for us, who then, can be against us?Below are the progression of images of the Tri-Cities Work and Witness Team's work, on the new 3rd grade classroom, that was completed in just 8 short days. Photos also include the installation of new gutters to prevent flooding and a new ceiling in the church sanctuary for relief from the brutal heat. As you look at the photos, be reminded that God is limitless...and He will use those who are willing to serve Him...