Jerry's Journal

Notes from Jerry - February

My travel plans:

Feb 3                    Alton, Illinois – Missions Day

Feb 6                    Springfield, Illinois – Missions with Children

Feb 10                  Springfield, Illinois – Missions Day

Feb 15-18            Wenatchee, Washington – GO! Missions Conference

Feb 22-24            Waukegan, Illinois – Missions Conference

Feb 29                  McPherson, Kansas – Central College Chapel

March 1-2             McPherson, Kansas – Missions Conference

March 4-18          Europe – Visit to Leaders in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece

March 13-24        Jan to Europe with the Greenville College Choir

My major projects right now:

Visiting churches and supporters!  As you can see above, we are involved every weekend traveling and speaking in Free Methodist churches.  I preach, present and share my vision of seeing the glory of God in all the earth and how we are seeing this in Europe.  Jan often speaks to adults and children in Sunday School classes and presents pictures of our family and the development of the work in Europe.

My greatest joy this month:

I had the joy of watching Kristin compete in the Midwest Regional Coffee Barista Competition!  Kristin was selected to represent Kaldi’s Coffee Company where she works as a barista (coffee maker) and shift leader.  This was her first ever competition.  I am told that she did extremely well for this being her first competition.  The 27 competitors came from seven Midwest states.  You can read more about it  www.kaldiscoffee.com/competition

Many individuals are committing support for our family!  We are so thankful for this!  We are now 97% funded for 2008!  Thank the Lord!  If you would like to help support us in 2008, please log onto www.FMWM.org/give  You will be directed on how to support us electronically.  Or if you prefer, you can send checks to:  Free Methodist World Missions, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis IN 46253.  Please note:  Coleman MSA.

My greatest burden this month:

Being away from Europe.  It’s true.  After so many months – we moved in June and visited in November – I am really missing our friends and team in Europe.  But in March I plan a two-week whirlwind trip to visit leaders and travel to five countries where we’re working.

Ways in which you can PRAY:

·        Please pray for safety as we extensively travel this month.

·        Pray that our MSA support level will reach 100%.

·        Pray that our CSA support levels will reach 100%.

o       Find out more at www.FMWM.org/give

·        Pray for our team in Europe using our web site: 

www.fmc-europe.org

·        Pray through some of the adventures at: www.jerrycoleman.typepad.com  “an apostolic adventure”

A Scripture I’m thinking about:

Psalm 46:1

“Be still,

and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

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Notes from Jerry - August 20

My travel plans:

        July 31-Aug 8       Hungary – Funeral and Estate Arrangements

        Aug 10-12            Peoria, Illinois – David’s Ice Hockey Try-Outs

        Aug 17-19            St. Louis, Missouri – David’s Ice Hockey Try-Outs

        Aug 17-22            St. Louis, Missouri – Looking for housing & schools

My major projects right now:

Getting the family settled – somewhere.

Jan, David and I sat there shocked and stunned after reading the Peoria Mustangs team list.  David’s name wasn’t there.  It wouldn’t have been so shocking if he had not yet been “promised” a position on the team.  But on Sunday, August 12, his name was not on the list.  This was now the second team where David had been “assured” of a position on the roster but not selected in the end.

Jan, David and I prayed, wondered and shared our hearts under the trees around a picnic table after getting this news.  David shared that maybe he was finished with ice hockey.  Maybe he’d just finish high school and play soccer.  He said he’d give his new hockey stick to his brother-in-law for Christmas.

Then, on the drive from Peoria to Springfield David got a phone call from the coach of the St. Louis Jr. Lightning.  He had a scout at both the Springfield and Peoria try-out camps and noticed David.  He offered David a contract (not a tender or a promise) right now.  On Tuesday, we met with the coach and toured the facilities.  We liked the coach and sounds of the program.  Most importantly, he handed us a player’s contract with David’s name on it!  This coach would like to know David’s goals and help him get there.  Since then, David has had another offer to skate with a team in Boston.  Boston?

So, St. Louis?  I was a pastor here for four years so we know the general area.  Could Kristin transfer to attend college in this area?  She is already working here and would NOT need to leave her two part time jobs.  Could we find housing soon?  Could we enroll David in school before Monday?

This process of making a smooth transition for David has been three years long with three hard-knocking months at the end!  We knew it would be a difficult transition from European to American hockey.  But we had no idea it would be this trying!  Back in January, we celebrated the signing of David’s tender with the Springfield Jr. Blues.  We celebrated living together in Springfield as a family – Jerry, Jan, Kristin and David – for our very last year.  But then, then?  Our celebrations all turned to hard-closed doors.  It has not turned out as we expected.

But as of today, we have an apartment to rent, David joined 2599 others for the first day of high school and Kristin starts college classes tomorrow.  David has had a lot a fun skating with his new team – especially with a signed contract!  And his brother-in-law will NOT get David’s new hockey stick for Christmas after all.

My greatest joy this month:

Watching David skate this weekend!  He had a lot of fun and looked great on the ice!

Seeing Kristin!  It’s been so good to be with her and her boyfriend, Spencer, a few times this past week.  I’m so thankful to anticipate this next year with her living with us back home!

My greatest burden this month:

The Free Methodist Church people in Springfield have gone above and beyond to welcome us to their church and community!  The parsonage there is newly renovated and very spacious!  But our deep desire is to live together as a family during this home assignment year – likely our last year before “the empty nest.”  It grieved my heart to tell the people in Springfield that we would not be living there but would be moving to the St. Louis area.

Ways in which you can PRAY:

·        Pray for David’s adjustment to his new ice hockey team – St. Louis Lightning.  Check out the Lightning web site at www.stljrlightning.com

·        Pray for Kristin’s adjustment to her junior year at St. Charles Community College.

·        Pray for David’s adjustment at Fort Zumwalt West High School.

·        Pray for our team in Europe using our web site:  www.fmc-europe.org

·        Pray through some of the adventures at www.jerrycoleman.typepad.com  “an apostolic adventure”

A Scripture I’m thinking about:

Psalm 107:1-9

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say this –

those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

those he gathered from the lands,

from east and west, from north and south.

Some wandered in desert wastelands,

finding no way to a city where they could settle.

They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,

and he delivered them from their distress.

He led them by a straight way

to a city where they could settle.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love

and for his wonderful deeds for men,

for he satisfies the thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things.”

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Notes from Jerry - May 2007

My travel plans:

May 11-15            England:  Annual Conference and Missions Conference

May 18                 Bratislava, Slovakia:  Jan & I visit Josef & Lynette Sykora

May 24-28            Portugal:  Shekinah Conference

June 1-4               The Netherlands, Belgium & France:  Visits with leaders

June 18                USA:  Jan, David and I fly to begin our one year Home Assignment

My major projects right now:

Last night, a store worker was smashing and piling boxes.  I asked if I could take these for packing.  He had me wait as he returned with the manager.  “Yes,” the manager decided.  “You can take those boxes.”  So, I tied the plastic bags of bread onto my belt loop, carefully picked up the pile of flattened boxes and carried them on my head for a block long walk home.  Then I shuffled them into the gate, through the main door, up the stairs, into the elevator, through the hall door and then through our porch doors.  Just another step in packing our home.

I’ve been traveling and will be traveling quite a bit before we leave for the USA:  Greece, England, Portugal, The Netherlands, Belgium and France.

Working on our new Missionary Support Accounts and Country Support Accounts.  We are trying to see that every missionary and ministry in Europe will be fully supported in 2007 and 2008.

My greatest joy this month:

Jan and I had the joy of watching David perform in “West Side Story.”  He was one of the Shark gang members.  I think his favorite parts were the fight scenes.  Afterwards, a number of parents asked me, “Why is it that David is never knocked down but he knocks all the others down?  It must be those hockey moves, eh?”

We just today received a two year residence permit!  We thank the Lord for this provision.

We thank the Lord for a very good time in England.  The Annual Conference with Bishop Richard Snyder went quite well.  Jan and I also had opportunity to stay at Marcie Huson’s new home in Preston.  After many meetings over the years, I can see the fruit of this growing relationship.  The FMC in UK is tangibly reaching out to the continent by adopting leaders and congregations to pray for and partner with.

My greatest burden this month:

We continue to pray for an interim missionary for Belgium.  We really need help for nine months beginning this August.

Packing and saying “good-bye” to many friends.

Ways in which you can PRAY:

·        Pray for a mature couple to serve one year in Belgium.

·        Pray for Jan, David and me as we pack, finish many projects and begin to say “good-bye.”

·        Pray for our team in Europe using our web site:  www.fmc-europe.org

·        Pray through some of the adventures at www.jerrycoleman.typepad.com   an apostolic adventure”

A Scripture I’m thinking about:

John 10:2-4

“The man who enters by the gate is

the shepherd of his sheep.

The watchman opens the gate for him,

and the sheep listen to his voice.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out

when he has brought out all is own,

he goes on ahead of them,

and his sheep follow him because

they know his voice.”

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The Final Cut?

Our discussion with the Springfield Jr. Blues coach was going great until he brought up the tryout camp in July 10-15.  He said, “Well, we start with 160 skaters (by invitation only).  After the second day, we make the first cut to 80 skaters.  Then, at the end of the third day, we make the final cut to 25 players for an all star game.”

David has been given a contract to join the Jr. Blues.  They call him a “Tender.”  I don’t know if that means that he “Tends” to play hockey or “pre-Tends” or what?!  But really, it’s supposed to mean that he is a contracted player.

“Oh,” I responded to this news from the coach.  “Then I have a question,” I continued.  “I’m looking at a house to rent this afternoon.  What are David’s chances of being in that final cut?”  This would be terrible if David didn’t make that final cut after all of this!

The coach went on, “We’ve only had one player who was a “Tender” or “Draft pick” who did NOT make the cut.  And he showed up 50 pounds over weight.  We cut him.  Don’t worry.  David is on the team.  He’ll be in the final cut of 25.”

David and I each secretly celebrated having this confirmed.  David really is a member of the Jr. Blues!

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Consultation Review

European Missions Network Consultation Review

21-23 March 2007

Budapest, Hungary

Wow!  This network is huge!  Amazing!

Already, I am seeing the Holy Spirit connect the dots through relationships.

·        We have people from China in Manchester, England

·        And in Budapest, Hungary

·        There are British in Spain

·        Brazilians live in Rome

·        We’re seeing open doors in Bulgaria!

o       I mean groups of hundreds of people (maybe thousands?)!

·        In the last four weeks, 50 people have given their lives to Christ in Lisbon!

o       Come on – this is fantastic news!

·        Recovery groups are making life changing impact to people in Budapest

We sense a greater feel of family in Europe.  The Free Methodist Church is not big or hugely influential in Europe.  But I’m seeing a powerful change!  In just over 10 years, the network expands bigger and faster than imagined!  The sub-family called FM, within the Kingdom of God, just celebrated a connection that will never be broken.

Even though the decline in the Christian Church in Europe is rapidly increasing and even though the increase in the Muslim faith grows rapidly, God is leading us into a new network with new faith, new hope and renewed life!

Check out pictures on www.fmc-europe.org

Pray TODAY for the new life in Europe.

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Canary Island Adventure

Free Methodist Affiliation Service

Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain – January 21, 2007

Around the quiet room tears flowed. It happened. It’s over. A quiet holy reverence hung around for a few minutes that seemed to span the five years that led to this moment.  Stories told, songs sung, sermon preached, documents signed, handshakes and hugs given. The Emanuel Church is now part of the Free Methodist Church. The FMC is now part of the Emanuel Church. This bond strengthens all. As we join together at this moment, the reality of it all begins to settle in.

In the quiet hush, I was trying to figure out how I got here on this remote island. OK, I’m in Spain, but really just 60 kilometers off the coast of Africa. I’m on an island of 100,000 people where 5 million people fly through the local airport each year. I’m rubbing shoulders with people who have lived their lives literally surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

I’m part of a historical moment that involves a remote American leaving home in Budapest early on Friday morning, running (literally) through two airports – one in Milano and the other in Barcelona – to get on a third plane for a two and a half hour flight in a large jet from the mainland of Spain. How did this happen?

Music, outreach, food, flyers, documents, extra chairs, invitations, travel, logistics had recently dominated the attention of most of the 70 people gathered in this worship center. There had been a flurry of activity as all the arrangements and final touches fell into place.

After quietness naturally flowed into joyful celebration, Vito leaned over to me. “Years ago I could never picture this freedom and growth! We were trapped in a strict and controlling church environment. But now...” His smile was HUGE! “Now, I feel such a freedom and love yet a protection. We’re part of a larger family which loves us, encourages us and keeps us accountable. And the new people keep coming – young people, children, adults.”

My only answer. Words being inadequate, I return to that quiet reverence knowing that there’s something happening here that goes way beyond what I can see with physical eyes. The Spirit of God is in this place! The Spirit of God has gone before us. This is the orchestration of the Lord Almighty. I knew this. Now, I really feel it, too.

Write NOW!

OK. How do I get this started??!! I can’t get started because I don’t really know where I’m going with it all. And I feel intimidated about trying to write every week, let alone several times a week. What do I do??

Well, I just picked up this book about writing (instead of writing) and the author was speaking to ME. Here are some excerpts:

If You Can Talk, You Can Write

By Joel Saltzman

Warner Books, 1993

p 3 – One night, still in the throes of agonizing writer’s, I got a fortune cookie that save my life. My fortune read:

TO AVOID BEING DISAPPOINTED,

MINIMIZE EXPECTATIONS.

Not being a true believer in the Fortune Cookie School of Wisdom, I was about to toss it aside, eat my cookie and never think of it again. But there was something about those words that almost made sense to me.

What if I did lower my expectations – really lowered them? What if I said to myself: “I don’t care if it makes any sense or not. Whatever’s in my head, I’m going to write it down.”

So, here I go. I’m just writing. I’m writing what’s coming to mind. The problem will be if you want to try to follow along.

p 7 – NOBODY LIKES TO WRITE (BUT EVERYONE LOVES TO HAVE WRITTEN)

You might say that writing is like going to the gym. Nobody likes going to the gym, but everyone loves the feeling of having gone to the gym. “I feel so much better now.”

Of course, there’s one small catch: In order to have written, you will have to write something.

Yes! This is me! I love to have run! I even actually love to run the eight kilometers I run along the

Danube River three times a week! I do! So, why not write?

Time and space. Doug Newton says emphatically that if we want to see God move in our lives and in those around us we need to give him time and space. I haven’t given him enough. I’m busy solving problems and meeting other people’s expectations! I don’t have enough time and space for God. Let alone writing. Right?

Now, here’s the kicker:

p 9 – IF WRITING’S SO WONDERFUL, WHAT’S STOPPING ME?

Perfectionism. The “I have to get it right the first time” syndrome.

OPTION ONE

If you want to create a massive writer’s block, insist on being a perfectionist; if you want to snuff out the creative impulse, insist on being a perfectionist; if you want to torture yourself for the rest of your life for never being good enough, insist on being a perfectionist.

OPTION TWO

Insist on not being a perfectionist. Insist on it.

“But if I’m not a perfectionist, won’t that result in sloppy work?”

 See. I have to have it right the first time.  It has to “flow”! I have to have the end all spelled out before I begin. Well except for this entry. I didn’t know where I’m going. Still don’t.

 p 10 - A NOT-SO-SECRET FORMULA FOR PROCRASTINATION:

 PERFECTIONISM LEADS TO PARALYSIS,

WHICH LEADS TO PROCRASTINATION.

p 11 - If living your life as a perfectionist is netting you zero pages a day and driving you up a wall, you can remain a perfectionist and wonder why nothing ever changes, or you can adopt a much saner and more productive pint of view:

PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION

David Burns, M.D. – “Perfection” is man’s ultimate illusion. It simply doesn’t exist in the universe . . . . If you are a perfectionist, you are guaranteed to be a loser in whatever you do.

I’ve been paralyzed! Stopped! Nothing.  Zero. “Stop it!” Just do something. So, here it goes.

p 13 – “TALKING” ON PAPER

So how do you write something without trying to make it “perfect” and editing yourself to death?

You don’t’ “write” it at all. You just start “talking” on paper. Instead of telling yourself, “I wasn’t to make it perfect, but I don’t know how to make it perfect,” tell yourself:

“I’m going to ‘talk’ on paper. And the more I talk, the better chance I have of finding something good. Then I can go back and edit it later – after I’ve said it.”

Think of it this way: When you’re talking with someone, do you stop every couple of words and say, “No, that’s not it”? Of course not. You just keep going. Trying this. Trying that. Trying to figure out what … you’re trying to say in the first place. You’re certainly not looking for perfection when you talk, just a little progress.

p 14 – In contrast, saying to yourself, “Now I’m going to write something” is a dangerous state of mind – making you tense, anxious and ready to quit before you even get started. Yet saying, “Now I’m going to talk about something” is a very natural thing to do. And it’s a lot less threatening.

 Yeah! I can do that! I can talk on paper. I can just go on and on and not worry too much about IF anyone is really listening to this or about WHO is listening to this.

 I’m going to write. Is that OK?

Running in Circles?

Flight:  Budapest – Milano; Milano – Lisbon

Date:  2006 November 24

My alarm goes off at 04:15.  I jump out of bed and carry my bags down the four flights of steps to the street.  05:01.  The airport minibus is right on time.  I check in at the AlItalia counter at around 06:00, move through passport control and security.  Then get a cup of coffee.

Where is God taking me?  In the midst of such flurry and activity, the question enters my mind.  Am I still on the path of God?  Or am I just running circles?  Will He continue to lead me according to His will?  Or am I going to miss it?

08.50.  We land in Milano right on time.  But now the long taxi to our gate which doesn’t exist.  Time for the bus.  I almost took a different flight because the 60 minutes in Milano is hardly enough time to take bus rides, get through security – AGAIN – and through passport control – AGAIN – and then on to my gate.  I decided to risk it anyway.

My next flight is at 09:50.  But at 09:05, we’re still trying to get off this plane!  Finally the bus ride.  But we’re weaving all over the airport.  Where is the door for arrivals?!  Here we go!  I’m first off the bus!  Good planning to get a spot by the door on the right side of the bus.  I’m proud of myself.  But people are running past me.

A long line of people.  Waiting.  Waiting.  09:15.  OK.  There are five lines for security.  I try to find the shortest.  Italian officials!  I think this gal is more interested in the social activity here than getting up processed as quickly as possible!!  She finally waves me through the metal detector, greets me with a smile and checks my boarding pass.  Italians.  I LOVE them.  But NOT as security officials when I have a plane to catch!

Got through.  09.21.  Up the stairs.  There’s a monitor!  Where’s my gate?  A-21.  OK.  Here we go.  I’m NOT going to run all the way through this airport.  But I am going to walk quickly.  Very quickly.

“Pardon.”  “Pardon.”  Why do people stand on the left on these walkways?  A-21.  I’ve been this way before.  Yes.  I know where I’m going now.

I’m thankful for these midpoint checks in life.  God confirms His call, His vision, His direction once in awhile.  Yes, I know I’m where I need to be in life.  It’s just a difficult moment.  It’s just hard to see.  There are some things I just can’t control or determine.  There are some issues I can’t seem to get through.  But I’m keeping you, dear Jesus in the forefront of my thoughts and prayers.

09:26!  I made it!  And there’s still a line.  I’m not the last.  Now, back on another bus.  And this one is absolutely packed.  Uh.  We wait for 15 minutes.  I had plenty of time!  The bus’s doors finally close and we’re off through another airport maze ride.

I’m in no rush to get off the bus and climb up the ramp to my plane.  But when I do, I’m greeted with, “Bon Journo!”

“Hey!” I scream to myself!  Isn’t this the flight attendant who greeted me in Budapest!?  I find my seat.  There’s another flight attendant I recognize!

“Excuse me,” I ask.  “Did you just come from Budapest?”

“Yes, we did.”

“I was on this plane!”

“Yes, you were.”

“I went through all the maze and I’m back where I started!”

He just smiles, shrugs his shoulders and moves on.

I sit here dumbfounded.  I can’t believe it.  A 60 minute mini-marathon took me right back to within seven rows of my first seat.

The Kingdom of Heaven has a different reality of space and time.  It’s not all about what I can see with my eyes and count on my clock.  But it’s about the fullness of truth and love.  The Kingdom of Heaven is not about human activity movement but the movement in the spiritual realm and the activity of the Holy Spirit.  Yes, I want to reset my vision and my clock to this reality.

“Lord, it’s true.  Sometimes I can’t see the big picture.  But I trust you with it.  I rest in you.  Forgive me for my selfish ambition and private positioning.  Forgive me for running a circle on my own strength when you have so much more for me.  And all I have to do is sit still and wait for your Word, your Truth, your Love.  Then move with you.”

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Running and Grapes

Ahhh.  What a BEAUTIFUL day!  A sunny, warm Saturday!  Time for a run.

I found the bike path that runs along the highway and around the Lake Balaton.  We’re here with our son, David, and nine of his friends for an overnight 18^th birthday party.  Ten boys.  Over night.

Yes.  Here’s the path.  This goes forever!  Around the lake.  There’s the lake.  It’s so pristine with the sun and with the . . . ouch!

Stop and stretch.  My knee.  Ok, back on the path.

Yes, it is so gorgeous with the sun and water and trees and . . . ouch!

Stop and stretch.  My calf.  I think it was too much basketball with the boys yesterday.  My head still hurts, too.  Did I foul him or did he foul me?  I don’t know.  All I know is that I was seeing stars after we butted heads.

Oh, “Land for Sale.”  It would be great to buy a piece of land here and build.  I could live here.  More “Land for Sale.”  Wow.  Lots of places.

“Land for Sale – 3 hectares.”  Let’s see that’s around 7 acres.  Wait.  Grapes!  This property is FILLED with grapes.  As far as I can see!  THEY’RE RIPE!  Look!  Some are even falling off the vine.  Rich, purple, huge bunches of delicious, juicy grapes!  And no one to pick them.  Going to waste.

“The harvest is PLENTIFUL but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.”

This word came to me in an instant.  Here’s the perfect example.  Right here in the heart of Hungary lays a fruitful field.  Yet I don’t see a single person in this field.  There’s no one to work it.  Dormant.  Empty.  Yet with a huge, rich crop.

I love the people of Hungary.  I see so much in them, in this people.  But who will come and work with us?  Who will come and help us?  Who will show us the way to eternal life?  Who will help pick the fruit?

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It's a long way to Tipperary!

“It’s a long way to Tipperary!  It’s a long way to go!”  We were singing a few lines on the bus.  Twenty of us.  From Dublin to Tipperary in Ireland for the European Methodist Council.

Yes, Gerry McNamara, our Irish pastor serving in Hungary told me that I am going to the town about which this song was sung.  I learned it in elementary school.  An old World War I song.  I remember these old war songs we sang with energy and light heartedness.

The war had been so far away and so long ago.  But it struck me that, “Wow!  I’m actually going to Tipperary!”

The allies sang about this.  I think our forces must have been in the middle of battle and longed to go back home – to places like Tipperary.

It was fun to remember the song once again, singing in chorus on the bus of mixed cultures, but singing in English.  “I think I am the only American on this bus,” I thought to myself.

Then I froze!  My heart stopped.  My mind stopped.  My mouth couldn’t move.  It felt suddenly dry.  I was sitting between two Germans!  Germans!  The enemy!  OK, the former enemy, trying to convince myself.  But aren’t these are the people we hated, we fought, we wanted to annihilate.

Germans.  The Central Powers.  On the bus.  Singing a war song I learned 40 years ago.  I’m in the middle of – what?  War?  Confusion?  Conflict?

No, peace.  These two Germans are the most loving and kind people I have yet met on this trip.  Look at their faces.  Two Methodist pastors.  They seek the same as I do – the peace and joy of Jesus Christ in all Europe.

My heart goes back to rest.  My voice picks up.  My mind tries to reconcile this setting, this miracle, this sudden joining of forces that I never in my life could have imagined.

“It’s a long way to Tipperary!  It’s a long way to go.”  I kept singing quietly to myself.  We arrived.  We are eating communion around the same table and worshipping God – together.  I’m home.

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