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Kona June 28, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 10:34 pm

Following our week in Australia, we stopped over in Kona for a week of teaching.  Jeremy taught in a Call2All DTS, and also did staff training with small and large groups of staff.  His schedule was packed.  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Jeremy so utilized!  He went from group to group, teaching and training.  His wife is very proud of him!  Normally, I don’t travel with Jeremy; but this time Grammy and Papa kept the kiddos and we were able to go together.  woo woo!  Jeremy’s passion is staff and leader training and development, and his gift is greatly desired in Kona.  It was a very affirming time.  I marvel at how God tests and trains us and always always always proves himself so great!

Trip highlights??  Feeling the warmth of the sun!!!  Snorkeling.  Kona coffee on the rock wall.  The fragrant plumeria trees.  Celebrating our 13th anniversary.  More than all of that, spending time with family (Andrew and his family) and with friends.  It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and newer ones too!

Jeremy here.  So Kona… yeah, awesome time. We were still able to go for one week (instead of the original two planned) and as we suspected it was “right” for us to go. Even in the midst of hardship, the Lord still wants to lead us and direct us.  When at times it might feel as if we can’t see the bigger picture, or even the next immediate step, He always can.  And He has a plan for our lives; every single day of it.

In Kona I was involved in teaching the Discipleship Training School. My topic? You guessed it, “The cost of discipleship”. I also spent a lot of time in staff training sessions for the 5 outgoing (outreach) DTS  staff’s, as well as multiple sessions with the staff for the incoming DTS about to start.  On top of that was another key reason we went to Kona. I have been asked to help the Kona DTS program with strategic development. I spent some significant time with the DTS leadership team talking about vision, position and implementation; what a privilege.  Then, back to Montana to prepare for DTS Equip which has just begun…  More about that VERY soon!

…JW out.

 

Until We Meet Again June 27, 2010

Filed under: Family,Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 12:20 am

Earlier this month, Jeremy and I spent a week in Australia for Dad West’s Funeral.  What a great hope we have in belonging to God.  This does not make the aching any less or the sadness disappear.  But it does lift our heads as we think about where Dad is now – the spiritual reality that he is truly LIVING for the first time.  Dad’s life was such a testimony to me and to the hundreds of guests at his service.  He was an incredible man, husband and father.  Jeremy and his siblings gave so much honor and thanks for their dad.  Many commented afterward that they wish church could be more like that service and some men shared that they gained insight on what it means to be a father.  Wow.

In a time of grieving, understanding brings comfort.  However, for the things that our minds can’t seem to understand, we reach for his grace and we believe wholeheartedly in the goodness and justice of his character.  Meanwhile, we are thankful for each breath and we cherish the family we have.    Blessings to you all, Molly

As for me (Jeremy), I agree wholeheartedly.  With all of that come the questions, the new reality of dad’s absence, and the  sudden-obnoxious reality of our own mortality. I will be 40 years old this year; whoa.  What will people say about me? What am I doing with my life so that I can fulfill everything I have been designed to do within this short lifespan?  Life is precious, short, and at times so fragile.  So enjoyable too!  It is good to know that we have  a purpose, and the ability to make lasting Kingdom-change in the world.

Thank you to EVERYONE who sent us emails, phone calls, well-wishes and prayers. Thank you also to those of you who sent financial support to help us get to Sydney. We have felt cared for and supported. So has mum, our real concern and focus now, but please keep her in  your prayers. She is doing “ok”, or as good as one can be expected to be. She is an amazing lady.    Thanks again, Jeremy.

 

My Dad… Peter West. 13 Sept 1938 – 2 June 2010 June 2, 2010

Filed under: Family,Photos,Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 2:03 pm

Hello everyone.

Last night I received a call from Australia saying that the Dr’s had called mum, and to tell others, to come in for dad.
He died around 10am Montana time this morning.

Following is a short synopsis of the last month or so, from my perspective.
As you know I was able to go down early May and spend a couple of weeks with mum and dad (in hospital). While I was there I was able to spend a lot of time with him and especially with my mum, chauffeuring her every day back and forth from the hospital. One of my brothers, working with YWAM in Kona, also flew down for several days.  While we were there dad was assessed as requiring palliative care, so he was transferred to a palliative care hospital, where he remained to today. The medical prognosis was one of “weeks”.   While we were still praying for healing, we have also been praying for the Lord’s highest in the situation, trusting in the sovereignty of God.

Interesting thought…
I am part of a large family; 5 kids. While we have our own family issues, we are a strong unit, very close, very honest, very fun. We can fight hard, but we always play hard!  All being believers, I have noticed an interesting dynamic. As we are told by Paul, “we have one body but many parts…”, and the different gifts all play different, yet essential roles.
Could it be the same in families? I have noticed in my family that different ones of us seem to be performing different roles, and I don’t think it’s as simple as personality differences. I think it’s orchestrated by God, as a miniature picture of the body of Christ.
Some were fervently believing for healing. Others, more pragmatic and medically objective. We have a mixture of medical and spiritual perspectives; all of us leaning into the character of God. While one encourages mum with hope for healing, another encourages with the eternal hope dad has. Someone is there to go through conferences with Doctors, another to talk about God’s healing power, and another to be open to discussing potential funeral plans, and the “what next?” questions that had often occupied her mind.   …And all of the other stuff in-between.
All in all we revolve around the sovereignty of God. I don’t know how others who aren’t “stapled” to a perfect triune God, could even hope to approach the kind of diversity, yet unity and grace, that we seem to have experienced in this time.
Me?  My prayers have been somewhat simple: for God to be glorified. I know that God can heal. But would He? It seems like dad is leaving the earth too early; still so much more he wanted to do for the Kingdom. But it’s also so encouraging to see everything that has been done through him already. He has already left a legacy for many around the world to follow, leading to the Father. Perhaps the Lord would have him add to that? Perhaps not. While we always wanted dad healthy again, we never feared for him!
Yesterday…
While mum was with him all day and into the evening yesterday, she was forced to go home last night because she is actually quite ill herself.  She received a call around 1am to go in again, but didn’t make it there in time, probably by about 15 minutes. I don’t think he was conscious at all, and he hadn’t suffered from any pain. Mum has been there almost every day for the last 6 weeks, and the family there have been regular and committed in their service.
It’s hard.  Yesterday when I heard the impending news, I was a little ‘numb’. Today it’s a bit different.  Especially for mum, I’m sure. Please pray for her.
Thank you for all of the ongoing prayers over the months, and for those prayers I know will follow this inadequate communication, about the loss of one so special in the Kingdom of God, as well as here on earth.
Jeremy and Molly.
p.p.s. Sorry that we have not been better in communication lately. Since coming back from Australia, I wasn’t as motivated to write about this until now.
 

He is Risen! Happy Easter! April 3, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — GoWests! @ 10:11 pm

Check out Keith Green’s Easter Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3kc1jDahU4

You will be blessed by hearing/seeing Keith Green on this link.

We have so much to be grateful for!  It is all about Jesus!

What a privilege to be called sons and daughters of God.

 

Teaching in Taiwan March 20, 2010

Filed under: J's Journey,Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 4:33 pm

Hello all!

Last week I returned from a teaching trip t o Taiwan. I was invited by the Discipleship Training School, and the School of Biblical Studies to teach their staff specifically about Discipleship. I was there for7 days, and it was a wonderful experience. The teaching went very well, and I  was able to spend time with some very good friends who now live and minister in Taiwan.  Seeing these people who were once in our schools, then staffed under us, then were trained in leadership, and now in Taiwan ministering among the Taiwanese and Chinese, speaking the language fluently and calling it “home”, is such a wonderful paycheck for molly and I.  My teaching week included discipleship topics such as identity, spiritual authority, leadership, conducting small groups and one-on-one discipling, and more.I also went to YWAM Taiwan’s coffee house, “The Rock”. This is where hundreds of youth come to sit, “practice English”, and hear the gospel in the process. It is 100% relationship evangelism. I was able to join them one night and had a great time speaking with some Taiwanese university students about life, cultures, and Christianity.

Since back, I have had a busy schedule teaching the DTS staff here, as well as the Montana SBS staff on discipleship, too!  Below are a few photos from Taiwan.

Many blessings,

Jeremy

Teaching the SBS and DTS staff in Taiwan. (Great translater!)
Coffee house evangelism, at “The Rock”

Darren, April, Brent, me. These guys are now long-termers in Taiwan!

 

Deep Thoughts by Joel March 8, 2010

Filed under: Family,Uncategorized — GoWests! @ 10:08 pm

Kids are awesome.
You just never know what’s going to come out next. Whether it is something totally inappropriate, off the wall, embarrassing, or just silly, they keep us on our toes as parents!! I won’t publish some of the more humbling public statement that my children have made. You have probably heard those yourself!! But on Saturday Joel said something so beautiful and profound. I want to share it!

We were driving down Blacktail Mountain from a ski adventure, when suddenly Joel says, “I’m sure glad we live in a free country.” Joel just turned 6. “Why Joel?”, I say. “Because we can worship Jesus and tell people about Jesus.”

What in the world made him think of that? Here I was thinking how nice it was being up high with a view of the Flathead Valley…wishing my time in the lodge alone could have lasted longer…planning dinner…and baths…and future conversations with people….and my 6 year old is thankful for living in a free country! While I was thinking about the physical perspective from the top of the mountain, my kindergartner was thinking with a spiritual perspective.

It was a beautiful reminder of what really matters: Worshiping Jesus and sharing the great news! And being thankful that we can!!

 

YWAM – Our Response to Haiti

Filed under: Uncategorized — GoWests! @ 3:12 am

Everybody knows about Haiti. The earthquake, the suffering, the efforts.

We wanted to send out a quick update about some of YWAM’s response toward the needs there.  With over 20,000 staff worldwide, from hundreds of bases, it’s hard to tell you who is doing what and when.  Most YWAM efforts are being coordinated through our YWAM facility in Haiti.

YWAM Haiti Effort and Update

YWAM has been in Haiti for almost 2 decades.  Through their ongoing community relationshisp and service in that nation for years and years, YWAM is in a position to interact and relate to many government departments and other aid efforts. In fact they have been placed by the authorities as key coordinators.  Here is the latest email form a co-worker of ours who worked with YWAM in the Caribbean for several years. It includes a link to more info and a link to a video.

“Here is a short and powerful video that details the Call to Prayer on Feb 12 in Port Au Prince. It’s awesome to see so many Haitians in one place worshiping the Lord.  It also gives the statistic that a confirmed 101 voodoo priests got saved during the 3 day prayer and fasting! AWESOME!” http://marcestes.com/?s=haiti

“And below is another video link for the latest YWAM Haiti video. It shows food and clothing distribution. At the very end there is a short clip with Veronica’s brother and uncle in the background. They help out at the YWAM base when they have business to do in St. Marc with the containers being sent to La Gonave.  And YWAM Haiti has done so much for the Wesleyan Mission that we’ve been raising money for! It makes me proud to be a YWAMer!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0-bnxQ3nnA

YWAM Montana Effort

Here in Montana, when we were asking the Lord, “How do we respond , Lord? What is our part tot play?”, a young lady heard the call too. Veronica Thompson approached the leadership with a plan.  The response: “Let’s do it. Lead us!”  Veronica is one of our DTS staff and has worked herself in the Caribbean. We first met her when she attended our leadership course DTS Equip last year, and then helped us start it in St Croix last year. Working beside her over the last couple of months, I can attest to her passion and untiring efforts to bring our assistance to Haiti and the outlying island of La Gonava.  Well done Veronica!  Follow this link to our website which includes what we are doing. http://www.ywammontana.org/helphaiti

Veronica: “I also wanted to direct everyone to the facebook page we’re using to post updates, pictures and videos:”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hands-Feet-For-Haiti/269636253137?ref=ts

 

A Birthday Week. Who Says Missions and Kids Don’t Mix?! February 28, 2010

Filed under: Family,Photos,Updates — GoWests! @ 9:49 pm
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Two birthdays in one week, which meant two birthday parties within a week.  Samuel turned 8 and Joel, 6.  Hard to believe, I know.

We are blessed to live in place with so many good friends who share a common vision of missions, and family. These kids are up for it too! Ready to survive anything. All of these kids have at least one thing in common: they have all been all over the world, in much harder places, yet always manage to have fun while doing it!

For their parties, each chose a “theme”. While in Australia the boys got hooked on “Man Vs Wild”, with Bear Grylls.  So Samuel’s party was “Boys Vs Wild”, and Joel’s was “Boys Vs Water”.

Samuel’s Boys Vs Wild…

A quick recap of the events. I (Jeremy) took 7 boys into the woods near my in-laws house, and after setting the scene for an imaginary, “Oh no, the car has broken down in the wilderness! How will we survive?”, we all boldly approached our fates.  Apparently the word had got out among the lads earlier in the week of some of the hardships we might face in the rugged Lakeside ‘backyard’ wilderness.  “I’m not drinking my own pee!” was one participant’s plea (destined to perish if I didn’t do something about that life-killing-attitude!). Another was crying at our outset for the same fear.  When all were reassured that no one would have to do anything they didn’t want to (if they didn’t care about living or dying, that is), we set off a merry bunch.  Kids + knives + fire + gross stuff = fun, every time.

Each had a pocketknife (of course, for whittling, and random cutting and slashing and such), their clothes, and that’s it. I had my knife, machete, and some emergency matches (settle down now, they’re 7-8 years old for Pete’s sake and the temperature was about 35F/2C!).  We followed a deer trail, learned how to tell direction, where and how to build a fire, and some other general tips for surviving and ensuring rescue. Some serious, and some …made up (e.g., doing this about 60 yards from Grammy’s house).

We ate (this is what I told them, anyway) freshly killed “squirrel”, some “deer poop”, and yes, drank our own “urine”.  After all of this we were rescued just in time for cheeseburgers, cake, marshmallows and games!  A Miracle!  (See photos below).

Joel’s Boys Vs Water

For the younger crew we all parachuted into the local indoor swimming pool. 6 boys, two pools, way too much chlorine.  I won’t go into as much detail here except to say that all boys braved and bested pool sharks, deep water, infants, other kids taking our toys, life guards in red outfits aged about 13, and of course a toxic level chlorine environment.  Amazingly enough again, we were rescued just in time for a birthday dinner of hotdogs, cake, games, punch, roasted marshmallows and presents!  (See photos below)

Oh, if anyone is interested, the parents and Grammy barely survived. The search party is still out for Papa…

 

Hi. We’re online! February 23, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized,Updates — GoWests! @ 9:45 pm

We’re online! Welcome to our blogsite.  Tell your friends about it!

Our intention with this site is to make it very easy for you to stay up to date, and easy for us to communicate quickly with as many people as possible!  It also enables us to multiply our connection with you through photos, video’s, cool links that we use.  We also intend to share with you the many thoughts, challenges, and revelations that we have as we journey in missions and discipleship together. Not only will you gain an in depth glance into our lives, but we can also use it as a way to provide encouragement and some impartation back to you.

Feel free to contact us at any time, and leave comments as you wish!

See you on the Westside!

GoWests!

Jeremy and Molly

 

February Update – What’s New? February 20, 2010

Filed under: Updates — GoWests! @ 3:35 pm

Hello Friends!

We are back in Montana and into the swing of things again!  We will share what’s current and what is ahead for us, but first we want to summarize our time in Sydney with Jeremy’s family.

Sydney. The time we had “just living life” with Mum and Dad and the rest of the family was perfect.  We could see God’s hand so clearly in being there.  There were doctor’s appointments for Dad, Mum actually had surgery herself, we were cooking, shopping, more doctors appointments, Christmas, homeschooling, more cooking, and the best part was sharing our days together.  As you know, Dad’s brain cancer is the most advanced and most aggressive type there is.  While we are not sure of anything, the treatment is taking its toll on him, and he has good days and bad days.  We are trusting the Lord and asking Him to heal Dad, while continuing to do all we can from a medical perspective also.  Overall, we felt blessed to be able to go and serve them – honoring them is actually very easy to do – because they are truly godly and fun people!  They were amazing with our 3 kids running around making a ruckus all the time.  It was also wonderful for all the cousins to play together and to BE together as a whole family over Christmas – 22 of us. The first time all of the Wests have been together for Christmas in over 10 years (see attached photo).  We will treasure it always!

Home. Of course, we are doing what we love, which is believing in and training young missionary leaders! We are working closely with Rachel, a 25 year old who is leading a Discipleship training school for the first time.  We are called “coaches” to her in this role and we love it.  The students arrive in 6 weeks, so we are in preparation mode with her and will be in this coaching role throughout the 11 week lecture phase which begins April 5.  At the same time, Jeremy is busy working on our 2 DTS Equips for 2010!  DTS Equip is designed to “equip” young leaders to make disciples of Jesus!  Specifically leaders of YWAM’s DTS program. Lakeside Equip begins June 28th and Cambodia Equip begins August 30th.  We have a busy year ahead of us!  We trust it will be not only busy but fruitful!

Newsflash: Here is our new blog! Please follow us online, and please tell your friends about us.  Remember, just tell them “GoWests.com“.  Technology is not our strong point, but is should be a great way of getting news out more quickly and more regularly!

Thank you for your friendship and support.  Thanks for asking about Dad, and praying for him.  Thanks for partnering with us in reaching the world with the great news of Jesus Christ!

Love ~ Molly and Jeremy

Samuel, Joel, and Eden

West Family Christmas, 2009. Sydney, Australia