by Brant Holladay, Editor

This spring Maylou and I participated in a mission conference in Goshen, Indiana. One afternoon Maylou arranged for us to meet up with Tom Brown, M.D., and his wife Joyce in Edwardsburg, Michigan. I was told that Dr. Brown had fought with the Marines on

Iwo Jima and had personally witnessed the raising of the Stars and Stripes that sunny morning in 1945. What an interesting afternoon we had. I will never forget the gleam in this old shoulder's eye when he recounted the thrill of seeing the American flag raised in the face of massive enemy opposition near the close of World War II. The story of Iwo Jima portrays the overcoming spirit of our nation.

I hope you can trace the thread of optimism through this issue of the EUROPE magazine. You will read of the persistent dedication of Christian soldiers planting churches in often very difficult circumstances. Thank God for the BIMI missionaries serving in twenty-one countries in Europe. These are the Twenty-First Century heroes of the faith.

And while we are on the subject, look again at the cover of the magazine. The cross. The symbol of Christianity. Christ died for our sins and rose again. Death could not keep its prey. Up from the grave He arose. Our Saviour overcame! Is this not the basis for our faith and service?

Promises God Makes to Missionaries
1. His presence. Matthew 28:18-20
2. His protection. Mark 16:15-18
3. His power. Luke 24:47-49
4. His peace. John 20:21

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By Christine Schrimshire

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I admit it. I am terribly afraid to fly. It is not a lack of faith, I assure you. I don't mind being in an airplane when it is my time to go. I just don't want to be in there when it is that pilot's time to go. I also can't breathe in enclosed places. This has been a plague on our life and ministry. It has always been a struggle to travel to the mission field and back.

God's grace has always been sufficient, but there was one trip when the Lord was especially gracious. I had to return to the States alone to deal with a family matter. My husband, Mickey, knew that I was struggling. He had been led of the Lord to preach, teach, and talk about this passage: "His grace is sufficient for thee." Someone even sent us the song called "New Grace," which he promptly sang for me.

On the day of the flight, I was really hurting with fear, and honestly was not experiencing that sufficient grace. After much effort and several nerve pills, I finally was helped through the gate. As I said goodbye to Mickey, he told me repeatedly, "I know God's grace will be sufficient for you." While waiting to board, we heard the announcement that the plane had broken down, but the repairs would be completed as soon as possible. That was not what I needed to hear at that moment.

When we finally boarded, I was helped back to my seat. There was an older lady in the aisle seat, and my seat was next to hers. Amidst tears and sobs, I sat down and began to buckle up. The old lady asked if I were fearful of flying to which I emphatically answered, "Yes!" She then reached over and patted my knee and said kindly, "Now don't be afraid. My name is Grace, and I'm going to take care of you." When she spoke and touched me, it seemed that all the fear and anxiety flooded out of me and a perfect calm settled in. From here you must make your own judgment, but I am telling you exactly what happened that day.

Grace introduced me to her son-in-law across the aisle. She said they both had bad knees and would not be getting up during the flight, and they didn't. Calmness reigned supreme.

After we landed in Atlanta, Grace let me into the aisle and said that she and her son-in-law would have to wait for wheelchairs because of their knees. After I got my bag from overhead, I was moved forward by those anxious to get off. I really wanted to say thanks again so I made my way back to our seats. They were empty. I then had to get off the airplane, but I waited at the door for the wheelchair customers. When none came out, I asked the airline hostess. She told me that they had no one on our flight who needed a wheelchair. Who? Where? What? I do not know for sure. I believe that whatever the explanation, God was being especially gracious to me at that very difficult moment in my life. "Thank you, Lord."

Am I still afraid of flying? YES!

Christine Schrimshire and her husband Mickey are veteran missionaries, serving with BIMI in the UK for 25 years.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

BRANT & MAYLOU HOLLADAY -  EUROPE DIRECTOR
AARON BURR & STACY HOOT -  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
JOHN & LEE ETTA HORNBECK JR -  MILITARY - GERMANY