Steppin Out And Up

Stepping outside one's comfort zone and being challenged with something you're not familiar with is important and often results in accomplishments. Below Ben is helping his daughter meet a group of geese after church on the parking lot.

 Mark often steps out and tackles his own projects including replacing his own pickup clutch.

Improving farms with tile and terraces is stepping out and looking long term in taking care of the land for the next generation. In years with lower farm income it's sometimes tempting to hold off on projects. The guys are busy fixing, tiling, and pushing dirt.

Kurt is in-line ripping ground with intentions of breaking up a hardpan in the soil caused by tillage layers.

Jackson knows when his daddy is not home he might be on the 2-way. He loves to help his dad farm.

Because of wetter weather and slower starts in the mornings part of the crew got together for breakfast.

Harrison is a pastor in Malawi, Africa. He stepped out in faith to come to America to preach and talk to American pastors at a church summit in Pennsylvania. He stayed with us a couple of days while he was visiting Iowa.

Some of you will remember Harrison. When we go to Africa to help farmers he is our driver, interpreter, and help in changing money. He is also on our Farmer to Farmer consulting board.

Jan is explaining to Harrison how we preserve food by canning it in a pressure cooker. This scene reminded me of a story. On my last visit to Africa we were delayed a day in leaving due to airport glitches. I was somewhat stressed out about it when I heard Harrison's wife Miriam say, "Steve, don't be so pressurized". Good advice. American culture happens at such a faster pace. Maybe too fast.

The trip to and from Africa takes 48 hours and involves a 9 hour time change. 

Sharon and Jill stepped out and planned a work day for our church at Joe and Diana's camp. It was a successful day. Many projects were accomplished. It brought awareness to Joe and Diana's work there. And our church family had a good time working together for a common cause.

So often we limit our church business to church and what happens there. Christianity is not just about God and us. It's about others and us with God's help and for His credit. Thanks to all of you who organized and helped.

As Christians we have another responsibility we're given that doesn't just happen in Sunday School. It's not only teaching our children but showing them by including them in what a Christian life looks like. Is it uncomfortable and a little scary to do something different? Of course it is. Anything worthwhile takes a step in faith.

When we step out of our comfort zone and try something that includes helping others out of gratitude for how God helps us, it's not just stepping out, it's stepping up. Have a good week.