Beth Burkhalter's Page

Hi Beth,
John Lunt

Hi Beth!
I read your comment on WomenConnect and wanted to share a few thoughts with you. You had asked what others do with their children during meetings, and we've dealt with that issue in a few different ways! Sometimes the children play on their own, in a playroom, outside, etc. There have been times when we have brought them in to the meetings, but it depends on the situation (and the child!). We've brought them in to teach them to pray for others, to lay hands on people, and to show US how to worship and dance freely! Although it isn't always ideal, and it's sometimes impossible, I feel like our children should be included so they are always exposed to the "simple church life". Our daughter has burst into prophetic song during home groups (she's four!) and my niece actually found a 'prayer language' by sitting with adults during a prayer time! Are there many children that attend your groups?

Hi Beth
Let's connect by phone when I get back from our trip at the beginning of November.

Hi Beth! I'd like to share about our family " being missional" in America and the suburbs since you asked for others' experiences. My kids are a bit older now, but my husband and I purposed early on that they would grow up "living the Kingdom" as ambassadors in every context. We took them to "ethnic" neighborhoods, ate, shopped, visited and made friends. We sought out immigrants, refugees and invited them into our lives.....we made gifts for neighbors and our kids delivered them. Our kids "played Santa" for the kids in the neigborhood; spending their own money on purchasing small gifts for them. We took them on missions trips to other countries early on. They learned that praying for people, feeding them, delivering them to doctors, job interviews, whatever the needs were was a part of our "life" as Christians. They saw us minister as normal life, some days full with it, some days not. They saw us available and obedient to not "contextualize" ministry as something you "do" sometimes but a regular function of life. We regularly prayed for our neighbors to "see Jesus" in us. If a neighbor was stung by a bee, my kids prayed for them.....if they had some money....they sought to use it to bless someone else (like taking one of the neighbor kids to Chucky Cheese or something fun). Sometimes I think we complicate things that are really quite natural for our daily context of life. Keep it simple and natural for who your family is, the gifts and personalities of each of you, and the values of your family. You'll be surprised at how fruitful you will find simply staying at home will be. Have fun and let me know how it goes!

Hi Beth,
I know what you mean about having all those little ones running around! We have (between 4 families) 12 children (all cousins), plus any others that friends may have. So we've had to be really creative with our strategies! There have been times where the moms needed to just tend to the children. Sometimes "free play" works, but then there's the chance of the very small ones running in and out of the room. We have them sit in on things like Passover dinner, so they can experience the tradition and blessing. Ultimately, I guess the goal is to help them to understand and live the lifestyle outside of the church walls!!! How old is your baby??

We have worked with and "adopted" refugees from Bosnia (Muslims), Iran (Bahai faith), Russia, Hmong, and Chinese. We reach out in various ways into the Somali, Mexican, Indian communities. I teach English, work as a mentor into our culture etc. etc. You can pretty much create your own ministry as it fits your gifts, interests etc.
It's really cool you have made some relationships within the Somali community here. They have been very resistant to the gospel but are very open for training/mentoring/education helps. Many Christians up here have given up on reaching out to them because they aren't a "quick sale" into the Kingdom.
I commend your reaching out up here into relationship into that community!

Email me to remind me at the beginning of November--that way I won't forget!

Beth, wow! See if you can get in touch with her again....I'd love to meet her and start a relationship....I'll be praying

See you tonight, Beth. Looking forward to it.

Hi, just dropping by to say hello. Nice to "meet" you.

-- Leslie