Updates

Fun in the sun

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

Last Saturday we saw the weather forecast for the next day and it looked beautiful. Still a little chilly but warmer than normal and full of sunshine! If you don’t know, the Rouse’s do not enjoy the winter months! It is almost torture for us mostly because we just hate being cold all of the time. Along with the cold we hate having to be inside all the time. Since it is cold outside we stay bundled up inside which can make us a little crankier than normal.

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The Rouse House picnicking Romare Bearden Park downtown CLT

**Before all of you northern folks start in, we know that our winter isn’t as bad as most but it is cold enough for us. We realize that we are big babies so no need to comment ;)**

Last weekend the forecast was warmer than normal and with a whole lot of sunshine, therefore we planned to be outside as much as we could. After church Lara, being the most awesomeness wife and mommy, planned for us to have a picnic at one of our favorite parks which is downtown Charlotte (our whole family loves this city and loves being downtown so we do so as much as we can). It was such a good time! We ate lunch on a blanket, people watched (a favorite pastime for Lara and I), kicked the soccer ball around, cuddled, laid out on the grass, played a game of freeze tag, walked to find coffee (no coffee though, everywhere was closed! not the best part of the day), and laughed a lot.

Between the warm sunshine and family time this was just about as perfect as it can get! I like to say it was like good medicine that just refreshes every part of me. These are the times that are priceless and make the best memories.

Off to the races!

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

This year is off to a fast start with a ton of really cool things in the making!

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Billy and I at the gate of one of the largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand

I feel like I am starting to pick speed and understanding with my job and ministry roles at United World Mission. I don’t feel as much like the new guy who has no idea what is going on, which is very comforting. Since I returned home from Thailand (I will be writing some more about my time and experiences there later on) I have a deeper sense of who our field missionaries are and what we are doing in the way of work/ministry. In my first couple of months I felt a bit lost trying to catch up on who and what is going on around the world but now feel like I have a better handle on things…at least in Asia because I went to the Asia Conference. I am planning on writing up some stories and bios in the next few weeks on these unbelievable people who I get to serve with in Asia so be on the look out for those.  You will want to know all that God is doing among some of the most unreached, really cool stuff.

Now I am looking to learn my African fields and missionaries so I can best serve them. In getting to know some of our leaders in East Africa via Skype I have been reminded how much I love Africa! Talking with them over the past couple weeks has spark so much excitement and conversation in the Rouse House about serving in Africa again together soon. We just can’t get away from the cool God stuff that is happening and could happen in that wonderful place. We will see what God has in store in the days and years to come.1_152853_1

At home in Charlotte, I have been able connect with so many people from around the country that are interested in missions. I LOVE this part of my “job”. I get to talk with people about the passions, calling, and conviction to “GO” that He is putting in their hearts. My role is to encourage and coach them on when, where, how, and what…all radical life changing decision with radical world-changing possibilities. Some may wonder, as I did in the beginning days, how I am impacting the nations by not living overseas and being a field missionary. My answer today is, I may have one of the biggest impacts because I am apart of sending, training, preparing, encouraging, and inspiring ordinary people to go do extraordinary God work around the globe. That is absolutely THRILLING for me to think about!

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this is the awesome team I get to work closely with…minus our fearless leader, Mark

I am also involved in some team development, Expansion opportunities (Opening up new countries or creating new ministries opportunities…this is so fun!), and Partnerships (local churches, ministries, organizations, etc). I love the flexibility to learn, grow, and be developed so that I can find what my sweet spot is and work with in my wheel house. UWM is a GREAT place to serve and work! I really do believe that I am so blessed!

As always, The Rouse House is extremely THANKFUL for each one of you that pray, support, and give to us so that we can do what He has called us to and be who he has created us to be!

If you would like to know how you can partner and support the Rouse House please click here. We are asking God for a handful of people to help fill the $500 a month need in our support raising budget so that as a family we can take advantage of more opportunities to serve in missions. We would love for YOU to pray and consider joining us.

Broken and heavy hearts

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

Just want to let you know that I will not be posting pictures of our missionaries because many of them are in places that are hostile to the Gospel and believers. Thanks for understanding. 

I am sure I will have quit a few stories and blogs come out of my time here in Thailand. It is an amazing place and I have been privilege to be with some amazing people, hero of the faith really.

During the first couple days of being here in Thailand I sat with some of our missionaries that are serving all over Asia. My goal was to get to know them, hear their stories, encourage them, and see how I can best serve and resource them. It didn’t take but a few conversations to know that the life of a missionary is not an easy one. I knew this but still thought that they were always happy and joyful because they are walking with the Lord. Made sense to me until I saw and heard what life really is like as a missionary in some of the darkest places in the world.

Our second morning here we had a time of prayer and worship. These times were so incredible, even though there was no special lights, super talented worship leaders, and sound systems. Don’t get me wrong I love and value all of those things on a Sunday morning when I am at y home church. There is just something special about the simplicity and authenticates of worship when you get to travel to other places in the world.

During this time I couldn’t help but to have a heavy and broken hearts for the people in that room. A people that are living in some extreme areas with little to nothing but their worship was joyful, inspiring, almost overwhelming with excitement for God. As they stood with their hands lifted, knees bowed, and spirits in tune to the Father I stood speechless and tearful in the back of the room. I realized that this group of faithful believers knew what it meant to trust in God and live on mission. It was lie they were begging for the Spirit to come and flood them…and they were expecting for that very thing to happen.

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God I beg that you will allow me to know what it is like to have such a relationship with you. One that I search for in my every moment and experience in whatever circumstance of the day.

Will you PLEASE be praying for those who are serving the Lord and literally sacrificing their life for the name of Jesus to be known! There is a real battle in this world between light and dark…as the body of Christ we can all play a role.

Lord I need you

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

This was the first morning of our conference in Thailand with our missionaries from all over Asia. We started the morning  with worship and prayer. Worship and prayer time with a room full of missionaries that are living in some of the toughest spots in the world is quit incredible! You would think they have a direct line with the Father.

One of the songs we sung was “Lord I need you”. After sitting at dinner the night before and breakfast that morning with different couples listening to their hearts I couldn’t help but to have a heavy heart for them. They are facing situations of loneliness, feeling like there is no fruit from their years are hard ministry, and deal with the struggles of raising families in foreign cultures. Life is hard! Way tougher than anything I can find to complain about back home.

During this song I couldn’t help but cry and think that this is so much more than a song to them. It is a literal cry from the deepest place in their heart to God. These amazing men and woman know what it is like to depend on God fully. They declare their dependence every day they wake up in the country they are serving.

“Lord I need you, Oh I need you. Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness, Oh how I need you. ”

Father, forgive me for not declaring my dependence on you but rather living as though I can do it with out you. Oh God how I need you today and in every single moment of this life. Thank you for being the one and only one that is dependable. May my life be in your hands, or may I not forget that my life is completely in your capable and loving hands. 

Thank you!

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

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Just before the Christmas, Lara and I had the privilege of going on a well needed date during the day. We went to our favorite sushi spot, finished up some Christmas stuff, ran errands, and vegged out on the couch before going to bed before 9:30! My mom took the kids for the day and that was an incredible gift…My mom is amazing!

One of the most distinctive conversations we had during our time that day was while we were riding in the car to lunch. We were talking about the past year and all of the transitions and exciting new journeys. We didn’t get too far into the conversation before we realized how blessed we are to have a team of people who partner with us in life and ministry. It is truly remarkable how some of you bless our family over and over, month after month, and even year after years. Some literally sacrifice to support the Rouse House…unbelievable!

Our monthly or annual financial supporters are so much more than that to us. They are our team, family, and partners in this journey. Those of you who have and are sacrificing so much to give to us I want you to know just how much it means to the Rouse House. We really do feel supported and not just financially. We feel that you believe in us, love us, and care for us…That right there is worth so much more than money!

I know that words don’t always communicate the deep heart-felt feelings we all have some times but there is nothing else that comes to mind for the Rouse House when we think of you other than…THANK YOU! We so dearly love each of you and thank God every morning for you! God is just getting started with the Rouse House and we wouldn’t want to chase after any of it with out you. We hope that you have a since of (holy) pride and honor in knowing that God is using you to reach the nations with love and the good news of Jesus. Lives, communities, families, and entire countries are transformed because of you. From at risk children being taking care of in Latin America to church planting and discipleship in Africa to care for ex-sex enslaved woman in Asia, God is you through partnering with the Rouse House.

There is so much more that God has planned for our family and ministry. Some plans we know and many more that he has yet to show us. If you would like to hear more about what God is doing in and through our lives or how you can become apart of our ministry partner team, we would love for you to check out this link or shoot us an email. Thank you and God bless!

December 2014

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

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During this time of the year most of us are celebrating the birth of the Savior of the world, enjoying some down time, and looking toward to the new year.

This year during December I have been reflecting more than ever with a new sense of clarity, eyes wide open one may say. This year has been a bit taxing on the mental, emotional, and spiritual side of life for the Rouse House. Life has been good but on the inside it has been a little more than we would wish to have carried. Let’s just say transitions are tough, even good changes can be hard. On the bright side, I know that we have grown in our relationship with Christ and discernment for His will for our life and ministry. I would not be honest if I didn’t at least say God has blessed us more this year than any other year, for real! Our children are incredible, we are healthy,  life is exciting, and ministry is ramping up. God is up to good things in the Rouse House!

With the thought of the new year, I am growing with excitement with the sense of what God is building with in the hearts and dreams of the Rouse House. So much good; good probably isn’t the best word to use because I have come to learn that His plans are not merely good but UNBELIEVABLE. Lara and I have began talking through some of these crazy God size dreams. Dreams and ideas that revolve around missional living. Don’t get me wrong, with dreams come plenty of fears. My thought is, we shouldn’t continue in the ordinary just to have a life of comfortableness, but to take a step into the extraordinary to experience the fullness of this life, is the true meaning of life! The life He is offering to us who dare follow (John 10:10). What does it look like for us to be living “missionally”? We don’t really know the specifics but we do know that it is taking the opportunities we have and living in away that people, families, and communities are changed. Living life in a way that is pleasing to God through our faith and loving others in a way they may know Him more. I am sure we will be able to share more in the days to come so stay tuned.

This new year I am so excited to jump deeper into my role at UWM (United World Mission). I have been loving it so far!  I have had the privilege to start the connection with people that have a passion for what God is doing in the nations, help build and create local partnerships, and seek new opportunities to for UWM to serve. I can not believe the amazing world changers I have been able to meet and get to know thus far. People from the poorest areas of Charlotte to the largest cities in China. The stories they have one could write a book about!!! I am honored to call this a job!

January 1 I will be heading to Thailand for 2 weeks (what a way to start the new year!). I get to be a part of our Asia Conference with UWM and get to meet missionaries from all over that region. I can not wait to tell the stories from that trip! I will try to post regularly during then too. The majority of my time will be working but I do have a wish list of things I hope t to do while I am in Thailand. Just a few of them are visiting the lying Buddha in Bangkok, take a river taxi, visit the floating market, and take a ride on an elephant (believe me I will post a few pics of this one).

In February we will be tackling some big projects at our local ministry at Piney Grove Elementary. The school has received a new grant to improve certain areas of the school and asked if we could provide the workers. I am so glad we will be able to be apart of rebuilding a food pantry and clothing pantry for those who may need it! We would love to have you come volunteer with us if you are local. More details to come.

We have much more on the horizon for 2015 so please stay tuned by following us. We would also love your prayers for our family as we keep pursuing God’s desire for who He has created us to be and what He has called us to do.

Love the Rouse House, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

The Son of God went unnoticed

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

I was asked to lead our prayer time this week at UWM. With it being during Advent what better than to do a devotional from Billy Graham’ Advent devotional, Hope for Each Day; Morning and Evening Devotions.

The First Christmas Morning

So [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. — Luke 2:16images

It would have been logical to expect God to tear open the Heavens and descend to Earth in majesty and power on that first Christmas night — but He didn’t. Instead, on that quiet night in Bethlehem, a virgin mother lay her newborn Baby in a manger designed to feed cattle. The lowing cows, the sweet-smelling hay, and the dark sky illumined by a magnificent star provided the setting. Humble shepherds joined the carpenter husband to witness the miracle and praise God.

The most significant drama of the centuries was unfolding — the drama of salvation that would ultimately take this Child to the cross.

Truly, God works in mysterious ways. The wheels of His mercy and justice move quietly, but they do move. The birth of Jesus Christ — the Son of God, our Savior — went unnoticed by the vast majority of the world that first Christmas night, but no event in human history was more significant. May His birth — and all it means — not go unnoticed in our lives!

Remembering that first Christmas I can’t help but to think how God is at work today in my life in BIG and small ways. His finger prints are all over me and His best is just waiting on me to take hold of it today. This reminds me of something a good friend of mine, the incredibly talented Chris Kincaid (If you are needing a new Christmas album you will want to get this one And Winter) said, “Father gives us enough faith to see your grace in our lives”. Look for Him to day, He is ready to blow you away with His goodness! Our God is a father that stands ready to give, love, bless, rescue, heal, and care for you like no one could ever do for us. He is just waiting on you.

Take a deep breath this Christmas season, slow down, and fix your eyes on the Father.

 

Princess for a day

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

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Last week was our little princess birthday. I can’t believe that she is already 4 years old! Where does time go?! You would have thought that it was a national holiday around the Rouse House. Not because of Elly but because of the boys (daddy included). Everything for a day was all about her. She got anything she wanted and got to go where ever she wanted to go.

We began breakfast with cinnamon rolls, lunch at Taco Bell (her choice), shopping, McAdenville lights (if you haven’t been there you should go during Christmas. It’s an entire town covered in lights. So awesome!), rode around downtown Charlotte, and then headed to MidWood Smoke House for some mac and mheese (she didn’t even get mac and cheese…girls).IMG_3384

The next day we continued the celebration. At church, while in the hallway, I heard  someone say, “whose birthday is it?”. And immediately we all heard Elly’s BFF yell, “it’s Elly’s birthday, my sister’s birthday!” **side note Elly and her BFF, Brinley, actually don’t say they are friends. They call each other sisters. Pretty cute!** We had one of the coolest (it was a Frozen princess party) parties after church. Little girls running around dressed in costumes, its something that I never ever thought would be a Rouse House thing but I am so glad I get to be the father of a princess! One of my favorite things in the entire world.

This little girl is #myblessing! Every December 6th I think about the long ride in a small bus from the jungles of Panama to the airport when God told me that I was having a baby girl one day. After a little snooze I woke up with the thought, ” should we have another baby?”. The next thought was, “it’s a baby girl with blond hair and blue eyes.” WHAT?!?! I remember coming home, walking in my bathroom to see a note wrote in a red marker on the mirror that said, “Welcome home daddy of 3”. I thought that my wife had just added wrong but to be safe I ask, “3?” She sat on our bed smiling from ear to ear! Not sure if I was more surprised to know that we were pregnant with number 3 or that I for sure heard from God earlier that day. Either way…WOW!

Guess what, the baby was a beautiful girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. She stole my heart the moment I held her. To this day I know that there is no mistaken that she is a gift from God to remind me that he cares about me and he knows what I truly need (and want) even more than I do! His plans are amazing for me…I can’t seemed to get away from that truth every time I look at my princess!

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Celebrating getting dunked!

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

Just a couple Sunday nights ago we had the chance to celebrate Greyson putting his faith in Jesus! Last year on Thanksgiving night Grey and his cousin were talking about God and through a simple conversation his cousin lead him in a prayer. After conversations with Nana (my mom) and with us he definitely understands his need for Jesus!

Fast forward to a year later we had a special event at Ridge Church called Family Birthday Celebration. A huge celebrations it is!!! Family Birthday Celebration is a special service where we celebrate through baptism the decisions children have made to put their trust in Jesus as their personal Savior. Family, friends, and small group leaders all join together to help celebrate this decision in a big way!

I will let you see it for your self.

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Grey Rouse – Family Birthday Celebration from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Decorating for Christmas

Posted on by Spanky Rouse

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One of the funniest nights of the year for us is when we get to decorate for Christmas. We get all of the decorations our of storage, go pick out a christmas tree, and of course Pandora’s Mariah Carey’s (don’t judge) Christmas station playing in the background.

First, the boys and I (Spanky) get the stand on the tree. Usually it is a big ordeal to get it to stay standing upright and not leaning, but not this time. We got it in one try and there were no bad words said. That’s a win!

The girls are in the house rearranging the furniture and putting up other Christmas decor like stockings, candles, and snowmen. After getting the tree in the house it is all hands on deck putting lights and ornaments on the tree. Usually, Elly finds one spot near the bottom of the tree where she has every single ornament of hers hanging. The rest of us are reminiscing over each ornament since they all have some kind of meaning while spreading them around to compensate for Elly’s overload on that one single branch.

Next, big bro Mac, reads the Elf On The Shelf while we chomp down on one of our new Christmas favorites. Peppermint Joe Joes! Trader Joes has these oreo like cookies that have peppermint cream in the middle (Joe Joe’s) and they are delicious. Thanks Mere Greer for introducing us to them!

We finish the night off by watching Christmas movies and cuddling on the couch. ahhh!

Sounds like a fairy tale kind of evening and it really is. Not every night or moment is this magical, believe me, it gets pretty out of control around the Rouse House some days. I say that because most blog writers, to me seem like they only want you to view into their life and see the fun light heart moments. We all know that life just aint that whimsical all the time. You know what I am talking about. Like those days when the stuff hits the fan, or the unexpected bill come in, or that person frustrated you one too many times. That’s how much of our lives are lived but I think that when we cherish those special times like decorating for Christmas, it can make life seem that much sweeter. Focusing on the blessings we already have not being so preoccupied with need to get or fix is the way to enjoy the moments in life.