My Twin, Roman from Burkina Faso

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
John 14:26

The day is Monday, November 13, 2017. The weather was chilly cold and the smiles were everywhere as people from all over the globe came to visit Washington D.C. Once again I am asked to take pictures of a complete stranger in the foreground of the Lincoln Memorial. My new friend is Roman, he speaks Mossi (his native language), French and English. He is a wonderful business man in the medical field from Burkina Faso, Africa. I was able to practice speaking French with him as he bought me a coffee while we walked around all the monuments.

This conversation was very unique with Roman being a Muslim and me a Biblical Christian. We shared what we love in life according to what we value and cherish of what’s been given to us. It’s amazing how gratitude and quality time can influence one another. I was reminded through my time spent with Roman of this great truth.

Between the joy of our dual language conversations we both had opportunities describing what makes us who we are. He began with asking me questions about my life as he shared with me his. Though he is a successful business man he spoke more about his desire to spend valuable time with his family rather than traveling the world making a name for himself. It was humbling to be in the presence of a man who gave kindness, care and respect for every word that I said. Time is a great gift and should be spent on others. I could see through his eyes the gratitude he had for me as I devoted my afternoon and evening to being his random American friend for a day (though I pray it will be lifelong friendship). During our time together he said something I pray will continuously humble me, and I quote, “You have represented what makes America great, thank you. I look forward to my next trip to the States, hopefully with my wife and daughter to rendezvous again at Lincoln.”

The thought that my actions and my words were a representation of the American spirit is quite a lot of pressure! But then again, we are called to an even higher representation as believers in Christ to share our faith to a world in need of Him. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.

To be an ambassador means that you are a messenger or authorized representative. You and I have been given the highest rank in representing Christ. Therefore, walk worthy of your calling trusting that your labor, though the fruit is not immediate, God will give the increase. (Colossians 1:10)

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always working enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Faith & Sam from North Carolina

Let me take you back to July 20th, 2017. I’m back in D.C. walking the streets and I see a large group of teenagers wearing bright orange shirts around the World War II Memorial. Upon further investigation, I was able to walk and talk with two teens, Faith and Sam, and find out what they were all about.

I asked them about their shirts and the reason for their visit to D.C. They said, we are here on a mission’s trip from North Carolina. They were here working with other churches in the area. Then I asked them about their shirts that read, Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Being teenagers, they didn’t say much, so I spoke up. I shared with them that moments prior talking to them, God spoke to me telling me that He is sending me out to D.C. as a missionary/evangelist under the authority that Christ ordained me for the work of the ministry before He formed me.

“Terrifying” was my word and “scary” was theirs. We talked about what it truly means to lean not on your own understanding as you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, trusting in the Lord in all things. For I knew what God spoke to me, that He would provide all things for us to do this specific work of the ministry He’s calling us to. James 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Was the verse that came to me as God was confirming His calling on my life and family, once again, through others. By me sharing my step of faith and obedience in my pursuit of answering the call on our family, greatly encouraged and challenged Faith and Sam to do the same.

I am thankful for Faith and Sam for listening and praying for me in this journey as I thank God for the opportunity to pray over them in their race of faith as well. Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Remember equip, edify, and evangelize everywhere we go!

Tim from Germany

On December 8th, 2016 I met a young man whose name was Tim from Germany and he was in D.C. for only 1 day. Our conversation started with him asking me if I could take pictures of him with the monuments. God led us into talking about who Jesus really is. He was raised a Catholic and believed that all roads lead to heaven, he asked if I believed the same. My answer was along the lines of… “no, however one day everyone will stand before Jesus, but not all will enter in. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Therefore only those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will enter into the kingdom of heaven.” As I spoke these words, it was like a switch was flipped on and he started to perceive I was sharing with him.

We continued to talk as we walked the National Mall together. I became his own personal tour guide, even though it was my first visit to D.C. We spent the next 4 hours together viewing the monuments and how they represent the stories that helped shape this great country to what it is today. Towards the setting of the sun, as we both needed to depart we revisited the beginning of our conversation. I asked him of what he thinks of this Jesus I presented before him. He said, and I quote, “Mark, you have walked and talked with me, you have shown me who this Jesus is and because of that, I believe in Him.”

As he spoke these words the Holy Spirit filled within me, I hugged my new brother in Christ and within that hug I felt the Holy Spirit overflow (epi for all you Greek scholars) upon him. We said good-bye and I looked down to where I was standing. Hours before I met Tim God showed me the place where He wanted His church planted in D.C. Of all places it was right before the Washington Monument. Watching my new brother leave I was standing in this exact spot.

Although I do not have a picture of Tim, I have his story. I have his beginning steps of faith to share with you and how the Holy Spirit is at work in the heart of D.C. Tim was the first person within D.C. that heard my story of how Jesus has completely changed my life forever. And even seconds after Tim started to walk away, I felt a longing to be with him again. My heart still longs to see my brother once more. And I know this is where my family and I are to do God’s will.

As I bring you more stories of those whom God has called me to speak with about Him remember, equip, edify, evangelize everywhere YOU go too!

 

“Twas the night…”

The night before I share my faith,

I pray Jesus, ignite what I’ve asked for

I’m aware of what I need to explore

Lost and struggling peoples around monuments

Count the cost as I battle & silence arguments

Lord, bring me low as I seek the weak

And step on the metro, Lord keep me meek

For they will inherit the earth says Matthew 5:5

Restore Your will & You’re Spirit & keep me alive

As I go into this war zone, through me let Your name be made known. But before anything I say tomorrow, on this night before I walk out my front door, I bow my head and pray let Your will be done. Let Your kingdom come as I sit on the steps of Lincoln dissecting opinions and corrupt systems, and as I share Your wisdom, let it sink in. Bring some victims with some sick symptoms so that I might share some spine tingling stories that speak all of Your glory. How You used my life, wife and family to fuel what’s right and bright to our fullest capacity. Happily I share our desperate dependency on the possibilities of my God. He makes the impossible possible. He created me for the work of the ministry and for that, I’m unstoppable. I stay in His will and will work enthusiastically for the Lord knowing nothing I do for Him is ever useless or foolish. Selah

We’ve Officially Arrived

It’s been quite the busy couple weeks for us! But today is special, Everett turned 2. We had a celebratory donut and hike through the wetlands behind Mount Vernon where we saw some amazing colors of the season.

Rebecca and the kids have been here for a little over a week.  And upon their arrival we were staying at a hotel for a few days until we found a more permanent address. The only people who were excited for this were the kids. What’s more fun than staying at a hotel when you’re a kid! While being literally homeless for that, thankfully, short time it made us more and more dependent upon God. A week ago yesterday I heard in that still small voice that we would have a place to live by the next day. And you better believe God keeps His promises because we moved into a great little apartment in Alexandria, VA the day that God had said He would provide us a new home.

Because of Rebecca’s fear of clutter (no joke) we are unpacked and moved in within days of getting our place. I am currently on the hunt for a job so please keep that in your prayers. We know God is going to provide… He called and equipped, He will see it through.

As the days grow, Rebecca and I eagerly pursue and earnestly endeavor to be a part of the complete building up and equipping of the saints. We cannot look at the body of Christ as an organization. A church is an extension of Christ, a place to come together for worshiping and communing with Him and each other. When we start to make plans for the church without the trusting, leading, and desperate dependence upon the Holy Spirit to move us in His direction we want to take a census (read 2 Samuel 24). Our concern becomes about empty seats in the church instead of focusing on stirring up the agape love and gifts of those who already filling them. The empty seats are very important but God will lead whomever He wants into them.

We are seeing the impossible as God sees it, possible. Our faith is not a medal to attain but something we already posses and must be used otherwise it will cease to grow. This step in faithful obedience is attainable to ALL. No God may not be calling you to give up everything and move across the country or world but He is calling each of us to a step of faith each day. One step. The whole point should never be for our glory but for His. If that is where your desire is you will find yourself doing what many say is impossible. Going on mission trips, ministering to someone that once looked down upon you and seeing others in love and forgiveness because it is no longer about you. It’s about Him and His glory being revealed so that all may know that He is the One, true God.

Don’t simply keep the faith. Live it, give it and be joyful in it.

Keep us in your prayers as we keep you in ours.
Mark, Rebecca, Annalise and Everett

And I guess Diego too… anybody want a dog?

Initial Newsletter

Greetings Friends & Family,

As of October 18th, we will have begun a new adventure. We are now missionary/evangelists serving in our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. We heard the call to move in 2015 and have been continuously in prayer since. In December 2016 and July 2017, I went to go and see what was the next step of faith and obedience the Holy Spirit was leading my family to take. During my visits, there were many events that confirmed the calling. As a result, we closed the family window cleaning business, stepped down from serving at our church, packed up our lives and planted ourselves in the heart of D.C.

The work of the ministry that God is calling us to is: Equip, Edify, and Evangelize Everywhere. Our vision that the Holy Spirit gave us comes from Ephesians 4:12-16. In there you will find, 1. Equip the saints for the work of the ministry, 2. Edify the body of Christ, 3. Evangelize till we all come to the unity of the same faith in our LORD, and 4. Everywhere, those who have come to know Christ are then equipped, sent out to edify and evangelize everywhere… Until all come to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

To start, I will be walking the streets of D.C. seeking out the lost among the nations monuments and looking for those who have no hope, no purpose, no value in life and lead them to Christ. I know God will lead us to more as we continue on.

For those who have been involved in the beginning of our journey, we will keep you in our daily prayers and ask in return for you all to keep us in your prayers. If you would like to contact us, email us at ephesians4dc@gmail.com. We are currently building a way to share our videos, pictures, stories and, of course, poetry as you follow us on our journey. As these media platforms become available, we will let you know.

We ask that you pray for provision, planning, and the work of the ministry. If you are reading this letter, you are a part of the work we are doing as we serve the needs of Washington D.C. and I thank you for your prayers and support as we continue in taking these steps of faith and obedience.

In Christ,

The Medeiros Klan