1. Deputation is a not only a time to raise money, but it is a time of preparation for future ministry. It is a time to show others that you are competent and worthy enough to be a missionary.  It is a time to prove to the churches that you have what it takes to be a missionary and to make proper adjustments. There will be times on deputation when God will send severe trials. As you go through these trials, keep in mind that God is preparing you for future ministry.
2. Deputation is hard for children. Make this time fun for them. Make memories and take pictures. Visit national parks, zoos, and museums while traveling. Listen to story and music CDs in the car.
3. Teach your child good manners   His behavior can help or hinder you in acquiring support. Make sure you teach your child proper church and restaurant manners before you get to the churches. Many times a mother will be embarrassed about her child’s behavior, but she has failed to teach him proper manners.
4.  Learn all you can from everyone. Never try to instruct pastors about your opinions. Even if a pastor has bad habits, procedures, and doctrine, learn what not to do from him.
5. Watch your heart! Do not let it get cold and carnal. Keep you and your family spiritually healthy and disciplined through daily Bible reading and devotions. Never stop guiding your children in spiritual principles. Make God’s Word applicable to their lives by using age appropriate devotions.
6. Present yourself to the churches in a first class way. Do not get lazy on deputation.  Set goals for you and your children.  Everything you do should be first class: clean car, clothes neatly pressed, prompt prayer letters, and beautiful prayer cards.
7. Enlist prayer partners and make friends in every church. When you get to the field, you will realize that prayer support is just as important as financial support.
8. Before you leave for the field, avoid getting into credit card bondage by making unnecessary purchases.  If at all possible, avoid going to the field underfunded. Start saving as soon as you can. When it is time for you to leave, you will need money for shipping and customs. When you arrive on the field, you will need money to buy a vehicle, to purchase household goods, and funds to begin the church.

After losing a loved one,  sometimes a person  begins to  think about spiritual matters and his eternal destiny. He may even want to attend church.  A simple act of kindness could show a grieving person that there are churches that truly care about people.

To find recipients to receive these baskets, check daily obituaries or use prayer requests from members of your church.  Try to deliver as quickly as possible after a death. This could be a great ministry for the elderly of your church.

Items to put in basket:

• Fruit, muffins, homemade jams, cookies, etc
• An encouraging book, a comforting tract, or an Instrumental Hymns CD
• A brochure or DVD about the church
• A letter of condolence and offer of counsel from the pastor

Dear Mom,                          (This letter was published many years ago in Ann Lander’s column)

Since I can’t spend Mother’s Day with you, I am writing you a letter. Mom, I love you so much. There are many things that I didn’t understand when I was young, but I understand them now.  I didn’t have any idea how hard you worked, and the burdens you carried until I traveled the road myself. I didn’t know how rough it was when you were having trouble with Dad and us kids, but now I know. I didn’t realize how lonely you were until I was lonely. I didn’t realize how I hurt you, until I was hurt the same way by my own children. I didn’t know how many times I could have made you happy by just saying, “I love you, Mom.” But now I know, because those are the words I long to hear from my own kids.  When I was growing up, we had our share of battles. I remember how I thought you were too hard on me because you insisted that I keep my room clean, turn off the TV and do my homework, hang up my clothes, do chores around the house, and write thank-you notes right away. You made me do a lot of things I didn’t want to do. You said it was good for my character. I couldn’t see the connection, and I thought you were nuts. But now I have kids of my own, and I understand a lot better. I am grateful that you didn’t let me wear you down.  I remember your strength; it gives me strength with own kids. It seems like I found the times for everything and everyone but you. It would have been easy to drop in for a cup of tea and a hug, but my friends came first. Would any of them have done for me what you did? I doubt it. I remember the times you called on the phone, and I was in a hurry to get off. It makes me ashamed. I remember, too, the times I could have included you when my family had outings, but I didn’t. It took me all my life to learn what a mother is. I guess it’s impossible to know until you become a mother yourself. Believe me, now I know how rough you had it and how terrific you are. Time has a  way of slipping away. We become so involved in living from one day to the next that before we know it, the tomorrows are yesterdays. I hope this letter gives you an idea of how much I admire and respect you, Mom, you are the greatest!                                          

When you are waiting in traffic or waiting at a doctor’s office, use your time to pray for missionaries and missionary outreach.

Thumb – Since your thumb is nearest to you, begin by praying for those missionaries closest to you. They are the easiest ones to remember. C. S. Lewis said, “Praying for those we love is a sweet duty.”

Index or pointing finger – Let your “pointing finger” remind you to pray for missionaries who teach and instruct. This includes teachers, colleges, and evangelists. They need prayer support. Pray that they will have wisdom to point others in the right direction.

Middle finger – Our tallest finger reminds us to pray for church pastors and leaders. We can never pray too much for them. Pray that these leaders never lose their burden for missionaries. Pray that they faithfully lead their churches to pray and to give to the missionary outreach of their churches.

One missionary recently shared this story. “The pastor of  my sending church just resigned.  The support from our church was half of our total support. When the new pastor took over the leadership, he dropped every missionary. The pastor sent out a letter to all missionaries and told them that he was dropping their support because he had better things to do with the missionary money.”  Consequently, this missionary had to come home.

Ring finger – Surprisingly, the ring finger is our weakest finger (as any piano teacher will testify). This weak finger reminds us to pray for those missionaries who are discouraged, in trouble, or in pain.

Little finger – Our little finger is the smallest finger of all. The Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for the people of the world who have the greatest need to find Jesus. Pray that they will open their eyes and see Him.

This note was found pinned to a hut of an African pastor. (Taken from the book Legacies of Faith, Volume IV, by Ed Erny)

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit’s power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure, I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small talking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me–my banner will be clear.

Oh Father, help me to live a life with such determination!

Watch your words because your words become your actions.

Watch your actions because your actions become your habits.

Watch your habits because your habits become your character.

Watch your character because it becomes your destiny.

I Peter 5:8 tells us that Satan is our great enemy, and that  he is like a hungry lion walking around looking for victims that he can tear apart. He knows all of our weak points, and he makes himself aware of all our circumstances. He looks for ways to pervert our judgment and to doubt God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Just like a roaring lion, that wants to destroy his prey, Satan wants to destroy our lives and our testimonies. This verse tells us to be sober and to be on guard of Satan’s devious plans.

He continuously tries to infiltrate our thoughts with his thoughts. His unending goal is to replace God’s truth with his lies. He knows that if he can control our thoughts, he can control our behavior. Satan wants to fill our minds with negative thoughts about our circumstances and other people.

 Next time you begin to have thoughts that are full of hate, vindictiveness, revenge, and despondency, take those thoughts captive and bring those thoughts into obedience to Christ and His Word. Destroy those old strongholds of negative thinking.  (II Corinthians 10:3-5)

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; … think on these things.

Think positive thoughts of faith, love, purpose, and determination. These are the thoughts that  will help you stay physically and spiritually healthy.

I am stunned. My heart is overwhelmed for you. I have been offering up continual prayers for you and Jonathan since I heard the news. Your family has truly been an inspiration to all who have known and loved you. We are praying that our Lord will give you strength and peace for the days to follow.

Judy (Psalm 73:25-26)

First email sent out today 3/28/2012

Dear Friends,
I am writing this e-mail on behalf of my parents, Rex and Ginnie Switzer. During the past three weeks, dad and I have been in South Sudan. Last week dad began to become very ill and by Sunday we decided to get back to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for medical treatment. After getting back to Addis and getting some medical attention, it became apparent that his situation is dire. He has three strains of malaria, potential liver damage, and kidney failure. Please pray for him. We are trying to get him evacuated to better treatment.
Jonathan Switzer

Second email sent out a few hours later today

Dear Pastors,
I just received word from Jonathan Switzer that his dad, Rex went home to be with the Lord a few hours ago. Arrangements are being made to transport his body to OKC. Please be in prayer for Ginnie, Jonathan and family. Rex and Ginnie have been faithful missionaries for a long time and it was my privilege to be their sending pastor. I have known them for many years and served as her parents pastor for a few years in Oklahoma. Keep them in prayer.
Grace & Peace
Pastor Rick Stout, Enfield, CT

Missionary David Bennett sent this out when he received the news of Missionary Rex Switzer’s death.

A Soldier Has Just Left Us

A soldier has just left us, he gave his life away;
In duty for the Master he sacrificed alway.

A soldier has just left us, he died in full attire;
He died high in the saddle while facing heavy fire.

A soldier has just left us, but died not due to foes;
He died because of loving dear Sharon’s precious Rose.

A soldier has just left us for God has called him home;
His work on earth is ended, he nevermore shall roam.

A soldier has just left us, oh, hear the trumpets sound
For angels are announcing in Heav’n the news around.

A soldier has just left us, a hero strong and true;
His life has left us better, now Heaven’s better too.

A soldier has just left us, he died with dying grace;
In death the soldier’s fallen. Now who will take his place?

Closing Refrain:
Now who will take his place? Yes, who will take his place
To tell a dying world of Christ Jesus and His grace?

Email from Ginnie Switzer

March 29, 2012  Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Precious Friends

Words cannot express what your notes of compassion and prayer means to Jonathan, Katie & I.
I would desire to answer each personally but we have received countless messages & this is the only way, at this time, I can respond.

As I read the names attached to each email memories flooded back.  Each of you had a very special place in his life.  You were colleagues, friends and family.

We are still in shock.  This happened so quickly that we are still trying to process it all.  He was with the people he treasured & loved & with his son he adored, when he became sick.  He was thrilled that God would choose to allow us to finish our course in South Sudan.  It was a joy to his heart when God brought Jonathan, Katie & Jeremiah to do their internship with us.  There were father & son, but also friend & co-worker in this ministry.

The days ahead for the 4 of us are uncertain & painful but we know the One who had been before us & He knows the way.  Those are not just words on a page, it is a principle truth that comes from God’s Word which Rex loved with all his being.  Rex & I firmly believed that nothing touches us that doesn’t pass through God’s hands first.  I hold that truth close in my heart today.

We will be returning to the United State soon.  No date has been organized, as of yet.
A memorial service will be at Southwest Baptist Church in Okla City., Ok.  This church is Jonathan’s sending church & a church that has been our “family” in recent years.  A date & time has not yet been decided.

Nancy Wutka our stateside secretary will be sending an email with this information as soon as it is available.  If you have questions regarding any of this, you are welcome to contact her at

mwutkajr@gmail.com

Email sent out to announce funeral

Memorial Service for Rex Switzer

PLACE
Southwest Baptist Church
1300 S.W. 54th Street
Okla City, OK  73119

Judges 4:6 And she sent and called Barak…, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded… I love this verse because it shows that Deborah didn’t use her personal opinion for counsel, but she used God’s Word. She tells Barak, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you to take ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I will bait Sisera and his troops to the Kishon River, and the Lord will give him into your hands.” It seems as if Barak lacked faith because he says to Deborah, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Then Deborah tells him, “I will go with you, but you won’t get the honor for this victory. The honor will go to a woman.”

This is exactly what happened:

Judges 4:18-21 And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him. Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No. Then Jael Heber’s wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

Wow! Jael had such courage and strength. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to drive a nail through the temple of a great military leader!

This story shows what an influence a woman can have on a man. When your husband begins to have a lapse of faith, think of the courage of Deborah and Jael, and encourage him with these words, “ WE CAN DO THIS WITH THE LORD’S HELP!

A Mother’s Love

Tender is a mother’s love, a love that cannot be measured,
A love that is known by all as one to be greatly treasured;

God placed a special kind of love within a mother’s heart,
One she bestows on all her children whether near or far apart;

Her love remains steadfast through all the fleeting years,
Always wrapped in gentleness that wipes away all tears;

The precious love of a mother lingers all the while,
Kindling that bond between a mother and her child.

Taken from the book Life Changing Thoughts by Gary Smith (authorhouse.com)

I Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubborness is as iniquity and idolatry…

I Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Matthew 23:47-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

I Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteousness shall inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

As Christians, we must all deal with idols in our lives. Every area where we are tempted to sin falls into one of these categories:

1. Lust of the flesh   2.  Lust of the eyes   3.  Pride of Life

Satan knows that if he can trap us in one of these idols, we are at risk of losing our testimony.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Idols of the lust of the flesh
Music: Listening to ungodly music creates impure thoughts which can lead to other idols (sins). We must listen to music that praises the Lord and brings glory to Him.

Idols of the lust of the eyes
Pornography or Sexually Explicit Movies: Viewing ungodly pictures can create desires which lead to other idols (sins). These idols can destroy marriages and break up families.

Don’t listen to Satan’s lies when he whispers, “It’s only a picture or it is only a movie!”  Replace these idols with good wholesome family entertainment. Do some fun things with your family. Show your family how much you love them.

Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Covetousness: This idol can cause women many financial problems. They  see things that they can’t afford, but they purchase them anyway.

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Idols of the pride of life
Materialism: Women are convinced that true fulfillment comes only when they have the bigger house, the better car, and the latest fashions. When they more concerned with what others think of them than what God thinks of them, they become self-centered rather than others-centered.

Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Pride: Pride causes many problems in relationships. It can cause alienations from others in churches and on jobs. Beware of the idol “I”, “I deserve!” Satan’s original sin, “I”. Many women fall into this trap. They become so full of vanity that they are consumed with a position, a title, status, children’s success, career success.

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Idols can be a snare to us and can hamper us from future blessings.  Psalm 106:36 And they served idols: which were a snare to them.

I John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.