Rest for the Weary and Heavy Laden

An update on the ministry of Jason and Kristine Stryd

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Weary and Heavy Laden

Weary and Heavy Laden, two words that so poignantly capture the reality of life. My life, Elton’s life, Luan’s life, Duku’s life, and maybe your life. Weary from the constant push to survive and attain more - more security, more possessions, more achievement more…. . Heavy laden from the weight of other’s expectations, responsibilities, and relationships. Tired from ten thousand decisions to be made, roads to choose, options to select.

It’s the season of vacations in Boston. Men and women flee from the city along with droves of others on packed highways trying to escape the weariness and burdens. They are in search of that ever elusive rest and relaxation, a few moments of peace and quiet, some existential calm in a world of chaos.

At our leadership retreat in June we reflected on this reality and Jesus words in Matthew 11:

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Real spiritual rest and soul wholeness is found in one place - Jesus. Not in escape from life’s challenges, but in facing them as we are lead by Jesus, yoked to him in living relationship.

Jesus words have been often on my mind throughout this summer in periods of vacation, rest, work and challenge. And they have been on my mind and heart as I spend time with and pray for Albanians. Though their facebook posts boast of island vacations or smiling families, I know that true rest is fleeting, elusive, and illusionary apart from Jesus and I long for them to find that “rest for their souls”.

But I am also challenged by the reality that I can't convince people of that. The pull and promise of pleasure, possessions and escape are incredibly strong in our world. And if you believe that your rest, security, hope and joy will be found in those things then you sure don’t have much time for Jesus.

Would you pray with us during this month of August, that God would stir dissatisfaction and yearning for true spiritual rest in the lives of Albanians. In young parents tired by parenting, traffic, work and social obligations like Elton and Entela, Roland and Eliana, Tomorr and Eliona. In retired men and women at Vatra, like Zhaneta, Ymer, Dola, and Bardha, weary from doctor’s appointments, family problems and health challenges. In men and women we have yet to meet from the harvest fields that God himself would draw.

Leadership Retreat

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend in June with four Albanian families at a camp in NH. We were encouraged by deepening relationships, time to reflect on God’s word, and time to consider plans for the future. Thank you for praying!

Hanging Out

This summer we have been trying to seize opportunities to hang out with some of the families God has drawn to our ministry. We have had a couple BBQ’s at our home and had our annual summer picnic Sunday afternoon. We had a great turnout of 50 adults and over 30 kids. For a culture that loves and values relationships, there is not much as important as spending time at the grill or around a table while the many kids frolic, have fun and occasionally get in trouble.. :). We would love your prayers that God would use these events to deepen gospel relationships and spread the aroma of Jesus!

Thanks!

Thank you for your all your prayers and support for our ministry. We pray that this summer brings not just some moments of relaxation and vacation but the wonderful spiritual rest that is in Jesus!

In Christ,
Jason, Kristine, Caleb and Evette!

God provides for our ministry through the generosity of churches and individuals like you. This past spring a local foundation provided us a matching grant up to $500 for each new supporter that joins our team in 2019. If you are interested in financially supporting our ministry you can mail your donation to:

Mission to North America - PO Box 890233
Charlotte, NC 28289-0233

▪ Please make your checks payable to Mission to North America with a note accompanying the check or money order indicating Christ the King and Jason Stryd

You can also make donations online by credit card and/or set up a recurring donation

https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift2?giftid=7156A875FA4C44A