Even When I Don’t Understand, I Will CHOOSE You God…

Some of you may not be fully aware of what all this India talk is about, or what I am really desiring to do at this point.  So what am I doing exactly?  Well, glad you asked!   I am answering the unshakeable urge and leading of the Lord to minister to the people of India that have left an eternal mark on my heart.  Some of you have been very closely connected to me through this time I’ve been traveling back and forth to India for years now, so this may be nothing new to you, or as some have said “I’m not surprised at all.”  Now, the opportunity has been given to me to finally go again and stay a little longer, and I just can’t pass this up!  I will be teaching in the Bible College, helping host teams, helping home school, administrative work, and anything else needed.  However, my main object is to teach in the Bible College.  I will teach Biblical classes as well as English.

I am planning to stay for one year.  Due to visa regulations I will stay for 6 months, leave the country for 2 months, and go back for 6 months.  The Lord has opened doors for me and I am believing Him to fulfill and follow through.  No words can express the feeling of finally settling in, just a little bit longer…just a little bit more permanently, to a family/people half way around the world and FINALLY don’t have to say goodbye AGAIN, after only 2 weeks or 2 months.  There seems to be a different expression in their eyes when they learn you are there…committed to stay and invest more this time.  They can let out the sigh of relief because you’re not going anywhere this time when that 1 month mark rolls around.  It’s just as much of a sigh of relief to me as it is to them.

My heart is yearning to be back with these people.  I also find my heart going through somewhat of a roller coaster ride as well.  I am looking forward to that day of return, but find myself burdened by the process to get there.  One day my heart is at absolute rest in the finished work of Christ and all He is as my PROVIDER, and the next day the enemy creeps in with fear and doubt to reside in my heart.  Would you pray for me in this process to enable me to return to India?  Would you pray God continues to surround me with peace by reminding me of His ever-present help in this time of need?  Would you considering giving?  Not to me so much, but to the KINGDOM OF GOD.  Would you allow your finances to go where your literal body can’t right now?  I will go if you will send!

• You can sponsor me monthly (this is tax-deductible) – $25, $50, $100, $200 a month.  I am still in need of $450 a month.  $200 has already been committed.
• You can give a one time tax-deductible donation – I’ll gladly accept any amount! Every bit helps!

All of this may seem absolutely crazy and illogical to you.  To others this may seem like an incredible adventure.  While others may take this as something absolutely terrifying because you no longer have control of the outcome.  All of those are true.  There is nothing logical about this journey I’ve begun, and yes it does seem crazy at times!  If I could figure all of this out with my trivial logic, there’s no way it could be God!  And of course it’s going to be an incredible adventure!  Adventures involve challenges, scary moments, and times with no bumps in the road…I’m sure this journey will have all of those and more.  Of course there are moments I’m terrified or don’t understand…but even then I will CHOOSE GOD!  There’s no one like Him, there’s no one beside Him…I will make the choice to listen and obey.  Will you?

For further questions or more details as to how you can invest in this mission, please email me: Claudianclifton@gmail.com

Starting another step of the journey…

A new chapter has begun, a new season has unfolded, and the hearts and smiling faces of India are on the horizon again!  No surprise to me that God has yet again, in His kindness and love, set before me another opportunity to serve Him in Central India!  He does truly give us the desires of our hearts.  I am so thankful!  So, the next step is to leave for India in March for a 6 month term, return for 2 months, and head back to India for another 6 months.  Due to visa restrictions I have to leave the country for 2 months after staying 6 months.  I assume if you are reading this blog you are at least some what interested and/or involved in my journey.  So let’s put that interest into action!

You can PRAY for me!

• Pray for complete provision for my finances for the total of a year-long stay.

• Pray for traveling mercies.

• Pray for good health while there and traveling.

• Pray for monthly financial sponsors, as well as prayer partners.

You can also GIVE:

• Exactly one month from today I have to meet my $3,310 goal in order to depart in March.

• My total budget for the year is $12,000 – you can give a one time donation or support me monthly.

• You can make a tax-deductible donation to:

Crossroads Worldwide

307 A E. College Avenue

Shelby, NC 28152

You can also give online at crossroadsworldwide.com  check it out!

Please continue to follow my blogs through my experience in India starting in March!  If you have any questions please feel free comment here or you can email me!

possibly a lil revelation….hmm…POSSIBLY! :)

So as I was riding home from a youth meeting I pass a boundary wall around a school that I have seen so many times I cannot even count.  All the way around this wall on each section is written various Scripture verses.  Usually they are ones that seem to have no effect on me except a sweet sense of refreshment that there is in fact a light being spread through this nation.  However, this night it was completely different for some reason.  I have been seeking the Lord and revelation unto the knowledge of HIS WILL and some sort of guidance as to just Lord WHAT IS IT YOU WANT ME TO DO?  What is the next piece to this puzzle of life you have for me?  What is the permanence in my life? COME ON LORD!  So, we pass by this wall and first I see written in huge letters, painted on this wall – “Seek the Lord continually.” Then the next part says “Jesus the Lord said, ‘my house shall be called a house of prayer.’”  As soon as I read those 2 verses that were painted on that wall, I felt like they hit me like a brick, like those words were life to me or something…kinda strange.  Hmm…is He trying to say something to me?  I always asked, “God could you just write on the wall or something for me??”  This is pretty close! Lol.

He is helping me learn…

His heart for His people. It is the reason and essence that I am here in this nation.  I am not here b/c of my passion or compassion, but truly b/c of HIS heart of passionate pursuit after His people.  His heart is full of mercy and grace – unending if we would just cry out for it before His throne.  I believe it is my calling or at least a big part of my calling to carry His heart and burden for His people.

Walking with confidence and grace. Walking with confidence THROUGH grace.  Walking with confidence IN grace, and BECAUSE of grace…only because of grace.  Walking with confidence and grace to produce a fruit of boldness.

God is not necessarily an organized God, but He is in His nature is not unorganized.  This was a sweet lil word that came so clearly to me one day.  He brought me revelation of His character through this word.  In the natural/physical realm and the way we see things each day – He is not necessarily an organized God.  He does not have to be.  He is not required to be.  But HIMSELF – IN HIS NATURE….he is NOT unorganized God.  He has control and order of all things.  When I try to see Him and His activity through my natural physical eyes…it appears unorganized, but He tells me to set my eyes on the eternal – the spiritual not the natural…then there is clarity because HIS NATURE is not unorganized.  He has it all together!  This truth has changed me…and He’s not finished with me yet praise God!!  He is still helping me learn.

just a poem that’s been brewing in my spirit for some time.

Everything is Hidden, Yet Everything is Exposed

I hear their feet shuffling and their bags ruffling.

Everything is exposed as they walk the path to their destination.

Nothing between their goal in mind, and their destination in sight.

Nothing separates the silhouette of their journey and the crisp night air they walk through.

Everything is exposed, yet everything is hidden.

I see them every day as they wonder here and there.

I see a hunger within them for His love,

a yearning for wholeness and identity,

yet it is hidden by each ritual they offer in the temple.

Everything is hidden, yet everything is exposed.

I hear the passion in every thud of the drum.

I hear the joy through every verse of praise they sing.

I see their unhindered worship before Him as they dance like David danced!

Everything is exposed yet everything is hidden.

Their fear is hidden in the boldness of Christ!

The wounds of their heart are hidden in His healing power,

but their pain is hidden in tears.

Everything is hidden, yet everything is exposed.

some things are universal…

While Other Things are…well…not!

My experience from one American culture to another Indian Culture…

Some things are universal:

A grandfather’s love for his granddaughter.

Smiles.

Hugs.

Sin.

A works based mentality – I have learned that I am judgmental, ignorant, and naïve to think a country who has a dominant “religion” that is based upon works is the one living out of a works based mentality, not my country that has “freedom of religion” or confessing to be a part of a religion that is not founded in a works based mentality.  My eyes are being opened to see that all of us, at our core, try to muster up worthiness or favor from the “higher being” in our lives which we serve.  No matter what that “higher being” is, I believe we all have a nature that is not easily accepting of grace; thus, in its reaction tries to do enough good things or earn credibility through works.  In this country, maybe it’s more evident to the naked eye because you constantly see the outworking of works in worship acts.  While in my home country, I believe the tendency is just as prevalent but it is masked or disguised by various things.  We say or sing things like “amazing grace” but then turn around and approach our Father in guilt or shame when our works fail…failing because our works are not what He is looking for…our works are not what brings Him joy and delight.  Rather, almost on the opposite spectrum, weakness and brokenness accompanied by a simple, real “YES” in our hearts towards Him is what He delights upon.  Or it is disguised by sayings like “I’m covered by the grace of God,” yet deep down within our hearts we cannot TRULY BELIEVE (belief with substance) that grace is offered to us out of love and not obligation, so we continue working and striving for the affection of the Lord when really He just wants a “YES” in your heart towards Him as you sit and gaze, and marvel upon Him.  If you look closely I believe a works based mentality is universal and in each person’s nature.

Music – Music has always been something that has moved the depths of me, but I thought maybe it was just me.  However, as I experience many worship services here on a regular bases I see it is not just me, and it is not just an American thing.   Maybe not everyone is gifted with rhythm or a lovely musical talent, but I believe music is used for all people to move them towards a place of worship.  As I have been a part of various acts of prayer…music has been a pivotal point to really move and center the people in prayer, and also to invite and allow the movement of the Holy Spirit.  I also see music being a pivotal point of worship in other temples whose spirit is not the Holy Spirit, but music was also present for the worshippers there, to welcome the spirit which they were worshipping.  Even though I could not understand a word of what was being sung, or even worship the same god, I was aware of the importance music played upon those people that were worshipping.  They were all singing loudly, and playing various instruments to engage their hearts and center their minds upon what they were meditating.  It was amazing to me to see the power of music and the similarity of the use of music, in such contrast settings.

A girl’s desire to be adored and cherished.

A boy’s yearning to be protector and provider.

Little boys playing with toy cars.

Fear.

Language learning.

Joy of the Lord – expression is different of course, but the joy of the Lord itself is a universal thing.

Tickling.

A yearning for real love.

Laughter.

Some Things are Not:

Morals. – maybe the idea of morals is similar, but the specific morals themselves are NOT universal.

Kite flying.

Eating with utensils.

Punctuality.

Trash cans.

This is just something fun and semi-educational for you to read.  I did not update here for the month of December, but those of you on my email list should have gotten and December update by email.  December was a very busy month here with the Christmas and New Year holiday and the teams we had come and work.  Thank you so much for your prayers.  I am not starting back teaching after a much needed and enjoyable Christmas holiday.  I am excited about this last semester of teaching as more fruit is being seen through the students and revelation through the Holy Spirit.  Please continue to pray for strength, endurance, and revelation and anointing upon me.  Please continue to pray for clarity upon my life and the calling He is bringing me to.

just some poetry

Grace and elegance is her name.

Innocence and beauty rest upon her, but she is unaware.

And joy she carries with her as she skips along…

Skipping along the road of many voices and choices.

Who will tell her, what will her innocent eyes see, and to whom will she listen?

Love resides in her smile which she exposes without fear, but she is unaware.

Love is cultivated within her and He nurtures it day to day.

Through every sunrise with its fluorescent pink and orange, to every sunset with the humility of the moon, and boldness of the stars…He nurtures His love within her.

She is created to love, she is love, but she is unaware…

Who will tell her, what will her innocent eyes see, and to whom will she listen?

Day to day she offers love.  As the sun leaps onto the canvas displayed behind each home, so her love is released from within her gentle, yet bold spirit.

Love spills forth from within her through every subtle glance she gives…glancing through the eyes of her Father…but she is unaware.

 

You Came

Because of nothing we did, You came to this poor, wretched place.

With nothing to gain from us, for nothing we could offer could possibly alter You,

Until we submit to our right place on the altar.

But out of love and obedience to Your Father, You came.

In displaying Your love to us and obedience to Your Father,

You spilled out Your life upon this poor and wretched place.

Becoming flesh, man, poor and wretched man…that we might become poor.

What more should we ask for?

What more should we search for?

Searching and searching, running through this place, dragging Him along.

Chasing other lovers, searching for that which satisfies,

As we carry satisfaction Himself behind us;

Pulling Him through filth and injustice which call themselves love and satisfaction.

What more should we ask for?

What more could He possibly do for us?

But bid us lay it all down at the altar and become poor.

Laying it all down for love’s sake and obedience?

Was it not the very thing He did for us first?

For He is rightly due it all!

First, I just apologize now if I am not a regular “updater” on this thing.  I’m not really up with the blogging fad yet so it may take me awhile (or even until I’m back in America where blogging is a fad lol) to really figure it all out and update it regularly.  Until then…you just make sure I have your email address! J

So…I’ve been here in India about one month now and things are going well.  I’ve started teaching and have taught two  full weeks.  I will finish this semester of English and Spiritual life and give exams sometime in December.  Then next semester I will continue English and teach another bible subject.  I have about 20 something students in my class…the number vary occasionally.  They are fun students, eager to learn, and eager to be obedient to God in the vision He has given to them.  It’s a joy to teach them and I’m so excited to see their growth in the Lord!  I am also tutoring one girl for English, in the mornings before my classes so that is a challenge because she knows basically NO English but she is such a sweet girl and I really enjoy time I have with her.  So far I have been able to attend an Indian wedding of 2 of the staff here so that was neat because I met the groom the first time I came here and have been able to see the fruit of his laboring in the Lord!  We have also had one American team come (the day after we arrived) to help with construction so I was able to spend some time with them and be used by the Lord in serving their visit.  I have also moved into my home, which is the upstairs (actually on the roof) of a family’s house.  God is so good and is greatly taking care of me, my needs, and even my wants!  He is so lovely!!  I am also helping with Sunday School for about 50 kids so that’s…different lol.  And attending and helping sometimes with women’s meetings once a week.  So I stay pretty busy.

As most trips happen for me here in this place, God is teaching me many things…probably many more than I am even teaching these people as I stand before them 5 days a week and attempt to teach them.  As He speaks to me daily, and I seek His grace to abide in Him, I am learning many things about Him, His word, His people, and His nature.  He is so kind, gentle, and patient with His people.  His love and mercy truly does endure forever.  He is steadfast in His pursuit after His people.  His heart yearns for theirs and true worship in Spirit and in truth!  I have learned as I am taken out of my comfort zone and watch Him move in the hearts of people who only desire Him; I see that nothing on this earth can satisfy us.  The fewer THINGS I have, the greater I am satisfied in Him.  The fewer THINGS I have, how much more magnificent He appears to me!  The fewer THINGS I have, how much clearer He speaks.  Nothing I could ask for will ever satisfy like His Spirit satisfies.  He will not grant me anything that will bring me more satisfaction than He alone brings for my life.

As I watch the Eastern lifestyle being lived out, I am gaining greater understanding of HIS WORD, teachings written there, principles written there, and practical application.  The Bible is an EASTERN document.  I heard it spoken from the mouth of ole Gerald Roe, but never has it become clearer than now when I slowly become part of the Eastern atmosphere.  Of course the principle being “born again” applies because how else can you gain new eyes that have seen superstitions, myths, traditions, idols, worship of all kinds for GENERATION AFTER GENERATION…without being BORN AGAIN?!!  It truly DOES take a completely different, new, born again life…I see now why it was spoken that way!  God has brought revelation to His truths.

I am also gaining new light upon the innocence of children.  Children are seen so much differently here than in America.  The first time I went to a restaurant here this year, I stopped and really paid attention to the atmosphere around me.  We were eating at an outdoor restaurant with many families present, which meant many children also.  The children were running around from table to table, weaving in and out of waiters carrying food and drinks, shouting to each other across families and tables, and even sitting ON TOP OF the table being fed by their parents.  Children are not a burden.  It seemed like to me they were more honored in that restaurant than they were scolded.  The same is with children in the eyes of the Lord…they are an honor.  He says let them come to Me, have faith like these little ones.  Children are bold in their worship and praise and it is such an inspiration to me.  They have no shame…they are innocent.  The innocence of children is such a rare thing and something we lose as we get older….but should it be lost?  I think not.  I think we should remain innocent before Him, approaching Him with faith like a child…no doubt of fear.  He is our FATHER…gentle, patient, convicting but convicting out of love and mercy.  Just as a father’s description is protector and provider for his children…so is our Father – protector, provider.  He is always for our good.  So we can approach him with the innocence of children and without shame…He is for our good.

I hope these words (some of them at least if you didn’t have the patience to read it all) are some sort of blessing or encouragement to you.  Thank you for your support and encouragement!

so here it is almost one month in India!

I just wanted to write something quickly to give a little update on what’s going on with me in India thus far.  I have been here about 3 weeks and got moved into my home over the weekend and started teaching today.  This semester I am teaching personal spiritual life and English.  Next semester (starting January-ish) I will be teaching a discipleship class and continuing English.  Things are going well so far and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be here and the door God has opened up for me to lead people to worship Him and experience His glory!  It is only for worship unto Christ for which I am here!  He is worthy of the worship of any and all the people I will be teaching or in contact with here!  Worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive the reward of His suffering!

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers.  It means more than you will ever probably know!