Zebra Ministries: Merry Christmas

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Good morning little Zebras,

I have been struggling the last few days trying to hear God’s little small voice through the noise that is Christmas. Not that there is anything wrong with all the cookies, trees, lights, and presents but for me they were obscuring God’s voice.

Last night I was talking to my kids about it. I am so used to hearing God speak that His silence has me a little disturbed and I wanted their perspective. Both of them said the same thing that God was still speaking but His voice was being drowned out by all the noise and busyness of Christmas.

Then Nick gave me a great word picture. God’s voice is like a pebble in a puddle. It is easy to see the pebble when the water is still, but if you drive a truck through the puddle, you muddy up the water and the pebble disappears. No matter how hard you try you won’t be able to see the pebble until the water calms down.

So this morning I got up early, while everyone was still asleep and asked God what He wanted me to remember this year about Christmas.

He wants me to remember that He keeps His promises. Thousands of years before Jesus’ birth God promised to send a Savior, and He did.

Preparing for retreat I have been spending a lot of time studying the life of Abraham. And although he didn’t use to be one of my favorites, he is now. There are so many lessons to be learned from his life, not the least of which is that God can be trusted to keep His promises.

God does not promise things and then change His mind. Nor does He not promise us something He can’t deliver. And He wants me to remember that.

He wants me to quit being like Peter walking on water one minute, sinking the next. He wants me to believe that He can do the impossible and live accordingly. He wants me to know that He is in control of all situations and to quit worrying. He wants me to focus on Him and His faithfulness instead of my shortcomings. And He wants me to quit thinking up back up plans in case this “God thing doesn’t work out,” because the God thing ALWAYS works out. He wants to increase my faith.

I have no idea what present God has for you this Christmas, but I know He has one. Don’t be too busy to open it.

Love,
Jill

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Why Zebras?

In the summer of 2008 I was looking at a herd of zebras in a wild animal park and commented to my son that I didn’t understand why the lions didn’t just eat the zebras because their markings make them so obvious. He told me that the opposite was actually true. God has marked zebras so when they hang together in a herd, their stripes create the illusion they are one large animal and therefore too big to attack. It is the lone zebra that is usually eaten. The same is true of Christians; we must hang together and encourage each other to fight off the lions. The lone Christian is easy prey.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Therefore:

Zebras was started to encourage women who desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, who want their lives to be transformed to honor God and who are willing to be “zebras” in a world of “horses”. Zebras exists to reassure you that you are not alone and that God has called you to be peculiar. As a peculiar person you should look different than the world

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Pastor Endorsement

Jill Getchell speaks from her heart and from God’s word in a way that brings encouragement and hope to God’s people. I’ve been blessed to hear her at Awana conferences, a women’s retreat, and from the pulpit of our church. I am confident your people will be equally blessed by spending the day with Jill at We Have Hope...your church will be blessed as well.

Pastor Al Marks

First Baptist Church Vallejo

I have known Jill for many years now. She truly desires to encourage the churches in our community and to strengthen the believers that attend our churches. Her passion for Jesus comes out in her ability to speak, and her heart is to encourage all those that attend to go back into their churches and be a blessing.

Pastor Kelly Patchin

New Harbor Community Church, Benicia

I believe women are vital to the unity and health of the church. They bear the image of God and serve Him in a great way within His church. Zebras has the ability to unite and excite women to grow in their faith and in their relationships with each other. In John 17:20 Jesus says, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” One of Christ’s last prayers for His church is that they would be one as He is with the Father. And through our unity the world can come to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Unity is essential for a healthy church and healthy relationships between women. Zebras can stimulate healthy growth in the spiritual lives of the women in your church too. It is a blessing at New Harbor and I believe it would be a blessing for any pastor to have in their church.

Kelly Patchin, Pastor
New Harbor Community Church

Testimonies

The Zebra herd has given me the opportunity to be myself. I think we all have a face we put on for others, especially on Sunday. We don’t want to let anyone see the pain or hurt we’re suffering because we feel that it’s a reflection on our walk with Christ. I now have a group of loving Christian women with whom to share the joys and sorrows equally… Without the Zebras, I’d still be wearing my Sunday face. ...............Dawn C.

The Zebra ministry has deepened my relationship with Christ and the women at my church beyond what I thought possible... Most importantly, it has given me a safe place to be very, very real… I have learned how to be transparent and allow my fellow Zebra sisters to support me in prayer and God to minister to the deepest part of my soul--the part that needed it the most.................... Jennifer H.

When I came to New Harbor Church I was so lonely. I knew I needed the fellowship of other Christian women but did not know if I could break out of my self-imposed isolation. I felt unworthy of anyone’s friendship, let alone" godly people"... But Zebras has made me feel the true acceptance of these wonderful women. I have slowly opened my heart to them, with their encouragement and love! I don't have that heavy ache of solitude anymore. ................Barbara B.

I was with you in the beginning meetings of the herd and watched it evolve into a place where we as sisters in Christ could share our burdens without judgment. Being a Zebra helped me through a very trying time- Leap of Faith– leaving a relationship, selling my home and trusting in God. It was encouraging to know that I was not alone and being a part of a group where women could feel understood, comforted, and lifted up spiritually. .................Tracy M.

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