Planning 2010

2010
around the bend,
only God knows what lies ahead.

It's our aim,
to spread His Name,
and never bow our heads in shame.

Make a plan,
hold it open in your hand,
and watch God use you throughout the land.

Read His Word,
talk with the Lord,
and seek to learn from Him more and more.

My desire for you,
and myself, it's true,
is to live 2010 as He wants us to.

Reflection of 2009

It is a most mortifying reflection for a man to consider what he has done, compared to what he might have done.
~Samuel Johnson,
in Boswell's Life of Johnson, 1770

Think about 2009. 365 days, 8,760 hours, over half a million minutes.
GONE! We can never reclaim them. We cannot purchase them. We can not reproduce them. 2009 is gone.

Possibilities are now missed opportunities. Dreams for 2009 have either been lived or lost. Accomplishments and failures have been defined and recorded.

It is gone. Think about it for a while.

Guatemala BOL Trip 2009

The day is December 7. The tradition in Guatemala is to purchase a paper mache image of a "devil", and together with family and friends, you "Burn The Devil" in the evening. All over town, people were burning the devil - shooting off fireworks (an extremely common practice in Guatemala), symbolizing their freedom from his involvement in their life.

We had the privilege of being there during this event, and it was a blast. The people we were staying with were evangelical Christians, so they did not participate in purchasing the paper "devil", but they did enjoy cleaning their house of the papers that they held on to throughout the year. The children brought out their school work (their school year just finished), magazines were brought out, old bills and excess papers from the family office were brought out to burn.

The gentleman we were staying with started saying stuff like, "Burn the swimsuit models that make us feel fat" and then he would put a picture from the magazine in the fire. The kids started yelling, "Burn my science homework", "Burn my social studies homework". It was a blast.

Anyway, it was a neat symbol to remind us that the devil is powerless in our life unless we allow him to remain there. He, and his companions, desire nothing less than to destroy us, the image bearers of God, and make us ineffective for Christ. Take some time daily to "Burn the Devil" our of your life. He is powerless because Christ is victorious.

Let us try to live in this truth!

Five out of 28 AMG Projects in 3 days!!

In the past 3 days, we have visited Verbana, El Cerro, Filadelfia, Alamedo and Amparo. In these centers, over 1500 children learn, eat, play and learn about Christ every day. We had the distict privilege of hugging, kissing, playing, laughing and giving gifts to the children. I watched children run across the play area just to hug one of the members of the team. I watched children hug team members so hard and long that I thought we might be taking another person home with us. Children speaking Spanish teach us a little about their language, so we go home a little smarter than we arrived. The children are blessed by the gifts, the hugs, the kisses, and they are sure to let us know.

The team is changed! I watched our team members tear up as they met sponsored children. I saw team members weep with joy as they hugged the children. I listened to the emotional struggle that our team dealt with as they thought about leaving these children that they have spent only a couple of hours with, but felt like they knew them forever. The team has learned much about the love of God for us. We have seen what it looks like to love the poor and destitute, knowing that if God himself were here in flesh, He would be activily involved in these children's lives. The team is humbled by God allowing us to be here and acting on His behalf, and on the behalf of the sponsors that monthly meet these children's needs.

Today is the party for the teachers. I cannot wait to bless the ones that do the work everyday. They are a wonderful group of people! As we visited their schools, we were able to see how they loved the children and how they love God. We were able to sing with them, dance with them, pray with them, and encourage one another. Thanks to gifts from many different people, today we will be giving them gifts of all kinds. From inexpensive home items to MP3 players we have gifts for all of the teachers.

Thank you for your prayers and gifts that made this experience possible. Pictures are coming soon!!

Philadelphia, PA blesses Filadelphia, Guatemala!

Today we had the privilege of meeting 4 new children that have no sponsors - except for a group of children at Cedar Grove Christian Academy in Philadelphia, PA. Right now they are in the AMG program, but they do not yet have a sponsor to cover the costs for their uniform, food, or education.

Due to the gracious giving from the third grade class at CGCA, these 4 children received "Bundles of Love" today. My 10 year old son Harrison had the privilege of standing in on behalf of this class and gave the bundles to the children. They received books, clothing, backpacks, and some food for the family. They, along with over 300 other children, were able to receive these gifts because of donations from around the world.

Yessica Amabilia Juarez Gonzalez, Sonia Veronica Macu Chonay, Yonatan Stevens Martin Chonay, and Diego Donaldo Coroy Sey were the happy recipients of the gifts from CGCA. I would love to post their pictures here online, but as I have already written this week, the internet is much too slow to upload pictures.

If a group of 3rd graders from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can be used by God to bless the children of Filadelfia, Guatemala, you also can be used by God on behalf of the poorest of the poor.

Thank you 3rd graders of Cedar Grove for your sacrificial giving on behalf of these children. And thank you for allowing us to stand in on your behalf to love these children with gifts and with the good news of Jesus Christ.

God Bless You All!

Experience a Bundles of Love trip for yourself.

It is nine o'clock in the morning, and you enter a larger room with the rest of the team. As you enter you see 300 or more glowing faces of parents, grandparents, and friends of the children that go to school at Verbana, Guatemala. Most of the children are outside looking in. Some have made their way into the room. All are ecstatic about your arrival.

You are asked to sit in the front of the room, as you represent hundreds of sponsors that could not make the trip. You are not the sponsor of their child, but as they look at you, you give them a face and a voice, of their sponsors. The parents glow because they know you (or the person you represent) cares very deeply about their child.

The festivities begin with speakers welcoming you and telling you how much they appreciate your gifts, your prayers, your encouragement, etc. They want you to know how important you are to their child. You begin to realize that you are not worthy of the accolades they are ravishing on you. You are humbled by their gratitude. The teachers and the children sing songs and they put on performances for their parents and you. Most of the presentation is in Spanish, so if you don't know Spanish, much of the communication is lost, but the excitement is not. Your translator helps you through most of it, but still, it's not the same as understanding the language.

Following the ceremony, you are asked to leave before any of the parents or children, so you can get set up to give the gifts to the children. Again you are humbled by the fact that you are going to give gifts that you did not buy, but the children will always remember that you gave the gifts to them. You will receive the joy of smiling faces, tight hugs, and kisses on the cheeks from the children happy to receive what you are giving them. Literally hundreds of smiles, hundreds of hugs, hundreds of kisses for YOU! It is overwhelming.

The children walk into the room, you ask them their name, their age, whatever you would like to know to help you remember them. They give you a hug or a kiss. You give them a bag with their gift in it. Their parents/guardians often stand proudly at the door. You wait for a picture that the workers take for the child, and then you say goodbye and hug them as they leave.

Outside, children wait, looking through windows or doorways, for their chance to come in and talk with you, sit on your lap, hug you, kiss you, thank you! You are their sponsor for the day, and they are thrilled that you cared enough to come to visit them. Eventually, all of the children get their turn, and the head for home. You, however, are overwhelmed by the day. You are amazed by their thankfulness for such a simple gift.

As you leave the school, you wish you could stay here with the children. You thank God for what you have, and for the opportunity to give to these children. You are changed forever.

Now I realize that there is no way to briefly express this experience in a way that you can fully understand what happens here. Even the pictures (which I would love to load, but the internet is way too slow here) do not do justice to the emotions and experiences you would have if you were here. All I can say is, make a plan to be here next year. Join us for a Bundles of Love trip, and you can share with someone else the experience you have. I will be loading pictures when I return, or get a faster internet connection. Thank you for your prayers.

Four Children without sponsors

Today we had an interesting experience watching God provide in the most unusual way. I had written ahead of time to Brian Dennett regarding unsponsored children that we would like to give bundles to as a result of some of our friends giving money. There was a little miscommunication, and four children came today expecting us to have special gifts for them. Since the bundles were not ready yet, and they were from another child care center, we did not think we had anything to give them. However, just the day before we left, I visited Covenant Bank of Rock Spring Georgia, where one employee gave money for bundles, another gave gifts for a sponsored child that she sponsors through AMG, and just before I left, a final employee gave me a bag of gifts for children - just because they love to give. These gifts were perfect for the 5 year old boys that showed up today, and so we were able to pass those toys directly to them. I am sorry but the speed of the internet here is so slow, that uploading pictures is not working. I will try again tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will be handing out bundles in Verbana and El Cerro Child Care Centers. This is when we will begin to see the faces of all of the hundreds of children light up as they receive the gifts that supporters of AMG provided.

Wednesday is a big day as we will visit Filadelfia, Guatemala, and hand bundles to the children there, and we will have a special meeting with 4 children that Cedar Grove Christian Academy in Philadephia, Pa helped support with their donations.

Please continue to pray, and I will see about uploading pictures tomorrow. God Bless.

The Bundles Of Love Guatemala Team

On Friday at 9:30 in the morning, 11 team members boarded the plane for Guatemala City, Guatemala. From 10 year old Harrison, to 81 year old Ruth, our team covered the age gamut. Our team consists of the Phil, Jen and Megan Wilson, missionary appointees to Guatemala, Fred and Grace Wielinga, dairy farmers from Canada, Linda Ivins and Ruth Reed from Pennsylvania, Megan Reese from Delaware, and Ken, Dee and Harrison Ivins from Chattanooga, Tenessee.

So far, we have visited with Brian and Mary Dennett, AMG missionaries here in Guatemala, and spent Saturday visiting Antigua - seeing old Guatemala. Sunday was spent at a Spanish speaking church in the morning, and at an English speaking church in the evening.

We are studying II Cor 5, and today's messages (both morning and evening) reflected our devotional for the day - our mission as a Christian is to reconcile people to God.

Tomorrow we begin making bundles and visiting children. Stay posted for updates and pictures...

4 days and counting

In just 4 short days, I will be leading a team of 11 individuals on a Bundles of Love Trip to Guatemala. We will be giving gifts to over 1500 AMG sponsored children, and then to cap off the week, we will be hosting a Christmas Party for the teachers and the workers.

As of right now, we have 5 1/2 bags packed and ready to go, and we have yet to pack a single article of clothing. I think my son and I will be putting all of our clothes into our backpacks and hopefully that will be enough space for all that we need.

This trip is very different from prior trips because my wife and son are going to join me. I am praying that this trip will open his eyes to see the world that most of the rest of the world sees every day. Poverty, needs, sickness, death... they are all normal daily life for most of the world. As Americans, we are insulated from alot of this, and as Christians, even more so. I pray that God would tear mediocrity and selfishness from his heart, and replace it with a passion for others and a longing to share Christ with them. Actually, as I think of it, I pray that for myself as well.

Won't you pray for us? And maybe even someday join us as we seek to Advance the Ministry of the Gospel throughout the world.

Differences

This past Sunday, our pastor quoted someone who said something like this.

"There are 3 people sitting in your pew this morning. First, the person you think you are. Second, the person others think you are. Third, the person God knows you to be."

It got me thinking...

The larger the variance is between any of these 2 people, the more dangerous the position you are in.

For instance, if people look at you as a holy/perfect example of a Christian, and you know (as we all do) that you are a sinner saved by grace, the difference in how they look at you versus what is true is drastically lopsided. If we begin to hear the praises of people, we might just start to think that we are that perfect/holy person they presume us to be. That is when we find ourselves on very thin ice - IT WILL COLLAPSE.

Much the same, if our view of ourselves is not in line with what God knows to be true, the greater the difference, the more trouble we are in. This can go either way. Whether we think ourselves more unworthy of God (focusing on our sin, on our failure, etc - by the way, this is still arrogance), or we think of God as lucky to have chosen such a wonderful human specimen to work through (forgetting of course our propensity to sin apart from the Spirit's work in our life), either way, we diminish the value of the grace of God, and we portray His holiness as less than who He is.

As you reflect on the Word of God, seek a balanced view of yourself before God. As you hear the praises or criticisms of people, listen to them in the context of the Gospel, knowing who you really are apart from the wonderful work of Jesus Christ in your life.

If we do this well, we will avoid the pitfalls of being someone we are not, and we will be real.

I struggle with this, do you?

What is compassion anyway??

Yesterday I was called on to tell a family that a loved one died. The woman who died was 58 years old, but she did not die of "natural causes". She was killed in a car accident. I have never experienced the anguish that we were met with when we told the daughter that her mother had died. Wailing, crying, questions, pain, anger, frustration... on it went for what seemed like an eternity.

In reflection, I thought about a few things.

1. I have never lost anyone that I had not expected to die soon.

2. I have been told my entire life, and believe it to be true, that this life is just temporary, and that death is the beginning of greater things to come (for those that are believers).

3. It is possible that because of my belief in Jesus and the fact that my life has been surrounded by those that believe, I do not understand at all what this woman was struggling with.

I think I lack in sensitivity for others around me due to my view of what is to come. I do not fear death. I do not fear death for my family. I see it as sad but temporary. Death is not the end, but rather the beginning of eternal life for those in Christ, but also eternal damnation for those without Christ. It is the latter part of that statement I loose sight of. My guess is that others around me are experiencing the same problem.

Why can we see others tormented and are not tormented ourselves?
Why can we see pain and anguish and are not moved to respond?
Why can we walk through life worried about the temporary when the eternal is at risk?
Why don't I care as Christ did?

I am not saying that we are to be blubbering idiots snotting all over ourselves with constant tears running down our faces, but shouldn't we be sharing the anguish of the world around us? I am not saying that we do not move with compassion to help the needs brought to our attention, but how is it we often don't even notice the pain that others are experiencing, let alone share in it?

I fear I have become a Christian that rests on a mountain of security and calls to those who are at Hell's door with no more passion than a McDonald's worker asking me what I would like to order. This should not be!

What about you?

What are you building?

Almost 2 millenia ago, master craftsmen worked on a project in Greece. As the tour guide walked us through the planning, designing, and ultimately the building process of these amazing structures, we were amazed at the detail put into making it look straight, stand strong, and last for a long time. I am certain that the builders were not thinking about the destruction of their work before finishing, but I am confident they were interested in it's longevity.

As I think about our day to day life, we should be building something. We could build into the lives of others. We could build our own retirement accounts. We could build our families. We could build our businesses and ministries. We coule build our marriages. Yes, as life goes by, we should be building something... The question is, what are building? Are you working toward something that will last 10 years? 100 years? 1000 years? Are you building into the lives of those around you so that the impact you have on this world lasts long after you are gone?

Maybe you have started tearing apart what you had been building. My encouragement to you is to refocus your energy and time on things that last - things that last much longer than you. Maybe, like this building, for a couple millenia!!

Greece Trip with SMBC 2009

The following video was put together by Tim Schoap (Pastor at Signal Mountain Bible Church) after their Mission Adventures trip to Greece with AMG International.

How's your faith working for you??

The Bible claims to be God's Word to the world, written by man, but authored by God. This is either true or it isn't!

Christians who believe it to be God's Word, completely true, say that the Bible has all of the answers for life. It either does or it doesn't!

All I know is a manual for my Mazda either is written by someone who knows my car or it isn't. If I conclude that it is written by someone who knows my car, then it either holds all of the answers I need in dealing with my car or it doesn't.

The proof is in the application of that book to my car. If I look for information in the book and find it true and accurate, someone must know what they are talking about. If I am looking for instruction about my car and the book has all the information I need, then I must conclude that the book has the answers necessary for successful operation and care for my vehicle.

The same is true with your "faith". If you hold the Bible to be God's Word written to you holding all of the answers for life, then I must ask - what is your proof? Have you found the Bible to answer your problems? Have you found the Bible to be the final authority in your life?

If your answer is no, then I must ask this: Is it your premise that is off, or is it your conclusion?

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Connected Stories - Real Life

Billions of people living on a single planet, at first glance, that might be all we have in common. We think differently. We act differently. We eat different things. We value different things. We have different values, traditions, expectations, behaviors... and on the list goes.

Let's bring it down to a smaller scale.

Your hometown. We share similar patterns, similar concerns, similar beliefs, similar behavior, yet we are very different. How then are we to connect with one another?

Think of a computer motherboard. It is made up of hundreds of components - some similar, some very different, some large, some small, some almost invisible. It is made up of wires, transitors, fans, headers, connectors, sockets... hundreds of parts, only one objective!

There are not good parts and bad parts - there are only parts. There are many tasks, but only one objective. There are thousands of operations, but only one conclusion.

From Matthew 1, we see a list of very different people with very different lives - 28 generations of people. Yet we see the ultimate conclusion of their connectedness - the birth of Jesus. Their were adulterers, prostitutes, murderers, liars... and on it goes. God used their stories to bring us Jesus.

It is imperative that we understand we are connected to each other. Not by coincidence, not by default, but by the hand of God. We have a connection that goes beyond our own understanding. We are joined in a way that only the end of time will show exactly what the final picture looks like.

My encouragement to you - live a connected life! Purpose to find out how God is using you in the lives of others. When we realize the impact our existence has on others, we are inclined to live in a way that really matters - to focus on the eternal - to live beyond ourselves. Seek God, love others well.

A View From Mars Hill

What a view!! Standing where the apostle Paul once stood and shared with the people of Athens what it means to know the "unknown god". Four million people within eye-shot... it was an amazing site. I look forward to blogging a little about the trip to Greece - enjoy the view...

Off to Greece - September 21-30

Monday, September 21, we leave. Myself and a team of 8 other individuals are planning to minister in Greece. Here is our itinerary - we would appreciate your prayers.

Itinerary for Week of Sept 21 - 30, 2009

• Mon 21 - Depart Atlanta at 4:30 PM and arrive in Athens on Tuesday Sept 22^nd at 10:35 AM.
  

• Tue 22 - Arrival to Athens Greece/ Lunch Orientation at Cosmovision Center / Dinner 5:45 pm. “Refuge” ministry... Some songs, testimonies and an evangelistic message is expected. Return for over night at CVC

• Wed 23 - Visit of New Life ministry in the morning (Red light district ministry in which Dina Petrou is involved). Prayer walk. Launch and walk in Plaka. Participation in a church meeting, 1^st or 2^nd Evangelical Church. Dinner & overnight at CVC

• Thu 24 - Minister all day at Helping Hands. Soup kitchen reaching out to refugees. Dinner and overnight at CVC (Maybe make a visit to Cape Sounio)

• Fri 25 - Corinth all day dinner at CVC

• Sat 26 - Work day at Kalamos camp. Evening Panorama vision of mega city of Athens – Lykabitos Hill )

• Sun 27 - Worship in New Life Church Pastor Tim will preach and Argyris will translate him). Afternoon visit to Romanian Church. (Pastor Tim will preach and will be translated in Romanian)

• Mon 28 - Whole day Visit at Greek Bible Institute, minister at Chapel, Lunch GBI. Afternoon visit with Petrou family along with dinner.

• Tue 29 - Visit city of Athens/Come back to Cosmovision Center for a special Greek night withdinner (with some students of GBI for time of worship and fellowship).

• Wed 30 - The team will depart for the states with many wonderful memories of their time in Greece and a new love for the Greek Culture.

Pictures of Ugandan Children...

Short Video of Uganda #1

Thought for the Day

If...

The Bible is God's Word - why don't we just read it. Why do we spend so much time talking about it, explaining it, analyzing it, and so little time reading it, memorizing it, quoting it, etc.

I find it interesting that Jesus quotes scripture regularly. The writers of the New Testament quote the Old Testament 695 separate times (Jewish New Testament Publications, Jerusalem, 1989). And yet, it seems that we need to add more to it so people can "understand it" better.

Isn't that the work of the Holy Spirit? Doesn't the Word of God loose it's impact when mixed with the words of men? Maybe it isn't the Word of God that has lost it's impact on our world, but rather the words of men about God's Word that is falling on deaf ears?

The Bible warns that in the last days...

Men will have "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof"

"Silly women" will be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth"

People "will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

Each of these passages continues to encourage God's people be faithful to...

"Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine"

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

It seems to me that if we spend more time learning, reading, memorizing, sharing God's Word, and less time developing, teaching, recording our own opinions, that we would experience God's blessing in our world.

What do you think?

UGANDA: Hearing the Songs of Sadness

As you listen to this, you will hear beautiful harmony of children singing. Without any musical instrument, these children sang this song for us.

However, if you pay attention to the words, you will hear some very sad realities that these children deal with daily.

Did you catch it? The English accent makes it very difficult to catch. The song says...
"Come let us talk aboutgainst killing of humans, burning of schools and sacrifice of children..."
It is a call for adults to step up and give children a safe place to live.

When you start thinking that your life is difficult, remember to pray for these children who deal with murder, child sacrifice, robbery, rape, molestation... all addressed in this song.

UGANDA: A Hug From God

For over 15 years, God entrusted me with the responsibility to share truth with teenagers. At 12 years old, I knew God called me to ministry, and as years went by, God grew in my heart a love for teens.

Somewhere along the road, my eyes were taken off God, and became squarely centered on myself. God allowed me to travel down that path, and ultimately it ended in utter failure and misery. As a result, I was confident that He was done with me. I knew that He would never use me again - especially in the lives of teenagers.

However, on Saturday, August 8 , 2009, God gave me a huge hug and reminded me I was His. I had the distinct pleasure of talking with over 450 teenagers in Uganda, and sharing with them the truth of the Gospel. To make the experience even better, God gave me the privilege of fielding questions about the Bible, America, even Obama. It was a wonderful time of interacting with the age group that God has given me a burden for.

Again I can be used by God to share His love with teenagers. What a blessing!

UGANDA LESSONS: New Cultures are Strange

New Cultures are STRANGE

"How long do your winters last?" The question was posed by a young man at the Bugongi Secondary School. "Well, in America, they differ depending on the region. For instance, the Housers who live in New York and Karen Hawks who lives in Pennsylvania..." I turned to Dean and asked him the question. He replied, "from October through March." "However the Swaydens and the Nederhoff's live in the New Mexico desert, and their winter is..." Again, I turned for guidance. "About 3 months" was Randy's reply. "Our winter in Chattanooga is about the same as theirs." I replied.

The faces on the students were riddled with confusion. One young man spoke up. "Then what do you do for food?" Another asked, "What do you do, do you just sit at home?" As I fielded these questions by talking about shopping markets, inside jobs, snow shovels, snow plows, ranges of snowfall in the US, it dawned on me that other cultures are "strange" to everyone.

In other words, often we step out of our "culture" to investigate another, only to find their patterns, behaviors, food choices, weather, etc. are very different from ours, and think them to be "strange". What we fail to realize is that the "norm" is defined by the culture, and therefore what is normal to one culture is strange to another.

Cultural Differences and Christianity

This fleshes itself out in the culture of Christianity as well. If we surround ourself with the culture of the American church, with the culture of popular Christianity, with Christian youth culture, we develop an understanding of who God is, what God is doing, what God is all about, what Christianity is, etc. The danger is that the "norms" of our culture can begin to define God and Christianity. This is helpful in the fact that we can relate to others within our "culture", but it is harmful when it hinders reaching others from another culture.

Exploring Different Cultures

How do we keep ourselves from being strange to other cultures? Study their culture, and allow yours to be studied by others. Don't put a moral value on differences unless the Bible speaks directly for or against it. Different music styles, different worship methods, different means of relating... Just because it's "strange" to us does not mean it is wrong. It just means it needs to be explored.

For instance... different or wrong

• Ugandan men hold hands walking down the street
  
• The Ugandan church sang a welcome song everytime someone new showed up
• The Ugandan church accepted food as offering - then auctioned it off at the close of worship
• Some Ugandan people "bathe" together in the hot springs
• Ugandan (Anglican) worship was structured in a book - very patterned
• Ugandan worshippers gave gifts to people performing special music in church during their "performance"
  
• Ugandans expect you to take a gift with you when you visit their home

This is just a few of the unusual things I saw in Uganda - but interestingly enough (with the exception of the hand holding) these "strange" occurances were very easy to mold myself to. If I lived there long term though, I wonder if I would be inclined to change their culture to reflect my "norm".

How do you react to new cultures? What can you do to respond positively to "strange" cultures?

Solomy's Miracle

Just 8 months ago, this young lady crawled across the ground - George Miller saw her and had compassion on her. Now she is able to go to school and play with the other children.
It is amazing what God has done through George and AMG Sponsors.

Uganda - New Experiences...

Thank you for your prayers as we travelled to Uganda. God has given me many new experiences on my trip, and I would like to take this opportunity to record just a few...

- Stopping in Dubai - one of the worlds richest places
- 13 hour flight - never been in a plane that long
- Worshiping African Style - with much enthusiasm
- Hand washing my clothes in a tub
- Playing soccer barefoot in Africa
- Experiencing an African roadblock "rebellion"
- Sleeping in Mosquito Nets
- Eating Ugandan food - beans and rice - very bland
- Jogging in Uganda
- Painting using small trees (4-5' long) as roller sticks
- Worshiping in an Anglican Church - African Style
- Visiting people's homes - 1-2 room mud huts
- Ate Goat - cooked African Style
- Spoke to a group of 450+ boarding students
- Saw various animals in their normal habitat
- Preaching to half nude people
- Washing for a week from a knee high faucet - cold water only.

Overall it was a great trip - if you are interested in hearing more about any of the new experiences that I had, feel free to ask - I am sure I will be writing more in the near future.

Uganda - Experiencing African Time

"Hurry up, it's 6:30 and the bus is going to be here soon!" Sound familiar? Getting your children up and ready for school - screaming for them to get their lunch, their shoes, their bookbag, etc and hurry out the door.

Imagine if you would a culture where time is slowed way down. The schedule is determined by the people that have arrived, as opposed to a clock on the wall. Nine O'clock really means some time after nine. "We start at 10" really means " people generally get here around 10 and when everyone arrives we begin."

Yes, this place does exist - actually in many countries of the world! One of those places is Uganda. It was my pleasure to experience a timeless culture. People became a priority, schedules - not so much. Taking time to talk - to look into others eyes and hear what they were saying. Taking time to share - to visit with people and hear their stories.

I realize this cannot happen across the board here in America (at least not any time soon), however, I am determined to bring at least a little of this culture into my world. Why am I so busy? Why does the clock dictate what I do? How is it I waste time doing things that are meaningless and fruitless when people right around me are emotionally, spiritually, relationally wasting away?

Join me in a revolt - okay, maybe let's not take it that far. But turn off your TV. Turn off your computer. Put your cell phone, Ipod, DVD player, etc on hold and take time to relate to the people around you. Look in people's eyes. Hear their stories. Invite people into your home and just hang out with them. Go to other people's homes and spend time with them. We want this. WE NEED THIS!!

You don't have to go to Africa to experience African time - Do it in your home - Try it!!

Much to Learn

I am on the verge of heading off to Uganda - my first visit to Africa - and I realize that I have much to learn about international travel. I have been on long flights before - but this one will be the longest yet - 12 hours. I have the privilege of spending Friday evening in Dubai, and seeing one of the wealthiest places on the earth, followed by our trip to Uganda, one of the poorer places in the world. From amazement and wonder to depression and concern, I am getting ready to experience some huge sways in my emotions (assuming of course I have some).

I am praying that God would do an amazing work in my heart and life. I have much to learn about this world, but even more to learn about our amazing God.

I look forward to reporting what God has done upon my return.

Make a Difference...

I would like to introduce you to Harol - he is the young boy that my family sponsors. He lives in Lima, Peru and attends the AMG childcare center in Saul Cantoral. He will be 10 on October 10th (2 days after Harrison turns 10). He has 2 sisters (sounds familiar) and a best friend that he does everything with (like philison and Harrilip our joined at the hip son and his friend). He likes soccer and just hanging around with his friend.

I had the opportunity to see him while in Peru, and I was amazed at the similarities that he had with Harrison. Even to the expressions he gave to me as I interacted with him. I was moved by this young man, and was encouraged to pray for him (and his family), and motivated to help him as he moves through his school years.

Maybe you too can be a sponsor of a child, and maybe God would give you a connection that is beyond our understanding. AMG child sponsorship helps you to impact the lives of a family for only $28/month. The neat thing about AMG is that 95% of your gift goes directly to your child's care. Clothing, food, education and bible training are what your child will receive as a result of your financial gift. Encouragement, hope, love and another family are what your child will receive as a result of your personal involvement.

Make a difference in the life of a child - and who knows, maybe they will make a difference in your life as well.

Even the Rocks Cry Out...

"The grass is always greener...

I know you have heard this expression - it finishes normally with... "on the other side of the fence."

I like to say, "but you still have to mow it!" And with the fact that I really do not enjoy mowing my grass, the disdain in my voice emphasizes this fact.

The other day I heard a different response though, and I thought I would jot down a few notes about it. The statement started, "The grass is always greener..." but was finished with, "on the side that you water and fertilize the most." (I added the italicized words).

What a powerful and true statement. It is amazing to watch as people (including myself) look across the proverbial fence, see green grass, and then proceed to "take care" of that grass - to the demise of the grass you are standing on. The same amount of work and effort are needed on either side of the fence to keep the grass green and healthy, but for some reason, people work harder at the grass that is not theirs. Why do you suppose that is?

1. I think often the reward does not seem as profitable. "This relationship I am in now is dying, and there is just too much baggage. If I start working on a new one, it will produce what I want." Back to the facts, it may take more work in the beginning to "revive" the current relationship, but ultimately the work will be more satisfying, because it has a more "solid" foundation - the root structure is already in tact. It may be flawed, but it is there.

2. I think the work does not seem to be equal. If I am looking at a relationship that I am just beginning, especially when hormones are involved, "loving" the other person is so much easy. The problem is, real love is work. New relationships are filled with wonder, speculation, false assumptions... Real relationships are based on truth, knowledge, sacrifice... Which one seems like more work? However, ultimately new relationships become old relationships, and if they are to become "real" the work will need to be done!

Why do you think people chase the grass that looks greener?

What do I need God for?

Ever have one of those thoughts that you just can't get out of your head? Not long ago I was thinking about wealthy people who are well balanced. You know, not the ones that are not satisfied with what they have, but rather the ones that have much and are willing to share with others.

I was thinking, if I were talking with a moral, unselfish, others minded person of means, what would I use to help them see their need for Christ? I mean really, can Christ make their present life any better.

I found this chart and realized that apparently, that is thoughts of most "wealthy" people. "I have all that I want, I don't need God". It seems that the poorer a person is, the more they recognize their need for "religion".

Very briefly, here are some of my thoughts...

1. Spiritual poverty is a much greater problem than people know - we are not poor without Christ, we are completely, utterly destitute spiritually. It is imperative that we share the truth about our condition with all people - even those with money.

2. Asking this question is like asking an investor if they need their advisor when the markets are doing well. The real test of the financial advisor is what he provides when the markets are failing. Physical wealth can be lost in an instant, and if you are relying on your own financial status for joy, satisfaction, value in life, your foundation is very unstable.

3. The physical life of this world is only temporary - we need to keep an eternal mind when speaking of the value of Christ in a persons life. Yes, temporary pleasure, satisfaction and wealth are nice, but what of your soul?

So, how would you answer the question, "What do I need God for?"

IMPACT THE FUTURE

Have you seen the movie, "Push"? It is a sci-fi thriller that deals with psychic powers in people - it's an interesting movie, but I wouldn't give it rave reviews. HOWEVER, they make a statement in the beginning that I have to quote here. It goes like this.

"The good news is, the future is always changing, in the largest of ways, by the smallest of things."

They illustrate it visually with a marble, but the concept is constantly throughout the movie - small choices today make large impacts tomorrow.

Now I know this flies in the face of my theology - because I know all things are in God's hands and he orchestrates the future - but it also agrees with my theological anthropology in that man makes choices and those choices have consequences. ANYWAY...

Here is the thought for today. Your small choices - seemingly insignificant today - impact the future for yourself and others. Just like a drop in the pond causes ripples that grow, our choices (even private choices) affect the future.

The question is, how will your future be changed by your choices today. I remember a saying from years ago, "you will be who you are becoming".

Make wise choices, whether large or small, with a vision for the future, and change this world!

More Lessons from Peru

So I have a problem staying on the path...Yeah, I know, no surprise to you. I was warned by a friend before taking this job - the job description said "able to follow directions, does not blaze your own trail". He told me that I would have a problem with that.

Anyway, as we walked across the Andes Mountains, we followed many paths, climbed various rock formations, walked through muddy terrain, even trudged through some green goop - not exactly sure what it was, but I jumped from rock to rock to avoid having to stand in it. As this group of 14 individuals trekked through the mountains, we were constantly reminded to stay on the path. We might have been walking on other people's property, or through an area that would not be safe to walk through, so we each reminded the other to stay true to the path.

However... (you knew it was coming) we ran across this little stream, and I needed to know how cold the water was - it was run off from the snow on the mountain. Sure enough, I stepped on the first rock, it wiggled. So I moved to the next rock, and it turned completely over - yes, I was instantly soaked (my foot that is, I am not dumb enough to fall completely in the water). The water was cold, I mean COLD!! Felt good though, because we had been hiking for a couple of hours and it was about 70 degrees outside. It made for an interesting afternoon hike as my soggy shoe and I finished the hike for the day.

All of this to say, lesson learned - stay on the path and life will be easier (and drier). Stray from the path, and you never know what you might be stepping in.

Simple life lesson... you know I'll be learning this one again!!

Hoard or Hold... Which do you do?

I spent the weekend with a friend of mine that is very well off. This couple has a beautiful house here in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a wonderful waterside house located in Flagler, Florida. They have a boat and a number of other toys that make visiting them in Florida a lot of fun. My kids, and my brother Dom, had a great time.

The coolest part about this couple is that they are very giving. No, I would not recommend that you stop by their house for a free handout, that is not what I am referring to. They hold their "wealth" very loosely. In other words, they control their money and their possessions, the money and possessions do not control them.

I do need you to know that my friend works very hard for his money (although again it is not the money he works for), even though if you ask him he will tell you it was just dumb luck. He works to give his family the things he wants them to have, and then shares what he has with others. For instance, that house I mentioned in Florida, we stayed for the weekend basically free of charge. And from what I understand, they have a large group coming down next weekend, and they just had people leave the weekend before we arrived.

Here is briefly what I learn from them...

1. Money/Wealth is not their god, so they are free to share with others.
2. Because they share, God has blessed them with plenty (not to say he doesn't work for it, but we all know just because you work hard doesn't mean you make the money).
3. They are very thrifty with what they do have because they understand the value of saving.

Many of us have seen the other side, and I just want to quickly address this because it is floating around in my head.

People that hoard money/possessions fall into 2 categories.

1. They have very little and they try to hold on to what they have, always wanting more.
2. They have means but cannot enjoy it because they are to busy protecting it/gaining more.

People that hold their money with open hands fall into 2 categories.

1. People that have very little and enjoy the simple things of life.
2. People that have means and enjoy helping other people, giving to others, making others happy.

Where do you fall in relation to your finances??

How far removed is humilty from arrogance?

A frisbee. That's all, a frisbee. What to most American kids is a toy that they are familiar with from youth the kids in Peru responded to as if it were a strange item. We pulled out two frisbees and started throwing them around. The kids would send them back, most of the time rolling on the ground. However, inevitably one of the kids would understand how it worked, and would be able to pass the frisbee with some semblance of accuracy.

It is at this point that I learn the distance between humility and pride... you see, I was able to watch as fairly "humble" kids became "skilled" in the throwing of a disc, and amazingly they were transformed into "proud" experts as they mocked the others, or laughed at others that could not pick up the skill quite so readily.

Enter the Spirit of God... As I pondered this "advancement" in the lives of these kids, I realized that the road from humility of service to arrogance of heart isn't much of a road at all. As a matter of fact, one could argue that they are neighbors sharing a similar front door.

I started out caring for kids, playing with kids, wishing I could share more with them verbally, and after a few accolades from my colleagues, I can easily become more interested in my influence on the kids, the "great" ability I have to work with kids, the talent that I have in relating to children... The origin of the activity very much the same, but the heart of humility is easily swayed to arrogance and pride.

How about you? Have you noticed your tendency to seek the glory that belongs to God - even when you are ministering to others on His behalf? I'd appreciate your prayers on this one, it is definitely a struggle for me.

Thermostat for a Healthy Prayer Life

On our second day in Peru, we discussed prayer. We found ourselves looking into the prayer life of Daniel, and thought about his patterns of prayer. We mentioned the similarities with Daniel's 3 times a day to the Muslims' 5 times a day, and the wheels of my mind began turning...

Is a prayer regiment essential or just recommended? What influence does prayer have on a person? on God? Why did Daniel need to pray 3 times a day? or did he pray more?

As we talked, I thought back to the book "Soul Revolution" that I had finished just a few weeks earlier. The premise of the book is that we need to focus on God more in order for our soul to be changed. The author recommended a 60/60 experiment which basically stopping every 60 minutes of every day for 60 days to refocus yourself on God. The idea is that if you begin to develop the pattern of keeping short tabs with God, that intimacy with Him will follow.

I find it interesting that the more self reliant I am, and the more independent of others (and God) I seek to be, the less I will find that I need to pray or talk with God. The amazing part is that self reliance and independence are illusions! When we realize the depth of our need for our Savior, and the frailty of our humanness apart from a God that is all powerful, we cannot help but run to Him regularly. WE NEED HIM. As Americans, and ultimately humans, this flies in the face of our own reliance on ourselves - it is okay to want God, but to need Him is going a little too far.

Well, back to the questions at hand... Structured prayer times are important, but constant prayer is essential. Prayer influences my desire to be self sufficient - reminding me that I am not, and it influences our God to "remind" Him that we need Him for every aspect of our lives. As to Daniel, I only know for certain what the Word records, but with the powerful way he lived his life, and with the amazing things God did on his behalf, I am sure that his prayer time was not limited to 3 times a day.

What about your prayer life???

Early Lessons... from Young People

Joshiama, Hosea, Kenji, Joel, David, and Oliver (imaged in this photo from left to right) were my buddies my first day, evening and next morning. We were not camped long before Joel (yellow shirt) made his way over to me, and before long we were tossing a tennis ball around. You can see Hosea looking like he is blowing something - I just gave them all peices of red licorice, and taught them to bite off both sides and blow air through it. (Minutes later I was swarmed by this group of boys blowing in my face through licorice straws). We played soccer, wiffleball, throwing a tennis ball, tag - even freeze tag (you should have seen me trying to teach them that one - since all I could do is mime the rules of playing). It is amazing what you can learn from a bunch of kids...

1. Communication does not always require speaking, but sometimes speaking helps. Facial expressions, body language, sounds, motions, etc. was basically the way we communicated. They spoke Quetchuan, I spoke English, and we all knew just enough spanish to be dangerous - but not enough to talk. However, they did teach me some basic words... Darchi (sit), Sharchi (stand), Alceesh (old), Gordo (fat), Consado (tired)... (I guess you can imagine why I learned those last three words - yes, I am getting to be an old, tired, fat guy). It was amazing what a few words did. We could communicate by talking - it was fun. God gave me his word, and I need to value it as much so that I can worship not only by emotion, music, or expression, but also by talking in the language of the Father. I am confident that will be much more "fun".

2. Selfishness is ingrained in the heart of a child. Of course we know that the scripture says this, but it is amazing when you go to another culture. The kids have very little, and are not taught by the television that there is so much more out there and they need to have it. Yet when the toys and "caramello" (candy) come out, they are concerned about 1 person. Themselves! It just reminded me that the truths of the Bible apply to all people - we are selfish by nature. Which leads me to the final thought for today...

3. Our pressing to get what we want may deter God from giving. I had a bunch of candy... a bunch of candy. We as a group had hundreds of pounds of toys. We had every desire to give the kids more than they could have wanted... yet we found ourselves withholding because they were not satisfied with what they had received - AND - were constantly asking for more. It made me think of the graciousness of our God, and the multitude of blessings He would love to bestow on us. However, our lack of thankfulness, our pursuit of more from Him might cause Him to withold the blessings he desires to shower us with.

Just a thought for the day... young people from another culture becoming my theological instructors... Interesting...

Have a Coke and a Smile...

I know, it's not much of a smile, but it's the best I can do. This picture was taken in Peru, halfway between Lima and Huaraz. At this point, I was still wondering what this week was going to hold. We had arrived in Lima in the late afternoon, took a shuttle to our hotel, bedded down for the night, and at the point of this picture, had already begun half of the 8 hour bus ride the following day. I knew I was in for something, but I had no idea what it was.

Two things were impressed on me as I crossed the seas to this new culture.

1. Simplicity breeds contentment. As we watched people living "slower" lives, with less opportunity for distraction, they seemed to be satisfied with so little, and enjoyed the "finer" things of life - like relationships with others. People sitting down on the side of the road, watching the world go by. People talking over meal tables and hanging out with family. Seemed much slower and comfortable. You know, have a coke and a smile... relax!

2. People come in a variety of shapes, colors, designs, etc. which showed me the creativity of our God. However, at their basic core, people are so similar. You watch parents love their children. You see rules and regulations defining what is and is not okay. As we crossed into this new culture, it was imperative that we find out what the social norms are so that we could adjust to meet their expectations. In light of recent things I have been reading - you know, the blogs about the proofs that God does not exist - the variety yet the similarity of people was for me a very plausible defense for the existence of a loving, artistic, wise creator. Say what you will, our God exists, and His creation defends that truth every day.

Well there is much more to write, but that will come another day. So, sit back, enjoy your creator, and "have a coke and a smile..."

Lessons from Peru (introduction)

I have had the privilege of being in Peru since last Thursday and will be here until Monday. The purpose of the trip is for missions to the Quetchuan, the children in the Huaraz children´s center, and to minister to the kids in the children´s center in Lima.

As with any missions trip, many lessons are being learned, and I look forward to sharing them over the next few blogs. Each day I am recording lessons that I am learning, along with ideas for future blog sessions. International travel gives me much to think about, as I step away from my normal patterns, culture, and comforts. I will be recording some of these thoughts over the next few days (after I return - unless I get access to a computer in Lima).

Many have prayed for us (the team) and our families, and I appreciate those prayers. God has given us great opportunities, and I believe only in eternity will we know the fruit of the work that God is doing here.

Blind Faith???

I know you have heard it said that justice is blind. It would be nice if that were completely true. We all know stories of people that have somehow been judged incorrectly, or intentionally broadsided by those who have the responsibility to judge fairly. Whether in a courtroom battle, or just in a ball field skirmish, justice is not always blindly determined.

It is also not true that faith is blind. Ignorance allows for someone to blindly follow what they do not know, but faith does not. Let me state that another way. Someone may say they have "faith", but if it is indefensible, or one chooses to ignore the necessity for the defense of truth, it is not "blind faith", but rather ignorance, or lazy ignorance.

I have recently been following the writings of Daniel Florien in his blog - unreasonablefaith.com. It intrigues me because this man seems to be very intelligent, and willing to hear defenses for almost anything, but he has concluded that there is no god. As Christians seek to "wrestle" with him using their words, he rightly concludes that there is little they have to say. I keep reading to see if someone can/will stand for truth, but most follow his arguements, allow for his assumptions, and limply strike at his defenses.

I would like to encourage us as Christians to know the word of God, to know the work of Christ, to be able to defend truth, without waivering. That will require a lot of work, and a confidence that what we are defending is true. Daniel says he is looking with eyes wide open, and I commend him for that. We must be able to "give an answer" for anyone, including Daniel.

Fanatic or Just Plain Crazy???

It's 9:30 on Friday Night at Chattanooga's Riverbend, Willie Nelson is just stepping out on the stage, and I am about 200 yards from him. If we were the only 2 people there, I could use a megaphone, and I am confident he still would not hear me. He looked like he was 2 inches tall standing on Riverbend's Coca Cola Stage on the Tennessee River.

Now I am not a real fan of Willie Nelson. I was at Riverbend to support some friends in the Sheriff's department.

However, the little ole' lady right behind me was there for Willie only. When he walked out on the stage, the whooping and hollering started. "WHOOOOOOHHH, WILLLIIIIIIEEEEE" She would yell in a coarse base voice. He would start a song and she would dance and sing along. Her 5 foot, 60+ year old frame swaying off beat, as she sang as loud as she could the words of his songs. Right next to her was another woman, obviously enamoured with Willie, as she did not take her eyes of the 25' screens that his image was displayed on. I mean she was focused!! She was probably early 40's, but she looked like she was watching her best friend perform. "WHOOOOOOHHH, WILLLIIIIIIEEEEE" the old lady would yell, and the younger lady would just smile and continue watching the screen. They didn't care what anyone else said or did (except for when I stepped in front of the old lady - "Sir, Sir, could you please move, I can't see Willie.")

I had to ask myself, are these ladies crazy?? After all, he is a musician. He plays music. Sings songs. That's it! He doesn't even know that they are there - amongst the 100+ thousand people on the riverfront. As a matter of fact, it doesn't even look like he cares. He addresses the crowd twice, neither time for more that 5 seconds, and awaiting no reply, moves into his next song. He was obviously impared, but he could still sing, so he did.

In a world where we are encouraged to hold very little that imporant in our lives, it was interesting to see with what passion and focus these women held to a musician that didn't even care about them.

Let me ask you - what are you willing to be "crazy" about? While others look on and are baffled by your dedication, what are you "trying to see"? What are you a "fan" of?