"Yet we are the carriers of the gospel-the good news that was meant to change the world. Belief is not enough. Worship is not enough. Personal morality is not enough. And Christian fellowship is not enough. God has always demanded more. When we committed our lives to following Christ, we also committed to living in such a way that a watching world would catch a glimpse of God's character- His love, justice, and mercy- through our words, actions, and behavior." -Richard Stearns, President of World Vision and author of The Hole in Our Gospel
In my office, I was able to pick a verse to go on my wall and this is the one I chose:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Every day when I walk in my office I will be reminded that NO MATTER how hard it gets, no matter how frustrated I become, I will never stop what I am doing. Because if I do, who then, will tell the kids all about their loving and powerful Savior?
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believed, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16
we were not meant to be quiet missionaries. Live your life out loud. Let Christ exude from your actions. Let the world see Christ rather than yourself. That's the point. Do you see? We do good because Christ was good. We take care of others because Christ took care of others. We share the gospel because that's what Christ did.
How will you take part? This new year I ask each of you to think about partnering with me as I continue my work at Family Legacy. Monthly gifts of $10, $25, or $50 are such a blessing. If you can't support monthly, but still want to give, one-time gifts are so appreciated. Follow this link to see my support page:
href="https://donate.familylegacy.com/sslpage.aspx?pid=382"
Your gifts not only make a difference in my life, but they make an eternal impact in the lives of the over 2,000 children that are in our sponsorship program. Without you, I wouldn't be able to be directly involved in their lives.
Thank you to those who have already taken part prayerfully or financially. You have blessed me more than you know!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful.
Every year in Zambia we are able to give tennis shoes to all the kids in our groups. It's been such a blessing to my boys who will come back the next year wearing the same shoes I gave them the year before. These shoes mean the world to them. They may be the only pair they've ever had in their entire lives. Most of them wear these plastic slip on sandals instead because they are more affordable.
Week 7 of camp this year, we were finding that there was a shortage of the middle aged boys shoes. Exactly the sizes I would be needing. We had a back up plan though, somebody had donated thousands upon thousands of crocs. Now, to Zambians, crocs are considered cheap. They are made of plastic, just like the shoes they wear because they can't get anything better. Because we didn't have enough tennis shoes, we had to mix the crocs and shoes that week. Meaning, one kid in your group may get air forces and the next get a nice pair of bright blue crocs. This caused a lot of grumbling, crying, pouting, arguing, and flat out bad attitudes. The kids had forgotten that these shoes were a GIFT from God. They began to expect the shoes rather than be thankful for something that was given to them.
Finally, it was my turn to give shoes. My boys were so excited and one by one I was able to give them ALL air force ones. It was amazing. Until Alick. He unfortunately had the smallest feet of my group and they didn't have his size. When I gave him the crocs, he smiled from ear to ear and ran to go show off his new shoes. What a relief. Only one boy had to get crocs, but it seemed to be turning out just fine.
When we went outside and everybody was inspecting each others shoes, Alick realized he was the only one with the plastic shoes. All of a sudden he began to complain that his shoes didn't fit him and he needed a new pair. My heart broke for him because I wanted so badly to give him what he wanted, but I knew that I couldn't do that. So I reminded him that these shoes were hand picked for him and that they are the perfect fit.
Right before we loaded the buses to head into the communities, Alick came up to me and apologized for not liking his shoes. He said, "I love them! God gave me shoes and they were a gift. They are good to me!" I hugged him so tightly and praised Jesus for Alick's amazing attitude. We spent the rest of the afternoon evangelizing to the people of their communities and when we were done, again Alick came to tell me something. He said, "My friends made fun of me for having plastic shoes today, but I told them that I loved them! They may not be good for them, but they are so good for me. God gave me these shoes and so I love them!"
What an example. He may not have gotten the "best" shoes according to the standards of others, but he knew that his were absolutely meant for him. I know God gave them to Alick for a reason. He humbly accepted his gift and appreciated his shoes for the blessing that they were. In turn, every single one of my boys were taught a lesson of gratitude.
Hezekiah Walker says it well:
I am grateful for the things that You have done
I am grateful for the victories we've won
I could go on and on about your works
Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise You Lord.
Week 7 of camp this year, we were finding that there was a shortage of the middle aged boys shoes. Exactly the sizes I would be needing. We had a back up plan though, somebody had donated thousands upon thousands of crocs. Now, to Zambians, crocs are considered cheap. They are made of plastic, just like the shoes they wear because they can't get anything better. Because we didn't have enough tennis shoes, we had to mix the crocs and shoes that week. Meaning, one kid in your group may get air forces and the next get a nice pair of bright blue crocs. This caused a lot of grumbling, crying, pouting, arguing, and flat out bad attitudes. The kids had forgotten that these shoes were a GIFT from God. They began to expect the shoes rather than be thankful for something that was given to them.
Finally, it was my turn to give shoes. My boys were so excited and one by one I was able to give them ALL air force ones. It was amazing. Until Alick. He unfortunately had the smallest feet of my group and they didn't have his size. When I gave him the crocs, he smiled from ear to ear and ran to go show off his new shoes. What a relief. Only one boy had to get crocs, but it seemed to be turning out just fine.
When we went outside and everybody was inspecting each others shoes, Alick realized he was the only one with the plastic shoes. All of a sudden he began to complain that his shoes didn't fit him and he needed a new pair. My heart broke for him because I wanted so badly to give him what he wanted, but I knew that I couldn't do that. So I reminded him that these shoes were hand picked for him and that they are the perfect fit.
Right before we loaded the buses to head into the communities, Alick came up to me and apologized for not liking his shoes. He said, "I love them! God gave me shoes and they were a gift. They are good to me!" I hugged him so tightly and praised Jesus for Alick's amazing attitude. We spent the rest of the afternoon evangelizing to the people of their communities and when we were done, again Alick came to tell me something. He said, "My friends made fun of me for having plastic shoes today, but I told them that I loved them! They may not be good for them, but they are so good for me. God gave me these shoes and so I love them!"
What an example. He may not have gotten the "best" shoes according to the standards of others, but he knew that his were absolutely meant for him. I know God gave them to Alick for a reason. He humbly accepted his gift and appreciated his shoes for the blessing that they were. In turn, every single one of my boys were taught a lesson of gratitude.
Hezekiah Walker says it well:
I am grateful for the things that You have done
I am grateful for the victories we've won
I could go on and on about your works
Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise You Lord.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
This little light of mine.
This weekend I was inspired.
On Thursday, I was inspired by Chuck Madden. I've known Chuck since June and from day 1 I knew God had ordained us to meet. He has taught me so much more about what our relationship with Christ should look like than any other person. I am inspired through his actions. Yearly, he reads through the entire Bible. Daily, he memorizes scripture. He taught me that it isn't a matter of if you can or cannot, but rather if you do or do not want to. So, I choose to do it. I choose to push myself to know more about God because I want to and because I can.
On Friday, I was inspired by a man from Liberia, Olu Menjay. He said everyday his mission is to try. Olu has overcome obstacles far more terrifying than neither you nor I could ever imagine. The fate of his life rested on his answer to one question. Was he related to Harrison Menjay? As divine intervention would have it, the guard knew his father and was set free because of the good man his father was. He has gone back to Liberia after getting an education in the states and has helped get Ricks Institute to be the brightest light in primary and secondary education in all of Liberia.
Saturday morning, I was inspired by the yellow and orange trees, I was inspired by the crisp November air, and I was inspired by the peacefulness of the lake. That morning I was able to rest and relax in presence of God's beauty. It was an overwhelming thought that God planned that exact morning just for me. He ordered His most vibrant colors and the most perfect temperature just for me. I didn't have my camera with me, but I'm convinced that a photo wouldn't have done it justice at all.
Saturday evening, I was inspired by a woman named Georgia. I spoke to her about Zambia and the precious little babies that are just yearning to know the love of Jesus by His faithful servants who heard the calling and accepted. She listened to my whole speech and I could see in her eyes that she got it. But then she surprised me. She told me that she wished she could go, but she knew that God had already called her to take care of her parents who need 24/7 attention. As we talked, I reminded her that God will reward her for her obedience and what she is doing is very much a mission. She then went on to reveal to me that she can never be a mom, but that she works for a daycare and has 15 little 3 year olds in her class. How obvious it was, God has already made her a mom! She has 15 little cuties that she gets to take care of everyday! I told her I had 15 kids too, in Zambia. I was inspired by Georgia's faithfulness and obedience.
Later last night, I was blessed to see Addison Road and Shane and Shane perform. I was inspired by the harmony of Shane and Shane's voices. How perfectly they fit together. I was inspired by the LIGHT that Addison Road so brightly shines as they spoke about their belief that we are all called to reach out and do something.
All of these people are following God's plan. They shined their lights out to others and I know for a fact that I am not the only one who has been impacted by them. That is what it's all about.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16
This Little Light by Addison Road. Listen and be inspired too.
On Thursday, I was inspired by Chuck Madden. I've known Chuck since June and from day 1 I knew God had ordained us to meet. He has taught me so much more about what our relationship with Christ should look like than any other person. I am inspired through his actions. Yearly, he reads through the entire Bible. Daily, he memorizes scripture. He taught me that it isn't a matter of if you can or cannot, but rather if you do or do not want to. So, I choose to do it. I choose to push myself to know more about God because I want to and because I can.
On Friday, I was inspired by a man from Liberia, Olu Menjay. He said everyday his mission is to try. Olu has overcome obstacles far more terrifying than neither you nor I could ever imagine. The fate of his life rested on his answer to one question. Was he related to Harrison Menjay? As divine intervention would have it, the guard knew his father and was set free because of the good man his father was. He has gone back to Liberia after getting an education in the states and has helped get Ricks Institute to be the brightest light in primary and secondary education in all of Liberia.
Saturday morning, I was inspired by the yellow and orange trees, I was inspired by the crisp November air, and I was inspired by the peacefulness of the lake. That morning I was able to rest and relax in presence of God's beauty. It was an overwhelming thought that God planned that exact morning just for me. He ordered His most vibrant colors and the most perfect temperature just for me. I didn't have my camera with me, but I'm convinced that a photo wouldn't have done it justice at all.
Saturday evening, I was inspired by a woman named Georgia. I spoke to her about Zambia and the precious little babies that are just yearning to know the love of Jesus by His faithful servants who heard the calling and accepted. She listened to my whole speech and I could see in her eyes that she got it. But then she surprised me. She told me that she wished she could go, but she knew that God had already called her to take care of her parents who need 24/7 attention. As we talked, I reminded her that God will reward her for her obedience and what she is doing is very much a mission. She then went on to reveal to me that she can never be a mom, but that she works for a daycare and has 15 little 3 year olds in her class. How obvious it was, God has already made her a mom! She has 15 little cuties that she gets to take care of everyday! I told her I had 15 kids too, in Zambia. I was inspired by Georgia's faithfulness and obedience.
Later last night, I was blessed to see Addison Road and Shane and Shane perform. I was inspired by the harmony of Shane and Shane's voices. How perfectly they fit together. I was inspired by the LIGHT that Addison Road so brightly shines as they spoke about their belief that we are all called to reach out and do something.
All of these people are following God's plan. They shined their lights out to others and I know for a fact that I am not the only one who has been impacted by them. That is what it's all about.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16
This Little Light by Addison Road. Listen and be inspired too.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
You have been called.
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished." Acts 4:13
We, much like Peter and John, are uneducated, common men. We have no title or ranking. We have no birth rights making us superior to others, but do we not see Peter's example? So how can we ever give the excuse that we couldn't possibly speak up when proclaiming God's name to others? How could we possibly think that it's not important to step up in boldness? How could we possibly think that it's ever ok to not share the truth we know?
So here's the truth. There are a million children orphaned in Zambia right now. They're living without homes, food, clothes, and parents. That's one million little hearts that have been broken because they have been abandoned and forgotten about. Do you hear?
Here's even more truth. Those kids, the ones that the rest of the world discarded, God has a plan for them. They are heirs to His kingdom. They are royalty by blood-- The blood Jesus shed because God so boldly loved us.
Friends, you have been called.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
It is written, every single one of you has been called. So be bold. Step out. Speak up. Gather friends. Reach others. Love fully. Answer the calling.
We, much like Peter and John, are uneducated, common men. We have no title or ranking. We have no birth rights making us superior to others, but do we not see Peter's example? So how can we ever give the excuse that we couldn't possibly speak up when proclaiming God's name to others? How could we possibly think that it's not important to step up in boldness? How could we possibly think that it's ever ok to not share the truth we know?
So here's the truth. There are a million children orphaned in Zambia right now. They're living without homes, food, clothes, and parents. That's one million little hearts that have been broken because they have been abandoned and forgotten about. Do you hear?
Here's even more truth. Those kids, the ones that the rest of the world discarded, God has a plan for them. They are heirs to His kingdom. They are royalty by blood-- The blood Jesus shed because God so boldly loved us.
Friends, you have been called.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
It is written, every single one of you has been called. So be bold. Step out. Speak up. Gather friends. Reach others. Love fully. Answer the calling.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Our works verify our faith.
"God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has he said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?" Numbers 23:19
This week I'm learning a lot about faith. I just joined an "organic" community group at Watermark. It's organic because we put it together ourselves. Whoop for meeting new friends through the summer and coming together to keep each other accountable. We decided to start our group off by reading through the book of Acts. What better way to dig down deep? Anyways we're up to chapter 3, but something in 2 really struck a chord with me.
2:37-- "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart."
To give you some context, Peter is preaching to the people who have gathered together. He spoke of Jesus and the promise He has for the people who believe in the One who sent Him. He spoke of the people who denied Him and crucified Him. Finally, their ears were opened and they were burdened with what they had done. The Bible says they were cut to the heart. Other versions say they were pricked in heart, and even that their hearts were pierced.
What did it take? It took Jesus dying and then Peter, who had denied Jesus in the past, to speak publicly about Christ.
As for me, what will it take? Jesus already died for me. I already know the Truth He came to share. Shouldn't this be the part where my heart is pierced? Shouldn't I be repenting right now? Instead, I continually crucify Christ when I don't believe that He can take care of me. Or how about when I cling to what little money I do have and give the excuse of I need it to pay bills. So what, maybe I do. Oh ye of little faith. Have I forgotten that God blesses those that lend to the poor? I need to stop hiding behind the excuse that I am the poor. Look at what the Bible says next:
2:45--"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need."
That's it. They figured it out. They have faith in God and their actions reflect that faith. They need nothing else.
This morning at church, I heard something that resonated with me. Listen here, if you wait until your schedule clears to help others or until you have enough money to give some away, you'll always be waiting. God WILL provide.
Trust Him and show your faith.
This week I'm learning a lot about faith. I just joined an "organic" community group at Watermark. It's organic because we put it together ourselves. Whoop for meeting new friends through the summer and coming together to keep each other accountable. We decided to start our group off by reading through the book of Acts. What better way to dig down deep? Anyways we're up to chapter 3, but something in 2 really struck a chord with me.
2:37-- "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart."
To give you some context, Peter is preaching to the people who have gathered together. He spoke of Jesus and the promise He has for the people who believe in the One who sent Him. He spoke of the people who denied Him and crucified Him. Finally, their ears were opened and they were burdened with what they had done. The Bible says they were cut to the heart. Other versions say they were pricked in heart, and even that their hearts were pierced.
What did it take? It took Jesus dying and then Peter, who had denied Jesus in the past, to speak publicly about Christ.
As for me, what will it take? Jesus already died for me. I already know the Truth He came to share. Shouldn't this be the part where my heart is pierced? Shouldn't I be repenting right now? Instead, I continually crucify Christ when I don't believe that He can take care of me. Or how about when I cling to what little money I do have and give the excuse of I need it to pay bills. So what, maybe I do. Oh ye of little faith. Have I forgotten that God blesses those that lend to the poor? I need to stop hiding behind the excuse that I am the poor. Look at what the Bible says next:
2:45--"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need."
That's it. They figured it out. They have faith in God and their actions reflect that faith. They need nothing else.
This morning at church, I heard something that resonated with me. Listen here, if you wait until your schedule clears to help others or until you have enough money to give some away, you'll always be waiting. God WILL provide.
Trust Him and show your faith.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
There will be chills.
so this past week it's been all banquet all the time. Getting to work at 9am and staying past 11. Why?
All for the Glory of God.
This banquet is not about me. It's not about staff or the things we have done to put it together. It's about God and the love He has for His children. It's about taking care of them. It's about being God's hands when my boys need a hand to hold. It's about being His feet when they need a friend to race them. It's about being His arms to carry the sacks of food He freely gives.
The stories that will be told at this banquet are going to be mind blowing. Greer likes to keep things a surprise, but from what I do know, I'll tell you this: There will be chills.
And so in anticipation of Saturday night I'll leave you with a short story of my boys. It's just a sweet story of their love for me. As we're in the communities, sometimes we have to jump big rocks and over holes and through some bushes. Now, if you're Zambian this is no big deal. They fly over the holes with the all the ease in the world. But if you're American.. sometimes it's not so easy. It takes a running start to jump rocks. It takes extra effort to climb them. And it takes a few more hands to find the path through the bushes. Praise Jesus I have boys who love me to death because I think every time we came up to a hole all of them stopped to help me over it. I think all of them were willing to push me up hills. Every single one of them helped me balance when walking on narrow paths.
As much as I try to take care of them, they are doing the exact same thing for me. Oh my heart. It breaks to not be with them, but I know that the reunion will be even sweeter than before!
All for the Glory of God.
This banquet is not about me. It's not about staff or the things we have done to put it together. It's about God and the love He has for His children. It's about taking care of them. It's about being God's hands when my boys need a hand to hold. It's about being His feet when they need a friend to race them. It's about being His arms to carry the sacks of food He freely gives.
The stories that will be told at this banquet are going to be mind blowing. Greer likes to keep things a surprise, but from what I do know, I'll tell you this: There will be chills.
And so in anticipation of Saturday night I'll leave you with a short story of my boys. It's just a sweet story of their love for me. As we're in the communities, sometimes we have to jump big rocks and over holes and through some bushes. Now, if you're Zambian this is no big deal. They fly over the holes with the all the ease in the world. But if you're American.. sometimes it's not so easy. It takes a running start to jump rocks. It takes extra effort to climb them. And it takes a few more hands to find the path through the bushes. Praise Jesus I have boys who love me to death because I think every time we came up to a hole all of them stopped to help me over it. I think all of them were willing to push me up hills. Every single one of them helped me balance when walking on narrow paths.
As much as I try to take care of them, they are doing the exact same thing for me. Oh my heart. It breaks to not be with them, but I know that the reunion will be even sweeter than before!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Find your Calcutta.
This very minute, it is the middle of the night for my precious boys. I wish I could say they were tucked into their comfy beds, with a mother's love warming their bodies from the room next door. But the truth is, they don't have beds. The truth is, the don't have houses big enough to have rooms. The truth is, the don't have mothers.
The first time I met them, back in 2008, they were what we call "the walking dead." They were lifeless. Their eyes were empty and hollow. BUT I knew that I was sent there that year to show them the life they were always meant to have. They didn't trust me at first because they had no reason to. Nobody in their entire lives had ever taken the time to earn their trust. So I started from the beginning. And I poured every ounce of love onto them until I was physically and emotionally exhausted. In return, I got hugs that were so tight that my insides were undoubtedly squished. I held hands for so long that I had to run along side of the bus because they wouldn't let go as they were leaving. I got tears from young men who were taught to never show emotion.
Year by year I kept going back because the Lord kept telling me His work wasn't done. I became employed by Family Legacy this year because He needed me to give more than just a few weeks to the place He has called me to.
This year when I asked my boys what they wanted to be when they grow up, do you know what they said? They wanted to work for Family Legacy too. I've loved these boys for 2 full years now, but God, He's loved them for an eternity. He only used me to be a tangible image of that love. And now there is an evident glow deep inside each of their souls that radiates out to others as they shine the Light.
Mother Teresa dedicated her life to the people that the rest of the world has forgotten about. She cared for the lepers and the widows and the destitute in Calcutta. She gave her life to Christ, and therefore devoted her life to the people who have been outcasted by worldly standards.
She always said, "Calcuttas are everywhere if only we have eyes to see. Find your Calcutta."
Friends, go seek your own Calcutta. It may be across the world, or maybe just across the street. Go and pursue it.
The first time I met them, back in 2008, they were what we call "the walking dead." They were lifeless. Their eyes were empty and hollow. BUT I knew that I was sent there that year to show them the life they were always meant to have. They didn't trust me at first because they had no reason to. Nobody in their entire lives had ever taken the time to earn their trust. So I started from the beginning. And I poured every ounce of love onto them until I was physically and emotionally exhausted. In return, I got hugs that were so tight that my insides were undoubtedly squished. I held hands for so long that I had to run along side of the bus because they wouldn't let go as they were leaving. I got tears from young men who were taught to never show emotion.
Year by year I kept going back because the Lord kept telling me His work wasn't done. I became employed by Family Legacy this year because He needed me to give more than just a few weeks to the place He has called me to.
This year when I asked my boys what they wanted to be when they grow up, do you know what they said? They wanted to work for Family Legacy too. I've loved these boys for 2 full years now, but God, He's loved them for an eternity. He only used me to be a tangible image of that love. And now there is an evident glow deep inside each of their souls that radiates out to others as they shine the Light.
Mother Teresa dedicated her life to the people that the rest of the world has forgotten about. She cared for the lepers and the widows and the destitute in Calcutta. She gave her life to Christ, and therefore devoted her life to the people who have been outcasted by worldly standards.
She always said, "Calcuttas are everywhere if only we have eyes to see. Find your Calcutta."
Friends, go seek your own Calcutta. It may be across the world, or maybe just across the street. Go and pursue it.
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