By the way, my Friday morning men's group, Engage, is something I look forward to every week, even though I get up at 0500 to make it there.
For all the guys in my group, THANK YOU for an amazing past 5 months. Knowing men of faith, integrity, and love for family has brought a new dimension of growth into my own life of Faith, Family, and Service. You will be missed over the summer but please stay in touch and be sure to continue in the fall.
You're my new brothers.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Reading, etc.
This week, I'm assembling our Team's medical group to determine what sort of supplies we'll need. In the past, teams have shipped disposables in checked luggage.
My latest read is Sun Stand Still by Steve Furtick; a fairly quick read having to do with "audacious faith" and is based on Joshua and his prayer to delay nightfall so the Israelite army could see their foes and defeat them. Highly recommended.
As my family and friends know, I usually have 4-5 books going at once (is this a problem?) and I'm still reading The Hole In Our Gospel, which is a current favorite. Richard Stearns' journey from atheist to CEO to CEO of World Vision is truly an amazing calling. Even more amazing are the inspiring stories of lives changed.
For example, one man has a congregation of 70 people that come to his house on stilts in Cambodia. People come from all over, and when a wedding is performed, "runners" go to neighboring villages to borrow a guitar! The journies take all day. Turns out the man was extremely suspicious of Christians until he acutally confronted one, asking why they were vaccinating people for TB.
It turns out that the Christian man stated that he "is a follower of Jesus Christ" and his mission is to show Christ's love through serving others. Their conversation continued and the future pastor accepted Christ then and there.
We have so many resources available to us, explaining what the Bible means. Any of us can visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or any other store and find thousands of books on Christianity. Others around the world are living and dying (see the latest on the crisis in Niger) without knowing who Christ is. We need to change that.
My latest read is Sun Stand Still by Steve Furtick; a fairly quick read having to do with "audacious faith" and is based on Joshua and his prayer to delay nightfall so the Israelite army could see their foes and defeat them. Highly recommended.
As my family and friends know, I usually have 4-5 books going at once (is this a problem?) and I'm still reading The Hole In Our Gospel, which is a current favorite. Richard Stearns' journey from atheist to CEO to CEO of World Vision is truly an amazing calling. Even more amazing are the inspiring stories of lives changed.
For example, one man has a congregation of 70 people that come to his house on stilts in Cambodia. People come from all over, and when a wedding is performed, "runners" go to neighboring villages to borrow a guitar! The journies take all day. Turns out the man was extremely suspicious of Christians until he acutally confronted one, asking why they were vaccinating people for TB.
It turns out that the Christian man stated that he "is a follower of Jesus Christ" and his mission is to show Christ's love through serving others. Their conversation continued and the future pastor accepted Christ then and there.
We have so many resources available to us, explaining what the Bible means. Any of us can visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or any other store and find thousands of books on Christianity. Others around the world are living and dying (see the latest on the crisis in Niger) without knowing who Christ is. We need to change that.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Training Session #3: Planning
Last evening, we had our 3rd of 4 training sessions, discussing how to share our faith effectively with others and through an interpreter.
The second half of the night was dedicated to planning with our task groups. I was surprised to find that I had been designated as the leader of the Medical Group (8 workers) -- God is definitely working on me since this is my first trip and am "going in" fairly blind. Oh well: No worries since He is in control.
We also found out that we'll be traveling about an hour to another orphanage in Tipitapa, where they feed 200+ children per day, every day. The center not only provides the one meal that these kids will get per day, but also medical care and progress. In Nicaragua, approximately 33% (1 out of every 3) children are malnourished. The OrphanNetwork asked us (our team) to help on tracking the developmental progress of the children that will be at the center, as well as receiving nutritional supplements and medication. We're all eager to get going!
Also at the Tipitapa center is a day care and orphanage where we'll care for approximately 20 children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years! Wow. I'm humbled at the mere thought of being a small but significant part of these kids' lives.
The second half of the night was dedicated to planning with our task groups. I was surprised to find that I had been designated as the leader of the Medical Group (8 workers) -- God is definitely working on me since this is my first trip and am "going in" fairly blind. Oh well: No worries since He is in control.
We also found out that we'll be traveling about an hour to another orphanage in Tipitapa, where they feed 200+ children per day, every day. The center not only provides the one meal that these kids will get per day, but also medical care and progress. In Nicaragua, approximately 33% (1 out of every 3) children are malnourished. The OrphanNetwork asked us (our team) to help on tracking the developmental progress of the children that will be at the center, as well as receiving nutritional supplements and medication. We're all eager to get going!
Also at the Tipitapa center is a day care and orphanage where we'll care for approximately 20 children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years! Wow. I'm humbled at the mere thought of being a small but significant part of these kids' lives.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Fundraising Success!
Each day, I'm amazed at the work that God is doing, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Last week, our fundraising efforts slowed after a very successful 5 weeks. Thanks to your generosity, I only had $200 left to have the entire mission paid for!
Last week, I received two checks for $100 each, completely unexpected!
This week, we'll be making specific team plans and determining logistics for helping the Casa Bernabe staff and children. I'm excited to be one of those selected to provide medical assistance, helping evaluate and track developmental progress of the kids.
We also received word that we have an opportunity to serve at another orphanage approximately an hour from our "base" home, which will provide a chance to serve many more kids in need.
For anyone who hasn't read The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns (CEO of World Vision), please check it out! Richard has an amazing story of how he came to the position that has changed his life. A new hero of mine.
I also highly recommend Crazy Love and The Forgotten God by Francis Chan, and Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman; both had a significant impact on my decision to go to Nicaragua.
Jon
Last week, I received two checks for $100 each, completely unexpected!
This week, we'll be making specific team plans and determining logistics for helping the Casa Bernabe staff and children. I'm excited to be one of those selected to provide medical assistance, helping evaluate and track developmental progress of the kids.
We also received word that we have an opportunity to serve at another orphanage approximately an hour from our "base" home, which will provide a chance to serve many more kids in need.
For anyone who hasn't read The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns (CEO of World Vision), please check it out! Richard has an amazing story of how he came to the position that has changed his life. A new hero of mine.
I also highly recommend Crazy Love and The Forgotten God by Francis Chan, and Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman; both had a significant impact on my decision to go to Nicaragua.
Jon
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