Mitch. El team leader-o
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Haiti
Well Sarah palin saw Russia from her house. We see Haiti from our hotel. Beautiful, desperate, wonderful, sad. We finished the construction and painting portions of the trip. Tomorrow; KIDSsssss. Whoooohoooooo!!!
Mitch-el-team leader-o
Mitch-el-team leader-o
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Arrived dajabon
Team is here. Work day tomorrow. Going to bed soon. (short and sweet eh?)
Mitch- el-team-leader-o. ;-)
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Poor Among Us
Today was a good day of work at the MOM center. We really got our hands and shoes dirty with painting, sanding, making cement from scratch, etc. It was hot, everyone whas sweaty, and tired. It was good tired. Side note: Andy is now being judged by the amount of work he does, by the amount of sweat his shirt captures.
We also got to meet our sponosored child. You can see the pictures here. That was really cool. Words are few here as that was a humbling experience to know we are actually making a difference in their lives.
And then we did some home visits to see the slice of life of those who come to the center. I saw poverty face to face. My heart broke AGAIN for those families. They have nothing, at least, in the worlds standards. I was in tears in again today with the conviction that I have so much. But then, what do I really have? I have stuff, things, junk. That's a whole other blog.
Today...when we visited these homes, what I saw was happiness, community, pride. My heart was breaking on the inside but they don't know the difference. So I have to wonder "who is the poor amoung us". Matt 26:11 says, "For ye have the poor always with you." Let that one sink in a bit. I am looking at the the outside, and their living conditions and what shines is their attitudes, their joy. Wow...maybe I am the one who is poor.
We also got to meet our sponosored child. You can see the pictures here. That was really cool. Words are few here as that was a humbling experience to know we are actually making a difference in their lives.
And then we did some home visits to see the slice of life of those who come to the center. I saw poverty face to face. My heart broke AGAIN for those families. They have nothing, at least, in the worlds standards. I was in tears in again today with the conviction that I have so much. But then, what do I really have? I have stuff, things, junk. That's a whole other blog.
Today...when we visited these homes, what I saw was happiness, community, pride. My heart was breaking on the inside but they don't know the difference. So I have to wonder "who is the poor amoung us". Matt 26:11 says, "For ye have the poor always with you." Let that one sink in a bit. I am looking at the the outside, and their living conditions and what shines is their attitudes, their joy. Wow...maybe I am the one who is poor.
~ Janelle
I don't know where to start actually because what I am feeling right now is so overwhelming. These tears are good tears. Not really sure why I am crying except I have soooo many emotions flowing through me right now.
Today's activities were great and painful. I saw hope, I saw depravity. I saw the difference that Mission of Mercy is making in the lives of children. I saw Jesus. We visited two Mission of Mercy Child Development Centers. Upon arriving we saw work in progress inside the building and out. They have a really nice facility where offering programs for the children who live nearby. They offer them the gospel, counseling, food, companionship. Before I came here, I didn't know the living conditions of the people here. I do now.
Think of the worst living areas you have ever seen. It's worst than that. Think about the most broken of relationships, that's here. How about not having an income or a job, or going to work, doing a full days work and then wondering if you will get paid for the day and also not know if you are going to eat today. That's what people are dealing with here. It's a blessing that they don't know what kind of life is just across the sea. They are just doing life.
Not to far from here, there is a land flowing with milk and honey, literally. When I saw a slice of life from the people here, God broke my heart. It was hard to take as I now wipe away a tear. It pains me to see it. I really don't know how else to say it. I am so blessed that I am blind. It's easy to turn your head and not look. Dear God, may I always keep this picture fresh in my mind.
But the good news is that I saw hope today. Mission of Mercy is doing a phenominal job in meeting the needs of the children here. But there's more. There are people who love and care deeply for the children, their families, their future. By sponsoring a child, you really are bringing life.
Today I basically played all day. We were told there were some work projects that could be done. And they did get done, but we had the option to make relationships with the kids from the community. Guess what I did? I played of course. We played ball, tag, an intense game of Red Light, Green Light. Kids are serious about playing. But more than that, we showed them that someone cared about them. That's what they are looking for. It makes me sad that they crave it so much.
If it wasn't for Mission of Mercy, where would they go? The alternative is not pretty. We also so the inner workings of a center where we were shown the accountability process of the children that come. This is no fly by night operation here. If you want to get involved with people who's passion is people, then Mission of Mercy should be your pick. The dollars that are sent to support goes towards just that, supporting a child in their needs, whatever the needs. Most of all though, MOM shows the love of Christ.
The impact of the MOM is far reaching and is making a huge difference. No doubt. But that's not all. We need more people to join in the effort. I was told today that there are 40,000 kids that are sponsored with MOM. That's great, but there are 8,000 still needing a sponosor. I have done my part, what about you?
Today's activities were great and painful. I saw hope, I saw depravity. I saw the difference that Mission of Mercy is making in the lives of children. I saw Jesus. We visited two Mission of Mercy Child Development Centers. Upon arriving we saw work in progress inside the building and out. They have a really nice facility where offering programs for the children who live nearby. They offer them the gospel, counseling, food, companionship. Before I came here, I didn't know the living conditions of the people here. I do now.
Think of the worst living areas you have ever seen. It's worst than that. Think about the most broken of relationships, that's here. How about not having an income or a job, or going to work, doing a full days work and then wondering if you will get paid for the day and also not know if you are going to eat today. That's what people are dealing with here. It's a blessing that they don't know what kind of life is just across the sea. They are just doing life.
Not to far from here, there is a land flowing with milk and honey, literally. When I saw a slice of life from the people here, God broke my heart. It was hard to take as I now wipe away a tear. It pains me to see it. I really don't know how else to say it. I am so blessed that I am blind. It's easy to turn your head and not look. Dear God, may I always keep this picture fresh in my mind.
But the good news is that I saw hope today. Mission of Mercy is doing a phenominal job in meeting the needs of the children here. But there's more. There are people who love and care deeply for the children, their families, their future. By sponsoring a child, you really are bringing life.
Today I basically played all day. We were told there were some work projects that could be done. And they did get done, but we had the option to make relationships with the kids from the community. Guess what I did? I played of course. We played ball, tag, an intense game of Red Light, Green Light. Kids are serious about playing. But more than that, we showed them that someone cared about them. That's what they are looking for. It makes me sad that they crave it so much.
If it wasn't for Mission of Mercy, where would they go? The alternative is not pretty. We also so the inner workings of a center where we were shown the accountability process of the children that come. This is no fly by night operation here. If you want to get involved with people who's passion is people, then Mission of Mercy should be your pick. The dollars that are sent to support goes towards just that, supporting a child in their needs, whatever the needs. Most of all though, MOM shows the love of Christ.
The impact of the MOM is far reaching and is making a huge difference. No doubt. But that's not all. We need more people to join in the effort. I was told today that there are 40,000 kids that are sponsored with MOM. That's great, but there are 8,000 still needing a sponosor. I have done my part, what about you?
~Janelle
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 1 on the ground
A small pickup game of baseball, soccer, even basketball as we arrived at the Field of Dreams. The inside of the building is where we started today, and will continue tomorrow. Sanding the concrete walls to smooth them out and prep them for paint(sandpaper and stones rubbed on the walls)
The start of an emotional journey for many of our team. We toured a low income area next to a different Child Development center. Small homes stacked ontop of each other, stray wires pulled from the local electrical line, raw sewage running down the streets, and smiles on children’s faces as wide as can be. The children and their families have already made an impact on our team. Questions of “how do they stay so clean” “why are they so happy-they have nothing” “can I take this one home” J have been popping up all day.
Child sponsorship is making a HUGE difference here in the Dominican Republic. We have seen these past 4 years, neighborhoods transformed, our church partners growing and seeing record attendances, and children who are no longer malnourished and are now doing well in school. You may not be able to solve the whole problem, but YOU can make a difference in the life of ONE child. ONE CHILD MATTERS!!
Mitch –Team Leader- Mission DR2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
And So it Begins...
After traveling all day long, actually starting at 3 a.m. this morning, this chic has finally come to a stop. I feel like I have been around the world. Traveling always is a little crazy and you see a lot of crazy things. One thing I enjoy is browsing the Sky Mall magazine.
We have met our guide who was very friendly as well as all of the team members on the MOM team. There are 8 states represented, 32 team members, Everywhere we go we tell people what our purpose is. And we kind of cause a stir, with 32 people and all that luggage. But even though we are a little tired, we are very excited and anxious to meet those who we came to see, the children at the Mission of Mercy Child Development centers.
One thing I got to do is sit in the cockpit of a 737 American Airlines plane. Well, at least I was impressed. There were a lot of buttons, switches, gauges, and screens, etc. That was a thrill. I don't know why really...I know I will never fly a huge plane like that, it was just very interesting.
Thank you for your prayers, and continue to pray to make an impact to those who need to know about Jesus.
We have met our guide who was very friendly as well as all of the team members on the MOM team. There are 8 states represented, 32 team members, Everywhere we go we tell people what our purpose is. And we kind of cause a stir, with 32 people and all that luggage. But even though we are a little tired, we are very excited and anxious to meet those who we came to see, the children at the Mission of Mercy Child Development centers.
One thing I got to do is sit in the cockpit of a 737 American Airlines plane. Well, at least I was impressed. There were a lot of buttons, switches, gauges, and screens, etc. That was a thrill. I don't know why really...I know I will never fly a huge plane like that, it was just very interesting.
Thank you for your prayers, and continue to pray to make an impact to those who need to know about Jesus.
~ Janelle Keith
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Like Eating a Hot Dog
There are only a few times in my life where I have had absolutely no idea what to expect. Going to college, getting married, moving to Oklahoma for a job... everything else I can picture how it will work in my head.
For example, I know when I get home tonight, I will walk in the door, open the fridge, grab a hot dog, put it on a plate, place the plate in the microwave, set the microwave for one minute and hit start, take the hot dog out and put it in a bun, add mustard and ketchup, and finally enjoy the hot dog.
I can mentally picture this series of events and know of the outcome, tasty meat-like flavors satisfying my appetite.
With that said, I am really nervous about going to the Dominican Republic in a week, because I can't imagine what it will be like. I can't mentally walk through what landing in another country for the first time will be like and what I will see when I step out of the airport. I can't emotionally prepare for the Children we are going to try to reach who dig through the city dump all day for a living. I can't spiritually fathom what God might to my life.
I usually don't worry, but I am worrying now. not because I am afraid of something bad happening, but that God is going to turn my world upside down and after many years of being a so-so Christian light something inside me that changes everything.
So if you happen to be eating a hot dog anytime in the next week I hope that you would take a moment to pray for me and the entire Missions Trip Team as we step out into the unknown and have faith that God's hand and guidance will lead.
~ Andy Youso
The Blank Page
Andy and I have been preparing for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. We leave tomorrow. Yeah...tomorrow!! Please be in prayer for the team as we go to love on the children in the Mission of Mercy Child Development projects.
Getting physically ready for the trip was the easy part. Getting ready mentally was a challenge, but mostly getting ready spiritually was a huge step of faith. I don't know what to expect. I have traveled internationally on vacations before but never on a mission trip, so this is my first.
When it comes to thinking about how the trip is going to go, about the plans, I don't have any past experience to draw on. I have no memories, no knowledge of how this is all going to work out. I know it's all going to be fine though and it will go just how God planned it.
When I was thinking about it, all I was coming up with was blank page. Nothing, an empty slate. I think that is exactly what God wants me to think. This way, I don't come in with expectations, or ideas about how I THINK it should go. This way, I am open to the ways of God, knowing He has all the details planned out, has guided the planners, specifically, for such a time is this, for this team to be His hands and feet of the Gospel and to share His love.
I love this part of the preparation, the blank page. This means that I am depending on God to see this project through and relying on His strength to do the things that He is requiring me to do. I know that God will show up, after all He has ordained the steps of this trip, of this team, of the leadership, those who we will be working with when we arrive.
What is God calling you to do? Embrace the blank page!
~ Janelle Keith
Monday, June 21, 2010
Final Preparations
Well, the time is at hand! Praise God for assembling this team. Everyone will be meeting up in Miami in less than 48 hours. Prayed up, packed up, and ready to see with His eyes. Keep posted- updates and info as often as we can(contingent on internet connectionsJ) are forthcoming!
Mitch –Team Leader
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Dear God give me tolerance!! I know that traveling to a third world country I will see slices of life as I am not used to. There will be some culture shock. Dear God give me tolerance. Dear God make me an instrument of your grace and love. It will be different than what I am used to. We have been told so, by those who have been there. But the people that we meet will need God's love and will need to hear the gospel message. I guess that is what makes it difficult, at least in my mind, because of our differences, it builds a barrier.
Today the song Walls by Manic Drive spoke to me. "Lift your hands, move your feet, get yourself, get yourself ready. Lift your flags, hit the streets, and charge!" I have the desire to "charge" but I not am ready yet. That's what I am praying for. God give me your eyes to see them as you see them. No matter their circumstances, slice of life, their background, culture. Break me out of my comfortable bubble!!
I pray for acceptance of the differences. After all, people need Jesus. They need to be loved, know that Jesus died on the cross for them. You don't have to travel on a mission trip to share the story about how God has worked our life. BTW, Jesus hung out with the undesirables, the sick, the down-trodden. Why? Because he could see their need. Because someone is different, don't let that create a wall or barrier that satan uses to get in the way of the gospel being shared. Hit the streets, and CHARGE!
Today the song Walls by Manic Drive spoke to me. "Lift your hands, move your feet, get yourself, get yourself ready. Lift your flags, hit the streets, and charge!" I have the desire to "charge" but I not am ready yet. That's what I am praying for. God give me your eyes to see them as you see them. No matter their circumstances, slice of life, their background, culture. Break me out of my comfortable bubble!!I pray for acceptance of the differences. After all, people need Jesus. They need to be loved, know that Jesus died on the cross for them. You don't have to travel on a mission trip to share the story about how God has worked our life. BTW, Jesus hung out with the undesirables, the sick, the down-trodden. Why? Because he could see their need. Because someone is different, don't let that create a wall or barrier that satan uses to get in the way of the gospel being shared. Hit the streets, and CHARGE!
Mowing is my Spiritual Gift
It's mowing season and depending on the weather, I mow once a week. You are probably wondering why my husband, Terry, doesn't mow because usually it is a "man-job". The reason is that he has a medical condition that prevents him from being able to it. He has the desire to do it, likes mowing but if he does it causes him more pain. Therefore, I am the official mower in the family.
Yesterday, God reminded me that mowing is my spiritual gift. Even though it's a "sometimes-not-fun" job. I love to serve and when I see the need, I just jump in with everything I've got. That's why I mow. That's why I serve. It's a way I can serve Terry and my family. It's the way that God wired me. Also, if I don't mow, then our landscape will turn into a jungle of phenomenal proportions. AND another thing that God taught me was that this servant's heart is destined for more than just mowing. Sometimes that is all God requires of me is to be consistent in doing the "sometimes-not-fun" jobs. The point is seeing the need and allowing God to work through you to meet the need, and therefore showing the love of Christ.
Look around you...where can you serve and meet someones need? If God is calling you to serve in a area, I believe He has already equipped you with the gifts needed to carry out the task. What are you waiting for? Mow....like the best of them! With fervor, flair, joy and......sunscreen.
Yesterday, God reminded me that mowing is my spiritual gift. Even though it's a "sometimes-not-fun" job. I love to serve and when I see the need, I just jump in with everything I've got. That's why I mow. That's why I serve. It's a way I can serve Terry and my family. It's the way that God wired me. Also, if I don't mow, then our landscape will turn into a jungle of phenomenal proportions. AND another thing that God taught me was that this servant's heart is destined for more than just mowing. Sometimes that is all God requires of me is to be consistent in doing the "sometimes-not-fun" jobs. The point is seeing the need and allowing God to work through you to meet the need, and therefore showing the love of Christ.
Look around you...where can you serve and meet someones need? If God is calling you to serve in a area, I believe He has already equipped you with the gifts needed to carry out the task. What are you waiting for? Mow....like the best of them! With fervor, flair, joy and......sunscreen.
Dangerous Prayers
I have been praying that God will give me "His eyes" to see people, life, situations. I was praying that specifically for the mission trip to the DR in June. But one of the side benefits is that God is giving me His eyes to see myself. I like this. Sometimes, I think I am bit complicated, or make things so. Not sure why that happens but it does.
I have been praying that my desires are His desires. Break my heart for the things that break yours God. In that process, I see the things he wants to change me to be and to be more for Him. Stretch me to be all I can be for you God. Make me uncomfortable.
These are dangerous prayers, ones that God will always answer. What are you asking God to show you in your prayer life? How are you being stretched out of your comfort zone?
I have been praying that my desires are His desires. Break my heart for the things that break yours God. In that process, I see the things he wants to change me to be and to be more for Him. Stretch me to be all I can be for you God. Make me uncomfortable.
These are dangerous prayers, ones that God will always answer. What are you asking God to show you in your prayer life? How are you being stretched out of your comfort zone?
Countdown!!
I have been on the countdown, waaaaay back when I first started praying for the opportunity to serve on an international mission trip. I have not been cramming for a final, to put it in simple terms. I feel like that God has been preparing me for a long time for such a time as this, to travel to the DR with 30+ other believers.
How? I have been spending time with Him. He's been showing me how I can serve to those who have needs. He has been breaking down the walls, pushing me to see those needs, thinking about others, teaching me to do whatever it takes at any expense, to help. God has taught me to focus on Him, not myself. And I have seen some wonderful things. He has taught me patience, love, peace, gratitude, integrity, purity, sacrifice, honesty.
He has reminded me that He has already equipped me with what it takes to do this. And believe me I am not talented soooooo you can do it too. What it takes is a willing heart for His Spirit to work. Fertile ground I like to call it.
So other words, you could call the countdown, a germination period, where God is cultivating His seeds to bust forth for harvest. A great bloom is about to emerge and bust forth.
How? I have been spending time with Him. He's been showing me how I can serve to those who have needs. He has been breaking down the walls, pushing me to see those needs, thinking about others, teaching me to do whatever it takes at any expense, to help. God has taught me to focus on Him, not myself. And I have seen some wonderful things. He has taught me patience, love, peace, gratitude, integrity, purity, sacrifice, honesty.
He has reminded me that He has already equipped me with what it takes to do this. And believe me I am not talented soooooo you can do it too. What it takes is a willing heart for His Spirit to work. Fertile ground I like to call it.
So other words, you could call the countdown, a germination period, where God is cultivating His seeds to bust forth for harvest. A great bloom is about to emerge and bust forth.
Be Unstoppable!
We all have them....life changing moments, you know, the ones where the world seems to stand still and you come face to face with something that just about engulfs you and nothing else seems to matter at that moment? Ever feel like God is pushing you towards something but you don't know what? What would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail?
Perhaps you don't know the answers but what you do know is this that God has placed a DREAM inside of you and that dream and it is shaking you to the core.
SO what about it? What would YOU be willing to attempt for God if you KNEW you could not fail? If the answer isn’t, "What I am doing right now??", then I would say you need to do some serious praying and rearranging.
You see life is short our days are numbered and God didn’t put us on this planet to waste time but rather to make a difference by using what HE has given us to advance HIS Kingdom and make Him known. Too many of us are held captive by fear but remember He is the Almighty!!! Never let fear trump the potential God has placed in you!
Too many of us are held captive by the unknown. If we have EVERY answer to every question then, what He is asking us to do would not require faith on our part. We are held captive by things, critics, ideas in our own head of failure but if you will notice Jesus was criticized and, if you are not experiencing some opposition then that means the enemy is nervous. Satan is not pleased with you when you stir things up. The god of this world doesn't want you to succeed, he doesn't want you to fulfill God's call our lives.
Again I ask the question, what would you be willing to attempt for God if you KNEW you could not fail? Ask God for revelation on this. God doesn’t reveal Himself to us so that we can consider it but rather so that we will be consumed by it and obey His voice! (Insert smiley face here).
BTW if the thing that you would attempt scares you to death if you have had sleepless nights thinking about it and if you KNOW that failure is a sure thing, in my opinion, THEN you know it's from God. Do what God has called you to do.
He's waiting on you...to do you need to do to make a move, share Christ with someone, plant a church, change careers or write a book...you fill in the blank. What is it that is burning in your heart? What makes you desperately dependent on Him? Can you imagine what the world would be like if all of us allowed that question to drive the vision for our lives?
"The path to your greatest potential is often straight through your greatest fear?" ~ Craig Groeschel.
Perhaps you don't know the answers but what you do know is this that God has placed a DREAM inside of you and that dream and it is shaking you to the core.
SO what about it? What would YOU be willing to attempt for God if you KNEW you could not fail? If the answer isn’t, "What I am doing right now??", then I would say you need to do some serious praying and rearranging.
You see life is short our days are numbered and God didn’t put us on this planet to waste time but rather to make a difference by using what HE has given us to advance HIS Kingdom and make Him known. Too many of us are held captive by fear but remember He is the Almighty!!! Never let fear trump the potential God has placed in you!
Too many of us are held captive by the unknown. If we have EVERY answer to every question then, what He is asking us to do would not require faith on our part. We are held captive by things, critics, ideas in our own head of failure but if you will notice Jesus was criticized and, if you are not experiencing some opposition then that means the enemy is nervous. Satan is not pleased with you when you stir things up. The god of this world doesn't want you to succeed, he doesn't want you to fulfill God's call our lives.
Again I ask the question, what would you be willing to attempt for God if you KNEW you could not fail? Ask God for revelation on this. God doesn’t reveal Himself to us so that we can consider it but rather so that we will be consumed by it and obey His voice! (Insert smiley face here).
BTW if the thing that you would attempt scares you to death if you have had sleepless nights thinking about it and if you KNOW that failure is a sure thing, in my opinion, THEN you know it's from God. Do what God has called you to do.
He's waiting on you...to do you need to do to make a move, share Christ with someone, plant a church, change careers or write a book...you fill in the blank. What is it that is burning in your heart? What makes you desperately dependent on Him? Can you imagine what the world would be like if all of us allowed that question to drive the vision for our lives?
"The path to your greatest potential is often straight through your greatest fear?" ~ Craig Groeschel.
My Couch Has A Name
Yeah, it's true. My couch has a name, doesn't yours? It's called the couch of "great comfort and joy." Now this might be silly to you, but you would understand if you sat on it. It's great! It's soft, comfy, conformed to my body shape. Yeah, it's true, at the end of a long day or even a short one, it's still a soft place to land. Ahhhhhh!
With that, God has been convicting me about how spoiled I am. I am blessed! Plain and simple. I have a couch to sit on, I have a roof over my head, I food to eat on my table or lap. I have a car to drive to work, and it works well, at least today. I drink special Dunkin Donuts coffee for goodness sake! Who drinks special coffee?? Ashamedly, I do. I am spoiled. Are you? Take a look around, see how blessed you are.
Looking forward to the mission trip and meeting kids who don't have it as good as I do I am humbled that God has blessed me. With love, most of all, but also with forgiveness, salvation, a house, a car, a job, a couch, and coffee. Because of these blessings, I want to be a blessing to others. I don't want to take my couch or coffee for granted. I am making some changes in priorities and supporting/sponsoring a child with Mission of Mercy. Yes, I did it. I've always wanted to do that but didn't think I could afford it. After God reminded me of how spoiled I am, how could I not? I am blessed and want to bless others. How about you? Does your couch have a name? You can sponsor a child here.
With that, God has been convicting me about how spoiled I am. I am blessed! Plain and simple. I have a couch to sit on, I have a roof over my head, I food to eat on my table or lap. I have a car to drive to work, and it works well, at least today. I drink special Dunkin Donuts coffee for goodness sake! Who drinks special coffee?? Ashamedly, I do. I am spoiled. Are you? Take a look around, see how blessed you are.
Looking forward to the mission trip and meeting kids who don't have it as good as I do I am humbled that God has blessed me. With love, most of all, but also with forgiveness, salvation, a house, a car, a job, a couch, and coffee. Because of these blessings, I want to be a blessing to others. I don't want to take my couch or coffee for granted. I am making some changes in priorities and supporting/sponsoring a child with Mission of Mercy. Yes, I did it. I've always wanted to do that but didn't think I could afford it. After God reminded me of how spoiled I am, how could I not? I am blessed and want to bless others. How about you? Does your couch have a name? You can sponsor a child here.
Share the Love
One thing God has been teaching me is to love unconditionally. For a normal human that is hard, do you do it well?
About a year ago God brought some people into my life. What a joy it has been to get to know them, engage them, embrace them. I have invested in their lives. If anything were to happen to them, I would be devastated. There will come a time when I won't have them in my life as much as they are now. When that happens, there will be a huge whole in my heart.
The lesson I have been learning here is love. I can love them unconditionally, just like Jesus loves me. It's easy to do because these people are lovable. But also God has been teaching me that it's His love, THAT kind of love, is what I need to show and embrace others with. Especially the lost. The lesson is to love no matter what. No matter the circumstances, backgrounds, ethnicity, age, personality, behavior, etc.
Wow....my heart is full and just in time for the mission trip although I don't think this is a coincidence. It's what I have been praying for. Dear God, give me a love for the unlovable, the lovable, the lost. What happened in the process was that I fell in love with Jesus...again, and with the idea of loving everyone. I would like to think that God has given me a love like His, although I don't actually think I have the capacity to love completely like Him.
My prayer is that THIS kind of love will permeate into my heart, overflow to those who need it. To everyone I meet. When I meet someone that could be different, God quickly brings to my mind, "remember those precious people I have already brought to you? Yes.....love the least of these like that."
THAT kind of love excites me. We are family already.
About a year ago God brought some people into my life. What a joy it has been to get to know them, engage them, embrace them. I have invested in their lives. If anything were to happen to them, I would be devastated. There will come a time when I won't have them in my life as much as they are now. When that happens, there will be a huge whole in my heart.
The lesson I have been learning here is love. I can love them unconditionally, just like Jesus loves me. It's easy to do because these people are lovable. But also God has been teaching me that it's His love, THAT kind of love, is what I need to show and embrace others with. Especially the lost. The lesson is to love no matter what. No matter the circumstances, backgrounds, ethnicity, age, personality, behavior, etc.
Wow....my heart is full and just in time for the mission trip although I don't think this is a coincidence. It's what I have been praying for. Dear God, give me a love for the unlovable, the lovable, the lost. What happened in the process was that I fell in love with Jesus...again, and with the idea of loving everyone. I would like to think that God has given me a love like His, although I don't actually think I have the capacity to love completely like Him.
My prayer is that THIS kind of love will permeate into my heart, overflow to those who need it. To everyone I meet. When I meet someone that could be different, God quickly brings to my mind, "remember those precious people I have already brought to you? Yes.....love the least of these like that."
THAT kind of love excites me. We are family already.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Serve!
During the mission trip orientation meeting, it was recommended that we start praying about what God will do in the lives of those whom we will meet and in our hearts. I hear this often about people that travel on mission trips are often the ones that are changed instead of those you are serving. I know God is at work with this trip. I have also heard from several others how God is working in their lives too. That's very encouraging to me.
This morning as I am reading John 13 about the Passover celebration of Jesus. He is spending some time with his best friends and knows that his time with them is very short. What struck me about this chapter, was he didn't give a long oration of all the things he forgot to say during the previous 3 years of teaching, like one would cram for a test. He was a peace or so it seemed. There were no freak outs knowing that he was going to die in a few short hours. There was no angst as to what was ahead, no jitters or whining. But there was simple servant hood. Jesus knew the plan, He knew that Judas was going to betray him, when and how. v. 3 "Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God." So instead of dismissing himself from the gathering as one would think, to retreat by himself, He does the ultimate. He serves.
He humbles himself. v.4 "So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, v.5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel had around him." Jesus didn't hesitate to serve his friends, even the one who was going to betray and deny him. These friends were going to leave him when he was at his most desperate point in all of his life. Yet he was on his knees, washing their feet. It didn't matter that he was the Savior of the world, miracle worker, great teacher, and healer. He took off his pride and humility and served. He did the lowest job, but he served in love.
This speaks volumes to me. Jesus gives the most perfect example to follow. Let this be a model of servant hood. As Jesus serves so shall we. And as we serve, let love be our guide.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Team Prepares
Our first post is simply this-as the team prepares, please keep them in your prayers. God has something very special to show/teach/rip out of each one going. More posts to come soon from the entire team. Check back often, and especially during the trip!
Mitch Hildebrant – Team Leader
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)