(*From Compassion International)
Peru UPDATE: Feb. 28, 2008 - The heavy rains plaguing the northwestern region of Peru have damaged the homes of several Compassion-assisted children. In order to assess the needs of all the Compassion-assisted families in the affected areas, field-based facilitators are visiting each of the homes of the sponsored children.The regions of Chiclayo and Piura are under a government-declared state of emergency. Please pray for the health, safety and provision of Compassion staff, families and children in Peru.
On Feb. 25, two Compassion-assisted child development centers, Ayudando a Sonreir, Ayudas Student Center (PE-331) and Perlas de Gran Preciou Student Center (PE-377), have been damaged as a result of prolonged, intense rains in Piura on Peru’s northern coast.
The overflow of water from the rivers has damaged the homes of several Compassion children, while the rains have collapsed several roofs. The entire area maintains at heightened alert due to the rains and flooding.Compassion Peru is waiting to receive information regarding child development centers hindered by damaged infrastructure and power outages.
Kenya UPDATE: Feb. 26, 2008 - The affected Compassion child development centers previously mentioned have enjoyed a time of calm recently. Though tension remains high in some areas, centers are now accessible and activities have resumed.However, parents of Compassion-assisted children are still hesitant to send their children to the centers, so attendance is relatively low. The ramifications of the violence are deeply felt by the children.Compassion Kenya is steadily decreasing relief interventions, as Kenyans begin to settle back into their normal routines and lives.Currently, Compassion is offering disaster response training and equipment for affected child development centers, as well as providing post-trauma counseling for children and families in all the affected centers.
Reconstruction on houses, churches and classrooms is also in progress.Chief mediator, Kofi Annan, has stated that Kenyans could soon realize short-term solutions to current political crisis in the country. He has indicated that progress is being made following the talks to resolve the political stalemate.Compassion Kenya (and Compassion Peru) will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Compassion International will contact you directly if your sponsored child has been affected.
Be part of the solution — Be a tool in the Master’s Hand — Sponsor a child
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
How Will You Be Remembered
How Will You Be RememberedIn the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King Jr
By now it may be apparent to you that I am an advocate for children living in poverty around the globe, seeking to connect Christian sponsors with them in order that they might rise above the ranks of poverty and become fulfilled, Christian adults, who are able to care for themselves and their families. To that end I am a volunteer with the Christian ministry Compassion International.
I came upon Martin Luther King’s quote this morning and my thoughts went immediately to these children. Actually I envisioned a parent. A parent of one of these kids who, at the end of an exhausting day of trying to make ends meet and scraping together enough food to feed the family collapses in a pile of silent tears and frustration.
“Where are my friends?”
“I understand why my enemies do not speak up to help me,” the parent continues, “but where are my friends? Where are the people who say they love me?” The silence to these parents must be deafening. Perpetually waiting for a friend who is not coming likely qualifies as the most frightening experience known to man.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
As Christian Americans we have (at the very least) two things in our favor. First, we have Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things that go along with that blessed relationship. Second, as Americans, we possess the world’s goods. While the world’s goods do not compare to Heavenly riches, it does not negate the fact that we enjoy them.
Friend or Foe
I doubt I would be hard pressed to find anyone who would openly acknowledge that they hate children living in poverty. However, as Christians we determine the goodness of a tree not by what it declares, but by what it produces. A fruitless tree does not have the capacity to hate its owner, but a fruitless Christian does bear witness to that truth. If you are a friend then you will likely act like one.
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Compassion dave
By now it may be apparent to you that I am an advocate for children living in poverty around the globe, seeking to connect Christian sponsors with them in order that they might rise above the ranks of poverty and become fulfilled, Christian adults, who are able to care for themselves and their families. To that end I am a volunteer with the Christian ministry Compassion International.
I came upon Martin Luther King’s quote this morning and my thoughts went immediately to these children. Actually I envisioned a parent. A parent of one of these kids who, at the end of an exhausting day of trying to make ends meet and scraping together enough food to feed the family collapses in a pile of silent tears and frustration.
“Where are my friends?”
“I understand why my enemies do not speak up to help me,” the parent continues, “but where are my friends? Where are the people who say they love me?” The silence to these parents must be deafening. Perpetually waiting for a friend who is not coming likely qualifies as the most frightening experience known to man.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
As Christian Americans we have (at the very least) two things in our favor. First, we have Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things that go along with that blessed relationship. Second, as Americans, we possess the world’s goods. While the world’s goods do not compare to Heavenly riches, it does not negate the fact that we enjoy them.
Friend or Foe
I doubt I would be hard pressed to find anyone who would openly acknowledge that they hate children living in poverty. However, as Christians we determine the goodness of a tree not by what it declares, but by what it produces. A fruitless tree does not have the capacity to hate its owner, but a fruitless Christian does bear witness to that truth. If you are a friend then you will likely act like one.
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Compassion dave
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Question That Launched a Ministry
I'll tell you right from the get-go, the video is 15 minutes long. Normally, I wouldn't post something this long, but then again, I am not normal. While my agenda typically involves finding Christians to sponsor children, this video by Shaun Groves speaks to the believer on more than just one level.
Enjoy...
"Why yes, I would love some feedback. Thank you for asking!" Please respond here or HERE
Enjoy...
"Why yes, I would love some feedback. Thank you for asking!" Please respond here or HERE
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Test
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23
This verse is often taken out of its context in order [for some] to justify a sinful behavior or activity. I would suggest that before exercising any presumed freedom or liberty in Christ Jesus you consider your honest responses to the following three (3) questions.
I submit to you that sponsoring a child who lives in poverty, through a minstry such as Compassion International, positively addresses each of those questions.
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
This verse is often taken out of its context in order [for some] to justify a sinful behavior or activity. I would suggest that before exercising any presumed freedom or liberty in Christ Jesus you consider your honest responses to the following three (3) questions.
- Can I thank God for what I am about to do?
- Will God be glorified?
- Will I stumble another person?
I submit to you that sponsoring a child who lives in poverty, through a minstry such as Compassion International, positively addresses each of those questions.
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
Monday, February 25, 2008
Wonder Bread (God’s Other Manna)
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us... the Lord is with us. Numbers 14:9
Why haven’t you sponsored a Compassion child?
I don’t really want to know the reason; I just want you to think about it. I don’t desire to belittle or diminish the magnitude of your reason, but in actuality I want to be in agreement with you as to its size and scope. In fact, I am just going to go ahead and say it, “Your reason is justifiably huge!”
That reminds me of the verse above.
Caleb and Joshua, and ten other spies had just returned from spying out the Promised Land and returned with the report. “While it truly flows with milk and honey, there is a gigantic problem,” ten of them would say (paraphrase mine). There were in fact giant-defenders in the land and these guys were scared stiff.
Notice that Caleb did not deny the report, nor did he attempt to diminish the problem, but merely said that these problems were as, “bread for us.” In other words, Caleb looked at these giants and saw them not as obstacles, but as nourishment—just as bread nourishes the body, so would these giants promote our growth. Caleb further understood that the Lord who brought them to this place of growth and decision would also provide for their needs.
Let’s return to our problem.
Yes--we agree it’s big, but can we also agree that the God who brought us here is bigger? Let’s be honest, if poverty were an easy thing to overcome there wouldn’t be any such thing. But you have been given a vision of one child; a child free from the bonds of physical and spiritual poverty. As the giant emerges, will you shrink away, or will you say as Caleb said, that he is as, “bread for us.”
The body of Christ is nourished as we overcome giants. If God has brought you to it, He will see you through it.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Why haven’t you sponsored a Compassion child?
I don’t really want to know the reason; I just want you to think about it. I don’t desire to belittle or diminish the magnitude of your reason, but in actuality I want to be in agreement with you as to its size and scope. In fact, I am just going to go ahead and say it, “Your reason is justifiably huge!”
That reminds me of the verse above.
Caleb and Joshua, and ten other spies had just returned from spying out the Promised Land and returned with the report. “While it truly flows with milk and honey, there is a gigantic problem,” ten of them would say (paraphrase mine). There were in fact giant-defenders in the land and these guys were scared stiff.
Notice that Caleb did not deny the report, nor did he attempt to diminish the problem, but merely said that these problems were as, “bread for us.” In other words, Caleb looked at these giants and saw them not as obstacles, but as nourishment—just as bread nourishes the body, so would these giants promote our growth. Caleb further understood that the Lord who brought them to this place of growth and decision would also provide for their needs.
Let’s return to our problem.
Yes--we agree it’s big, but can we also agree that the God who brought us here is bigger? Let’s be honest, if poverty were an easy thing to overcome there wouldn’t be any such thing. But you have been given a vision of one child; a child free from the bonds of physical and spiritual poverty. As the giant emerges, will you shrink away, or will you say as Caleb said, that he is as, “bread for us.”
The body of Christ is nourished as we overcome giants. If God has brought you to it, He will see you through it.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
A Child's Story
Lois is a formerly sponsored Compassion child from Uganda and I had the unique pleasure of listening to her share her testimony a few nights ago while at the Compassion national conference. Her story was so compelling, I actually found myself on the edge of my seat, my head cradled on my palms in order to hear her better. I hope and pray my retelling of a small portion of her story does it justice.
Lois is a survivor.
She grew up living in poverty and during the most turbulent times in Uganda's recent history; a period of horrific genocide. Lois recounted those days prior to her being sponsored.
"The rebels would come at night, house to house killing everyone, " she told us.
Lois related how it was no longer safe for the children to remain in their homes at night, so in the evening the children of the village would walk, en masse approximately 10 miles to a hospital where they could sleep safely until morning. They would then make the 10 mile trek back to their homes, only to repeat the trip again the next day as the sun began to set.
Occasionally, as the children walked the road, they would see or hear the rebels and would have to run off into the woods as far and as fast they could. There they would hide until they felt the rebels had past or had given up looking for children. The children learned to run off separately, for in this way if one of them was to be captured, the rebels would only have caught the one child.What Lois said next chilled me to my core.
"The following year, when I was 8 years old..."
It seemed simple enough, Lois was merely continuing her chronological story, but then it hit me. My daughter is 7 years old! In the next few seconds, Lois's story became so vivid, so real to me, as I envisioned my precious little girl running into the woods, alone, fleeing for her very life, hiding from men who sought to abuse and then likely kill her. My heart suddenly ached with pain and tears began rolling down my face. The thought of my baby in Lois's shoes chills me even now as I recall her words.
Lois is a survivor.
In time, things had settled down and normalcy returned, that is however normal a life being lived in extreme poverty can be. A Compassion project was coming to her village.Lois was accepted into the project, her picture was taken, and it was placed into a child packet along with a biography. Within a short period of time, a person who would ultimately become Lois's child packet, picked it and became her sponsor.
If you were not aware, Compassion has a slogan, "You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world for one child, " and I suspect that was the very thought that went through this sponsor's mind as she gazed at Lois's photograph, "I can't do much, but I can help this little girl.". But then, as Lois continued her testimony, it occurred to me--her sponsor had in fact changed the world.
Lois you see, excelled in her school work and in sports, to the point where she became eligible for Compassion's Leadership Development Program (LDP). Lois would be able to attend college and achieve her degree. But things would get even better.
Lois was a volleyball player, and while enrolled in the LDP program, her talent on the volleyball court was caught by college scouts. No fewer than 3 universities in the USA were offering scholarships. Eventually Lois was offered, and she accepted, a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina. She has since graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Service and is currently working on her masters degree. It is her hope to return to Uganda after her schooling in order that she may serve her Lord and Savior by giving back to her community. Additionally, Lois has begin giving her testimony across this country at churches and Christian events, resulting in scores of children being sponsored.
I don't know the name of Lois's sponsor, but I hope she knows that she did change the world for one child and, she has also changed the world, for this world will no longer be the same with her and Lois in it -- willing tools in the Master's hands.I challenge you to change the world for one child and in doing so, change the world, for His honor, glory, and praise.
Sponsor a child right now.
Lois is a survivor.
She grew up living in poverty and during the most turbulent times in Uganda's recent history; a period of horrific genocide. Lois recounted those days prior to her being sponsored.
"The rebels would come at night, house to house killing everyone, " she told us.
Lois related how it was no longer safe for the children to remain in their homes at night, so in the evening the children of the village would walk, en masse approximately 10 miles to a hospital where they could sleep safely until morning. They would then make the 10 mile trek back to their homes, only to repeat the trip again the next day as the sun began to set.
Occasionally, as the children walked the road, they would see or hear the rebels and would have to run off into the woods as far and as fast they could. There they would hide until they felt the rebels had past or had given up looking for children. The children learned to run off separately, for in this way if one of them was to be captured, the rebels would only have caught the one child.What Lois said next chilled me to my core.
"The following year, when I was 8 years old..."
It seemed simple enough, Lois was merely continuing her chronological story, but then it hit me. My daughter is 7 years old! In the next few seconds, Lois's story became so vivid, so real to me, as I envisioned my precious little girl running into the woods, alone, fleeing for her very life, hiding from men who sought to abuse and then likely kill her. My heart suddenly ached with pain and tears began rolling down my face. The thought of my baby in Lois's shoes chills me even now as I recall her words.
Lois is a survivor.
In time, things had settled down and normalcy returned, that is however normal a life being lived in extreme poverty can be. A Compassion project was coming to her village.Lois was accepted into the project, her picture was taken, and it was placed into a child packet along with a biography. Within a short period of time, a person who would ultimately become Lois's child packet, picked it and became her sponsor.
If you were not aware, Compassion has a slogan, "You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world for one child, " and I suspect that was the very thought that went through this sponsor's mind as she gazed at Lois's photograph, "I can't do much, but I can help this little girl.". But then, as Lois continued her testimony, it occurred to me--her sponsor had in fact changed the world.
Lois you see, excelled in her school work and in sports, to the point where she became eligible for Compassion's Leadership Development Program (LDP). Lois would be able to attend college and achieve her degree. But things would get even better.
Lois was a volleyball player, and while enrolled in the LDP program, her talent on the volleyball court was caught by college scouts. No fewer than 3 universities in the USA were offering scholarships. Eventually Lois was offered, and she accepted, a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina. She has since graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Service and is currently working on her masters degree. It is her hope to return to Uganda after her schooling in order that she may serve her Lord and Savior by giving back to her community. Additionally, Lois has begin giving her testimony across this country at churches and Christian events, resulting in scores of children being sponsored.
I don't know the name of Lois's sponsor, but I hope she knows that she did change the world for one child and, she has also changed the world, for this world will no longer be the same with her and Lois in it -- willing tools in the Master's hands.I challenge you to change the world for one child and in doing so, change the world, for His honor, glory, and praise.
Sponsor a child right now.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
How Jesus Brought in the New Year
(*An obvious repost)
First let me say, “Happy New Year!” Last night (New Year’s Eve) I came home from church about 11 PM and intended to plop in front of the tube and watch that inane ball drop out of the sky, but got on the computer instead. Looking back I see God was guiding my steps.
I logged on and eventually (11:46 PM) stumbled upon a message from a woman named Sarah on my profile page. It read (in part), “My heart has been touched very largely by the spirit of God tonight - that I sponsor a child… I need you to help me fulfill my last wish for 2006. Can you tell me if there are children in any of the countries that compassion assists/covers, whom are crippled or in need of help because of disability, including hunger? My daughter is disabled, and to think that she might be a child in one of these countries, who is hungry as well, is too much to explain the depth of my feelings. I want to help children like her - ones who have not passed yet, who are in need of quick help”
I heart began to race - I had 14 minutes to find this person a ’special-needs’ child to sponsor (I didn’t figure out until much later that Sarah was in Colorado and I had over 2 hours to fulfill her ‘last request for 2006, but I digress).
In a short time I had directed Sarah to the Compassion website and well (as they say) the rest is history. Here is Sarah’s story (shared with her permission from a post she left on the MySpace Compassion Group):
(I am a new member of this group! My name is Sarah, and I have two children - Lily and Leo. Lily is three and is disabled. She is very smart, and very happy! Leo is a four month old - on his way to good trouble!)
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Sarahwww.thelilyfoundation.org
My Compassion Story:
Tonight I didn’t make plans to go out. I went to church, then went to lunch with friends and visited a few other friends, then came home to be with Lily. Tonight, God had something planned!
I watched the Anderson Cooper interview with Angelina Jolie and was heartbroken over each of their stories, and Anderson’s coverage on children suffering from hunger in Africa. I know I am not the only one, nor is this the only time that someone has felt compelled to do something for a child after seeing such stories. However, it was strong. I could hardly eat my dinner afterward without thanking God for each bite after I saw that interview.
So I got on MySpace and looked up “Compassion International”. I found them, and clicked on the first advocate I could find - he was online. I told him that I had heard of Compassion International through the church I attend here in Fort Collins, The Vineyard, on a Sunday when the focus was on children and speaking up for them. I was busy presenting/helping launch a Special Needs Children’s program at the church, and didn’t think to sponsor a child. I said that it was now on my heart to do so, and that I had one preference -= that the child have special needs.
I requested this because I can’t imagine children like Lily doing well in a country where even food is sparse. I wanted to be of aid to a child who would get some of the things that Lily does, despite the fact that they do not benefit from American resources.
He wrote back! He told me to go to the website and select a child with special needs by clicking on the choice on the left hand side of the screen. That was my only preference, out of all the children and all the countries Compassion covers. There were 30 children. There had to have been more at some point however, I knew in my heart that some of them probably died - because of larger vulnerability when hit with disease and hunger.
I browsed through the kids photos and was struck by one. It was a little boy, and he was SMILING. This big cute grin. I thought “Lily smiles almost all the time despite her disability, and here is this sweet boy who is REALLY in a worse situation and he is smiling!” I clicked on him and read on - his daily chores, his age and that he is crippled in both feet. When I got to his country, I knew right then he was my choice for sponsorship. He was from Brazil - Lily is half Brazilian/Portuguese. WOW. God is wonderful!!
I even called my boyfriend to share my story, and this is what he said.
“Many people are out on New Year’s Eve, spending $20 - $30 on drinks and here you are, sponsoring a child on the last day of the year!”
Are you moved at all? — > COMPASSION site HERE
First let me say, “Happy New Year!” Last night (New Year’s Eve) I came home from church about 11 PM and intended to plop in front of the tube and watch that inane ball drop out of the sky, but got on the computer instead. Looking back I see God was guiding my steps.
I logged on and eventually (11:46 PM) stumbled upon a message from a woman named Sarah on my profile page. It read (in part), “My heart has been touched very largely by the spirit of God tonight - that I sponsor a child… I need you to help me fulfill my last wish for 2006. Can you tell me if there are children in any of the countries that compassion assists/covers, whom are crippled or in need of help because of disability, including hunger? My daughter is disabled, and to think that she might be a child in one of these countries, who is hungry as well, is too much to explain the depth of my feelings. I want to help children like her - ones who have not passed yet, who are in need of quick help”
I heart began to race - I had 14 minutes to find this person a ’special-needs’ child to sponsor (I didn’t figure out until much later that Sarah was in Colorado and I had over 2 hours to fulfill her ‘last request for 2006, but I digress).
In a short time I had directed Sarah to the Compassion website and well (as they say) the rest is history. Here is Sarah’s story (shared with her permission from a post she left on the MySpace Compassion Group):
(I am a new member of this group! My name is Sarah, and I have two children - Lily and Leo. Lily is three and is disabled. She is very smart, and very happy! Leo is a four month old - on his way to good trouble!)
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Sarahwww.thelilyfoundation.org
My Compassion Story:
Tonight I didn’t make plans to go out. I went to church, then went to lunch with friends and visited a few other friends, then came home to be with Lily. Tonight, God had something planned!
I watched the Anderson Cooper interview with Angelina Jolie and was heartbroken over each of their stories, and Anderson’s coverage on children suffering from hunger in Africa. I know I am not the only one, nor is this the only time that someone has felt compelled to do something for a child after seeing such stories. However, it was strong. I could hardly eat my dinner afterward without thanking God for each bite after I saw that interview.
So I got on MySpace and looked up “Compassion International”. I found them, and clicked on the first advocate I could find - he was online. I told him that I had heard of Compassion International through the church I attend here in Fort Collins, The Vineyard, on a Sunday when the focus was on children and speaking up for them. I was busy presenting/helping launch a Special Needs Children’s program at the church, and didn’t think to sponsor a child. I said that it was now on my heart to do so, and that I had one preference -= that the child have special needs.
I requested this because I can’t imagine children like Lily doing well in a country where even food is sparse. I wanted to be of aid to a child who would get some of the things that Lily does, despite the fact that they do not benefit from American resources.
He wrote back! He told me to go to the website and select a child with special needs by clicking on the choice on the left hand side of the screen. That was my only preference, out of all the children and all the countries Compassion covers. There were 30 children. There had to have been more at some point however, I knew in my heart that some of them probably died - because of larger vulnerability when hit with disease and hunger.
I browsed through the kids photos and was struck by one. It was a little boy, and he was SMILING. This big cute grin. I thought “Lily smiles almost all the time despite her disability, and here is this sweet boy who is REALLY in a worse situation and he is smiling!” I clicked on him and read on - his daily chores, his age and that he is crippled in both feet. When I got to his country, I knew right then he was my choice for sponsorship. He was from Brazil - Lily is half Brazilian/Portuguese. WOW. God is wonderful!!
I even called my boyfriend to share my story, and this is what he said.
“Many people are out on New Year’s Eve, spending $20 - $30 on drinks and here you are, sponsoring a child on the last day of the year!”
Are you moved at all? — > COMPASSION site HERE
Friday, February 22, 2008
Remembering Katrina
Remembering Katrina
Hard to believe it's been over two years since the storm, but seeing just one photograph brings the experience back to memory, although one picture does not do it justice. I am reminded of the vast difference between seeing pictures and being in the picture, but also mindful that it was the effect two-dimensional images had on my heart that led me to this place.
This was my second trip to gulf region. On this occasion our mission was to assist others in establishing a base camp where servants of the church could stay while going about the business of helping those affected by the storm.
We drove into Biloxi initially and the pastor of the local church was very helpful. We arrived just in time for the church's regular service and you might find it very interesting that this particular building suffered little or no damage, despite the fact it was in the same area where buildings were severely damaged or destroyed. Remarkable.
The next day the pastor drove us around to various locations in order that we might find a suitable place for our camp. None were found, although we came close a couple times. Then the Lord stepped in and guided us to a small community Bay St. Louis, MS.
We discovered that teams had already arrived and set-up camp on a high school baseball field. We fit right in, recognizing that we did not have to reinvent the wheel and soon we were ministering to the needs of the community. The camp would ultimately function as a tent-city for workers and a restaurant to the community. We also strived to meet the spiritual needs of every person.
Rescue workers (fireman, police, EMTs), who had come from all parts of our country discovered they could find a good meal, a hot shower, and a friend to lean on. On our first night in the camp I met one such man.
He was a cop and we had an immediate bond in that I am retired from the job; I soon discovered the bond would go much deeper.
"Do you know Jesus Christ," I asked when I felt led to do so.
"Can I tell you a story," was his reply.
"Sure," I said as I settled back into my chair, uncertain the direction this conversation was going.
Several years ago when my daughter was 2 years old, she was playing in our back yard. My wife was nearby, but she never heard a sound when my daughter fell into the pool. To this day we don't know how long she laid there on the bottom.
When we got her out she was dead. My wife did CPR and the first aiders did CPR, and finally in the ambulance my daughter gasped and took a breath.
Long story short, my daughter made a full recovery and suffered no brain damage; no noth'in, she's as perfect as can be.
A few years had passed and you got to know, we never, ever told her about the drowning. She had no memory of it, and we didn't want to freak her out about swimming and pools and stuff.
We were eating breakfast in our kitchen when (she) gets up and stands next to the sliding glass door-- just staring at the pool. I'm tell'n ya minutes went by.
Finally I ask her, "Honey, what are you stare'n at," not even thinking about the pool or the drowning at all.
"That's where Jesus held me," she said.
"What are you talk'n about honey," it still hadn't clicked for me.
"'That's where Jesus held me when I was on the bottom of the pool."
"So to answer your question Dave, Yes, I know Jesus. I've got a trunk load of Bibles in my car I've been given out, do you want one?"
I am so grateful I asked that question that day. Do you know Jesus?
Hard to believe it's been over two years since the storm, but seeing just one photograph brings the experience back to memory, although one picture does not do it justice. I am reminded of the vast difference between seeing pictures and being in the picture, but also mindful that it was the effect two-dimensional images had on my heart that led me to this place.
This was my second trip to gulf region. On this occasion our mission was to assist others in establishing a base camp where servants of the church could stay while going about the business of helping those affected by the storm.
We drove into Biloxi initially and the pastor of the local church was very helpful. We arrived just in time for the church's regular service and you might find it very interesting that this particular building suffered little or no damage, despite the fact it was in the same area where buildings were severely damaged or destroyed. Remarkable.
The next day the pastor drove us around to various locations in order that we might find a suitable place for our camp. None were found, although we came close a couple times. Then the Lord stepped in and guided us to a small community Bay St. Louis, MS.
We discovered that teams had already arrived and set-up camp on a high school baseball field. We fit right in, recognizing that we did not have to reinvent the wheel and soon we were ministering to the needs of the community. The camp would ultimately function as a tent-city for workers and a restaurant to the community. We also strived to meet the spiritual needs of every person.
Rescue workers (fireman, police, EMTs), who had come from all parts of our country discovered they could find a good meal, a hot shower, and a friend to lean on. On our first night in the camp I met one such man.
He was a cop and we had an immediate bond in that I am retired from the job; I soon discovered the bond would go much deeper.
"Do you know Jesus Christ," I asked when I felt led to do so.
"Can I tell you a story," was his reply.
"Sure," I said as I settled back into my chair, uncertain the direction this conversation was going.
Several years ago when my daughter was 2 years old, she was playing in our back yard. My wife was nearby, but she never heard a sound when my daughter fell into the pool. To this day we don't know how long she laid there on the bottom.
When we got her out she was dead. My wife did CPR and the first aiders did CPR, and finally in the ambulance my daughter gasped and took a breath.
Long story short, my daughter made a full recovery and suffered no brain damage; no noth'in, she's as perfect as can be.
A few years had passed and you got to know, we never, ever told her about the drowning. She had no memory of it, and we didn't want to freak her out about swimming and pools and stuff.
We were eating breakfast in our kitchen when (she) gets up and stands next to the sliding glass door-- just staring at the pool. I'm tell'n ya minutes went by.
Finally I ask her, "Honey, what are you stare'n at," not even thinking about the pool or the drowning at all.
"That's where Jesus held me," she said.
"What are you talk'n about honey," it still hadn't clicked for me.
"'That's where Jesus held me when I was on the bottom of the pool."
"So to answer your question Dave, Yes, I know Jesus. I've got a trunk load of Bibles in my car I've been given out, do you want one?"
I am so grateful I asked that question that day. Do you know Jesus?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Ugly Boy
Zechariah 13:9
I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’
We have all said things we wished we never said and thought things we wished we never thought and while it angers me that I continue to do it, it brings me much joy when the Lord chooses to bless me and correct me because of it. This is a story of God’s faithfulness in His promise to refine His followers and His constant reminder that He is in control.
I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’
We have all said things we wished we never said and thought things we wished we never thought and while it angers me that I continue to do it, it brings me much joy when the Lord chooses to bless me and correct me because of it. This is a story of God’s faithfulness in His promise to refine His followers and His constant reminder that He is in control.
Several weeks ago I received a bundle of child packets for Christian events I would be attending with my ministry, Compassion International. Children living in poverty who are available for sponsorship have their photographs inserted into the tops of these packets along with a short biography about them, their family situation, and the countries in which they live.
In mid July I set out for the first event. I placed the packets neatly on the table and went about my charge of praying over each child, lifting up each of their names and Compassion projects before the Lord. Moving from packet to packet (and praying rather quickly) I paused over one little boy.
“Albert (not his real name) is 4 years old and lives with his parents in Haiti,” his biography began. I stared at his picture long and hard. Albert was not an attractive child; in fact I must confess that my first thought was sadly, “Albert was an ugly boy.”
I know how horrible it was for me to think that. How dare I make such an awful assessment of one of Godâs precious children, but unfortunately it was over; I could not un-ring the bell I just rang. My heart ached for the child and my next thought seemed to be much truer than my first; this child would probably not get sponsored today. I was ashamed of myself for thinking it, but it seems that potential sponsors are always drawn to the cute kids. Albert was not sponsored this day.
Several events had passed and I laid out the child packets for the last time this past Saturday night. Finding Albert on the table again my heart sank at the inevitability of having to pack up his photo and return him to Compassion HQs in Colorado Springs. You see, I see these packets as actual children, not just merely bundles of photographs and papers representing children. It pains me deeply to box them up and ship them back.
As the evening progressed several people stopped by the Compassion table, but no one yet sponsored a child. A Mom and Dad came by with their two kids and we talked for a long time. One of the first things they shared with me is how the Lord has blessed their family and how they were able to sponsor six children already. One of the benefits of this ministry is being able to listen to these testimonies. I never imagined that they would soon be sponsoring their seventh child.
While Mom chatted with me, dad and the kids were looking over each packet and reading the biographies to them selves. Every few seconds one would comment on what they were reading, “Hey this kid has my birthday,” said one child. “This one carries wood and buckets of water to help with the chores — and she’s only 4 years old,” the other one said!
Mom was getting into it also and I took a step back and watched as they poured over the kids on the table. I wasn’t really paying attention when Mom all of a sudden handed me a packet.
“My husband wants to sponsor this child,” she said, “of all the children we sponsor; he never got to pick any of them.”
I was naturally elated that they were about to sponsor their seventh child and almost a little shocked; I just didn’t see it coming.
Then I looked down at the photograph and saw that it was little Albert. I felt the lump forming in my throat and began to say ‘politely’ that I didn’t think Albert would be sponsored today. Mom looked at me and said, “My husband thought the same thing and thatâs why he chose him.”
Mom and I began to cry. I couldn’t tell if Dad was crying, he had turned away slightly.
In those few seconds, the Lord was teaching me many things. My tears flowed in part for Albert, in part for this awesome Christian family, and in part for God’s grace to teach me and bless me through it all.
In those few seconds, the Lord was teaching me many things. My tears flowed in part for Albert, in part for this awesome Christian family, and in part for God’s grace to teach me and bless me through it all.
Although my faith had been weak and my perception of His power deficient, the Lord opted to refine rather than rebuke. Talk about your unmerited favor! God’s grace abounded that day.
The event, a Christian concert was over and the crowds poured out of the venue. Many more children were sponsored that evening and as the crowds began to thin, up walked Mom and Dad and the kids.
“We want to sponsor one more child,” Mom said. “The Lord through Grant (one of the band members with the Christian band ‘Sonic Flood’) really moved us with his words about Compassion.” My smile was so broad, if I wore lipstick it would have gotten all over my ears.
As Mom finished up signing up for child number eight, her daughter ran up to her and excitedly announced, “Dad said we can do one more.”
And immediately Jesus stretched out Hishand and caught him, and said to him,“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31
(*Some other good “Compassion International” blogs for today: Shaun Groves, Virginia Reid testimony, and Ann Kroeler)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
So What Will Become of my Foam Hand?
But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
My wife had to be the first to know
Several years ago I approached my wife and told her there was something I needed to tell her. “You should sit down,” I cautioned her. Looking aback at the incident now, I realize I wanted her to sit so it would be less easy for her to gain access to something to throw at my head.
“What is it,” she said nervously.
“You are not number one in my life anymore,” I announced to her, determining that my opening remark must sear her heart regardless of the initial pain. She needed to both remember the phrase and assume it herself.
Quickly (and I do mean quickly) I explained how Jesus Christ was numero uno and why that was important to our relationship. Our relationships with Jesus Christ could not take a backseat to our relationships with each other.
“Am I number two?”
“Well honey, yes and no.” This time I ducked fully expecting a handful of crystal coasters to come flying in my direction. “In God’s economy everything is number two,” not realizing until after I said the phrase, “number two,” that I just compared her to something quite offensive.
What I finally was able to convey to my wife is that Jesus Christ is our top priority and we must depend upon Him to prioritize the rest of our lives. In so doing we can trust that all our relationships will be enhanced, not to mention all our other needs.
Time is short
We need to function as if the Lord’s return and/or our demise is but a second away. The only things for which we need strive are an improved relationship with Christ Jesus and an obedient spirit.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
My wife had to be the first to know
Several years ago I approached my wife and told her there was something I needed to tell her. “You should sit down,” I cautioned her. Looking aback at the incident now, I realize I wanted her to sit so it would be less easy for her to gain access to something to throw at my head.
“What is it,” she said nervously.
“You are not number one in my life anymore,” I announced to her, determining that my opening remark must sear her heart regardless of the initial pain. She needed to both remember the phrase and assume it herself.
Quickly (and I do mean quickly) I explained how Jesus Christ was numero uno and why that was important to our relationship. Our relationships with Jesus Christ could not take a backseat to our relationships with each other.
“Am I number two?”
“Well honey, yes and no.” This time I ducked fully expecting a handful of crystal coasters to come flying in my direction. “In God’s economy everything is number two,” not realizing until after I said the phrase, “number two,” that I just compared her to something quite offensive.
What I finally was able to convey to my wife is that Jesus Christ is our top priority and we must depend upon Him to prioritize the rest of our lives. In so doing we can trust that all our relationships will be enhanced, not to mention all our other needs.
Time is short
We need to function as if the Lord’s return and/or our demise is but a second away. The only things for which we need strive are an improved relationship with Christ Jesus and an obedient spirit.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Softening the Ask
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8
I cannot get it out of my mind. In a blog written by Shaun Groves yesterday, he declared, "I’m through softening the ‘ask.’ ”
What does that mean?
Traveling in Uganda, Shaun has been a witness to the horror that is abject poverty and he has likely determined that as voices for the voiceless, we must embolden our appeals for help. I certainly would agree with him.
Is this justified?
If you discover your house ablaze, are you justified in boldly seeking your neighbor’s ladder to rescue your children or his garden hose to douse the flames? Yes, of course you are justified. I submit to you that bold pleas for the lives of the thirty-thousand children who are going to die in the next 24 hours are also warranted.
What about the love?
1 Corinthians 16:14 after all does declare, “Let all that you do be done with love.” Again I submit to you that when you are pleading for the life of a child the ‘love’ is implied. Let us never confuse this type of boldness for a lack of agape.
The Ask
What if it were your kid--what would you do or say to save the life of your own child? I need you to put yourself in that scenario right now; the situation is that dire. In the time it took to type the last five words, another child has died and you need to know that his dad, or his mom is suffering just as you or I would suffer if we lost our child.
If you are reading this now you are very likely in a position to help. I’m not talking about you saving the world, but you saving one child’s life. It is that doable. Don’t buy that daily coffee, or can of soda—how can you when you know you can take that buck and save a child’s life instead.
You would almost certainly give up everything you own in order to save your child’s life—will you give up just $1 a day to save someone else’s child?
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:37-40
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lack of Appetite
I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. 1 Corinthians 3:2-3
A carnal person is one who is controlled by the appetite of the flesh. The church at Corinth was carnal; they were saved, but they were consumed by fleshly pleasures. Kind of sounds like you and I, doesn't it?
Hungry?
We can determine our carnality by examining what it is we crave. Do we yearn for the meat that is God's word, or the devil's junk food? If we are filling our bodies with things not spiritual, it stands to reason that when it comes time to partake of the Bread of Life, we will not be hungry.
That is precisely why James wrote (in James 1:21), "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." We must lay aside the bad to make room for the good.
The writer of Hebrews 5:11 would say a lack of appetite is akin to becoming, "dull of hearing;" our stomachs aren't interested in things good because they're filled with things bad. The passage continues:
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14
Saved but carnal
Imagine that the 'milk' Paul refers to is the Good News; that is the basic tenants of our faith that essentially describe what it is that Christ Jesus has done. The 'solid food' would therefore represent what Jesus is currently doing and what He desires to do through us, His body. Carnal-Christians continue to feed on the 'milk' because we have filled up on rubbish. We will not be hungry at God's table if we keep eating at satan's drive-thru.
Lay it aside
Things of the flesh taste good for a season, but in time their empty calories catch up with us and we will pay a huge price for having consumed them. Your spiritual diet starts today and you can begin by turning away from the fast-food of this world.
cd
A carnal person is one who is controlled by the appetite of the flesh. The church at Corinth was carnal; they were saved, but they were consumed by fleshly pleasures. Kind of sounds like you and I, doesn't it?
Hungry?
We can determine our carnality by examining what it is we crave. Do we yearn for the meat that is God's word, or the devil's junk food? If we are filling our bodies with things not spiritual, it stands to reason that when it comes time to partake of the Bread of Life, we will not be hungry.
That is precisely why James wrote (in James 1:21), "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." We must lay aside the bad to make room for the good.
The writer of Hebrews 5:11 would say a lack of appetite is akin to becoming, "dull of hearing;" our stomachs aren't interested in things good because they're filled with things bad. The passage continues:
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14
Saved but carnal
Imagine that the 'milk' Paul refers to is the Good News; that is the basic tenants of our faith that essentially describe what it is that Christ Jesus has done. The 'solid food' would therefore represent what Jesus is currently doing and what He desires to do through us, His body. Carnal-Christians continue to feed on the 'milk' because we have filled up on rubbish. We will not be hungry at God's table if we keep eating at satan's drive-thru.
Lay it aside
Things of the flesh taste good for a season, but in time their empty calories catch up with us and we will pay a huge price for having consumed them. Your spiritual diet starts today and you can begin by turning away from the fast-food of this world.
cd
I am feeling useless
and I want to do something.
As you may or may not be aware, Compassion International has gathered some fourteen 'bloggers' and brought them to Uganda in order that they could give a firsthand account of how Jesus, through His Compassion ministry, is ministering to the needs of children living in unspeakable poverty.
Each day I have been reading how the economic, social, physical, and spiritual needs of these kids are being met. Today I feel strangely homesick for a place I have never been.
How is that possible?
Shannon's blog was my first reading of the day. What a blessing that she included a video of her meeting her sponsored child Dissan for the first time. Those kinds of Compassion events are always moving, so I took the liberty of 'borrowing' the video and posting it around town (MySpace).
Next there was the Shaun Groves blog. I have this 'thing' for Shaun Groves. I'll explain. Shaun was invited recently to a lead worship at a local church where I live. About midway through, he stopped and began sharing about the Compassion ministry. I have seen and heard many pitches for the Compassion ministry, but this particular one was one of the best I've ever witnessed. Shaun winds-up his latest blog by declaring, "I'm through softening the 'ask'."
That single line moved me
Patrick Sievert's Compassion blog was disturbing. Did you know there is an organization that allows you to sponsor pigs? Thirty thousand children living in extreme poverty are going to die in the next 24 hours, and in the light of that horror, there are people who would opt to sponsor a farm animal rather than a human being. I could cry, but I am too angry.
The story of Angela Turbeville's two precious sponsored children in Indonesia was timely, although I still can't get the pig-sponsorship insanity out of my head.
David Kuo summed it all up nicely in his blog when he recorded, "The longer I am here the more certain…sponsoring a child (is) a crucial first step in helping Uganda."
I'm Still in New Jersey
I want to be in Uganda. I want to be the one writing about these children and the Compassion ministry. I want to compel others to sponsor children. Then it hit me--that old missionary cliché smacked me right between my eyes,
"You don't have to cross a sea to serve the Lord; you just have to see the cross."
Read the blogs, hear the testimonies, sponsor a child, and when you do, tell us about it. What you have to say might help someone else in their decision to sponsor a child in desperate need.
Cd
See the cross? Sponsor a child
As you may or may not be aware, Compassion International has gathered some fourteen 'bloggers' and brought them to Uganda in order that they could give a firsthand account of how Jesus, through His Compassion ministry, is ministering to the needs of children living in unspeakable poverty.
Each day I have been reading how the economic, social, physical, and spiritual needs of these kids are being met. Today I feel strangely homesick for a place I have never been.
How is that possible?
Shannon's blog was my first reading of the day. What a blessing that she included a video of her meeting her sponsored child Dissan for the first time. Those kinds of Compassion events are always moving, so I took the liberty of 'borrowing' the video and posting it around town (MySpace).
Next there was the Shaun Groves blog. I have this 'thing' for Shaun Groves. I'll explain. Shaun was invited recently to a lead worship at a local church where I live. About midway through, he stopped and began sharing about the Compassion ministry. I have seen and heard many pitches for the Compassion ministry, but this particular one was one of the best I've ever witnessed. Shaun winds-up his latest blog by declaring, "I'm through softening the 'ask'."
That single line moved me
Patrick Sievert's Compassion blog was disturbing. Did you know there is an organization that allows you to sponsor pigs? Thirty thousand children living in extreme poverty are going to die in the next 24 hours, and in the light of that horror, there are people who would opt to sponsor a farm animal rather than a human being. I could cry, but I am too angry.
The story of Angela Turbeville's two precious sponsored children in Indonesia was timely, although I still can't get the pig-sponsorship insanity out of my head.
David Kuo summed it all up nicely in his blog when he recorded, "The longer I am here the more certain…sponsoring a child (is) a crucial first step in helping Uganda."
I'm Still in New Jersey
I want to be in Uganda. I want to be the one writing about these children and the Compassion ministry. I want to compel others to sponsor children. Then it hit me--that old missionary cliché smacked me right between my eyes,
"You don't have to cross a sea to serve the Lord; you just have to see the cross."
Read the blogs, hear the testimonies, sponsor a child, and when you do, tell us about it. What you have to say might help someone else in their decision to sponsor a child in desperate need.
Cd
See the cross? Sponsor a child
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
