FINISH WHAT YOU BEGAN

A picture I captured while on the bus traveling through Kenya en route to Zambia earlier this month!

Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, who will go for us, And I said,

Here AM I LORD, SEND ME!

Somehow, my sin stained past is part of HIS PLAN, “Here I am Lord, Send me”!

The Holy Spirit has reached to the deepest depth of my being to find that mold-able lump of clay, which He precedes to view as hopeful. Once more, He has started to pound and shape my spirit into the woman of God He created me to become for this time and season. His attempt to finish what He began in-between my distractions and sinful pursuits of the past keeps me moving forward. This body made of dust and stains is once again running the race among the African culture and people groups doing my part to live out “The Call” which lies before each Christian, Know Jesus and Make Him Known.

Somehow, my sin stained past is part of HIS PLAN, “Here I am Lord, Send me”!

In the midst of this community/school I am found living in, I’m reminded one too many times of my setbacks, upset plans and failures to become an example of Jesus to the developing world of Africa prior to permitting loneliness and lust to send me on a downward spiral.

Somehow, my sin stained past is part of HIS PLAN, “Here I am Lord, Send me”!

Overtaken by the memories of my weakness and loss of our son can leave me motionless with fear that I’ll fail again… Until I feel Him push and mold these broken parts into a His plan, which only He can.

Somehow, my sin stained past is part of HIS PLAN, “Here I am Lord, Send me”!

Forgiveness and redemption has come, I now stand blameless through the blood of Jesus and through His longing to make beauty from ashes I’m able to step up to the plate and allow Him to FINISH WHAT HE BEGAN!  

Thank Jesus that he is the Potter and I am the clay! He has reached for the deepest hope in me and called out for the things of eternity. I know He will finish that what He began, as I see Him doing just that with each passing day.

Somehow, my sin stained past is part of HIS PLAN, “Here I am Lord, Send me, I wanna live my life as an offering.”

One of my favorite Christian groups, and the song that inspired this post! DOWNHERE

Masai, Muslim and Missionary

Common ground can be hard to come by when journeying from nation to nation. In spite of that, I was able to establish a smidgen commonality between two Masai, a Muslim and myself. 

Throughout my nineteen day, expedition from the states to Zambia the White Masai novel stole my spare travel time. I managed to view the film (English subtitles) via You Tube some months back and devoured the book in less than two days, a miraculous record if you knew my track record for reading ;)

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

For as long as I can remember avid readers consistently told me that I too will become a bookworm after locating ‘the right book’, and that I did.Corinne Hofmann's life story hit home more than once, yet other aspects of her love story were far from my own realities and kept me holding tight to each page of each book, as she has written three regarding the same story line.

Masai Tribes occupy much of the Kenya, Tanzania bush lands. They are known to be a nomadic tribe, which rear cattle and goats, while their diet is based on animal blood, milk and meat from the livestock and chai tea.  Gardens are not a common practice and tiny dome huts are constructed with twigs and cow dung. Even to the average African, Masai Warriors are respected and placed in a league of their own.

My bus booked from Kenya to Tanzania dropped me for the night in a tiny town across the border. My eyes were glued to the window of the bus awaiting another sighting of Masai along the countryside. Sure as luck would have it, the Masai were in the town of Abusha as well. My courage and boldness hid in the shadow of my fear for their response when asking for a ‘proper’ photo. I walked to and from the alleys of the town and throughout the open-air markets while gawking at their craft booths, shoes made of old tires and bold red and blue shuka's. The awe of such a people group can leave one speechless.

No sooner did I book my lodging I ran into a younger Muslim girl who greeted me with perfect English verse the Swahili that I’d become accustomed to. I offered to buy her some fresh fruit from the local street vendors and in no time we were on foot, strolling around the congested streets. My gazing eyes spoke for themselves as she took note of my fascination with the Masai’s.  She was perplexed to hear that we don’t have such a tribe in Zambia and took it upon herself to approach a couple Masai for a photo. I was had been well informed from my ‘reading’ that a bribe of some kind is a requirement for such a Kodak moment. My frugal tendencies were nowhere to be found and I was willing to pay a high price for such an encounter. Johari located a Jeanie and lamp for me to wish upon and I found myself paying very little for a one-on-one photo. (In the cloak of the night with a poor quality camera, my frugal ways don’t always pay off)

My courageous spirit was regaining its strength when I took the chance to invite the Masai to join Johari and myself to round of traditional Chia and Chipati, my treat. Much to my surprise, they accepted and guided us to the local tea-house for a late night treat! Johari was the interpreter as each one of us had many of questions for each other. They told stories about chasing lions and fighting the big-five water buffalo's as well as other fascinating near death stories to explain the scars on their body. Before long, a pair of grandmothers came to join us and was more than willing to offer ‘free’ photos. I did not have to think twice. I was lost in a dreamy Masai world.

Time seemed to stand still until Johari reminded me her mother and cousins were waiting back at the hostile. My 4:00 bus departure was far from my own worries or concern. However, we exchanged a number of farewell hugs and wished one another well before they escorted us back to our side of town for a night of sweet dreams and stories that will last a lifetime.  I even managed to come away with a traditional Masai shuka to back up the stories and photographs.

Moral of the story: Dreams DO come true and books can come to life ;)

Me and Johari enjoying a restful time and sharing our memories from the night :)

Bitter Sweet- Farewell

My big Brother, (oldest), Me (last born), Papa, Mama, Big Sis (second born)

The hugs and kisses this week from family were not taken for granted; rather they have become the wind beneath my wings. They have lifted my spirit when I did not think I could move forward. They have sewn shut the gap of feeling lost and alone. They have enabled me to embark on another journey far from home as I have known it. I stand with courage as each kiss and each hug was an omen for this new chapter in life.

Life has a funny way of making time creep by, yet in a blink of the eye, it can empower one to move at the speed of light. In the past week, I have lived both sides of the coin. My great God has provided me with a heart transplant. This ‘new’ heart beats for the weak, the lost and those still in the darkness of Sin and knowledge of their Savior. The ‘new’ heart of mine desires to live among a dirty diseased and despaired community of people and leaves me home sick when I am far away from them, they are the moments when life seems to tiptoe by. On the other hand, life seems to pass like a vapor when I am holding close to my own family and saying, “See you later”, one more time. Bitter sweet.

Days have passed since I departed the comfort of the family I was born to, the home I’ve been comforted in and the arms of those who have known me the longest.

Each of my nieces and nephews were slumbering in the cloak of the night when I inched my way into the room with stealth motions. I found them snuggled under blankets one by one and shed tears over each one as I offered a prayer to the Living God on their behalf. I kissed each one of their feet buried under the blankets and asked Jesus to “Never leave of forsake them, rather to Guide their feet with precision as they follow the still small voice of His Spirit.”

My sister and I parted ways in the midst of the public eye. All I could do is swallow my pride, thrust my hands over my face, and weep for all to see as I stood alone in the room after her departure.  I didn’t care what others may think, I simply wanted to memorize her face, her embrace and most of all words of encouragement, “Keisha, we are so proud of you. This is not goodbye, but sees you later. We WILL meet again.”

I decided to crank up the radio on my voyage to the house. Praise is to Jesus that he sent just the right song at the best time, Chris Tomlin “I will rise”. 

Where you go, I’ll go

Where you stay, I’ll stay

When you move, I’ll move

I will follow….

Who you love, I’ll love

How you serve, I’ll serve

IF THIS LIFE I LOSE, I WILL FOLLOW YOU

I WILL FOLLOW YOU!!!!

Mark 8: 36-37 “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” – All that I could possibly achieve or acquire (on my own) in this life is worthless, if I am willing to forfeit my soul=eternal life with Jesus.

Mama bid me farewell at the airport and said, “Your bags are packed, and now it is time for you to help pack others suitcases.” Maybe I can explain. For as many years as I can remember on my childhood birthday cards mama and papa would tell me they have done their best to pack my ‘suitcase needed for life’ with all the; KNOWLEDGE of Jesus, FORGIVENESS for others, COURAGE to follow Him, BOLDNESS to stand for our Living God, PEACE that passes understanding, PATIENCE to wait upon the Lord, LOVE for my enemies, COMPASSION for the weak, …. They would explain to me that I ultimately am a Child of God, but He has allowed them to ‘adopt me’ for a time and season to help mentor and guide me into bringing Him more glory. They would further explain that if they were to fail in any areas, HE would be there to unpack and repack my ‘suitcase for life’, so when I reach my destination I can pull out all I need; KNOWLEDGE, FORGIVENESS, COURAGE, BOLDNESS, PEACE, PATIENCE, LOVE, COMPASSION… to complete the task that await me.  

Where you (Jesus) go, I’ll go

Where you (Jesus)  stay, I’ll stay

When you (Jesus) move, I’ll move

I will follow….

Who you (Jesus) love, I’ll love

How you (Jesus) serve, I’ll serve

IF THIS LIFE I LOSE, I WILL FOLLOW YOU

I WILL FOLLOW YOU (Jesus)!!!!

Decmeber Update

Christmas has managed to come and go once again, in the blink of an eye though it seems. I hope each one of you was reminded of the REASON for this very season, CHRISTmas!

I was officially accepted into the [Y.W.A.M.  -Youth With a Mission] –D.T.S [Discipleship Training School] in Livingstone, Zambia, Africa beginning January 15, 2012. This DTS (in Zambia) is a prerequisite school for the B.A.S. [Birth Attendant School] where I hope to attend their High risk midwifery school in July 2012. 

*** I’ll provide the condensed time-line first, for those who like it simple and few details ;) 

** Dec 2011 - I'm going to Europe on a SPACE-AVAILABLE buddy pass plane ticket (CHEAP $$) Visiting friends as I travel via train throughout Europe
** Jan 6, 2012 - Flying from Amsterdam to Nairobi, Kenya to visit more native friends on my way back to Zambia
** Jan 12, 2012 - Travel by bus and train from Kenya into Livingstone, Zambia where I'll complete (six months- Bible/Missionary training) of a 1.5 year High Risk Midwifery School (with YWAM)
** July 2012 - Leave Africa for Perth, Australia to continue the High Risk BAS School
** Oct 2012 Complete the remaining 8 months [BAS] hands-on clinical in multiple developing countries with my team

** July 2013 I will use my 'return ticket' from Perth to Africa where I 'HOPE' to someday set up a medical/maternity clinic in the bush of Africa- possibly in Eastern Africa... where there are Numerous Unreached People Groups

Youth With a Mission (YWAM) is one of the world largest mission’s organizations with over 18 000 full time staff in more than 100 countries in every continent (except Antarctica).

While attending a 5 Month [DTS], Christian Missionary Training School I’ll be challenged to worship, listen to and head the voice of God. I’ll be housed in the dorm at the base, with my fellow classmates. This base is equip with running water, electricity and even Internet J … There is a first for everything, even in Africa. J  

While a student at the Birth Attendant School I’ll learn about pregnancy, labor and delivery, newborn care and postnatal care, which is a powerful tool in reaching the nations for Christ. I’ll spend eight months with my team in clinical studying throughout developing lands one-on-one with local/native health care professionals each day.  Past teams have been to India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sudan and Egypt, Cameroon to name just a few.

 View the video link below for a brief summary of the Birth Attendant School:

Frequent QUESTIONS/ Answers: 

1.      

Is this the same country in Africa you have lived in? Yes. Zambia is where I have lived the longest in Africa.

2.     

  Will you be living in the same area/village? No. I will be 380 miles from the former area/village Kitwe. In Africa that trip can take 12+hours from Point A (to) B.

3.      

Will they speak the same language? No. Zambia has over 76 dialects and BEMBA is what I have spoken times past, now I’ll be among the Tonga tribe, Tonga dialect.

4.      

Will you see former friends from Kitwe? Yes. I plan to travel there at least once to pick up all my belongings which dear friends are storing for me.

5.       

 Will your DTS OUTREACH phase be in Zambia or other nations? They typically travel to Botswana for Outreach, but we’ll remain in Zambia for our three months of outreach.

6.        

Where do you plan to live when you have completed the entire 1.5 years of YWAM schooling? Of course I feel called (currently) to Africa, but I’ll go to any nation (including America) IF that is where the Lord leads me. However, I have felt more and more than I’ll end up in East Africa among the many “un-reached people groups”.

7.      

Where is Perth, the BAS school location? Western Australia (the not-so-visited side of Australia.. more dessert and less attractions)

8.      

How many classmates will attend (my) DTS in Africa? I’m guessing approximately five students, but that number is simply a guess

9.        

How many fellow students will attend (my) BAS School in Perth? Currently they have 17 on their team, but that too can vary from class to class

10.    

When will (I) come back to visit the states? I have no plans just now simply because the ticket prices are SO expensive from Africa. I’ll wait for God to make a way, which he has before with free flight via flyer miles- let me know if you wanna donate yours ;)

11.    

How do you fund your school fees? My income/savings over the past year+ will contribute to most of my school fees. However, YWAM is a “Faith Based” fundraising organization, which means we (students or staff) gain financial support from friends, family and the like. I will send out ‘prayer/financial’ support letter for the eight month outreach phase of the BAS program when the time comes.  

12.    

What does my family think of such a journey? My immediate family couldn’t be more supportive. My father and sister and brother-in-law have taken part in International Missions. My mom dreams of it (I pray that a day will come that she’ll join me on the field and teach me more Midwife skills as she was an Labor and Delivery Nurse for 17years). My entire family believes ALL are called to ‘go into ALL nations to share Jesus’. Sure we’ll miss one another, but I haven’t found anywhere in the Bible where we are commanded to remain ‘relaxed in our own comfort/safety zone’…  have you?

13.    

"This world is worth preserving" - Robin Lim, Midwife

Please join me and those round the globe in recognizing the CNN HERO of the Year 2011. Midwife 'Mother Robin Lim', of Bali, Indonesia

I echo the cry of  Robin, "The mothers and babies have taught me this world is worth preserving" And as she reminds us, "Today on our Earth, 981 mothers in the prime of their life will die -- and tomorrow again and yesterday."  

VIDEO below from CNN.com -

How fitting to witness such a radiant woman give of herself day after day, year after year for the lives of countless Indonesia strangers who need hope and a future through childbirth. My optimism continues to expand while I near my own personal journey through the Birth Attendant School to become a midwife for the sake of suffering woman in developing lands. Robin's story has added a new layer of thrill into the depth of my own passion and hope for proper training and skills as a future midwife.

Robin, you provide life, hope and a future to woman who would otherwise lay dead and helpless. You provide anticipation for myself and the journey that is yet to begin. You provide a way where there seems to be no way in the depths of developing lands and beyond. You Robin, are a true HERO and one that deserves recognition both now and years to come.


To assist Robin's Personal Foundation and CAUSE with MOTHERS in INDONESIA... Click HERE

For more CNN VIDEO links /article Regarding MIDWIFE ROBIN LIM see below: 

**30sec. AD at start of each film**

1. Robin's Story What it means to be a HERO = SEE HERE
2. Burning the umbilical cord = SEE HERE
3. Top CNN 2011 Nominees = SEE HERE  or HERE

ONLY One did this ... ALL for YOU.. ALL for ME...

 2 Corinthians 9:15

       Thanks be to GOD for His gift that is too wonderful for words.

The gift is not from man to God. 

It is from God to Man. 
Enjoy the VIDEO- below (Music from one of my FAVORITE Bands, Downhere)

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 

'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

All for me...
All for you...

·         God’s love has no strings, no expectations, no secrets. His love for us was, and is, 

up front and clear 

–Max Lucado

DO YOU BELIEVE????

Photo Credit: www.turnbacktogod.com

JESUS Is the REASON for The Season
Happy CHRISTmas! 

"WHO ME"… ??

"WHO ME?"

I GOT A PACKAGE THIS WEEK FROM MY BIG SIS IN PREPARATION OF MY MOVE TO AFRICA AND OF COURSE, I CRIED... I MISS MY FAMILY ALREADY. THE TEARFUL FLOOD GATES OPENED ONCE MORE AND I BECAME A BIT FRUSTRATED WITH MY LORD (FOR GIVING ME A HEART TRANSPLANT WHICH I DIDN'T ASK FOR 5.5 YEARS AGO WHEN THIS NEW COURSE IN LIFE TOOK ROOT.

NONETHELESS, I KNOW I AM HOMESICK FOR DEVELOPING LANDS WHERE HE (JESUS) HAS TAKEN MY HEART, (MY NEW HEART THAT HE GAVE ME). A PLACE THAT I WOULD NEVER EVER CHOOSE TO LIVE (WITH MY RUN OF THE MILL HEART).  YET A PLACE WHERE I CONNECT WITH A RICH CULTURE AND FEEL COURAGEOUS FROM WITHIN WHILE SERVING AMONG THE NATIONS…

I CAN BECOME BOTHERED WITH SO MANY WHO THINK I "CHOOSE" THIS FOR MY LIFE. THEY SEEM TO THINK THIS ADVENTURE IS UP MY ALLEY AND SOMETHING I THRIVE ON. NO WAY! WHY WOULD ANYONE CHOOSE SUCH A DESTINY? ONLY A FOOL. YET GOD HAS MOLDED ME INTO THAT FOOL FOR HIS GLORY.  MY (NEW HEART) REQUESTS SUCH A ‘HOME’. MY (FORMER) HEART IS GONE AND HE'S GIVEN ME A NEW PASSION AND FOUNDATION TO PLACE MY FEET UPON, ONE THAT REQUIRES HARD WORK, LITTLE REWARD AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF THOSE AROUND ME... ONE THAT ALLOWS MY (NEW) HEART TO BEAT TO THE AFRICAN DRUMS AND JOIN THE RACE SET BEFORE ME WITH ENDURANCE AS HE BECOMES MY STRENGTH WHERE I AM WEAK AND THE FORTRESS THAT I SEEK, HERE OR THERE.

IN A MATTER OF HOURS, I WILL BE PLUCKED UP AND SHIFTED TO A DISEASED, RAT INFESTED,DUSTY DIRTY, BUCKET-BATH COMFORT OF A CULTURE IN ZAMBIA AFRICA, ALL THE WHILE FEELING AT "HOME" THERE. HOW DOES THIS WORK, YOU ASK, SIMPLY BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVING WITHIN ME BEACONS ME TO GIVE UP MY DREAMS TO FOLLOW MY DESTINY IN CHRIST JESUS.

AS LONG AS I MAINTAIN MY FOCUS ON HIM, THEN SUPERNATURALLY GOD WILL TAKE AWAY MY SADNESS, WHILE REPLACE MY LONELINESS WITH MORE OF HIM AND ALLOW ME TO JUMP IN WITH TWO FEET AND NOT LOOK BACK ON MY ‘DREAMS’ AMONG THE SELF-CENTERED CULTURE I WAS RAISED WITHIN.

CURRENTLY I'M STILL SPINNING ROUND AND ROUND AND NOT REALLY UP FOR THE TASK THAT LIES BEFORE ME. IT IS DAUNTING. IT BEATS FEAR INTO ME. IT ALLOWS ME TO FEEL TINY AND UNWORTHY OF SUCH DUTIES ON MY OWN STRENGTH. NEVERTHELESS, IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE GOD WILL RAISE ME UP AND ALLOW ME THE CHANCE TO BE A VOICE TO THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE AS HE IS MY STRENGTH WHEN I AM WEAK. 

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 TELLS US (JESUS CHRIST) SAID, “MY GRACE IS ALL YOU NEED. MY POWER WORKS BEST IN WEAKNESS.” SO NOW I AM GLAD TO BOAST ABOUT MY WEAKNESSES, SO THAT THE POWER OF CHRIST CAN WORK THROUGH ME. HE IS OUR STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE WEAK.

THEREFORE, I'LL GO!  AS I KNOW IT IS BETTER TO LOOSE MY LIFE [LIVING FOR MYSELF ALONE] THAN TO WAIST IT ON THAT WHICH IN NOT THE DESTINY OF MY LORD AND SAVIOR. 

MATTHEW 16:25 IF YOU TRY TO HANG ON TO YOUR LIFE, YOU WILL LOSE IT. BUT IF YOU GIVE UP YOUR LIFE FOR MY (JESUS) SAKE, YOU WILL SAVE IT. 

WHAT ARE YOU HANGING ONTO THAT YOU NEED TO LOSE?

GIVE THANKS

I Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Yes, a national holiday of “THANKSGIVING” past us by two weeks ago here in America. But, why not declare each day a National day of Thanksgiving for the Past, Present and Future happenings?

 What have I found worthy of THANKSGIVING...

PAST:

• -          Complete assurance of my eternal destination through Jesus Christ
• -          Motherhood lessons learned throughout my short lived pregnancy
• -          Kodak Moments to cherish a lifetime
• -     God Fearing, Jesus Steering Parents
• -          Flying the Friendly sky round the globe- Thank you US Airways job & FREE flights
• -          Heritage in the Land of the Free & Home of the Brave, America the Beautiful
• -          Grounded Youth Pastors during my adolescent years with a focus on missions
• -     Top Notch Friends from Kindergarten to present … you know who you are- besties
• -          Siblings whom look past the miles between us for the common ground, love united
• -          Restoration, Freedom, Forgiveness, Renewal, Redeemed from SIN

PRESENT:

• -          Unmarked memories with my current house mates, PAPA & MAMA Garber
• -           Eye exams, Immunizations, Physical Evaluations all “on the house” this week
• -           Unlimited supply of Salas & blue corn tortilla chips
• -          Prayer warriors standing by my side no matter what
• -          Jaime’s generous Minivan transporting me from Point A (to) B
• -          Employment = $$ = smiles
• -          Miraculous healing touch God has given my papa
• -          Facebook photo updates from friends very near and far away
• -          Volunteer opportunities with a local Refugee Resettlement Program
• -          Health, Functioning legs, feet, hands and mind
• -          Flannel Sheets
• -          F*A*M*I*L*Y!!!! “Here” and  “There”

FAMILY "here" -minus my sister-in-law

FAMILY "There"

FUTURE:

• -          Application progress with Africa YWAM Discipleship Training School NEXT month…
• -          Future Application process with YWAM, Midwifery School preceding Africa DTS…July 2012
• -          No employment = No filing of TAXES= smiles …
• -          Jesus Freak of a husband to serve the least of these beside…
• -          Straightforward simplistic living and serving in developing lands …
• -          Hair cut…
• -          Be a light for Jesus to the dark (who don’t know him), “A city on a hill that can’t be hidden”…
• -          Discernment, Discipleship, Daily Devotions, Dependence on the Living God…
• -          Visitors… overseas
• -          Snow angles, sledding…

…

SEE it – SEAL it

Moving to a developing country is not commendable. 

Fighting for the freedom of a nation does not warrant a badge of bravery. 

Firefighters and Police officers are common ordinary folk.   

Organ donors are among the minority…

Unless the NEED you SEE is SEALED with the ACTION, you take.

 

VIDEO: A few Burundi friends/Refugees performing at a local Trade Fair Show in Ohio, USA

I’ll continue my soapbox series from prior posts where I preach “Your MISSION FIELD is outside your bedroom window, NO matter where you live.”  You see there is NEEDS within in reach, most of which are lying at our very feet. Many NEEDS become common to overlook. Many NEEDS seem too complex. Many NEEDS dare steal too much of our precious time. Many NEEDS push us to the ends of our rope allowing risk to swallow us up and spit us out before we even take a step toward the NEED. Yet ‘they' are, waiting, for US to SEE the NEED and SEAL it with our exclusive touch, sole attention, and irreplaceable time. 

PHOTOS: Friends/ Recipients of UP-CYCLED plastic bag which were crocheted into Sleeping Mat & Pillows for the Homeless in the 'tent cities' under overpasses in Dayton, Ohio- USA

How many of you can remember a time or place someone, somewhere reached towards you causing another drop of water to fall allowing the ripples to affect your future at large? 

PHOTOS: Former Refugees from Bhutan/Nepal, Eritrea and Friends from Cameroon & Liberia Africa

Seven fleeting days grow to become another common American Holiday, Thanksgiving!  Praise the Lord our Government still deems “THANKSGIVING” a National Holiday.  This in mind, I challenge each of you to find a way to SEE a NEED and SEAL it with the ACTION you’ll take.  Spare us the proposal of a ‘To-Do List’ where you simply SEE it, SEAL it, and cross it off your list as though it’s a burden.  Rather make it a chance to not only SEAL a moment in time, rather a chance to invest in a LIFE . I dare you to take the risk and give you life and love away to those in your corner of the world. 

PHOTOS: Preparing Breakfast for a Homeless Shelter in Dayton, Ohio USA

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. I Corinthians 15: 58

PHOTOS: Tent Cities and Up-Cycled Plastic Bags crochets into Sleeping mats and Pillows

 WHAT will YOU DO to allow someone ELSE to GIVE THANKS for the INVESTMENT you'll MAKE in THEIR Future ????????????????????????????????

PHOTOS: Friends serving Near and Far for JESUS!!

Sunshine through Gloom

      

My intentions were to embark across the Atlantic Ocean this week to a place I call home. Ticket in hand. Luggage jammed tight. Boiled or grilled cassava root already causing my mouth water. Sunscreen easy to reach as “hot season” is striking with a vengeance.  Cold bucket baths adorn this time of year. Snacks and necessities for fellow Missionaries wedged in. Discipleship and Follow-up with widows in two regions remained a chief focus as well as aid for two former NGO’s (prior volunteer work years past) would consume a great deal of time. Ice blocks (homemade flavored ice) and mango's (in season) no doubt would have become my staple diet. Dancing, dreaming, Praying and Playing with all the brown eyed children near and far would no doubt exhaust my daily source of energy. Overflowing Joy rarely seems to wear off leaving me in my prime as I rest my head and body on a cool floor day after day.

…That was then, this is now, assembled stateside with Ma and Pa and my dear African friend nearby. Some would say she and I met by chance, we however know it was another divine appointment from the Lord. Her residence in Ohio has amounted to a couple of short months yet her string of unfortunate circumstances seems to flow nonstop.  So Ma, Pa and myself reached out, moved her in and called her family while we are united together for a time such as this.

Needless to say, God has brought a priceless piece of AFRICA to me, instead of taking me to Africa this month. In the time leading up to my departure Jesus kept whispering in my ear Matthew 18:12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? It took me a bit to catch on, and then it hit me… He was calling me to leave the crowd of African widows behind (intrusting them to Him) and nudging me to follow after my African sister in the Lord who was placed in my hands to encourage, support, and love like family!

Sure, I am still a bit homesick for a place and people group that I call ‘home’, still I can see the sun breaking through the gloom and providing another means of ministry and opportunity to give and take and bloom and blossom right here, right now.

ALL for one & ONE for all

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might just be the world." 

– Unknown Author

Goal: 111 **BY** 11-11-2011

While the CHRISTmas season tiptoes in, I challenge you to be ONE person who reaches MANY, the Least of These living in a bleak and dark world where they do not know CHRIST as their Light in this world. 

This week marks a new era for the Teen Missions, Int'l Motor Cycle SundaySchool Mission- View HERE an Organization I have worked with in the past and continue to partner with. Their goal is to have ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN Sunday Schools Sponsored by 11-11-11! 

Circuit Rider' missionaries use Motorcycles to carry the Gospel to the Inaccessible

Motorcycle Sunday Sunday School Mission (MSSM) Circuit Riders are penetrating rural areas around the world that are beyond the reach of traditional outreach methods. Many remote roads are impassible during the rainy season, lack bridges or are simply too rough for larger vehicles.

The Motorcycle Sunday School Mission includes the following program goals:

• Teach a complete Sunday School curriculum communicating God's Word
• Hold literacy classes for both children and adults using books, charts and phonics games
• Start Audio-Bible listening groups with organized discussions through each chapter
• Establish a Bible Memory Quiz Team (The top finalists will go to a TMI Boot Camp as a prize.)
• Disciple and train local adults to continue teaching of Sunday School classes

 

...Adopt A Sunday School

How Can I Adopt A Sunday School?

There are two ways to cover the expense of sponsoring a Sunday school.
MONTHLY DONATION

$79 a month
$237 for three months
$948 for one year.

 Will you join us? -click here

Can I Name My Sunday School?

YES, a banner with the picture of the sponsor group and the name chosen for the Sunday school will be placed at the Sunday school site. 

 

 

 

Will I Have Contact With My Sponsored Sunday School?

YES, every two months the two MSSM Circuit Rider Missionaries will travel to the main TMI base in that particular country for a one-week refresher with other missionaries.  We will make those email reports available to you if you provide us with your email address upon sponsorship.

All Photos: Teen Missions, Int'l

Teen Missions Motorcycle Sunday School Mission - http://www.motorcyclessmissions.org/about/