tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872233561661892912024-02-19T08:06:03.634-08:00tallie with back2backtallie with back2back: sharing my journey!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-29200245111396258722014-04-03T13:58:00.002-07:002014-04-04T06:45:56.943-07:00one at a time.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Do for one what you wish you could do for them all."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As cutesy as that phrase may seem, it's become a lifeline for
me at Back2Back. Giving your life's work to care for orphans can
sometimes feel like trying to empty a lake, one cup at a time. There are
a reported 163 million orphans in the world. Seeing their faces, knowing
their names, meeting them yourself-- it changes you. You know you can't
go back to a life of not caring, but you can feel paralyzed by the great need
and your human limitations. So you do for one what you wish you could do
for them all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back2Back has taken this seriously. Of the 163 million,
Back2Back's Child Sponsorship Program provides for 528. Each one needs
tutoring, therapy, dentist appointments, and above all, love. We've
devoted ourselves to caring for these 528 the way we wish we could for all of
them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No country has this been harder to do than in India. India
alone has 31 million orphans (around 1/5 of the orphans in the world).
The concept of "doing for one what you wish you could do for them
all" gets more difficult in the face of such need. We've felt the
pressure and worked hard to remain faithful to what we know works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few months ago we had to end a relationship we had with the
directors of an orphanage in India. It was one of the toughest decisions we've made, but without
transparency and trust in the relationship, we couldn't continue to support
them. Leaving the children in the hands of someone we didn't trust was
the most difficult part of ending the partnership. The phrase "do for one
what you wish you could do for them all" kept going through my mind.
I felt trapped.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few months later we learned that the orphanage fell apart.
The children returned to living with some family member or friend who at
one point in time had decided they could no longer keep them. It was exactly
the kind of open door we needed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our staff in India tracked down every last child and traveled all over the state to meet with
each of their guardians. We explained what happened in our relationship with the
directors of the orphanage where the child had lived. We also told them
about the land Back2Back just acquired, and the 3 homes we are building to
house children in family settings. We invited the children to come live
with us, and promised we would care for them as well as we would our own
children. Each of them said yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Eni1h2GvTgwrL0NsMTKkjRWsyL_wTYfWLoF2evT8FnuElO6m2x8ZMABDlQkIpqII133SrqXToOgQEWpdpLcngRjp9xx6tHT4rJvMou7oTWs1sB4BxDq3U_we7H6Gpfc7Rny8ng8Fgjg/s1600/India+Highlights+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Eni1h2GvTgwrL0NsMTKkjRWsyL_wTYfWLoF2evT8FnuElO6m2x8ZMABDlQkIpqII133SrqXToOgQEWpdpLcngRjp9xx6tHT4rJvMou7oTWs1sB4BxDq3U_we7H6Gpfc7Rny8ng8Fgjg/s1600/India+Highlights+28.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We then went to the school where the children will be attending
next year. We explained the types of situations these children are coming
from, and how most of them are behind in school. The principal, full of
compassion, offered to extend classes for the children who are behind into the
evenings until the children are caught up-- truly a miracle!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">31 million is an impossibly large number. But for these 10
children, we are relentless in making a real difference in their lives. So that's what
we're going to do. One at a time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" Luke 15:4</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-25831119695891362322014-01-24T08:40:00.000-08:002014-01-24T08:40:46.758-08:00from bad to good.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My life hasn’t always been roses
and sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My guess is yours hasn’t
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time I realized life
was going to include some valleys was the day my parents told me they were
getting a divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind flooded with visions
of holidays spent split between parents and the realization that my own
children would have more grandparents than their friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strange thoughts for a 12 year old, and I
wasn’t quite sure how to deal with them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begged God to keep my family intact and when
He didn’t, I believed it was because He didn’t like me or care about my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was never specifically taught
that God would protect me from pain, but somewhere along the way I began
believing that if God cared, He wouldn’t let me go through hardship. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often unstated, and vehemently denied by
Christians, but when trials come, our reaction speaks volumes about what we
believe about God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We seem to think
God’s blessing is measured by how much stuff we have, our bank account balance,
the zip code we live in, and our number of Facebook friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have fallen into the trap of believing
that prosperity and blessing equal God’s favor, and conversely that hardship
means God’s favor is absent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The trouble is, when we read the
Bible, we often find the exact opposite to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hardship seems to be the norm for people of
faith-- even when they are following God’s will for their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abraham and his wife were unable to have
children, and they spent most of their life wandering about in the desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph was beaten by his brothers, sold into
slavery, and falsely accused of attempted rape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Moses left a comfortable life as Pharoah’s son to lead the Israelites
out of Egypt and into the desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if
we could somehow dismiss all these examples, Jesus himself was called crazy by
his family, betrayed by his closest friends, wrongly accused, and
murdered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love of God did not
protect His own son from hardship-- what makes us think it will protect us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that by telling us these stories,
God wants us to know that if we are going through hard times, we are in good
company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God isn’t afraid of pain the way
we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something He values
much more than avoiding hardship-- and that’s a relationship with His children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the reason He put two trees in the
garden, and gave Adam and Eve the choice to disobey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s why Jesus still chose to be born,
knowing he would be rejected and killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to understand that God looks at the bigger picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a greater purpose than what we
immediately see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">James tells us to “Consider it
pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know
that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (1:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you catch that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">joy </i>when you face trials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know about you, but joy is about the last word that comes to mind when I
am in the midst of a trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not
an emotion we can simply muster up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will never experience joy in trials without God’s Spirit living inside of us,
changing our very nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the
whole point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t do this without
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We aren’t supposed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God’s desire was not for my
parent’s to get a divorce.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But He used
their divorce to uncover lies that I had come to believe about His character.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Through the pain I felt, He allowed me to
understand in part how Jesus felt.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He
humbled me and showed me that looking pretty from the outside means nothing
when you are dead on the inside.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He
accomplished more in my parent’s divorce than He ever could have in keeping
them together.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God always accomplishes
His will.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We don’t need to question
whether or not He is going to work a bad circumstance for good.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He will.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All we have to do is trust
Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPNWxCoNMTzwMqgGvQcB_kFL4foD3suWAueL9NOItiVZFnsUcozewziMMU9rGITRX-yaWZDD6-BTw76RN9PE2H5di-NjG56oElCj4OzCXvYMhtE4UMtUdRLBvb1z6Ia95hQptX7MGzRM/s1600/iStock_000005012679XSmall-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPNWxCoNMTzwMqgGvQcB_kFL4foD3suWAueL9NOItiVZFnsUcozewziMMU9rGITRX-yaWZDD6-BTw76RN9PE2H5di-NjG56oElCj4OzCXvYMhtE4UMtUdRLBvb1z6Ia95hQptX7MGzRM/s1600/iStock_000005012679XSmall-1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And we know that in all things God works for
the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28</i> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-23997839402818576482013-11-23T20:25:00.000-08:002013-11-24T07:15:26.351-08:00He's listening.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are moments in my life
when I come face to face with the reality of who God is, and it scares me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish it didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nothing more than God being exactly who
He says He is, but if I’m honest, it shakes me to my core. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of those moments came this
week when God heard and answered a very specific prayer request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was overjoyed, then in awe, then somewhat
scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The almighty, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">living</i> God heard my prayer, and answered
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me-- A lowly servant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word ‘humbled’ does not seem to do
justice to how I felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am reminded
that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me explain…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since coming home from India,
one thing Chelsie and I have been praying for specifically is that God would
raise up a caretaker to help Vimala at Peace Home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peace Home is the hostel (orphanage) that
Back2Back recently took over operationally, and where 16 girls and 1 boy are
all cared for by one 24 year old single mom named Vimala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good caretakers are worth more than gold (if
you ask me), and we rarely strike gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning
the names and faces of the children living at Peace Home was enough to light a
fire under us to ask God for this miracle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost every day since returning, Chelsie and
I have prayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since we were praying
for a miracle, we figured we might as well ask for specifics—it’s God after
all, and He can do anything He wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
we prayed specifically for Him to send someone who is a Christian and who can
speak English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like asking for a
Rolls Royce when you’d settle for an old Ford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seventeen children and one adult sounds like ‘beggars can’t be choosers’
to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At our Wednesday evening prayer
meeting this week, Chelsie and I met together and asked God again for Him to
answer this request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left not sure if
He was paying attention, or if it would be better if I packed my bags and moved
to India to care for the children myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My sin nature tends to believe that when I don’t see God act
immediately, taking things into my own hands is better than waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday morning, in the midst
of planning my move, Chelsie got an email from our staff in India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a few days earlier there were no leads
on caretakers, but then, out of nowhere, a woman willing to help showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And wouldn’t you know it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She speaks some English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she’s a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will resist the temptation to explain to
you just how rare this is in India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No
I won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The percentage of Christians in
India is less than 10%, and most are very poor meaning they do not know English).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chelsie and I read the email in
disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God heard us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard us and He acted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And He is who He says He is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1PQdgPQPAlwPMLcJDaFkmkKUfgPV6QsLsJ3-8YvvEa99jYRqtkufkioZJT_uxDiGfZPQ104Laz8JS0s7bbwZbn65c4Vr7S8W_NeI-c4Pn6DRB3m-xn2tcZ3_4P8eTj5FqZoZpl4TecA/s1600/1458500_10202519940385539_2096475506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1PQdgPQPAlwPMLcJDaFkmkKUfgPV6QsLsJ3-8YvvEa99jYRqtkufkioZJT_uxDiGfZPQ104Laz8JS0s7bbwZbn65c4Vr7S8W_NeI-c4Pn6DRB3m-xn2tcZ3_4P8eTj5FqZoZpl4TecA/s320/1458500_10202519940385539_2096475506_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The truth is, every time we
pray, something happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether we see
it or not, we can know it is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
we feel incapable of helping the orphaned child due to proximal, relational, or
financial limitations, we can take comfort in knowing that prayer is no small
contribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swathi, Pavithra, and
Shashikala are just a few of those who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i>
us to raise up our voice when theirs is not heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please join me in praying for
the orphaned child all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you’re having trouble connecting—pray for an 8 year old special needs
boy named Manoj who's been forgotten by the world and needs a forever
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And remember—at one time, we were
all orphans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God came to us, adopted us
into his family, and became our Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He never gets tired of that story.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-80346013311330319752013-11-13T12:06:00.000-08:002013-11-13T12:06:50.268-08:00God is moving in India: Mercy Home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsERJiCctvwmd0Xm_4GAO7u5Q0yUfom3FSvIW2fU90gUqfFlzOxk5ifNNap-X7HKZCz0FRNkV-fjsHB2Fl2duzgVSHH0jU12HK45HVl53QYWm2_Jy-rZdzz2aUTl4nPC_dfZvt_xA01I/s1600/India.2013.Winter+1268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsERJiCctvwmd0Xm_4GAO7u5Q0yUfom3FSvIW2fU90gUqfFlzOxk5ifNNap-X7HKZCz0FRNkV-fjsHB2Fl2duzgVSHH0jU12HK45HVl53QYWm2_Jy-rZdzz2aUTl4nPC_dfZvt_xA01I/s320/India.2013.Winter+1268.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mercy Home is an orphanage located near a small town 2 hours outside Hyderabad. Our team stayed at Mercy Home for 2 nights and got to experience a taste of hostel living (orphanages are called hostels in India). The home was started by a pastor named Dr. John in the 60's. Him and his wife are still in charge of and live at the home with the children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are around 300 children that live at Mercy Home. I am not sure what the boys dorms are like, but for over 100 girls, there is one young woman who cares for all of them. 'Cares for' is obviously a loose term. Knows their name and counts heads would probably be more accurate. The children take care of one another. They don't have a choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But what satan intended for evil, God has used for good. Dr. John is a man passionate about one thing: Jesus. Every night the children gather for prayer, worship, and to hear Dr. John preach the gospel. Most of the children are from Hindu or Muslim families, but since coming to live at Mercy Home, all have heard about the saving blood of Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWSpaggMggt0nDD_U1AnFMreSeNJH4Jhz87UlUm49EcWASrgP_FwXyXRkO1vi6mU6C0VrMiQRK8Xm_vTaTxR-S-7LewXFNSBLJmTAQ2cK5PrnxjkIm1c8PxmaUU0eSovKV54k-qt2UX8/s1600/India.2013.Winter+184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWSpaggMggt0nDD_U1AnFMreSeNJH4Jhz87UlUm49EcWASrgP_FwXyXRkO1vi6mU6C0VrMiQRK8Xm_vTaTxR-S-7LewXFNSBLJmTAQ2cK5PrnxjkIm1c8PxmaUU0eSovKV54k-qt2UX8/s320/India.2013.Winter+184.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNp8VxDRQELWUOSDGIuUSKbCE4tLSeSLRzzdc0FAfosUQlVtOVGmRKBX0SvC2rcDtxYKXNEDR4slvVYN1V1NAFdR2_n7tKxR5mmvFdiMEhViUgcVyJwNvO0IxNcYRsJxUSK6qtEbvi9s/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNp8VxDRQELWUOSDGIuUSKbCE4tLSeSLRzzdc0FAfosUQlVtOVGmRKBX0SvC2rcDtxYKXNEDR4slvVYN1V1NAFdR2_n7tKxR5mmvFdiMEhViUgcVyJwNvO0IxNcYRsJxUSK6qtEbvi9s/s320/DSC_0082.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the nights we were at Mercy Home, Dr. John led the children in worship, our team shared some testimonies, then the children spent time praying to God individually. The children stood with arms lifted in the air towards God, and prayed with everything they had in them. I watched in amazement as God's children did what He wishes we all would do-- cry out to Him with the faith that could move a mountain, knowing that He is all we have in this world. I wish I could describe to you how quickly I felt the Spirit fill that room. I get goosebumps even thinking about it now. God was so near. He was there. We all knew it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our time at Mercy Home was full of several moments like that-- where I sensed just how close God was. One evening before bedtime, I pulled one little girl in for a hug. At first she awkwardly hugged me back, then she clung to me. I was suddenly aware that this is a child who has not been hugged. I held her close for a minute or two and stroked her hair. I didn't want to let go either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know it is hard to look at photos of children you have never met and have a connection with them. But let me tell you about this one. His name is Thirupathi. He loves to sing praises to God-- about how He is mighty, how His love is perfect, and how He is holy. He has lived at Mercy Home for the last 2 years. He is 16 years old, but he looks about 8. When I first met him, I thought he misunderstood my question when I asked him how old he is. But another boy, whose English is almost perfect, confirmed that Thirupathi is in fact 16 years old. He explained his size to me by telling me Thirupathi is from a very poor family in a poor area of India. As if that explained everything. I looked him in the eye and told him he was strong in the Lord. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It may require more than just a glance, but the Kingdom of God is coming to Mercy Home. His name is being proclaimed there, and children without fathers are calling Him Father. God is moving.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-66660024305530157682013-11-09T05:08:00.001-08:002013-11-09T05:17:08.042-08:00God is moving in India: CFA.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZlskfkczvUwH40mZkxreGGF_aRClq2UDzuEgRJ_Q50Y7W-JIfew1kr58PyMZq4bEQOlS9DVZJcIThw1mfFLrio1Ak4ID3F1peuUhJttMJ7h5TztCnz2ZtGZnDGQ741I7sjHA6ewlac/s1600/1456497_10201768597069576_1293435906_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZlskfkczvUwH40mZkxreGGF_aRClq2UDzuEgRJ_Q50Y7W-JIfew1kr58PyMZq4bEQOlS9DVZJcIThw1mfFLrio1Ak4ID3F1peuUhJttMJ7h5TztCnz2ZtGZnDGQ741I7sjHA6ewlac/s200/1456497_10201768597069576_1293435906_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In an attempt to share with you about my trip, I want to go through each of the ministry sites Back2Back is working with to tell you what God is doing in India. He's doing so much, and He's using Back2Back to do just a small part of it. But for that small part, I am so thankful. I believe God delights in using the little people to change the world. It's why He chose the shepherd boy David to become a great king, the weak Gideon to become a mighty warrior, and the audacious Peter to become a rock for the faith. Because it's never really about us. It's about God, and the story He's writing. So here's the part of His story that He's letting me play a part in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Christ For All (CFA) is a feeding center that provides schooling, biblical teaching, and a hot </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meal to slum children in a particularly poor area of Hyderabad. Most days the feeding center feeds around 100 children a hearty meal (most of whom this is the only meal they receive for the day), but in all they serve around 300 children. The slums are home to trash pickers. These are the lowest class in the caste system, and most spend their whole lives in the slums. A trash picker can sort trash for an entire day and make the equivalent of around $5. They've created a sort of neighborhood all around the dump, with homes and a little path that weaves throughout. There is one abandoned building that serves as a restroom for the entire slum area, which I am fairly certain does not have running water most days. Babies walk around pantless and without diapers. Children run through the dump without shoes on. Goats, pigs, and chickens roam free picking through the same trash as the people. I was struck by the irony that both animals and humans are simply trying to survive. I watched the movie Slumdog Millionaire on the way home from India and was struck by how clean they made the slums look in comparison to what they are really like. I guess Hollywood didn't think we could handle the truth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we walked through the dirt path that wove through the "houses" I found it difficult to look the people in the eye. I didn't want them to feel ashamed of the way they lived or how they looked. I was suddenly keenly aware that the only reason I had shoes on my feet was because I happened to have been born where I was. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why wasn't I born here, Lord? What would I have been like? What is your plan for them?</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These people are forgotten by society. Most people don't look when they drive by, the government pretends they aren't there, and they don't get many visitors. As I was avoiding eye contact, I began to wonder if I was doing the same thing. Because looking them in the eye meant that they really did exist. That they were people, and not just numbers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I looked them in the eye. I even tried smiling at them. I wanted to give their dignity back to them anyway that I could. They are real people-- just like me. It just so happens that they were born where they were, and I was born where I was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the people living in the slums are Hindus. Kennedy, the man who began and runs CFA with his wife Goldie and two young daughters, goes to the slums every day and preaches the gospel. There is some hostility towards him, but most people respect him and what he does for the community. Goldie teaches at the school for the children to attend, and after school they stay for a biblical teaching and a hot meal. After dinner, all the children wander back into the streets, and venture home. Some are as young as 2. From what I could see, no parents were around to pick up their child and take them home. The children were on their own. I couldn't help but wonder what the slums were like when the sun goes down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But for those few hours every day, the children are hearing about the God who created the universe. They are getting a nutritious meal. They are getting loved on and hugged by people who they know they can trust. There's a very bright light shining in that dark place. God is moving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slMUZokv94A&feature=youtu.be">Click here to see the children singing!</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-12804127693641570282013-11-04T04:28:00.000-08:002013-11-04T11:26:09.972-08:00sleepless in cincinnati.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, here I am again. Back on my own side of the world, and despite having traveled around 30 hours and getting little sleep the past 2 days, I can't seem to turn my mind off from everything I experienced while in India. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The same question I was asking myself before I left for India is the one I continue to ask myself-- Why? Why did God send me there? The whole way to India, all I could do was guess as to the reason. Now that the trip is over, the pressure is on to have some answers. Reflecting back on the journey, it's not so much that I can't think of a reason why He sent me, but rather it's hard to put into words <i>all</i> the reasons. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God did so much in my time there, and I know much of what happened deserves further processing. But again, here I lie, awake when the world around me sleeps, and real time updates sometimes trump pretty words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed. To a beautiful people whose culture is so rich and graceful. He allowed me to meet hundreds of children who live in conditions we would consider unlivable, children who don't own shoes, don't get enough to eat, and are completely forgotten by the world. He opened my eyes to the things that are happening in India spiritually, that cannot be seen with the human eye, but must be revealed by God. He helped me understand the gifts He has given me to see these things. He equipped me to use them for His glory. He showed me the unity we have as Christians, with people we have never known, and the ones we know so well. He pressed upon my heart to encourage the staff in India. To encourage them (and myself) to push on in faith and to remind them that we are not working for this life, but rather for the next. God sees it-- He sees it all. Pleasing Him is our only goal.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA_eG6Syo_hYhu3RivFb1wzy-_z5KK4bE0vn3cBF91oG-qtYG9Z_X27IzrMxIoZkVnQ34aNEIk8pz6V1lKAuV_DT55nBK3o5p1-CKPCvNVQDaohrNekSxxz1Lnq2V5JYzDea4QNx0JFc/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA_eG6Syo_hYhu3RivFb1wzy-_z5KK4bE0vn3cBF91oG-qtYG9Z_X27IzrMxIoZkVnQ34aNEIk8pz6V1lKAuV_DT55nBK3o5p1-CKPCvNVQDaohrNekSxxz1Lnq2V5JYzDea4QNx0JFc/s320/IMG_0406.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Each of these lessons has more than one story to give explanation. I hope to share them all with you, but for tonight, this is enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I came home tonight, I breathed clean fresh air, arrived to a spotless house, brushed my teeth with water from a faucet, used an actual facility to go to the restroom, opened a pantry full of food to put more food in, and lay down to sleep in a comfortable bed. But at every step, I thought of Thirupathi. And Swathi. And Pavithra. And Shireesha. And Manoj. My heart longs to be back with them. To be the one to love and care for them. I'm needing God to remind me of my calling in Cincinnati. Inevitably, I believe He will. For now, He has me here. And I will walk with Him wherever He leads. But it can be hard coming home. Leaving your heart in another place never gets easier.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-15972687987867568392013-10-26T18:34:00.002-07:002013-10-26T18:35:08.002-07:00sleepless in india.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's 4 a.m. in India and I've been awake for almost 4 hours. India is on the other side of the world, and my body isn't quite convinced it's night-time. For the first few hours I was awake I prayed that God would make my body fall back asleep. Eventually I heard from Him, and feel He kept me awake for a reason. I've been praying for the children, for the team, and for the ministry here ever since. Hopefully tomorrow afternoon I feel as thankful for this time as I do now :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not sure what I expected in coming here. People try to prepare you by telling you about extreme poverty and cultural differences. I suppose these preparations helped as much as words can, but nothing quite compares to experiencing things for yourself. I don't know if you're like me, but it takes seeing things for them to become real to me (you can imagine what a struggle faith has been for me at times!). I haven't had the chance to process much of what I've seen, but I figure real time updates are more important than pretty words sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The poor in India live on the side of busy roads. They have little tents they've made, or shanty-type houses. They don't have real walls, windows, roofs, or doors. But there are whole communities of people living everywhere. Naked babies will walk alone on the side of the road. Children dig through trash right in the open. No one looks twice. I've found it hard to look away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition to the poverty right next to the road, people drive crazy. Over half the drivers are on little mopeds that they use to swerve in and out of traffic. It's been raining here, which is unusual, and has caused problems with the roads (they're mostly all made of dirt). Today (or would that be yesterday?) I saw an elderly woman vomit from a window of a bus, onto a guy riding a moped. I guess some people never get used to the stop-and-go traffic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The culture is unlike anything I've ever experienced. Women all wear long skirts, they don't drive, and are very quiet. There is such respect for elders and authority. We had a staff meeting, and afterwards I wondered if I spoke up too much, giving my suggestions and input on the topics at hand. I'm not used to being quiet. It's made me think about what it means to have a gentle and quiet spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Men that are friends hold hands. They're very affectionate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The children are so well behaved. And yet, they still love to play. They call me sister, and their English isn't bad (what a relief, since I cannot say even "hello" in Telegu).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNit5aF4OLqalvlMJduvOBWyphd4tK5XP-ZesibR_YafJsssFlE0Os7guCegoOtAHQ0JNmTozFOJONdvsAqQiwI9ptokorScExAPCnoq-RJY7PkpVxv39pxTWbALTXfZmNayyplqtvPQ/s1600/IMG_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNit5aF4OLqalvlMJduvOBWyphd4tK5XP-ZesibR_YafJsssFlE0Os7guCegoOtAHQ0JNmTozFOJONdvsAqQiwI9ptokorScExAPCnoq-RJY7PkpVxv39pxTWbALTXfZmNayyplqtvPQ/s320/IMG_0155.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I think the most incredible thing that I've experienced so far has been meeting Indian Christians. We've been able to talk about how we are living for the next life and not this one. I cannot explain to you what it is like to find someone who grew up half a world away, in a culture that can be difficult to understand, speaks a language of which I do not know one word, and yet know that we are <i><b>one</b></i> in Christ. There is one Spirit and He is living inside each of us. There is nothing sweeter than to meet a brother or sister. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, I ate banana potato chips from a street vendor. I saw a monkey on a gate on the side of a road. There was a rainbow in the sky amongst the most intense clouds, proving once again that God is always the most beautiful creator wherever you go. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-2207732894061680592013-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:002013-09-12T13:38:27.166-07:00called.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a staff meeting this week,
our boss asked us a question that he wanted us to think about: “Why are you
called to the role you are in?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s a question that I don’t
think about very often, but I believe it’s one that we need to remember. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly remember being called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any moment of the day I would tell you
that I am called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t often
remember why I’m called.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was 14, I took my first
mission trip with Back2Back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in
the early days when Todd and Beth rented a house in the city and they packed 20
junior high kids in the two small rooms of their first floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember all the details of that
trip, but there are some things I will never forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember the sense of urgency
I had to go when I first heard the trip was being offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember buying one of those little throw
away cameras for every day I would be there (and using all of them).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember barely sleeping the night before I
left, and what I picked out to wear to the airport. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even sure why I was so passionate to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never before had I given thought to
abandoned children living in another country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I remember needing to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
needed to meet them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember arriving at Casa
Hogar Douglas the first day we arrived and seeing Karla for the first
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was 3 years old and wore a
matching red sweater/pantsuit outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come
to think of it, that was all she wore that week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her face had lunch on it still and I saw lice
for the first time crawling through her hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time she saw me she held her hands up for me to hold her and never
wanted me to put her down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She never
actually cried, but her big dark eyes were so sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held her close as much as I could, and when
it was time to leave at the end of the week, I cried like the child that I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The night I returned home I
remember sitting in my bed telling my dad about Karla as tears rolled down my
cheeks and my heart ached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to
go back immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing else seemed
to matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I joined another church’s
youth group, worked for my dad, and raised money to go back a few months
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived at Douglas that
first day, Karla wasn’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point
in the previous 6 months her mom had come back to get her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As happy as I should have been for her, I was
devastated at the thought of never seeing her again, and never having the
chance to tell her how much I loved her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1lJGr8gZS7d-ab1YrnwJsbIajU_77C0BiK-G8Q0YV8ggpIh6ce5pm4NVvy40pSAl-8tx4ykJfqV2KspSinlnC204WCLna1jWkMOU5QTYuPnRzQ0OaI1ARsZNm8up5Cr1poRMd1Gp7Mk/s1600/karla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1lJGr8gZS7d-ab1YrnwJsbIajU_77C0BiK-G8Q0YV8ggpIh6ce5pm4NVvy40pSAl-8tx4ykJfqV2KspSinlnC204WCLna1jWkMOU5QTYuPnRzQ0OaI1ARsZNm8up5Cr1poRMd1Gp7Mk/s320/karla.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Karla was the first of many to
break my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell story after
story and give you lists of names of the children God has broken my heart with over
the last 15 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every morning
when I get to work, I look at a picture of Karla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attached to it is a note Todd wrote me when
he gave the picture to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tallie, you
have a great servant heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. G”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know why God called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hundreds of sponsors that I work with every
day are desperate to stay in touch with a child they love, just like I was. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to help them continue to pour into one
child’s life, and see the impact that it has on the children we serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I love every day I get to come to
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why God called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-41496260905295794212013-06-12T21:18:00.001-07:002013-06-13T06:39:00.173-07:00true Living's a lot like dying.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a vivid memory from a few years ago of something the Lord spoke to me. I was crying out to Him, begging Him to use me, telling Him I would do anything He wanted-- My only desire was to give Him glory. He said something that surprised me and pretty much confirmed it was His voice, and not my own.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Are you sure?" He asked. "You have never really sacrificed anything for Me."</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was stunned. I quickly stopped praying and let His words penetrate my soul. It stung-- but not in a cruel way. I knew He was right.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I'm honest, up until a few years ago, I didn't know what it meant to die to myself. I had heard the phrase, but never knew it as true. Sure, I had read Scripture that said "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me"-- But those just sounded like pretty words. Symbolism at best. I thought it meant knowing that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I didn't know it meant I would actually have to die-- That God would require I lay down my life for Him. (After all, He did it for me.)</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I look back on that day the Lord spoke to me and realize He was preparing me. He's since asked me to sacrifice a lot-- Most of which were not easy to lay down. A few He had to pry from my tight grip while I stomped my foot and cried about how unfair it seemed. I've laid down relationships, the vision I had for my life, money, the need to be right, family, comfort, the desire to be liked. In every corner of my self-seeking heart, God has asked me to change. In place of my selfish ambition, He's taught me humility and made me a servant. He's shown me how real love actually has very little to do with me and my selfish desires. He's taught me how to speak the truth, even when it's hard. He's shown me that true life is lived building His Kingdom, and not my own.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And it's felt like dying every step of the way. </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But there's good news. (Praise the Lord, right?!) God doesn't leave us in death. Do you know what happens when you submit to God and die to yourself? He allows you to live the life He would be living if He were here in the flesh. (Which happens to be infinitely better than any life you would live for yourself.) Even better than that-- You have the opportunity to know Him. You get to know His personality. (He has one, in case you were wondering.) He tells you about Himself-- The things He likes and dislikes, the things He's thinking, the things He's doing. He makes His home in you. He stays with you-- even when no one else will. It's called fellowship, and it's the very best thing in the whole world. It's worth dying for in every way. Even if it were only for a moment with Him-- it'd be worth it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQYR-x1NtRNlTmqTUvH0Ev3hCaqic6HWCo7zYqCNUGm3-5ATfc2H1muhwo4UZPDf7o0tRmgLChOkAxxvwGnIoYQxcYx7qPgGszyfg7V_Y1QJ2qGE2S_RaF1uy7tfl-v6m3HzmGnyK_f0/s1600/cross-silhouette1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQYR-x1NtRNlTmqTUvH0Ev3hCaqic6HWCo7zYqCNUGm3-5ATfc2H1muhwo4UZPDf7o0tRmgLChOkAxxvwGnIoYQxcYx7qPgGszyfg7V_Y1QJ2qGE2S_RaF1uy7tfl-v6m3HzmGnyK_f0/s320/cross-silhouette1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I keep dying. Whenever He asks me to. Except now I do it a little bit faster-- because I know what it means. I know that when I do, He'll be there. In the low places. In the lonely times. In the uncomfortable surroundings. He draws so near that I can close my eyes and see Him right in front of me-- gazing back at me. Me, of all people, and the God of the universe. Incredible.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He's worth dying for. He's worth it all. And then some. (And then a lot more.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Luke 17:33</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-85683051356155599052013-04-10T12:07:00.000-07:002013-04-10T18:19:41.231-07:00kind of a big deal.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a ministry called Casa
Viva that began working in Costa Rica in 2005.
Their goal was to change the way the country cared for orphans. At that time, Costa Rica functioned similarly
to the way Mexico currently works in regards to abandoned children. Children whose parents are unable to care for
them usually end up on the street or in an orphanage. Casa Viva went to Costa Rica with the goal of
placing children in families, rather than in institutions. They do this by using the social network of Christian
churches to identify and train families to bring abandoned children into their
families. In 8 short years, Casa Viva
has closed almost all of the orphanages in Costa Rica. Their model doesn’t rely on ongoing American
funding and is nationally based-- making it a sustainable success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me repeat that. In 8 years,
Casa Viva has closed almost all of the orphanages in Costa Rica. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That is incredible. Back2Back is hoping to learn from their
model, and implement some of the same systems in Mexico. As a ministry we have been meeting and
talking with Casa Viva to learn how we can do this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNzYcblo79GUNnwxk69Y1muhf32ZjG9G65eyK3EIuwHyAHeOfyKDpVRGI6Y5MmF8y_Raxm3_5r9VchhCp6nlvKouBRjvdhGZX8ajzCC-BPPDwhTtDnhf72y5x5IunKNH1kxjPlNg7VVA/s1600/62591_10152724399570626_894813542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNzYcblo79GUNnwxk69Y1muhf32ZjG9G65eyK3EIuwHyAHeOfyKDpVRGI6Y5MmF8y_Raxm3_5r9VchhCp6nlvKouBRjvdhGZX8ajzCC-BPPDwhTtDnhf72y5x5IunKNH1kxjPlNg7VVA/s400/62591_10152724399570626_894813542_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first step has been to
educate and engage the local church in Mexico.
For the next two days Back2Back is hosting a Summit of the Orphan in Monterrey for
church leaders from all over Mexico. Our goal is to educate local Mexican churches
on the orphan crisis occurring in their country, and to invite them to be part
of the solution. Currently we have over
350 people expected to come, and keynote speakers include Jedd Medefind, the
president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Steve Biondo, Vice President
for Family Christian Bookstores, Marlene LeFever, author of the Children at
Risk curriculum, Rob Mitchell, author of Castaway Kid, and Philip Aspegren,
Executive Director of Casa Viva Costa Rica. As a staff, we have been crying out to God in prayer to use this event by placing a
burden on the hearts of Christians to get involved in the orphan crisis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another barrier we have come up
against is that currently Mexico does not have a foster care system in
place. The only option for abandoned
children is an institution. Back2Back
has been meeting with national officials to try and change this. Just last month, the Back2Back campus homes
became the first official houses in Mexico to legally take in children as a
form of foster care. Incredible! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God is faithful to keep His
promises. Sometimes it is difficult for
us to understand God’s faithfulness because we tend to be so unfaithful by
nature. Scripture even says “if we are
unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is” (2 Timothy
2:13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I am claiming God’s
promise to place the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6). It’s an exciting week for Back2Back and the
entire country of Mexico. Not everyone
hopes to work themselves out of a job, but that is exactly what we are working to do. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-73496806857869166272013-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:002013-03-18T11:41:57.219-07:00my God can set fire to water.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don’t know about your
experiences with God answering prayer, but when God answers my prayer, He
usually doesn’t do it the way I think He should. I say that in the most reverant way possible.
His answer is always better than
whatever I think the answer should be, but usually that’s how He teaches me a
thing or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lately I’ve gotten really good
at knowing that God is a lot smarter than me, and His way is always best. So whatever I ask for, I somewhat expect that
He won’t give exactly what I am asking for, but I know He will give me something
different that will end up being better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes, but not always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I mailed a package of letters
from sponsors for kids to a Back2Back employee in Michigan back in
January. I can’t mail the letters to
Mazatlan because of the unreliable postal service in Mexico, so this seemed like the best
option to get them to the children. Except when the postal service
in the United States is unreliable too.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The letters never arrived. Let me rephrase that-- the letters disappeared without a
trace. I called the post office, tried
tracking them down, and got no where. I
was so upset about losing them that I could barely talk about it. For weeks I just accepted the fact that the
children would never receive the letters their sponsors had written. It broke my heart. I knew the letters would mean so much to the children in Mazatlan—it was their first set of letters from
sponsors since starting the Child Sponsorship Program there. I’ve met these children, and I know how
desperately they could use the encouragement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I had a chance to send
another set of letters to the children in Mazatlan. I decided the God of the universe knew where
the lost package of letters were, and it was worth asking Him to get
them back to me so I could send them down.
I began praying that they would show up. At first, I quietly asked God to bring them back. But then I felt prompted to tell the women in my office what I was asking of God. It
was almost laughable since it had been almost 2 months since I had seen them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s a story in the Bible
about a prophet named Elijah who had a show down once with 450 prophets of
Baal. Essentially he told the prophets
to call on their god to send down fire, and he would call on his God to send
down fire, and they would see who’s God showed up. The prophets of Baal danced around and
shouted all day for Baal to send down fire, but no fire came. Pressure was on, and Elijah NEEDED God to
show up. So do you know what he did? Built an altar and POURED WATER ON IT. He wanted to make sure there was no question
that God Himself sent the fire. Then he
prayed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Then the fire of the Lord fell
and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also
licked up the water in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38). Yep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The God that set fire to wet wood and burned up water was the God that I was telling everyone in the office was
going to bring the letters back to me by Friday, March 16 so that I could get them to Mazatlan in the next delivery. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS2AdsH4Yk-tDbK2qaDCcSdGH627EsKOsHOJYvKHaO9-OyOz0SpNW57YIHLm1rnxVO5IhOruq6n4asaF4TeJyF7fCzeNeYsxbxIIiM-QaRbJy4OfVMq3BJnGyP1QvWF023eV3FB3s_xQ/s1600/DSC_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS2AdsH4Yk-tDbK2qaDCcSdGH627EsKOsHOJYvKHaO9-OyOz0SpNW57YIHLm1rnxVO5IhOruq6n4asaF4TeJyF7fCzeNeYsxbxIIiM-QaRbJy4OfVMq3BJnGyP1QvWF023eV3FB3s_xQ/s320/DSC_0936.JPG" width="212" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Lord, you have until Friday!”
I proclaimed aloud to the women around me.
We laughed a little, but I was serious.
“Lord, there is no reason why you shouldn’t answer this request,” I
reasoned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday morning came. My coworker went to the post office, and came back holding the missing package. They might as well have
been signed and sealed by God Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will resist the temptation to
explain how God doesn’t always answer prayers exactly how we want, and how we
need to trust Him when He doesn’t.
Sometimes He DOES. Sometimes He
does exactly what we ask of Him.
Sometimes He waits until the very last moment to show up, just so we
know that He is the one orchestrating things.
Sometimes He just likes to show off.
I like it when He does that.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-41940910553121114512013-02-07T08:43:00.003-08:002013-02-07T08:51:51.083-08:00a humble God.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Bible study discussed the
Trinity this past week, and worked hard to understand God being three, while
still being one. It’s frustrating to
want to know God so much, but still be unable to grasp such a seemingly simple
part of who He is. One of the hardest
parts for me to understand is how all three are equal when God the Father is
sitting on the throne in Heaven, and seems to be at the top of the
hierarchy. How can one part of God be
higher than the other two? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we were
discussing, the Holy Spirit reminded me that God’s hierarchy is not like
ours. To God, the greatest is the
least. The Holy Spirit is always giving
glory to Jesus, and Jesus always gave glory to the Father. Each is too humble to even glorify himself (even though each is deserving in their own right). By our standard, that would make the Holy
Spirit the lowest, but by God’s standard, that makes the Holy Spirit the
greatest. Whoa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you believe our God is a
servant?? Do you understand how much
humility that must require? There’s
something about this revelation that makes me want to be a humble servant like Him. If the Creator of the universe can do it, surely
I should be able to. What have I created
from nothing recently?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I’ve pondered this the last
few days, God has graciously shown me so many of His faithful servants
practicing humility. Most of them have been children Back2Back serves. That's the kind of God He is-- He uses the foolish things of this earth to shame the wise (1 Cor. 1:27). It just doesn't make sense without understanding who God is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve seen statistics range
anywhere from 5-9% for Mexicans who have a college degree or higher. With Back2Back’s Hope Education Program, the
children we serve have the opportunity to attend college and earn a
degree. We’ve had several students
graduate with degrees in business, education, and social work. As part of the top 10% of Mexicans in terms of
education, these are young adults who have the world at their fingertips. But do you know what many of them choose to
do? Serve. Several have returned to be on staff with
Back2Back. Many work to improve
children’s homes similar to the ones they grew up in. And I can tell you, they’re not doing it for
the money or the status. They have
answered God’s call to serve, knowing that whatever God is doing is far
better than anything man is doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvshnERlF2wAABPUaSPuKZFAZQe1YB76l_3xwrK52HuWYoGtKqESHLM1x3YWLmyQYlsgFiFmtoh2kykzc_dX6WRzLfFVufiAtjAA41Rw7xISY8d96Lz9ldeq2r-j8sBnPJAFYQerZWfY/s1600/558103_10151401447820138_677939179_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvshnERlF2wAABPUaSPuKZFAZQe1YB76l_3xwrK52HuWYoGtKqESHLM1x3YWLmyQYlsgFiFmtoh2kykzc_dX6WRzLfFVufiAtjAA41Rw7xISY8d96Lz9ldeq2r-j8sBnPJAFYQerZWfY/s320/558103_10151401447820138_677939179_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And just this past week, the
children at Casa Hogar Douglas held a car wash fundraiser for orphans in
Haiti. In a world screaming, “look out
for yourself”, God tells us to serve others.
No human alive could convince children living in an orphanage to raise money for orphans in another country. Only God could do that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Isn’t He wonderful?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." Luke 22:25-26</i></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-2863251805334729482013-01-17T07:44:00.001-08:002013-01-17T09:49:27.956-08:00God isn't just good, He's great.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God isn’t just good, He’s
great. And I don’t just mean that in the
warm and fuzzy, abstract kind of way. I
mean He is great in the specifics. Here are just a few reasons why:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 4. The number of new children’s homes we have
started the Child Sponsorship Program in over the last 3 months. This has included one home that is for
children whose parents have either been martyred for their faith or killed by
the AIDS epidemic, one home for children with special needs, and one safe house
for girls coming out of trafficking. And just yesterday I found out we will be starting at one more in India! Just imagine what this means for the
100+ children this encompasses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 2. The number of top P&G executives who have asked to meet with me to see how they can help the Child Sponsorship
Program. Seriously God?? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 6,000. The number of churches that typically use
Standard Publishing VBS curriculum, which this year will feature Back2Back and
encourages children to get involved in solving the orphan problem around the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 200. The number of unsponsored children that will
soon be featured on Back2Back’s website thanks to a web developer who has
offered to create the software we need.
Did I mention he doesn’t want to get paid to do this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 345. The price of my next flight to
Monterrey. Never been that cheap. Ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVIPuukj9Ay1cxdJSXotSnr8GDCGooGo49Zq8qb-7R0Z60H_O6moBRi9dby8akXEIn7oZJcP3wxmb035ja66d9dOQ4dBa8psyk2cyQX0ackTE2rQFuXc5PcCgRKwtCI7Vc14V0BgHTh0/s1600/IMG_4688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVIPuukj9Ay1cxdJSXotSnr8GDCGooGo49Zq8qb-7R0Z60H_O6moBRi9dby8akXEIn7oZJcP3wxmb035ja66d9dOQ4dBa8psyk2cyQX0ackTE2rQFuXc5PcCgRKwtCI7Vc14V0BgHTh0/s320/IMG_4688.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 43. The number of new sponsors
that committed to sponsoring children last month alone. A new record, and more than twice the average
per month. And I’m pretty sure that
number will be topped this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 0. The number of children I plan to need a
sponsor by 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- 1. The number of children it would take for me
to do this job every day. Each one is
worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one
who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-70769253291937783372013-01-14T11:53:00.001-08:002013-01-14T11:53:10.971-08:00waiting for God.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m in a season of hearing God
tell me to wait on Him. For a person who
likes things to be “right”, this is a hard command-- trusting an unseen God in the
face of real life questions, and feeling as if I am doing nothing to fix them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I drove to the post office
this morning in a car that I feel needs to be sold, the engine sputtered for a
moment, and I couldn’t help but cry out, “Do you see me?? Do you care? How am I supposed to wait on You
for a car when mine is acting like this?”
It felt like the cherry on my “wait for God” sundae, and I wasn’t in the
mood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I got to the post office, I
got in line behind an older gentleman who kept turning around to look at me. I smiled in what I hoped was an “I’m a nice
person, but I’m not in the mood to chat” kind of way, and looked away. No dice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I promised myself 60 years ago
when I left the Navy that I would never stand in line for anything ever again,”
he began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Great, someone who can teach me patience. </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“How’s that been working out for
you?” was all I could think to say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I once told a man who cut in
line at the post office that I would do to him what I did to the last SOB that
tried to cut in front of me. You
should’ve seen the look on his face. I
bet that was the last time he tried something like that,” he continued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Probably not, </i>I thought, but responded, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Maybe.” I
shifted the awkward size package I was carrying to my other hip and wondered,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why in
the world did you put me in line behind this guy, Lord</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl9WyM5Ddo5vuOJ6DtkIEqU5MQ1NBGJmE_olOrffDag4JS-GEReTgTFqGxCSUTSTKMTGQ8B280y1WonHUfd1ukKlokFTs2jS6rAtHkhqoqCGvJhDgA06uu_SfAByLEkA5Dsy8_d6ku6I/s1600/400-05147141w.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl9WyM5Ddo5vuOJ6DtkIEqU5MQ1NBGJmE_olOrffDag4JS-GEReTgTFqGxCSUTSTKMTGQ8B280y1WonHUfd1ukKlokFTs2jS6rAtHkhqoqCGvJhDgA06uu_SfAByLEkA5Dsy8_d6ku6I/s200/400-05147141w.jpeg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Would you like me to carry that
for you up to the counter?” he asked me gently.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Suddenly I heard God whisper in
a scream<i>, I CARE</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My heart softened. Not only did God see me, He cared enough to
see the box I was carrying was heavy.
How much more did He see the other heavy things I was carrying?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the midst of being told to
wait on God, I realize how important it is to know that God has a providential
plan. I am trying to make a habit of
remembering the characteristics of God that satan is trying to discredit. God hasn't answered many of the questions I'm currently asking, but that doesn't mean He hasn't been answering prayer... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s a girl who lives at Casa
Hogar Douglas named Daniela who was diagnosed last month with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a
condition characterized by rapid onset paralysis. For a few weeks all we could do was pray and hope that the paralysis would be reversed. As the medical expenses mounted, and the
realization set in that she would need a full time nurse to care for her once
she was discharged from the hospital, it was easy to doubt God’s plan. "Problem Solving Tallie" began to creep in and
I was tempted to come up with man-made solutions for God-sized problems. Thankfully, while God is rarely early, He is
never late. In the midst of the growing
expenses, a check came in the mail in honor of a sponsor at Casa Hogar Douglas,
and was designated for “Medical Purposes”.
The generous supporter had no idea what the home was dealing with, and
how timely their gift was. But God did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that part of the story doesn't even touch on the fact that the paralysis is reversing. Daniela is expected to make a full recovery. God cares.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I say this as a reminder mostly
to myself, but hopefully to anyone who reads this as well. God sees the little and the big things in our
lives. He is working them out, and if we
wait for Him, He will give us His solutions. Will you settle for what you can come up with
on your own, or will you wait on God? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-2980994915281712262012-12-26T19:08:00.000-08:002012-12-26T21:15:12.585-08:00who's blessing you?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Truth
moment: I've had trouble this year getting into the Christmas spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It may
have been that I spent 3 weeks in November visiting orphanages and seeing the
basic needs of so many go unmet. The day I came home I went to the mall and
ended up crying in the food court. <i>We’ve
got it all wrong, </i>was all I could think as I watched people scurry from store to store searching for what they wanted. I am not generally a crier and
was pretty much appalled at myself. I
haven’t been back since. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I usually
love Christmastime because it’s so warm and cozy. I love snuggling up to loved ones, eating
good food, and enjoying life. The idea that Christmas is excessive is certainly not a new one, but this <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">year I couldn’t quite get comfortable. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’ve been
thinking about the orphans I met a few weeks ago, and wondering what Christmas
will be like for them this year. I’ve
been asking God why He is breaking my heart in this way, and what He may be trying to tell me this Christmas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He's been telling me about
John the Baptist-- how the Christmas story begins with him, and how speaking
truth is not a popular message. He's revealed to me the gentleness of
Mary-- the wonder of a heart bent to serve God alone, no matter what society
thinks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe the
best thing God’s been telling me is about blessedness. It’s easy for me to look around at my loving
family, delicious food, and mountains of presents, and see it as God’s gift to
me for not doing anything too terrible this year. I start to believe my comfort is God’s
blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I've been feeling a little
funny when people ask me what I want for Christmas and I can’t think of a
single thing I need. Directly after the
Christmas story, the Bible tells me that if I have two shirts, I should give
one away. I look at my closet and start
to get a little fearful. I can
rationalize and context the command all day, but if I’m honest, it scares me. I wonder what God thinks about our
tradition of giving gifts to celebrate the day He entered the world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This got me thinking. I love telling people how much God has
blessed me. He’s given me great family,
friends, job, house, car, and even a cute little dog. I’m never hungry and I don’t need
anything. I’m quite comfortable. But is that God's desire for me? The Bible says “Blessed are the
brokenhearted” and that it's hard for the rich to see the Kingdom of God. What then, does that make
me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christmastime
seems to rip open the wounds of the brokenhearted and throw salt on them. These are the people we feel sorry for this time of year. The ones who are alone, the ones who are hungry, the ones without gifts. But yet, these are the people God is drawing near to
this Christmas-- not those who are sitting comfortably and in need of nothing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you
see it? So many of us have cushioned
ourselves to the point that we don’t need God.
I’m beginning to thank God for my broken heart, because He is the one who
gives me comfort. He let’s me fellowship
with Him when I draw near to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I see
blessedness differently now. No longer
do I want to naively believe that comfort and easy life are the ultimate
blessing. Being blessed means having fellowship
with God. Whatever allows me to be near
to Him is what I desire most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K-qLAIXtHzqNBCWJVEBUqjA13inx6NYrEE39Wv2msbJToSJng2b9_7hXLOJPLpxwnmh-JWqZ5PIxNlrxPX_uLMwwAl7tlmGlnWwQnBm5p4JqC95s2o4L_XIrDA45IMOrkYXjjTewnVQ/s1600/JesusBirth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K-qLAIXtHzqNBCWJVEBUqjA13inx6NYrEE39Wv2msbJToSJng2b9_7hXLOJPLpxwnmh-JWqZ5PIxNlrxPX_uLMwwAl7tlmGlnWwQnBm5p4JqC95s2o4L_XIrDA45IMOrkYXjjTewnVQ/s320/JesusBirth.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I pray
this Christmas that your blessings have come from God, and not from what the
world has to offer. If your heart has
broken this Christmas, remember that the God of the universe humbled Himself
enough to enter this world in the most lowly of circumstances, just so that you can know Him. Draw near to Him-- He
will comfort you and you will be blessed.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-28741213681762350632012-12-06T11:23:00.000-08:002012-12-06T11:35:06.251-08:00a birthday worth remembering.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was in Monterrey, I met a
couple that I won’t soon forget. Tommy and Lauren sponsor a girl named Yari through Back2Back's Child Sponsorship Program. Tommy
surprised Lauren on her birthday with a trip to Monterrey so they could be at
Yari’s Quincenera (15<sup>th</sup> Birthday) party. Quincenera’s in Mexico mark a girl
transitioning to an adult, and usually rival a wedding in size and grandeur. Tommy and Lauren knew the importance of being
there for Yari, and decided it was worth more than any gift he could get her. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They flew in a day early
to help decorate and make sure each detail was in place.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They bought flowers and paid to have her hair
done. They were overjoyed to be apart of her big day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish I could put into words what I saw as I sat at a table in the back and watched the evening unfold. It was beautiful in the most other-worldly way. The look of surprise when Yari realized they had come for her. Seeing Tommy and Lauren stand in the gap where this world failed Yari. Watching a girl become a woman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the midst of it, God spoke His truth
over me. “The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full” (John 10:10). In Christ alone we
have hope for a full life. And because of Him, Yari had a birthday worth remembering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt6cGU_yjNT7xKTXoQwE95RwmIhk_ZtgrYz0nc-avGg4EKLGk4CofFlstsm9CbfydSwr5nW4Pw4_ntg37UaKLQyZIrzRIJSTI3nrVknKMrrlnRpLajS7qaiG9uEIT7a1a5Il0X-apOnU/s1600/9698_10151526263578032_806455161_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt6cGU_yjNT7xKTXoQwE95RwmIhk_ZtgrYz0nc-avGg4EKLGk4CofFlstsm9CbfydSwr5nW4Pw4_ntg37UaKLQyZIrzRIJSTI3nrVknKMrrlnRpLajS7qaiG9uEIT7a1a5Il0X-apOnU/s320/9698_10151526263578032_806455161_n.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The love that Tommy and Lauren
have for Yari is from God the Father. He
has compelled them to love her the way He does.
It is Heavenly in nature, and nothing short of a miracle. It’s no wonder that it shines bright in a
dark world. It’s not from here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That’s what I love about
God. The things of Him don’t make any
sense in this world. Yet He’s not so big that He won’t reach down and enter
in. He puts His own Spirit inside us,
making us foreigners in this land. He
allows us to have fellowship with Him.
What kind of God does that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you watch the video below,
remember that what you are watching was God’s idea. He dreamed it up. It was His gift to His children. It reminds me of a wedding feast that awaits
all who remain faithful. I hope you’re
as excited for it as I am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ZUL7sC0DA&feature=youtu.be">Tommy, Lauren and Yari Video</a></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-17379327948456697532012-11-05T12:28:00.000-08:002012-11-05T13:23:01.529-08:00a confession.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m
embarrassed at how easily I doubt God. Pride tells me not to admit to it,
but the truth is, this isn’t my first rodeo with pride either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God is so
good to us because He knows we are prone to forgetfulness and doubt. He
doesn’t get mad—instead He teaches us how to trust Him. He tells us to
remember the times He is faithful—to set up a reminder and to talk about
it. He doesn’t want us to live our lives worrying. In fact, a variation of “fear not” is the most common phrase in the Bible. God
knows His people (He’s the one who made us afterall), and He knows the ways we
struggle. In the Old Testament, He told the Israelites over and over to talk
about how He delivered them from slavery, and of the miracles He
performed. He wanted them to remember—not for His benefit, but for
theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m
trying to make a habit of writing down the ways God is faithful. I want
to remember them in times of trouble, and when it seems He may not continue
being faithful. God isn’t an equation, and I can’t quite put Him in any
box (no matter how big I try to make it). He still requires I keep on
believing Him. It’s not an “I believed Him once, therefore I can move
on.” He wants me <i>to go on believing </i>Him. We’re called
to live lives of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
faithfulness of His provision continues to be one that catches me by
surprise. If you’ve read my past blogs, I wrote once about how God came
through with a monetary number that I needed in my support raising
journey. He came in right on target, exactly when I needed it. It
was difficult to ignore His hand in it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet as my
second goal approached, I tended towards forgetfulness of His
faithfulness. I worried, I tried to come up with back-up plans, and
frankly, I wasted my time. Worrying is so engrained into my subconscious
that when I chose to trust God and not worry—I felt guilty. As if I were
being careless by not worrying up a solution. Anyone with me on
that? The lies of the enemy can find me on either side of the fence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yO3hHNSFXeiWk460s_ohm-_jcN2n1RNE8M9VuFead0llLZjXWSqUFMovE6Mql3AR69LTsXY-6-6aRVoRTodH7e7HJo40Kz_iE8DKTrYW5OsgqsBgjOMtr6Pc1IaHm8ycMIh_yoazZHQ/s1600/rainbow-cloud.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yO3hHNSFXeiWk460s_ohm-_jcN2n1RNE8M9VuFead0llLZjXWSqUFMovE6Mql3AR69LTsXY-6-6aRVoRTodH7e7HJo40Kz_iE8DKTrYW5OsgqsBgjOMtr6Pc1IaHm8ycMIh_yoazZHQ/s1600/rainbow-cloud.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It
shouldn’t come as a shock to you (although, it did to me), that God was
faithful again. My goal for financial support was 75% by October 31<sup>st</sup>.
November 1<sup>st</sup>, the calculations were in at 50.6% pledged in monthly
support, 24.3% in special gifts. The “coincidence” lie gets very quiet
when numbers like that show up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tell
you this to remind you: GOD IS FAITHFUL. When it seems like He is, or
when it seems like He isn’t—He is. Remember His faithfulness when times
are hard. And talk about His faithfulness when He is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">“And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan,
Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, “When your
children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then
you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry
ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for
you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea,
which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the
earth may know that <b>the hand of the Lord is mighty</b>, that you may fear
the Lord your God forever.”</span> Joshua 4:21-24</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-42954465883248030202012-10-13T06:18:00.000-07:002012-10-13T06:32:35.914-07:00my first broken heart.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had a difficult phone call to make this
week to a girl named Rebecca whose sponsor child recently left the orphanage to
live with his mom. I knew she had a deep
connection with Jose, and it wouldn't be easy to break the news to her. I explained the situation and heard her voice
catch as she held back tears. I’ve had
this conversation before, and my knee-jerk reaction was to explain that
children do categorically better when raised with a family member rather than
in an institution. But it didn’t feel right.
This was a young girl who just realized she would never see her little
boy again. Statistics were not what she needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead I asked her, “Did you know I was just 14 when I took my first mission trip with Back2Back?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a pause on the other end as she
undoubtedly wondered what that had to do with Jose. “No,” she answered kindly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I was about your age, and on the first
day there I met a very sad three-year-old girl named Karla. Her mom had recently left her and her infant
sister at the orphanage. I had never
seen a sullen three-year-old until then.
She didn’t smile, or laugh, or play, the way most three-year-olds
do. The first day, she clung to me. When I came back the next day, I saw her
smile for the first time as I came over and picked her up. I spent the next week holding her, telling
her how special she was, and how much I loved her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I went home and my world was
changed. I did everything in my power to
get back to Karla. I held a rummage
sale, raised money, and joined a church I was not a member of on a mission trip a
few months later. The first thing I did
when I got back to the orphanage was look for Karla. I wanted her to know I hadn’t forgotten her. I didn’t want to be another person who let
her down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I looked all over-- in her dorm room, the
playground, the kitchen, the classroom.
Karla wasn’t in any of those places. In my broken
Spanish I asked the staff about her. They
told me her mom had come back for her.
She was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I still pray for Karla. She’s 17 now.
I wonder where she is, what kind of girl she became, if she knows she’s
special. I spent just one week with her,
but my life was never the same.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stopped there. I wasn’t sure if my story would be a comfort,
or if she would rather I just let her off the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Thank you,” she said quietly. “I bet
Karla is a great girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I think so too. If you would like to write Jose one last
letter, I can try to get it to him and his mom.
We know where they are staying.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUw9NM4vHm0PnJ3XxgaLaFcTRyKrlj9GzLanxl2FaW6T8fAruCLEzq9In9A5YBk03KbiIcQb-9gM1qXkUylusAChAOvloLglFcYPz2iQmKgFDR3w_miUZEcCMSgHEguIaE6GtxgfZnBI/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUw9NM4vHm0PnJ3XxgaLaFcTRyKrlj9GzLanxl2FaW6T8fAruCLEzq9In9A5YBk03KbiIcQb-9gM1qXkUylusAChAOvloLglFcYPz2iQmKgFDR3w_miUZEcCMSgHEguIaE6GtxgfZnBI/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A couple days later I got her letter to
Jose. I peeked to read her sweet words telling him his picture is hung up in her locker, that he is special, and she
will never stop praying for him. I
thought of Karla’s picture on my desk at home, and smiled to think of how God
will use a heart like Rebecca’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don’t understand why things happen the
way they do, or why God allows our hearts to break. But I do know if we let Him, He won’t waste
it. He is the Great Healer and The One who can work all things to good.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-54606916191621919772012-10-05T13:13:00.002-07:002012-10-05T13:27:18.793-07:00a glimpse of purity.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love being able to witness first hand
the tender relationship that sponsors develop with their sponsor child hundreds
(and sometimes thousands) of miles apart.
I would say it is my favorite thing about my job, but if you have read
many of my posts, you know that’s like crying wolf (so sue me-- I have a lot
of favorites). Hearing from our international
staff how much the children benefit from the knowledge that a caring adult
loves them is enough to bring me to tears.
These aren’t just poor kids.
These are children who have been abandoned. Their young hearts have been broken in ways
most of us cannot comprehend. To see
them experience love from a perfect stranger is what God considers pure and
faultless religion (James 1:27). I don’t
know many pure and faultless things in this world. Maybe that’s why these relationships touch me
so deeply.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems selfish to not share them.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPYM7dHSJlL8RomxkpF7bCuLMZwaYXYAbBsgrre7jVTst46ZUHbaxeGdfAjMU6LWuzexoArX5r9ezr6cladVUnty2oC8PrE8zbKN_fBMFgRZKJ4uN8BGa6epZmc9CEjOByauFPQ9NC9o/s1600/DSC_5978+Edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPYM7dHSJlL8RomxkpF7bCuLMZwaYXYAbBsgrre7jVTst46ZUHbaxeGdfAjMU6LWuzexoArX5r9ezr6cladVUnty2oC8PrE8zbKN_fBMFgRZKJ4uN8BGa6epZmc9CEjOByauFPQ9NC9o/s400/DSC_5978+Edit.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>“Hello Grandma and Grandpa, I love you both so
much and I’m so thankful for God having placed you in my life. Thank you for being there for me when I need
it the most.”</b> Wendy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-wo8Mrj5hZht-_F2uAw_2u3CQlz9aJ31oPjT88Qap5NnodBZBBgtmI2UzcT-zTxl8uQKvMxtxUjOoW7UA2aggj9E2VGsyKyzNiXilW3nomcZIIN0XiZkqugBIweObrk7hxCh506M8Wg/s1600/DSC_6465+Edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-wo8Mrj5hZht-_F2uAw_2u3CQlz9aJ31oPjT88Qap5NnodBZBBgtmI2UzcT-zTxl8uQKvMxtxUjOoW7UA2aggj9E2VGsyKyzNiXilW3nomcZIIN0XiZkqugBIweObrk7hxCh506M8Wg/s400/DSC_6465+Edit.JPG" width="283" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>“Hello again! I am so happy because you have remembered me
and have been praying for my needs. I hope God fills you with a thousand and
one blessings. I love you much.”</b>
Eduardo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp69kCdXPB99v5bJL8zd_gLM9qY_qL2tpziUcmi8ellnIIk21ctdSWXk-h_TNwwnlbE40Irqu4DLfWBId5kZA9TI09dgmn3cRgjWmwlSLR8HNxXgD7bJA-uxkSX5TmmweEa81RFkFluY/s1600/DSC_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp69kCdXPB99v5bJL8zd_gLM9qY_qL2tpziUcmi8ellnIIk21ctdSWXk-h_TNwwnlbE40Irqu4DLfWBId5kZA9TI09dgmn3cRgjWmwlSLR8HNxXgD7bJA-uxkSX5TmmweEa81RFkFluY/s400/DSC_0693.JPG" width="263" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>“Thank you for remembering my
graduation. Yes, I was a little bit
nervous to go to junior high. Thank you for
praying for me. I will await you in
October.”</b> Brenda</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15oJ5vmyROHmYozn9B4qodo8xU625Yt2V4h-t3Bsg9cVH5nwd2SyKhoyVRVuB3pcGBV8HmEOJijN1zd49RoksqSFj-lGXM_Z-nc5asOoweb1hKy8nUMdjxoU7K82ZFeHOE_oVu3K6aE8/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15oJ5vmyROHmYozn9B4qodo8xU625Yt2V4h-t3Bsg9cVH5nwd2SyKhoyVRVuB3pcGBV8HmEOJijN1zd49RoksqSFj-lGXM_Z-nc5asOoweb1hKy8nUMdjxoU7K82ZFeHOE_oVu3K6aE8/s400/IMG_0451.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"Thank you for coming to my orphanage. It is a wish and a prayer that God has completed. It is a huge blessing that He takes care of us. I pray He would bless your whole family. I miss you."</b> Cesar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVE6Ww6yMkmMls2n7o6sU5vuKBvaRfykz-VJCBL9vG3_3IcGNrwETMiFD-KRWFwPgFKznGHfnYOnlX-4PZOEKrRbsoctVi4lrDHx1M9bIOlrBB6G995RodOQ9gZNvSyIaJSmvAxQdDgI/s1600/DSC_6409+Edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVE6Ww6yMkmMls2n7o6sU5vuKBvaRfykz-VJCBL9vG3_3IcGNrwETMiFD-KRWFwPgFKznGHfnYOnlX-4PZOEKrRbsoctVi4lrDHx1M9bIOlrBB6G995RodOQ9gZNvSyIaJSmvAxQdDgI/s320/DSC_6409+Edit.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"Did you know that I pray for you every day? I think of you and I thank God that in you I have found a friend that will never leave me."</b> Cinthia</span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-44368715020209758172012-09-27T11:45:00.000-07:002012-09-27T12:29:45.747-07:00an unexpected discovery.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Want to know something great? People are generous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I went to a conference for
non-profits, and one of the main messages of the conference was just that:
people are generous. It’s almost a
modern phenomenon. No one quite knows
why. For as selfish as we all tend to be, (or am I alone on that?) people want to help.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even if it’s helping an illness they’ve
never heard of. I met a woman from a
medical research company who has raised hundreds of <i>thousands</i> of dollars to find a cure for an illness most of us have
never even heard of. That’s crazy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The most successful non-profits have a lot
of advocates who are willing to speak up for their cause. They don’t
have just one big donor. These are advocates with limited resources,
willing to ask their network of friends to help. This concept even has a name: grassroots
fundraising. Most of the conference was
revolved around developing this type of relational advocacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvu5yGb6zMsrfTr8tcFIbHWAESCXRmHOOUpqg_i80FwtK-T6eONqnBxnlGkLSgahBeK36IxgrbD1BP4jqu7Gipf5wYrrfOH3LBHAechJbbAngFCX5F3H_teOr4s9H-j1odtUI2rfJDac/s1600/DSC_6665+Edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvu5yGb6zMsrfTr8tcFIbHWAESCXRmHOOUpqg_i80FwtK-T6eONqnBxnlGkLSgahBeK36IxgrbD1BP4jqu7Gipf5wYrrfOH3LBHAechJbbAngFCX5F3H_teOr4s9H-j1odtUI2rfJDac/s320/DSC_6665+Edit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvu5yGb6zMsrfTr8tcFIbHWAESCXRmHOOUpqg_i80FwtK-T6eONqnBxnlGkLSgahBeK36IxgrbD1BP4jqu7Gipf5wYrrfOH3LBHAechJbbAngFCX5F3H_teOr4s9H-j1odtUI2rfJDac/s1600/DSC_6665+Edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The number one reason people don’t give? They weren’t asked. Even those of us who
have “little” by this society’s standards, usually have enough to give
something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I encourage you—if you see an organization
doing good things, get involved! Obviously, I would love if that organization were Back2Back, but honestly, I just love seeing people be generous. Helping people feels good. This world is full of brokenness. We need an "all hands on deck" approach to heal it. Your voice matters, and I promise you won’t regret getting involved.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"What should we do then?" the crowd asked him. He answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." Luke 3:10-11</i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-28399111055729969712012-09-10T06:36:00.000-07:002012-09-10T06:42:19.899-07:00sometimes God wants straight teeth.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you know what [one of] my
most annoying quality is? I’m a
worrier. I worry about whether what I do
is good enough, if things will work out, if there will be enough. The worst part about my most annoying quality
is that it points to a much more serious spiritual problem: I don’t trust
God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This annoying quality reared
it’s ugly head recently when Beth, a woman who had just returned from a trip
with Back2Back, sent in a check for $800 and asked that the money go towards
Maria, a girl she had met at one of the orphanages we serve at. After checking with staff in Monterrey, we
discovered Maria had a birthday coming up and that she also was in need of some
dental work. With Beth’s money in hand,
we took Maria to the dentist for a check-up. We were shocked to find out she had 13 cavities
and needed braces. All in all, not a
great appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I began to worry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We don’t have enough money to
fill all the cavities, and pay for braces.
Braces not only cost money to put on, but they require dentist visits
every month and fees add up. How can I
move forward with saying “Yes, put the braces on” if I have no idea whether or
not the rest of the money we need will be available to finish the job? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And thus began my removing of
God on the throne, and my ascent.
Clearly, God was unaware of this problem, and I needed to solve it. It barely crossed my mind to pray for His
provision and guidance. I went into
“worry mode” where I began simply gathering my own resources, hoping they would
be enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I contacted Beth and gave her
the update on the situation. She agreed
to send in money as the Lord blessed her, to help with additional costs. I knew she felt the pressure to follow
through, and maybe even felt a burden as a result of her generosity. I didn’t know any other solution. All I could do was pray she was able to
donate the rest of the money Maria would need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thankfully, as often as I take Him off in my heart, God still IS on the throne. A couple of days ago another person called
who, wouldn’t you know it, wanted to pay for Maria to get braces. It just so happened we knew exactly how much more we would need to complete the job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq7lGg7BY0gBEl7-nSRdUnF3xJkYI3N54kgj3JC3hdu9x6787CxU8MeSe6US8FQbHVGPyw_OBgVRmiJb-6xbyb_sUqJSEMy0fi2SIUIBLk_5nM06sb9AWu_RlRS3NGlMVM4PCw6kELHs/s1600/DSCN0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq7lGg7BY0gBEl7-nSRdUnF3xJkYI3N54kgj3JC3hdu9x6787CxU8MeSe6US8FQbHVGPyw_OBgVRmiJb-6xbyb_sUqJSEMy0fi2SIUIBLk_5nM06sb9AWu_RlRS3NGlMVM4PCw6kELHs/s1600/DSCN0056.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can’t explain this any other
way than God’s providence. We serve
hundreds of children, many of whom could probably use braces. In the home Maria lives in alone, she is one
of thirty children. Maybe God has a
special plan for those pearly whites, or maybe He wants to tell Maria that He knows
her, or maybe He just wanted to remind me that He is the one in control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can’t say it often enough and
I can’t say it loud enough: GOD IS FAITHFUL!
And that happens to be the one quality He is looking for from us. Over and over in scripture we see people that
God deems worthy as those who are faithful. He's been faithful to you. Will you be faithful to Him?</span></div>
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-12342343554965227872012-08-29T07:06:00.001-07:002012-08-29T07:10:08.374-07:00not my day.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday was not my day. It started at 1:58 AM when my dog woke me up to
pee. I kept thinking if I lay real still
she will think I am sleeping and will go back to bed. She didn’t.
After letting her out, I was awake for the next two hours, thinking
about all the things I need to get done.
When my alarm went off at 6:30 I made a cup of coffee and got back in
bed to have quiet time with God. Just as
I was leaning over to grab my Bible, I spilled hot coffee all down my leg and
in my bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I prayed for peace on my way to work, but
the day didn’t improve much. The hardest
part about working for a ministry is the limited resources available. I know what is possible, but I can only do so
much. I found myself feeling jealous of
ministries that have a much larger budget and seemingly infinite
resources. The fact that we are on the
same team was the farthest thing from my mind.
Every obstacle I encountered that didn’t have an easy solution seemed to
mean failure. Wasn’t my desire to change
the lives of orphans worthy of your blessing, God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After work, I went to get my hair cut. The hour appointment turned into four as the
stylist seemed to want to comb and style each hair. All I wanted to do was yell “Hurry up, it’s
not that hard!” I prayed for God to
change my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I walked to my car as the sun was going down and drove home to discover my laptop missing from my bag. “It must have gotten stolen from the empty
parking lot because I was at the salon so long.” I slumped down on my kitchen floor and felt
defeated. “Please Lord, not this,” was
all I could pray. My mind raced with the
work documents that were only on my computer, and the passwords saved on my
desktop that accessed my bank accounts, emails, and work database housing all
our confidential information. I went to
change all my passwords from my roommates computer but discovered our internet
wasn’t working. I decided to call my
co-worker to see if I had forgotten my computer at work, before calling the police
to file a report. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She answered and told me I had left it on
my desk.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wanted to kiss her.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I was putting my clean, wrinkled sheets back on my bed, my mind raced with all the ways the day had gone
wrong. I couldn’t help but ask, “God,
what <i>was</i> that today?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAXjXZrgSCLrqVtMlmyWpSKu8JFGvy3tnCMv4llERKqg2UmWDLpyR9GyqG1l3EhQzX2MN-KDfw8b6vYAKLKjlpIajV4_pt4fTZaevyZaPeUvwwnw7Oc6yNIA1hlaGoyHIWnD1sbpd_yo/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAXjXZrgSCLrqVtMlmyWpSKu8JFGvy3tnCMv4llERKqg2UmWDLpyR9GyqG1l3EhQzX2MN-KDfw8b6vYAKLKjlpIajV4_pt4fTZaevyZaPeUvwwnw7Oc6yNIA1hlaGoyHIWnD1sbpd_yo/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Suddenly I remembered. The sunrise on my way to work that broke
through the clouds perfectly while a song of God’s glory played on the radio. The staff meeting where I was moved to tears
over the impact our ministry is having on children around the world. My co-workers who care enough about my life to
ask how I am really doing (and notice when I forget my computer). The incredible growth of Back2Back despite limited resources. The conversation
with a slow moving hair stylist to talk about her dreams in life. The sunset that flooded my view all the way
home. My roommate who was determined to
come with me to look for my computer. My
inability to change all my passwords before discovering I didn’t need to. The insight of my need to have a plan if my
computer ever were to disappear. Clean
sheets to smell as I fall asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best realization is that, without God, I wouldn't have
found meaning in any of it. It would
have simply been a bad day. But seeing
God’s hand in my life, I know that I am not alone. It’s never “just a bad day” and it's never a lost cause. Life isn’t picture perfect and it
doesn’t run smoothly. God doesn’t need perfect circumstances to work in my life. He doesn’t need unlimited resources to
changes the lives of hundreds of orphans.
Back2Back doesn't need to be like any ministry other than the one it is. And neither do I. I just need to trust God and walk with
Him. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-38683025866936407842012-08-17T09:40:00.000-07:002012-08-17T18:52:40.384-07:00peace on a hard day.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Do you know what the hardest part about my job is?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not having
difficult conversations with sponsors, mundane data entry, or support raising. It is seeing injustice occur that I am unable to change. It
is knowing children have been taken advantage of, and wondering if I could have
done something to prevent it. It is realizing that more often than not,
the wicked prosper. It is trusting God with the children I cannot
reach and in situations I cannot fix. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
I love talking about God’s love.
I could go on and on about His mercies, His blessings, and His goodness.
But it’s when my job gets hard and I lie awake at night, that His justice
comforts me. If we stop short at
thinking God is only love, our view of Him is dwarfed. It is true that God is the very definition of
love. What makes His love so amazing
though is that He is also just. It’s
not that His justice balances out His love.
He is wholly Love and He is wholly Just. He hates sin. He is a holy and perfect God. Which means He requires perfection. That’s what makes His love so astonishing. How could He love such a sinful bunch?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkCx6o62YgMiElQGe5jatiCxUGsE_SJrEESmXhjEoihsE55S-Kmse-aSo-W8EXam6RmJRq0efn-uZ-9NgFiSCx7qLTUzRnA-QiXWRpYLmBdF8j3c0wRNvgYag1rb_CgH2ybXvs5SPx_U/s1600/DSC_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkCx6o62YgMiElQGe5jatiCxUGsE_SJrEESmXhjEoihsE55S-Kmse-aSo-W8EXam6RmJRq0efn-uZ-9NgFiSCx7qLTUzRnA-QiXWRpYLmBdF8j3c0wRNvgYag1rb_CgH2ybXvs5SPx_U/s320/DSC_0618.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Which is why I am so thankful
that Jesus paid the price for my sins.
The truth is, I don’t deserve even an ounce of God’s love. I am as bad as the men I despise. It is only because of Jesus that I am able
to know God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
I feel compelled to tell you that the evil we see all around us will not win in the end. There will be a day very soon when each of us
is held accountable for the wrongs we have done. History proves this is not a popular message,
but it is a true message. For those of
us who trust in the payment Jesus made on the cross for our sins, that day is
nothing to be feared. We can anticipate that
sweet moment when we get to meet our Savior face to face. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Until then, we must trust. Trust
that God is both Love and Just. He is
Mercy and Truth. Not every child we
reach thrives. Not every child is
rescued. Not every child is protected
from pain. But we can trust that Jesus
is returning, and the world will be set right.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-38373222563898144022012-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:002012-08-03T16:02:05.470-07:00numbers don't lie.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
My small group is doing a Bible study by Beth Moore
called Believing God. In it, Beth
challenges us to look for ways God is showing up in our lives. She calls these moments “God-stops”. I have loved recognizing these “God-stops” in
my life, and acknowledging God for His presence and faithfulness. So often we don’t see the things God is doing
all around us. But that doesn’t mean He
isn’t there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
I had a God-stop today that literally stopped me in
my tracks. It forced me to acknowledge
God’s hand in the situation and give Him the glory. Allow me to rewind for a moment and explain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Everyone who works at Back2Back is a missionary and
raises support so that the money given to the ministry goes towards orphan care,
rather than salaries. When I was offered
my current position, the interim person filling in for the Child Sponsorship
Program was leaving at the end of May.
That meant the ministry needed me to start right away. The only problem was, I had only just started
raising support to come on staff, and was nowhere close to being fully
supported. I was fairly certain God was
calling me to this position, but in weak moments, I wondered if it was my
desire or God’s. I prayed fervently for
God to guide me, and promised I would follow wherever He led. Over and over I felt Him whispering, “Trust
me.” So I took the first step. I quit my job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
For those of you who have been living under a rock
the last few years, I’ve got news for you. We’re in a recession. Jobs aren’t exactly a dime a dozen. I’m no fool, and I knew a stable job was
something to be coveted. But I also knew
that faith is trusting what cannot be seen. The Spirit’s prompting in my heart was so strong that I felt if I didn’t
quit my job, I would be deliberately disobeying what God was telling me to
do. And saying no to God is not
something I try to make a habit of.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
When I met with Back2Back’s directors to discuss
coming on staff, the goal they gave me was to have 50% of my support raised by
July 31<sup>st</sup>. I remember when
they first told me this number; they asked if I thought this was feasible,
given the short time frame. Since I had
never raised support before, I nodded my head confidently, believing that if
that was what I needed to do, God would come through. Truthfully though, I had no idea if this was
a lofty goal or one of those ‘slam dunk’ kinds of goals to build my confidence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
I quickly realized it was no slam-dunk. Raising support is hard work. More than that, it’s humbling. Every insecurity I ever struggled with, I
re-lived. At times it was painful. God was pruning me. I tried to take it personally. But that’s another story for another day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3al_lQnYwKtl8BAI6ykKCAYUTS7-BrgdS2-ue83-FkrF7TnQCZYNwPpwhjkdu7LINnwTGGTno8QcAw1NggfJqR5BBh7-4T5XiA_2UqcdHeR0p3FnSjTiAkKwydCfeb11nYiTFLlhB51g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3al_lQnYwKtl8BAI6ykKCAYUTS7-BrgdS2-ue83-FkrF7TnQCZYNwPpwhjkdu7LINnwTGGTno8QcAw1NggfJqR5BBh7-4T5XiA_2UqcdHeR0p3FnSjTiAkKwydCfeb11nYiTFLlhB51g/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="239" /></a>Fast forward to today: the day I got my income
report for the month of July. It was the
moment of truth. It’s one thing to trust
God in the hypotheticals. It’s quite
another to trust Him with a number. I
got my calculator out and started punching.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
27% raised in monthly commitments. 23% raised in special gifts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
I could barely believe my eyes. I rechecked.
Sure enough. I’ve raised exactly
50% of my support by July 31<sup>st</sup>.
I couldn’t be a skeptic if I wanted to be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Can I be honest with you? I am nothing special. If you’ve met me, you already know this. I'm about as average as it gets. If God was faithful to me, He’ll be faithful
to you. I dare you to trust Him. Take a step.
He won’t let you down.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787223356166189291.post-26020055284595277432012-08-03T09:24:00.000-07:002012-08-03T15:04:46.578-07:00more than numbers.I wanted to take a quick minute and give an update on the Child Sponsorship Program. I just completed my first quarterly board report, and it was so encouraging to see the progress in terms of actual numbers. I tend to be a black and white thinker, so numbers are my thing. God has shown me the power in stories, but sometimes seeing statistics speaks in big ways.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpn_uj2JOjZK3mpJGSuaHcGRqpWupev9AUuzwxtY81hxE1-IslfTORWRWOAQxUrgDUEMGat17utq92tLTWtcrha8oEV6GYaMT9w2MQz3fuWVcu7m7lMQJRFjiRtnY6PCSfF55zzFo9cw/s1600/easter+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpn_uj2JOjZK3mpJGSuaHcGRqpWupev9AUuzwxtY81hxE1-IslfTORWRWOAQxUrgDUEMGat17utq92tLTWtcrha8oEV6GYaMT9w2MQz3fuWVcu7m7lMQJRFjiRtnY6PCSfF55zzFo9cw/s320/easter+002.jpg" width="213" /></a>> Total number of children in our program: 476 (which is about to grow tremendously as we begin working with new orphanages in Nigeria, Haiti, and Mazatlan)<br />
> Total number of children sponsored: 286<br />
> 66 new child sponsors (since I started)<br />
> 22 pending sponsors<br />
<br />
The best part about these particular numbers is-- they <i>aren't</i> just numbers. These are children whose lives are being changed. 286 children who are receiving proper nutrition, the chance to get an education, and understanding they are loved. These are people who are deciding to invest in something bigger than themselves. Each one has a story and a way that God is moving in their lives. As much as I love numbers, nothing gets me excited quite like that.<br />
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Check out what Andrew and Anna Conrad (Back2Back missionaries in Cancun) recently had so say about Back2Back's Child Sponsorship Program, and the unique relationship built between sponsor and child:<br />
<a href="http://blog.agconrad.com/2012/06/real-impact-of-child-sponsorship.html?spref=bl">http://blog.agconrad.com/2012/06/real-impact-of-child-sponsorship.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193661449101900043noreply@blogger.com1