We have just completed a camp for 24 children in a remote location in the mountains of Romania. The scenery in Romania is absolutely amazing! Our journey to the camp location took about 3 hours by car -- not because the distance was so long but because it is mostly small, curvy roads. This journey gave me the opportunity to see parts of Romania that I had never seen before; making me appreciate the majesty of God as displayed so wonderfully in this country.
I feel like we had a very successful camp experience with the children from Sanger (and other places). AS the children were leaving this morning they were crying because we were all separating after spending so much time together this week. I have been a part of many camps through the years and this is usually the reaction. For many of these children the emotions were probably a little more vivid because most of them have never been to anything like this before (when I say "most" it may be more accurate to say "ALL"). Some of these children may have never seen the mountains or been on a vacation.
I am always impressed by the way the children from Sanger enthusiastically recite Scripture verses and the way they pour their whole selves into singing the songs. Their singing will truly bless your heart! On our final night of having a gathering with all the children I shared a very simple and direct message from God's Word about how we all need to be forgiven of our sins. When I asked for any who wanted to "Confess" Jesus as their Lord none of them responded. After this we had a time for anyone who wanted to write down a sin or some other burden on a sheet of paper and place it on a cross that we had there for them. It was moving to watch all of the children and many of the adults -- Me first -- put notes on that cross containing things that we need God to take from us.
The next day two of the oldest boys came to me and said they had decided to accept Jesus as their Savior. The final night as we gathered to celebrate I asked for these guys and any others who had decided to accept Jesus as their Savior to stand up and not be ashamed of Jesus. I was blown away when over half of the children stood up -- and they were all representing the oldest in our group! I have been doing these kind of ministry events for many years and it felt like these children knew exactly what they were doing.
These children have a difficult living environment so please be praying for them. As our team prepares to go and be with these children in their village tomorrow morning I am already wondering how many of them will come and how many of their parents will come to see what they learned. How awesome would it be to see some of these parents accept Jesus as their Savior tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers. I will update you on our sharing time tomorrow in the village of Sanger and in Betel Baptist Church in Cluj, Romania.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Back in Romania
Our team of 6 has arrived safely in Romania. We have an exciting and challenging plan for our time here in Romania this year. We are working together with some of the most dedicated Christ-Followers I have ever met to host a camp for young people in a remote location in this beautiful land. Beginning Monday, June 27, we will go to this location with approximately 30 youth and about 15 adults. Each day we will be teaching God's Word to these who will come to the camp. We will also be leading in games, music, Scripture memorization, and other fun activities.
I ask for your prayers for all who will participate in this camp. In a way we are a little anxious because we do not know exactly how things will transpire. IN the past we have only been responsible for these young people a few hours a day. This year we will have them under our authority 24 hours a day for 6 days. Please pray for safety both for the children and for our adult workers.
It is a joy to link arm and arm together with our Romanian Brothers and Sisters for the objective of sharing God's love with everyone who will be open to receive His salvation through Christ. We will not have internet while we are at the camp so please check back with this blog at the end of the week (i.e. Saturday, July 2nd) for an update on how everything went. Thanks for taking the time to read what I write. May God bless you is my prayer.
I ask for your prayers for all who will participate in this camp. In a way we are a little anxious because we do not know exactly how things will transpire. IN the past we have only been responsible for these young people a few hours a day. This year we will have them under our authority 24 hours a day for 6 days. Please pray for safety both for the children and for our adult workers.
It is a joy to link arm and arm together with our Romanian Brothers and Sisters for the objective of sharing God's love with everyone who will be open to receive His salvation through Christ. We will not have internet while we are at the camp so please check back with this blog at the end of the week (i.e. Saturday, July 2nd) for an update on how everything went. Thanks for taking the time to read what I write. May God bless you is my prayer.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Romania Here We Come
Please pray for our Romanian Mission Team as we make our final preparations for this year's journey. We are attempting something that we have never tried on any of our previous trips. In the past we would always work with the children in the village of Sanger a few hours each day. They would come to the campus, hang out with us, participate in our Day Camps and then return to their homes. The rest of our time each day was usually spent on construction, and some home visitation.
This year we are taking approximately 40 young people and over 20 adults to a camp facility in the mountains for one week. This means we will have these children under our responsibility for 6 days -- 24/7! We are looking forward to having the opportunity to build some deeper, more detailed relationships with these young people and the few parents from the village who have agreed to make the trip with us. Most of all we are hoping and praying for the opportunity to share with everyone in this camp how Jesus Christ can become the Lord of their Lives.
Please pray for our Team; for our final provisions to be made; for all of our partners in Romania; for the young people and their families from Sanger; and for each day that we are gone on the trip. The dates we will be away from home are June 23 -- July 4. As always, please ask God to grant us safety as we travel. Like each trip we take there are some on our team who have never flown on an airplane. Also, pray for our families who will be here awaiting our safe return. PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE POWERLESS WITHOUT YOUR PRAYERS!
I will be trying to share updates on this blog while we are in Romania. I am not sure about internet access while we are at the camp so if you don't see anything from me from Monday - Saturday (June 27 - July 2) you will know that we don't have internet service. I will update everyone on our trip as soon as the web is available to me. Thanks from my heart for the prayers and for the financial support you have given!
This year we are taking approximately 40 young people and over 20 adults to a camp facility in the mountains for one week. This means we will have these children under our responsibility for 6 days -- 24/7! We are looking forward to having the opportunity to build some deeper, more detailed relationships with these young people and the few parents from the village who have agreed to make the trip with us. Most of all we are hoping and praying for the opportunity to share with everyone in this camp how Jesus Christ can become the Lord of their Lives.
Please pray for our Team; for our final provisions to be made; for all of our partners in Romania; for the young people and their families from Sanger; and for each day that we are gone on the trip. The dates we will be away from home are June 23 -- July 4. As always, please ask God to grant us safety as we travel. Like each trip we take there are some on our team who have never flown on an airplane. Also, pray for our families who will be here awaiting our safe return. PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE POWERLESS WITHOUT YOUR PRAYERS!
I will be trying to share updates on this blog while we are in Romania. I am not sure about internet access while we are at the camp so if you don't see anything from me from Monday - Saturday (June 27 - July 2) you will know that we don't have internet service. I will update everyone on our trip as soon as the web is available to me. Thanks from my heart for the prayers and for the financial support you have given!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Perspectives
I am currently reading through the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. Actually we are studying this book in one of our House Churches. In today's assignment (Day 29) I read something that caused me to stop and think. Warren shares: "In some churches in China, they welcome new believers by saying 'Jesus now has a new pair of eyes to see with, new ears to listen with, new hands to help with, and a new heart to love others with.'" (Purpose Driven life, pp.229-230) I also thought about a song that is played often on Christian radio stations that says "Give me your eyes for just a moment..." The song's message emphasizes our need to try and "SEE" the world through God's eyes.
Can you imagine how differently our perspectives are in comparison to God's? One of our primary concerns while living here on earth revolves around our finances. Either we have everything we need and are trying to figure out what else we "WANT" or we are struggling to have enough money to meet our basic needs. There are both positive and negative mental energies consumed with issues dealing with money. How do you think God views money? Would He ever be impressed with how much "stuff" we have? How much money would a person need to have to impress God? I think it is pretty evident how insignificant money is to God. Since He owns it ALL, we know He distributes what He knows we can be trusted with.
Another topic that can occupy a great deal of our mental energy is death/dying. After recently attending a funeral for someone who truly lived out a life of Faith in Jesus, I meditated on how differently God views the subject of death than the way we look at this heart breaking mystery. The Bible actually says that it is precious to God when one of His Saints dies. (cf. Psalm 116:15) For God, death is not separation but reunion! When One of His Followers completes their allotted time on earth, death is simply the vehicle that brings them HOME to our Heavenly Father! There is so much distance between our perspectives when it comes to death.
The list goes on and on regarding the contrasting perspectives between God and those of us who live here on earth. We should invest some time searching God's Word to gain a more concise understanding of God's perspectives. As we learn more about the way He "SEES" things it will transform our lives! Are there any "troubling" topics in your life right now that would benefit from gaining God's perspective? Politics, economy, deadly storms, etc. are just of the few topics that seem to make headlines for us right now. I would love to hear how God has helped you by helping you to "SEE" with His eyes.
Can you imagine how differently our perspectives are in comparison to God's? One of our primary concerns while living here on earth revolves around our finances. Either we have everything we need and are trying to figure out what else we "WANT" or we are struggling to have enough money to meet our basic needs. There are both positive and negative mental energies consumed with issues dealing with money. How do you think God views money? Would He ever be impressed with how much "stuff" we have? How much money would a person need to have to impress God? I think it is pretty evident how insignificant money is to God. Since He owns it ALL, we know He distributes what He knows we can be trusted with.
Another topic that can occupy a great deal of our mental energy is death/dying. After recently attending a funeral for someone who truly lived out a life of Faith in Jesus, I meditated on how differently God views the subject of death than the way we look at this heart breaking mystery. The Bible actually says that it is precious to God when one of His Saints dies. (cf. Psalm 116:15) For God, death is not separation but reunion! When One of His Followers completes their allotted time on earth, death is simply the vehicle that brings them HOME to our Heavenly Father! There is so much distance between our perspectives when it comes to death.
The list goes on and on regarding the contrasting perspectives between God and those of us who live here on earth. We should invest some time searching God's Word to gain a more concise understanding of God's perspectives. As we learn more about the way He "SEES" things it will transform our lives! Are there any "troubling" topics in your life right now that would benefit from gaining God's perspective? Politics, economy, deadly storms, etc. are just of the few topics that seem to make headlines for us right now. I would love to hear how God has helped you by helping you to "SEE" with His eyes.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thank You to Our Mothers!
A little boy was once asked by an adult what he wanted to be when he was grown. The boy smiled proudly and said, "I want to be a lion tamer." Somewhat surprised by the boy's quick and confident answer, the adult asked the boy, "Wow that's really dangerous. Won't you be afraid?" Without hesitation the little boy replied: "Of course not, my Mother will be with me!"
This humorous illustration of a little boy's concept of his Mother's limitless abilities reveals something that lies deep within the heart of most people. There is no one in our lives like our Mothers! Great world leaders and inspiring artists have repeatedly credited their Mother as the primary influence in their lives. After all, it is our Mothers who encourage us to dream and then tells us how great we did even when we blew it real bad. Our Mothers give us a place to feel safe no matter how old we are or how badly we have messed up.
In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend, I would like to honor my Mother by telling you what a remarkable woman she is. Her Dad died when she was only 12 years old leaving her Mom and 4 siblings to manage the best they could. My Mom had to quit school in the 8th grade so she could go to work to help with the family's living needs. For most of my growing up years, my Mom would ask me how to spell some words when she was writing a card or doing something for her church. She would many times say that she just wasn't smart. On the contrary, to manage a household consisting of 7 people proves that she has a level of "Practical" intelligence that cannot be extracted from a text book. Her "smartness" exceeds many who have years of formal education.
My Mom has always been strong physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The older I get the more amazed I am by the way she has lived. She continues to be a faithful, loving mate for my Dad; a wonderful cook who loves to see her family eat; the best Mother-in-Law any spouse could ask for; and a Grandmother who is adored by all of her Grandchildren. I cannot find the right words to describe this Matriarchal Marvel of a Woman that God has given to our family.
As I think about my Mother on this holiday weekend, I am also reminded of God's providential activity in giving me another special Mom to share life with. She is the Mother of my 2 Children. She has taught me to love our children unconditionally and to be liberal in sharing the three most important words known in human relationships: "I LOVE YOU!" She is the emotional champion of our home and the reason why our children are very confident in being themselves. Now that our children have become adults, she continues to be the person they confide in, and come to for advice with all kinds of life issues. If I had of made a search of the entire universe to find the right woman to have children with I could not have found anyone better.
My life has been blessed because of these special MOMS! For them and all the other Moms out there let me say -- "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" I hope and pray that you really "feel" like the special person you are!
This humorous illustration of a little boy's concept of his Mother's limitless abilities reveals something that lies deep within the heart of most people. There is no one in our lives like our Mothers! Great world leaders and inspiring artists have repeatedly credited their Mother as the primary influence in their lives. After all, it is our Mothers who encourage us to dream and then tells us how great we did even when we blew it real bad. Our Mothers give us a place to feel safe no matter how old we are or how badly we have messed up.
In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend, I would like to honor my Mother by telling you what a remarkable woman she is. Her Dad died when she was only 12 years old leaving her Mom and 4 siblings to manage the best they could. My Mom had to quit school in the 8th grade so she could go to work to help with the family's living needs. For most of my growing up years, my Mom would ask me how to spell some words when she was writing a card or doing something for her church. She would many times say that she just wasn't smart. On the contrary, to manage a household consisting of 7 people proves that she has a level of "Practical" intelligence that cannot be extracted from a text book. Her "smartness" exceeds many who have years of formal education.
My Mom has always been strong physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The older I get the more amazed I am by the way she has lived. She continues to be a faithful, loving mate for my Dad; a wonderful cook who loves to see her family eat; the best Mother-in-Law any spouse could ask for; and a Grandmother who is adored by all of her Grandchildren. I cannot find the right words to describe this Matriarchal Marvel of a Woman that God has given to our family.
As I think about my Mother on this holiday weekend, I am also reminded of God's providential activity in giving me another special Mom to share life with. She is the Mother of my 2 Children. She has taught me to love our children unconditionally and to be liberal in sharing the three most important words known in human relationships: "I LOVE YOU!" She is the emotional champion of our home and the reason why our children are very confident in being themselves. Now that our children have become adults, she continues to be the person they confide in, and come to for advice with all kinds of life issues. If I had of made a search of the entire universe to find the right woman to have children with I could not have found anyone better.
My life has been blessed because of these special MOMS! For them and all the other Moms out there let me say -- "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" I hope and pray that you really "feel" like the special person you are!
Monday, March 28, 2011
There is HOPE
Our Easter Series started on Sunday, March 27th in our Corporate Worship gathering. This year we are focusing on the HOPE that is available because of the Easter miracle. I don't know about you but it seems like the problem of 'Hopelessness' grows increasingly more severe each day. People are simply out of options concerning their economic status; their physical health; their family relationships; etc.
Many of the issues we face that can lead to hopelessness are the very things that can assist us in finding HOPE. HOPE as it is used in the Bible carries a different meaning than the way we use it so often in our conversations. Many times we use the word HOPE to signify what we "WISH" would happen. We may say, "I hope the scans and x-rays come out good or I hope the weather is good for our outdoor plans." Using HOPE in this way is more like saying what we wish for but are not "CERTAIN" whether or not it will work out the way we want.
The Bible says that we are to "Hope in the glory of God." This HOPE is as secure and guaranteed as the unchanging, never failing Glory of God. No matter what happens to us while living on earth, the Glory of God remains constant. When our HOPE is firmly resting in His Glory, it will not stop us from going through difficult times, but it will drastically change our perspective on the trial. The Bible says we should rejoice in our trials basically because each difficulty we endure on this earth makes us long for the certainty of the "glorious" future we have in Christ.
Are you living with HOPE today? Our world is plagued by Hopelessness for many reasons. No matter where you are living today, the Miracle of Easter is your HOPE! Check out our website each week for the messages we will share on Sundays about HOPE. www.connectingpointchurch.cc.
Many of the issues we face that can lead to hopelessness are the very things that can assist us in finding HOPE. HOPE as it is used in the Bible carries a different meaning than the way we use it so often in our conversations. Many times we use the word HOPE to signify what we "WISH" would happen. We may say, "I hope the scans and x-rays come out good or I hope the weather is good for our outdoor plans." Using HOPE in this way is more like saying what we wish for but are not "CERTAIN" whether or not it will work out the way we want.
The Bible says that we are to "Hope in the glory of God." This HOPE is as secure and guaranteed as the unchanging, never failing Glory of God. No matter what happens to us while living on earth, the Glory of God remains constant. When our HOPE is firmly resting in His Glory, it will not stop us from going through difficult times, but it will drastically change our perspective on the trial. The Bible says we should rejoice in our trials basically because each difficulty we endure on this earth makes us long for the certainty of the "glorious" future we have in Christ.
Are you living with HOPE today? Our world is plagued by Hopelessness for many reasons. No matter where you are living today, the Miracle of Easter is your HOPE! Check out our website each week for the messages we will share on Sundays about HOPE. www.connectingpointchurch.cc.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Romania, 2011
This year is flying by so fast. I just realized this morning that we only have 3 months before we leave for another exciting journey to Romania. Right now we have 6 on our team with a couple others still trying to get their schedules worked out and some money raised for airplane tickets. We have been so blessed to travel to this wonderful country 7 times since 2004. God has allowed us to complete two facilities in some very poor villages for the people to use for worship and other activities.
On this year's trip we have a unique opportunity. The village where we have invested our efforts over the past 4 years (i.e. Sanger Village) has many children. Each time we go there we host a day camp to spend time with these children. They have become very acquainted with me and our other team members. This year we are taking as many of these children that can go to a camp/retreat setting in the mountains near Cluj, Romania (a major city). We are also telling them to invite their parents to come and spend the week at the camp with them. We believe this will be a way for us to build relationships with these adults and share with them the Gospel message of Jesus' love and salvation.
Please pray for us as we prepare for this great opportunity. If we can reach some of the adults in this village during this week at camp, we hope and pray they will become part of the church that meets in their village. The challenge is great but our God is greater! WE need to raise approximately $2,000.00 to pay for transportation and the food for everyone for the week. We will also be making camp T-Shirts; taking craft supplies, etc.
Please pray for this effort. If you would like to contribute financially, go to www.connectingpointchurch.cc where you can contact us or get the address where you can send donations. Just make sure your check is marked for Romania Missions! Thanks.
On this year's trip we have a unique opportunity. The village where we have invested our efforts over the past 4 years (i.e. Sanger Village) has many children. Each time we go there we host a day camp to spend time with these children. They have become very acquainted with me and our other team members. This year we are taking as many of these children that can go to a camp/retreat setting in the mountains near Cluj, Romania (a major city). We are also telling them to invite their parents to come and spend the week at the camp with them. We believe this will be a way for us to build relationships with these adults and share with them the Gospel message of Jesus' love and salvation.
Please pray for us as we prepare for this great opportunity. If we can reach some of the adults in this village during this week at camp, we hope and pray they will become part of the church that meets in their village. The challenge is great but our God is greater! WE need to raise approximately $2,000.00 to pay for transportation and the food for everyone for the week. We will also be making camp T-Shirts; taking craft supplies, etc.
Please pray for this effort. If you would like to contribute financially, go to www.connectingpointchurch.cc where you can contact us or get the address where you can send donations. Just make sure your check is marked for Romania Missions! Thanks.
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