Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Stuff Christians Like

In case you didn't catch it, there's a new link on the right hand side under the category of "Favorite Sites" called "Stuff Christians Like".

The site is full of snippets pondering (and sometimes critiquing) Christianese and Christian church culture. Because as much as we love Jesus, sometimes we as Christians do stuff that's just weird! And what's better than poking fun at yourself?

Here's a sample post from the site:

#182: Saying "Pot Blessings" instead of "Pot Lucks"

Once on the Simpsons, Maude Flanders told Homer, "Neddy doesn't believe in life insurance, he considers it a form of gambling."

Granted, despite sleeping with that lady on one episode, Ned Flanders was designed to be an amplified personification of Christianity. His moves were big and loud. If you went to his house you played Bible board games and ate "unflavored" ice treat instead of ice cream. His version of faith was bright and shiny and exaggerated. I thought it was fake until recently.

In response to a Pot Luck post I wrote lots of people started emailing me. They told me that in their church, they were not allowed to say the phrase, "Pot Luck." It's too worldly, too much like coincidence, too much like gambling. So instead they say, "Pot Blessings." And some people say, "Pot Providence."

I heart that. Hearing about that made me really eager to find other examples. I instantly wanted to add a glossary to the back of my book that was titled simply, "Christian Translator." Baking some devil's food cake but feel like that sounds too demonic? Call it "Angel pie." Daughter lost a tooth and excited about the tooth fairy? Call it the "tooth angel."

It's a weird thing to be fixated on, but there it is. I'm in love with the idea of having the world's most comprehensive list of Christian words. Let's do it, you and I. Let's change this crazy world.

(This post totally reminded me about rumors of a church requiring their members to say 'heaven-o', instead of 'hell-o' when greeting one another. Too weird not to be true!)

ht: Marko

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Pet Peeves


Pet Peeves: we've all got 'em. Sure, I've got the typical ones like people talking on their cell phones during a movie, bad drivers on the freeway, etc. But some things just seem to get at me more than others. And what better way to deal with them than creating my very own TOP SEVEN list!

In no particular order, here are the top things I find most unbearable:

Anonymous Hanger Uppers - I don't mind (too much) if you call and wake me up in the morning, but if the answering machine picks up before I can get to the phone, and you don't leave a message... now I'm awake and angry. Beware...

Early Arrivers - You know, those people that show up more than five minutes early to a gathering at my home. Don't you know that that last half hour is reserved for me to eat, shower, and vacuum, preferably without you present?

Shrieking Kids - Please, please, please, teach your adorable children to save their blood-curdling screams for playtime at home. If I wanted to be surrounded by packs of screaming banshees, well, I'd have some of my own, thanks.

Baptist Jokes - The first time in my Christian life I've been a part of a denominational church, and in the past year all I've learned about baptist-ness is that we supposedly eat constantly, and never dance. (Hmmm... I'm starting to wonder if the baptist denomination was invented by some white man who didn't want to embarrass himself at a wedding?)

Buffet Tradition - Ok, whose idea was it to put the silverware in the FRONT of the buffet line? How do I know if I'm going to need a fork, knife, AND a spoon, until I know what I'm going to be eating? Furthermore, it's so tricky to serve yourself while unnecessarily balancing a plate, napkin, fork, knife, and spoon in one hand. Put the silverware at the end, people!

Bridal / Baby Shower Games - Seriously, if I have to stick my hand in a bowl of rice and safetypins one more time... I might puke. Well, I might make an exception for word games, because I have a pretty good shot at winning those, and therefore taking home some fabulous girly prizes... heh heh...

Poor Writing - Especially college grads who don't take the time to check their work for spelling / grammar mistakes. If you've got the smarts, please use them. (You can start now by chastising me for starting a sentence with the word 'especially')

Well, that's it for now. Do you have anything incomprehensibly annoying you'd like to add to the list? (Like perfectionistic childless thirty-somethings who take themselves way too seriously?) Feel free to express yourself in the comments section below!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

What did you just call me?

So, last week I was at the eye doctor's getting fitted for a new contact lens prescription (yay!). At one point in the ordeal, the lady helping me referred to me as 'kiddo', a term that I've only heard from my mom in these first 30 years of my life. It sounded odd (though strangely reassuring), but different people have their quirks so I didn't make much of it.

Well, today I went in to the dentist's to get my teeth cleaned, and wouldn't you know, TWO different people there called me 'kiddo' too!

What's going on here? Is this some sort of medical office lingo that's been universally adopted to put people at ease? A generic friendly sounding term that you can insert when you forget someone's name? Most importantly, how old can I be and still be called 'kiddo'?

When it comes to friendly generic nicknames, I can't help but think back on a kind british nurse that assisted me one time in college, after I had surfed down a flight of stairs on my knees (which I don't recommend, btw). As she meticulously picked gravel out of my shins, she reassuringly told me "You'll be alright, love" in a perfect Mary Poppins accent. I could have taken her home with me right then and there!

Unfortunately, calling someone 'love' only works for the british. Perhaps 'kiddo' then, is the best we americans can do? I'm scheduled for a physical next month - I can't wait to hear what they'll call me there.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Any Skypers out there?

For those of you have not discovered the wonderful world of Skype, check this out.

Skype is free software that allows you to send instant messages, make free calls to other Skype users, or make cheap phone calls to land / cell numbers, all over an internet connection.

This is a great blessing if you want to stay in contact with people overseas without going broke (and thus very popular with the world racers).


I wanted to get an account going for our upcoming mission trip to Guatemala, but have already found the instant messaging feature to be quite useful.

For those already signed up with Skype, feel free to add me as stillsmallvoice99 and send me a message to say hello!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Monday, April 21, 2008

Sell and Give

Here's an interesting challenge by Children's Hopechest to encourage a spirit of giving. This ministry focuses on providing for orphans in Russia, South Africa, and Swaziland, but the concept could apply to raise money for any charity of your choice (as well as clearing your house of stuff you don't use!).

Check it out:


What I Have

May 11, 2008 - The Day of Pentecost

SELLING THEIR POSSESSIONS AND GOODS, THEY GAVE TO ANYONE AS HE HAD NEED. - ACTS 2:45

SILVER OR GOLD I DO NOT HAVE, BUT WHAT I HAVE I GIVE YOU - ACTS 3:6

The early church was known by their generosity. Christianity was even criticized as a "religion of widows and orphans." As we celebrate the church on the Day of Pentecost, let's seek the same criticism and live with the same life-giving generosity. There are millions of orphaned children waiting for you to give them what you have. Give what you have.

SELL:

*Choose a personal item of value (a leather coat, an electric guitar, a video game system, a canoe, jewelry, furniture, a collector's item, etc.)
*Sell the item. You can use whatever method is most familiar to you: eBay, Craigslist, a yard sale, a consignment shop, or the classifieds.
*Collect the money.

GIVE:

*Go to http://www.hopechest.org/; choose "GIVE" and fill out the form.
*Write "What I Have 2008" in the Notes/Child Reference Number field.

PROMOTE:

Click on the links below to download promotional materials for use in your church, small group, or school. There are several versions of the poster formatted for different sizes and usages. Feel free to re-post this information all over the Internet too (on Facebook, your blog, MySpace, or wherever your online home is.)

What I Have - POWERPOINT SLIDE
What I Have - POSTER (11x17 format)
What I Have - BULLETIN INSERT (8.5x5.5 format)
What I Have - FLYER (8.5x11 format)

These funds will be directed toward the most urgent and strategic programs in holistic and long-term orphan care. Some of those outreaches could include:

*Feeding programs
*Educational initiatives
*Health care
*Community development
*Spiritual discipleship

If you have any questions, contact Daniel at daniel@hopechest.org or (719) 955 4009.

Children's HopeChest is a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

There's a Sheep in my Bathtub!


My latest read was a missionary biography called There's a Sheep in my Bathtub: Birth of a Mongolian Church Planting Movement, by Brian Hogan. Once I picked it up, I read this one so fast it didn't even make my 'currently reading' list before I was already done!

"What happens when you drop an American family with three small children into the remote post-Communist chaos of Outer Mongolia?

There's a Sheep in my Bathtub chronicles the adventures of the American Family Hogan as they try to follow God's leading into one of the world's most remote and mysterious enclaves. Disarmingly honest and laugh-out-loud funny, their tale will thrill you and bring tears to your eyes. An intensely personal memoir, this book still manages to pack a powerful dose of missionary insights and Biblical principles for seeing the Church explode into life among people that have never even heard of Jesus. Get comfortable. You will not be able to put it down."


One of my favorite parts of this book was the description of the tension the church-planters experienced when trying to balance weekly in-home small groups with larger Sunday celebration gatherings. When the ministry focus was on the small groups, the Christians grew deeper in their faith and the small groups grew and multiplied rapidly.

When they increased the frequency of Sunday worship services from monthly to weekly, everyone had a great time, many people attended, but participation in the small groups dropped off, meaning discipleship and accountability were compromised. I am very curious if churches in the United States, which focus their energies on one Sunday gathering, have had similar experiences when transitioning to a small group based ministry.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in missions, church-planting, or experiencing life in a very different culture.

For those of you are interested in the story, but have shorter attention spans, you can skim a two page summary of Brian Hogan's fascinating ministry in Mongolia by clicking here.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Do you ever catch yourself being lame?

Tonight I drove myself to the gym to work out, and I was seriously sad that the only parking spot available was at the furthest end of the parking lot... I really don't want to walk very far to get to that treadmill... lol!

At least I am willing to walk my own dog, unlike this guy:

Amazing Grace


As "Amazing Grace" is easily my favorite hymn, and probably my favorite song of all time as well, I was very interested when this movie came out last year. Despite my excitement, I never got around to seeing the movie in the theatre, and I ended up just waiting for it to come around on our Netflix queue.

Well, the movie eventually showed up in our mailbox, so I've finally gotten to watch it for myself. It's rare that a movie surpasses my expectations, but this one did so easily. I found it beautiful, powerful, and enthralling, and I'm so glad I didn't let it slip by! The story of William Wilberforce's haunted obsession to end the slave trade would be compelling even if it weren't true; the fact that it's based on real events only adds to the sense of inspiration.

I love that this film reminds us that what one chooses to devote themselves to in life truly matters. That young people truly can change the world (Wilberforce was only 21 when he was first elected). That despite years of opposition, once can eventually overcome and find success. And most especially, that with enough blood, sweat, tears, and prayer, good can and will overcome evil.

Though there are more people in slavery today than during Wilberforce's time, much good has already come out of the release of this movie. If you're interested, check out the "The Amazing Change" campaign and this book by modern-day abolitionist Zach Hunter, encouraging people everywhere to 'be the change they want to see in this world'.

All in all, I found this movie to be cinematically worthy and personally inspiring. I've got two thumbs, and they're both up.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Speaker Giveaway

In the spirit of our frugal friends over at Diapers for Three (who love to blog about things they're giving away), I've decided to offer the fine readers of this blog the first shot at a set of speakers we no longer have use for.

If you're interested in a free pair of RCA speakers, and are able to come to our home to retrieve them, leave a comment and they're yours.

Our New Worship Leader

I just received this wonderful news from our pastor, about the new worship leader coming on staff at Fair Oaks. What an anwer to prayer for our church body!

Dear Fair Oaks Family,

I am pleased to inform you that Eric has accepted the call to join our ministerial staff team as Minister of Worship and Music. He and Yvette are excited as they consider the prospects of serving alongside of us as we "gear up for growth."

Both Eric and Yvette are currently teaching in Christian Day Schools; their school year finishes around the middle of June. Consequently Eric will start July 1st.

In addition to our music ministry Eric will be overseeing our small group ministry.

Thank you for your prayers and patience as we have carefully searched for the right person. We also truly appreciate Debra and Howard who have stepped up to help us in our worship leadership during this interim time.

Warmly, Pastor Steve McCoy


Also, Eric & Yvette were interviewed for a recent church newsletter; here's the article if you missed it:

Eric was born in Temple, Texas, and is a self-proclaimed "Army Brat." His father's service took them to Oklahoma, Illinois and North Carolina. They stayed in Fayetteville, N.C. for 3 ½ years where Eric was able to attend and graduate from high school. He has a younger sister, Sara, who will be relocating to the Sacramento area this week with her husband who's in the Air Force. Eric's parents currently live in Alexandria, VA where his father, still in the Army, is a 2-Star General stationed at the Pentagon.

He grew up in a strong Christian home with both parents always modeling church leadership by their own involvement in various staff and/or volunteer positions. He always attended church, "starting in the nursery," and always knew of God's love. At the age of eight he started pondering Christianity on a personal level: "How do I know I'm a Christian? Will I go to heaven?" He distinctly remembers an evening in March 1986 where he got out of bed and took these questions to his parents. Their response was to turn off the T.V., get the Bible and tackle each question, eventually leading Eric to receive Christ that night.

His faith ebbed and flowed during his adolescence. Attending camp after his sophomore year and feeling convicted that "his faith wasn't as real as it could be," Eric re-dedicated his life to Christ. As he approached graduation from high school he started feeling nudged to serve in ministry. At the same time, he was feeling pulled towards the military and opted to enroll in the Coast Guard Academy. God continued to nudge him toward ministry, however, and the struggle of what to do intensified. He was advised that if he was going to leave the Coast Guard, it was better to do it sooner than later, so he made the difficult decision to resign. The process to leave was almost as rigorous as the process to get in, but through it all, Eric was always upfront and explained his need to serve. Eric's decision was affirmed when the Coast Guard released him with an honorable discharge.

At this point, his parents were in Dublin, California. He came home to start to looking for a Christian college. During this period, he joined his parents in attending Valley Community Church in Pleasanton. Eric's chosen ministry focus was in worship. While in Dublin, Eric was able to serve as an intern with Tom Grassi, the Worship Leader at Valley Community. This opportunity served as a great affirmation and preparation for service as a worship leader.

Because of finances his search for a college was challenging, but he eventually checked out California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside. From the beginning, he felt at home and was also very impressed with their music program. He also discovered, while meeting with the Financial Aid staff, that because of his time at the Coast Guard Academy he was able to qualify for a number of government grants and scholarships that paid for his four years at CBU. Eric shares, "God was demonstrating His control and walking him through his decisions. I have no reason to doubt Him and can completely trust His leading."

He started at CBU in the Fall of '96 and met his wife, Yvette, there the following year through a campus ministry they both served with. They both graduated in June of 2000 with Eric attaining a B.A. in Music, with an emphasis in Church Music. After graduation, he took a job as the full-time Music & Youth Minister at a church in Big Springs, Texas. He and Yvette were married in June of 2001 and she joined him there. Interestingly, while Yvette had been born in Texas, she grew up in Concord, Dublin and Livermore. Yvette still has sisters in the area - one here in Concord and one in Castro Valley.

Eric's goal was to get his Masters, so after 3 years he left Texas for Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Theology in June of last year. While attending seminary at night, Eric was the Music teacher & Chapel Coordinator at Arcadia Christian School (K-8). He has also taught Jr. High Bible, band and drama in addition to creating a Jr. High worship band.

He thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth study of God's Word during seminary and his time at Arcadia Christian. It's been a lot of work, but God has affirmed him all along the way. When asked what he wants people to know about him, he shares, "I'm an easy-going, easy-natured guy and get along well with people." "I love the Lord and people, and enjoy building relationships."

Monday, April 14, 2008

There's the Beef


A fun story from the AP yesterday. Ooh, how I wish I could have been there...

Sun Apr 13, 10:39 PM ET

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay - One of South America's smallest countries proved on Sunday it can hold the biggest barbecue in the world.

Some 1,250 Uruguayan grillmeisters sizzled up 26,400 pounds (12,000 kilograms) of beef Sunday, beating a 2006 record set in Mexico.

"It's all so beautiful. It's a record," Guinness World Records judge Danny Girton said after the chefs, in white hats and aprons, smoked and barbecued their way into the record book with help of 6 tons of charcoal and 1,500 metal barbecue stands.

The barbecue was so big that firefighters were called in to light the grills and make sure the flames did not get out of hand. It beat the previous record of 17,600 pounds (8,000 kilograms) of beef, Girton said.

Uruguay, a ranching and farming nation, last year exported more than US$1 billion (euro630 million) in beef — its chief export.

The load of meat cooked Sunday set off swirling clouds of aromatic smoke, as 20,000 spectators devoured the cuts quickly.

Clara's Story, Y'all!


Sabrina, Ilyn, and Clara at the Broadstreet Mission VBS in New Orleans

From Clara Farley, an eighth grade participant on the New Orleans Mission Trip:

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank y’all so much for your support, especially in prayer. This trip was one of the best experiences of my life! I have learned and grown so much; there is no way to put the feelings into words. I am just so grateful to have had the opportunity, as an eighth grader, to go and experience all the things this mission trip had to offer.

I was very pleasantly surprised from the get-go. I was expecting to feel very out of place and self-conscious the whole trip because I was one of three eighth graders out of sixty kids (that includes the teams from Chicago and Canada). But high school kids aren’t as scary as they appear, and they all turned out to be very sweet and accepting. They all really loved the Lord, and man, it is a powerful thing to have sixty kids all worshipping and serving the Lord at one time and truly meaning it.

We had wonderful leaders on the trip. Our worship leader was/is I believe an actual recording artist, and has a huge heart for youth worship. One night we did what he called an “Improv” night. He said that we could do whatever we felt we needed to to worship. If we wanted to sing, sing; if we wanted to pray, pray; if we felt we needed to fall asleep, then he said to go upstairs and fall asleep in our “Daddy’s lap”. It was totally awesome. My friends and I probably prayed for close to and hour and a half. It was amazing.

I was blessed with a wonderful ministry team of six girls and one boy. They were all really awesome; major prayer warriors. We had some great experiences together. There are so many stories that I don’t know which one to tell. A very cool story was one about learning to listen. . . .

On Thursday afternoon, before VBS began, I was exhausted. I had gotten barely over three hours of sleep the night before and I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with a bunch of rowdy kids. I was headed to the restroom, and while I was waiting, I noticed a couple sitting at the end of the hall. I felt a need to talk to them, but I ignored it.

‘He’s talking on the phone anyways,’ I thought as I tried to justify my disobedience. I turned around just as a little girl ran out of the bathroom. (She was adorable!) I smiled and then felt that urge again, that little voice telling me to talk to the couple and find out if the girl was their daughter so that I could invite her to VBS and the family to the BBQ afterwards.

I prayed, ‘No God! Please, I’m tired, I’m grumpy, and I’m the last person you want to be a witness at the moment.’ But that didn’t make me feel any better. ‘Fine’, I prayed, ‘If they’re still there when I come back, I’ll talk to them.’ I took as long as possible in the restroom. I don’t think my hands have ever had a better washing. (The ABC’s thing really works if you’re stalling for time) When I peeked my head out the door I rolled my eyes. ‘Okay, you win,’ I thought, as I saw them sitting on that bench, unmoved, ‘Here goes nothing!’

I took a deep breath, and headed down the hall. I waited politely until the man was off the phone, and then asked if the little girl who had run out ahead of me was their daughter. When they said yes, I invited her to VBS, and told them about the BBQ afterwards. They were thrilled, probably to get the kids out of their hair for a couple hours so that they could find a place to stay.

It turns out that they had driven down from Tennessee a week and a half before, thinking that they could find lots of work in New Orleans, rebuilding, painting, etc. It turns out that there was zilch work, and they had been living out of their car ever since. Well, I went and found the little girl and introduced myself, (Sabrina was her name), and found out that I had just acquired a new best friend, or a.k.a., a shadow.

She followed me everywhere, and I was shocked to see how much she reminded me of myself at that age. Down to the very way she outlined the shape she would be coloring with marker before she filled it in.( If you didn’t catch it, she was from Tennessee, and have you ever heard an eight year old girl with a Tennessee accent? It is love-at-first-sound, I assure you.)

I took every opportunity I could to find out what this girl believed. I honestly don’t remember how we got into this discussion, (my memory left me when I turned 14), but I asked her if she believed she could get to heaven through good works. She said, “Of course,” and it was then I realized why God had not moved that couple on the bench; to give me the opportunity to plant a seed in this little girl’s life.

I snagged a Bible from a friend, and kept it with me, waiting for the right opportunity. Finally, after VBS, but before the BBQ, I got her away from the group, and we started talking. I don’t remember how the conversation went (man that memory!), but I got her to pray, and I think she got it. That was one of the clearest examples I’ve seen of a spiritual battle going on inside someone.

I could tell that she understood, but something was holding her back. She prayed for forgiveness, and she seemed . . . . .well, different I guess, but there was something there that wasn’t letting go. I was really discouraged. I was thinking, ‘Man, this seed is going to die Lord. You see her parents; tattoos, cigarettes, you name it. What kind of environment is that?’

Well, unbeknownst to me, He did see them, and not only that, but at the same time I was praying with Sabrina, one of our leaders was praying with her parents. They accepted Christ whole-heartedly. When I found out, I was overjoyed! Now Sabrina could at least have parents who were attempting to live Godly lives, and could try to help her get past that last barrier. I went and congratulated them, and told them about my talk with Sabrina. They were thrilled, and said they would definitely try to keep the lines open with her.

Right before our group was about to go back to base, a couple hours later, Sabrina’s dad came up to me and said, “Thank You.” Figuring he was talking about hanging with Sabrina for the afternoon, I said, “No prob., my pleasure.” Then he looked me in the eye and said, “No, really, Thank You for everything,” Then I realized he wasn’t talking about Sabrina, but thanking me for taking that inconvenient minute out of my day to come over and talk to them. It literally changed their lives.

On the drive back to base, it hit me hard. If I had been insistent on being disobedient to God’s voice; if I had not taken that inconvenient extra minute out of my day; two adults would probably not know the Lord, and one little girl would never have the opportunity to grow up in a family where her parents loved God. I learned a valuable lesson that day. If you feel God calling you to do something, do it right away, not before it might be too late.

There are so many more amazing stories that I could tell. God is just so good, and I am overwhelmed with the love He has shown me through this trip. Before this, I really struggled reading my Bible, but now my Bible is more highlighted and tabbed than my mom’s! It is such an amazing book, and yes, I know that y’all know that, but I still can’t get over it. I find a new favorite verse every time I open it. And now prayer isn’t a wish list, but a very refreshing dialogue.

Everything I do has a new meaning. Even in ballet class, whenever I feel tired, I just imagine I’m dancing for God, and it doesn’t seem so hard anymore (and it is much easier to keep smiling). School has a new title: the mission field. It shocks me now more that ever to see the lack of love for God in my Christian school. I have a new mission, to bring that love back!!!!

Again, I can’t thank y’all enough for your support. I hope I have many more opportunities like this in my future years. But for now, I’ll just treasure the memories of this one.

Blessings,

Clara

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Napa Getaway

A few months ago, Gary and I decreed that frequent one or two night getaways would be incredibly refreshing both personally and for our marriage. Last month we enjoyed an overnight trip to San Francisco, this past week we enjoyed a weekend getaway to nearby Napa Valley.

The timing was perfect, as we'd had just enough time to decompress from our mission trip, giving us the chance to reconnect with one another before we hit the ground running for our next phase of ministry (winding down the school year and gearing up for summer).

Here are a couple of my favorite pics:


My handsome sweetheart (I love him!)


Gorgeous views at St. Clement provided an idyllic setting for our lunch picnic


Springtime tulips at V. Sattui

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Hasta Luego, mi Hermano Zacheo

This past week I received the unfortunate news that a friend has gone to be with the Lord.


I met Zacheo (on the left in the picture above) in February of 2006, when our World Race team was working in Guatemala. On our very first day of ministry, Pastor Antonio had led us to a woman's home and explained to us that she desired prayer for her son, Zacheo. He had gotten wrapped up in gangs and drugs, and she was worried sick. We prayed with her and did our best to comfort and encourage her and her younger son.

The following week, we were assisting members of the church on one of their work days. They had gotten a job removing rocks (remnants from the Hurricane Stan mudslides) to raise money for their church building. As it turns out, one of the young men on the work crew was this woman's son, Zacheo. When we had finished our work for the day, we found seats in the shade and chatted as we thirstily drank our bags of water. We talked to him about faith, forgiveness, and the power of God. We prayed with him, and he committed then and there to turn his life around and put his faith in Christ.


Later that same week, our missionary team was given the opportunity to sing on Pastor Antonio's weekly radio program. Afterwards, our new friend Zacheo approached us and related that he had heard us sing, and had felt so encouraged, as if we were angels praying for him. Zacheo came to our church services every night, and by the end of the month he had officially joined as a member. Over the next two years, he remained devoted and continued to grow deeper in his faith.


The night I returned home from our mission trip to New Orleans, I had a message from Pastor Antonio waiting for me. Zacheo had been swimming in the lake, had some sort of unfortunate mishap, and drowned. How exactly this could have happened, they're not sure.

Obviously, his mother and brother are devastated. The church is also heavily grieving the loss: Zacheo was the 'first son', the first convert of the new congregation, and his passing leaves a huge hole in their hearts. Not only must they endure sorrow, the humble community also faces the reality of how to provide for funeral expenses, an exorbitant cost in an impoverished area.

When I heard the news, my heart just broke. Gary and I have been planning our return visit to Guatemala for just three months from now, and I had so greatly anticipated seeing Zacheo's face again. I couldn't wait to hear about what God has been doing in his life these past two years, and to remind him what a blessing he's been to us. (Seeing God work in Zacheo's life so powerfully within those few short weeks had opened my eyes to the reality that God may be wanting to do more through me than 'just plant seeds'; that in some parts of the world, the harvest is truly plentiful, as Jesus talks about in Matthew 9.)

So, God willing, I'll still be stepping on a plane July 2, and on July 3 I will be climbing the hill to the familiar tiny home in the village of San Pablo on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Though I can't see Zacheo himself, I will visit his family. I will bring pictures, I will pray, I will cry, I will smile, and this time I can encourage them with the assurance that God's good work has been completed in Zacheo's life.

As I know that he is now with the Lord, surrounded by the glorious songs of real angels, I do not say 'adios' but 'hasta luego'. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven, mi hermano.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

A Conversation with Coletta

It was our first day of ministry in New Orleans. We split into groups and prepared to go out into the neighborhood surrounding Broad Street Mission on a prayer walk, a Spirit-led prayer exercise in which we walk the streets and pray as the Lord leads, hoping to have conversations with people that will lead to ministry. And boy, did we ever find one.

I went along with a group that included Lizzy Rago, Lauren Politis, Ariel Araujo, Rebecca Halverson, Clara Farley, Vangy Celestre, and Gary Kerr.

We walked to the end of the block and stopped to pray for God’s leading in the direction we should go. Vangy felt strongly that we needed to backtrack and pray for a woman sitting on an old car seat that we had passed, and Lizzy felt strongly that we needed to walk through the gate of a hotel parking lot we had passed. So, we split into three groupings: Vangy, Clara, and Ariel would go talk to the lady, Gary K., Lizzy, and Lauren would go through the gate, and Rebecca and I decided to stay out on the street and lift up both groups in intercessory prayer.

So the groups went off on their tasks, but as soon as the gate group walked through the gate of the hotel, they were yelled at over a loudspeaker by the hotel owner to get out of her parking lot. Lizzy came out and joined Rebecca and me, while Gary and Lauren charged back in to apologize to the hotel owner, hoping that an apology might open some doors to conversation. As we prayed, Lizzy felt that someone inside the hotel was hurting, and we asked God to comfort that person.

When Gary and Lauren went inside the hotel, they found themselves in the midst of a heated argument. The hotel owner was arguing with a woman, yelling and screaming at each other. Gary and Lauren decided to pray silently for God’s peace to wash over them both. Ultimately, the owner kicked the woman out of the hotel, and she left. This gave Gary and Lauren an opportunity to speak with the owner.

So the woman left the hotel, walking right out the same gate that Lizzy had felt compelled to walk through earlier, and right into our group praying outside. Rebecca, Lizzy, and I looked up from our intercession to see her standing there, wearing a low-cut evening dress and high-heeled shoes, tear trails down each side of her face.

Lizzy was the first to speak. She bravely tried to strike up a conversation with the woman, though it didn’t seem she was very eager to talk. We found out her name was Coletta, and she had just been in one of the hourly rooms in the hotel. The man she had been with had paid for an additional three hours for her to stay, but when the man left, the hotel owner kicked Coletta out.

We also learned that her heart was filled with hatred because of all the pain she had experienced at the hands of people who had mistreated her throughout her life. She had been molested by her father as a child, gang raped as a teenager, and as a young woman, put out on the street by a husband to sell her body for dope money. Coletta’s mother and grandmother were both involved in ministry, and she told Lizzy that she sounded just like her mother.

As the conversation continued, the rest of our group joined in to listen. Lizzy continued asking questions and sharing about the goodness of God. At one point, Coletta pointed at us and told us that she hated each and every one of us for being in New Orleans and speaking with her about God. Then, she looked at Lizzy and demanded to hear her testimony, almost as a challenge, as if to say, “What do you know about life or pain or God? What could you have to say to me?”

Lizzy shared how she put her faith in Jesus at an early age, how God is her friend, how she’s never alone. She talked about feeling lonely, like no one cares about her, but then remembering that she’s loved by God. As she spoke, tears streamed down her face. Coletta couldn’t even look at her. She turned her back to Lizzy, and tears streamed down her face, too.

Because Coletta had been victimized by men her whole life, I backed off and let the girls and Vangy do the talking. I prayed silently and I wept. How can it be that life for this woman could be filled with so much hardship and pain, and life for our youth group girls could be so free of it? How could it be, O Lord?

The conversation continued, and we eventually ended up back at Broad Street Mission. Little by little, Coletta’s heart softened. Eventually, she broke down in open sobs, her body doubled over next to a chain-link fence. Vangy went to her and comforted her with a mother’s touch, as the girls gathered together in a circle and prayed. It was then that Coletta decided it was time to stop running from God. She wanted to get clean, to get her life straight, and she knew she needed help.

Vangy had Coletta speak with Erica, the woman who runs Broad Street Mission. Erica has extensive experience with people in Coletta situation, and she has contacts with multiple rehab programs in the city. With Erica, Coletta committed to a year in Mama Jan’s rehab program. Rebecca, Ariel, Lauren, Clara, Lizzy, Vangy, and Gary K. spent the next hour with Coletta, encouraging her and praying for her, as she waited to be picked up by Mama Jan. They gave her a Bible that they all signed and highlighted their favorite verses in.

Coletta asked that Ariel read her Psalm 51, a psalm her grandmother had made her read over and over again as a young girl. It is a psalm of confession and forgiveness, or brokenness and restoration. The perfect passage for this moment in Coletta’s life.

As she prepared to leave with Mama Jan, Coletta looked once again at the girls and called them her daughters, and her angels. She once again pointed at them as she had before, but this time she said, “I love each and every one of you.” Hate had given way to love.


There was much rejoicing that day, and I wish I could say that this story has a happy ending. Unfortunately, as is the case all too often in life, it does not. You see, within a few hours of being at Mama Jan’s, Coletta ran. She left without telling anyone and disappeared. We have no idea where she went, or where she is today.

And so, we pray for her, knowing that wherever she may be, God is there. We pray that she eventually stops running and finds rest in the arms of her Savior. And we’d appreciate it if you would join us in that prayer.

Monday, April 7, 2008

New Orleans '08 Mission Trip Video

G-Dub put together this video for our supporter thank you dinner last Saturday evening. It's a combination of photos and video footage from our trip to New Orleans. I hope you enjoy it!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...


I was blessed to be able to join a couple of ladies on their morning walk today, and couldn't resist taking some pictures along the way. I continue to be surprised by how many pockets of nature exist in my neighborhood, right under my nose. What a wonderful way to start the day!





What's Your Birth Verse?

Go to this website and enter your day and month of birth, and it will look up your "birthday Bible verse".

My birthday is November 7, and my verse is:

Psalm 11:7 NIV

"For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face."

What's yours?

ht: GW Sr.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The Irresistible Revolution

A few months back, I bought a book by a guy called Shane Claiborne. As his quotes and ideas kept popping up among fellow youth pastor and missionary friends, I figured, I'd like to see what else he has to say.

(Shane also happens to be the young man who, as a speaker at the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta last fall, controversially devoted all of his speaking time to reading the Sermon on the Mount.)

Well, after letting the book sit on my shelf long enough, I've finally dusted it off and dug in. And, let me say, wow. Just, wow! This is a guy who yearns to live and love like Jesus did. And not in the 'feel spiritual in your Sunday clothes' kind of way, but the 'get down with the poor get your hands dirty' kind of way.

He has a lot to say about poverty, simplicity, and community; the fellowship of interdependence, the suburban isolation of the rich. It's challenging, for sure. But attractive in the sense that he appears to have found something I'm looking for.

I haven't even finished the book yet, but I'm already looking forward to re-reading it. Anybody out there wanna start a book club and discuss it with me?

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical, by Shane Claiborne.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Look out, world!

In case you missed it, this comment on a previous post by one of our junior high age participants really nailed the purpose of our trip:

The power of prayer was painfuly evedent on this trip, it showed me that with prayer you can heal, with prayer you can soften a heart, with prayer you can bring a little kid to Christ, and with prayer (and a few tears) God and sisters and brothers in the Lord can resolve almost any problem. I thank God for showing me that, and I thank God for showing me that even the most unlikely people can turn out to be your best friends.

This is the kind of trip where there is no way you can come back the same. My whole out look on life, heart, prayer life, and passion for the Lord has changed. I praise God for this trip, I have never experienced any thing like it. (PRAISE THE LORD!)

Look out world!

-Lizzy