On Mission 4 Jesus

Dedicated Praise Team

2012-01-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

Evangelistic Rallies would be "dead" without the dedicated Praise Team. Pastors & workers have already set up platforms of wooden planks in the location of the Gospel Meetings. After a hard day of clinics, the Praise Team loads the equipment and themselves in to the back of a small pick-up truck for the dusty ride along roads full of pot holes and gullies. At the Rally, they lead worship with dancing, singing, clapping and praise for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. The people gather and sing and dance with the Team - all energetic, enthusiastic, and smiling!! If the generator goes off, they just supplement with LOUD energetic clapping. They can make music!! After the last exuberant song (which usually lasts 15 minutes minimum), the Gospel is proclaimed and many respond to the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts. Hearts have been prepared by Children's sermons (which all ages understand), testimonies, special music, and the leadership of the Praise Team. The Lord is at work in a mighty way. After the decisions for Christ are recorded, the Praise Team again takes the stage for a time of celebration! All dance and praise God in this beautiful worship time. As many ladies started dancing facing me, I asked the interpreter the meaning. She said, "O Madam, she is saying to you, 'Though you are white and I am black, we worship Jesus Christ together ' ". I LOVE it! Free in Christ to worship and no complaints of tiredness or hardships. (No wonder they are skinny as a rail!)

The Poor You'll Always Have With You!

2012-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

These pictures are reversed in relation to the story. I apologize.

In 2007, our second trip to Uganda, we did our first medical clinic. When we arrived the first day, there weren't a huge number of people. Pastor Agnatius said, "The people don't believe me when I say people are coming to help them and bring free medical supplies". (In Pallisa, there is an old hospital, but very few medicines (which have to be bought, when available, by the patient). The next day, the crowd was larger, and even more came the next day. We began to have to give out a "yellow slip" with the ability to return the next day and get in first. The second to the last day, the crowd was so large, we had to give out about 200 slips. I thought, "That will be most of our patient load for tomorrow." As we arrived the next day, there were bicycles everywhere (the main method of transportation besides walking). We were informed people had walked for hours to get there. We immediately set to work, but by noon it was obvious that we would run out of medicines that day and have none for the next (and last) scheduled day of clinics. As I walked outside, I tried to explain to the people that we were so sorry that we were running out of medicines (hoping that we would at least get through that day). As I looked to the right, a huge number of people began to show me their "yellow return slip". I had assumed they had been first in line! Yikes! I had forgotten to tell the "crowd control/line handlers" to let them in BEFORE new people there for the first time. I prayed and, expectantly, told all the people (apologizing again) that we would only be able to see people with yellow slips (explaining the reason), and that they should just go ahead and return home. They just sat! And looked at me! And motioned to me of all their aches and pains and illnesses and hurting children. We continued to hurriedly see patients, but it seemed impossible as those without slips pushed to the front, no longer patiently waiting in line. Finally, I decided that we would take those with slips to the church building and only allow those in. So those with slips, accompanied by everyone else (of course), walked to the church, and we only allowed the many with slips in. We had very limited medicines left. We separated those who needed treatment for malaria and the doctor helped them. I stood in the middle of the others who were lined along the walls. I asked who needed pain meds, raise your hand. After explaining the usage, we started at the middle, working both ways to the outside and every person with their hand raised received medicine and there was none left. I went to the middle again and asked about general weakness (vitamins), did the same thing. All with their hands raised received medicine and there was none left. I did the same with coughs - same results! Over & over, we had just the right amount of medicines. Each time, every need was met (but not 12 basketfuls of leftovers!) Mike, outside, had decided to mix up some vitamin mix we had with water and later reported that everyone waiting OUTSIDE had reeived a cup of vitamin drink. To the last drop of our supply! God is good!! People began to come to the door and say they just wanted to hear the Gospel. As the numbers increased, I asked Hugh to just go outside and present the Gospel. He did, and between them, the conseling, and preaching that day, HUNDREDS of people were added to the Kingdom! Praise the Lord for His bountiful goodness!

Kampala Baptist Church

2012-01-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

On our first visit to this village in interior Uganda, we did nightly Crusades for 3 nights. As a result of the many people who trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior, a church was planted there the net Sunday. The people rented a space which was immediately too small! The men sat inside on benches provided for the occasion, the women and children sat outside on a pile of rocks! And this young man listened (joining in the singing and prayer time) at an air hole in the side of the building where the sound also came out. I thought of the wailing wall in Jerusalem where the people write their prayer requests to the Lord and place it in a slot in the bricks. The people love to worship and their musical instruments are often their hands.

A chair can serve as the platform for the preacher, so all can see and hear the message, as well as a "table" to hold the offering box as the people give (out of their poverty) obediently.

6 years later a permanent church still has not been built and the church struggles to reach the people of the community. Meanwhile other religions (NOT denominations) come in and build beautiful buildings to encourage the people to deny the Christian faith. Please pray for the people of Uganda, especially the pastors, that they would not become discouraged by the hardships.

I was hungry and you fed me, naked and you clothed me.

2012-01-14T04:54:00.000-08:00

Basic needs of clothing and food are obvious throughout interior Uganda. The children often receive only the evening meal and that is just a bowl of rice. They mention hunger pains and "grumblings" in the stomach. I grumble, too, when I am empty. Would you sponsor a child, providing food, clothes, school, a place to live? Just $35 a month takes a child like the ones pictured above and provides basic needs, plus the opportunity to know that someone cares about them? What about you? Will you show your care? Jesus said, "When I was hungry you fed ME. . . when you did it to the least of these".

FBC Mabank builds church in Uganda

2012-01-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

Last January, FBC of Mabank, TX began a building program, not to build another building at their location, but to build a church in Uganda. As the church got excited about the project, it didn't take them long to raise the $4500 necessary to build a beautiful church in the village of Oboliso. The local people were excited to dedicate the church and worship there for the first time while members of the Mabank church were in Uganda in June, 2011 for medical clinics and church planting. The church was overflowing with excited worshippers who would no longer have to worship (rain or shine) under the tree or in a grass hut which is often blown away during storms, eaten down by termites, or just a temporary structure constantly having to be replaced. Thank you, FBC Mabank!

"Once I was blind, now I see"

2009-09-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

As Hugh fitted glasses, he would double check the Rx by having them look at the form (with info about help given and then various choices on decisions made in counseling). One man, so excited that he could read, began to read the form! After a moment, he asked, dumbfoundedly, "What kind of person would NOT pray to receive Christ?"

It was very rewarding to fit glasses in a country where many people speak English. They would get so excited, "I can see! I can see!" And the you'd get a big hug or a big grin!

ZIMBABWE 2009

2009-09-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Due to the collapse of the Zim Dollar, the people of Zimbabwe are desperate for help. As we arrived for the clinic on the second day, people were lined up outside the gate, inside the church, and outside the church in droves. Nevertheless they remained orderly and controlled, hopeful that they would be among the 300+ who would be seen by the eyedoctor, doctor, and nurses. Clinics bring people to the church where we help them physically (temporary relief) and also offer spiritual help through the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ (eternal life). Many heard the Good News and responded. They came, "hopeful" to see better; we offered Hope for future perfect vision! 854 people were added to the Kingdom of Heaven through clinics, BYBC, Evangelistic Rallies, and street preaching.

PERSECUTION IN INDIA CONTINUES

2009-08-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

I RECEIVED THIS FROM A FRIEND: (I deleted names).

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 11:08 AM
> Below is the story of a pastor who was recently arrested, falsely accused and put in prison. Hope you are blessed to read it just as I was. Let's pray for Pastor J--that he may continue to stand firm in the midst of trial.

In Jesus, your brother in Christ, D M

Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Our God is good and He’s good all the time. I belong to Orissa, which lies in the eastern India . My life was full of darkness and sin but God changed my life through an evangelist who had come to our village to preach. Since then, I’d been preaching the gospel.

In 2008, I joined the Alpha Ministries and was commissioned to preach the gospel in unreached areas.

Initially, I served the Lord in Nandpur Block. Thereafter, God began to enlarge my borders. He opened doors in the town of Majhiput, Gunthaput and Chatqa. Eventually more than 86 people came to faith in Christ. In addition, 18 people have been baptized so far.

During the week, our church would assemble and pray in the house of prayer in Gunthaput. Three to four months back, some people from the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS), which is a Hindu extremist organization, razed down our prayer house. When I questioned them, they falsely accused me saying that I convert people from Hinduism to Christianity. They threatened me to stop the conversion and filed a complaint with the police. The police did not take action immediately but towards the end of July, I was arrested and put in prison. Three days later, Pastor B-- N-- who is our area leader got me released on bail. The believers whom I led to the Lord defended me saying that they have willingly accepted Jesus as Lord and that no one forced them to do so.

Now, I am out on bail. Previously, I used to stay in my field area and minister to people. Now, I have come to my native village but go everyday to the field area to preach.

The religious activists constantly intimidate me but I am determined that I will serve the Lord as long as I live. I am willing to stand in face of persecution just as our wonderful Lord did. May this testimony encourage you to serve Him even more and know for sure that our God is the sovereign God and that ITS ALL WORTH IT!

Pastor J--

MY ADDED COMMENTS:
Many of these Christians from Orissa fled south to the area where we work in India. Extremists were burning churches (with people inside), and Christians fled into the forests with literally only the clothes on their backs. There were some uprisings that were falsely blamed on Christians that started the persecutions. Orissa has always been a hot-bed of opposition to Christianity. In our area of work, there are sometimes hecklers at the gate on Sunday morning. (Not yet when we've been there). Benjamin's dad told him to be prepared to die for his faith in Christ when he took over the ministry. Millie

UGANDA 2009

2009-06-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

5 team members preached 12 Evangelistic Rallies, shared the Gospel at 4 Secondary Schools, visited 4 Primary Schools, preached at 3 Sunday services, serviced 1143 clients in eye clinics, helped 50 Ugandan seminary students/pastors/ staff with eyeglasses as they spent 8 days in Pallisa District of Uganda. There were over 700 decisions for Christ (plus many children and students).

STANDING in THE PROMISES OF GOD

2009-03-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist the opportunity to stand IN the promise of God - His rainbow, a symbol of all the precious promises of God to protect those who trust in and follow after Him. This is Victoria Falls in Zambia. It's not raining. This is the "mist??" coming from this powerful waterfall!

Standing above this location (before plunging in), we could actually see 7 rainbows, most of them almost full circle. What an awesome reminder of the grace and love of Jesus Christ, the Creator of all that beauty! And the greatest fact is: He loves and cares for me. ALWAYS! He is a God of Love, and He'll never again bring destruction on the whole earth, because He loves us ALL.

FUN WITH THE KIDS

2009-03-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

I love the kids in India (and around the world). They are so obedient and love to learn. Any chance I get, I take the opportunity to just hang with the kids. Without an interpreter, there are some limits on interaction. BUT, they learn by rote repetition, and they're totally uninhibited to try anything! AND they like to practice their English. So, you just sit down and start pointing at colors, say the word, and they repeat (without the local's habit of "w" and "v" being switched!) Then: they generally have learned to count, so you use your fingers, etc to get them started. Then you point at body parts ("toe, 10 toes", see picture), etc. etc. etc. The only problem comes when you point at yourself and say, "My name is Millie." So they point at themselves and say, "My name is Millie". So you try to clarify, saying (pointing to yourself), "My name is Millie. What is your name?" (pointing to them). As they look at you in confusion, you are reminded of the most FRUSTRATING part of working in another language area - THE INABILITY TO COMMUNICATE!! Even when you both SPEAK English, you realize ways and customs are different, accents are different, etc. They speak British English "Mind your step, Madame!" (A cautionary remark to a lady with respect, not a woman of ill-repute). Did you know that the huge animal seen submerged on safaris around the world is a hip-po-po-thomas, not a hip-po-pot'-tu-mas. (If you didn't catch that, you'll have to call for a verbal lesson in pronunciation). GREAT FUN TRAVELING THE WORLD. COME JOIN US!

Heartaches of India

2009-03-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

This little girl suffered with polio. She came into our clinic with her mother, walking on her ankle with the sole of her foot turned upward. (As usual), with high hopes, I asked our translator what it would cost to have surgery done. He told me (sadly), "About $3000". A local nurse explained to me that it was the result of polio and the degeneration of the sciatic nerve. She said it would take major surgery and a brace to make her "normal". This is just one of the sad results of an impoverished nation unable to properly care for the children and the poor. Our first patient in the first clinic had been a baby with a hole in its heart, already struggling to breathe. These are the pictures of pain and suffering that you carry home with you, rarely forgotten.

UNTOUCHABLES OF INDIA

2009-03-12T14:39:00.001-07:00

(Gathering manure for fuel for fires for cooking, this lady has worked so hard all her life, she is unable to stand up straight).

In India, your lot in life is determined by the family in which you are born. Society is divided into castes, determined purely by your birth. Education, achievements, hard work - nothing can elevate you above the caste into which you are born. Certain jobs and positions are available for certain castes, and no degree of intelligence or success can change your caste level. Only the good things you do in this life, followed by "reincarnation into a higher caste in the next life" (Hindu belief) can change your position in society.

The Dalits, or Untouchables, are the people considered even lower than the lowest caste. They have no hope in THIS life whatsoever. They work hard all day just to barely make enough to eat, possibly just one meal a day with their children receiving just the water in which the rice is boiled. These are the people to whom we minister in India. Body wrecking work, difficulties, hopelessness, no end to suffering - this is their "lot" in life. (The people of higher castes and greater wealth do not minister to them since, according to their Hindu beliefs, this would be counterproductive to their being "reincarnated" into a better life).

As we share what the Bible teaches about life, we give them HOPE for a future (even if it is just after death). We tell them of the biblical view of eternity, Heaven, the incarnation of Christ, Jesus' coming to SAVE them, not to destroy. (There have been 10 incarnations of Hindu gods, all coming in destruction). The people are given (much appreciated) temporary relief from pain, disease, "blindness". But, even greater, they are given HOPE in Jesus Christ. I met a lady, in one of our Homes for the Elderly, who was widowed at the age of 7 years (yes, that is 7); she was never allowed to remarry (but not thrown into the fire as they burned her dead husband's (legally betrothed husband's) body as many widows were. She shared with me - with the greatest smile of joy on her face - how the Lord had ALWAYS taken care of her! And we think we have it hard!

MINISTERING IN CHRIST'S NAME

2009-03-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Medical, dental, and eyeglass clinics enable us to share the Gospel with many people who might never come to a church or evangelistic rally. Indian people have little access to medicines and no funds to find transportation to a hospital. As we take medicines to the villages, the people come, desperate for physical healing. Their traditional medicines of herbs and leaves often work, but their application of "sacred" cow dung to wounds and infections does NOT work.

As we administer medicines, it gives us a chance to tell them about the Great Physician, who can heal their spiritual wounds and give Eternal Life. Many times the peoples' needs are more than we can help, or even beyond human help. As we pray for them, they see the power of Christ to heal their diseases, give them the children they desire, as well as meet the deepest desire of all people - to know the One True God.

INDIA 2009

2009-03-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

India, a country of thousands of gods, is replete with every imaginable thing to worship. On every street corner, in the poorest of villages, in the middle of a field, in every shop, there is an opportunity to worship "things carved by human hands". Children are named "elephant", "cobra", "adder" because these are the names of the gods of India. Hinduism, an ancient religion, is the main religion of India. Approximately 80% of Indians are Hindu while evangelical Christians account for 2.5% of the population. True followers of Christ are called "Believers" because to be born into a Christian family gives you the title "Christian". When a Hindu converts to Christianity, he is typically called a converted Hindu.

Our annual trips to India take us to the remotest villages, even into mountainous areas where the people have never even seen our colored type faces. The people are born into the group called "untouchables", the lower than the lowest caste, doing the menial tasks and degrading labor of the unmentionable. As we minister to them, touching their wounds, their formerly leprous limbs, their blind eyes, Jesus Christ reaches down into their formerly untouched heart and opens their blinded eyes to the truth of the Gospel message: that He loved them so much He died to pay for their sins; He lives today; and He offers them the free gift of Eternal Life in Him.

Through the 55 American Missionaries, wonderful Christian Translators, your support and prayers, our team recorded over 4100 new decisions to follow Christ as the One True God. At HOLY WINGS (a World In Need of God's Salvation), where 2 teams of ministers were led by Hugh and I, we recorded over 1400 decisions for Christ in 18 villages around the city of Korukonda in southeastern India.

Thanks for your prayers and support! We love you and appreciate you being co-laborers with us in this ministry.

Theological Education: A Top Priority in Christian Growth

2009-03-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hugh and I had the opportunity to meet with an administrator from UBS last week. He updated us on the status of the Baptist Seminary in Uganda which we visit during our annual mission trip in June. Hugh had the privilege of speaking to the graduates (pictured above) in June 2008.

UBS is being defunded by the International Mission Board as they seek to turn over control of seminaries to the local associations. The seminary was founded in 1988. In 1998 there were 40 students. In 2008 there were 240 students who reported 11,542 decisions for Christ in their ministries during this past year. It cost about $400 per student per year to provide theological education through the seminary each year. (There are 3 levels of education at the seminary, with students attending classes for 3 weeks, 3 terms per year. All classes are taught in English, so pastors and lay leaders who do not read and write English must be taught in local Bible Schools where they are available).

UBS is dedicated to training Pastors and enabling them to grow in their Christian life and ministry. The students are accountable, not only in their studies, but in their ministries as they give reports on new converts, baptisms, church growth, new church plants, etc. UBS sees theological education as one of the main factors in the rise of Baptist churches and membership growth in Uganda. They take the commands of Mt. 28:19,20 to make disciples seriously as they train men and women in the necessary skills as they continue in the ministry to which God has called them. SBC missionaries first came to Uganda in the 60's. In 1978 the churches were shut down by Idi Amin. In 1988 there were 126 churches with 5,621 members. In 2008 there were 1100 churches with 63,109 members. Most (village) Baptist churches are grass thatched pole structures like the small mud hut homes of the people.

As elsewhere around the world, the Muslims are hard at work, even offering money for pastors to convert or for Muslim men to marry wives of other religions. Students at UBS come from 70 of the 78 districts in Uganda and several neighboring African nations. 60 of the students are from the Internally Displaced People camps along the Sudan border (where people were moved by the government from their homes to camps of 10s of thousands of people in an effort to stop the rebel forces from N. Uganda and the Sudan (led by Kony)).

There are many outside forces trying to stop the spread of the Gospel in Africa and Uganda and around the world. Evangelical Christianity is the only answer. As Believers in Jesus Christ and Followers of the Way, we must see the needs, offer resources and support, and heed the call of Jesus to go into all the world and be His witness and make disciples. Please pray for the leaders of UBS and those who make decisions for them. The field is indeed ripe for harvest. Pray that the Lord would send laborers into the fields.

I am reminded of that song, "My house is full, but my fields are empty. Who will go and work for me today? It seems my children all want to stay around my table. No one wants to work in my field. No one wants to work in my fields."

What a blessing it is to be called, or to go, or to pray, or to give. What's your heart? Is it,"Here am I, Lord. Send me." ? Or "Pray ye, the Lord of the Harvest, to send forth laborers"? Or " Give and it shall be given unto you "?. . . Answer His call. It will change your life.

GRACE, GRACE, GOD'S GRACE

2009-03-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

Grace, truly an example of God's grace, lives out her life of following Christ as she ministers to the HIV/AIDS victims at the hospital when she goes for her treatments. Grace, widowed with 2 children, knows firsthand what it is to trust Christ with her life. After discovering she was HIV positive, she visited with the ladies of Pallisa Bacptist Church, Uganda. She cried and cried, understanding the hopelessness of her situation and the lostness of her soul. As they lovingly ministered the grace of Christ to Grace, she understood the great love of Jesus, His willingness to die for her, and Grace invited Jesus Christ into her life as Lord and Saviour. Grace now always has a smile on her face, evidence of the hope she has in Christ, the assurance of His love, care, and provision for her. I have never been so drawn to an individual as I was to her. I could see the peace on her face, evidence of the presence in her life of the Prince of Peace. She spreads the love of Christ, the assurance of Eternal Life, the hope of comfort and provision with all those with whom she comes in contact. She has found purpose in her life as she shares Jesus with others suffering this dread disease. She ministers tirelessly in our clinics and open air Crusades. She truly is an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, proclaiming His message: Be reconciled to God. We helped her get a bicycle to give her transportation back and forth to the hospital for her treatments and ministry to other AIDS patients. Please pray for her and her 2 children, Esther (12) and a 10 year old boy.

PRAY FOR THE BELIEVERS IN INDIA

2008-11-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

BENJAMIN & HEPSI

Below is an excerpt (uncut) from an e-mail I received from the workers at Holy Wings, the place in southern India where we do our ministry each February through TCWM (Tom Cox World Ministries):

Dear Hugh&Millie,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
We all are doing well by the grace of God and wish the same with you too.
Thank you so very much for all kinds of supports towards the ministry and towards
Our family.
We remember you and your ministry in our daily prayers.
For the last three and a half weeks we were in the field work in the tribal villages and different villages sharing the word of God and helping the people in their physical needs
I was able to cover 18 villages totally my dad who went down south of the state covered 3800 Kilometers and could visit 22 villages and 274 people were saved through the ministry we both were able to cover 5600 kilometers in the ministry just in two and a half months of our hard work and hope you know that the Christians in our country are having real hard time with the Non Christians and many churches are being burnt and mobs are attacking the churches during the time of service,Nuns are being raped and what not these non Christian parties are trying to do what ever they can to stop Christians worship in spite this situation we are working as hard as possible for Christ and try win souls for Christ cause we as Christians in India may not have much time to read and worship in public or in the churches."The more the percicution the more the Gospel" we stick to it and serve our Lord till the end of our journey in this world
God gifted us with 25 new villages where we can go and construct the church buildings and start our missions in those villages and making that particular village as the center we can cover villages surrounding them.
As for now in the third week of November we are starting churches in two big towns 350 to 650 kilometers from Visakhapatnam down south and we wish to start many more we are appointing new pastors who are fully dedicated to work with TCWM.
All these villages big and small come under one roof TCWM.
Praise God for he is blessing HOLY WINGS to get new villages for TCWM right now we have 40 villages and more under Holy wings for TCWM and by God’s grace we will try to continue this way and we will make a goal for the coming year to make it 50 by the end of 2009.
I can surely say that God blessed us through you all godly people all your prayers were
So powerful that God just gave us his blessing like that.
Please continue praying for us especially Dad cause his diabetics is making hard for him to minister, I know he loves to share the word of God and does so great he speaks two and a half hours and still makes the people ask for some more, I don’t know how to do that but I am proud to be his son I learn many things from him.I thank God for my parents very much.
As me and my dad were in our way working for Christ in different villages and in different regions of the state, I left the compound in God’s hands, Hepsi and my mom through God’s help did a very good job in taking care of the children and managed the ministry very well.
I thank you once again for your support all through this year and please continue praying for this ministry and for all that has to be done for Christ in this part of the earth.
In Christ
Ben

(Benjamin's parents, Prahbudas and Ruth, started the Holy Wings ministry many years ago, and they are passing the ministry on to Ben & Hepsi. They have 50 girls in Boarding School on the property).

A PARROT 4 JESUS

2008-11-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

The tapestry above was presented to our church by the Primera Iglesia Bautista de La Chorrera (FBC La Chorrera) of Panama at the close of our trip this summer. The parrot is not the national bird of Panama, but is a very prominent part of the art work. The tapestry was made by an Indian tribe local to Central America.

As I commented to Pastor Abel regarding the intricate workings of the tapestry and asked him about the parrot, he recounted his favorite story about the parrot. New in the ministry, he was asked to be the interpreter for an English speaking evangelist. At the end of his work, he was presented a tapestry similar to the one above (with a parrot). He said, as he received the gift, he thought to himself, "That's what I've been this week - just a parrot, repeating whatever was said to me, voicing no thoughts of my own, just repeating what someone has said."

I thought to myself, "Isn't that what Christ wants us to be - just a 'parrot', repeating what He has said to us, voicing not my thoughts, but His?" Am I a "parrot" 4 Jesus? Do I speak my own thoughts or do I repeat His?

2 Corinthians 5:20 - We are therefore Ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. NIV

An Ambassador has an easy job. He doesn't have to figure out what to say. He just speaks the words of the King he represents. We all are appointed Christ's ambassadors. Let's proclaim His message to those around us.

2008-11-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

THE PANAMA CANEL (See earlier post)

Trivia question: Which ocean is higher, the Pacific or the Atlantic? (see answer at end)

The Panama Canel is a marvel of unity and cooperation. Envisioned for many years before it was successfully completed, the United States finally completed it to unite the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic. The series of locks moves the huge ship up to the level of a large freshwater lake, then back down again to the level of the ocean. The 23 hour passage saves days or weeks of travel (plus the cost of fuel) to go around the tip South America.

When money, convenience, economics is involved, isn't it interesting how we can settle disputes and disagreements so readily while we don't take the time and effort to settle disputes amongst family members or friends or organizations quite so readily? Unity and cooperation are still top priority in the New Testament.

Answer: Neither. The locks move the ships UP from sea level to the level of the lake, then, after crossing Panama via the lake, the ship moves through the other locks back down to sea level into the other ocean! Don't laugh. This is a question we were all asking or being asked as we all thought there was only 1 series of locks rather than 2!

2008-11-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

A CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED

What "things" did you receive for Christmas last year? What about in 2001? Anyone remember? I remember some from last year, but 2001? No way!

Have you ever received a goat for Christmas? I haven't! But I have received chickens! One year, my friend, Ann, sent me one of my most memorable Christmas gifts: chickens! She had made a donation in my honor to an organization that was buying chickens to help impoverished people in a third world country. I'll never forget that one!

Hugh and I travel to Uganda every year in June. The church there tries to provide goats for widows with children. A goat will usually have 2 sets of twin kids (that's the name for baby goats) per year. With that one gift of a goat, that widow can provide food for her family constantly. If I gave her the $45 it would cost to buy her a goat, that money would be forever gone in weeks. But the goat will keep producing income. The problem is that the church is poor and needs help buying goats. That's where we come in!

Would you like to give an unforgettable gift for a friend or colleague for Christmas? Get back to me, and I'll send you a list of potential "Lifetime's Most Memorable Christmas Gift".

WHO IS THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR "SHIP"?

2008-08-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Lessons from the Panama Canal:

As a ship enters the Panama Canal Zone, the Captain of the ship must relinquish total control of his ship to a Panamanian Captain. This Captain takes over the ship and guides it through the Panama Canal - a distance of 12 miles with 6 locks. This was a visual reminder that Christ is the Master/Captain of our lives to whom we must yield total control of our lives for a successful journey.

WHOSE AGENDA?

We stayed in a small hotel in La Chorrera. Every day a friend and I used the stairs to burn off the excess calories in the food we ate. On several days as I bounded down the stairs to race off to the church or to the park where we did "Fun in the Park" activities with the children, the desk clerk would greet me with a smile, a "Buenas Dias", and, pointing at the whole group, an "Excelentisima". Since we had had a filly named Excelentisima, I knew this meant "very excellent" and I quickly responded with a "Gracias" and a smile, and hurried on my way.

On the last day, as we were ready to leave the hotel at 6:30 a.m., she said "Hasta Luego" (meaning "see you later" as opposed to a final goodbye (indicating she hoped we came again)). Then again she repeated, "Excelentisima" and pointed with a big circle to the whole group. Again I said, "Thank you" and waved goodbye. As I hurried out the door, the Lord said to me, "What about her?" I stopped and went back to the side of the desk where I could talk directly to her (not through a dividing glass) and asked in my limited Spanish, "tu es Christiana?". She answered, "No, pero mucho gusto Christianos". (NO, but I like Christians very much or I'm pleased to meet Christians). I left her a tract "Steps to Peace with God" in Spanish, praying that the Lord would speak to her through His Word. I asked His forgiveness for hurrying past her every day and prayed He would use the written Word to woo her to Himself. As we drove off, I thought, " Isn't that so like me - rushing around on MY agenda and forgetting to be sensitive to HIS agenda."