One of our trip leaders, Corrie, has spent considerable time among the poor, especially for a few years as a missionary in Caracas, Venezuela. During our final prayer one as a group, age used the phrase, "the moved and shaken"... It needed no explanation as I knew exactly who she was praying for... the people who have undergone injustice in tho world.
As I write now on the plane, I can visualize the moved a shaken that we met - I can see their homes, their gardens, their valuable pictures, their smiles... It the last that really sticks with a person. When to see someone who is only on their 40's who has an additional 30 years on their face, you do not forget their smile. It is precautionary and skeptical, yet still connected to a heart which bwhilds certain areas of their life with joy. It is that joy, particulalry when connected to Christ's ongoing transformation in their lives, which shines through the prematurely aged eyes, weathered cheeks and smudged nose.
When we would walk away from these unforgettable encounters, we were immediately humbled by the overwhelming sensation that we were the ones who were just blessed... That these moved and shaken had somehow invited us deeper into the heart of our global Christ, that we thought we had known so well. I believe they would have offered us whatever bed, food, clothing or drink they had, should we have even inferred some kind of thirst or hunger, or need for shelter or clothing. It was people like these that our Savior bore in mind when he said we are to give water, bread, clothing and shelter... I just never thought he meant that we would somehow be the ones who were poor... But there we were... Given a blessing by the moved and shaken, as if we needed it...
But we did. And I did. And I am grateful for it.
I needed to be humbled.
It is only is only in true humility that true strength can rise.
And goodness knows I need some strength.
So now I am tired, but somehow stronger... and I pray more humble.
As John the Baptist knelt down I humility, he also discovered the strength of God's Spirit, an the was able to life up the eyes of those he served to gaze into the eyes of Christ.
May it be so...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
why I have a great wife
Yesterday, our group spent a good bit of time talking about how we are going to take what God has taught us with us back home. We also talked about some of the challenges facing each of us individually. Some of these were as simple as use of time and keeping going with the spirit of prayer we have bee in much of the week... Some were bigger like Gos providing peace and perspective in the midst of ongoing crisis in the family. Whatever it was for each person, these challenges and struggles are very real.
In Luke 24, Jesus tells his disciples to wait for power from on high before they set out into the world in His name... In many ways we have experienced a special anointing of God's presence this week, as we've stepped into a dark place in his name - our prayer is that as we head home, we see our surroundings there with spiritual eyes and wait in God's Spirit each day to give us the strength that is essential in our battle against the rulers, forces, and powers of this far world (see Ephesians 6).
Today, please pray for this to be recognized by our team and for each of them to be surrounded by people to help them in this (perhaps that is some of you).
On a seperate note, today is my wife's birthday... I'm not sure of the exact statistics, but I have missed most of the last 8 years worth of birthdays because I always seem to be on one of our mission trips. Also usually miss Father's Day, which didn't matter too much until the last two years... So, I'm looking forward to sometime in the next week having a birthday / father's day celebration.
I'm not sure what kind of reunion or conversation each team member is planning, but I know we're all looking forward to it... See you all soon...
One more post to come... Around midday.
In Luke 24, Jesus tells his disciples to wait for power from on high before they set out into the world in His name... In many ways we have experienced a special anointing of God's presence this week, as we've stepped into a dark place in his name - our prayer is that as we head home, we see our surroundings there with spiritual eyes and wait in God's Spirit each day to give us the strength that is essential in our battle against the rulers, forces, and powers of this far world (see Ephesians 6).
Today, please pray for this to be recognized by our team and for each of them to be surrounded by people to help them in this (perhaps that is some of you).
On a seperate note, today is my wife's birthday... I'm not sure of the exact statistics, but I have missed most of the last 8 years worth of birthdays because I always seem to be on one of our mission trips. Also usually miss Father's Day, which didn't matter too much until the last two years... So, I'm looking forward to sometime in the next week having a birthday / father's day celebration.
I'm not sure what kind of reunion or conversation each team member is planning, but I know we're all looking forward to it... See you all soon...
One more post to come... Around midday.
Monday, June 22, 2009
peaceful
We find ourselves this morning on our last day in Nicaragua, before we travel home tomorrow... And we are on the Pacific Ocean, and indeed in comparison with what we've seen this week, it is a peaceful paradise. We are only here a short while, as we work to debrief our experiences this trip... What God has taught us, what we have experienced, and how it can affect our lives as we head home.
This morning, I've spent time reflecting on Psalm 23 - a mentor once told me, based on the Psalm, that God's restorative colors are green & blue... He has designed creation with many purposes, one of them being rest for his sons a daughters... He makes us lie down in green pastures, and leads us beside the blue waters... That is how he restores our soul... We cannot restore it ourselves.
In the Psalm, it talks of walking through a place of darkness and death, and needing our Father to restore us... Indeed, that is what our team needs... We have literally walked through some of the darkest places on earth this week... But even more, we have been battling in the spiritual world, and been able to sense the spiritual darkness all around us. Yet, as the Psalmist declares, even in the midst of such physical and spiritual darkness, God's presence is with us, his goodness and love surround us, and we walk as his anointed ones!
Today, please pray that God will restore us, but also that we will continue to process what is on our hearts. My experience has taught me that these times of debrief are the most important part of the trip for our team, because we must allow the experiences and lessons to change us... If we do, we all step a bit further into maturity and godliness... Please pray for that in each of the people on our team. I know that for me, God has taught me to take on a more peaceful posture, and increase the time I connect with his Spirit through prayer.
This morning, I've spent time reflecting on Psalm 23 - a mentor once told me, based on the Psalm, that God's restorative colors are green & blue... He has designed creation with many purposes, one of them being rest for his sons a daughters... He makes us lie down in green pastures, and leads us beside the blue waters... That is how he restores our soul... We cannot restore it ourselves.
In the Psalm, it talks of walking through a place of darkness and death, and needing our Father to restore us... Indeed, that is what our team needs... We have literally walked through some of the darkest places on earth this week... But even more, we have been battling in the spiritual world, and been able to sense the spiritual darkness all around us. Yet, as the Psalmist declares, even in the midst of such physical and spiritual darkness, God's presence is with us, his goodness and love surround us, and we walk as his anointed ones!
Today, please pray that God will restore us, but also that we will continue to process what is on our hearts. My experience has taught me that these times of debrief are the most important part of the trip for our team, because we must allow the experiences and lessons to change us... If we do, we all step a bit further into maturity and godliness... Please pray for that in each of the people on our team. I know that for me, God has taught me to take on a more peaceful posture, and increase the time I connect with his Spirit through prayer.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
hombre de Dios
"but you, man of God, run from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. fight the good fight of the faith." 1 Timothy 6:11-12
What a great weekend we've had with these kiddos! There have been some challenges (communication, lack of discipline, etc)... But they are still kids who has great joy and innocence, if unseen at first. It has been funny to watch how certain things cross cultural boundaries simply because were human; for example, most have never been to a pool before, but within minutes they are doing flips, running on the deck, pushing, splashing, cannonballing, etc... it's a silly example, but it's true in other ways.
Last night, my cabin of guys, including Zack and Ryan, led a conversation through Dan about what it means to be un hombre de Dios - man of God. We started by asking what a man of Nicaragua was like (what does he do, how does he act, how does he treat his family?)... Based in their experiwnce, their answers:
He works hard
He usually drinks and uses drugs
He is not at home much
He leaves when there is trouble
He hits women / his spouse
He does not accept responsibility
Then we discussed the traits of Jesus and compared them. They all decided that they want to be like Jesus, not like what they have seen... We then ended by reading this passage from Timothy and as we read, Dan explained, you don't run from your responsibilities or prolems, you run from godlessness... And you don't fight women, you fight the devil and fight for your faith.
At the same time, our girls were talking with their Nico girls about being a woman of God... And as I looked over at them towards the end, I saw WAC of our girls, with one little girl, holding hands and praying - beautiful!
We have tried all weekend to communicate that these young boys and girls are princes and princesses in the eyes of God! I'll post some photos later of some self-portraits they drew in this regard.
We will have a half day with the kiddos and then take them back to La Chureca - sobering to think we'll be turning towards home as they do, but our homes are so different. We will take time to pray that they will all continue to grow in knowledge and love of their heavenly Father... Appropriate on Father's Day!
Please pray doe these young boys and girls, that they may continue in this way... And please pray for our team, that as we begin our debriefing process, God speaks clearly about the changes he desires in our lives.
Have a great Father's Day all you dads... Phone calls coming between 1-2... :-)
Mobile Blogging from here.
What a great weekend we've had with these kiddos! There have been some challenges (communication, lack of discipline, etc)... But they are still kids who has great joy and innocence, if unseen at first. It has been funny to watch how certain things cross cultural boundaries simply because were human; for example, most have never been to a pool before, but within minutes they are doing flips, running on the deck, pushing, splashing, cannonballing, etc... it's a silly example, but it's true in other ways.
Last night, my cabin of guys, including Zack and Ryan, led a conversation through Dan about what it means to be un hombre de Dios - man of God. We started by asking what a man of Nicaragua was like (what does he do, how does he act, how does he treat his family?)... Based in their experiwnce, their answers:
He works hard
He usually drinks and uses drugs
He is not at home much
He leaves when there is trouble
He hits women / his spouse
He does not accept responsibility
Then we discussed the traits of Jesus and compared them. They all decided that they want to be like Jesus, not like what they have seen... We then ended by reading this passage from Timothy and as we read, Dan explained, you don't run from your responsibilities or prolems, you run from godlessness... And you don't fight women, you fight the devil and fight for your faith.
At the same time, our girls were talking with their Nico girls about being a woman of God... And as I looked over at them towards the end, I saw WAC of our girls, with one little girl, holding hands and praying - beautiful!
We have tried all weekend to communicate that these young boys and girls are princes and princesses in the eyes of God! I'll post some photos later of some self-portraits they drew in this regard.
We will have a half day with the kiddos and then take them back to La Chureca - sobering to think we'll be turning towards home as they do, but our homes are so different. We will take time to pray that they will all continue to grow in knowledge and love of their heavenly Father... Appropriate on Father's Day!
Please pray doe these young boys and girls, that they may continue in this way... And please pray for our team, that as we begin our debriefing process, God speaks clearly about the changes he desires in our lives.
Have a great Father's Day all you dads... Phone calls coming between 1-2... :-)
Mobile Blogging from here.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
joy
"those the Lord rescued will return... Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 51:11
Rescue is perhaps too strong a word, but indeed we have been able to bring some kids out of the dump for the weekend. Rescue is too strong, because eventually they will go back... But these 35 have the ability to choose freedom, if they want it... They as connected to a local church, receive an education at a Christian school in the dump, and can learn a trade through other ministries. But for this weekend, they need not worry about their life... They can be children... And learn me tell you - they are doing that well.
When they arrived at the camp yesterday, we allowed the to unleash some energy at the pool - many of them had never seen a pool - it was the most chaotic thing I've ever witnessed! But it was beautiful to watch them laugh and play.
We also set up some stations where that included a drama, a craft and a bble study on identity. As Daniel led the study, he realized they have no word for identity - and indeed this is what they struggle with - they literally believe they are worthless trash because that is what their life experience has taught them. Our team is working to support Dan's constant insistence that they are valued and loved as sons and daughters of God. They must eventually choose which voice they will listen to...
This morning, their joy and gladness was evident, as the sun can up at 5:15 and they all popped up like toast, and made their way to the football field (that's soccer :-)... They have so much joy at being here... And I think a fair amount from whisperin about the gringos and laughing at us... Yesterday I laughed pretty hard and they all made fun of my laugh- some things never change across cultures!
This is actually our last full day of ministry, as we take them back home tomorrow, have our 24 hour debrief in country, and head home ourselves. Please pray for strength for our team! All are tired, especially after the early wakeup - and it will be a long day of games, dramas, crafts, and even some more testimonies (see Rachel's picture below)... Today, Jordyn, Alex and perhaps another will share their stories and the Gospel through them.
So, please continue to pray today, even for continued health... And hopefully you are praying as well for the situation in Iran, as a peopl try to free themselves from an oppressive regime... being in a country that still lives under revolution, we can see the dramatic effects that it takes in the future of it's people - generational darkness, inequality, hopelessness and oppression.
Yet, even in the midst of such darkness, Christ's light shines to set his people free!
Mobile Blogging from here.
Rescue is perhaps too strong a word, but indeed we have been able to bring some kids out of the dump for the weekend. Rescue is too strong, because eventually they will go back... But these 35 have the ability to choose freedom, if they want it... They as connected to a local church, receive an education at a Christian school in the dump, and can learn a trade through other ministries. But for this weekend, they need not worry about their life... They can be children... And learn me tell you - they are doing that well.
When they arrived at the camp yesterday, we allowed the to unleash some energy at the pool - many of them had never seen a pool - it was the most chaotic thing I've ever witnessed! But it was beautiful to watch them laugh and play.
We also set up some stations where that included a drama, a craft and a bble study on identity. As Daniel led the study, he realized they have no word for identity - and indeed this is what they struggle with - they literally believe they are worthless trash because that is what their life experience has taught them. Our team is working to support Dan's constant insistence that they are valued and loved as sons and daughters of God. They must eventually choose which voice they will listen to...
This morning, their joy and gladness was evident, as the sun can up at 5:15 and they all popped up like toast, and made their way to the football field (that's soccer :-)... They have so much joy at being here... And I think a fair amount from whisperin about the gringos and laughing at us... Yesterday I laughed pretty hard and they all made fun of my laugh- some things never change across cultures!
This is actually our last full day of ministry, as we take them back home tomorrow, have our 24 hour debrief in country, and head home ourselves. Please pray for strength for our team! All are tired, especially after the early wakeup - and it will be a long day of games, dramas, crafts, and even some more testimonies (see Rachel's picture below)... Today, Jordyn, Alex and perhaps another will share their stories and the Gospel through them.
So, please continue to pray today, even for continued health... And hopefully you are praying as well for the situation in Iran, as a peopl try to free themselves from an oppressive regime... being in a country that still lives under revolution, we can see the dramatic effects that it takes in the future of it's people - generational darkness, inequality, hopelessness and oppression.
Yet, even in the midst of such darkness, Christ's light shines to set his people free!
Mobile Blogging from here.
Friday, June 19, 2009
the prophetic hope
"the day for building your walls has come, the day for extending your boundaries... The earth will become desolate because of it's inhabitants, as the result of their deeds. Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pastureland.". Micah 7:12-14
Yesterday, we spent much if the day in prayer, interceding at strategic locations in La Chureca. One spot required us to walk over the entire dump; with shorts breaths and careful steps we found our way to the backside of the dump where the trash meets Lake Managua. When we stood with our back towards the dump, we could only see the sea, and the beautiful untouched mountains rising on the other side. When we stood with our backs to the sea, we could only see a hundred foot slipped wall of trash, balancing itself under the weight of men and women who were massed on it surface. A place of lost hope, where the land has become desolate, right up against a place of promise, where the land holds great beauty. Spiritually, we all live on the seam between these two worlds and we daily have the choice, through God's Spirit, to claim the promise as our own, stepping forward, or fall back into the darkness from where we've come.
As we left that place, we hiked back up the trash and up another 100 feet onto a rounded hill that we had to walk up from the back. As we journeyed up, we were all choking in the dust as there was nothing living in this wasteland... Simply dry dirt. But as created the top we stepped in the midst of numerous flowering trees, and we could see the entire dump below us, as well as most of the city. Daniel calls this place "the gates of heaven" and in this place he comes, as do others, to intercede for the people. There is a small cluster of trees in the middle that form a shades place to sit, enough room for 20 people. We worked our way into the natural sanctuary and Alyssa felt God leading her to a scripture - Exodus 3 - where God tells Moses to take his shoes off because he is on Holy Ground. Daniel then shared, stunned, that the first time he came to this spot, as well as the first time Jessenia came to this spot, they were both directed towards this scripture. all took off their shoes and we spent considerable time in prayer and song.
Later in the day, our group visited Ruby, and elderly Nicaraguan lady who has the gift of prophecy, and speaks a creole English. She prayed over each person in our group, sharing incredible insights into everyone's life. Her sister prays with her, in a prayer language, and while one of our girls was receiving prayer (Capri), Capri could not understand her... So, Capri prayed "god, help me to understand what she's praying" - instantly, Capri was given the gift of interpretation and could hear every word in English.
I have read much over the years on the spread of Christianity in the Rest of the world (non-western countries) and one mark of the growth is the openness to the things of the Spirit... It's not a certain theology, but neither is it a dividin line between people and theologies... The Spirit brings unity and there is an openness to it, based upon what is seen in the Scriptures. We certainly experienced this today! (see Philip Jenkins work).
Finally, in all our prayer an interactions, it is amazing to see how the people and godly leaders, cling to the prophetic passages in the scriptures - Isaiah, Ezekial, Micah, Amos, etc are often quoted from heart - or at least referenced... I the same way the American church references new testament letters... These people are in touch with the prophetic hope of God and they believe God will bring these things to pass. They also work towards the promises - claiming them an laboring to bring them to pass. Walter Brueggemann talks about this in his book on the prophetic imagination when he explains that a prophet is to criticize, but also energize with hope - in other words speak into what is wrong, but also provide an work for an alternative reality.
Today, we will leave our comfy lodging for the camp, where we will be spending the next 2 nights / 3 days with 35 kids from La Chureca - aged 10-15. Please pray for this time!! Specifically, pray for our energy, for good weather, for communication (only have a few translators) and that our group may love these little ones!
Yesterday, we spent much if the day in prayer, interceding at strategic locations in La Chureca. One spot required us to walk over the entire dump; with shorts breaths and careful steps we found our way to the backside of the dump where the trash meets Lake Managua. When we stood with our back towards the dump, we could only see the sea, and the beautiful untouched mountains rising on the other side. When we stood with our backs to the sea, we could only see a hundred foot slipped wall of trash, balancing itself under the weight of men and women who were massed on it surface. A place of lost hope, where the land has become desolate, right up against a place of promise, where the land holds great beauty. Spiritually, we all live on the seam between these two worlds and we daily have the choice, through God's Spirit, to claim the promise as our own, stepping forward, or fall back into the darkness from where we've come.
As we left that place, we hiked back up the trash and up another 100 feet onto a rounded hill that we had to walk up from the back. As we journeyed up, we were all choking in the dust as there was nothing living in this wasteland... Simply dry dirt. But as created the top we stepped in the midst of numerous flowering trees, and we could see the entire dump below us, as well as most of the city. Daniel calls this place "the gates of heaven" and in this place he comes, as do others, to intercede for the people. There is a small cluster of trees in the middle that form a shades place to sit, enough room for 20 people. We worked our way into the natural sanctuary and Alyssa felt God leading her to a scripture - Exodus 3 - where God tells Moses to take his shoes off because he is on Holy Ground. Daniel then shared, stunned, that the first time he came to this spot, as well as the first time Jessenia came to this spot, they were both directed towards this scripture. all took off their shoes and we spent considerable time in prayer and song.
Later in the day, our group visited Ruby, and elderly Nicaraguan lady who has the gift of prophecy, and speaks a creole English. She prayed over each person in our group, sharing incredible insights into everyone's life. Her sister prays with her, in a prayer language, and while one of our girls was receiving prayer (Capri), Capri could not understand her... So, Capri prayed "god, help me to understand what she's praying" - instantly, Capri was given the gift of interpretation and could hear every word in English.
I have read much over the years on the spread of Christianity in the Rest of the world (non-western countries) and one mark of the growth is the openness to the things of the Spirit... It's not a certain theology, but neither is it a dividin line between people and theologies... The Spirit brings unity and there is an openness to it, based upon what is seen in the Scriptures. We certainly experienced this today! (see Philip Jenkins work).
Finally, in all our prayer an interactions, it is amazing to see how the people and godly leaders, cling to the prophetic passages in the scriptures - Isaiah, Ezekial, Micah, Amos, etc are often quoted from heart - or at least referenced... I the same way the American church references new testament letters... These people are in touch with the prophetic hope of God and they believe God will bring these things to pass. They also work towards the promises - claiming them an laboring to bring them to pass. Walter Brueggemann talks about this in his book on the prophetic imagination when he explains that a prophet is to criticize, but also energize with hope - in other words speak into what is wrong, but also provide an work for an alternative reality.
Today, we will leave our comfy lodging for the camp, where we will be spending the next 2 nights / 3 days with 35 kids from La Chureca - aged 10-15. Please pray for this time!! Specifically, pray for our energy, for good weather, for communication (only have a few translators) and that our group may love these little ones!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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