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November 10, 2009
Armed Guards and Machine Guns in Peru
As someone said to me last week, "Who would have thought you'd be steering a boat up river in the Amazon with four armed policemen with machine guns providing security? Who would have thought I'd have a chance for ministry learning in the jungle of Peru, in the Andes Mountains in Tarma, in Lima, the capital, and in the area of the 7.9 earthquake just off the Pacific in Chincha. Only God.
The trip to was a 10-day opportunity in Peru with the Evangelical Free Church, Touch Global. Mark Lewis, our Crisis Response director led the team and Fred Miller, our Trinity Missions Team Leader joined us. Our purpose was to be stretched in World Missions and to think through the next strategic steps for Trinity in missions. For me, I wanted to see what God wanted me to see, hear what I needed to hear, meet whom I needed to meet and to learn all I could.
The basics first:
1. Being a simple eater I managed great - even eating a guinea pig!
2. I learned the word "El Bano". I only ended up in the women's room once, in the large Catholic Church above the catacombs. Placing toilet paper in the trashcans was a little different, but when in Peru, do as the Peruvians do.
3. I traveled by plane, moto-taxi, bus, taxi and motorcycle.
4. I learned those who know 3 languages are called tri-lingual, 2 languages are called bi-lingual, and those who know one language are called Americans.
5. I found a beautiful country with even better people, yet with great challenges - poverty. The mayor of Tarma told us that 7 out of 10 calls to the police were domestic violence issues. I've never seen so many unwed teens either pregnant or with children.
6. Technology is everywhere. I saw internet café’s in the jungle and most impoverished, small, one- and two-room huts had televisions. U.S. pirated DVD’s are everywhere. I got on the internet just minutes after the shooting at Ft. Hood. My son, Jonathan, works near Ft. Hood. He was amazed when I contacted him through a friend to ask about his safety. Word travels to the Andes Mountains fast! Fortunately, Jonathan was 10 miles from the base.
Having been told horror stories of people getting sick, I survived with no problems, thank the Lord! I was so careful - only bottled water, no lettuce, no fruit without a peel, lots of hand sanitizer, etc.
Our vision trip had four major movements:
1. Lima - 10 million people in the capital city. We met with the pastors of the Lima Evangelical Free Churches who are learning to multiply churches. On Sunday, we went to a church plant in a poor neighborhood. Here we met vibrant, great new Christians with lots of challenges.
2. Jungle - This was the region Cam Townsend and other pioneered tribal areas on the jungle river. We boarded the ship El Evangelista to go upriver. Amazing work! Medical people from Hershey arrived for a 16-day trip to reach out. The armed police force provided security and credibility with the tribes. We met with pastors as well.
3. Chincha - This is where Touch Global set up ministry just like we did at Trinity in the aftermath of the earthquake two years ago. There is great devastation in an impoverished region. A church is being planted through a series of Bible studies. Good work can come out of disaster. We know.
4. Tarma - 7-hour bus trip through the Andes Mountains. 250,000 people. Met and prayed with the mayor and met with the student body at an Institute. We spent two days with the church planting team that has been at it for 3 months. They are building relationships and starting Bible studies.
Learnings:
1. Missionaries are dedicated servants - sharp folks who dedicate their lives to the cause of Christ. The stresses and pressures of life in impoverished areas of Peru don't stop these men and women in their callings.
2. Trinity must continue to deepen our commitment to world missions. The USA's leadership in missions/sending is waning. Countries like Korea, Philippines, etc. are now sending more. Romans 10:14c-15 says, "how shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.'"
3. As pastor, I need to commit to greater hands-on involvement. Speed of the leader = speed of the team. I'm going to ask God what's next and I want to know how many of you will go with me?
4. Mission Issues require wrestling: How much can women lead and preach in cities where there are currently no male leaders and culture is male dominated? How do you handle a culture where few marry and living together is what almost everyone does? How do you handle daily issues of poverty? People need to work so hard to survive. How do you overcome the predominance of the health, wealth, success gospel that dominates South America? How do preachers lead well when they themselves have received such limited training?
5. I've observed the Evangelical Free Church's desire to multiply healthy churches through the leadership of national leaders. The role of the missionary is not to church plant, but to train church planters.
6. I'm learning that sometimes helping hurts. We need to learn how to help without hurting the poor or ourselves. Well-intentioned giving can and often does undermine work, families, and creates dependencies. Money can be thrown at symptoms rather than the underlying disease. 40% of the world lives on less than $2 per day. The biblical call for the poor is etched in scripture, but it needs to be done with wisdom. So many of the ways I thought would be helpful, the missionaries have found have hurt the ministry and perpetuated more problems.
7. In Peru I saw what a hold religion has on people. This will never satisfy anyone's spiritual quest. Picture a thirsty person holding a cup of water. Now picture that person licking a cup of water. Now picture that person licking the outside of the cup in an attempt to quench his thirst. This is the picture of religion. Religion focuses on the cup and forgets the contents. In religion there are arguments over which cup is best: the traditional cup, the contemporary cup, new emerging cups, simple cups, ornate cups. People forget to drink and keep licking the cup and are not refreshed. Religion itself cannot refresh - confusing the form over the substance is idolatry and well meaning people fall for this all the time. They settle for licking the cup. The key is to drink from the cup. The living water is Jesus. Religion does not lead people to God anymore than cups quench your thirst.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
October 26, 2009
Michael Headed to Peru
Here are a few updates for all my friends who are prayer warriors:
Peru - Our experience with Katrina has enabled us to help establish Crisis Response Centers in a variety of locations including Chincha, Peru. I'll be leaving for Peru this Thursday with Mark Lewis, Touch Global Crisis Response Director and Fred Miller, the Chairman of our Trinity Missions Team to consider a broader partnership with leaders in Peru. Please pray that I see what I need to see, talk to who I need to talk to, and listen to what God is saying.
Itinerary:
10/29 Travel to Peru - arrive late.
10/30 Early morning bus to Chincha. Afternoon work team near the earthquake zone.
10/31-11/2 Travel to Lima, attend church and meet with Lima pastors.
11/2-11/3 Fly to Pucallpa. Meet church leaders. Travel by boat into the jungle to visit the Shopivo Indians.
11/4-11/5 Fly to Lima and travel by bus to Tarma. Meet with Church Planting Teams.
11/6-11/7 Bus to Lima and flight home through Atlanta.
Construction/Renovation at Trinity
The dust is still flying at Trinity. The Crisis Response Center is almost finished. The final punch list is being put together. We still could use some skilled help to get us across the line to get our occupancy permit. Let us know if you can make a quick trip.
The Worship Center Renovation is almost complete. We are thankful for the EFCA and others who donated the funds so we could complete this needed renovation.
The Adult Wing and Kitchen Renovation has begun. One side of the wing has been gutted and interior walls are being rebuilt. A new kitchen is in the works after hundreds of thousands of meals were served out of the last one.
Jonathan
Jonathan is living in Waco, Texas. He has a job where he is using his computer skills and learning a lot. We thank the Lord for his growth and God’s provision of a job.
Travel
Donna and I will be flying to Pennsylvania to speak at Lebanon Area Evangelical Free Church on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We will be back in Washington D. C. for Christmas and look forward to seeing family and friends.
Staff
I continue to work with a dedicated Christ-centered staff. It is great to work with my friends. We got away for a couple of days last week for a staff retreat. Here's the pastoral team and spouses.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
September 16, 2009
Life-Change Stories
You probably heard our story from a few weeks back where Mark Lewis and his team prayed that if we were going to have a warehouse, it would be useful to have a forklift. The only problem was he had no money to purchase one. In our staff meeting we prayed for Mark. He walked out of the meeting ... got a call ... and a ministry said that they were shutting down and wanted to give us a free forklift if that was needed. Only God!
Mark also told me of his desire to have a generator to run the Crisis Response Center in case we have another hurricane and lose power. Last Sunday after the service, a man knowing nothing of the conversation with Mark, approached me and said that he would like to donate a large generator to Trinity and Crisis Response that could power a small city. Only God!
I love it when Christ-followers send me life-changing/God-honoring stories. Here are a few that I just received:
1. "In June 2006, I came to Trinity Church to help with the Katrina cleanup with a small group from our church. The love for Christ and wanting to serve the Lord that I felt each day that I was there, stirred my soul. When I returned to Harrisburg, I said to our church elders, "we need a ministry like what is going on in Louisiana right here in our church." They agreed. They prayed for months, and on September 13, 2006, "Partnering with a Purpose," better know as PWAP, was born. The ministry will be three years old this coming September and WOW have I seen the hand of God in all of it. Romans 8:28 is surely true because God does work everything for good to those who love him and are called according to HIS PURPOSE. This ministry will continue as long as I have breath or HE RETURNS. We are now partnering with two local churches to increase the help we can offer."
2. "My first mission trip to New Orleans was in March, 2006, just a few months shy of my 69th birthday. My son had been before and cautioned me, 'Mom, you're not 50 anymore!' But I felt the strongest urge - calling from God - to go and 'do something' no matter how small a task it might be. Well, I worked with two other volunteers in the kitchen with an absolute marvel: Vixie. We arose very early and retired rather late, but preparing and serving the 90+ volunteers who were there that week is an experience I will never forget. My team kept me apprised of their work in the Lower 9th Ward each evening, and I have to admit to some pangs of jealousy. But then God reminded me that I've been called to be His servant, no matter where He places me! Every task we do to bring Him glory is a blessing. I have returned twice, both times to work with Castle Rock/Urban Impact, but Trinity Church will always hold very fond memories for me."
3. "What I found in New Orleans was a new brand of Christianity. We discovered the kind of faith where there is an understanding that it is not our job to fix people. It is God's job to fix people; our job is simply to love people. I would hate to see what it would look life if I could actually fix people. What a shameful offering that would be indeed. The kind of Christianity I crave is one of contagious love, humility, surrender and outreach. I long to see a transformational faith where we are doers of the word of God every day, not simply attend a weekly service. I long for a faith where we are in community and fellowship daily, where we do life together. I long for a kind of faith where we ask for prayer, admit our failures, fears and insecurities without blame or condemnation. I long to be a part of the body of Christ at work in our communities where we don't need symbols but the love and light of our lives makes people have to ask, 'why are you different?' "
"I tagged along on the first trip down, found out a week before my sister-in-law and nephew were to leave.
The first Sunday, I sat down and opened by Bible, God does amazing things, it fell to Matthew 6:1 'Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven.'
Oh boy, what a true statement for me. I will always treasure my time in Covington. Someone asked me the name of your church. All that I could say was 'The church of the stained carpet', stains of tears, sweat, joy, helplessness, hopefulness, helpfulness, believing, new life."
"For us, being a part of God's mission means following God where He leads us and being willing to set aside our own agendas to follow God's leading. This really started to take place in our lives on a mission trip to New Orleans for a week. Then, He called us to leave the comforts of our suburban homes to move into Harrisburg. We gave up some of the comforts that we had known, but it is a blessing to know that we are following God.
The process really started in June 2006. I went on a mission trip to New Orleans with my Bible study group, EPIC. God used that trip to plant and grow a desire in my heart to minister to those in Harrisburg. One day when we were cleaning the streets and talking to people near Castle Rock Community Church in downtown New Orleans, God tapped me on the shoulder and told me that I could be doing the same thing in Harrisburg. I soon realized that He wanted me to move into Harrisburg. This meant leaving my nice house and safe neighborhood in suburbia. I put my townhouse up for sale in December of 2006 and it sold within 4 days. In January of 2007, I settled on my house in Harrisburg. Three months later, I started dating Nate Wagner at an EPIC retreat. In January 2008, we were engaged and on August 8th we were married right here in this sanctuary! God set things in motion and we're along for the ride.
Specifically, we have seen God at work as we develop relationships with our neighbors. Currently, there is a family across the street that has been a part of our lives since we cleaned the streets during Graceworks I in 2008. Since then, Nate has had many significant conversations about God and what He means to us.
God has opened doors for us within the city government, including the city council, to improve our neighborhood. We have adopted our block and an abandoned lot on our block to beautify it and use it as a tool to reach our neighborhood.
Our goal is to make connections with people in the neighborhood and show them the love of Christ. God did not call us to comfort and security, but to follow him on this journey regardless of the circumstance. Our theme verse is Revelation 21:23 which says, "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." We are in Harrisburg to be that light."
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
September 1, 2009
Dedication of the Crisis Response Center
On Sunday, August 30, the New Crisis Response Center was dedicated to the Lord. Fittingly, this was on the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
On September 4, 2005, I penned the following words:
"The wind has blown, the waters have moved through, the sun is shining, the trees are down, military tanker planes are circling overhead refueling helicopters, work crews are beginning to move in, and best of all, God is on the throne. I believe God for ALL of His promises. One day, the stories of His faithfulness will be extraordinary."
Indeed, at our two dedication services on Sunday, we paused to recount the deeds of the Lord and tell the extraordinary stories of God's faithfulness. Truth be told - we could have gone on all day long. If you would like to listen to the celebration service, you can get it at www.trinitychurchonline.net. (Click on PODCAST Icon)
At the service, a DVD reminded us of the images of those first few days after Katrina and how the people of God responded. Mark Lewis and I recounted stories of life-change and God's intervention. State Representative John Schroder shared his observation about faith-based organizations doing what government cannot do and was not designed to do. John Horst (Touch Global) and Sherman McLain (elder) led us in our dedication prayer. Many guests and friends joined us for the day including Vixie Spencer, Liam Brown, Bill and Kathleen Brown, Terry Sistruck and John Gerhardt (Urban Impact) and four special ambassadors sent from Hershey Evangelical Free Church. Hershey has sent 340 volunteers over the last four years!
Praise be to God, great things He has done and will do!
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
August 23, 2009
The Church of the Stained New Carpet
The church of the NEW CARPET? Trinity Church? Yes ... the church of the new carpet ... new chairs ... new paint ... new baseboards. We are thankful for the new, even as we fondly remember the old. The new will bring a sacred space which will bring about experiences and encounters with worship, surrender, brokenness, renewal, healing, and even revival. I'm trusting God for our best season ever in the coming days as we glorify Him, enter into discipleship with Jesus, learn to obey the Spirit and become self-feeding Christ-followers. The old stained carpet and rickety chairs served us well.
We have been messy for 4 years, and though the Worship Center is no longer messy, we desire to stay involved in ministry that is MESSY. The true works of ministry are often messy and perplexing, not sanitized and proper. We want to live on the edge, enter people's lives where they are at, and share TRUTH AND GRACE.
I see this happening in so many ways. One Trinity person who was reached in the early days after Katrina has rented space and started an outreach to the poor and hurting in Covington. A whole team of folks at Trinity just launched a monthly "Biker Ministry" (that's motorcycle) in Mandeville. I just overheard our carpet installer tell his helper, "This church has a motorcycle church in Mandeville that meets once a month ..." and on and on he went trying to convince him to go, too. One seeker witnessing to another seeker!
Yea God! The adventure continues.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
August 18, 2009
Your Help is Needed for August 30, 2009 Dedication
The plans for the August 30th dedication of the Crisis Response Center are coming together, and I could use your help. We plan to celebrate what God has done and look forward to the adventures of faith ahead. As part of our morning services, we plan to remember the deeds of the Lord through testimony, scripture, DVD and story. This is where you come in. Would you write a note about how your life or church was IMPACTED by Crisis Response? You may have been as a volunteer or a recipient of help … You may have gotten to know God better or had the mind of Christ burned into your being in a wonderful way … You may have been amazed by the body of Christ or met a new friend. Whatever it is, would you e-mail me a few sentences, a paragraph or a story? It might really help us honor the Lord during our service. I know it will encourage me. Thank you. My e-mail address is MDSprague00@bellsouth.net
Donna and I just got back from Texas and are very thankful parents. We now have a son who is a college graduate ... a son who is gainfully employed … and a son who has his own apartment … and God provided all these blessings in the same week! The graduation ceremony was a wonderful occasion. Jonathan started work for a company in Texas and is working as a Software Developer. Jonathan’s apartment is being assembled from leftovers from our attic, a few giveaways from college friends and a few new things.
In this day of great difficulty in the employment market, we are thankful for this job. Thank you for praying for our family and son. Now we can say we are true empty nesters and thankful parents.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
July 28, 2009
Trinity Hosts Governor Bobby Jindal
What an interesting last couple of days. With summer quickly coming to a close in Louisiana ... Jonathan interviewing for jobs ... Donna two weeks from returning to part-time school teaching ... and the new church year ready to launch soon ... we decided that if we were going to get away with Jonathan for a few days, we had better GO. So, off we went last week totally out of pocket - no phone, e-mail - no responsibility. My sermon was even finished and I was all ready for Sunday. What a great time with our son.
We got back Saturday. I had between 200-300 e-mails to catch up on. I needed to check some things out at Trinity, so off I went. Donna checked the phone messages, and called me on my cell phone about one unusual message. In my absence, Pastor Stephen and the elders made an executive decision that I wouldn't be preaching the second of our two services. Now, you know how much I love to preach ... in fact, it's even better when I'm ready and prepared. As she spoke I was thinking, "What gives? Who's going to preach??" Donna's next words made it all ok: "Governor Bobby Jindal will be preaching the second service."
Six months ago I sent a letter to the Governor requesting his presence at our August 30th Crisis Response Center Dedication Service. At the time I wondered if this was a long shot, but you all know how God has been CONTINUALLY in this thing at Trinity. Bobby Jindal was unavailable in August, but wanted to be with us on July 26th, so with three days notice for the church and about a half-day notice for me, the wheels were put in motion.
I found it interesting how the Governor informed us that he wanted little fanfare. He wanted to worship with us. He had heard of our Crisis Response work and wanted to tour our new facility. He would preach in my place. He wanted the focus to be on Jesus Christ and not himself. Preach he did! It's a good thing that Bobby has a day job or I'd have a lot of competition. He preached the gospel for 40 minutes. He preached the gospel of grace and the person of Jesus Christ, the Savior from sin. Bobby said the greatest day of his life was when he trusted Jesus as Savior. He told us how he'd hate to get to heaven and not see us there. He called people to trust Christ, and Christ-followers to go out and sow seeds and share Christ. No politics. It was a good day. It was a privilege to listen to Mark Lewis inform the Governor how the Crisis Response Center has and will benefit the state of Louisiana and people throughout the world. It was a good day for Trinity and the cause of Christ. I believe God was honored.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
July 6, 2009
Living the Adventure
Crisis Response Building
Here is a prayer I've been encouraging our folks at Trinity to pray daily:
Lord, I pray for an opportunity to share my faith with someone in some way. It's not up to me to decide who or when or where. But I know why. Because you love them and want a relationship with them. So Lord, surprise me with opportunities to share my faith.
Forgive me for trying to do your job for you. You are the one who convicts of sin. You are the one who draws people to Christ. But help me do my part as salt and light. Help me see those opportunities to react compassionately or listen patiently or speak kindly. Through word and deed, help me plant seeds of love in the lives of others. Give me boldness when it's time to speak. Give me restraint when it's time to listen. Give me words to say. But more importantly, give me ears to hear.
Lord, help me be sensitive to the prompting of your Holy Spirit so I can see the divine appointments you send my way. Help me not to be afraid of questions I cannot answer. Help me not to be afraid of people's reactions or rejections.
Lord, help me preach the gospel every day, when necessary, with words.
I've started our new series - "Christianity vs. World Religions for Dummies" (New Age, New Atheists, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses and Islam). One morning I prayed that the Mormons would come to our house. One evening as I was preparing to go out to a wedding renewal, Donna returned from walking the dog and told me that three Mormons were walking down the street. I drove and found them and told them I was praying all day that they would show up at my house. I set up an appointment with them and had a great talk with the three young men. I know they thought I was an answer to their prayers, but they were the answer to mine. I can't wait to speak on Mormonism on July 19th. It is kind of sad that three bright young men think they will be gods in a few years. Oh for their eyes to be opened. The messages are on-line at trinitychurchonline.net if you are interested.
Here is a story of one who got infected with the real disease of the cause of Christ while serving here in New Orleans. Read about the life change and location change that took place in the life of one of our volunteers from Harrisburg, PA.
"For us, being a part of God's mission means following God where He leads us and being willing to set aside our own agendas to follow God's leading. This really started to take place in our lives on a mission trip to New Orleans for a week. Then, He called us to leave the comforts of our suburban homes to move into Harrisburg. We gave up some of the comforts that we had known, but it is a blessing to know that we are following God. The process really started in June 2006. I went on a mission trip to New Orleans with my Bible study group, EPIC. God used that trip to plant and grow a desire in my heart to minister to those in Harrisburg. One day when we were cleaning the streets and talking to people near Castle Rock Community Church in downtown New Orleans, God tapped me on the shoulder and told me that I could be doing the same thing in Harrisburg. I soon realized that He wanted me to move into Harrisburg. This meant leaving my nice house and safe neighborhood in suburbia. I put my townhouse up for sale in December of 2006 and it sold within 4 days. In January of 2007 I settled on my house in Harrisburg. Three months later I started dating Nate Wagner at an EPIC retreat. In January of 2008 we were engaged and on August 8th we were married right here in this sanctuary! God set things in motion and we're along for the ride.
Specifically we have seen God at work as we develop relationships with our neighbors. Currently, there is a family across the street that has been a part of our lives since we cleaned the streets during Graceworks in 2008. Since then Nate has had many significant conversations about God and what He means to us. God has opened doors for us within the city government, including the city council, to improve our neighborhood. We have adopted our block and an abandoned lot on our block to beautify it and use it as a tool to reach our neighborhood. Our goal is to make connections with people in the neighborhood and show them the love of Christ. God did not call us to comfort and security, but to follow him on this journey regardless of the circumstance. Our theme verse is Revelation 21:23 which says, "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." We are in Harrisburg to be that light."
Donna and I are headed to Waco, Texas in the morning to pick up all of Jonathan's earthly belongings and bring them home. It was almost 4 years ago we dropped him off at Baylor. He has done well. Two big finals tomorrow and by 1:30 pm he will have his degree. We will return to Texas on August 15 for the graduation ceremony. Our boy has grown up. He will be job-hunting next week and we will see what is next. Donna and I are looking forward to seeing what God has for Jonathan. Thank you for your prayers.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
June 21, 2009
In High Gear
Friends,
Teams are in high gear here at Trinity: Eighty-some last week from Ohio and Pennsylvania. We are busy through mid-August. The Crisis Response Center is up, and the interior is now being worked on with skilled self-help. What a provision from God. Tentatively, we are slotting August 30 as the dedication date, but that isn't firm yet. Castle Rock Church and Urban Impact in New Orleans are also moving forward with their building plans. Pray for them and us. More details will come soon. In the midst of building plans, we are committed to always keeping the gospel and people front and center.
On the home front, Jonathan will be finished with college in 2 weeks. He is getting his resume out there. Tough market but God will make a way.
Pray for Trinity as we have a big Sunday coming on June 28 with "Narnia", a major drama presentation of C. S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Pray the gospel presentation hits hearts as we lift up the Lion of Judah. We are expecting many visitors in this all-family service.
In July, I start a new series, "Christianity vs. World Religions for Dummies", as we examine New Age, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Islam and the New Atheists. Donna taught at VBS last week. We travel to Waco, Texas the middle of August for Jonathan's graduation from Baylor. You can tell I've got a smile on my face. No more new tuition bills!
To give you a feel of what continues to go on in New Orleans, here is one team member's story from a few weeks ago:
"Josh and I had been working in Mrs. Henke's first grade classroom all week. On Thursday, when our team arrived at the block party, we immediately spotted Kiara, a student from our classroom. I approached Kiara to say 'hello' and she introduced me to her older sister, Kewanda, a 4th grader. I offered to help the girls get some food and they 'pal-ed' around with me for a little awhile. After a little bit, they asked me to walk them home, which was just across the street, so I did.
"I didn't see Kiara or Kewanda again until the end of the evening, when Kewanda returned and asked if she could have some drinks. I told her 'sure' and retrieved the drinks. After doing so, I asked her if she knew why my group was 'here' (at the block party) and why we had been visiting her school. She indicated that she didn't know, so I told her we had come because we believed God loves her and, so, we love her, too. I asked her if she knew who Jesus was and she said she did. I asked her if she knew that Jesus wanted to be her friend and she said she did not know that. When I asked Kewanda if she wanted to know more about how to ask Jesus to be your friend she smiled from ear to ear and said she did.
"Thus, Kewanda and I sat down and I explained to her, in very simple, child-like terms, the gospel. I explained that we were created and loved by God and that we all sin and need forgiveness. I explained that Jesus died to pay the price for our sins and he wants us to have forgiveness. The way we receive forgiveness is by inviting Jesus into our life to be our friend. I asked Kewanda if she had ever asked Jesus to be her friend and she said 'no, but that she wanted to.' Kewanda and I held hands and we prayed together. I prayed first and she repeated the words after me. I have to tell you, after we prayed, Kewanda was beaming!! I went on the explain, that now that Jesus was her friend, Kewanda could talk to him any time she wanted and he would always be there to love her and protect her - Even though one day her body would die, she is protected because she will live forever in heaven with Jesus.
"When I started to tell Kewanda that as she prays, she should know that Jesus might not talk 'out loud' back to her, she cut me off and said, 'but I will feel him in my heart - like I (Kewanda) just felt Jesus in my heart.' I told Kewanda what a Bible was and when she said she wanted one, was able to find a Mountview member, Sylvia, who so graciously gave up her own personal Bible so that Kewanda could have one. So that is Kewanda's story!"
"Since I spoke with you originally, there are a few updates to share -
"The next day at school when Josh and I returned to Ms. Hinke's first grade classroom, Kiara, Kewanda's sister, immediately inquired about the Bible her sister had received and asked if she could have one. I told her 'yes' and I would explain what it meant during her lunch.
"So, come lunch time, I sat with Kiara and shared the gospel with her. She was very enthusiastic and said she wanted to invite Jesus to live into her heart to be her friend. Kiara and I prayed together.
"As Kiara and I prayed another child, Cordell, wanted to know what we were talking about and asked if I would share with him. Cordell wanted to invite Jesus in his heart, as well, and also wanted to know if I could tell him why he has 'those nightmares' about Freddie and Jason (from the horror movies) killing him. We talked about it and we also prayed that God would take away his bad dreams and give him peaceful rest. Cordell also wanted a Bible.
"As Cordell and I prayed, Tamon wanted to know what was going on and called me over to his lunch table to talk with him. When I asked him if he knew who Jesus was he said that he did not. I offered to share with him and he was very eager to hear. As we discussed the gospel, Tamon's face looked stunned. When he found out that Jesus was willing to take on the punishment we deserved and suffer himself so that we didn't have to, Tamon looked astounded and exclaimed, 'wow, God is nice. God is so nice!!!' Cordell very much wanted to ask Jesus to be his friend and after we prayed, he shared that he looked forward to giving Jesus a big hug when his body dies one day and his soul goes to heaven.
"I cannot tell you what a blessing it was to be present for these moments in the lives of these children. I believe they understood the choice they were making and my prayer now is that God would complete the good work he is starting in them by bringing mentors in their lives who can teach them in more detail how they might grow in their faith and live out their relationship with God.
"Mountview and my team were blessed beyond measure by your staff, the people of New Orleans, and most importantly our Lord this past week. Please let us know if we might serve or support you in any way as you continue in your ministry."
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
May 23, 2009
Crisis Response Building Updates/Prayer Requests
The picture above was painted at the close of our Mother's Day service. In a ten-minute presentation, paint from four paint cans was slopped on a canvas and this was the outcome. Powerful! It is good to remember Jesus. Surely the cross and the color red reveal the love of God. It's also good to remember JESUS ISN'T HANGING ON A CROSS NOW. JESUS IS SEATED ON A THRONE. The AUTHORITY OF CHRIST is All Powerful. What a portrait Paul paints of the throne in Ephesians 1.
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and given every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. God placed all things under his feet.
 The new Touch Global Crisis Response Center is coming along, and we are filled with anticipation. Here are a few things to bring you up to speed:
Volunteer teams are scheduled throughout the summer to work in New Orleans and share the love of Jesus Christ. There is plenty of room for more. If you have a week or a few days, call 985-893-0218 to sign-up. Skilled workers are needed to help finish the new building. It's mostly self-help from here on out.
God continues to show up. The team prayed 2 weeks ago for a forklift for the warehouse. The next day someone called to inquire whether the operation could use a forklift that was being given away. Coincidence? No Way! That's God!
We are still targeting our dedication of the Touch Global Crisis Response Center for the end of August. I've made a request to Gov. Bobby Jindal to be our Keynote Speaker at our Dedication Sunday Service. Interestingly, I got invited to have lunch with the Govenor at his mansion. I walked in and his associate met me at the door and told me he got the request. He said he made some calls to see if Trinity was a legitimate operation and then got on our website. In perusing the website, he discovered that our Worship Pastor, Wayne Rogers, was his Youth Pastor when he was growing up in Austin, TX. This is the man who schedules Gov. Jindal's Sunday speaking engagements. He said he would see that Bobby gets to Trinity. Coincidence? No Way! That's God! It works just like in the book of Nehemiah. It's good to know the king's cupbearer!
The "church of the stained carpet" will have new carpet and chairs brought in after the 2nd Sunday of August. The stained carpet will be cut up for all who want a piece. It will be free but donations will be accepted to try to raise the remaining $17,000 for the renovation of the Adult Wing after the Compassion offices move into the new building. After 100,000 plus meals served, our old kitchen will be laid to rest. She has served us well. Write or e-mail me if you want a square of carpet as a memorial stone of God's work. Donations can be sent to:
Trinity Church
(Renovations)
19380 N. 10th St.
Covington, LA 70433
Prayer Requests:
In a week we are anticipating an offer from the owners of a new building next to our property to tie into their water/sewage lines so that we can get out of the sewage business at Trinity. We have tried to find an answer for almost 10 years. Pray the cost is reasonable. We are amazed our little sewage system has served the church ministry and over 14,000 volunteers. Coincidence? No Way! God even cares about these things.
Personal Request - Donna and I are rejoicing we have our son Jonathan home for 10 days before he takes his last two classes needed to graduate from Baylor University. He will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major concentration in Management Information Systems. The job market is impacting many, as you know, especially new college grads. Please pray for him and others. If you have any IT leads for jobs or even internships, please advise me. Thank you.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
April 25, 2009
Gray Haired Difference Makers In New Orleans
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO READ THE IMPORTANT NOTE AT BOTTOM OF THIS E-MAIL.
"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." Psalm 71:18
A significant portion of the success and backbone of our work in New Orleans is attributable to the spirit of volunteerism displayed among seniors, snowbirds and the gray-headed. I'm talking about folks who are redefining what retirement looks like in America. This cadre of Christ-followers has traded in comfort, at least for a season. A sacrifice of love has replaced the accumulation of comforts. These folks are making Jesus look glorious as they fight the fight, finish the race and keep the faith. They lead teams, answer phones, repair tools, scout out projects, handle administration, pray prayers, cook and host teams.
One of the great needs we have today is for long-term and short-term staff. Would you please pray and say "Here I am Lord, send me." "Lord, is it me that you want to spend some time in Louisiana?" Please call our office at 985/893-0218 to get some additional information.
These stories inspire me - maybe they will you too.
Ralph Winter
"Most men don't die of old age, they die of retirement." I read somewhere that half of the men retiring in the state of New York die within two years. Save your life and you'll lose it. Just like other drugs and other psychological addictions, retirement is a virulent disease, not a blessing...
Where in the Bible do they see (retirement)? Did Moses retire? Did Paul retire? Peter? John? Do military officers retire in the middle of a war?"
Charles Simeon
"Simeon was the pastor of Trinity Church, Cambridge, two hundred years ago. He learned a very painful lesson about God's attitude toward his 'retirement.' In 1807, after twenty-five years of ministry at Trinity Church, his health broke when he was forty-seven. He became very weak and had to take an extended leave from his labor. Handley Moule recounts the fascinating story of what God was doing in Simeon's life.
"'The broken condition lasted with variations for thirteen years, till he was just sixty, and then it passed away quite suddenly and without any evident physical cause. He was on his last visit to Scotland - in 1819, and found himself, to his great surprise, just as he crossed the border, "almost as perceptibly renewed in strength as the woman was after she had touched the hem of our Lord's garment."
"'He says that he had been promising himself, before he began to break down, a very active life up to sixty, and then a Sabbath evening (retirement!); and that now he seemed to hear his Master saying: "I laid you aside, because you entertained with satisfaction the thought of resting from your labour; but now you have arrived at the very period when you had promised yourself that satisfaction, and have determined instead to spend your strength for me to the latest hour of your life. I have doubled, trebled, quadrupled your strength, that you may execute your desire on a more extended plan."
"How many Christians set their sights on a "Sabbath evening" of life - resting, playing, traveling, etc. - the world's substitute for heaven since the world does not believe that there will be a heaven beyond the grave. The mindset of our peers is that we must reward ourselves now in this life for the long years of our labor. Eternal rest and joy after death is an irrelevant consideration. When you don't believe in heaven to come and you are not content in the glory of Christ now, you will seek the kind of retirement that the world seeks. But what a strange reward for a Christian to set his sights on! Twenty years of leisure(!) while living in the midst of the Last Days of infinite consequence for millions of people who need Christ. What a tragic way to finish the last mile before entering the presence of the King who finished his last mile so differently!" (Rethinking Retirement, by John Piper, p. 25-26)
Isn't it better to go out with your boots on for Jesus than ride a 3-wheeled bicycle in Florida? Is the American dream of retirement with 20 years of leisure, golf and puttering around the yard biblical?
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
P.S. The Crisis Response Center has a roof now! Teams are abounding! Spring breakers are great.
This note from Mark Lewis - "We got sad news recently, as we found out that the donated sheet rock a partner agency had been supplying, and that we had been using for the last 2 years in some of the neediest families homes, is part of the batch of the contaminated Chinese sheetrock that has been in the national news. We have already gutted 4 homes, including Miss Sims's and the Quad, and have several more to go, including ones that are completely finished. If you would be interested in donating towards the material and associated costs to REDO these homes, you can send a check payable to EFCA to:
Katrina Sheetrock
19380 N.10th St.; Covington, LA 70433"
April 8, 2009
Crisis Response Building Becomes a Reality
The new Crisis Response Building is beginning to tower over the containers and equipment center at Trinity. The slab is down. The steel is up. Doors are in. Windows will be installed soon. The roof will go on soon after. It is happening. We thank God. The Grand Opening is expected in either July or August.
Once the shell is up, we need skilled help to assist as much as possible with self-help projects in the interior of the building. Teams are flourishing once again at Trinity as many spring-breaker's are part of the volunteer revolution. Our renovation plans for the Worship Center and the Adult Wing is picking up momentum. Once the Compassion staff moves into the new building, the renovation plans will kick into high gear in Trinity's main building. The time has come. Some visitors have commented on the appearance and smell. It's been worth it, but the refurbishing will be nice.
We still lack $16,219 to do the whole renovation project that includes new chairs and carpet, kitchen and refurbishing the old Compassion offices, a bathroom refreshening, etc. Keep praying and give if God leads.
Great things are still happening. Here's one more example as told by our director, Mark Lewis;
"Nate and Cindy came to New Orleans with their home church, Hershey EFC, to show the love of Christ to those in need. Twice. The first time started a friendship. The second time they were engaged. They were impacted by the principles of Holistic Ministry they learned while serving with TouchGlobal Crisis Response, loving individuals unconditionally, focusing on relationships, not work, and demonstrating and proclaiming the Gospel.
"After getting married, they chose, as have other couples from Hershey Free, to move into a distressed part of the city of Harrisburg - to express the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. They have been intentionally seeking ways to connect with neighbors and transform both their part of the world, and the eternal destiny of those in that world. They have influence in the lives of their neighbors, families, community, city leaders and media.
"Do not underestimate the Kingdom significance or the influence you have in the 'where He has you or the what He has you doing' in your context."
Here's what they have been up to recently:
"God is doing some amazing things in our lives here in Harrisburg. Cindy and I are leading another neighborhood cleanup tomorrow (Saturday, March 21st at 10am-2pm). It has been encouraging that one of our neighbors, Charles, has been highly involved in this planning process. He has made phone calls, etc., for us. We have also established extensive contacts with Harrisburg City to have them help us. It is cool because the city understands that they cannot accomplish their goals without our help. We can't do it without them either, so we are developing a partnership. I filled out the paperwork today to "adopt-a-block." I wanted you to know that things are rolling and for you to pray for us.
Specific prayer requests in regards to developing relationships;
1. I would take specific opportunities that God is providing to share Christ with our neighbors.
2. We would find other Christian couples on our street that love Jesus as much as we do."
See this video from the local news:
http://www.whptv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?articleID=140052
Have Wonderful Easter.
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael |
