Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
The Folded Napkin
The Folded Napkin .
A Truckers Story (If this doesn't light your fire, your wood is wet!!!)
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His
placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy.
But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted
one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie.
He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and
thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my
trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as
long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade.
The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy
college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their
silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop
germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think
every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people
would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first
few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff
wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck
regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought
of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh
and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt
and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee
spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table. Our only problem was
persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were
finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one
foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then
he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto
his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his
rag.
If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added
concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to
love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was
disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social
Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their
social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had
fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was
probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie
being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place
that morning last September, the first morning in three years that Stevie
missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something
put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome
often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and
there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and
be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when
word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.
Annie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in
the aisle when she heard the good news.
Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight
of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his
table.
Annie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Annie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was
the surgery about?"
Annie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at
his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: "Yeah, I'm glad he is going
to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to
handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it
is." Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Annie hurried off to wait on
the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to
replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing
their own tables that day until we decided what to do.
After the morning rush, Annie walked into my office. She had a couple
of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting
cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting
there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and
tucked under a coffee cup."
She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when
I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something
For Stevie".
"Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him
about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony
looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another
paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two
$50 bills were tucked within its folds. Annie looked at me with wet, shiny
eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Christmas eve, the first day Stevie
is supposed to be back to work.
His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor
said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He
called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful
that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to
have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and
invited them both to celebrate his day back.
Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed
through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing
cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother
by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back,
breakfast for you and your mother is on me!" I led them toward a large
corner booth at the rear of the room.
I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we
marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth
after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped
in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups,
saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded
paper napkins. "First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess,"
I said. I tried to sound stern.
Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the
napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he
picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath
the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to
his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table,
all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems.
"Merry Christmas".
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and
shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.
But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands
and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy
clearing all the cups and dishes from the table.
Best worker I ever hired.
Plant a seed and watch it grow.
At this point, you can bury this inspirational message or forward it,
fulfilling the need!
If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.
May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart and help you to enjoy
this joyous time of the year. Spend this time with your family, friends and
loved ones and don't forget those less fortumate than you!
Well.. Don't just sit there! Send this story on! Keep it going, this is
a good one!
A Truckers Story (If this doesn't light your fire, your wood is wet!!!)
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His
placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy.
But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted
one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie.
He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and
thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my
trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as
long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade.
The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy
college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their
silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop
germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think
every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people
would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first
few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff
wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck
regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought
of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh
and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt
and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee
spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table. Our only problem was
persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were
finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one
foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then
he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto
his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his
rag.
If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added
concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to
love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was
disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social
Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their
social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had
fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was
probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie
being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place
that morning last September, the first morning in three years that Stevie
missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something
put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome
often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and
there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and
be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when
word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.
Annie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in
the aisle when she heard the good news.
Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight
of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his
table.
Annie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Annie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was
the surgery about?"
Annie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at
his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: "Yeah, I'm glad he is going
to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to
handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it
is." Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Annie hurried off to wait on
the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to
replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing
their own tables that day until we decided what to do.
After the morning rush, Annie walked into my office. She had a couple
of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting
cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting
there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and
tucked under a coffee cup."
She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when
I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something
For Stevie".
"Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him
about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony
looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another
paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two
$50 bills were tucked within its folds. Annie looked at me with wet, shiny
eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Christmas eve, the first day Stevie
is supposed to be back to work.
His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor
said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He
called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful
that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to
have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and
invited them both to celebrate his day back.
Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed
through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing
cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother
by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back,
breakfast for you and your mother is on me!" I led them toward a large
corner booth at the rear of the room.
I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we
marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth
after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped
in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups,
saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded
paper napkins. "First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess,"
I said. I tried to sound stern.
Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the
napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he
picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath
the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to
his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table,
all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems.
"Merry Christmas".
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and
shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.
But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands
and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy
clearing all the cups and dishes from the table.
Best worker I ever hired.
Plant a seed and watch it grow.
At this point, you can bury this inspirational message or forward it,
fulfilling the need!
If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.
May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart and help you to enjoy
this joyous time of the year. Spend this time with your family, friends and
loved ones and don't forget those less fortumate than you!
Well.. Don't just sit there! Send this story on! Keep it going, this is
a good one!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Chirripo Costa Rica.....
This is from our Language school days. We had climbed to the highest point in Costa Rica and was able to see another one of God's amazing views. We were able to see both Atlantic and Pacific ocean at the same time.
We started at 4000 feet and slepted at 10,000 feet. The next morning we got up before dawn and finished the 2000 more feet to see the sun rise. God is amazing. I love him more and more each day.
We started at 4000 feet and slepted at 10,000 feet. The next morning we got up before dawn and finished the 2000 more feet to see the sun rise. God is amazing. I love him more and more each day.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Dad
I wrote this sometime ago and pulled it off the post for some personal reasons. I was written long before we found out that he had cancer. He died from the complications of the cancer.
My Dad passed away this pass Saturday morning on November 4, 2006. I'm pretty sure he never read this post, he wasn't much on reading or looking at the web. But we do feel confident that he knew the Lord. We made it home for the funeral and are staying till after Thanksgiving. For the ones that knew Dad loved him. I could write more but....well it's just best I leave it at that. I loved him. In that face you see are many years of hard work. I was able to share about 12 years of that work with him. I feel very fortunate to have been able to have done so. I love you.
"I'm not good writing and I realize this. So bare with me as I try do pay tribute to my dad. My dad and I were able to talk the other night for a short time. We both came to tears as we recalled our times together when I was at home. My dad so misses our kids and can't bring himself to talk to them because each time he comes to tears.
I was so privilege to have been able to work along side my dad for many years in the Masonry business. He taught me how to work. Even now I have no doubt that my Dad can work me into the ground. He knows how to get the job done. He is a problem solver. And I hope I can be the problem solver that he is now.
I love my dad. I love the way he pays attention to details when it comes to work.
I love my dad in the ways that he helps people when they are down.
I love my dad in the ways that he loves my kids.
I love my dad in the ways that he loves my wife. And most of all
I love my dad in the ways that he loves me.
I'm not sure if my dad will read this. I hope one day that he will.
I'm not sure if my dad knows Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. That is not for me to judge. My dad knows whether or not if he knows the Lord. And the Lord knows.
I love my dad for how people view my dad.
At one point I think my dad thought I was taking his grandkids away from him but that is not the reason. We have come to the mission field because my dad also taught me to be obedient. I want to be obedient to my Father in Heaven. I come to the field to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
My prayer is that he will understand this. I don't mean this in an arrogant or sarcastic way. My dad will understand this more clearly when he aligns himself with what the Word of God says.
Dad I love you and I thank you for all you have done for me. You have taught me to work, to be faithful and to be obedient.
I will always remember the good times and the bad, we had working together. We will be home soon to visit."
We did get to visit him in September before he passed in November.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support.
My Dad passed away this pass Saturday morning on November 4, 2006. I'm pretty sure he never read this post, he wasn't much on reading or looking at the web. But we do feel confident that he knew the Lord. We made it home for the funeral and are staying till after Thanksgiving. For the ones that knew Dad loved him. I could write more but....well it's just best I leave it at that. I loved him. In that face you see are many years of hard work. I was able to share about 12 years of that work with him. I feel very fortunate to have been able to have done so. I love you.
"I'm not good writing and I realize this. So bare with me as I try do pay tribute to my dad. My dad and I were able to talk the other night for a short time. We both came to tears as we recalled our times together when I was at home. My dad so misses our kids and can't bring himself to talk to them because each time he comes to tears.
I was so privilege to have been able to work along side my dad for many years in the Masonry business. He taught me how to work. Even now I have no doubt that my Dad can work me into the ground. He knows how to get the job done. He is a problem solver. And I hope I can be the problem solver that he is now.
I love my dad. I love the way he pays attention to details when it comes to work.
I love my dad in the ways that he helps people when they are down.
I love my dad in the ways that he loves my kids.
I love my dad in the ways that he loves my wife. And most of all
I love my dad in the ways that he loves me.
I'm not sure if my dad will read this. I hope one day that he will.
I'm not sure if my dad knows Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. That is not for me to judge. My dad knows whether or not if he knows the Lord. And the Lord knows.
I love my dad for how people view my dad.
At one point I think my dad thought I was taking his grandkids away from him but that is not the reason. We have come to the mission field because my dad also taught me to be obedient. I want to be obedient to my Father in Heaven. I come to the field to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
My prayer is that he will understand this. I don't mean this in an arrogant or sarcastic way. My dad will understand this more clearly when he aligns himself with what the Word of God says.
Dad I love you and I thank you for all you have done for me. You have taught me to work, to be faithful and to be obedient.
I will always remember the good times and the bad, we had working together. We will be home soon to visit."
We did get to visit him in September before he passed in November.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Getting back to the Basics.
The fact that I haven’t posted in a while??? Well many factors, time, direction and probably most of all confidence. I read all my favorites and realize I just don’t have the ability to write the way they do. I know once I get past that I will write more frequently and share more about what God is doing in our life.
I guess I need to change the name of this blog due to that we have completed our first year at our place of appointment. It has flown by. Touched by many ups and downs. Meeting many different people, tasting many different foods, experiencing different cultures. God has many reasons why he has put us here, one that I can see, is that we are here to see the lostness not only of Treinta y Tres but of the world. For me to reexamine my direction in my life personally and the direction I take my family. Each day I realize how precious my family is to me and how I haven’t taken them seriously enough. I’m thankful that God has looked after them a lot better than I have. His promises are so evident each day. Thank you Jesus for you Mercy and Love.
These past 3 or 4 weeks we were able to go home to visit. (First time in about two years.) What a blessing it was to be able to visit family and friends. To hug my mama, ride bikes with my brother and to find counsel with my pastor. And one of the tuff things was to see my Dad. It was a shock to see him eat away to nothing. If you didn’t know he is fighting cancer. Fighting is probably not a good word more like battling, to all the cancer soldiers; I deeply love you for your attitude to fight this disease. We returned to the field not knowing what God will allow to happen. My dad’s hope is to be able to lay brick again, my hope is the same but more than that I’m thankful I find comfort knowing that God is in control. A saying from a friend that has so rung true in these past days. A song that speaks to me as well, “His Eye is On the Sparrow”. And many parts of God’s Word I find comfort.
Happy is the worshipper of the Lord, who is walking in his ways.
2 You will have the fruit of the work of your hands: happy will you be, and all will be well for you.
3 Your wife will be like a fertile vine in the inmost parts of your house: your children will be like olive plants round your table.
4 See! this is the blessing of the worshipper of the Lord.
5 May the Lord send you blessing out of Zion: may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6 May you see your children's children. Peace be on Israel.
Psalms 128:1-6 (BBE)
This is just one picture of many that I want to share. This my best friend doing what she does best. I love you babe!
I guess I need to change the name of this blog due to that we have completed our first year at our place of appointment. It has flown by. Touched by many ups and downs. Meeting many different people, tasting many different foods, experiencing different cultures. God has many reasons why he has put us here, one that I can see, is that we are here to see the lostness not only of Treinta y Tres but of the world. For me to reexamine my direction in my life personally and the direction I take my family. Each day I realize how precious my family is to me and how I haven’t taken them seriously enough. I’m thankful that God has looked after them a lot better than I have. His promises are so evident each day. Thank you Jesus for you Mercy and Love.
These past 3 or 4 weeks we were able to go home to visit. (First time in about two years.) What a blessing it was to be able to visit family and friends. To hug my mama, ride bikes with my brother and to find counsel with my pastor. And one of the tuff things was to see my Dad. It was a shock to see him eat away to nothing. If you didn’t know he is fighting cancer. Fighting is probably not a good word more like battling, to all the cancer soldiers; I deeply love you for your attitude to fight this disease. We returned to the field not knowing what God will allow to happen. My dad’s hope is to be able to lay brick again, my hope is the same but more than that I’m thankful I find comfort knowing that God is in control. A saying from a friend that has so rung true in these past days. A song that speaks to me as well, “His Eye is On the Sparrow”. And many parts of God’s Word I find comfort.
Happy is the worshipper of the Lord, who is walking in his ways.
2 You will have the fruit of the work of your hands: happy will you be, and all will be well for you.
3 Your wife will be like a fertile vine in the inmost parts of your house: your children will be like olive plants round your table.
4 See! this is the blessing of the worshipper of the Lord.
5 May the Lord send you blessing out of Zion: may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6 May you see your children's children. Peace be on Israel.
Psalms 128:1-6 (BBE)
This is just one picture of many that I want to share. This my best friend doing what she does best. I love you babe!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Our First Volunteer Group!!!!
Wow!!!
What a great time we had with the Carlton Rivers group from Georgia. They arrived on Saturday at noon. We got a bite to eat then off to "33". They rested Saturday then they ministered to the Sunday school classes at our church. That evening they handled the worship service with one their team members singing and leading in the Spanish music. Monday we Prayer Walked all day. They were bushed and reading for some rest. Tuesday we got an early start. We headed to where they minister last year and they reacquainted themselves with the group. That evening we were invited to a public salon (public gathering place). To share with the children of the barrio. We puppets, and gave bags of goodies and tracks. That night we showed a movie. We didn't see any decisions but it was a good time making contacts and building relationships. We headed back that night which was about an hour drive. Wednesday morning we got up and headed to the capitol city of Montevideo. They took a 3 hour city tour. Ate supper and off to bed for a good night sleep before the long travel day on Thursday back to the States.
They were a fantastic first group. The minister and loved on the people. It was a blessing to all.
If all the Churches would get actively involved like this one. Wow what a difference we could make in the Kingdom.
What a great time we had with the Carlton Rivers group from Georgia. They arrived on Saturday at noon. We got a bite to eat then off to "33". They rested Saturday then they ministered to the Sunday school classes at our church. That evening they handled the worship service with one their team members singing and leading in the Spanish music. Monday we Prayer Walked all day. They were bushed and reading for some rest. Tuesday we got an early start. We headed to where they minister last year and they reacquainted themselves with the group. That evening we were invited to a public salon (public gathering place). To share with the children of the barrio. We puppets, and gave bags of goodies and tracks. That night we showed a movie. We didn't see any decisions but it was a good time making contacts and building relationships. We headed back that night which was about an hour drive. Wednesday morning we got up and headed to the capitol city of Montevideo. They took a 3 hour city tour. Ate supper and off to bed for a good night sleep before the long travel day on Thursday back to the States.
They were a fantastic first group. The minister and loved on the people. It was a blessing to all.
If all the Churches would get actively involved like this one. Wow what a difference we could make in the Kingdom.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Does it Matter?
Does it matter...?
I wonder does it matter what we do if God already knows what is going to happen. We evangelize but God knows who is going to follow. According to several of my friends. And the discussions we have at the end of discussing how we are going to plan an event. I hear these words "well what ever we do it doesn't matter because God is in control". I agree God is in control but does it matter/ I'm not sure who comes by my blog but if you have some thoughts please I would love to hear them.
I wonder does it matter what we do if God already knows what is going to happen. We evangelize but God knows who is going to follow. According to several of my friends. And the discussions we have at the end of discussing how we are going to plan an event. I hear these words "well what ever we do it doesn't matter because God is in control". I agree God is in control but does it matter/ I'm not sure who comes by my blog but if you have some thoughts please I would love to hear them.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Teresa and the cutie.
We made some new friends in Argentina as well. And the little girl was cutie. Not only the little blonde girl but the one she is holding as well.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
One of those biggest fears.
| I guess one of the biggest fears that you face, or I face anyway, as a missionary is that time when your parent or parents will pass on. No one has passed in my family but a scare has happened. My dad is in ICU with blood clots in his lungs. Everything is stable and I’m praising God. But back to the topic... I can still look back at the days I didn't have that hope in the Lord. When I didn't think about what will happen after death. Or what will happen to my loved ones after this time on earth. Will I see them in eternity? Man, how do people without that Hope live with those thoughts? I am so thankful for the Hope I have and the peace I have in the Lord. I read something today from A.W. Tozer that said.” God cannot use a man until he has hurt him deeply.” I don’t have the whole context to what he was writing. So I wonder is that a general statement or was he referring to something specific? When my brother told me of the news of my dad, a world of questions went through my head. Did I witness to him enough, hard enough, or direct enough. Are the ones that believe my dad is saved, from knowing him in his younger years, are they right? Just one of the fears we face on the field. I’m thankful for our Lord… 27 May peace be with you; my peace I give to you: I give it not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled; let it be without fear. John 14:27 (BBE) |
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Some thoughts or Questions.
Why is it that most missionaries go home during the first year on the field?
Why do so many suffer during their first year on the field?
Why do kids not want to go to Sunday School at their church?
Why do the missionaries find it hard to accept the way the church is worshiping?
Are there answers or are these things that we have to accept?
I read Step’s blog on https://www.blogger.com/atom/19596668 “Some of us shouldn’t be here”. And I have posed that question to myself. Should I be here?
Looking at the first question….I think I will be very open here and share what I’ve been going through as of late. At the moment my wife and I are as far apart emotionally as we have ever been. When back in the states when would get to this point we always blamed it on the fact we didn’t spend enough time together. We would spend time together, work on our relationship and things would flourish once more. Now on the field we spend more than enough time together. Where is the break down? I think we have started rebuilding but we both don’t seem to be eager about doing it. I think she is dealing with some emotional stuff and I know I am. Now before everyone gets worked up and says “oh, just give it over to God” or “You are not where you need to be with God” or any other spiritual answer, I have been and will continue to pray and study with God on what I should do next. When at home I would always talk with my close friend/pastor and my wife would do the same. We would talk together about issues that we dealing with about each other and work them out. We have done that as well, most of the issues dealt with me and I agreed that I needed to change some things. Marriages go through the ups and downs. I know this. Maybe I’m over reacting. Maybe I’m using this form of communication to vent. Or Maybe God is going to teach me not to be so transparent to the world. This is probably God’s intent. I’m sure I will find out within a few days. But this is real stuff. Living on the field is not a bed of Roses. My pastor always said that Ministry was all about Pain and Sacrifice. I only thought ministry was tough in the States.
Now the next question….Why do so many suffer during the first year on the field?
Well let’s eliminate the first year if you went to language school. For us that wasn’t much of a transition. It was like living in a big city in the states and you were confined to “little Latin America”. The next year that you are actually at your place of service that is the first year. I only say this for clarification. Now let’s eliminate the culture. I know this adds to the mix but I don’t want to talk about that in this post. Let look at the church aspect of it. First we have been advised not to get involved with any leadership positions. We have been advised to only participate on the level of helping with small projects but not to teach, lead or have any direct impact. (Financially speaking). So at the moment our Baptist church is about as dead as you get. I don’t see any spiritual growth. I don’t see them worshipping God in such a way I think is pleasing to Him. And if I was a visitor seeking God, I wouldn’t see him there. Now my next statement might alarm some but by no means does it state my doctrinal view. But if I (visitor) was searching and come across a congregation that was enjoying God’s love and expressing it in such a way that I thought it was pleasing to God I believe I would have to go there. Now that those churches do not stand doctrinally where I stand so as a mature believer I choose not to worship there even though it is tempting.
Now with our kids they don’t want to go to the Sunday School. Our girl doesn’t like to go because the other kids are so disorderly and boys hit girls and it is permitted. So we struggle with making her go. Our son doesn’t like to go youth functions because basically it is not any better than the Sunday services. Dead as a door nail. Now I was taught if you not going to help be a solution to the problem. Do not complain. Well I’m not complaining just stating the facts. I would love to be a solution to the problem but I’m not allowed and I’m not the pastor. (I wasn’t a pastor in the states either so I doubt I could help in that area any way).
Well this has been long enough. I apologize if this has been like rambling. I didn’t answer all the questions. But have touched some. Maybe I post another later.
I know God wants to teach me something. Maybe he is showing me that I’m one of those that don’t need to be on the Mission Field.
Why do so many suffer during their first year on the field?
Why do kids not want to go to Sunday School at their church?
Why do the missionaries find it hard to accept the way the church is worshiping?
Are there answers or are these things that we have to accept?
I read Step’s blog on https://www.blogger.com/atom/19596668 “Some of us shouldn’t be here”. And I have posed that question to myself. Should I be here?
Looking at the first question….I think I will be very open here and share what I’ve been going through as of late. At the moment my wife and I are as far apart emotionally as we have ever been. When back in the states when would get to this point we always blamed it on the fact we didn’t spend enough time together. We would spend time together, work on our relationship and things would flourish once more. Now on the field we spend more than enough time together. Where is the break down? I think we have started rebuilding but we both don’t seem to be eager about doing it. I think she is dealing with some emotional stuff and I know I am. Now before everyone gets worked up and says “oh, just give it over to God” or “You are not where you need to be with God” or any other spiritual answer, I have been and will continue to pray and study with God on what I should do next. When at home I would always talk with my close friend/pastor and my wife would do the same. We would talk together about issues that we dealing with about each other and work them out. We have done that as well, most of the issues dealt with me and I agreed that I needed to change some things. Marriages go through the ups and downs. I know this. Maybe I’m over reacting. Maybe I’m using this form of communication to vent. Or Maybe God is going to teach me not to be so transparent to the world. This is probably God’s intent. I’m sure I will find out within a few days. But this is real stuff. Living on the field is not a bed of Roses. My pastor always said that Ministry was all about Pain and Sacrifice. I only thought ministry was tough in the States.
Now the next question….Why do so many suffer during the first year on the field?
Well let’s eliminate the first year if you went to language school. For us that wasn’t much of a transition. It was like living in a big city in the states and you were confined to “little Latin America”. The next year that you are actually at your place of service that is the first year. I only say this for clarification. Now let’s eliminate the culture. I know this adds to the mix but I don’t want to talk about that in this post. Let look at the church aspect of it. First we have been advised not to get involved with any leadership positions. We have been advised to only participate on the level of helping with small projects but not to teach, lead or have any direct impact. (Financially speaking). So at the moment our Baptist church is about as dead as you get. I don’t see any spiritual growth. I don’t see them worshipping God in such a way I think is pleasing to Him. And if I was a visitor seeking God, I wouldn’t see him there. Now my next statement might alarm some but by no means does it state my doctrinal view. But if I (visitor) was searching and come across a congregation that was enjoying God’s love and expressing it in such a way that I thought it was pleasing to God I believe I would have to go there. Now that those churches do not stand doctrinally where I stand so as a mature believer I choose not to worship there even though it is tempting.
Now with our kids they don’t want to go to the Sunday School. Our girl doesn’t like to go because the other kids are so disorderly and boys hit girls and it is permitted. So we struggle with making her go. Our son doesn’t like to go youth functions because basically it is not any better than the Sunday services. Dead as a door nail. Now I was taught if you not going to help be a solution to the problem. Do not complain. Well I’m not complaining just stating the facts. I would love to be a solution to the problem but I’m not allowed and I’m not the pastor. (I wasn’t a pastor in the states either so I doubt I could help in that area any way).
Well this has been long enough. I apologize if this has been like rambling. I didn’t answer all the questions. But have touched some. Maybe I post another later.
I know God wants to teach me something. Maybe he is showing me that I’m one of those that don’t need to be on the Mission Field.
Friday, June 09, 2006
A Busy Time!!!
| It has been a while I know. We spent the last few days of May getting ready to leave for Argentina. Our Church came down to Argentina to work with the Word of Life bunch. We made plans to go and meet and minister with them there. It was a great time. We were there for about 8 days. We were able to see our pastor and his wife. Reinstablish some friendships and make new ones. The Church brought down a great team this year. I was impressed with all of them. But one of the guys really sticks out. His name was Adam. He has M.S. He could use every excuse not to come. Yet he came with enthusiasm, love and a willingness to be used. He has a heart of gold and I pray that he will reach many people for Christ. In working with this WoL group in Argentina, they are trying to teach the churches to evangelize by going door to door. It is a new concept but they seemed to really enjoy talking with the people. They had several of the young leaders interested in sharing their faith door to door. I was encouraged as we were sharing at the homes they (young leaders) were taking notes. I really think they have got a lock on what direction they want to go. In this door to door campain, we shared the Gospel with over 600 people and over 200 of those excepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. I have no doubts they will do a great job in following up with all the decisions. They have a missionary there from the WoL , named Will Herndan (Hope I spelled it right). He really has a passion to see all of Cordaba touched with the Gospel. |
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