This is my friend Jonathan explaining an agricultural project in Southern Ethiopia to prevent children from being sold into slavery, working in sweatshops, or ending up on the streets of Addis Ababa. This was an interesting concept for me - I know it is not a new concept, but brilliant, nonetheless. Yes, we need to do everything we can to help street kids, orphans, and widows in the big cities of third world countries. However, preventative action is even better! How can we help these families so that they might not ever reach the point of desperation in the first place? Instead of staying downstream and trying to manage the flood waters, how can we work upstream to prevent the influx of people who come to the cities because they have no other option? Take a look at the video, and if you are interested, please go to http://theforsakenchildren.org/.
04 June 2009
03 June 2009
Ephrem's Story
Meet my friend, Ephrem. He lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am planning to visit him in October on a Ministry Overview Project. We will visit 8-10 ministries in one week to see how God is already at work in Ethiopia. Please let me know if you are interested in more details.
05 March 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
I loved the movie, “Slumdog Millionaire.” If you haven’t seen it, you really should. The more I learn about the movie, the more I LOVE it! I have never been to
Did you know two of the beautiful children in the movie are really kids who live on the streets of Mumbai? Can you imagine these families and their response as the casting director asked for their children to star in a
I understand their concern….however; I think this is a beautiful picture of what God does for us. I think this the essence of grace, unmerited favor. Out of the miry slums and tin shacks of Mumbai, two children are selected to star in a movie, walk on the red carpet on Oscar Night, go on stage at the Oscar’s to receive their Academy Award for Best Picture, and top of their journey with a trip to Disney Land!
If you have ever had the privilege to minister to orphans and street children, perhaps your heart skipped a beat when you watched Slumdog, as well. God has broken my heart for children just like Rubina Ali and Azhruddin Mohammed. More than 2,000 times the Bible mentions caring for the poor. Taking care of orphans and widows is central to having a heart like Christ. Go watch the movie. Then, pray about how God wants to use YOU to make a difference.
10 February 2009
God's Heart for Children
Understanding God's Heart for Children
I was doing some research and ran across this from Viva Network (http://www.viva.org/)
They have spent some time working on a biblical framework document with respect to God's attitude to children. It is still a work in progress, but I think it does a good job of biblically supporting God's heart for children. Check it out.....
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S HEART - BIBLICAL FRAMEWORK
Childswickham, September 8th, 2004
1. God creates every unique person as a child with dignity.
We all begin life as children, created in the image of God. Children are born fully human, with identity and purpose. The journey of childhood is part of God’s plan. All people reflect God’s image through living in loving community with him and one another. Children most fully express their God-given dignity in glorifying Him.
God intends that no one prevent a child’s life from fulfilling His purpose. Respecting the image of God in every child demands a Christ-like response to nurture them throughout childhood.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 1:26-31; 2:18-25 (creation)
• Ex. 22• Ps. 8• Ps. 139• Ecc. 11:9• Jer. 29
• Mt. 18:1-10 (“millstone,” welcoming children)
• Mt. 21:15-16• Jas. 1:27
2. Children need parental love in a broken world.
God’s design is for each child to be born, vulnerable and dependent, to loving parents within the covenant of marriage. God’s desire is for each child to grow in this secure, caring environment. In a fallen world, people and relationships can be damaged. When parents struggle to fulfil their intended role, others must provide dedicated care for them and their children.
God intends for all children to be raised by at least one loving, committed adult.
Some biblical references:
• Ps. 68:5 (Father to the fatherless)
• Ps. 127:4• Prov. 17:6; 22:6• Hos. 11:1-8 (Ephraim)
• Zeph. 3:14• Mt. 1; Luke 2 (Nativity story)
• Eph. 6:1-4• Col. 3:20
3. God gives children as a gift to welcome and nurture.
It is a privilege to join with children in celebrating their uniqueness, embracing childhood as formative for the whole person. Family, friends, church and the local community are responsible for creating an environment that promotes children’s well-being.
God intends for children to thrive in stable and loving relationships.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 21:17-20; 30:17-20• 1 Sam. 2
• Ps. 127-128• Prov. 22:6• Hos. 11:1-4
• Zech. 6:1-9• Mt. 18:1-14• Luke 1:47-56, 67-79; 2:52
• Eph. 4:32; 5:1,2• 1 Thes. 2:7-12• 1 Tim. 4:12
4. Society has a God-given responsibility for the well-being of children and families.
All children and families live in society and are dependent on institutions for healthcare, shelter, access to social services, safe drinking water, information and safety. The church must collaborate with these institutions for the common good, and if they fail, the church must speak and act with and on behalf of the vulnerable.
God intends children to flourish in a just society.
Some biblical references:
• Dt. 6; 10:18• 1 Sam. 8:1-22
• Ps. 89:14• Prov. 28:5• Is. 10:1-3 (curse for unjust)
• Is. 28:17; 58• Lam. 2:19• Amos• Mic. 6:8
• Mt. 5-7• Mt. 25 (goats and sheep)
• Rom. 13:1-7• Jas. 1:27
5. Children are a promise of hope for every generation.
Each generation has a unique contribution in God’s purposes for human history. Children have been shaped by the history of their community, are living fully in the present moment, and will reshape their community for the future.
God intends that each generation will extend faith and fullness of life to the next. God intends that this generation grasp the centrality of children to his purposes for our time.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 15:5; 16:10 (Isaac, Ishmael)
• Gen. 25:19-24 (Jacob and Esau)
• Gen. 48:15-49:28 (Jacob’s blessings and curses)
• Dt. 11:18-21 (teaching children)
• 2 Kgs. 22:1-2 (Josiah)• Est. 4:14• Ps. 2:8
• Ps. 90:1 (“shelter to every generation”)
• Ps. 127:3• Mt. 1 (genealogies)• Mt. 9:15-17; Luke 5:38 (“new wine”)
• Heb. 13:7 (“Alpha and Omega”)
6. God welcomes children fully into the family of faith.
Children are essential to the life and ministry of the church, bringing spiritual gifts and abilities and fulfilling definite roles. The church needs to be a place where children may dynamically connect with God and engage in meaningful participation; discipled, equipped and empowered for life and ministry. As members of the family of God, children are to be cared for as sons and daughters and are part of the admonition to love and serve one another.
God intends for churches to provide children with opportunities to know him and fulfil their calling in the body of Christ.
Some biblical references:
• 2 Kgs. 22:1-2 (Josiah)• Ps. 8:2
• Matt. 5:1-19 (“Bless them that persecute you”; Beatitudes)
• Matt. 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48 (Jesus welcoming a little child)
• Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
• Matt. 21:12-16; • Luke 2:41-50 (Jesus in temple, knowing Father’s work)
• Rom. 12:4-16 (one anothers, body of Christ)• Rom. 15:7 (welcome one another)
• Eph. 4:32; 5:21 (be kind; submit to one another)
7. Children are essential to the mission of God.
God desires every child in every generation across the world to know Him and make Him known. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus calls the whole Church to reconcile relationships: with God, with family, with community and with society.
God intends that His Church be a witness in every community of His transforming power, so that His purpose for every child can be accomplished.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 12:2-4 (Abrahamic Covenant)
• Is. 6:8 (“Whom shall I send?”)
• Is. 61:1-4• Mt. 22:37-39; Lk. 10:25-37 (Great Commandment)
• Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-18, 20; Lk. 4:16-20; Jn. 20:21 (Great Commission passages)
• Jn. 3:16• Rom. 12:4-5 (“We are one body.”)
• 2 Cor. 5: (“ministry of reconciliation”)
• Rev. (whole creation waits in anticipation)
I was doing some research and ran across this from Viva Network (http://www.viva.org/)
They have spent some time working on a biblical framework document with respect to God's attitude to children. It is still a work in progress, but I think it does a good job of biblically supporting God's heart for children. Check it out.....
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S HEART - BIBLICAL FRAMEWORK
Childswickham, September 8th, 2004
1. God creates every unique person as a child with dignity.
We all begin life as children, created in the image of God. Children are born fully human, with identity and purpose. The journey of childhood is part of God’s plan. All people reflect God’s image through living in loving community with him and one another. Children most fully express their God-given dignity in glorifying Him.
God intends that no one prevent a child’s life from fulfilling His purpose. Respecting the image of God in every child demands a Christ-like response to nurture them throughout childhood.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 1:26-31; 2:18-25 (creation)
• Ex. 22• Ps. 8• Ps. 139• Ecc. 11:9• Jer. 29
• Mt. 18:1-10 (“millstone,” welcoming children)
• Mt. 21:15-16• Jas. 1:27
2. Children need parental love in a broken world.
God’s design is for each child to be born, vulnerable and dependent, to loving parents within the covenant of marriage. God’s desire is for each child to grow in this secure, caring environment. In a fallen world, people and relationships can be damaged. When parents struggle to fulfil their intended role, others must provide dedicated care for them and their children.
God intends for all children to be raised by at least one loving, committed adult.
Some biblical references:
• Ps. 68:5 (Father to the fatherless)
• Ps. 127:4• Prov. 17:6; 22:6• Hos. 11:1-8 (Ephraim)
• Zeph. 3:14• Mt. 1; Luke 2 (Nativity story)
• Eph. 6:1-4• Col. 3:20
3. God gives children as a gift to welcome and nurture.
It is a privilege to join with children in celebrating their uniqueness, embracing childhood as formative for the whole person. Family, friends, church and the local community are responsible for creating an environment that promotes children’s well-being.
God intends for children to thrive in stable and loving relationships.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 21:17-20; 30:17-20• 1 Sam. 2
• Ps. 127-128• Prov. 22:6• Hos. 11:1-4
• Zech. 6:1-9• Mt. 18:1-14• Luke 1:47-56, 67-79; 2:52
• Eph. 4:32; 5:1,2• 1 Thes. 2:7-12• 1 Tim. 4:12
4. Society has a God-given responsibility for the well-being of children and families.
All children and families live in society and are dependent on institutions for healthcare, shelter, access to social services, safe drinking water, information and safety. The church must collaborate with these institutions for the common good, and if they fail, the church must speak and act with and on behalf of the vulnerable.
God intends children to flourish in a just society.
Some biblical references:
• Dt. 6; 10:18• 1 Sam. 8:1-22
• Ps. 89:14• Prov. 28:5• Is. 10:1-3 (curse for unjust)
• Is. 28:17; 58• Lam. 2:19• Amos• Mic. 6:8
• Mt. 5-7• Mt. 25 (goats and sheep)
• Rom. 13:1-7• Jas. 1:27
5. Children are a promise of hope for every generation.
Each generation has a unique contribution in God’s purposes for human history. Children have been shaped by the history of their community, are living fully in the present moment, and will reshape their community for the future.
God intends that each generation will extend faith and fullness of life to the next. God intends that this generation grasp the centrality of children to his purposes for our time.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 15:5; 16:10 (Isaac, Ishmael)
• Gen. 25:19-24 (Jacob and Esau)
• Gen. 48:15-49:28 (Jacob’s blessings and curses)
• Dt. 11:18-21 (teaching children)
• 2 Kgs. 22:1-2 (Josiah)• Est. 4:14• Ps. 2:8
• Ps. 90:1 (“shelter to every generation”)
• Ps. 127:3• Mt. 1 (genealogies)• Mt. 9:15-17; Luke 5:38 (“new wine”)
• Heb. 13:7 (“Alpha and Omega”)
6. God welcomes children fully into the family of faith.
Children are essential to the life and ministry of the church, bringing spiritual gifts and abilities and fulfilling definite roles. The church needs to be a place where children may dynamically connect with God and engage in meaningful participation; discipled, equipped and empowered for life and ministry. As members of the family of God, children are to be cared for as sons and daughters and are part of the admonition to love and serve one another.
God intends for churches to provide children with opportunities to know him and fulfil their calling in the body of Christ.
Some biblical references:
• 2 Kgs. 22:1-2 (Josiah)• Ps. 8:2
• Matt. 5:1-19 (“Bless them that persecute you”; Beatitudes)
• Matt. 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48 (Jesus welcoming a little child)
• Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
• Matt. 21:12-16; • Luke 2:41-50 (Jesus in temple, knowing Father’s work)
• Rom. 12:4-16 (one anothers, body of Christ)• Rom. 15:7 (welcome one another)
• Eph. 4:32; 5:21 (be kind; submit to one another)
7. Children are essential to the mission of God.
God desires every child in every generation across the world to know Him and make Him known. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus calls the whole Church to reconcile relationships: with God, with family, with community and with society.
God intends that His Church be a witness in every community of His transforming power, so that His purpose for every child can be accomplished.
Some biblical references:
• Gen. 12:2-4 (Abrahamic Covenant)
• Is. 6:8 (“Whom shall I send?”)
• Is. 61:1-4• Mt. 22:37-39; Lk. 10:25-37 (Great Commandment)
• Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-18, 20; Lk. 4:16-20; Jn. 20:21 (Great Commission passages)
• Jn. 3:16• Rom. 12:4-5 (“We are one body.”)
• 2 Cor. 5: (“ministry of reconciliation”)
• Rev. (whole creation waits in anticipation)
07 February 2009
Ethiopia Highlight #1
I just returned from my fourth trip to Africa. I will hopefully be posting some of the highlights here along with some of my favorite pictures. Hope you enjoy.....
This if from my journal on January 24th....
I might have had the best day of my trip today (even though it was my first day of ministry). I can't imagine it getting any better. We met with Ephriam, who runs a sports ministry for the street children in the center of Addis Ababa. We went to play sports with the children (which of course I always love). Many of the children are abandoned and actually sleep out on the streets (the youngest one, Hebron, was 5 years old!!) We played soccer, threw Frisbee, and gave the children stickers on their faces. There were lots of laughs, hugs, and smiles.
After we had been there for a few hours, I thought we were leaving to go home. The next thing I knew, twenty of the children hop in our vans and we take them to a restaurant. I can't even explain the looks on their faces when they were told, "GET WHATEVER YOU WANT!" Needless to say, the next half hour was PURE JOY. Cheeseburgers, milkshakes, mango juice, ice cream, and all SMILES! Here is a picture of two of my new friends, Benium and Yunas.
This if from my journal on January 24th....
I might have had the best day of my trip today (even though it was my first day of ministry). I can't imagine it getting any better. We met with Ephriam, who runs a sports ministry for the street children in the center of Addis Ababa. We went to play sports with the children (which of course I always love). Many of the children are abandoned and actually sleep out on the streets (the youngest one, Hebron, was 5 years old!!) We played soccer, threw Frisbee, and gave the children stickers on their faces. There were lots of laughs, hugs, and smiles.
After we had been there for a few hours, I thought we were leaving to go home. The next thing I knew, twenty of the children hop in our vans and we take them to a restaurant. I can't even explain the looks on their faces when they were told, "GET WHATEVER YOU WANT!" Needless to say, the next half hour was PURE JOY. Cheeseburgers, milkshakes, mango juice, ice cream, and all SMILES! Here is a picture of two of my new friends, Benium and Yunas.
16 October 2008
That is ridiculous!!
I love to read about the life of Joshua in the Old Testament. His life was a series of what we would deem "ridiculous" events - each one preparing him for what was around the corner. Each situation grew Joshua in character and (more importantly) faith in God. First, he was able to be mentored by serving under Moses' leadership. He saw firsthand what God could do with a leader who was surrendered.
Once Joshua is put in the leadership position over the Israelites, each absurd task seems to lead to another seemingly ridiculous request. Sometimes we read stories in the Bible and are surprisingly unimpressed with the events that occur. In Joshua 3 he crosses the Jordan at flood stage with thousands of people, and they all cross on dry land. In chapter five, he circumcises grown men with a dull knife (this in itself seems to be miraculous to me). In chapter six, he defeats a city with the high military technique of walking and blowing trumpets. God would tell Joshua something to do. Joshua would contemplate, "He wants me to do what????" Each step of obedience seemingly led to another ridiculous request from God. Am I making any sense here?
I believe that (usually on a smaller scale) God does the same thing with us. Sometimes, each step of obedience that we take leads to another situation that seems nothing short of ridiculous to the rational mind. Did I just say that God is irrational? I might get in trouble for this one later, but I am going to say, "YES!" When we compare God's ways, actions, and plans up against our finite, limited minds, He can sometimes seem to be very irrational.
What I love about Joshua is that there never seems to be doubt or question in his response to God's ideas for his life. It's as if God's past faithfulness in Joshua's life has given him the freedom to obey wholeheartedly no matter what the request. This is the goal for my life, as well.
For example right now, I am seriously contemplating and praying about adopting a child from another country. This makes absolutely no sense when thinking with a rational mind. It is RIDICULOUS!! I am not married, do not have a 'steady income,' I live below the poverty line, travel is required/desired in my position, I am terrified of long term commitments, and I am sure there are many more if these are not convincing enough. It makes NO sense. It is ridiculous that I am even considering it, really! However, adoption crosses my mind every single day. I wake up at night thinking about orphans. I have such a desire to minister to orphans and widows. It goes much deeper than that, though. Good grief, I've already given her a name!!
Thank goodness God's ways are higher than our ways. I am so glad that He is not confined to what seems normal and rational to me - life would be so boring. Praise Him for leading us through a journey of faithfulness. This process has been my greatest joy in life - and before you know it I may be parting rivers just by putting my toe in. Ha ha! Bring it!
Once Joshua is put in the leadership position over the Israelites, each absurd task seems to lead to another seemingly ridiculous request. Sometimes we read stories in the Bible and are surprisingly unimpressed with the events that occur. In Joshua 3 he crosses the Jordan at flood stage with thousands of people, and they all cross on dry land. In chapter five, he circumcises grown men with a dull knife (this in itself seems to be miraculous to me). In chapter six, he defeats a city with the high military technique of walking and blowing trumpets. God would tell Joshua something to do. Joshua would contemplate, "He wants me to do what????" Each step of obedience seemingly led to another ridiculous request from God. Am I making any sense here?
I believe that (usually on a smaller scale) God does the same thing with us. Sometimes, each step of obedience that we take leads to another situation that seems nothing short of ridiculous to the rational mind. Did I just say that God is irrational? I might get in trouble for this one later, but I am going to say, "YES!" When we compare God's ways, actions, and plans up against our finite, limited minds, He can sometimes seem to be very irrational.
What I love about Joshua is that there never seems to be doubt or question in his response to God's ideas for his life. It's as if God's past faithfulness in Joshua's life has given him the freedom to obey wholeheartedly no matter what the request. This is the goal for my life, as well.
For example right now, I am seriously contemplating and praying about adopting a child from another country. This makes absolutely no sense when thinking with a rational mind. It is RIDICULOUS!! I am not married, do not have a 'steady income,' I live below the poverty line, travel is required/desired in my position, I am terrified of long term commitments, and I am sure there are many more if these are not convincing enough. It makes NO sense. It is ridiculous that I am even considering it, really! However, adoption crosses my mind every single day. I wake up at night thinking about orphans. I have such a desire to minister to orphans and widows. It goes much deeper than that, though. Good grief, I've already given her a name!!
Thank goodness God's ways are higher than our ways. I am so glad that He is not confined to what seems normal and rational to me - life would be so boring. Praise Him for leading us through a journey of faithfulness. This process has been my greatest joy in life - and before you know it I may be parting rivers just by putting my toe in. Ha ha! Bring it!
10 September 2008
Lessons Learned
I have been in a 'funk' for awhile now. Things that I thought were going to happen have not. Things that I did not think would happen have. Living with this 'unsettled feeling' for many months has taken a toll on me spiritually, physically, and emotionally. While I always know (head knowledge) that I have my strong faith in God to fall back on, just in the last few months, I have really begun seeking what God could possibly be teaching me through this valley. I feel like I am getting answers for the first time in awhile.
One lesson that has been loud and clear is that the death of Christ on the Cross was enough. I know that God loves and desires to bless His children. He has blessed my life beyond anything I could ever ask. However, if he chooses to not grant me one more earthly blessing, then what He has already done is enough. I am not entitled to anything else. It would not be unfair of Him to withhold future blessing from my life. He is sovereign. I did not deserve salvation, and God does not owe me anything.
Another difficult, but obvious lesson that God wants me to learn is that He is enough to satisfy my every need. When I do not 'feel' like He is enough to satisfy me, then that is when I have let my priorities get out of line. He is all that I need. There are many other desires, and probably even many other ways that He will bless my life, but He is enough. This sounds so cliché, but making that TRUTH really settle in your heart (not just your head) - that can be life-changing. This has been a daily process, and even a grieving process as I try to let my white knuckle grip go of everything else but Him.
I have recently been blessed through a Bible Study written by Kelly Minter called “No Other Gods.” It was recommended to me by a friend, and I would highly recommend it, as well. In one chapter she mentions this grieving process and how difficult it is sometimes to say goodbye to what we know and value. Being willing to trade in the familiar and trusting that God has our best interest at heart in the midst of uncertainty. She says that sometimes saying goodbye to things, even good things is necessary for our life to blossom. "Certain things choke us, wound us, and bind us in ways that keep us from new hellos. They deserve a farewell. Still we cling because the painful familiar is often more comfortable than the foreign amazing." I was wowed by this statement, but oh, so true! I do not want to miss out on God's foreign amazing because I am clinging to the familiar.
More to come, soon.
One lesson that has been loud and clear is that the death of Christ on the Cross was enough. I know that God loves and desires to bless His children. He has blessed my life beyond anything I could ever ask. However, if he chooses to not grant me one more earthly blessing, then what He has already done is enough. I am not entitled to anything else. It would not be unfair of Him to withhold future blessing from my life. He is sovereign. I did not deserve salvation, and God does not owe me anything.
Another difficult, but obvious lesson that God wants me to learn is that He is enough to satisfy my every need. When I do not 'feel' like He is enough to satisfy me, then that is when I have let my priorities get out of line. He is all that I need. There are many other desires, and probably even many other ways that He will bless my life, but He is enough. This sounds so cliché, but making that TRUTH really settle in your heart (not just your head) - that can be life-changing. This has been a daily process, and even a grieving process as I try to let my white knuckle grip go of everything else but Him.
I have recently been blessed through a Bible Study written by Kelly Minter called “No Other Gods.” It was recommended to me by a friend, and I would highly recommend it, as well. In one chapter she mentions this grieving process and how difficult it is sometimes to say goodbye to what we know and value. Being willing to trade in the familiar and trusting that God has our best interest at heart in the midst of uncertainty. She says that sometimes saying goodbye to things, even good things is necessary for our life to blossom. "Certain things choke us, wound us, and bind us in ways that keep us from new hellos. They deserve a farewell. Still we cling because the painful familiar is often more comfortable than the foreign amazing." I was wowed by this statement, but oh, so true! I do not want to miss out on God's foreign amazing because I am clinging to the familiar.
More to come, soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
