One thing I love about the church: being a family even if we are miles apart and don't even know each other. I found a site that is a Christian travel agency, specializing in getting discounts to Christians who are going on short or long-term mission trips.
Christians have so many different abilities and callings that it all seems to work together. Like an athletic team--we each have different positions in the team, but each position is needed for the best efficiency and affectiveness. But we are also a family, loving each other and being there for each other when we need to buy a plane ticket.
God knew what He was doing when he created us so differently.
March 31, 2008
A Thank You to the Christians of the Gulf Coast
As I mentioned in my last blog, I went down to Mississippi for spring break to help out with Katrina relief. Two and a half years later there are still people without houses, money, and hope. Two and a half years later there is still trash and debris everywhere, though much of it can't be seen because of the two and a half years of overgrowth. People have lived two and a half years worrying about a dead tree that with the right amount of wind could fall on what is left of their home.
This is the first entry of many that will detail some of my experiences in MS. The needs in our very own country, our supposedly rich country, are very great. In Biloxi, MS, we encountered several people who were still homeless, living on the streets or in their cars, ever since Katrina. Some people have been lucky enough to get Katrina cottages, but some are still living in and getting sick from FEMA trailers, waiting...
The scenery looks nice if you didn't live there before. Many of the trees are bare--killed by the massive amount of salt water that flooded the area. There are many, many lots where houses used to be but where now only a remnant remains. The elderly are immensely suffering as there is little they can do themselves and very few who are able to help so many.
And two and a half years later, there are still a few camps, organizations, and individuals that are dedicated to restoring the people of the gulf, most of them are Christian. There are not nearly as many as are needed, but the communities of the gulf are grateful for whatever help they can get.
So, I would like to say that I am thankful for the Christians whose hearts are so in tune with God's. For those who labor constantly for the lives of the people of the gulf. This is what missions, what the church, is all about.
This is the first entry of many that will detail some of my experiences in MS. The needs in our very own country, our supposedly rich country, are very great. In Biloxi, MS, we encountered several people who were still homeless, living on the streets or in their cars, ever since Katrina. Some people have been lucky enough to get Katrina cottages, but some are still living in and getting sick from FEMA trailers, waiting...
The scenery looks nice if you didn't live there before. Many of the trees are bare--killed by the massive amount of salt water that flooded the area. There are many, many lots where houses used to be but where now only a remnant remains. The elderly are immensely suffering as there is little they can do themselves and very few who are able to help so many.
And two and a half years later, there are still a few camps, organizations, and individuals that are dedicated to restoring the people of the gulf, most of them are Christian. There are not nearly as many as are needed, but the communities of the gulf are grateful for whatever help they can get.
So, I would like to say that I am thankful for the Christians whose hearts are so in tune with God's. For those who labor constantly for the lives of the people of the gulf. This is what missions, what the church, is all about.
The Mennonite Example
Speaking of Mennonites, I tell you what, they are hard-core. At least the ones I've met.
For the last two spring breaks from school I've gone down to Mississippi to help with Katrina relief. The Mennonites have been there and continue to be there. Some are from Virginia, others from Pennsylvania, etc. They help build houses, giving free manual labor. And you know that they are doing an amazing job!
This is evangelical ministry at its finest. People giving of their skills and time to those who need it. This is "pure and undefiled religion" (James).
Well, I would welcome anyone and everyone to do the same thing: help out with Katrina relief, whether it's building houses, tearing apart houses, or picking up trash. If you would like to, or if you'd like to start some kind of church mission trip, begin by searching through the churches that are down on the gulf coast.
For the last two spring breaks from school I've gone down to Mississippi to help with Katrina relief. The Mennonites have been there and continue to be there. Some are from Virginia, others from Pennsylvania, etc. They help build houses, giving free manual labor. And you know that they are doing an amazing job!
This is evangelical ministry at its finest. People giving of their skills and time to those who need it. This is "pure and undefiled religion" (James).
Well, I would welcome anyone and everyone to do the same thing: help out with Katrina relief, whether it's building houses, tearing apart houses, or picking up trash. If you would like to, or if you'd like to start some kind of church mission trip, begin by searching through the churches that are down on the gulf coast.
A Missionary Denomination?
Did you know that an entire denomination was formed as a missionary denomination? Interesting. I don't know why I never knew this before.
The missionary church was actually a union between two other missionary denominations. This church was formed on top of the Mennonite doctrine.
Why do we need a missionary denomination? Who knows? Every church should have missions in the forefront, but it would seem that it isn't that way, or at least it hasn't been. May it never be that the church forgets her mission given straight from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Himself.
The missionary church was actually a union between two other missionary denominations. This church was formed on top of the Mennonite doctrine.
Why do we need a missionary denomination? Who knows? Every church should have missions in the forefront, but it would seem that it isn't that way, or at least it hasn't been. May it never be that the church forgets her mission given straight from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Himself.
March 4, 2008
How to Not Mess Up the Great Commission too Much
This video is inspiring... well, sort of. It's definitely creative and has a good message to it. I personally enjoyed the shock value of the original instructions and the cartoon people.
It also shifts your worldview a little. It's difficult to take seriously, but overall it really does make sense if you are open to it. Watch it--you won't regret it.
It also shifts your worldview a little. It's difficult to take seriously, but overall it really does make sense if you are open to it. Watch it--you won't regret it.
March 3, 2008
A Life of Sacrifice Part Two
So what does God want from the church? What does God need from the church? First of all, God doesn't need the church; He doesn't need our money. He doesn't even want our money. He wants our hearts.
He's like a potential husband, trying to win the hearts of humanity whom He loves. So, what does the church give to Him? Everything:
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Mt. 6:21
"A broken and a contrite heart" Ps. 51:17
"Turn to Me with all your heart... Rend your heart" Joel 2:12-13
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart" Prov. 3:5
In ancient Hebrew, the heart (leb, lebab) was not only the feelings, but also the will and the intellect--the center of anything.
What is the church investing her center in? Where is her treasure? In buildings? In cars? In money? The church is not fulfilling her mission if her heart is so attached to earthly treasures.
I'm not saying that missions should be the heart of the church; it should be in the heart of the church. The heart of the church should be God and God alone, but the reaching out to those in need is the heart of God.
So, what is your center invested in?
He's like a potential husband, trying to win the hearts of humanity whom He loves. So, what does the church give to Him? Everything:
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Mt. 6:21
"A broken and a contrite heart" Ps. 51:17
"Turn to Me with all your heart... Rend your heart" Joel 2:12-13
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart" Prov. 3:5
In ancient Hebrew, the heart (leb, lebab) was not only the feelings, but also the will and the intellect--the center of anything.
What is the church investing her center in? Where is her treasure? In buildings? In cars? In money? The church is not fulfilling her mission if her heart is so attached to earthly treasures.
I'm not saying that missions should be the heart of the church; it should be in the heart of the church. The heart of the church should be God and God alone, but the reaching out to those in need is the heart of God.
So, what is your center invested in?
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