Blog Devo: Purpose and Passion

There is something about finding your “purpose” that requires half-madness, especially if your purpose is finding HIM.

When He is all you’ve ever wanted He will climb higher and you will pursue him gasping for air and clinging to the side of a cliff.

It is a paradox of the kingdom: He saved me from my sins so that we don’t have to be apart yet the Holy Spirit in me will be pursuing Him until eternity .

For me Jesus is hidden amongst the children of Africa, waiting.  For you He is just beyond reach somewhere else.  Search for Him!

Purpose and passion go together and passion is a fire.

You’ll never find your purpose by sitting in a classroom and contemplating, “What are my gifts and skills?” Or, “What do I want to do when I grow up?”

No.  It is when He breathes His life into you and fills you with His fire.

You will never ask, “What?” Or, “”Why?” again.

You may still sweat the “How?” And the, “When?” but when He is your reason why all your other questions become His catalyst to draw you close to Himself.

Verses to Ponder:

Revelations 22:17 the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”

Hebrews 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire

Jeremiah 20:9  I think to myself, “I can forget the Lord and no longer speak His name.” But His word is inside of me like a burning fire shut up in my bones.

Psalm 18:11a He made darkness His hiding place

 

 

The Orange

What is an orange to you? A bit of post-workout potassium?  That annoying healthy thing you need to eat? Orange balls rotting on your shelf somewhere?For a refugee child it is the price of freedom.  Freedom from rashes which turn into boils and putrid wounds.  All caused by a vitamin C deficiency.

 

It’s scurvey.  The disease you and I have only read about in our childhood history books.  Remember?  Hundreds of years ago sailors on ships who only had rancid food for months, no fresh fruits or vegetables, got scurvey.

 

How do we respond? We respond by placing Jesus in the center of our lack and theirs.  We stay in constant thankfulness for all that He has given us.  We start small by responding to those He has placed in front of us.

 

Isaac, my spiritual son in the  Uganden refugee camp, is taking care of five children who have scurvey.  Through you, my precious sponsor, I am able to provide fruit for these five (not pictured).  Though it be a few “loaves and fishes” to the multitudes, we know the great multiplier.  We keep our eyes fixed on Him!

 

 

 

 

A Nation in Conflict: Our New Normal

No more beans in town.

I think it was that simple text that made our current situation hit home even more than the gunshots that we heard the other night.

Our children eat beans everyday, it is the staple of their diet.

We’ve been making daily adjustments to the shockwaves caused by four days of conflict in our nation’s capitol.

We make a new normal and press on:

No phone network?  We do without phones and try another network when they are functional again.

Rising market prices?  We pay more for the things that we need and spend as little as possible on optional items.

No imported foods like eggs and apples?   We eat local foods.

No tradable U.S. dollars at the bank?  We take our losses.

No high school for our teenagers?  We make our own on-base school.

No exam books for our elementary students?  We give them extra plain paper so that they can copy the entire exam from the board.

No electricity in town?  At least we have solar power.

No gasoline?  We conserve what we still have.

Gunshots in the night?  We stay alert and find ourselves jumping at random noises.

At what point do we just call our “new normal” abnormal?  At what point does it shock and alarm us the way that it does our Facebook followers?

The clouds are gathering over this nation and we have begun making a plan.  I think it was hearing that there are no beans in town that helped us to reach this point.

The first phase of our plan is getting all of our seniors out of South Sudan and into boarding school in Uganda, from there we continue our planning and praying.

All roads that connect our city to Uganda, where we import food from, are being blocked by the rebel army.  Even if the violence ceases and the roads open back up the educational system has been decimated.  Many teachers fled the country (or at least the city) and who knows if or when they will come back.  We have to decide how long we can wait for their return.  We have to make big decisions about the destiny of our large family.

We have to refuse to call abnormal normal.  I encourage you to do the same in your nation. Do you think your nation is normal?   America,  you murder 4,000 children a day through abortion, many of you drive past the killing clinics everyday.  1 out of 3 of your women friends will be raped in her lifetime….I could go on.  Declare war on, “Business as usual” and, “The show must go on”.  Ask for God’s help to change the darkness rather than adjusting to it.  Start by being honest about the ways that your nation is crumbling all around you then seek God for his plan.  He is never taken by surprise and He has a plan.

 

 

 

 

Devotional: When You are in Love…

When you are madly in love you do crazy, wild, impractical things. Even if you haven’t experienced this in real life it is the stuff movies are made of. It is the man who swims the farthest sea and climbs the highest mountain (or dies trying) Why? We are created for relationship: To give our self away and to be lost in ‘other’.   We are designed for fascination and belonging. Rules, schedules, and routines; even good ones, can only get us so far. But many people, movies, and songs stop at the human level. They don’t understand that what they call the height and depth of the human experience is only the shadow. Can another human ever be fully inside of your spirit and soul (heart and mind)? We are the dim reflection to one another of our eternal husband Jesus. This is part of the reason I believe Christian marriage partners have a deeper level of fellowship. Their spirits are intertwined with Jesus and they fellowship with Him in their union.

Let me speak to those of you who lead spiritually disciplined lives. For years you have had your set aside prayer times, Bible study reading plans, fasting days, and have been faithful to give tithes and offerings. These disciplines have carved out time and space for you to build your relationship with the Lord. Now He is calling you higher. Your schedule and routines have served their purpose just like Galations 3:24, 25 says, “The law was your schoolmaster to bring you to God, but faith has come and you no longer need to be under a school master.” I am not saying that you should give up these practices but I am saying that loving relationships are not meant to exist only within tidy time frames and habits. Go back to the picture of Christ and the Church in the earthly relationship: What if a husband only showed affection to his wife on their Friday night date night? What if he clocked in and clocked out with his wife the way he does at work? Healthy marriages give loving affection with moments of appreciation and thoughtfulness throughout the day, every day. Should we give any less to our Heavenly Husband? Think of times when you have felt most loved and cherished: That unexpected act of kindness, surprise gift, or text. I want to encourage you to expand your relationship with your Lord outside of rituals until your love for each other pervades your day.

Why did the disciples fast? Was it because they were commanded to? In Matthew 9:15 it says it was because their bridegroom was taken away. They longed for and mourned for Jesus after his ascension. Why did Mary pour her expensive perfume on Jesus feet? Was it because she was long overdue for giving her tithe? No, it was her expression of extravagant love for Jesus.

Jesus showed us the ultimate expression of love when He died for us. He also calls us to take up our cross and follow him. One author called it, “A thousand deaths of the soul”. It happens when know you are not your own anymore, that you belong, that you were bought with a price. Fulfillment in Christ doesn’t cause you to love your fellow man less, it frees you to love him more. You no longer look to a person as your source but you overflow with an inner river. You value your human companion because Jesus gave His life to purchase that person. You see His glory, no matter how dimly, reflected in each person you come into contact with.

As you begin to expand your relationship with the Lord outside of your routines ponder what love is and what it is not. Love is mysterious, mystical, invisible, intangible yet at the same time earthly, practical, visible, tangible. It is the depth of emotion in the heart; it is serving a cold cup of water. It is the way Jesus felt about you before Creation and it is what He did for you on the cross. Love is not chemistry, cosmetics, or chance. Love is a choice: One that was made and one that we continue to make. Aren’t you glad that He chose you and that He continues to choose you in spite of your weaknesses and flaws?

Loving Jesus in the tangible way looks like extending our arms to other people. For me that is sitting with orphans and widows in South Sudan. It is a constant challenge against my selfishness and some days I pour myself out more than others. My Iris director regularly reminds us that we are not here to have a job (clock in/clock out) but to be in a family. The words of Mother Teresa are always echoing in my mind that, “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.”

I want to say thank you to those of you who are loving Jesus by supporting me to be here. Your donations express love that is very practical and visible. Though you can’t be here physically you are reaching the people of this nation through me. Jesus also says thank you.

 

7 Months Strong

It’s been 10 months since my life in Africa began and 7 of those months I have lived in South Sudan.  Sure I eat beans on a daily basis, it’s hot, dusty, dry, and I am never clean no matter how much I scrub, but my life here is something I am thankful for everyday.  Being in Africa is a magical experience that is difficult to describe, it is more caught than taught.  Those who have been here will understand what I am talking about.  This continent has it’s way of charming you into the simple life.  Who need’s running water anyways?  No, it’s not that I don’t miss hot showers (and chocolate); it’s that I don’t miss all of the noise and distraction of Western life.  Of course the children are noisy and they keep me busy but there are so many moments that lack entertainment.  The media buzz isn’t much more than a radio announcer’s voice wafting through the air.  There are no magazines or billboards vying for my attention.  It is in these moments  that there is time and space for Divine entertainment.  It is so easy to dwell in the soul-state of peace and joy, the contemplative life of the Catholic mystics that I have always aspired too.  There just isn’t soul clutter here.  I don’t have to choose to not go out, not shop, or not watch a movie in order to spend time in prayer.  My options are limited and I’m loving it!  Sure, I will enjoy my break in America around June.  America is the most comfortable place to live on the earth with it’s indoor temperature and water controls, smoothly paved roads, Lazy Boy’s, and fast food.   I’ll enjoy it for a few weeks but I know I’ll be looking forward to returning to my dirt paths and concrete perch in our Prayer Hut.

We all long for physical comfort but don’t allow it to lure you away from the higher comfort that God offers to your soul.  No down comforter or triple chocolate ice cream can buy you peace of mind.  I encourage you to try some time out of your comfort zone.  Sit in the woods, fast the “King’s food” like Daniel in the Bible did; take a pause on entertainment, even media.  I promise that God has been waiting to entertain you with His delights.  Psalm 94:19  In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.

The kids are doing great.  They just returned to school.  Tutoring is coming along, Gloria recently read her first book.  She was so excited that she was banging her hand on the desk with every word that she read.  I tried moving her away from the desk but then she would jump up and bang her arms.  I explained that reading is dangerous.

You would think my first name is “Bingo!” because the kids yell for me to play it with them as I walk their way.  I’m using this simple game to teach them all of the basic phonic sounds and I’ve also started Math Bingo.

We are having a bit of a challenge getting them into a bathing and bedtime routine now that school has started back.  Mothers, just imagine trying to get 120 kids into a routine!

Our seniors were accepted into one of the best schools in the country.  Five of them will be boarding there and the rest are willing to walk two hours home everyday just for the chance of a better education.

Prayer Points:

• That we will have better transportation to/from highschool such as a bus
• That we will have the funds to improve our elementary school and reduce our classroom size.
• That our entire team will learn the balance between work and rest so that we can stay strong.
• For a prayer movement here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My First Three Months, Christmas and Beyond!

My first three months here at Iris Children’s Village in Yei, South Sudan have flown by!  Somewhere between ABC Bingo games and late night youth worship sessions I have met with the Lord in this place.  He is reflected in the smiling faces and passionate hearts that I get to be surrounded by everyday.

I recently returned from my break time in Nairobi and landed into what I call the “Christmas Crazies”.  Our children are crafting and baking like crazy in preparation for the big day.  It is also all about the hair.  Yes, hair!  During schooltime our children keep shortly shaved heads so that no one runs late for school.  As soon as their exams are done it’s time to weave and glitter every girl’s head.  Even the younger ones have black yarn weaved in.

Each house will perform a drama on Christmas Eve then on Christmas Day we slaughter the goats! (well, er, someone does)  Thanks to our sponsors (including you!) we will be able to bless our children with giftbag goodies and a set of new clothes.

As to the beyond…I believe 2016 will be our children’s best year yet!  With a new library built we have adequate space for studying, tutoring and small group classes.  It also provides space for worship and we have a new local staff memeber who will begin teaching our children music!

Thank you again for your sponsorship.  If you are an annual donor you can contact me directly for giving instructions at hey2imagine@yahoo.com

 

It’s Official!

It’s official I am on staff with Iris South Sudan!  I’ve dreamt of this moment for so many years; it is surreal to finally be here.  The team has let me know that I am good fit for them and I can say that this is truly a place of belonging for me.

Our days are busy and full.  Keeping an eye on 120 children is no small task!  I’m continuing to train the other staff in tutoring/teaching.  When we aren’t working on our abc’s we’re busy playing Old Maid (remember that game?) and crocheting.  Yes, crocheting is all the rage around here.

I might try to explain a typical day but there really isn’t one.  Today is our family picture day and then a couple of the older girls are giving me a cooking lesson.  After that I am on “duty” to make sure every child is in after dark and not running around the compound.

I don’t “get out” much but I did go for a run this morning.  Our country is on a fuel shortage meaning there is none available (political nonsense I suppose because we produce oil)  We use our reserves to get to town and our trips are infrequent.  Yes, nothing about life here is typical…

A few photos for you….

Thank You!

Thank you for praying as I was recovering from Typhoid!  That process was not fun as some days I could hardly walk or eat.  I put in full work days this week and it feels good to be back at the tutoring!

In the meantime the staff here also got sick (all but one) and several of the children have fallen ill.  Some have a double diagnosis of Typhoid and Malaria.  Please pray for Carolyn, Simone, Rosie and the children to have complete recovery. Simone spent last night in the hospital so she could receive IV medication, she will be coming home today.

Typhoid comes from fecal contamination in food and water.  We are doing our best to train 120 little ones to wash their hands.  You mothers know how hard it is to train one child to be clean!  For now we have added a bleach water washing station before meals.

Fruit Basket

Grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, passion fruit and more!

We are blessed to live in a lush green part of Africa that yields many fruits and vegetables.  Our children are provided with beef once a week, vegetables at least twice a week and beans with cornmeal (boiled) daily.

Currently, however, our base is focused on building a dining hall (much needed because when it rains it pours here!).  This means that the children only receive fruit two times per month.  This leaves them susceptible to sickness such as the common cold due to lack of vitamin C and other vitamins.

You can sponsor one “Fruit Basket” for 140 children and widows for only $10. USD!  If you are interested in donating please contact me at hey2imagine@yahoo.com and enjoy the smiling faces below!

Bubbles and Puzzles, Books and Balloons

Bubbles and puzzles, books and balloons

Being a kid ends too soon!

….Unless of course you work with children then you can extend your own childhood a bit.

So I’m in South Sudan, my short term team left and I have begun my three month trial period.  During this time the long term staff (six people) and I will pray to see if God desires my long term commitment to Iris  Children’s Center.

I’ve jumped into tutoring, I am passionate about the A B C’s!  Where would you be in life without them?

There are also many teaching and discipleship opportunities that God has opened up for me here.  This morning the village ladies from surrounding huts gathered and I got to share with them from the Word.  Tomorrow I will be leading the new Bible study for our 70 teenagers.  Later this month I will be camping near the Congo and Uganda border.  We did eveangelism there last month so we are returning to do discipleship.

So you can see life is very full here!  In addition to all of that 120 kids are on vacation.  They’ve been popping more balloons and blowing more bubbles than you can imagine.

Keep me in your prayers as I continue to settle into my new home with my great big family!

Also, the South Sudanese rebels signed a cease fire agreement but there are still pockets of violence (not close to my village).  Please pray for peace.

Email your prayer requests to hey2imagine@yahoo.com

For regular photo updates find me on Facebook.