Read the linked blog post below.  Really.  You need to.  It is not easy to read or hear, but the Church must become aware of what we are allowing to exist.

http://talkissheep.blogspot.com/2010/07/korah-day-i-have-given-up-on-numbering.html

This unfortunately ties in to discussions I’ve had recently with several well-intentioned, serious Christian brothers and sisters who have heard “prophecies” of impending financial collapse.  First, let’s clarify what biblical prophets were (are).  Biblical prophets had a direct, shattering experience with God.  An experience that often compelled things like smearing themselves with excrement, marrying a prostitute to illustrate God’s faithfulness to an unfaithful nation, accepting the death of a wife (described by God as “the light of your eyes” when He told the prophet she would die so He could illustrate the message with more power)...  False prophets were stoned.  You had to be absolutely certain of your experience with God to speak as a prophet or you did so at risk of your life.  Biblical prophets spoke directly for God, passing on a specific message He gave them.  They were never scholars who, through their own diligence, insight, education, and research, figured out the timing and details of the future.  In fact, the future was never their primary concern at all.  Their primary concern was confronting God’s people with their unfaithfulness, and calling for repentance and a return to devotion to God as their Lord and Master.  They did not pull any punches, and were never widely accepted by God’s people - Amos referred to the wealthy women of Samaria as “cows of Bashan” (that particular breed was a show cow, overfed, useless for any practical purpose, and fat even for the bovine species).  These were not popular guys, and they did not give hollow predictions.  The future predictions were only a means to that end - a description of what would come to pass if the repentance was not forthcoming.

Did you link through to that blog post above?  Please do.  Really.

Then consider this.  Even if the “prophecies” I’m talking about are accurate, what should they motivate us to do?  Does this sound right?  We should worry.  Then we should spend our time, effort, and emotional focus on figuring out how to best invest/hide/use our wealth so that our standard of living is impacted as little as possible.  Then we should worry some more.  Then we should spend most of our prayer time seeking specifics about how to keep our standard of living where it is “if” things get bad.  Then probably some more worry.  Because, after all, it is all about us. 

In case the post I linked didn’t get the message across, things are already bad.  Things are, in fact, desperate for billions of people, many of whom have never heard the Gospel.  If our time is short, where should our focus be?  If we have only a short time before the wealth of this nation collapses, what should we do with that wealth before it disappears?  Really.  What does the bible say about how we should use our excess.  That’s the prophecy this nation needs to hear.  The only problem?  Throughout history, true prophecy is harsh, raw, and requires that the hearer turn from selfish indulgences.  No one has ever wanted to hear that, and the Church does not want to hear it now.

I apologize for the tone.  Really.  I don’t want to offend anyone, but did you read that link?  My kids grew up in that city.  This is personal to me.  I’ll kiss two kids goodnight tonight who once faced that future.  I love them dearly, and I now see the kids who suffer and die every day due to hunger.  I know them now.  And I love them.  I will fight for them, and I will call things the way I see them on their behalf.  Please read this with the understanding that I am a father to two (soon to be five) of these kids, understand my sense of urgency in that light, and forgive my passion for them if it has offended.

Introduction by Barbra
Our KTM blogger today is Melanie.  She is a KTM member and friend who has helped us with Ludlati projects and is now organizing a project for a missionary family and the poor neighborhood they live in and love in Reynosa, Mexico which is right across the US/Mexico border.  Get to know the Soriano family, their love for their neighbors, and read about how you can help!

The last time I was in Mexico was 9 years ago this August.  Blistering hot.  Sunburned feet.  Stomach issues.  Struggling with the fast Spanish speaking (this is not like college class spanish).  Traveling with someone I had never traveled with before.  Uh, no, it was not for a “mission trip”.  It was my honeymoon!  Yes, it is VERY hot in August in Mexico.  But when you’re in love, crazy love (stealing a phrase here) you will do some things that just defy the world’s sense of logic.

Now we find our hearts turned toward Mexico in a love way again.  This time we would like to assist the people and children living in the Reynosa, Mexico area.  This city is located 22 hours south of where we live in Illinois.  This “project” started because Salome Soriano came to visit our church a few months ago to update us on their progress.

Felix & Salome Soriano, along with their 3 young children, have been friends of our church family for a few years.  We have been blessed & privileged to see them grow as a family, and as servants of the Lord.  They left for Reynosa last June.  We are excited to partner with them on this project of donations, and look forward to establishing a greater bond with them and the ministry near Reynosa, Mexico.  They have joined a group called La Vina Ministries.  You can check out their website for other programs (this one is listed as “yet to come) La Vina has established.  http://www.vineyardmcm.org/

In Salome’s words:  “The people in our neighborhood are very poor and struggle daily to meet their basic needs.  Most days they don’t have water.  Here are some of the ways that we have brought the Kingdom of God into these people’s lives this last year by meeting a physical need: weekly feeding program, food distribution, clothing distribution, medical clinics, shoe distributions, school supply distribution, and educational classes. We are most excited about the growth that we have seen in our church outreaches.  This last year we have added three vacation Bible schools, two weekly Bible study groups, weekly kids program, and Sunday service. It is amazing to see what God has done in this neighborhood this last year.”

If you would like to pray for this family, Here is a Top 5 prayer request list for them:

1. An outpouring of the Holy spirit.
2. *Provision for the construction that still needs to be done.
3. A reliable water source for the colonia.
4. Financial support for the Soriano Family.
5. Protection for the new believers.

The have some other needs, as well:  School supplies in Backpacks, clothing all sizes all seasons, shoes, pots, pans, sheets, blankets, towels, washcloths, Spanish books, Spanish Bibles, diapers, toys, canned food, flashlights/batteries, Cash donations for a 16ft. flatbed trailer to carry items across the border.

The exciting news is that a backpack drive is now under way!  They have about 390 students in their care area, and that seems to be growing all the time.  I set a goal originally of 25 backpacks from our church family. If you or your bible study group, youth group, homeschool group, family,  etc.would like to join us, we just may be able to get closer to that 390!

I have a flyer here for you to see all the information in one place. Please feel free to print and share.
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/site/Backpacks_for_Amigos/
Click on the flyer for one to print.

A truck is heading down to the Soriano family mid-August. So if you would like to pack a backpack or organize a group to do that, please let us know (see emails and phone numbers on the flyer). We are happy to pick up your items!

Thank you!

Here is a video from last years delivery!

As I lived with what I wrote Thursday, I thought I should clarify my intent and what I really think.  First - His burden is light.  It is a burden, it is a yoke - it does require us to submit and sacrifice.  But the yoke is easy and the burden is light.  The burden we will ultimately bear in this world if we choose to reject the yoke - the submission and sacrifice that He has for us - on the other hand, is heavy.  The point is that He is worthy of our all.  A focus on Him and a willingness to surrender all, evidenced by sacrificial giving, is a path to participation in His purpose and joy - resulting in that easy yoke and light burden.

So, in light of considering our “but”, how do we prevent that from becoming a burden that is hard to bear?  How much is enough?  How much is too much?

I can’t answer that for any of you.  Who am I kidding - I can’t even answer that for me.  It is very dangerous to compare ourselves to other people either way - either saying; “I’m doing more than them so I’m OK” or saying; “so and so is doing more than me so I am falling short”.  Surrender and willingness to Him is what is necessary.  So I see it this way - we need to try not to ask how much is enough at all.  Here is my practical application (I like practical applications and I realized my last post did not give one):

Be aware, be willing:  Make yourself aware of His purpose, and of the great physical and spiritual needs in the world.  Understand His passion for all people (we’re talking about people, not issues or causes - that’s just too impersonal), and understand their need and what his word says about our role in His plan.  Become willing to give any piece or even all of what you have IF He calls you to that.

Live simply, give sacrificially:  To what extent - how much sacrifice?  Wrong question.  Remember, we’re not going there.  Start down the road with one step.  If you don’t know how much or how far down that road is right for you, just start with something.  Give up one specific, small, tangible luxury and put that to use for His plan.  Prayerfully offer it to Him and tell Him it is offered to Him as sign that you want His will in your life, you want to know how much is the right balance for you.  Ask Him to give you His Spirit as a guide and a comfort as you wrestle with this question.  We ask for wisdom and He gives The Guide.  We ask for comfort and He gives The Comforter.  But we must do our part.  In this area, I believe that means living more simply than we could otherwise - even if only to a very small degree at first - and giving something that requires a sacrifice (even if a very small sacrifice)... and seeking Him - doing that with a focus on Him, His plan, and the great need around us. 

He promised to give The Guide.  Our willingness and initial step down the road WILL be met by Him in His grace and mercy to show us the way.  Sometimes I’m just not very patient in waiting for Him.  I need to work on that.

I stole the title from an entry my wife wrote on our personal family/adoption blog (let me know if you want the link).  As I often do, I’ll apologize for the shock value but it’s really an insincere apology since I’m kind of trying to get attention (and since an alternative title was Intellectual Honesty Part 2).  Before I start, let me emphasize that this is not a ranting against all or you - this is a (painful) change I have forced myself to make in my personal thought process because I realized I was not being honest with myself.

Jenny’s entry was longer and more comprehensive than mine, but my brief spin on it is this:  All the time, I catch myself thinking or saying, “I really want to do __________ for the (insert: poor/homeless/orphan/ child sex slave/sick/...), BUT ___________.”  Here’s where I must consider my but, and where I must be honest with myself.

$30-40/month can literally save a child’s life, prevent the slavery/forced labor for that child, prevent preventable disease, and provide education and hope.  We give that much many times over, but the need is still great.  So, there is only one but for me.  That but is this: “I really want to help, BUT I CARE MORE ABOUT HAVING MY SATELLITE TV / NIGHTS OUT / MOUNTAIN BIKE / MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS /... than I do about saving a life.  I do.  It’s shocking, but it’s the only honest but out there.  I don’t care how much I’m already giving.  If I choose to spend $70/month on satellite TV when that could save two lives, I care more about that TV than about those lives.  Any other argument is just plain dishonest (and I would say stupid if I wasn’t such a kind, subtle, and gentle person).

You can insert buts about time or effort for my example about money as well.  It still circles back to one but - I care more about a uses of time such as kids sports, jiu jitsu training, watching TV, etc… than I do about really connecting with neighbors who desperately need what Jesus has to offer through me.

So here I am - fallen, selfish and gluttonous at my core.  How do I reconcile this to what I believe?  I really beleive that the single but I propose is the only intellectually honest but.  How can I live like I do?  What a wretch I am, truly… truly in need of grace and ongoing change and growth in loving my neighbor as myself.  I need His spirit for that, but I need to be willing… God help me be.

Thanks so much again to everyone who worked for or participated in the Aprons for Orphans fund raising event.  Funds raised (see amount below!) will support the Swaziland Travel Team and items given to the kids/families the group will visit this September.  Below we are sharing the wonderful comments posted afterward on Facebook and some pictures from the event!

• Generous friends! We are so thankful for your coming out and giving today! The apron and dessert auction gifts FAR exceeded what we dared to hope! In the words of one of my favorite bloggers, Linny, YIPPEE, Jesus!!!
• Yes much fun…so will we ever know how much was raised? or maybe a general we could buy x amount of stuff with what we raised? I think that would be very cool to know.
• You all gave just over $2100.000. AMAZING!! It will go to the trip fund which helps our travelers to go and provides funds for the items that will be given (i.e. shoes and food packages) to the kids/families the group will visit.
• It was a great event!!! You all outdid yourselves!
• The BEST $12 ice cream creation I have ever eaten!! I did it for the children…
• It was WONDERFUL! You all did an amazing job and I am so glad God blessed your work…I knew He would. On behalf of our Ludlati kids….THANK YOU
• It was so wonderful to see so many people there caring for those beautiful kids. Thank you all for everything you’ve done to help them. I had a wonderful time there even if I didn’t win an apron.
• HALLELUJAH!! You guys earned every dollar! I can’t imagine all the hours & weeks you all put into this! What a blessing! I pray a hundred fold over each & everyone of you! I have never tasted coffee, but after the marvelous mocha brownies i think you have created a monster in me! L O V E THEM!!
• I am so sorry I missed it, but I am SO THANKFUL, for your success! God is truly working!
• It was such a good time. Everything was so pretty and the desserts were great. You all had to have spent months preparing and it showed. You all blessed me in more ways than you know. YIPPEE is a great word. Thank you for all your hard work.
• WOOT WOOT!! God is so good!
• We had so much fun ! My husband laughed so hard when I told him that me and my daughter were bidding on a cheesecake against each other !
• I love being part of such a cool thing with such great people! Hope to help out more before the trip. I had a wonderful time.
• LOVE my little apron! The auction was awesome. It should be a yearly thing. Hope you guys made a lot towards the trip!
• I had a great time today. You all did a great job!!! Love both my aprons!! Even my husband said they are cute. My mother said these are made so well. Thanks for the invite.
• So, most things don’t look as good after you get them home and out of the box. This is not the case with the apron. It is so cute and well made. I’m going to save it for a gift. You guys did an awesome job!!

Thanks to Michelle Jacob for the pictures.

I asked, “God, why do you allow such suffering in the world?” to which He replied “Why do you?”—Mother Theresa

These words hit me like a ton of bricks in a good way.  I have read it before, but it was so good to read it again at this blog post link http://hopechestindia.blogspot.com/  These words shake me out of a way of thinking that is steadily being extracted from my mind.  The blog post also shakes me out of focus on my life, needs and daily schedule.  It is so easy to see suffering and evil in the world, and allow an overwhelming feeling to take over to the point that I feel like I can’t do anything.  Or perhaps feel nothing, and just ignore it.  Maybe I am beginning to see that the selfish side of my being likes to have an excuse to check out and pursue comfort.  My selfish response is to shrug my shoulders, ignore, forget, do nothing, and be comfortable again…it only makes economic sense, right?

According to the man’s logic:  RIGHT!

According to God’s logic:  NO!  THERE’S A HIGHER WAY!

The bible is full of scriptures that ask us…no…check that…command us to do difficult and counter intuitive things.  But He also said He would give us everything we need to do these things!  Left to our own power we could not do these things…not very long anyway.  Thank God He provides EVERYTHING we need to find ourselves doing those things that He wants to get done…oh and by the way it also pleases Him.

A recent study of the book of Romans revealed that God is completely in control of everything, and He will get all the praise and glory in the end.  He chooses to be patient with evil and evil men…who seem to be the source of a lot of suffering.  This is the most merciful and loving response God can give, and it only makes sense from an eternal perspective.  Because God desires for all men to find Him, submit to Him as Lord, and be saved.

Thankfully God offers true joy in the midst of our suffering and our neighbor’s suffering, because His ways are true and pure.  Part of receiving that joy comes when we choose to trust and obey Him.  He loves us, and He told us if we love Him, we will obey His commands.

So how did God instruct us to respond to evil and suffering?  I have a favorite verse I believe reveals God’s strategy which He planned in advance for us to do.

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

If you feel overwhelmed by this post, I encourage you to let that feeling go, and ask God to turn it into compassion, motivation, action and joy.  He is in control, and thankfully He wants us to be part of His work and plan.  In my ‘onion’ opinion, it’s the only way to live!

There was another famous quote in the blog post where a lot is said in just a few words…

“Preach the gospel always, if necessary, use words.”—St Francis

First, the quiz.  In Ezekiel (don’t cheat and search it), God cites a handful of specific sins of the residents of Sodom that caused Him to destroy the city.  Can you name one or more?  Barbra and Don, you are prohibited from participating (since you pointed this verse out to me).

On to the goal… Our community has already made a huge difference in the lives of our neighbor kids in Swaziland.  Our sponsorship level is near 50%, which is (barely) enough to provide basic nutritional needs.  Funds are set aside for a fence, kitchen, and well.  We can’t even imagine in our setting how impotant those things will be.  Clean water alone can prevent many early deaths, and frees hours every day for schooling, parenting, and other productive activity that would have otherwise been spent walking miles for (typically unsafe) water.  I can thank you for that, but my thanks mean nothing.  What you have is a deposit to your treasure in heaven, and the pleasure of our Father.  I think it is very important to note that Jesus did not tell us not to build up treasure.  On the contrary, He commanded us to build up treasure - treasue in heaven.

My goal is this:  we have over 40 neighbor kids with no personal connection to us - that is, “unsponsored”.  But that is a cold, statistical-type word.  It does not express their loneliness and need to know that the community behind their support cares personally about them.  Our financial support is also at the minimum level at which meaningful assistance can be provided to our kids as a group.  “Minimum level” is not where I think we can or should be.  We have a trip scheduled to our Swaziland community in September.  You are a big part of this.  We need funds to get there, and funds to get there with shoes for the kids, and news of sponsorship for more of our kids than we now have.  Links for helping with this effort and with sponsorship are all over our home page.  Please, don’t just read on past this post.  Think, work through it, make it a personal goal.  If you can’t help, tell the story to someone who can.  Find a way, make a way with neighbors, a Sunday school group, friends, co-workers… be creative… maybe a “cyber” shoe drive for an office or Sunday school, a sponsorship for an extended family… I am confident God will provide the way, this is simply an opportunity to be a part of the joy.

... I don’t believe He was really the Son of God”.  Who’s heard that one?  I think we all have, and I think we’ve all heard the counter-arguments that if you understand Jesus’ statements in light of Old Testament references He made about himself, He clearly claimed to be the Messiah.  Which means he was a liar, lunatic, or what He said He is - the Son of God.

The question is, as Christians, which do we really believe - great moral teacher, or Son of God (i.e. our Master)?  See, I’m a person who thinks that what we really believe should be evidenced by what we do, not by what we say.  Just a matter of common sense evidence - there is real wisdom in the sayings; “talk is cheap”, actions speak louder than words”...

Here’s my dilemma.  Take this for example: ” Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”  - Matthew 5:23-24 Have you ever heard that cited in church?  How many of us have seen anyone (or actually did oursleves) get up and leave to first be reconciled to their brother before finishing the service?  Did it even cross your mind when you heard that, that you really should get up that instant and leave the service to be reconciled to a brother that has anything against you?  If we accept Jesus as our Master, we should see that as a direct command.  Or did you accept the passage (as I always have) as a good moral teaching but not a command that you should be expected to perform, and to perform it as instructed? 

I have to admit that this is a new concept to me and I must further admit that my actions indicate that I see Jesus more as a great moral teacher and less as my Master.  All too often I treat His commands as good principles to live by but not explicit commands.  The point is that He gave many explicit commands, and I have treated nearly all of them as good general illustrative principles to live by, but I essentially never treat them as explicit commands.  So what do I really believe? 

Read the sermon on the mount and the rest of Jesus’words again and look for explicit commands - they are everywhere.  That whole don’t worry about tomorrow thing… that was not a self-help ideal, it was a command.  Pray for your enemies, bless those who curse you, if someone sues you for your coat, give him your shirt as well, do not store up treasure on earth… all phrased as commands, not tidy philosophiocal niceties.  But we don’t treat them as commands - so what do we really believe?  Holy Spirit, work through me to change the evidence in my life.  I am not happy with what my actions say about my beliefs to date, and I hope and pray that a wave of true belief, evidenced by obedience to His commands will sweep through my life and the church as a whole, I want to be a part of that.

I have a crazy, beautiful dream.  God’s Word is clear that he desires that the entire world should hear the good news of Christ.  His Word is equally clear that He desires that no one should suffer severe physical need.  Yet these statistics remain:

People groups in the world: 16,351 - 6.8 billion individuals
People groups in the world still not reached with the gospel: 6,645 - 2.75 billion individuals

Today, over 1 billion people live (and die) in desperate poverty (less than $1 a day).
700 million in slums.
500 million on the verge of starvation.
93 million beggars.
200 million children exploited for labor.
26,000 children today will die due to either starvation or a preventable disease.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17

So… what if, what if… picture this in your mind.  What if God had a grand and wonderful plan to actually accomplish those goals and created a nation, and blessed that nation in such a way that it had the means to comfortably meet all its needs - actually go beyond simply meeting needs but also to live with blessings of physical comforts the world had never previously imagined, AND still have enough left over to bring His good news to every people group on earth.  And then still enough left over to meet the basic need for water, food, and shelter for every child and family on earth.  Really… stop and paint that picture in your mind.  What an incredible thing.  God’s ultimate plan from the foundation of the world, expressed to Abraham and later throughtout the prophets and New Testament… accomplished.  Who knows what that might usher in.  Imagine His joy, imagine the joy in being a part of that.  Imagine the blessing that would be and let your spirit long for the creation of a nation with that kind of wealth.

In case you haven’t realized it, that dream is not a dream.  God does have a plan (or do we presume He is impotent?).  In fact, we see His effort to create that nation and provide that wealth FOR THAT PURPOSE with Abraham and Israel.  But they failed Him.  They lived for themselves and turned from Him and His plan to their own destruction.  And now, we see His plan again.  In person.  It’s us.  There can be no debate that our nation was founded on His principles, and that He has built and prospered this nation.  Prospered us in such a way that statistically, we comfortably… COMFORTABLY, can accomplish the dual goals of bringing His gospel to all the earth and meeting the basic phyical needs of all our neighbors.  I gave statistics on the need, here are some on our wealth:

Average annual American Christian household income: $42,409. This in the top 2.5% of the richest people in the world.
North American Christians give an average of 2.5% of their income to the church.
North American churches given an average of 2% of these funds to missions overseas.
For every $100 a North American Christian makes, we give 5 cents to missions overseas - that’s less than 1% - in fact, it is five one-hundredths of one percent.  God help us.

“Today Christians spend more money on dog food than missions.”
Leonard Ravenhill

Americans spend $40 billion every year on pets.
Americans spend $60 billion every year on weight-loss programs.
Churches spend $10 billion every year on church buildings.
It is estimated that $10 billion could bring clean water to every person on earth.

“In the early 1990s, Americans spent annually twice as much on cut flowers as on overseas Protestant ministries, twice as much on women’s sheer hosiery, one and a half times as much on video games, one and a half times as much on pinball machines, slightly more on the lawn industry, about five times as much on pets, one and a half times as much on skin care, almost one and a half times as much on chewing gum, almost three times as much on swimming pools and accessories, approximately seven times as much on sweets, seventeen times as much on diets and diet-related products, twenty times as much on sports activities, approximately 26 times as much on soft drinks, and a staggering 140 times as much on legalized gambling activities.”
Craig Blomberg

(Statistics from generousgiving.org; joshuaproject.net;globalrichlist.com; compassion.net)

God has a plan.  It is us.  He has done His part.  The “dream” I described ealier is real, already in existence.  However, that is only part of the dream. The rest of my dream is that we will respond by living simply and giving sacrificially.  That we will turn to Him, respond to His commands, and stop living in envy, greed, and self-indulgence.  Unfortunately, that part of my dream remains just that - a dream.  But He is powerful, and He is calling this nation to repentance and wholeness in His plan.  Spread the dream, begin living it.  It can and must become reality.  God, let it be through this nation, this time… don’t let us fail you with the blessings you have given us for this purpose.  Guide us and inspire us, lead us into your ways.

In May 2010 the ministry, Salt and Light, sent out an urgent message into the community: “We have run out of food!”  They also stated that the need has nearly doubled due to the recent economic troubles.  After issuing the emergency message, some donations came in to build up the food stock.  This past week 380 families were served, but more support is needed.  As many of you may already know, the first annual “canless” food drive is taking place during the month June 2010 to raise money to purchase food from the Illinois Food Bank.  Monetary donations are more cost effective way to obtain food, as they can purchase an equivalent of $100 of food for $10 from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.  Over 200 businesses in the Champaign-Urbana and surrounding area community will display cans to accept donations for the drive.  You can view a list of participating businesses at the following link:  http://www.knowntome.net/saltandlight_yes_stats.html

When I see communities of people participating to help people in need, it reminds me of the teachings of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8.  In the first few verses, we learn that the Macedonian churches were living in poverty themselves, but were eager and thankful for the opportunity to give to Jewish Christians suffering from a famine at the time.  Paul wrote in verses 3 and 4, “3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”  It was not given as a command, but Paul certainly encouraged people to earnestly give as others have given according to the example of Christ.  ” 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Paul concludes this section of his letter by offering a desired goal for giving.  It describes a quasi-socialism if I may use the term to produce an equalizing effect of provision among the people.  He certainly does not suggested that a committee or government body be set up to collect, manage and distribute funds.  I believe the scriptures do describe a desire to see each individual, managed by his own desire to emulate Christ, give to those in need and produce an equalizing effect in the community.  “13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15as it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.’ “.  Wouldn’t we all like to see this powerful sense of community spread throughout the world?!

Thanks to the people who work with Salt and Light, we are given the opportunity to fulfill the goal described by Paul.  Let’s help spread the word to fill those cans during the month of June at the participating businesses, and/or send a donation directly to Salt and Light ministries!

Remember the miraculous multiplication of the bread and fish Jesus performed to feed thousands of people?  We have experienced a multiplication of our financial gifts to Ludlati for the building of a kitchen and fence that will be used to feed Ludlati!  I received word from Childrens HopeChest that the government of Swaziland donated enough money to build two Carepoint kitchens.  Ludlati is selected to receive one of these kitchens!  The financial gifts we sent for the kitchen will be diverted toward installation of a well!  We are so thankful and excited about this news.  I thank God for everyone who gave out of the resources given to them.  Thank You God for the compassionate gift from the government of Swaziland to Ludlati.  Thank You God for the multiplied blessing on our Neighbor Kids at Ludlati Carepoint!  Thank You God for letting us share in the joy of You and Your kingdom work!  Sometime this summer the committed and compassionate Ludlati Gogos will have the facilities they need to efficiently feed the children.  I look forward to seeing pictures of the new kitchen after it is built.  I also look forward to our team of eight people planning to visit Ludlati in September to get a group picture with the Gogos and kids by the new kitchen.

Jesus disciples saw Him break the twelve loaves of bread and two fish to feed five thousand people.  They saw Him break seven loaves to feed four thousand.  Later that night the disciples saw Him walking on the water, and they freaked out.  The disciples were baffled by the miracles and His words, and they struggled to figure out the meaning.  Jesus stopped their discussion, and asked in Mark 8:21, “Do you still not understand?”.  A few verses later in Mark 8:31 Jesus plainly explains to the disciples that he was going to suffer, be put to death and rise back to life again.  Peter did not like this plan, and he tried to rebuke Jesus for saying such things.  But Jesus wound up rebuking Peter as if he was Satan for trying to get in the way of God’s plan.  Jesus knew they would not understand.  They would not understand until they received the gift of Holy Spirit.

Fortunately for us, we have the Bible and Holy Spirit to give us insight and the opportunity to understand.  Jesus helps us understand the deeper meaning behind the miracle feedings with the broken loaves of bread.  In John 6:47-48 He tells us:  “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.”  Read the whole chapter, and we learn Jesus is the bread given to us from Heaven by God.  He was broken for our sins, once for all, and He came back to life.  Yesterday, Easter, is an annual reminder that after Christ died for our sins as full payment, He was resurrected to life to bring us life.  Mark 8:34-35:  34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Do I understand?  If I may include us all…Do we understand?  I believe the gifts multiplied to Ludlati are His exciting miracle.  He gets all the glory, and we are blessed to receive joy from life given through Him.  Our Ludlati Gogos and Neighbor Kids are blessed with the same joy and with physical nourishment.  Thank You Lord for teaching and giving all of us life both physical and eternal through fishes and loaves and kitchens and wells.

Champaign-Urbana Area- Are you ready???
On Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, April 25th C-U area residents can join together to pack meals for Haiti.

Workers will work assembly line style to pack meals with the Salvation Army and Numana.
Read all about it and sign up for your shift via this article in the local newspaper:
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/living/2010-04-02/thousands-volunteers-needed-pack-million-meals-haiti.html

Let’s help Champaign-Urbana meat the Million Meal Challenge!

I can hear the groans from my fellow administrators now - “where is he going with that one?”.  Thanks for being patient with me, guys.  OK… let me explain.  First, I wanted to get your attention.  Second, I actually believe that prayer works - not only works, but has incredible power when offered in true faith.  A power that is desperately needed (and let’s be honest - is generally not very apparent in this day and age).  Third, that statement is a quote - both from me in my past, and from my son not too long ago.  If we’re honest, I’ll bet we’ve all had that question enter our minds at one time or another.  So I want to explore the thought… because when my son asked that a couple years ago I did not have a good response - and that shook me.

Jesus said if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we could (casually, it seems) tell a mountain to hop into the sea and it will happen.  I’ve never tried that, but I can name hundreds of things I have asked for/claimed/believed for in faith/etc… that never happened.  All seemed like good things.  I see now that some of them weren’t.  That’s part of my answer.  I have less understanding of what is really for my good than my 3 year-old who can’t understand why candy for every meal isn’t a good thing for him. 

Another part is that I think we really do miss out on incredible blessings and powerful benefits that effective prayer, offered in true faith, will deliver. Why do we miss out? (I know that would have been a better way to word the title, but I told you I wanted to get your attention).

How is this for a promise to answer just about every prayer you can think of?

Your light will break out like the dawn, and your healing will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. You will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am ‘.  Your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

I think that pretty much covers it.  If you want more than that, I really have no answer for you.  I’m not sure there is much I could ask for or desire that is not in there.  Here’s the rub.  These promises come from God’s Word.  But they are given with some “ifs” (all from Isaiah 58):

Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your healing will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am ‘
If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness,
And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday.

“But.. but… but… Jesus said that it was “just” faith.”  Yeah, we all have big buts (quoting another deep thinker there, any other child of the 80’s remember who?) - but those are not big buts.  The real question is: what is faith?  God’s Word tells us that faith without works is dead, and that even the demons “believe”.  James gets downright sassy with that passage (my paraphrase): “You say you believe?  Good for you.  You know… you should be really proud of your accomplishment - you’re doing as much as the demons of hell.”  Man, that’s talking some smack.  I know I’ll never approach that level of genius in sarcasm.

The point is:  God will do His part.  His promises are real and powerful.  But His entire Word is true.  We can’t take the seemingly “easy” path that some verses can imply if read in a vacuum and expect to see any kind of power in our lives.  Nor can we take the “hard” (or perhaps"impossible”) standards we seem to be held to in other verses and give up.  His entire Word is true.  We have a role to play.  One that requires real commitment and sacrifice.  I believe we need only step onto the mat - really commit to the fight - and He will meet us there.  And when He does, we can not lose.  But He will not step on the mat to fight our battles if we do not step out to fight with Him.

After Don and I posted our thoughts on the story of the rich young man/rich young ruler in the Gospels, I spent some time talking to my brother about our interpretations of this story.  Frankly, he didn’t agree with us on some points, despite the fact that we agree completely on our overall core beliefs.  We had a great discussion on the deeper truths that we do agree on: salvation is a free gift of God’s grace; yet scripture is clear that our actions are also critically important.

Shortly into the conversation, we had drifted far away from the specifics of the rich young man story.  Near the end, I told Rich that I always try to stress that the obligation to love others as ourselves, and actively sacrifice for their good, is not a burden.  My personal experience is that I struggled with our decision to adopt.  I felt a heavy burden of responsibility to care for my family’s financial and emotional needs with my income and my time and effort.  I knew I could not have the same “certainty” of doing that after committing to adopt 2… OK, now maybe 5… kids on top of the 3 we already had.  I came to a point where I knew that it was wrong to hold onto that.  That I was required to surrender all to follow Jesus, as He demanded of everyone He called when He was on earth.  Since I have done that (or at least started that process), I have experienced a joy and a peace that I have never had before.

He responded by telling me a personal story I had not been aware of.  He had spent many years burdended with a desire to be married and have a family.  That was not happening, and he was 36 years old.  He had vocalized “turning the matter over to God” many times, but never really had.  One day brushing his teeth, it hit him like a ton of bricks that he just had to accept that it might not happen for him.  In a very real way - a way he never had before - he gave that over to God.  He experienced a spritiual and emotional breakthrough that day, and ironically, met his future wife shortly thereafter.

At first blush, these are seemingly conflicting ideas as to what it takes to get that “breakthrough” moment and really connect with God.  And they are if you’re looking for a formula for success - but God is not about formulas - He’s about relationships.  But I was struck by the parallel between our stories, the story of the rich young man, and the stories of everyone Jesus called.  He demanded one thing of everyone He asked to follow Him (or who asked if they could follow Him).  That was simply this: give up control over what you value most and turn it over to Me.  Surrender that one thing… that one thing that you most desperately want to hold on to (and thus free yourself to surrender everything).  The rich young man walked away sad when he learned the cost of following Jesus.  That cost may not be our posessions - it is both harder and more freeing than that.  The cost is control - truly valuing relationship with Jesus over anything else in our lives.

Just in case you are questioning why we place so much emphasis on giving here, there are a couple of reasons.  Most importantly, that’s simply what our mission is - helping meet physical needs at Ludlati, and doing the same locally.  Just like Focus on the Family, well… focuses on the family, or like a business school focuses on teaching about business, our purpose is to discuss giving in a way that we believe is consistent with God’s Word - for our benefit and that of others.  That does not mean that our theology is skewed in some crazy way.  It just means that we have a specific purpose with KnownToMe.

That introduction is necessary because the rest of this post might otherwise seem way off-topic.  I, however, do not believe it could be any more relevant.  Giving our all, surrendering that which is most valuable, is what Jesus seemed to ask all who wanted to follow Him.  The following is an email I received from a friend who is an army chaplain in Iraq… not one of those internet stories that is more urban myth than reality - I know him personally, and he is an inspiration to me.

Thoughts of Sacrifice, Duty and Honor

As I sit here today, I have been thinking about all that has transpired in the last 24 hours.  I started yesterday in the house of the Lord, singing of the matchless love of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Preaching the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ and I rejoiced and shared with my brothers and sisters during worship.  Following worship, the usual Sunday events happened.  I counseled soldiers, met with soldiers around FOB Diamondback, assessing their needs and praying that the Lord would use me to help them with whatever issue the soldier may have.  At times I was laughing, at times I felt their sorrow, and at times I was simply in awe of the difficulty in ministry – one second laughing with a soldier and literary the next consoling a soldier who is in deep despair, and pain.

Then something out of the ordinary and something very unfortunate happened.  I was in the TOC (Tactical Operation Center) of the 3-7 CAV and was told a helicopter had crashed.  The Battle Captain informed me that they did not know more, but believed there to be two KIA’s.  My heart sank, saddened by the loss of soldiers who have graciously taken upon themselves to come to Iraq, to sacrifice their time, to be so long away from home for their country and for so many that they love. 

I was talking with another Chaplain shortly after this time, and became aware of the fact that the helicopter belonged to 1-230th Air Cavalry unit – located right next to my Squadron Area.  I further became aware that their Chaplain was at another location, due to 1-230th having soldiers at different locations.  The other Chaplain and I went with some of soldiers to help with the news of the passing of 2 pilots.  It was tragic to see the grief and pain in their eyes, while tears flowed down their faces.  As I left there, I was told that they needed a Chaplain to fly down, so as to provide some care to the flight crew and to honor the dead, as is part of the Army custom.  I told them I would be honored to fly down and pay respects to the dearly departed.  All I could think about was, they were going home in a couple of weeks, they had families, they had goals, desires….I remember looking as we flew over Iraq also wondering if the departed had also flown over the same portion of Iraq.  I kept thinking about them, the soldiers in their unit, their families, and the flight crew in the Blackhawk I was in—-I was so consumed by loss that I didn’t feel the flight. 

As we touched down, and the bodies were removed from the vehicles, I was amazed at the reverence and honor given by those around.  You could see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices, see it as they saluted, and you could see it as they honored their dead friends. 
I read Psalm 23, and then asked for the Lord’s comfort, strength in this unexplainable tragedy.  Just does not make much sense when something like this happens.  I certainly know the Lord provides in all ways, but it always is a struggle to explain things that really can’t get good answers to the “why’s”, and the “what if’s.”

After the body of one of the soldiers was placed in the Blackhawk I was in, I felt honored to ride with him and the crew that was carrying him back to his unit.  I placed my left hand on the body bag and prayed, and prayed, and prayed.  I prayed for the crew, his unit, his friends, and his family, all of their hopes and dreams, all that he wanted to do.

And then I prayed thank you to the Lord for such men.  I am sure the dangers of aviation were well known to this man.  I am also sure that he knew the risk and accepted them fully while coming here to Iraq.  Such willingness to travel the unknown dangers of this world, such willingness to demonstrate the honor in character that we should all strive to emulate, and such willingness to place duty to others above his own needs.  Thank you for such a man who gave.  I prayed even more, Thank you Lord for the people like him who serve, and who would gladly risk their life for their brothers and sisters in arms, for their country, and for so many that they love.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, how do we honor such a person?  How do we honor those who have sacrificed so much for so many who perhaps have sacrificed little or have not sacrificed anything at all?  It is from soldiers like these that our country and our faith have a rich heritage.  After all, without the willing sacrifices of so many before us where would we be?  Would our country have thrown off despotism and tyranny?  Would our country have risen to throw off the shackles that once enslaved our fellow man?  Would our country have expelled the fascism of evil men?  Would our country have protected others from the genocide by oppressors of hope, freedom, and liberty?

I believe that the way we truly honor such men and women is to keep their stories alive.  We should never forget their sacrifice, and willingness to place themselves in harm’s way.  I believe that the way we truly honor such men and women is to train up others who understand the importance of such ideals.  After all, should no one stand to guard those who cannot protect themselves—we too shall stumble and fall.

Is it not right to help those in this world less fortunate than ourselves?  Would it not be prudent to protect our neighbors who have been treated unfairly by ideals that promote destruction, despair, and devastation in our world?  I ask you, if it is not right for us to stand—then who?  That is how I honor you, my fallen brothers and sisters in arms.  I shall keep your story alive and teach others the values that are so important to many of us.