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.

GREAT NEWS!!
We are excited to report that some really big giving has been going on and the kitchen and fence at Ludlati are now fully funded.  We are amazed at the giving of a few families who have stepped up and made a difference.  Thank you!  We know each of you gave in Jesus name, and we give God the glory!

This video was made by some of those who work with AIM (Adventures in Missions) and CHC (Children’s Hope Chest) in SWAZILAND. They remarked that this video, unlike ones they have made in the past, was able to show the hope alive there! 

During this video you can see a glimpse of our Ludlati Carepoint from 2:25 to 2:28.  The tree and some of the Go-gos and kids faces are familiar.  You can also see our Ludlati Go-gos at 3:53 to 3:54 standing near the tree at the carepoint holding a box of the food our support helps provide.

Jumbo & Kriek Swaziland 2009 from Jumbo on Vimeo.

What a joy to join with you, Known To Me, in the work in Swaziland!

Here is an exciting opportunity to help with scholarships for some of the kids of Swaziland that may be the next leaders of their country!

http://www.hopechest.org/scared-education-fund/

Every time I read Matthew 19, I try to think about how my life lines up with Jesus’ demand of the rich young man.  But here’s the problem.  No matter how hard I try – even when I know I’m doing this – I can’t help but make excuses and explain away why it doesn’t apply to me, or why I’m OK living how I do.  I try to get past myself, but I can’t.  The human mind and defense mechanisms are a fascinating thing.  So, I thought I’d do the opposite:  instead of figuring out how I should change to get in line with scripture, I re-wrote scripture to match my lifestyle and thought process to get a different perspective on the mismatch between what I “believe” and what I do.  I think a full Bible in this translation would be a best-seller - maybe I’ll call it The Practical Application Bible since I’ll base it on what I do, not what I say I believe.  It sure provides some comfort (I based it on the King James translation because it sounds so much more official).  As to accuracy and integrity of the message… well,  let’s just say that you may not want to be in my vicinity about now due to the pending bolt of lightning that is probably coming for me.  It was rather shocking for me to see it this way - just how far I had to pervert Jesus’ message to fit the way I see myself living.

Matthew 19:16-29 (Practical Application Bible)
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?  21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  22But when the young man heard that saying, he turned away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. But Jesus stopped him, and saith; Wait… no… I spake more strongly than I might… sometimes that happeneth… thou art OK, really.  If thou shouldst say the sinner’s prayer thou hath no need to change thy lifestyle.  For, lo; my message is one of ease and comfort.  23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, it is easy for all, even a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.  24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God than it is to walk through an open gateway.  25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly relieved, saying, all then can be forthwith and easily saved.  26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are easy, and upon my sacrifice… very, very easy.  27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?  28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that was irresponsible and rash… yea, stupid even.  Ye are children of the King because of what I will do – you need do nothing difficult.  In the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall have acted foolishly - for such sacrifice is not necessary; all who call on my name will receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Just in case you don’t remember off-hand, what follows is the original KJV.  Maybe presenting this as well will allow me to dodge that bolt of lightning…

Matthew 19:16-29
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.  18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,  19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?  21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.  23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.  24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?  26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.  27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?  28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

“If there were no Carepoint I think my whole family would be dead…I pray for God to help me live a good life and my future be like a miracle.”—Quote from a Swaziland Teenager shared by Tom Davis, CEO of Children’s Hopechest on his facebook page.  This quote provides a real word picture for the life giving hope we plan to give to Ludlati.  A Ludlati Development Plan is set up to intervene in the lives of Ludlati orphans and at-risk children by helping them come to know Christ, provide support needed to thrive physically, and teach the skills needed to sustain themselves and their family as they mature.  A critical aspect of the development plan provides support to native Swaziland community leaders and mentors who already show a commitment to help these children, but lack the resources to do it.  This promotes in-country growth and sufficiency for long term development and sustainability.

Ludlati Development Plan:

1.    Obtain land from the village leadership, typically available as an empty plot. - DONE

2.    Provide food, water, and basic preventive medical care to orphans and at-risk children in the area using the land as a gathering place.  Funded through monthly contributions. - IN PROGRESS

3.    Develop facilities:  Fence, kitchen and a well (if possible at this location).  Funded through capital project contributions.  - IN PROGRESS

4.    Provide support for school fees and on-site schooling for all children at Ludlati Carepoint.  Funded through monthly contributions at 100% monthly funding level.

5.    Develop facilities:  Build a building for school, training, and discipleship activities.  Also used as temporary shelter on the grounds.  Funded through capital project contributions.

6.    Deliver ongoing care and education to provide immediate and long-term hope.  Funded through monthly contributions at 100% monthly funding level.

7.    Move beyond orphan care into the community to develop micro-enterprises that provide a means to earn both income and dignity.  Funding plans for this stage will be developed at a later date with the goal of long term self sufficiency.

We are excited to be started on working through the development plan steps, and are currently in the midst of Step 2 and 3 above.  50% of the monthly support needed is raised for Step 2.  We are thankful for each family and individual who has committed to give!  But there is 50% more to go…help spread the word.  Step 3 is a capital project to build a kitchen and fence around the carepoint grounds.  We were given a quote from Children’s Hopechest of $15,000 to build the kitchen and fence.  We are so thankful and blessed to have $12,500 raised for this project before wide spread publishing of the need for Ludlati capital funds!  If you will help us close the funding gap, we want to raise the remaining $2500 in the next two to four weeks.  Pick this link to learn how to give by mail or on-line to the Ludlati Capital Project.

More Ludlati Development Plan details are posted and updated at the following link or menu bar pick:  COMMUNITY > SWAZILAND > Ludlati Development Plan

Please understand how a Carepoint effects the life of children in Swaziland from another true story given by a boy in Swaziland named Musa (from Children’s HopeChest):

“My name is Musa. I am five. My mother and father are dead from AIDS. Now my sister Zodwa is taking care of me. She’s 12. After my parents died, we ate grass for food, but now that is changed. Every day the go-gos cook food for us at the carepoint. At the carepoint, Zodwa and I eat two meals each day. I no longer think about food so much. Now I dream of school. Thank you for making this place for me and Zodwa. Please do not ever forget us. I do not want to be hungry again.”

I have a really good one this week… at least, really good for me.  Jesus must be the center of all we are.  That is where our peace is, our joy, and our transformation.  Our lives will be transformed if we truly have Him as the center of all we are - and He must be that center.  Scripture is clear that there is no other way to where we must be.  This Pensee is a good reminder of that fact.  I often wonder how I can let such basic truths - things that I fully believe - slip away without these reminders.

The Christian religion, then, teaches men these two truths; that there is a God whom men can know, and that there is a corruption in their nature which renders them unworthy of Him. It is equally important to men to know both these points; and it is equally dangerous for man to know God without knowing his own wretchedness, and to know his own wretchedness without knowing the Redeemer who can free him from it. The knowledge of only one of these points gives rise either to the pride of philosophers, who have known God, and not their own wretchedness, or to the despair of atheists, who know their own wretchedness, but not the Redeemer. Let us herein examine the order of the world and see if all things do not tend to establish these two chief points of this religion: Jesus Christ is end of all, and the centre to which all tends. Whoever knows Him knows the reason of everything.

The God of Christians is not a God who is simply the author of mathematical truths, or of the order of the elements; that is the view of heathens and Epicureans. He is not merely a God who exercises His providence over the life and fortunes of men, to bestow on those who worship Him a long and happy life. That was the portion of the Jews. But the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of Christians, is a God of love and of comfort, a God who fills the soul and heart of those whom He possesses, a God who makes them conscious of their inward wretchedness, and His infinite mercy, who unites Himself to their inmost soul, who fills it with humility and joy, with confidence and love, who renders them incapable of any other end than Himself.

I am pleasantly struck this morning by another insight after reading about the “Rich Young Man” or the “Parable of the Rich Ruler” that I have missed in the past.

If you are familiar with the story documented in at least three places in the bible (Mathew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18), it is a memorable moment when this “rich guy” walks away sad after hearing Jesus response.  I gather from Mathew, Mark and Luke’s perspectives, this man was everything most humans on earth would want to be.  He was a good man.  He was young.  He was rich.  He was a Ruler, so he had power.  Nothing is written about his looks except his general age….but if you have all that, there is plenty of evidence to show he doesn’t necessarily need to be handsome.  I think it is safe to assume, most of us would see this person, and think I want to be and live like him.  We can also cipher from their response that people nearby were impressed.  If this guy can’t be saved, “Who then can be saved?”

Now let’s set up the scene.  This rich man was standing in a crowd listening to Jesus teach people how they can obtain eternal life.  After He was done he starts walking on His way, and this guy runs up to Him, falls on his knees, and asks Jesus, “Good teacher! What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  I would love to see the faces of this man and the people nearby when Jesus responds with, “Why do you call me good?  No one is good-except God alone.”  I can see the blank, questioning look on each of their faces.  That would have been my expression too for that matter.  Huh!?  You are not good!?  Then Jesus says in so many words, “God has these commands see…and no one can follow them all see…”  And the rich guy’s eyes get wide as he looks up with excitement and proclaims, “Teacher!  I have kept all these commands since I was a boy!”.  Jesus replies, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  This is the pivotal moment where so much is happening.  Jesus is feeling a deep sense of love for this man, because he knows his response will be sadness and rejection of His instructions.  The people nearby will be drop-jaw’d because they don’t understand why this good man can not meet the requirement for eternal life.  This is where I as the reader in the past have thought, “Hmm…I am a Christian, but sell everything, and give it all to the poor?  Wow.  That would be tough for me to do.”  This is where suddenly it hit me!

Jesus did not say how much to give.  Jesus asked the rich man to change his lifestyle.

In my mind, I often thought Jesus asked him to give ALL his possessions to the poor.  If you did too, then look again.  The instruction was simply, “give to the poor”.  The amount was not specified.  The second part of Jesus instruction was, “follow me”.  It is an important point that Jesus loved the rich man, and wanted to be together in relationship with the rich man.  He wanted to live life together, both in the present and eternity.  The rich man’s response revealed his true desires were for his current lifestyle and everything that went with it.  He was excited by Jesus’ teaching how to obtain eternal life.  He thought he had passion for God.  He had followed God and been good his whole life!  He looked like a sure candidate, just ask the people nearby.  In my opinion, the rich man was sad because he could not have it his way.  Jesus was sad because he cared for this man who rejected his love and things of eternal value.

Though this is a sobering story that challenges all of us to test our own desires and heart, I want to bring us back to what I believe is an insight about giving.  Jesus’ instruction was simply, “give to the poor”.  Again I point out, the amount was not specified.  In our on-line discussions we have seen the questions repeated that we are all wrestling.  How much should I give to the orphans and widows in distress, brokenhearted, wanderers, and strangers?  For clarity, let’s state the word “giving” implies gifts of time, money, energy, love, compassion, etc.  I think we all understand that God wants us to give all of our life to Him.  What that means in practical daily life is the challenge.  There are many scriptures about giving, and how God feels about it.  Yes, God wants us to give our entire life to Him.  But how we work this out on a daily basis is not spelled out explicitly in God’s word.  I believe He wants each of us to seek this instruction from Him.  We do have explicit guidelines at the extremes.  For example in Mark 25:31-46, the parable of “The Sheep and the Goats”, and I paraphrase - if we “didn’t give to the least of these” we are rejected, and if we “do give to the least of these” we are given eternal life with Him.  This parable can stress us out unless we realize that salvation is freely given and received.  No one can earn it, so no one can boast.  Once one understands salvation, works and giving are part of Jesus plan for our lives (Ephesians 2:8-10).  Now that the extremes are stated, I think most of us believe we are somewhere in between.  Again, we come back to the question of how much?  To explore one answer to this question, let’s go back to a story that I learned as a child through a Sunday school song.

“Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he…”  Remember that song?  Because of this song, I have always pictured this little wimp with Jesus scolding him, “Zacchaeus!  Get down out of that tree!  We are going straight to your house young man!”  Brings back memories of my parents shouting, “Donnie!  Cut that out! Go straight to your room!”  As a child, I also learned Jesus loves everyone - even little, dirty rotten tax collectors - so he must love me too.  Judging by my parents reaction to the word, I also figured he was probably extra bad since he was associated with the word “tax”.  Recently, my picture of this guy has changed.  Let’s review the story.  Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, was wealthy, and most everyone hated him.  We probably wouldn’t know he was short except to explain why this guy was up in a tree so he could see over the crowd.  It probably should be added to Jesus list of miracles that Zacchaeus didn’t fall out of that tree when He turned His head and said Z’s name.  Boldly, Jesus invited himself to little Z’s house in front of everyone.  The people were shocked and appalled Jesus would talk to this guy and even go to his house to eat with that dirty tax collecting thief!  Zacchaeus was all those bad things, but look at his response to Jesus.  Luke 19:8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  Zacchaeus got it right away.  Now I choose to call him BIG-Z.  He decided on the same day he met Jesus to change his lifestyle.  He gave more than half of his possessions, but more importantly, he understood giving his life to Jesus meant acting on Jesus instructions and commands.  I believe these are actions of a big man.  I would love to know the rest of BIG-Z’s story.

Peter is one of Jesus’ disciples who had a couple wimpy episodes, but eventually turned into a big man himself with the help of God’s spirit.  At the end of the story about the rich man, Peter was excited about the disciple’s prospects.  Luke18:28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”  29"I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”

We have God’s love for us, His promises and blessings of life, and we have many inspirational role models for “giving” in the Bible, history and in the world today.  As part of my current prayers I seek the works I am supposed to do, and I trust and see He is working in my life to lead me this way.  Some days are routine and “uneventful” and I have to decide to trust and have faith anyway, but He gives me opportunities daily to act on my faith in seemingly small and some bigger ways.  Other days He has given me insights to show me He is leading me toward the answer to these questions.  How much should I give?  How should I live my days?  What should my lifestyle look like?  I pray that we all be inspired, encouraged, seek and trust that God will guide each one of us to our specific actions and work.  Just for fun, let the children’s Sunday school song play in your head, and imagine the collective impact we will have on the orphans, widows, strangers and the world when we all respond like the rich man, Zacchaeus, and change our lifestyles in Christ.

Recently, my wife, Barbra, received this information, and we want to share it with you.  I think it is safe to assume most everyone is affected by the earthquake disaster in Haiti.  I have heard several people express desire to do more that are not able to go themselves.  You can take advantage of an opportunity to do something for Haiti in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area!

First Christian Church and Haitian Christian Outreach have partnered together to collect much needed items to earthquake stricken Haiti in the next 30 days. They will be accepting donations on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9am to 3pm at First Christian Church on South Staley Rd. (Corner of Staley and Curtis in Southwest Champaign). Needed items include:

• Peanut butter, bottled water, cooking oil, canned meats, protein bars, canned pasta—already prepared
• over the counter medicines: tylenol, Benadryl, prenatal vitamins, etc. (all items need to be new and unopened)
• medical supplies: dressings, gauze, gloves, tape, crutches, alcolor, peroxide, vaseline, ziplock bags, etc.
• Baby items: Pedialyte, baby cereal, baby bottles
• Financial donations
• Children’s shoes, but no clothing is needed at this time.
• Please make sure all food and medical items are unopened.

The HaitianChristian.org website states that financial contributions can be used to purchase higher quantities of food at much lower prices than we can buy at a store.  Again, they will accept financial contributions Saturday.  If you have specific questions, please use the following information to contact the organizers:

For more info. go to http://www.haitianchristian.org
Or contact Don & Deb Orr .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Haitian Christian Outreach is an organization lead by Executive Director, Mac Burberry, out of Mahomet, IL near Champaign.  Read more about their organization at their website.  If you miss out on the opportunity Saturday, and you want to give.  Please go to the website and find out how where to send donations.

Thanks for Caring. Here is a video update found on Haitian Christian Outreach website. From their website:  Watch the video, especially the last 1 minute and you will see the helicopter land on our buildings in Port-au-Prince with supplies and the many smiling faces there.

It took a few blog-liftings to bring this to KTM today, but I thought it was worth posting.  It was posted on Facebook by Lifesong for Orphans.  Lifesong for Orphans posts some of the best orphan care and adoption articles and links every day on FB. Become a Fan! The blog lifting does not stop there, though.  Lifesong got this from the Together for Adoption blog.
Here is what Together for Adoption wrote about this video:
Francis Chan wrote this children’s story to illustrate what God ordained the church to be in the world. Since God has called the church to care for orphans, I think “The Big Red Tractor” also applies to the current orphan care movement that is growing within the church.
And, finally, the video:

The Big Red Tractor from Jacob Lewis on Vimeo.

A story from Children’s HopeChest shows how the Lord called a poor pastor in Swaziland, Pastor Walter, to give out of his pocket.  Pastor Walter describes how his heart was so moved to obeyed God’s word and call in James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress….

Watch how God has blessed and continues to bless Pastor Walter’s obedience and work…

The Pastor Walter Story from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

During my visit to Swaziland in October 2009, I met Pastor Walter and his wife, saw the carepoints he started and are now supported by people through Children’s HopeChest.

The video below shows progress made toward Pastor Walter’s vision by October 2009 as the walls are built onto the Church building at Bhalekane. It is not shown in this video, but a primary school is also added to the grounds, and a field on the grounds was freshly plowed to grow cash crops. More importantly, there is a noticeable improvement in the countenance of the children at Bhalekane carepoint relative to children of Ludlati carepoint who did not have this level of care and resource.  We are so happy to get started with Ludlati, and we look forward to watching love turn into hope and joy.

Progress at Bhalekane Carepoint through Pastor Walter from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

Though we are not “pastors”, all followers of Christ are instructed by Jesus to obey God’s commands to love one another and care for the needy, and we are blessed with joy when we obey.  We can share in some joy now by reading a young swazi boy’s perspective how his life is changed through the support of a carepoint…

Story from a boy in Swaziland named Musa (from Children’s HopeChest):

“My name is Musa. I am five. My mother and father are dead from AIDS. Now my sister Zodwa is taking care of me. She’s 12. After my parents died, we ate grass for food, but now that is changed. Every day the go-gos cook food for us at the carepoint. At the carepoint, Zodwa and I eat two meals each day. I no longer think about food so much. Now I dream of school. Thank you for making this place for me and Zodwa. Please do not ever forget us. I do not want to be hungry again.”

We’ll say it’s #5, I can’t remember.  I certainly haven’t followed up on my promise to post weekly Pensees (thoughts) by Blaise Pascal.  The pace of news related to Ludlati and other things more directly related to our mission pushed these into the background.  But, we find ourselves with a bit of a lull, which I am only too happy to fill.  Here goes:

This is our true state; this is what makes us incapable of certain knowledge and of absolute ignorance. We sail within a vast sphere, ever drifting in uncertainty, driven from end to end. When we think to attach ourselves to any point and to fasten to it, it wavers and leaves us; and if we follow it, it eludes our grasp, slips past us, and vanishes for ever. Nothing stays for us. This is our natural condition and yet most contrary to our inclination; we burn with desire to find solid ground and an ultimate sure foundation whereon to build a tower reaching to the Infinite. But our whole groundwork cracks, and the earth opens to abysses.

For context… this particular thought from Pascal is grouped with others expressing his observations on the state of man apart from God.  I think he could not have said it better.  I believe human nature, our true spirit, is in anguish without something truly permanent and solid to attach ourselves to.  We are willing to try to meet that need with almost anything, things that are at best unproductive, and are often destructive.  There is no answer other than “abiding in Christ” (see John 14-15).  I think we often fail to see and appreciate what a wonderful gift God gave us in removing our need to continue that search.  He is so good.  He is so perfectly what we need.  What a gift.  A gift that we should do our best to return to others in both physical and spiritual need.

We thank God and we thank everyone who has joined in providing financial support to the children of Ludlati in Swaziland Africa.  We have 50% of the carepoint monthly financial support raised.  More importantly, we have 35 of the 70 children who have an individual or a family committed to send letters that show individual children that someone from far away knows and cares about them.  It may be easy to dismiss the value received from a gift of a few simple letters.  Try to understand, it is the difference between life and death.  A great gift of hope in a child’s distress.

It has been proven many times over that people who have hope in difficult or impossible situations are much more likely to get through than someone who does not have it.  I know a true story how a touch on the shoulder and a simple statement of “See you in the morning.” made the difference between giving one’s life up, and fighting to live on to the next day.  Another story about a man who was in a bad car accident and the doctors projected the need to amputate his leg due to decreasing blood flow and gang-green.  In his pain and weakness he had given in to the inevitable loss until a volunteer advocate came along side this man.  Through simple visits and encouragement, this man was able to find hope.  Over time this man’s leg was saved, and he was able to walk again.  He said the visits and simple acts of kindness made the difference for him to have hope.  Without this hope, he would have lost his leg.

Do you remember your own excitement as a child receiving a letter in the mail?  If not, I can tell as a child I loved it, and my own children receive mail with great excitement.  They treasure the letters and cards.  Now imagine a child who has nothing but a few tattered clothes, maybe some worn shoes, and lives each day wondering if he/she will eat.  When this child receives a letter in the mail, the value to them is extremely high.  I have been there, and seen the excitement from a simple handshake greeting, playing together and many hugs.  Much hope is drawn by these children from these encounters.  The letters are equally valued, and will be kept as a treasure.  We call the children of Ludlati our “Neighbor Kids” because we know if Ludlati was our neighbor hood, we all would reach out to help the many orphans and at-risk children.  If you visit your “Neighbor Kid” someday as I plan to do this September, you will find this child values your letters and care, and you will never forget the true joy you share together.

I encourage one or two more people to decide today to become an advocate for an orphan or at-risk child in Ludlati.  We have two children taken from the front and back of our list featured today.

Sethu is a girl who is turning 5 years old this year.  Sethu’s current home is a 30 minute walk to the Ludlati CarePoint where she lives with her Grandmother who is unemployed and lives with six other children.  Both of her parents are living, however they are both unemployed.  The unemployment rate in Swaziland is 60%.  Even if someone has employment, jobs often pay $3 per day for more than 8 hours of work, and the cost of living is the same as here in the midwest of the United States.  Sethu needs an advocate to give her hope along with the meals, school support, health training and discipleship to give her a chance to grow and live.

Thabo is a boy who is turning 13 years old this year.  Thabo’s current home is a 25 minute walk to the Ludlati CarePoint.  Thabo currently lives with his Uncle who is employed.  Both of his parents are deceased.  Thabo lives with four other children on his Uncle’s homestead.  Thabo receives an education at Joy Primary School and is in the third grade.  He is one of the 45% of the children who are able to go to school in Swaziland.  They do not have a public or government system to provide education.  Fees must be paid in order for children to go to school.

All of the children who come to Ludlati carepoint are children at-risk.  The development plan for Ludlati carepoint includes providing basic food needs, education and support of school fees so children can be educated, health training to teach children about AIDS, and discipleship training by young men and women Swaziland mentors and role models who show the kids how they grew and changed through tough circumstances, how to love God, love each other, and find hope for improving their families and community.

I believe if many of you met either one of these children in person and saw the living conditions they have to deal with everyday, you would be moved to act on your compassion.  It’s as if one of these children showed up at your house in their dirty tattered clothes seeking just one meal.  Let your heart and mind be moved to action as other KnownToMe members have been to give hope to a Ludlati child.  The development plans we have in cooperation with Children’s HopeChest rescues children from starvation, and provides support through native Swaziland workers and role models committed to lead children toward self sufficiency through education, health and AIDS training, and discipleship.  I have seen the work personally in Swaziland.  I have met the devoutly committed people on the ground in Swaziland, visited carepoints where kids are getting care, met the ladies cooking the food and teaching the children, seen the inspiration given by the young men and women discipleship trainers, and I have been to carepoints just getting started where starvation, neglect and dangers are still a heartbreaking reality.  I am looking forward to visiting our and hopefully your Ludlati Neighbor Kids in September this year.  Please start now by picking this link to select Sethu, Thabo or another available child on our list.  I know you will find joy added to your life as we have through this act of giving.

Click here, and start supporting a Ludlati Child today!