Pictures of Honduras

Honduras - Wednesday

September 7, 2011
On Tuesday, construction was finished on la casa which was begun Monday.

The medical team visited Boboton village, near Rio Lindo today; we were all surprised when we didn't drive up a mountain to get to the people (since that was our modus operandi the first 2 days). Someone suggested we go there because they have recently lost the pastor who shepherded the area. it was hoped that we would bring encouragement through our work and presence. May God grant it to be so!


Jeni Ward - Team Historian

Honduras - Monday

Today we conducted our first clinic (and supposedly, the first medical clinic ever in this area).  Buena Vista is a mountain village near Pena Blanca, Lago de Yojoa. Eye care as well as general medical care was provided. About 100 folks received glasses, and 140 were seen by our optometric professionals.  The medical team saw around 300 people, treating not only their physical issues such as worms, scabies, headaches, nausea, malnutrition, but also allowing time to pray with each person.

As for our construction team, they finished 60-70% of a new home today. The Hondurans who were around either helping or watching were a particular blessing. One little fellow, Edwin, really wanted to help and spent four hours performing some of the smaller tasks that the team needed. When there was a generator glitch, one of the locals allowed them to use the electricity from his house. The completed house will be 18' x 24'.

To enable the physicians to see so many people, the "Hey!" team keeps the children busy with games and crafts. Coloring sheets abounded, and a rousing game of musical chairs delighted the kids.

Special thanks to those of you praying for the ministry going on this week...and for our wonderful translators! The Lord has blessed us greatly today!


Jeni Ward - Team Historian

Honduras Mission Trip 2011 - Sunday

September 4, 2011

Crossing's medical/construction team arrived in Honduras this afternoon; we ate breakfast in OKC and lunch in Pena Blanca! Our group is comprised of 22 folks, ages 16 to 90.

We are blessed in that:
1) TS Lee didn't mess up our flights.
2) our tiny Continental plane was able to accommodate the 23 Rubbermaid supply tubs along with all our baggage.
3) We're getting to know each other which will help fuel our service to the Hondurans this week.


Thanks for your prayers,

Jeni Ward and all

Friday pictures from Group 5

POTENTIAL - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

WOW! Is it early!

Granted, it's not as early as last Sunday when we met at Crossings at 5:00am, but a 6:00am wake-up after a long week is still no picnic.

But what an incredible week it has been.

Yesterday, Group 5 concluded our week at the Andrew Jackson Boys and Girls Club. It was difficult for everyone to say goodbye to these children that we have come to know and love. Their smiling faces will linger in our memory for a long time. We will recall - with great frequency - the games we played and the conversations we shared.

The second half of our day was spent entirely at Feed the Children. Our group worked hard all afternoon and packed 513 hygiene packs. These packs will be distributed to families who need them as a result of poverty or natural disaster. It was brutally hot inside the warehouse but the students were great. They accomplished every task given to them without any whining or complaining.

Following a soul food dinner at world famous Swett's, Group 5 debriefed on pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland River. An amazing view. As we reflected on our week of experiences, we had the opportunity to write a brief letter to the people that we met this week who had a significant impact on us. There was a LARGE stack of letters that we left for Jennifer our host to deliver.

All of that made for a great day.

But the most significant event of the day was the worship experience for our entire Crossings group. Once again, there was outstanding leadership from Andy, Leo, Cole and Donnie. But God's Spirit was poured out on these teenagers.

During the course of the worship the students were given the opportunity to share what they were experiencing in one or two sentences. There was conviction, brokenness, transformation and recommitment. There were tears of compassion, tears of confession, tears of liberation and tears of joy.

We also had the chance to audibly pray for some of the people we had encountered during our week of ministry. I was personally moved by the level of connection and compassion that our students expressed for the people of Nashville. It is clear that God has done some amazing and transformational work in the hearts of everyone who came on the trip.

So what is the next step?

Our time in Nashville will amount to little more than a personal enrichment exercise if what we experienced there does not translate into changed lives back home. The compassion that the students extended to the homeless of Nashville, will they extend it to that person who eats alone at school each and every day? The servant's attitude that was so evident daily, will it still be there when it is time to take out the trash or clean up a bedroom? Will the heightened awareness of the plight for the poor and homeless in Nashville lead to an increased acuity of those same problems in our city? Does the work started by the Holy Spirit this week lead to a life more fully devoted to, and in love, with Christ?

Let's not forget the daily routine of life at home. Some of these students will have very hectic schedules when school resumes: school work, extra-curricular activities, jobs and church. Will they continue to daily create time and space for God? And what about the example that those of us who are parents set? What is our mind set toward the homeless and the poor? What behaviors and attitudes do they pick up from us when we encounter the folks with the cardboard signs who stand at many of the major intersections in OKC?

My point is, we can either help foster and nurture the growth these students are facing or we can kill it. It's your choice.

Bill Hybels constantly - and accurately - proclaims that the church is the hope of the world. Will the seeds that were planted in the hearts of these teenagers grow and produce a generation of world-changers?

I certainly think so.

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
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Press On - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

Thank you for your prayers.

Yesterday was an incredible day of ministry and service. Not just for the incomparable Team 5, but for our entire student ministry group. I have absolutely no doubt that your prayers on our behalf played a significant role in yesterday's events.

The morning events at the Andrew Jackson Boys and Girls Club went pretty much to schedule. Our entire team has fully embraced these children and poured their attention, love and affection into them. It has been a blessing to see our students give themselves totally to these relationships without expecting anything in return.

After lunch - and Mexican popcicles for dessert - our team had the opportunity to serve at Safe Haven. Safe Haven is a homeless shelter for families.

Usually, when a family seeks refuge after becoming homeless, the families are split up. The dad (and sometimes older male children) go to a men's shelter while mom and younger children stay at a women's shelter. Obviously, this not an ideal situation. Safe Haven seeks to maintain the unity and cohesion of a family unit as they overcome their homelessness together.

While at Safe Haven we had the chance to serve the current residents and the ministry in numerous ways. Our students cleaned most of the facility's common areas (including bathrooms), hanging pictures in the hallway, mounting whiteboards in classrooms and by sorting and cleaning a mass of donations that Safe Haven has received.

Now on the surface, that may not seem like a life-changing experience. But when viewed in light of the bigger picture, it most certainly is. Here's why.

When viewed in its totality, the overwhelming need of the poor, need and homeless can seem insurmountable. It can appear too massive, too daunting, with no starting place. It quickly becomes apparent that no single person, group, church, or non-profit can do it alone.

So, what do we do? We do what we can do and let others shoulder what they can do. If that means we clean a housing facility in order to free up a staffer to focus directly on the needs of the residents, then that's what we do. It could look like packing crutches for a shipment to South America. If that's the need, we meet it. There is no insignificant step in the process of meeting needs.

So just how is that impacting the lives of our students?

By their own admission, it is changing their perspective. The phrase "treat others the way that you want to be treated" has become much more than a trite parental platitude. It has a face and a name. It has become real. They have learned that there are more similarities between them and the poor/homeless than there are differences. And probably most importantly, they are beginning to grasp what Christ requires of us to truly "love thy neighbor" and serve "the least of these." During our group debrief yesterday, one of our teens mentioned how much Christ gave for us - his life - and how in gratitude we must be willing to give to others.

Today we find ourselves in the home streach. This is our last day of ministry...in Nashville. It is time to press on to the end. We are encouraging our group to finish strong and - just like when running in a race - to sprint to the tape. But while today concludes our ministry here, my prayer is that today marks the end of the beginning for the students. That their next natural step will be a greater awareness of the needs back home. That awareness of the need and their devotion to Christ will COMPEL them to do whatever they can to help meet that need and serve others.

When I look at our group, I see world changers!

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
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PERFECTED STRENGTH - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

I want to tell you a little about the team I am on during our mission trip: Team 5. We have our local ministry host, Jennifer, who directs us where we need to go and keeps us on schedule. Then we have three adult leaders: Student Ministry intern Jason White, adult volunteer David Hedrick, and myself.

The heart and soul of our team are the students: Aya, Emily, Jaimi, Marissa, Savanah, Shay, Everett, Garrett and Jacob. I have been so proud of the way that the students have responded to the challenges presented to them by this mission trip experience. They are learning to love and accept others unconditionally. By faith they are stepping out of their comfort zone and opening their hearts to new experiences. They have been working, serving and giving for three straight days.

I am by no means an expert or authority on mission trips. But I have been on enough trips to know that today - Day 4 - is a critical day.

We have had little sleep for five days. (Did anybody really get a full night's sleep prior to our 5:30am departure on Sunday?) We are not sleeping in our own beds. We have worked hard, perspired much, and kept a non-stop pace since we arrived.

What does all that mean?

It means we are getting a little tired and cranky.

The apostle Paul tells us that Christ's strength is perfected in our weakness. And that's a really good thing, too, because we're starting to run out of gas. Now it is even more important that we FULLY rely on the same power that raised Christ from the dead to get us through today. Moment by moment, step by step, hour by hour.

This is where your prayers are so important to our success. We covet your prayers on our behalf as we serve. Ask God to strengthen us beyond our own limitations. Pray for us that we will focus on the people we meet rather than our own needs and concerns. Also be sure to ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit so that we will be patient with others and that we will act as agents of grace and mercy to the people we meet.

If you really want to partner with us, then today is the day to get in the game by getting on your knees on our behalf.

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
Sent from my iPhone

More group building activities

Group building in Nashville

Team 5 Pics - Pancakes, Perspiration & Praise

Pancakes, Perspiration and Praise - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

What an incredible day this has been!

Our day - at least Team 5's day - started a little earlier than usual. Yesterday we somehow got to talking about food and places to eat in Nashville and an establishment known as the Pancake Pantry became the focus of conversation. We decided that we needed to pay a visit there for our morning devotion. Just to say we had been there.

Being a lover and devotee of all types of breakfast food, I didn't believe that just saying that we had been there provided an adequate experience. To truly appreciate this Nashville icon, we needed to eat there. So, in order to make sure we were not late to the Andrew Jackson Boys and Girls Club, we left at 6:45am for our breakfast and morning devo at the Pancake Pantry.

We had a great time of "breaking bread and fellowshipping together." (Acts 2 - even eating pancakes can be a spiritual experience). In our devotion time we continued to discuss what it means to be truly devoted to God. We talked about the importance of spending time alone with God through prayer and the reading of His Word.

Our time at AJBGC was a little different than normal. Today was a field trip to the movie theater. We joined them and watched "Dispicable Me." Great movie. Great kids, too. The entire group was very well-behaved and a breeze to help chaperone. We are LOVING our time with them each day.

So, in summary, we have eaten a larger a substantially bigger and more filling breakfast than normal AND spent the remainder of the morning watching a movie in an air conditioned cinema.

Timing is everything.

Our afternoon activity was completely different. It is called Urban Exposure and the purpose of the activity is to stretch us personally and to educate us on the plight of the poor and homeless. Here's how it works:

Our group of twelve was split into two groups of six. We were given water bottles to distribute to whomever we wished and $1 per person to eat lunch with. Did you know that most homeless survive on less than $1 per day? We were also given a list of tasks to perform and conversations that we were to initiate with total strangers.

Given the fact that today was Nashville's hottest day of the year so far, this is where the persiration comes in.

But what an awesome group of students we have. The students gave away the water and initiated several conversations with the homeless, street musicians, and people we met riding on the bus. One of the girls in our group did the entire event on crutches. What a trooper!

By the way, we ended up pooling our money and splitting a $5 Footlong from Subway among the six of us. Two inches of a cold cut combo never tasted so good.

In our debrief time afterwards, we discussed what we saw, felt and learned.

We saw that there is poverty everywhere. Financial, physical and spiritual. We saw joy in the faces of those who accepted our free gift of water, but we also saw loneliness and dispair in many of those same eyes.

We felt fear as we approached people - people we didn't know - to have conversation. We felt compassion and sympathy for those who are hurting. We felt helpless because the magnitude of the need is so great. Be we also felt joy from those times when we were able to befriend, help and encourage people. We also felt hunger.

We learned - again - that people are homeless for a lot of different reasons. Sure, there are those with addiction problems but there are also those who are doing everything to change their situation and cannot seem to stem the tide of their poverty. We learned that first impressions can be deceiving. There are committed Christians among the homeless. There are street musicians who love blues and country music who are retired US Postal Letter carriers. (No, I didn't see that one coming either).

To conclude our day, our entire group had a corporate night of praise. Every now and then we need to pause, process and respond to what God is saying to us. Our time of worship was led by Leo Flores, Jason White and Donnie Peslis (who was rockin' the djimbe). God used their gifts to create an atmosphere that allowed the Holy Spirit to really begin working on some students. What a treat to hear these teens lift their hearts and voices in worship to the Savior.

God is doing some amazing things in the lives of everyone...and He's just getting started.

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
Sent from my iPhone

PLEASURE & PAIN - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

During the five days that our high school students are serving in Nashville, our large group is being split up into six teams. Student ministry intern Jason White (not the Jason White from Tuttle) and I have the privilege of leading Team 5, made up of nine incredible teens.

So far we have helped Project Cure prepare shipments of medical supplies and equipment bound for Third World nations, encouraged and prepared dinner for women in transition from prison to regular life at The Next Door, plus we have spent time both days at the Andrew Jackson Boys and Girls Club (AJBGC).

It has been an incredible blessing to see these teenagers at work. I could sense a bit of fear and trepidation when we arrived at the AJBGC. But every single student jumped right in and engaged with the children. Our time at AJBGC is quickly becoming the high point of our day as we build relationships with the children. I never knew that Carpetball could be a tool for building relationships.

We have met some physical needs so far.

Our work at Project Cure is helping to provide medical assistance for 15,000 people. It is estimated that every man hour invested in preparing a shipment impacts the lives of 10 people at the shipments destination. We put in 25 man hours at Project Cure, so that means we impacted 250 people. That makes a difference.

Yesterday we helped clean the facility at The Next Door and then prepared the evening meal (baked ham, mac & cheese, pineapple, cornbread and pie) for the 40 women who are currently at the facility. We also wrote letters of encouragement to the staff and residents there.

It would be easy for our group to be hesitant or stand-offish where we are serving. After all, on the surface, "these people" are not like us. They look different, they act different and sometimes they even smell a little different. But our teenagers realize that the kids at AJBGC, the women we meet, the people we serve they are JUST LIKE US. They have the same needs, wants, and require love and affection.

And meeting those needs for love, affection and acceptance is the focus of what we're doing at AJBGC. We play with the children, encourage them and increasingly see them with the eyes of Christ: each one is a beautiful and unique creation.

That's all pleasure, but there has been a little pain...

Yesterday during lunch our team went to the park for lunch. One young man, Jacob, had an unfortunate encounter with a swing that required three stitches above the right eyebrow. Jacob handled it like a trooper after spending most of Tuesday afternoon at the ER at Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University.

No mission trip is incident free, but if this is the worst we encounter then it will still be a great week. We are embracing our motto/mantra for the week: This is the best week of our lives.

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
Sent from my iPhone

PERSPECTIVE - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

What is your reflex reaction when you see the panhandlers at major intersections in Oklahoma City? It is not uncommon for us to label the homeless and poor as victims of their own poor choices. We have diagnosed their problem (laziness, substance abuse) and prescribed a remedy (get a job) before ever taking the time to engage them in a simple conversation.

One of the lessons that we are all learning is that there are no "typical" homeless people. We have already met homeless families - yes, families - who just as hard working as you or I but who encounter a mountain of obstacles as they attempt to build a new life for themselves.

It's all about perspective.

Even though we know that it wrong to judge a person by their outward appearence, we still do it. We ignore the men and women who stand in the median with their cardboard signs because WE have already decided that they are to blame for their circumstances.

When the prophet Samuel went looking for the next king of Israel, he got a good look at all of Jesse's sons. Each one was a fine physical specimen but God did not choose any of them. Finally, a young and scrawny David was called in from the flocks and chosen to be king? Why? Because as God told Samuel: "Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart."

To truly minister to the poor and needy we must look beyond their outward appearance. We must be oblivious to their unique aroma. We must see them as Jesus sees them: a beautiful person who was worth dying for.

It's no stretch to love those who are "like us" and who "like us." Jesus asks the question: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to?" Another variation of that quote reads: "Love means loving the unlovable - or it is no virtue at all." As we experience having our hearts broken by the things that break the heart of God, we are gaining the courage and ability to love people right where they are...without judgement.

Our perspective is changing.

I want to share with you a poem written by Cathy Poole, a homeless poet.

I am homeless
I don't drink
I don't do drugs
And I don't steal

Because I am homeless
You want to hide me
Ship me to another town or state
If you can't see me
I'm no longer a problem

I have problems
They can be helped
As they hurt
They can and do hinder my path

Put me on the path to regain my life
I will not hurt you
I just want to talk to you

Please treat me the way you want to be treated
And I will do the same
I may be homeless
But I am not a bad person

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
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PRELUDE - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

Today is the day.

Today we take to the streets and neighborhoods of Nashville to share with the people we encounter the unconditional love of Jesus through our acts of compassion and service. On any given day, that's a pretty worthwhile "to do" list.

But today is different.

For many of the teenagers in our group, this their first experience in the inner-city. They are sleeping on the floor of a one hundred year old church building that has seen better days. For a visual reference, picture Disney's "Haunted Mansion." Their noses are being assaulted by aromas that are generally associated with your mom's 85 year old great aunt who lives with 15 stray cats.

To paraphrase Dorothy: We're not in the suburbs of OKC anymore.

We will be stretched.

We will be challenged.

Our preconceived notions about poverty and the poor will be completely reshaped.

And I couldn't be more excited.

Visualize any product that utilizes before and after pictures as part of their marketing. Currently, we are the before picture. For the most part, we are stereotype suburban America. I'm not exactly sure what the after picture will look like, but for those of us who choose to fully embrace this experience and totally surrender our wills to Christ this week, it will be radically different. Maybe - hopefully - even life-altering.

In a perfect world, every day of our spiritual pilgrimage with Christ should be life-altering. Each encounter with Christ should shape us more into his image than we were when we started. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Our busy schedules intrude and take over our day and we can never get it back. We are so busy "doing" that we forget the importance of "being."

To borrow a phrase from the U.S. Army, my prayer for our entire group is that "we will be all that we can be" and have a taste of what God created us to be.

As I said before, I'm not sure what we will exactly look like, but this I am sure of...

We will all be changed.

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
Sent from my iPhone

PRAYER - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

This morning our group of 70+ teens and adults began our journey to Nashville. Who knew that 5:00 actually came twice a day?

As I write this we are making our way across the state of Arkansas along I-40.Now besides maybe following this blog or the Twitter updates (@crossingshsm) what are you doing to help and support our group?

If you are a parent of one of the students on our trip you might be thinking: "I just shelled out a bunch of cash so that my child can sleep on the floor. What more support do you need?" A fair question. The truth is, there is an even greater way that everyone (whether you have a child, spouse or significant other on the trip or not) can support and encourage us this week. You can pray for us. Daily.

The Bible encourages us to pray without ceasing. It also teaches us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. I am of the opinion that other than the Word of God, prayer is the most powerful weapon a follower of Christ has to defeat Satan. But just how effectively do we wield this weapon?

In its most basic context, prayer is conversation with our Heavenly Father. It is an opportunity for us to spend time with the person who loves us the most, sharing our heart and learning more about His heart for us. But just like any relationship, if it is going to grow and deepen, then time together is crucial.

I remember when I was courting (read: pursuing relentlessly) my wife, Deanna. I wanted to spend EVERY available moment with her. I wanted to get to know everything about her - and in the process hope that what she learned about me didn't scare her off. :) But now that we've been married for 16 years, I realize my commitment to that quality time alone with Deanna is sorely lacking. I confess to frequently taking our relationship for granted.

But we do the same thing with God. We know He loves us, we know He is faithful to meet our needs, and we forget how much God desires to spend time with us. We're just "too busy." So our time in so-called conversation with God is limited to meal times, when there is an emergency or when our teenagers are driving on their own. As a result, our prayer life becomes a lot like an AARP member with an iPhone: we can use it for phone calls and text messages, but we don't have a clue about what else it can do. It's tragic.

I want to encourage you to set aside time allone with God. Start small. Carve out 15 minutes in your schedule, unplug, and have a conversation with God. Keep in mind that conversation involves two-way communication. That means you can't do all the talking, you have to spend time listening.

But when you are doing the talking, feel free to pray for us in the following ways:
-safe travel to, from and around Nashville
-humble and flexible spirits/attitudes of our team
-the people we will be ministering to this week
-strength when we are tired
-to be filled to overflowing with the unconditional love of Jesus just so we can give it away
-wisdom and insight for leaders, Andy and Melissa
-patience
-that our hearts will be broken by the things that break the heart of God
-for courage and boldness in unfamiliar settings
-a willingness to be used according to God's plan rather than our own

A man that I admire - Bill Green, former Church Music Director for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma - was fond of the saying: "No prayer is no power. Some prayer is some power. Much prayer is much power." We will need "much power" this week.

We will do our part.

Can we count on you to do your part?

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
Sent from my iPhone

PREPARATION - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

Someone far wiser than I once said: "If you fail to plan then you plan to fail." More often than not, this proverb is actually true. This does not mean that plans are foolproof and infallible, but at least when things begin to unravel you have something to work with.

It has always been my experience that when it comes to mission trips of any kind, planning is critical. Travel and logistics, resources and materials, rooming lists and on and on. While all of this planning is important, mission trip plans usually break down at some point. Vehicles have problems, weather can be uncooperative for outside venues, people can get tired and crabby...stuff happens. When our well intentioned and well thought out human plans go awry, this is when we discover if we have done the most important planning - our spiritual preparations.

Throughout the entire Bible we see the people that God uses being prepared for the task God has for them. Joshua told the Israelites to "consecrate yourselves" as a means of preparing to cross the Jordan River and occupy the Promised Land. Jesus frequently went away to be alone with God, often before some of his most significant teaching and miracles. If it is a big enough deal for the Son of God to spend time alone with his Heavenly Father, then that probably means it is a behavior we should emulate. Just a guess.

The High School Ministry pastors, Andy Rauschkolb and Melissa Marshall, have done a good job of preparing the students and adults spiritually for this trip. We have talked about God's view of poverty and the poor, how God loves us equally no matter what our socio-economic class may be, and how all of us should be open to allow God using us in unexpected ways.

This is all well and good for a mission trip but what about for everyday life? Are we prepared for the "slings and arrows" aimed at us by our adversary Satan, described by Peter as a "roaring lion"? We must prepare DAILY for battle with the Evil One. Just as we must DAILY deny our old self and pick our cross, we must also DAILY but on the full armor of God.

Are you ready for battle? Are you prepared? I assure you the enemy is.

Game on!

Soli Deo gloria.

Michael
Sent from my iPhone

PURPOSE - Nashville Mission Trip 2011

One day I was having a conversation with a pastor in Oklahoma City and the topic of our conversation was mission trips for high school students. He told me that in his view, the number one goal of a mission trip for high school students at his church was to "break the narcissism" of the teenagers.

Now to be sure, as Americans we tend to be rather narcissistic...very self-absorbed and morbidly ego-centric. But is changing the mind-set and world-view of our teenagers really worthy of being the number one priority of any missions endeavor? I will agree that it is a lofty outcome and a very beneficial by-product of any externally focused activity, but personally, I hesitate to make it the central focus of a mission trip.

I have the privilege this next week to accompany our high school students on their mission trip to Nashville. We will be working in an inner-city and urban setting, ministering to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of adults and children. I think it is going to be an exciting and life changing week for most of the students. Why, it could even be "the best week of my life!" Students and adults alike will be challenged, stretched, tested and blessed by what they do, observe, share and experience while in Nashville. But what is our purpose for being there?

Without a doubt, we will do good works. We will be used by God to meet some of the basic needs of the human condition: food, shelter, clothing and even connection. Most of us will not return to Oklahoma City the same person were when we left...and that's great! We will be placed in a foreign and unfamiliar culture right here within the United States and it has every possibility of completely resetting our priorities. Praise God!

But none of those outcomes or tasks - as good and worthwhile as they are - fulfill our purpose in going.

Habbakuk 2:4 says: "The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. As the waters cover the earth." Jesus encouraged his followers to let their "light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." What does all this mean? Very simply, this mission trip is not about us who are going. It is not about the people that we will meet and minister to. This mission trip is all about glorifying God. In every thought, word and action. When living to glorify God becomes our sole purpose - whether on this trip or in our daily routine - then all of the other goals and purposes tend to fall into place.

Admittedly, this may sound rather simplistic. In reality, we know that it is not. To choose to daily deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus is no small or insignificant step. It runs completely contrary to our human nature and in direct contradiction to the norms of our society. But it is why we were created. It is our purpose.

How will you fulfill your purpose today?

Soli Deo gloria.

Some early results of the trip...

Seeing the results of a mission trip can sometimes be a tricky undertaking. Obviously, those who participated - the goers - experience life change as a result of their experiences, but what about the missionaries, local pastors and communities where the goers ministered? Did their presence and their work make a difference? Did they do what Christ commanded: to make disciples? (After all, isn't that really the point?)

Well, if this initial report from Richard Fields is any indication, then the answer is a resounding YES!

A note from Richard:

We met with Marshal today and he says there has been 6 new families that have started attending the Gangtok church because of the clinic. Praise the Lord! Just the beginning of what all the Lord will do through what has been done. Thank everyone and spread the great news! Also, he has started two new churches in the Gangtok area. Many have to travel long distances to get to the Gangtok church so he has started two others in different areas so people will not have to travel as far to go to church!

 

We have not heard new news from the doctor.

Until all have heard...

Events from Friday, April 15

The latest update from the remaining team members in India.

After the medical Team left India, the remaining 4 Team Members left for Jammu with 2 National Leaders and their families. During this flight they flew over the Himalaya Mountains and even though they were flying at 30,000 feet, it looked like they were just right over the top of the mountains! The views were breathtaking and absolutely beautiful! They all got some awesome pictures, this was a great experience for them…little did they know it was the first of many to come!

They made it to Jammu where the local National Leader picked them up, then the busy schedule started.  They had a meeting with the local Pastors for a few hours before the church service, which was received very well, and John shared from God’s Word. Everyone on the Team were very tired from lack of sleep from the previous night.

But they had a 21/2 hour ride in the middle of night to get from Jammu to Ubhampur.

The next morning after breakfast they took a small bus up the mountains, it reminded Richard of driving through some of our National Forests (or the back roads in the national forests I should say). The roads were narrow, most of time muddy, winding around mountain after mountain and there were places where streams ran across the road and you had to drive through them to continue.  Finally they made it to a small village called Mongri, where they were very warmly welcomed.  

The Team (India & USA) spent the day in this village, especially since this was a very significant day in the village – our Team was the very first Americans – white people - to ever visit their village!  The villagers said it is so far from everything, that people do not visit them, and they were so thankful for our Team’s visit.  As I said, they spent day eating and fellowshipping with them, walking up and down mountains to see waterfalls on treacherous trails.  The Villagers wanted the Team to see a particular waterfall, one where they said, “100 streams come together to form the waterfall”… well, not too sure if it was 100, but it was several, however the “hike” there and back was an adventure to the max!

You know, part of the Team previously paid to go on a Trek in India – well, these 4 got the trek anyway and didn’t pay for it!  You cannot tell me the Lord does not have a sense of humor…I know that at least 3 of these remaining 4 did not want to go on the trek, but God gave them one, anyway! I am sure we will hear more of this adventure in the future!

After the waterfall trek, they had an evening service where Richard spoke and Sandra sang. Sandra has a beautiful voice and has blessed several places on this trip with her gift.  It was a great service, and everyone in the village was first-generation Christians!  The Mother of the Pastor stood and greeted the Team, saying when her son married it was a very blessed day, but today is even more so because they were there visiting them!

The Team was so touched by the love and gratitude being given to them! They are treated like Kings and Queens – when all they are there to do is to serve the one and only King! 

The Service lasted until about 9 PM, and was followed by the evening meal, which is normal in India.  Then they had to walk down the treacherous trail to get back to vehicle to return to a government housing, which was where they were to spend the night.  The housing was not being used, so they were allowed to use it, however I am pretty sure they did not get a great night’s sleep since Richard killed 3 spiders – each was at least 5” across, not including the legs!  I didn’t hear how things went in the ladies room.

As badly as they would have liked to return to Ubhampur, going back down the mountain was just too dangerous at night.  Just getting back to the housing was dangerous enough on the treacherous trails in the dark!  They crossed creeks, climbed basins, hiked through rough terrain - all very interesting in the dark.

But they all were there to help one another – just imagine how you would handle walking in the brush, on a mountain trail, late at night, pitch dark in unknown areas.  I am sure you created a great visual!

Early the next morning the got up so they could get down the mountain to get back to Ubhampur for meetings where Richard and John met with local Pastors, while Pam & Sandra met with the Pastors wives and other local women. Both meetings went very well.  Pam and Sandra each shared for about 10 minutes that lead into powerful time of prayer.  John and Richard had a great meeting with the Pastors and a time of encouragement followed by the Pastors sharing their victories, challenges, and their needs.

John shared the Word at the Evening Worship Service after an incredible contemporary worship! There were two groups who offered awesome interruptive dance as praise to the Lord. After the Word was shared, people came forward for Richard and John to lay hands on them and pray.

Please continue to pray for them. The remainder of the team will be returning on Thursday.

Week 1 wrap-up from India

Here is the latest news from the mission trip team in India.

Bright and early on last Thursday morning, the Team traveled from Ralap up the Himalaya Mountains in hopes of seeing Karakoram - locally it is known as "Chogo Ri", meaning "The Great Mountain". It is the second highest mountain peak in the world with a height of 8,611m or 28,250ft.  This mountain prevents them from seeing Mount Everest.  They were able to see it a little before the fog set in; some of the National Pastors and their families were there as well, so they had a worship service right on top of the mountain, praising God and singing songs in Hindi and in English. They said it was a beautiful time – a mountain top experience for sure!

Afterward they went to Pastor Marshal’s house and he fed the Team a very good breakfast. They stopped to shop in Gangtok for a short time before driving back down the mountain to Ralap to hold the next clinic.

This clinic was held inside of a church, with everything set up inside in one room. Some of our Team preferred this other using separate rooms – they could communicate easily with one another, everything was close by and easily accessible to them, so it went better, and they felt they got more accomplished.  They seen about 200 patients, but as always, they had a cut off time they had to follow, so some were not able to be seen.  They finished the clinic this day about 5 PM, then went to the Pastor’s home for an authentic Indian supper – rice and everything.

After dinner, they had to drive down off of mountain – it was night now, and very dark, and you are right on the side of the mountain with precarious turns and curves.  Some Team Members were understandably apprehensive about this ride, very concerned until they got off of mountain.

It was about midnight when they got back in Siliguri, this was the night they had to hunt for more hotel rooms because of the hotel they had reservations at did not have enough rooms.

Friday morning was more leisurely for the Team.  They have been going at a very fast and hectic pace, so a slower morning was a blessing. They went to Sanjay’s home for breakfast before making the 3 hour drive to Makrapara Child Development Centre. The children and staff were all waiting on them to arrive!  They had lunch ready for them, and then it was time to play with kids, sing songs with them before having a time of prayer with the children.

Some of the Team Members are Sponsors to some of the children at this Child Development Centre, so they had the honor of going to the homes of their sponsored child and spending time with the whole family.   It was a very moving time for a lot of people!  Team member Phyllis said she never had kids before, but now she does!  She picked out a boy and a girl to sponsor!  She was so happy and thrilled – it was emotional for several people.  Other Team Members also choose certain children to start sponsoring. Some visited the home of a child who is sponsored by a previous Team Member who sent gifts for their child.

But all good things must end, and they had to return to camp for the evening Worship Service. It was during this service that John Boedeker dedicated a building in memory of his sister, Joyce Gompf. Family members and friends of Joyce had donated the funds to build the building that is used for classrooms and an office at the CDC.  It was an emotional service for John, but he was honored to be able to do this in honor of the Christian and sister that Joyce was.  Richard found it emotional, as well. They did not get out of there and to the hotel in the forest until about 9 PM.

On Saturday morning 12 Team Members went on elephant ride in protected National Jungle. They seen rhinos, deer, peacock, wild pig, monkeys and a python – they really enjoyed the ride, the peace of the jungle and seeing the animals in the wild!  This was a refreshing break after the hustle of the clinics. 

Afterward it was time to go back to Makrapara to hold the last clinic.

The clinic flowed well, however the needs of the patients required more time to be spent with each patient, so they were only able to treat about 225 people.    This clinic ended very well, they had stopped accepting names earlier, seeing it was taking longer with each one, so there were not a lot of people waiting in hopes to be seen that wasn’t able to be treated.  They did end up taking a few more close to the end.  When they finished, there were the children at the Centre waiting outside for them, so the team went out and blew up balloons, played ball or whatever games the children were playing – everyone had a great time ending the day this way!

On their drive back to Siliguri, everyone was ready for some American food, so we found a Domino’s Pizza!  Ohhh, it was sooo good!  When they arrived at our hotel, they all were full and ready to get some sleep, for the morning would be here soon and the trekkers were to leave at 5 AM!

And so the group of 7 or 8 trekkers did leave this morning . . .  the remaining Team Members will be going to Sanjay’s church before heading to Darjeeling for some excursions of their own (Tiger Mountain is one), shopping and a time of rest or spending it with the National Pastors and families.

All the medical clinics are now completed.  The Team saw approximately 1100 patients at the 4 different location; they performed 2 surgeries on the spot, while other arrangements were made with an Indian doctor for people who needed surgery, and these have been paid for.  People have been so appreciative to have been given this help, but it was very hard on our Team for those who did not get seen.  They spoke with another group that has done medical clinics in India that they would incorporate a "spiritual check-up" after the physical check-up at their future medical clinics.  This was done some of that at the last location & 4 people were lead to the Lord!  The group has worked extremely well together & are already talking about the next medical missions trip.  Crossings Church had other people on a waiting list to take part in this venture, and who are eager to go on the next trip.

The time is drawing nigh for part of the part of the Team, they leave India on the 14th to fly back to the States.  Of course, some of the Team is staying longer, with the next 2 people departing India on April 20.  Richard and John remain there until May 6.

They have had no access to email at all so far in the trip, so don't be alarmed if you've heard nothing or have expected a response from them.

 So until next time . . . keep praying and keep your eyes on the Lord!

Update from India

Here is the latest update from our team in India, sent from Debi Fields with Helping Hands in Motion.

I have spoken with Richard, Sanjay and with Pastor Pam tonight, they were very excited about what all has been happening and the experiences thus far.

Everything is going very well, Sanjay also echoed this fact.  There have been challenges, but God has showed up and enabled them to work in the primitive settings with no power at times, with the Gangtok strike going on, and lost hotel rooms.  And they all spoke about the awesome worship services.

They have had 3 clinics so far, and treated approximately 900 patients, and had to turn some away - which bothered our Team tremendously, but due to time restraints they had no choice.  On the first day they got everything set up and ready, then they treated 450 patients in 5 hours.  They had to travel for Day 2 Clinic, so after traveling they seen about 250 patients that night. On Day 3 they got the opportunity to do some shopping before seeing the remaining 200 patients in 4 hours.  They seen a person who requires more extensive treatment, so the funds were left for that procedure to be performed by a local physician.

I am not sure which clinic it was where the power kept going off, but I would think it was Gangtok on Day 1 due to the strike.  But they kept working throughout each outage with flashlights - they were not to be stopped!  Other than that, things have been going pretty smoothly most of the time.  I am sure they have had challenges, such as getting finished with the night clinic and going to the hotel to discover there was a mix-up and they did not have enough rooms (they had been reserved), so at midnight they had to go in search of 4 more rooms.  They eventually found them, but it was not ones they would have preferred.  But it was someplace to sleep.

Everyone on the team is staying pretty healthy, no one has gotten real sick, except from riding down a mountain last night (motion sickness).   The mountain roads are very curvy, tight turns and steep...usually with a drop off on one side.  It can get to the best of people.  They have been traveling around in 4 or 5 cars to maneuver from one village to another.  It is hot there, the only relief was when they were in the mountains, and they enjoyed the cooler temperatures, even if it was for just a short period of time.

The Team has witnessed a great out pouring of love, with people seeing again after being fitted with the right glasses and lens for their eyesight, and huge smiles because they can actually see!!  And then there are the ones that they have treated with illnesses who touched their souls by the outpour of love and gratitude from the people. These faces will be etched in their minds for life.

As I mentioned, their worship services have been "INCREDIBLE".  They were in the Himalaya Mountains at Marshal's church, praying and singing in 2 languages - just worshipping the Lord!  And it started to rain - a pouring rain - but the Presence of God was so "intense" and as Pam put it "the worship was just INCREDIBLE!"

They are heading out to Makrapapra now and Sanjay and Marshal are accompanying them.  They will be meeting with 4 kids that are sponsored from Crossings and other Team Members; and all 4 sponsors are in the team! So they get to meet and spend some time with their child. They are looking forward to seeing the all kids, playing and interacting with them! And, of course, giving them the gifts they have brought from the U.S.  There is a good chance they may also meet the family of the sponsored child, which will be an honor for the families as well as for our Team Members.

They are expecting approximately 400 people at the next clinic, and they will also be dedicating a building built in memory of John Boedeker's sister, Joyce Gompf, with funds donated by Joyce's family and friends.  This is an area with no electricity or running water.

So until next time, be blessed.  I know some of you are really missing your loved one, maybe this has helped in some small way.  God bless you - and thank you for being a part of impacting the people of India!  Keep the prayers coming - they can feel them!  They all said that!

Safe and Sound

Below is the first update from the team. It was sent yesterday from a local pastor. It seems that the strike that you have been praying about did occur, but the team was still able to minister to the people. How wonderful it is to know that we serve a God who is greater than any obstacle or hurdle that we may encounter. Please continue to to pray for the entire team. As God to multiply their rest each evening so that they greet each new day with energy and excitement. Ask God to give them an extra measure of love and compassion so that they can share thet with the people of India.

Michael

Today Richard (Richard Fields from Helping Hands in Motion ministry) arrived along with the rest of the group. Because of the 48 hour strike we were not able to travel to Gangtok, and so we had to visit a garden and do the camp today. I was not very sure how the camp will go or how many will turn up, as we only sent the news on Monday. But there 410 were fortunate to see the doctors and about 50-odd were turned away. We had been working non-stop from 11Am to 4PM without any break for lunch or otherwise. We will be heading to Gangtok at 6 in the morning and start the camp by 10AM. Please continue to pray for the team.

-Rev. Sanjay Daniel Murmu

The Power of Prayer

I just received the email below from Pam Millington about the upcoming trip to India:

Please take a moment right now to pause and pray. I just received a phone call from Richard Fields who is in contact with our Pastor Leaders (Sanjay and Marshel). Apparently strikes have been called in Gangtok for April 4 & 5 and "everything" is scheduled to be shut down. Richard and Sanjay are working on a Plan B. Remember we have consistently talked about the importance of flexibility. Our scheduled Clinics in Gangtok may or may not occur. We may end up staying in Siliguri--we will have back up hotel reservations for Hotel Conclave for when we arrive.

Prayer Points--

1. Pray that the strike will be called off.

2. Pray that the pastors & their families coming to meet together for training, fellowship and to be with us in Gangtok will arrive safely--at this point, they still plan to come.

3. Pray for the safety and flexibility of our team.

I know that God will use us in just the right way. Does anyone get the idea that the enemy must know the power of Jesus that was planning to gather corporately in Gangtok? I'll update you if I hear more. Otherwise, I'll see you Saturday morning.

Pam

One of Pam's final sentences draws attention to a very real challenge facing believers today: the Evil One and his efforts to thwart God's plan at all costs. Make no mistake - Satan is real, he has power and dominion in this world and he would love nothing more than to halt the spread of the Good News of Jesus, the Christ. Despite what you may have read or heard lately, Satan is headed for eternal destruction and he would love to take as many souls as possible with him. It is certainly within his power to use civil unrest and/or labor disagreement to generate a strike to disrupt the plans of our team...and he may succeed in forcing our team to reschedule and adapt on the fly.

The best part is, it doesn't really matter. Ultimately, God is sovereign and what God has purposed will come to pass. It may not be in the manner that the team originally planned, but as long as they remain obedient and totally dependent upon God, then He will get the glory. And when you boil it all down, isn't that what any of this "Christian life" is all about? Our lives glorifying God and pointing others to Him?

Now, before you start to think that you have no role to play in this, let me encourage you to stop and voice a prayer right now for the concerns that Pam has mentioned. Interceding for fellow followers of Christ is one of the great privileges and weapons that we have at our disposal. In fact, in Philippians, the apostle Paul mentions that is was a great source of joy to lift up the Philippian church in prayer.

Prayer is about power. It is an opportunity to call on God to be who and what He promises to be: Provider, Healer, Deliverer, or whatever else the situation may call for. The former director of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma - Dr. Bill Green - had a phrase about prayer that he loved to share: "No prayer is no power. Some prayer is some power. Much prayer is much power." In my own life, I have found this to be an axiom for daily living.

So, how about it? Exercise your prayer muscle and tap in to the power that we can access when we get on our knees before a holy, powerful, merciful and loving God. Ask God to perform God-size tasks, either in India or in your own life. He can handle it.

Michael

India Team

I want to thank everyone in advance for the prayer support you will offer during our trip. To offer some guided focus as you pray, please consider the following: * For the health and safety of the team * Travel mercies both in and out of the country * That God will bring the right people to the Clinics * That the local church and pastors will be encouraged * That threatened strikes in Gangtok will be called off Team Members include: Chris Ayers, Pam Fountain, Sandi Garrett, Debbie Huff, Julia Luke, Casey Lyman, Pam Millington, Deborah O'Hasson, Shane & Valerie Pennington, Phyllis Purcer, Jeff Reames, Rebecca Thomas, Perry Santos. We will be joined by John Boedeker. Pam

Off to India!

Later this week - on Saturday, April 2 to be exact - the team pictured on the left will be departing for India. The team will be there for almost two weeks holding medical clinics and visions clinics for the residents of several communities in northeast India. In addition to the medical and vision clinics there will also be opportunity for pastor training and women's ministry. The team will be lead by John Boedeker and Richard Fields. Missions Pastor Pam Millington and Church Elder Jeff Reames will also be on the team.

Please pray for the team and ask God to allow them to feel no ill effects of their long journey, to recover from any jet lag quickly and to be ready to serve the precious people of India when they arrive. India is a loooooong way away, even by plane.

Because India is so far away you may be tempted to ask: "Why are we going there? Don't we have sick people right here in OKC that we can help?" The fact is, yes, there are sick people here in Oklahoma City and we do indeed help them through the clinic housed within our Community Center at Penn and Hefner. But God has so richly blessed our church with extraordinarily gifted people and an abundance of resources that we would dishonor God by limiting their use and service to only the Oklahoma City area. To be certain, we are called to serve locally first, but as God continues to open doors for us to be involved in ministry around the world, we must be obedient and follow where He leads.

It is clear from even a cursory reading of the Bible that God has a special place in His heart for the poor, downtrodden and defenseless. The majority of the population in India fits this description. Imagine the poorest person you have ever encountered or the most squalid living conditions you have ever seen. Now increase that by a factor of ten, cram tens of millions of people into those conditions and viola': you're in India. If we have the opportunity, means and ability to minister to those that Jesus called "the least of these My brothers" whether we find them across the street or across the ocean, we must go.

Pray for the team, their families that will remain here in the States and the people that they will encounter in India. Ask God to glorify Himself in every situation, circumstance and conversation that occurs during the trip. The greatest desire for each member of the team is that when someone looks at them, that person will see Christ and experience His love for them.

Until all have heard.