Change Happens!

Hi Friends – if you’ve happened to come across this blog — you need to know that it was transferred automatically from my live.com blog and the formatting from the previous site did not follow.

That means the text colors are unreadable  in some cases or just plain annoying in others.  Forgive me but I will have to try to work on a fix when I have more time to investigate it since the solution is not obvious.

Thanks and hope that the Lord is real in your life today.

Randy

Uganda Mission Trip Report – Final

  

October 16, 2009

 Dear Prayer Partners –

 I’ve been blessed in so many ways during the three weeks I spent in Uganda. With your prayer support and the financial investments poured out as drink offerings to the Lord – we have seen much fruit for the Kingdom of God!  Hopefully, from the following report – you will get a sense of what the Lord accomplished and join me in giving Him praise and thanks for allowing us to participate with Him.

 Week 1 – My friend, Pastor Gil Harder and I landed in Entebbe very late – spent the first night in Kampala and then purchased Bibles in the Lango and Acholi tribal languages for our next two weeks of ministry up North in Lira and Gulu.  After a 7 hour trip with our friend Pastor James Okori – we made it to Lira where we were the guests of Bishop Tom Okello at All Nations Christian Care. Bishop Tom is well respected and former overseer of 912 churches.

 Intercessors Conference – Gil and I both had the opportunity to speak to the large group of Intercessors who had come from throughout Uganda, Congo, Kenya and Sudan to pray. They happened to be meeting that week at All Nations and we were asked to bring a word of encouragement.

 Gulu – drove up North and on the way stopped for Mango’s. A crowd gathered hoping to sell us water or fruit and we gave them the Gospel message.  A young man named Daniel prayed with me to receive Christ right there on the side of the road with many others listening intently.  We continued the two hour drive to meet with the Gulu Elders Fellowship – a group of about 20 Pastors and Church Leaders from this village that has been hit hard over a 20 year period because of the activities of the LRA (Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army). After a time of mutual encouragement and worship – we distributed Bibles and children’s ministry materials in their language.   They were received with much thanksgiving. 

 After departing we visited one of the nearby IDP camps (Internally Displaced Peoples) and shared the Gospel with several.  The head of one family – Justin – received the Lord that day and led all of his children in a prayer of commitment to the Lord.  Pray for Justin and his wife, who is still considering Jesus.

 Christian Holtz, an associate evangelist with Luis Palau – was holding a festival in a nearby field and we were able to briefly join the event in progress, before heading back to Lira.

 Barlonyo  - (see Facebook video) one of the highlights of the mission was visiting the village of Barlonyo which was about 15km outside of Lira.  This village was the site of a massacre in 2004 where over 300 people where slaughtered by the LRA. A memorial and mass grave are stark reminders of the evil that took place. We met with the church of about 90 people who had waited for hours to meet with us under the shade tree by the memorial. Both Gil and I shared words of encouragement from the Lord, worshipped with them – African style – and distributed Bibles. We were addressed by Chief Patrick Odango and reminded of their past suffering and his earlier request for Bibles, since that was the only thing that would bring true healing and hope to his people. We were given a list of 125 names of Christians that they hoped would receive Bibles but we only had 30 to give. That’s all that were available to purchase in their language. We did give them a check however – a gift from Grace Community Church and our friend Pastor Randy Brannon – who had visited a few months earlier and committed funds to help.

 I was shown two large mounds of bricks waiting to be ‘fired’ and was told that the women of the church had dug these with there own hands from the ground nearby. The bricks will be used for the walls of the new Barlonyo Memorial Bible Church  building which they hope to construct soon, by the grace of God.

 Leaving the Church – with much thanksgiving and anticipation for what the Lord would do in the months ahead, we headed back toward Lira. On the dirt road we saw a number of children with water jugs and a hut with a naked boy with a distended belly – the telltale sign of malnutrition.  We stopped and found out that the woman who lives there – was named Grace – she is a believer who had recently lost her father, husband and oldest son.  She was going blind herself and was having difficulty caring for her many remaining young children. We were able to introduce her to the Pastor of the church who assured us that the church would assist this dear woman.  After praying and giving gifts, we left giving thanks that the Lord led us to her hut that day. Please pray for Grace and her children.  (I have pictures of her children on this website / Facebook.)

 Sunday – I was honored to preach 2 times at All Nations Christian Care – the first time to a packed audience in English. The second service was smaller and was translated into Acholi.  I shared my testimony and brought a message from 1 Peter 1.   We saw a number of people receive Christ in each of the services. One interesting cultural item – during the offering, some people bring agricultural items instead of cash and so they take the item immediately and auction it off to get money for the church. An example would be someone bringing a large bag of dried corn as an offering to the Lord and then someone else purchasing it during the service.  All items went quickly and Bishop Tom said many are purchased by people just wanting to help the ministry – not necessarily because they want the item themselves.

 Week 2

Africa Hope Bible Institute -   All week we had been working toward the planned launch of the new school, with much work printing course material, arranging advertising, preparing the new facility, meeting with the Board members, etc. The plan was to launch the school on Monday with dignitaries invited for this special event. That’s when the attacks came – 6 of the 10 board members where missing in action. We found out that one was jailed on false charges, one was violently ill and had to be hospitalized, one was called out of town on an emergency, etc. Our vehicle also had the battery stolen while sitting in front of Pastor Okori’s home. This was our only mode of transportation and getting a replacement was not easy. These obvious attacks were meant to thwart the work of faith that was underway but it would not happen. Although we did call the dignitaries and postponed the ‘event’ – we did launch the school with 12 initial students hungry to learn the word of God and to be used by Him to reach the lost.

 Gil and I spent the week teaching Bible Interpretation, Church History, Theology, Old Testament and New Testament Survey – plus worshipping, praying and encouraging the students in the Lord.  We are excited to hear reports of their continued eagerness to learn under the permanent teachers that took over since our departure. Pray for the teachers and the students (18 registered and an additional 6 being considered)

 Murchison National Park – Day Off

Gil had graciously planned one day off for Pastor James Okori (our driver and co-laborer) and me to join him on a trip up the Nile River.  We left at 4am and drove 4 ½ hours to the park so we could get on a 9am boat up the river.  What an adventure! Wild bull elephants, hippos, water buffalo, galloping giraffe, crocodiles, baboons and more. We took some great photos, video (see facebook/website) including a mad elephant who wanted us to know that he owned the road! It was a wonderful experience for all of us. We arrived back in Lira at about midnight with the most severe thunderstorm I have been in.  Flash floods made it interesting trying to get out of the car and make it to our room! 

 Sunday # 2 – I was invited to preach at a small church in Lira which met under a semi-thatched roof area that had tried to hold back a major rain storm during the night. The small group worshipped the Lord with joy, in spite of the thick mud.  After the service, I was invited by the youth Pastor for a meal, and then rode on his motorcycle with him to visit his wife in the hospital with their 2 month old daughter who was suffering from malaria. His 2 year old son at home was also very sick with some ailment not yet diagnosed. I laid hands on him and prayed for the Lord’s healing. Pray for Patrick and his young family – health and ministry in Lira.  (Pictures on Face book/website)

 Week 3

 Time to say goodbye to our dear friends in Lira and drive back to Kampala to meet up with the team of 21+ from Solid Rock Fellowship / Jose Zayas Evangelism International.

Gil and I became part of the group and during the next week we:

 Ministered in 14 schools – sometimes sharing the Gospel to a large assembly, sometimes classroom to classroom.  Ages ranged from primary to university. In every case, we saw multitudes respond to the Good News of Jesus.  We typically left each school with supplies for the students and a couple of soccer balls for the school to use. These were a big hit!  They love their ‘football’!  Gil even had the opportunity to share Christ in a Muslim school and half of the 500 students came to Christ!

 Ministered in the Butabika Hospital – We visited patients in 9 wards of this mental hospital and presented the Gospel to the hospital staff.  Our drama team performed “Everything’ – a powerful presentation without words that moved the listeners to ‘tears’ and ‘cheers’ as it portrays the love of Jesus – the pulling away by temptation and sin – and the love of Christ that never gives up – ready to rescue the one who calls on His name. Powerful!

 I had the privilege of sharing the Gospel to the gathered patients in 4 wards.  In the last ward, I shared the Gospel 1:1 with a Muslim woman who had come to pickup her son.  She was fasting that week because it was Ramadan – but when she heard about the gift of God, she wanted to receive Christ as her Savior and Lord.  Pray for Isha – she will face many challenges going back to a Muslim home and testifying for Jesus.

The team also prayed individually for the patients’ healing and the restoration of their lives in Jesus.

 God is Able Ministry – Homeless Ministry in slum  – another highlight was a visit by the team to a slum area where Pastor George and his wife started a ministry to young men who are homeless and have no where to turn for help.  The team shared Christ with these men and seven came to know Jesus that day. Many others were prayed for individually.

 Gil and I also went door to door inviting slum residents to the Festival to enjoy the music and hear more about Jesus.

 Marketplace – going from business to business in the marketplace was also very rewarding with many coming to the Lord.  We went to invite people to the Festival but also used the Evangecube to draw a crowd and to share the Good News with many. The combination of seeing a Muzungu (white person) and seeing this visualization of the Gospel was always a draw.  Many of the people we spoke with were Muslims, but most were open to discuss Jesus.  One of the churches we worked with was planted right in the middle of a slum marketplace previously full of drug use, prostitution, etc. but has already made a big impact on the area.

Luzira Festival - four nights of entertainment, testimony and a message by Jose Zayas – International Evangelist

Local musicians, dancers, our drama team, Jose’s Gospel messages – all combined for a wonderful 4 night festival. Worship was lively, people responded to Christ and hundreds were prayed for each evening. One night we laid hands on individuals and prayed for relief from HIV, Typhoid, Malaria, school fees, wisdom to know God’s will, and much more. Needy people seeking help from the One who has the power to help. Andrew Palau – son of Luis Palau – stopped by one evening and shared his testimony prior to Jose’s message. I was able to present my testimony the following evening. Our drama team – once again – hit a home run with their rendition of ‘Everything’ (see links and videos on Face book/website)

 Church – I was able to preach the final Sunday at Gospel Mission Church in Luzira. Pastor Ramathan Mukisa was a former Muslim, prison inmate, drug user, gang leader – bad dude, who came to Christ when near death in prison. He is now a Pastor, song writer/singer, and husband/father. It was a pleasure getting to know him and his family.   At the end of my message – -3 adults responded to the invitation to receive Christ as their Savior.  Praise God!

 Heading home – Because of the situation at home with the death of my mother in-law – I decided to come home one week earlier than originally planned and headed back with Gil on Sept. 22^nd.  The rest of the Solid Rock team spent one more week in Soroti, with very fruitful ministry.

 Overall – Jose’s conservative count for the two weeks of the team’s ministry was over 27,000 heard the Gospel and over 4,300 responded to the Gospel – receiving Jesus as their Savior!  While Gil and I did not keep track of numbers during the first two weeks, we saw many come to Christ and were able to have fruitful ministry in the launch of Africa Hope Bible Institute and ministering to the Elder’s Fellowship and Barlonyo Church.

Thank you again for your partnership on this mission!   I’m praying about next steps regarding Uganda and other mission opportunities. Gil is headed back, Lord willing, to Uganda and Kenya in December. Jose is prayerfully considering at least two trips back to Uganda in 2010.  Please pray that we can continue reaping the harvest while the Lord has the door open for us.

 In His Name – and for His Glory –

 Randy Howarth

1 Corinthians 15:58

 Pictures and several videos available on facebook at: www.facebook.com/randy.howarth

 

More professionally done videos at: http://josezayas.org/

 

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PS:—-

 Trials – Some of you have heard about the many trials we experienced during this mission, so – I thought I would give a short recap of my personal testing.  The trials had intensified in the weeks prior to the Uganda trip, but they exploded beginning the day before — all to no avail – the Lord was the victor, as always!

 12 hours before flying out – a small wound on my toe suddenly became seriously infected – necessitating a trip across town to Urgent Care and a 5 hour wait to be treated. A double prescription of a strong antibiotic should take care of the problem.

 Final preparations were delayed because of unforeseen medical issue, so it took me the entire night to finish packing and preparing my teaching materials. No sleep that night!  My ride arrived at 5:15am and it was off to the airport.

 After 1 week in Lira, while taking a cold shower at 6am, I slipped on the wet floor; fell on my back hitting my head hard on the very dirty hard tile floor. I had a nice bump and an open wound with some bleeding.   Fortunately I was already on the antibiotics and Gil helped clean the wound with alcohol pads.

 Later that week, I finally was able to go to an internet café and check email. I learned that my mother in-law – who lived in our home – was dying and a few days later – I found out that she had indeed died.  My wife was home alone to deal with all of the details of the funeral, etc.

 Also, at the same time – because of other family issues – we became responsible for the full time care of our five year old granddaughter, who was also experiencing some serious emotional issues at the time and my wife was alone to deal with that while still working full-time.

 The last week, as Gil and I were driving to Kampala – I reached for a water bottle to take a drink – without looking, took a mouthful – only to realize that it was full of a concentrated disinfectant that had been mixed with the clean water to pour over my infected toe – which was still a problem during the first two weeks.  Fortunately, I didn’t swallow it but spit it our right away – or I would have been in serious trouble since we were hours away from any medical facility.

 Along with the other trials – such as the Africa Hope Bible Institute board mentioned above and health related issues among other team members — it was quite a battle – but we never were discouraged and the Lord received the glory and the eternal fruit of our labors!

 Eph 6:10-12

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

Uganda Update

Update from Uganda – very little time for internet access but here’s a brief summary -

 

Yesterday was very fruitful day – spoke at Intercessors conference with Gil Harder – leaders from churches across Uganda, Congo, Sudan.  Delivered 24 Acholi bibles -  people are so hungry for God’s word and don’t have Bibles — even Pastors sometimes share theirs’.  Went to Gulu and met with Gulu Elders Fellowship for prayer, planning and encouragement – discussed possible Bible Institute in future.  Went to Internally Displaced Peoples camp and prayed with Justin  who lives there with wife and ~8 kids in very deep poverty. Justin prayed to receive Christ with his family.  Daniel – young man met at market along the way – also received Christ.  Visited crusade going on near IDP camp and it was led by a Luis Palau associate – Christian Holtz.  Going to another village today to meet with Chief Patrick and the pastors from the area.  Tomorrow preaching twice and preparing for a week of teaching at the Africa Hope Bible Institute — which is launching Monday with dignitaries from the area.  Much more happening but will have to wait.  Please pray for my preparations – sermons, lessons and for health but most of all – that we can continue to add to God’s family daily and provide comfort/encouragement to those in need .   Blessings

Uganda in One Week!

It is less than one week until I step my feet on to Ugandan soil and bring the Gospel of Grace to many of those who have yet to hear the Good News. My dear friend, Pastor Gil Harder and I have been busy preparing ourselves, our messages, and working with key Ugandan Pastors and leaders to make the most of our September mission.

 

We will be launching Africa Hope Bible Institute in less than 2 weeks in the town of Lira. It is exciting to hear about the vision local Pastors and Evangelists have to equip and send workers into the Harvest fields — not only in Uganda – but also into Sudan, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and more.  These men understand the heart of God is to ‘seek and to save’ the lost — wherever they are — even to the uttermost parts of the earth. One of the requests from the team is for a laptop to help with the record keeping and communications at Africa Hope Bible Institute. Would you like to meet that need?

 

We have been praying for a great harvest of souls during this mission and a great work of equipping and encouraging those eager to be poured out for the sake of the Gospel.

 

There is much to be done and more resources are needed to purchase Bibles that are translated into the local tribal languages, small gifts such as ‘Beanie Babies’ for children who may have never had a toy of their own before, farm kits – with good seed and tools; bicycles for Pastors who sometimes walk all day to preach to remote churches, etc. Perhaps the Lord will lay it on your heart to purchase the laptop or provide funds for these other needs– or even to fund a clean water well where none is currently available (2 for $10k)

 

There is a serious drought in the Northern part of the country again and food shortages/malnutrition is a real problem again. Right now – 40% of the children near Lira are out of school because of a malaria outbreak which kills thousands each year.

 

The Lord is pleased with the sacrifices made  by us who have so much in order to help those who have so little — in terms of earthly, material possessions. Please pray and if you can give — give joyfully, knowing that even a small gift goes a long way to help those in Uganda and 100% of any funds will go directly to buy the items for them.

 

To date – I have covered ~$3500 of the mission expenses from my own funds; have received ~$900 from friends and family. I  still have at least $300 to raise for supplies by September 1st, but would  like to see us be ambassadors of Grace and bring much, much more to help.

 

Pray — and if the Lord directs you to give, above your normal giving the your local Church — let  me know asap  and we can coordinate getting the money properly allocated in time.  You can also send a check directly to JZEI at PO Box 1; Portland, OR 97207.  Just be sure to mark ‘Howarth-Uganda Mission’ on the memo line  of your check. Jose Zayas’ org is not charging any administrative fee so all goes to the mission items .  Thank you to those who have already become partners with me on this mission of hope.

 

I will publish the itinerary for the trip soon, as a tool for those of you who are on the ‘prayer team’.  Pray for safety, health, Power of the Holy Spirit for teaching, preaching and witnessing for the entire month of September. Please pray for Pastor Gil and my family as we both have experienced many attacks as we have been preparing to assault the kingdom of darkness with the marvelous news of God’s Grace through Jesus Christ.  In addition, please pray for Jose Zayas and the team from Solid Rock Fellowship and Journey Church which will join us in Uganda September 13th. Together we will spread the Gospel in Luzira and Soroti over a two week period and are praying for thousands to hear and many to come to know the Lord.

 

Last of all – I want to include an email from one of the Ugandan Pastors who will be joining Gil and I on our journey in Lira and Gulu—-

 

In His Never Failing Grace —

 

Randy

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Aug 24, 2009 1:03 AM  

  

Precious  greetings Pastor Gil,

 

Greetings also from my family and Hosanna Worship Center  congregation and are praying looking foward to receive you and Randy in Lira.   Greetings also from the Africa Hope Bible Institute (AHBI) committee and Elders Fellowship leaders.

 

Thank you for the $400 you sent. I have received it this morning. I delayed to check the mail throughout the weekend. However Lira is ready to receive you and Pastor Randy with joy and gladness.

 

The school committee is working together registering students and readying to put the necessaries in place for the opening of the school on the 7th September 2009.We are as well praying to the Master and Lord Jesus to make available the funds as we need to start at the school campus near the airstrip.

 

The mission schedule is ok and I will be in Entebbe Airport on 2nd Sept 2009, 8:15pm to receive you and Pastor Randy, after which we shall join Sister Margaret’s family where we shall stay for the night.

 

In Lira Bishop Tom Okello has offered to host you and Randy in his home where you stay while in Lira. We shall be serving the Lord together with you daily from arrival in Entebbe throughout the mission program in Lira and drive you back to Kampala.

 

I am in touch with Gulu Pastor Geoffrey Ojera of the Intercessors. He is excited to receive us in Gulu with fellow Gulu pastors. He asked me what time period would we like to spend with the pastors in Gulu? And also whether we would provide some lunch as would be expected for a meeting that could begin in morning hours spaning into the afternoon as pastors usually expect to be provided lunch?   I will call him and brief him after hearing from you. However he is already doing his mobilisation.

 

May I ask if it will be possible to bring a laptop and a camera as it might be very necessary now for our communications and reporting purposes.

 

Blessings and the peace of God  to you, Randy and family as you prepare to fly to Uganda.

 

Brother James Okori

Partner in the Gospel

Uganda Ministry – Join the Team!

Friends,

 

The Lord has opened an opportunity for me to spend the month of September in Uganda,  Africa launching Africa Hope Bible Institute, ministering to those in need and reaching out to those who have yet to come to know the Lord Jesus.

 

The first two weeks, I will be teaming up with Pastor Gil Harder — a long time friend who has been involved in Uganda and other African countries for the past 7+ years. We will be working with local Pastors in Africa to carry out this equipping and evangelistic ministry.  Through a local interpreter, I will have the privilege to preach in remote churches in the war ravaged villages of Lira and Gulu in the North and to teach the Word of God to many who are hungry to learn more from the Bible and take the Word to the unsaved in their cities and villages. We will use literature that has been translated into their local languages and leave Bibles and other tools with local Pastors and Evangelists to help continue their ministry.

 

The last two weeks of September, I will join another 23 people from Solid Rock Fellowship in Portland and and Journey Church in Charlotte for outreach and aid to those in Luzira and Soroti Uganda.  We will be ministering daily in the prisons, schools, orphanages, churches, holding open air campaigns in the evenings and more.

 

This is a great opportunity and privilege to partner with God in an area where He is bringing many to Himself and meeting the practical needs of those who have so little.   I need your help to make this happen.  In the next few weeks, I need to raise funds to provide hygiene kits for prisoners, bicycles for pastors, farming kits – seeds and tools, Bibles and other items to help our outreach.  We would also like to fund several clean water wells since clean water is a scarcity to many.  I am trusting the Lord to provide additional aid to these needy people through many of you so please prayerfully consider joining me.

 

Just as important as the funding – I  also need a team of people committed to pray and fast for this mission – especially that lives will be transformed, that the Gospel will reach hundreds who have not heard the Good News and that local workers will receive encouragement, hope and new understanding of God’s wonderful Word.

 

If you will partner with me through prayer and/or financial support – please make your tax deductible check payable to Jose Zayas Evangelism International (JZEI)  and send directly to:   JZEI  PO Box 1; Portland, OR 97207   

On the memo line of your check, please write ‘Howarth-Uganda’.  You will receive a receipt from JZEI Ministries for your tax records.

 

Please contact me at   via email at randy.howarth@verizon.net  with any questions you may have or to let me know of your commitment to pray for the mission.  I will provide further information on how you can get regular updates via the internet as we watch the Lord at work.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you soon —

 

In His Grace –  Randy

 

 

                                                                                                                              

 

In Memory of Brett Walton

On April 9th, PFC Brett Walton was killed in action in Iraq. Brett was 37 years old, married to Lindsey and the proud father of his 5 year old daughter Sydney.  He had only been in Iraq for about a month when the Humvee he was driving was attacked with an IED (improvised explosive device), followed by a secondary IED. Brett and 2 other soldiers were killed and another critically injured. 

 

We hear about these tragic deaths daily on the evening news, and they are always sad to hear about. This one was especially hard to hear because Brett was a brother in the Lord and attended the same church we attend.

 

I attended Brett’s memorial service on April 23rd —- it was a special celebration of His life — a life of serving the Lord and serving others. Brett had a heart for others and was especially touched by the condition of the people living in Iraq. He wanted to make a difference in their lives, even though it meant leaving his wife Lindsey and his daughter Sydney behind. He sought the Lord regarding the decision — talked to godly men for counsel and finally decided that this was what he had to do.

 

Brett was a man totally committed to the Lord and His will. He carried his Bible with him to Iraq — in a pocket in his fatigues — and wore a ‘dog tag’ with his favorite verse — Joshua 1:9  "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest"

 

Brett had made plans in case something were to happen to him — including choosing some of the worship songs he would like at his memorial service. He expected to come home, but was fully aware of the danger. He also knew that it was in God’s hands and that if he did not come back, he would go straight to be with Jesus, where he would one day be reunited with his family, who also love  the Lord.

 

The Governor of Oregon attended the service — a reporter from The Oregonian newspaper wrote a good article  on Brett and the memorial — but what really caught my attention was the reality of our faith in a moment like this one — evident in the worshipful spirit of his beloved wife and fellow believers in Jesus. This is what Jesus accomplished on our behalf — providing the full assurance that those who have believed Him and have followed Him will not perish but will live forever.  Not just in the memories of loved ones — but truly live forever with God — fully forgiven for their sins, cleansed, dressed in righteousness  — never to die, cry, suffer or sin again.  Praise be to God for His marvelous gift!

 

Lindsey, Sydney and all who knew Brett will cry for awhile — it’s hard to be separated from someone you love –even if it’s just temporary.  But the rejoicing has already begun and will certainly be at it’s peak when all are reunited at last, in the presence of the Lord.

 

"Truly, truly I say to you, He who hears My Word and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." (John 5:24)

 

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

 

"And the witness is this — that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God — in order that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:11-13)

 

Act Justly, Show Mercy and Walk Humbly

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. (Zechariah 7:9)

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It has been interesting to hear media reports lately regarding the Christian Church in the world and the transition that many claim to be witnessing. In the past decades, you could divide professing Christians fairly easily between liberals — those who focused on poverty, the environment, social issues, but tended to deny the infallibility and Divine nature of the Scriptures. Many denied the divinity of Christ, His second coming and a literal Heaven and Hell.

On the other side were conservative Christians — who, for the most part, hold to the inerancy of the Scriptures and who follow a literal interpretation; who believe that Christ is God in human flesh- that He died for our sins, arose from the dead and is going to return for His Church in the coming days. They have tended to focus on opposing a  few key moral issues such as homosexual rights, gay  marriage, and abortion. 

It’s true that this is a very simplistic view, as most stereotypes are. People, and groups are much more complex than this, but most of us who claim to believe have associated ourselves with one side or the other.

Today – many conservative Christians, who shunned a focus on poverty and the environment, because of it’s association with liberals who rejected many sacred Scriptural truths — now have come to realize that while keeping our eyes on heaven and the return of our Saviour — we cannot watch as the earth is destroyed by greedy corporations or millions die from Aids, lack of clean water, food or outright genocide.

It is refreshing to see the renewed emphasis on helping those who are suffering and in dire need of the basics of life. Even in our own country — the number of working poor is alarming. I heard today that 42% of single mothers in the United States are living under the poverty level. That means that many children are not getting the nutrition and the basic medical care that they need.

The root of the problem is, of course — sin. Children born out of wedlock — without the benefit of a loving mother/father — Drugs and alcohol that take an unfair share of the small amount available for the family — Greed — companies paying their executives multi-million dollar bonuses, while hard working men and women are barely surviving — Struggle for Power — tyrants and ruthless dictators building their own kingdoms while those within their borders are perishing.

Only  God can change evil hearts and only He can turn on the fountain of compassion and self-sacrifice for others. That’s why we must never stop praying for and sharing the Good News with those who don’t know Christ yet and praying for the Holy Spirit to give us the ‘mind of Christ’.

But — I believe that it is also time for those who claim to walk with God — who are looking daily for the return of the Son of God — who read their Bibles and know that it is the Word of God —

it is time for us to step up to the plate and ‘Act Justly, Show Mercy and Walk Humbly with our God’. 

This means speaking out, in humility, with civility – against corruption and greed. It is immoral to justify multi-million dollar paychecks to build dynasties for the super-rich. It is immoral to pay sports stars many millions of dollars each year while the neighborhood they came from cannot provide a decent education or healthcare for the kids.

It also means being active on behalf of those who need our help — There is no reason that we, as Christ’s true Church,  cannot greatly increase our giving of time, money, expertise and prayers for those that are suffering and dying day after day – without neglecting our own spiritual needs.

You cannot read the scriptures without noticing God’s heart for the widow, the orphan, the poor and needy. When Christ walked the earth — He and the disciples carried a money purse to give funds to those in need.

 Matthew 25 tells us that when Jesus returns and separates the sheep from the goats — He will tell those on His right that they are blessed and to enter His joy because  they fed the poor, ministered to the sick, welcomed the stranger into their home and visited those in prison.

 He said that when they did this to the least of His brethren — they did it to the Lord Himself.

 I believe that our priority is to "Love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind." That will keep us focused on righteousness, purity and the spiritual kingdom Christ announced.

Next we are to "Love our neighbors as ourselves" — "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us." — "Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, consider others as more important than yourself." — "Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ "–“While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men; especially to those of the body of Christ”.

The greatest need our neighbors have is to know the Lord — because their eternal destination depends on it. The next thing they need is food, water, safety, shelter, medicine and a caring friend who will be there to help in the time of need.

Hate the sin — love the sinner.  Never forget where we came from.

"For God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners — Christ died for us"

We have a great example — let’s find a way to make a difference! Want a simple place to start? Adopt a needy child through World Vision — Send a check to Salvation Army, Mercy Corp, your local food bank. Volunteer to visit the elderly at a local nursing home. Contact Prison Fellowship and see how you can help with prisoners or their children. There are so many opportunities — and you will be blessed both now and in eternity.

Keep looking up!

 

High on a Mountain

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One of the benefits of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is the opportunity to be a short drive to the rugged ocean or to the majestic Cascade mountains.  Since I was a young boy, I have enjoyed playing in the snow on Mount Hood, near Portland.  Now, as an adult, I still try to get up to the mountain  once a year to go snowboarding.

 

As you probably have heard on the National news — 3 mountain climbers recently went missing on the 11,000 ft. mountain and were  the object of a massive search.  Numerous volunteers scoured the mountain whenever the weather would permit, over a 9 day period.  

 

A black hawk helicopter, 2 drones, and other hi-tech equipment were called in to aid in the search. The families of the men came to Oregon to assist in the search effort. They prayed for the search and rescue teams who were  in constant danger of avalanches, steep icy terrain and weather that at times produced 100 mph winds and white-out conditions.

 

Today the search finally ended in disappointment. One of the climbers was found dead Monday in a snow cave near the summit. The other two are still lost and assumed to also be deceased. They may have been buried by an avalanche or fallen into a crevass attempting to climb down the treacherous mountain.

 

Kelly James,  Brian Hall and Jerry Cooke – all experienced climbers, loved mountain climbing and loved God. After praying for the men and their families each day – it was sad and difficult hearing the news. The good news is that because they trusted Christ as their saviour, they will one day be reunited with family members who also believe.

 

Please join me in praying for those who have had to return home alone, without their loved ones and who must begin the process of healing. May God comfort them with His presence and the re-affirmation of the promises He has given us.

 

‘Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you … that where I am, you may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)

 

‘Truly, truly I say to you — He who hears My words and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death, into life.’ (John 5:24)

 

Keep looking Up!

 

A Divine Appointment

My wife and I have really been enjoying watching God answer our prayers regarding opportunities to be used by Him.  This afternoon, after a great time worshipping and learning at our local Church — we went to a mall to do some shopping and then stopped for an early dinner.  The food was great, the atmosphere relaxing and since we had skipped breakfast and lunch — we were very happy to eat something.

 

Just as the waitress handed me the bill, my wife asked her if her mother’s name was "—–".  It was! My wife had thought that she looked familiar and had seen her come in with her mother earlier in the year to pick up some items at the place where my wife works. The waitress had lost her sister and her grand-father in a tragic auto accident a while back and as you would expect — the loss was devastating to the family.

 

For the next 10 minutes or so, I listened quietly as my lovely wife and this young woman talked through the situation and the continuing impact in her life and that of her mother. It was one of those moments where you sensed the presence of God and knew that it was a Divine appointment where He sent my wife to bring encouragement and hope to a hurting person, in His name.

 

We both spent this evening talking about this and other opportunities the Lord has given us over the years and the honor of being part of His wonderful plan.

 

It also reminded me once again why I love my wife as much today and when we were first married many years ago. She is a woman of compassion and sensitivity for others and that is a trait that I rank near the top of the list.

 

As we start a new week — let me encourage you to ask the Lord  to give you a renewed sensitivity to the needs of others you come into contact with and for Him to allow you to make a difference in their lives by listening, by giving, by touching and by sharing the greatest news in the Universe — Forgiveness and Grace — water of life for the thirsty — the Gift of God through His Son Jesus.

 

Keep Looking Up!

Anonymous People

As I was looking through some of my pictures this week, I realized that I had captured the portraits of several people that I know nothing about, but because of where they were standing at the moment are now a permanent part of our family history. It would be great to know more about them — who they are, what they are like and their life story. That is not likely to ever happen though.

 

There is the picture of my daughter and son in-law getting ready to go snowboarding on Mt. Hood. The man standing in the background looks very familiar.  Maybe a past classmate or maybe a fellow traveler on a flight — not sure, but I have the sense that I should know him.

 

 Then there is the picture of my wife, my daughter and little Kendyl at the county fair. The man in the background with the nice smile is a stranger, but he seemed to enjoy watching us take the pictures. I’d love to talk with him – I have the sense that he is a nice man and has a happy marriage. How can you  tell from a picture?  You can’t really, but it’s a good guess based on his face and smile.

 

 While traveling in Germany a few years ago, I stopped in a small Bavarian city to buy a sweatshirt before heading up the mountain and saw a beautiful florist shop with a lot of flowers out front. I decided to take a picture of all the colors and it wasn’t until later that I noticed I had inadvertently included the posterior of a lady bending over, smelling the flowers.  She would be happy knowing that her face wasn’t included so she that she remains anonymous.

 

 

I’m sure that I have made it into a lot of pictures taken by others as well.  They probably wonder who that man is — but it will have to remain a mystery.

 

The only one who sees me every moment — who knows me intimately — who loves me completely — is the Lord Jesus. I’m not anonymous to Him and neither are you. That is such an overwhelming thought — the God who created the universe and everything in it — knows us and cares for us. He desires a personal relationship with each of us. When He returns from Heaven to take his children home — He won’t be looking for perfect people. He will be looking for those, who have responded to His invitation by faith — the invitation to walk in a daily personal relationship with Him and to have their sins all washed away.

 

On that day – I will be especially glad that I am not anonymous and will hear Him call my name.

 

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States — but everyday is Thanksgiving for those who around the world who have been touched by His love, mercy and grace.

 

Let me encourage you today to take a few minutes and tell Him what you are thankful for. It will change your day as you recount your many blessings.

 

Keep looking up!