Do Something

All year in Kids Prayer the kids have been learning how to pray.  In November, we started a new theme entitled, "Do Something."  The goal was to focus on a project, raise funds and PRAY!  I got the idea from Matthew West's song by the same title.  Here is a portion of the lyrics:

Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of 
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, "God, why don't you do something?"
He said, "I did. I created you."

Even though I decided we should "do something" by helping and praying for someone else in need, I wanted the kids to take ownership of the project by choosing who we should help.  Each child was given an opportunity to voice his or her idea.  Some of the children gave generic answers such as, "the homeless" or "sick people."  Others spoke about helping deaf children or van ministry kids. Then, one ten year old boy stood up and gave a detailed, persuasive speech about helping people in West Africa who had Ebola. It was persuasive indeed...the entire class voted for his idea!

I did some research which led me to Missionary Albert Stewart in Liberia, Africa.  He had a medical clinic but it had closed due to several staff members' death from Ebola.  The country was in desperate need of food due to the crisis.  I contacted Bro Stewart who referred me to Compassion Services International, an organization overseeing the funds for the Ebola crisis in Liberia.

We held one fundraiser selling Scripture Candy. At the end, when tallying up the costs/sales, the salesperson at the candy company put his personal profit into our project giving us a total of $500. Wow!  What an unexpected blessing!  Give a big shout out to Michael!

This project was more than just helping others by raising money on their  behalf.  As we learned about Liberia, Africa, we prayed for the various needs.  We prayed for the President of the country, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, after learning she had visited one of the Apostolic churches there.  We prayed for the medical clinic after learning it had re-opened with new staff members.  We put a world map on the floor and prayed for Liberia asking God to pour our His Spirit upon the people of that country.

Only eternity will tell of the results of this project.  Perhaps a life was spared in Liberia because we gave them food.  Perhaps one of the children in Kids Prayer will grow up to be a missionary.  Who knows?  All I know is that you're never too young (or too old) to change your world...DO SOMETHING!

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Matthew 25:40 (Bold emphasis mine).

Then and Now

I spent the last few days in Lori's cozy and inviting home where there were pictures and reminders throughout her house of our trip to India.  It was a comforting feeling to be surrounded by precious memories. Tonight we were looking through pictures of Happiness Home and comparing the ones we took during our trip in February 2011 with some that were taken recently by another photographer, Andy Loke of Singapore.  Some of the children have grown up almost beyond  recognition while others were easy to recognize because they have maintained the same mannerisms four years later.  I thought you might enjoy seeing a few of the pictures of the children then and now.

Mother's Day 2014

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.  Psalms 27:10

The orphans living at Happiness Home in Churachandpur, India have been forsaken by their parents, not by choice, but by death to HIV/AIDS.  Many of these precious children also have HIV/AIDS themselves.  The Lord Jesus has not forgotten them.  On Mother's Day 2014, God filled 12 motherless children with the Holy Ghost.  I love God's timing!

I have a "son" named Timothy living at Happiness Home.  He and I shared a special bond during my visit to India in 2011.  Bro. Rama is so kind to keep me updated on Timothy's progress.  I pray for him often.  I was happy to learn that Timothy was one of the 12 children who received the Holy Ghost.  Happy Mother's Day!

There's an Army Rising Up

"There's an army rising up...to break every chain...in the name of Jesus."  The children began singing this powerful song spontaneously during Kids Prayer after a lesson on the armor of God.  I felt the Holy Ghost as they sang, and thought, "That's exactly what is happening.  We are training an army of intercessors.  They will rise up and not be afraid or intimidated by prayer.

Alyssa and I began teaching Kids Prayer five months ago.  Some days, we wonder if we are making a difference.  At other times, God gives us a glimpse of His Work in the lives of the children. Tonight in class the kids were so BAD!!  They couldn't focus, sit still, let alone PRAY.  At the end, discussion came up about being afraid to go to the altar.  Alyssa said God had not given them the spirit of fear, but of power (2 Timothy 1:7).  Six-year-old Zach declared, "I'm NOT afraid any more!!"  As we dismissed I told the children the adults were still praying in the sanctuary and if they wanted to go to the altar NOW, it was fine.  About four or five of the children went to the altar and prayed for a few minutes before church, including Zach.  After church started, they went to their seats.

We had an exuberant worship service.  Soon, Zach was back in the altar.  The other children gathered around him and began to pray for him, tears streaming down their faces in real intercession.   A few of them were ministering with a level of authority I had not seen in them before.  EVERY child, including the 3 and 4 year olds, was praying in the altar. Two children received the Holy Ghost. One child continued to speak in tongues all the way home.  It was so incredible!

Tonight's discussion on fear reminded of a conversation I had with little Zach two years ago; he was four years old at the time. During Children's Church, I had given a slideshow presentation on orphans in India.  Each child was given a picture of an orphan boy or girl to take home and pray for.  Afterwards, little Zach approached me and said, "I have my picture."  I said, "That's good Zach.  Are you praying for your orphan?"  He said, "No. I do not know how to pray."  I knelt beside him and said, "Oh Zach!  It is so easy.  Do you want to learn how to pray?"  He said, "Yes" and with a typical four-year-old attention span, ran off to play with the other children.

The spirits of fear and doubt infiltrate the minds of children at a young age regarding prayer. By the time they reach adulthood, it is often difficult for them to establish a relationship with God through prayer.  One of the primary goals in starting this kids prayer class was to help the children overcome their fears and gain confidence in communicating with God at a young age. This generation will NOT be intimidated by prayer!  They will pray powerful, earth-shattering prayers at a young age!  They are an army rising up....to break every chain....in the name of Jesus.

Zach, the child who overcame his fears.

The children praying for Zach.

Landon receiving the Holy Ghost.

Landon spoke in tongues all the way home.

The children praying for Rylan.

An Exciting Day

Upon my return from Bangladesh, I set three goals for my time in the United States: work to pay off debt, take Hindi language classes, and to win souls.  I've worked a total of 7 weeks doing temporary assignments since my return to the states so I have not paid off any debt.  I will begin Hindi lessons in January.  God is definitely answering the prayer request regarding soul winning!. Sharon repented and was baptized in Jesus' Name a few months ago.  Today, six of the Outreach young men were baptized in Jesus Name and one was filled with the Holy Ghost! It was an exciting day!  The credit does not belong to me alone. This has been a team effort by many members of our church.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Today in America we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day we set aside to give thanks to God for His provision and blessing of the harvest of the preceding year.  It generally is very difficult for Americans – surrounded by affluence and prosperity – to comprehend the realities of daily life for the billion-plus people who constitute "the poorest of the poor."  What we often take for granted in America – fresh water 24 hours a day, abundant supply of food, unlimited electrical power – are considered "luxuries" in many other countries.

Here is a quote from economist, Robert Heilbroner, as published in his book, The Great Ascent: The Struggle for Economic Development in Our Time.  He is describing the “luxuries” the typical American family would have to surrender if they lived among the 1 BILLION hungry people in the Two-Thirds World:

“We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables, television sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his wardrobe his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.

“We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards…the box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight’s meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy.

“Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the tool shed…Communications must go next. No more newspapers, magazines, books – not that they are missed, since we must take away our family’s literacy as well. Instead, in our shantytown we will allow one radio…

“Now government services must go next. No more postmen, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms…There are, of course, no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, provided the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely…

“Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of five dollars. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the $3.94 which he mistakenly thought he needed to receive admission to a hospital where he could have been cured.”

Having spent time in two countries, India and Bangladesh, I have seen first-hand the day-to-day realities of these precious people.  Today, as we give thanks in America, let us remember those who are less fortunate.  Not in a prideful attitude, "I'm so thankful I don't live like that," but rather a humble attitude, "Let me share my wealth and be a blessing to them."  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Listening to His Voice

The early morning was peaceful and quiet as I sat in my chair with my Bible, unhurried to start the busy day that lay ahead of me. Sometimes I am a constant chatterbox in His Presence.  Other times my mind wanders aimlessly in the quietness.  Not today.  There was such a stillness as I simply sat there, enjoying His Presence so real and so near, even though not a sound was uttered.  Listening.  Waiting.

Something powerful happens when I listen to God rather than filling the air with my voice echoing my own wants and needs.  Sometimes He speaks to me.  Most of the time He does not.  At least, not right away. He will, however, speak to me throughout the day as my spirit is attuned to His Voice.

Today was a perfect example.  After my quiet time with Him, as I proceeded throughout the day's activities, I could feel His Presence in a special way, a closeness.  I was studying for a Bible study scheduled for later tonight when I heard Him.  He was speaking.

Don't start the study in the book of Genesis.  Go straight to the plan of salvation.  "Ok. Lord, I hear You.  But, will she comprehend it?  She's simple-minded as you know."  The plan of salvation does not necessarily require comprehension, but it does require obedience.  She has child-like faith in Me and she will obey.

(Note: Sharon, the lady I am referring to has some kind of physical and/or mental illness.  She has slurred speech and poor motor control.  Although she can read and write, we are not sure how much she comprehends.  She has a sweet disposition and loves everybody.  And we all love her!)

I must  admit, I was very nervous teaching the 3-step plan of salvation* to Sharon.  I wanted to make it simple without making her feel like a child.  Mary, another lady in the church, joined us in the study.  We read a few scriptures on repentance, the first step.  Then, I heard Him.  He was speaking.  Don't just teach on repentance.  Show her how to do it.  We prayed a short prayer asking God to forgive us of our sins. Next, we covered water baptism in Jesus' Name, the second step.  I told Sharon any time she wanted to be baptized to let us know.  I heard Him speaking again.  Ask her if she wants to be baptized tonight.  "Sharon, do you want to be baptized tonight?"  She replied "Yes, I do.  I want to go to heaven."  Wow!  Mary and I were pleasantly surprised.  Sharon responded with child-like faith, just like God had already said she would do.  Finally, we covered the third step, which is receiving the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue (language).  We wrapped up the study and went to the prayer room.  (We have church-wide prayer on Monday nights.) After prayer, we all gathered around as Sharon was baptized in Jesus' Name.

When I listen to (and obey) His Voice, then His Will (not mine) is accomplished in the earth.

* The 3-step plan of salvation is found in Acts 2:38.  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."  This is based upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4, "Moreover brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached unto you...For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures....And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."  Repent = death, baptism = burial, receive Holy Ghost = resurrection.