Adoption: when losing is still winning

 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.  And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”  Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.  And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.  (Galatians 4:4-7)

Salvation is such an amazing gift that is offered to all who are far off from God.  We can be reconciled and forgiven, which if you stopped there is great news... but God goes even beyond that to offer us a family.  Adoption.  Adoption into God's family.  Amazing grace!

For quite some time, I have felt deeply and resonated with the impact of my spiritual adoption.  It has moved from being a concept on the pages of Scripture to a reality that influences my understanding of life and the way that I live it.  All these words surrounding adoption - belonging, chosen, family, heir, son, inheritance are so rich in theology.  To become a son/daughter of the King is life-changing to say the least.

But then I came face to face with another theology of adoption - still very spiritual in nature, but with practical implications for my life and family.  I'm not sure how I was able to read past James 1:27 so many times prior in life, but in 2009 God allowed me to read it with new eyes.  Then at the Catalyst Conference in October of that year, this theme of adoption was woven throughout.  There the 143 million orphans worldwide became more than a number... they became a calling.  I was able to track down one of the videos that really impacted me...

And so the journey began.  What would James 1:27 look like for our family?  I brought that question back to Brooke and we began to talk and pray.  Fast forward to December of 2011 when God allowed our whole family to travel down to Nicaragua on a mission trip together.  One of our days we were invited to join another team to travel up to Remar Orphange in Veracruz to take the orphans Christmas shopping and put on a Christmas party.  We had no idea what was in store... we also had no idea who would capture our hearts.

Ligia (LEE-he-uh) was one of the many orphans who live at Remar for various reasons.  At that moment all we knew was she needed a loving home and we began to wonder if ours could be the one for her.  And so the process began.  And to save you the details, we'll just say it has been a process. 

In July, I was able to meet with our Nicaraguan lawyer and also Mi Familia (think Department of Children and Families) and present our case.  Up until this point it had been a series of green lights followed by some red lights.  When I arrived, we were sitting at a red light (with lots of red tape as well). But God really gave me the words to say and our case was re-opened.  Mi Familia had granted us the ability to continue to pursue Ligia for adoption pending she could officially be declared abandoned.  I really left hopeful and called to share the good news with the Brooke and the boys.

Upon my return to the States, the process continued with a bit greater pace.  We prepared documents and met with our agency here in the States.  It was then that some of the nervousness hit as we realized, "This could really happen!"  We definitely felt unprepared in many ways, but also very confident in what God was calling us to in this journey.

Well, it was over a month ago that we received a message from a friend of ours who was actually down at Remar Orphanage in Nicaragua and told us that Ligia was being picked up by a family member and was leaving the orphanage.  She snapped this picture of her leaving and emailed it to us.  In that moment, I didn't know what to think or feel.  There was definitely a sadness and a feeling of loss... but after a few days of prayer and processing I realized that our losing was really winning.

We can only assume that our pursuit of Ligia caused one of her relatives (we believe an aunt) to step up and volunteer to take her in.  Since we are trusting in God's plan for this little girl and believe that He loves her and knows much more what is best for her life - that His plan is good.  Our prayer has become that she will receive the love she so desperately needs and will feel a part of her new family.  Of course, we are also praying that she will meet Jesus and one day have a new spiritual family as well.

As for what is next... we aren't sure, but we know God is.  Our heart and passion to adopt is still very much alive so we are patiently waiting on His timing!

The Mission Never Ends

This summer we put 60 of our students out on the mission field... rather sent them out on mission trips.  They were already on the mission field.  So whether our students were going to Nicaragua, Mississippi or serving at home in Tallahassee, we trained and prepared so that all would understand this foundational truth: we are missionaries not because we are going on a mission trip, but because we are Christians!  So, our mission began when we joined Team Jesus and as we say all the time... the mission never ends!

Even though it seems a bit cliche to say, God really did work in power through each of our teams.  And it's my hope and prayer that each of our students realized that they are still on mission, they just have a different mission field.  As they enter their school campuses this week, they enter one of the greatest mission fields that exists.

John Piper has said that mission exists because worship does not.  That is always such a sobering reminder to me about the urgency and privilege of what we've each - as missionaries - been called to... introducing others to the greatness of God so that they can worship Him to. 

I often think of heaven and how amazing it will be when ever tribe, tongue and nation is gathered singing their praise and giving their worship to Jesus Christ who is reigning on the throne.  What a sight to imagine, that will one day be reality for those of us found in Him. 

Just yesterday, one of my favorite professors at Beeson, Dr. Calvin Miller, stepped into eternity and joined the mighty chorus of worshippers.  Not only did he have a profound impact on my preaching, but really the totality of how I understand ministry.  And the foundation of ministry really being missions.  So in honor of him, I've included his "A Letter to the Church"...

To every Christian who reads this book: you are a missionary. Missions is the joyous work of informing the world that it is loved. Missions is unrelenting in its desire, it pushes in flaming light against the dark walls of human ignorance. It is honest about all things eternal: we can be free only when we know the truth (Jn 8:32).

Missions is clear, cold water--a cup of grace, a draft of life in the desert. It is as free as air, yet as precious as a pearl buried deep in the brokenness of the human spirit (Mt 13:46). Missions is a message, as simple as two words Jesus Saves--one noun, one verb--and yet this simplicity is God's broad banner posted just above the gates of eternity (Lk 19:10).

Missions is ravenous in its hunger to please God. It knows no other purpose for its existence. It lives for the single pleasure of hearing God say, "Well done, good and faithful slave (Mt 25:21). You have told the truth in a false world, you have turned the iron key of liberty in the steel door of hell, and the captives are freed (Lk 4:18)! For this liberation you have been called "missionary."

Missions is a divine madness that hears the voice of God's only begotten, crying from a mountaintop, into all the world (Mt 28:18-20). It takes this cry to bed and pillow every night. It wakes at every dawn, as Christ whispers in the heart, "I was dead, but look--I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Rv 1:18). You must arise for I have come to seek and to save that which was lost. There is no time to waste, the world is loved and doesn't know it. Hold out your hand and I fill it with gold, and you must go out to give the gold away, making rich all those who are poor in spirit (Mt 5:3). Tell all those who starve about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rv 19:9).
To every Christian who reads this book: you are a missionary.

No matter your credentials. All who name the name of Christ have been ordained by the urgency of God's agenda in a fallen world. Missionaries are not just those special few who have accepted some certificate of some profession. They are not servants of a special calling. Missionaries are all those who have said "yes, Lord!" To say "I believe" is to understand that you have accepted the commission to go into all the world, starting right inside your home, your village, your nation, your world. You have been empowered. Christ has breathed upon you (Jn 20:22). When Christ moves in, you move out. Out where? Out there! Outside your narrow life. Anywhere is the place to start. So start. Seek! Knock! Any door will do (Mt 7:7). You need no grand beginning point.

There, it is done! You have spoken to someone the entreaty, "Come with us to Christ!" Congratulations! You are a missionary and missionaries are the merchants of hope. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring Good Tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God Reigns (Isaiah 52:7).

But be not proud! In redeeming the world all arrogance is precluded. There are no good, arrogant missionaries (2Co 12:5). Christ's ambassadors (2Co 5:20) are men and women made humble by the immense size of the message given to them by Earth's Lover. They feed on the bread they give away. They remember who they were when they met Christ, and just that little act of memory causes them to weep that that they once stumbled into grace, before they were ever called to dispense it. Now they are driven by the joy of God's call, they are the cleansed unclean, the forgiven forgivers, the wounded healers. Nothing is more important than their preachment. They live for it, they die for it (1Co 9:16). They will not change their minds and they cannot change the subject. They are intentional about one truth, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did" (Jn 4:29). I can baptize you only with water, but He will baptize you with fire and the Holy Spirit (Lk 3:16). Thus holding forth the world in their left hand they reach for heaven with their right hand, and the gulf between time and eternity is pulled shut (Lk 16:22). The world at hand is made one with the world that is on the way.

All we who know Him are the heralds of God, missionaries blind to our own greatness because we have served a magnificent obsession, a glorious compulsion, "Jesus lives, Jesus saves." There is no other significant, eternal truth (Ac 4:12).

The day we became missionaries we were no longer good at the sedentary life. The word "go" forbids us to settle into the plush present, for we know that the future is where we were meant to live, for only the future holds the possibility of us making our next disciple (1Co 9:19). Of course we love our last convert, but that believer has only fueled our fever to meet the next one.

Here in this volume you hold the grand marriage of the Word of God and the Commission of God. This is the book that holds the definition of forty holy men, the Bible writers, who have defined the heart of God. Missions plus the Word equals everything. You cannot serve just one of these, for to serve the Book is to serve the mission (Php 2:16). To fail to serve either of them is to choose to serve neither. Read herein what God has for you, then do all that you have read. Only then will you enter into life a whole person waiting on God, and knowing who you are. And knowing who you are you will find pleasure in your identity (Php 3:8,10).

Your life belongs to the world. Your zip code is the globe. You are a missionary.

 

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 11

There is power in prayer.  Seems like a gross understatement.  However, I would imagine most Christians would hardly describe their prayer life as powerful.  On this mission, not only have we talked each night about an intimate, conversational relationship with God, but we’ve also worked hard to put it into practice.  By God’s grace, many on our team have begun to experience this kind of relationship and many for the first time.  One key area this has manifested itself has been through prayer.  I’ve been so encouraged watching this growth of prayer take place both individually and corporately.

Today we went to Sister Ruby’s house… or as it is better know, “Ruby’s House of Prayer.”  It’s been two years since Sister Ruby left behind her earthly home and stepped into eternity.  Her presence is definitely missed, but her legacy and ministry has carried on in full strength!

We arrived and headed up to the “upper room” while Mike, Coburn and I stayed down with Margarita (Ruby’s sister) to prepare and pray together before we went upstairs for a time of worship and prayer with our team.  God showed us very quickly that He was ready to meet us and He was going to speak powerfully.  And that He did! 

God had a word for many of our students and a powerful time of confession, testimony and healing followed.  I was again encouraged to see our team praying for each other and doing life and ministry together.  We studied the power of prayer, but how much more powerful to experience it in action!  Our time at Ruby’s has become such an integral piece to our mission experience and this year was no exception.  Praise God for His faithfulness to meet us today!

After our team time at Ruby’s, we headed over to everyone’s favorite destination… the market.  After a time of shopping and experiencing new sights, smells and pushy vendors – we headed back to the Buzbees and enjoyed a bit of rest and downtime before we headed out to Doña Haydee (a local Nicaragua restaurant) where we enjoyed some local cuisine in a fun atmosphere.  Spending time together over our last meal was so enjoyable, but also started to help us see the reality that our time was coming to an end.  So we finished the night with our traditional dance party in the bus on the ride back (thanks to Franklin fixing the radio during dinner).

We’ve got to be up at 4:30 am to head to the airport for our early flight.  We’re leaving one Katie behind to head up to the Rio Coco for her extended mission trip and the other Katie who is staying one more day.  We’ll be returning with mixed emotions, but one thing for sure… knowing that God is good and He has been faithful to minister in us and through us this year in Nicaragua!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 10

Goodbyes are hard.  Good thing they are temporary.  We weren't created to say goodbye and I long for the day that we won't have to say them again.  It's crazy to think that in just a short time you can build friendships that will last for eternity.  Even if we never see our friends here in Nicaragua again, we know that will we see those we are united to by the Gospel again one day.  And what a day that will be!

Today was our last day in the Las Parcelas community and so it was a day full of goodbyes.  We said goodbye to Ruby Ranch where  we invested time hosting our camp and working to prepare areas for future expansion.  We said goodbye to the children from the community that camp to camp with us.  We also said goodbye to Manuel and his family.  Goodbyes are hard... but they are not forever.

We completed the house today.  But we realize that only happened by God's amazing gift of strength and faithfulness to our team.  It's pretty crazy to think that a house can be completed in 10 days here in Nicaragua.  We were glad to be a part of it.  But we'd definitely have to thank the Buzbees, our financial supporters, the community, Marvin's team and even Manuel and his family for making it happen.

This is the largest house we have ever built here in Nicaragua.  It's about double the size we normally build and it's four times bigger than the house they are currently living in.  Their current "house" consists of a semi-covered "kitchen" area which is adjacent to the other "room" that holds 3 beds and a table for their family of four.

Thanks to Marvin's team, we arrived and all the remaining blocks for the floor were laid in the house.  Everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief.  So we got right to mortaring in the joints and also painting the upper portion of the house.  All the wood framing and hardyboard had to be painted.  Sprinkle in some playing with kids from the community and it rounded out to be a full day.

We had a sweet time with the family - standing inside their new home - holding hands and praying together to dedicate it to the Lord and to their family.  We sang some songs together and rejoiced in the goodness of God.  We also brought them some of the donated clothes to help them out.  The only thing remaining (which will be completed without us) are the two doors and windows.

Our team showed amazing perseverance and tenacity.  They showed hard work and unity.  They showed how the body of Christ works with many parts and different gifts.  Most of all - they showed Jesus.  It was our goal from the beginning and will continue until our mission is over.  And as we learned in our training time... the mission never ends (until the goodbyes have finally ended and we see Jesus face to face)!

We thank each and everyone of you for supporting us and standing with us in prayer.  We'll finish tomorrow and then return on Saturday.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 9

Wow.  Day 9.  It's hard to believe in some ways, but we are also feeling a bit of the time crunch in other ways.  We really want to get this house finished and dedicated before we have to leave.  The family has been so amazing to work alongside us and encourage us along the way.  Always being the adventurous type, I pretty much try every food they bring out for us to sample.  So far so good.  However, we have a few on the team feeling under the weather or dealing with some upset stomachs (not for that reason) so please pray for them!

I knew we were going into a big day today since we hit a place yesterday where we couldn't help much and then the rains came in.  But God is continuing to teach us to trust His plan and His faithfulness.  And sometimes His plan doesn't always make sense to us at the time.  Marvin - our main man for construction - fell off his motorcycle in the rain on the way home last night and tore up his hands and arms and did some more extensive internal damage to one of his lungs.  He is schedule to have surgery in a few days, yet he was there when we arrived to make sure we knew what to do.  He stayed with us all day and had an amazing attitude considering the circumstances.  We gathered as a team to pray for God's healing and are trusting God to heal him.

Our team did a great job stepping up to the challenge of having our leader down - but not out!  Most of the framing was complete and his crew was working on framing roof and adding the tin sheeting.  Our team had the assignment of moving out a pretty substantial amount of dirt to get the floor level.  This, of course, was all done Nica style with measuring sticks, fishing line, shovels, pick axes and good 'ole manpower.  Then after the floor was level, the piedra de cantera (hand hewn 70 lb solid stones) had to be moved from the road to the house and then put into place.  The work was hard, but the team did great.  Others used their gifts to play with the kids in the community as they came to hang out with us after school today.

Tonight at our team time we talked about intimacy with God through prayer.  There is nothing more encouraging for me as a student pastor to watch our students pray for, over and with each other.  We are also looking forward to our time at Ruby's House of Prayer which should take place on one of our remaining days.  Tomorrow should be another full day of construction.  Please join us in praying for dry weather, good energy and for the completion on Manuel's house!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 8

Today was a day of flexibility and surprises.  We left prepared to continue building on Manuel's house, but arrived to find there wasn't any work really that we could do.  Our two Nica builders were doing some of the skilled labor of cutting and framing in the top part of the structure.  This is a new style build for us - we typically are mixing a ton of concrete since we usually do all block houses, but the size of this house prevented it.  So the top will be framed in wood and then we will add the siding and tin for the roof.

But God always has a plan even when ours doesn't work out.  So as we've been practicing, we just ask, listen and adjust.  We loaded up the bus and headed over to Ruby Ranch with some of the kids in tow.  After a quick lunch, we divided into the "play" team and "work" team (not really, since playing down here is really work!)

So a group headed out to the school to gather some more kids and play on the playground and then I took a small group up to the top of the mountain - a tough hike with a great view, to clear a flat top that will one day hold an outdoor prayer chapel.  It was hard work, but you really can't complain with the amazing view.  We cut down trees and cleared brush until we had a huge pile ready to burn.  Off in the distance we saw some black clouds quickly moving our way and before we knew it they were on top of us.  So here we are on top of the mountain with wind gusts of 50mph and then the rain comes.  With nowhere to go, we hunker down in our brush pile as the sideways rain kicks in.  Once thoroughly soaked we decided to make a dash (or slide) down the muddy trail - while being pelted with rain bullets.

We made it to the bottom to find the rest of our team huddled up at the Ranch house.  They made a run for it from the school playground, but were likewise pretty wet.  All in all a great team bonding experience.  And even being on top of the mountain in a pretty scary scenario, none of us experienced fear.  Despite seeing God flex His muscle, we rested confidently in His care.

So needless to say, the bus ride was a bit musty smelling and chilly as we road back to the compound.  It took all of us a good while to get all the mud off and dinner never tasted so good!  At our team time tonight we looked at intimacy through God's love... how His love for us is the foundation of our relationship and the conduit for intimacy with Him.

God is working - growing and stretching us in many ways.  I've been excited to watch our students work, play and engage with each other and those in the community.  God's love is shining brightly through and we pray we are making a Gospel impact!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 7

There is just something about just standing with your feet in the ocean, looking out to the horizon and hearing the powerful waves crashing all around.  As Scripture tells us, the wonder and majesty of creation just cries out worship to our Creator God.


For our last official day of camp, we took the Parcelas kids to the beach.  Not only was it a treat for them (many whom don't ever leave their tiny community), but it was also a treat for us (many on our team had never seen the Pacific).  So all of us together enjoyed swimming, playing in the sand and marveling at God's handiwork.  One of the verses we learned together (in Spanish and English) at camp is Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."  I love seeing Scripture in action.


We enjoyed lunch together in the Rancho at the beach and then we were back at it for some more swimming.  As we were tossing kids into the waves and bodysurfing them into shore (apparently I make a pretty good surfboard) I was just quite amazed at the bond we had created in just a few short days.  Here we are with all sorts of barriers - language being the biggest, but also social, economic, cultural, age differences, traditions and the list could go on - yet we feel united.  The Gospel does that in amazing ways.


Speaking of the Gospel, before we sent them home, I gathered everyone and shared the Gospel.  It seemed Satan was hard at work via gnats to distract (they hadn't been out all day) but the Gospel always prevails.  Callie shared her story and then I shared the Gospel story.  Many students prayed with me to surrender their lives to Christ and to walk with Him in new life.  What a great finish to camp.


We gave out their backpacks - filled with school supplies, a few toys and their arts and crafts from camp.  This year each camper got a picture of their group to fill the frame they made.  Since most don't have cameras and never see photos, this was a special treat for them.  The teacher and a few parents thanked us for the impact the camp had on their kids and remarked, "it's all they want to talk about each night."  God is good.


There's nothing like tradition, so after loading the bus, we chased it down the pathway as we said our goodbyes.  The goodbyes will be short-lived as we are right back in Las Parcelas tomorrow to continue working on the house.  We invited them to come see us, so we may have a bit of a challenge focusing on construction!  


We've got a few team members dealing with some small sickness or unsettled stomachs, so please pray for their healing and our health.  We are a bit nervous about getting the house done in time, so please pray for that as well.  Thanks for standing with us in prayer!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 6

I love Sundays.  It did feel a bit weird being away from the “routine” of Sundays and all the responsibilities that entails for me in the States.  But for our team to load up the bus, grab some kids from the neighborhood along the way and then file in to Verbo Church was a great experience for us.  It was good to be the minority.  Good to be the visitors.  Good to be stretched beyond what most of us are used to in a worship service.  It was good to have the challenge of listening and engaging when we didn’t speak the language.  It was also good, for in the service this morning, we experienced a bit of heaven.  One day, every tribe, tongue and nation will be gathered when God calls His children home.  One day we will all join the chorus of the angels, singing, “Holy, holy, holy” in our native tongue and rather than dividing us, we will be united.  Man, I long for that day.

Some of the team struggled a bit today when I broke the news that we were going to have to do some construction this afternoon.  It isn’t our usual Sunday pattern, and I would bet a good many are already a bit exhausted.  I even wrestled if that is what God had for us and it was the right decision.  I’ve learned not to just do what makes logical sense to me in the attempt to “get more done.”  But God gave some rest on the ride out to Las Parcelas (I’ve never been able to understand how some of these students can sleep on a bus driving down roads that look like land mines went off).   And in true God form, He wanted us to be there. 

Our work was hard, but not long.  Making concrete Nica-style is hard work.  No concrete truck pulling up or mixer to dump the ingredients in.  The ground is our workspace and armed with shovels, we become the mixers.   We made two full batches to fill the forms that Marvin (our foreman) had prepared around the vegas.  We completed everything he framed out.  In fact, the last bucket of concrete from the last batch was the perfect amount.  I just glanced upward and said, “Thanks.”  He is always right.

But it was more than just getting the work done – although that was important.  Mixing concrete – with 6 or so students working together – is a team-building experience.  You have to learn to work together and you have to learn to hand off the shovel when you are tired.  God wanted us to learn that today.  And I’m quite sure He has more to teach us in that area, but I’m appreciative of the unity He has brought to this team.

Another blessing today was two of our campers were there with the family and we got to just enjoy some time playing.  It gave everyone a role to play.  Some were chasing kids, others mixing concrete and others (ok really Dylan) were talking with the family (since he is the only one who really can speak fluently with them). 

I’m so grateful to God for how our day turned out.  We even got back earlier than usual and He gave us the some rest and relaxation at the pool or around the compound.  He knows what we need.  He’s always speaking.  We’re all learning a bit better how to listen to His voice and obey.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 5

It was our last full day of camp today out at the RR.  I have really been amazed at how flexible and creative our team has been, how responsive the Parcelas kids have been, how much fun we've had, how the Spirit has been at work and the list could go on and on.  It is so easy for me to see the vision for the RR after spending time out there in December and now being the pioneering camp team for the RR this year.  What a magnificent piece of property and opportunity for continued growth and ministry use.

I can't help but think about the Kingdom during our time out there and today was no exception.  The Kingdom of God is here, yet the Kingdom of God is coming.  He has by His grace grafted us into His Kingdom and then given us a role to facilitate it's expansion.  In Las Parcelas the Gospel seems to be in the infancy stages of penetration.  There isn't a strong church presence and the spiritual education level is low, but the fields are ripe for harvest.  Being able to sow Gospel seeds in word and deed there each day has been a privilege.  We are praying the soil is fertile and will reap a spiritual harvest as we continue to build relationships and as the RR allows the Gospel to go forth.

Today was one of our hotter days, but God has been good to give us good shade and a nice breeze to enjoy and allow our energy to last a bit longer.  The kids are non-stop action and we do our best to keep up with them, whether on the Tarzan swing, the trampolines or on the bicycle race track.  We also taught and played a game of baseball with them.  After making the trek to Manuel's house, we had to draw on some energy reserves, but the team did great and jumped right in to the construction project.  We finished making all the rebar today and got it in place to mix and pour concrete for the vegas (vee-guhs).  Manuel and his family were still working right alongside us and he continues to amaze us with his faith and joy in the Lord.  God is really united our hearts and we have a deep affection for he and his family.  We can't wait to finish the house and dedicate it, but we still have a long way to go!

Tomorrow we head off to church with the Buzbees.  It is always a great experience to join with the nations in worship of Almighty God.  From there, we aren't really sure what God has for us, but we continue to practice asking and listening and God is definitely guiding and leading us.  He has been so faithful to move in our students hearts.  During our team time at night and in our small groups, the honesty and authenticity are really providing opportunities for walls to come down and the Spirit to move.  We are continuing to pray for healing, growth and a greater awareness of His power and presence in our lives.  Thank you for supporting us in prayer!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 4

It is so funny how you learn to just roll with things down here.  I am the director of a large camp in the States that takes an amazing team to facilitate the 300+ high students that attend.  We have a budget and a schedule and we stick to both.  However, here in Nica it's a different story...

We arrived to the Ranch this morning and I didn't think to get the keys to the house from Brinson, so we had kids waiting while we were locked out and Manuel was off on his bike to find another set.  To fill time, I taught the kids how to play manhunt and then we did a scavenger hunt.  When we finally got unlocked and set-up, the power was out for the community.  One of our stations requires power.  So we adjust.  During one of the sessions, the main gate was left open and three horses walked out (we don't have horses at my camp in the States) and thus I've never wrangled horses before - especially ones that I presume don't understand English.  However, crisis averted and now I have a new skill.

It was getting close to lunch time and the lunches weren't there.  So I borrow one of the kids bikes to ride through the neighborhood to find Brinson.  Should have checked to see if the brakes worked, but that just made the ride that much more exciting - along with the potholes and curious stares from the community on why a gringo was riding a bike through their neighborhood.  But the lunches finally made it.  God provides.

So on the ride home it gave me some time to think about how today's events would have reeked havoc on my world (camp in the States) and today, I didn't really blink an eye.  We just look to God and figure He's got it all in control and it will all work out.  Note to self: bring this principle back home with you as it is definitely transferable to the States.

It really was a great day.  We installed a Tarzan swing yesterday and launched kids as young as two years old high into the sky.  OSHA wouldn't have approved, but the kids were delighted.  Our team did great running their stations and all the campers are "getting it" (the Gospel) at the Bible station.  Some are even asking great questions about Jesus.  After lunch, we had a great time playing and just hanging with the kids.  But then we peeled out a bit early to head over to Manuel's home to help on the new build.  This truly is a super team!

To tackle camp and construction in the same day is quite a feat.  We were all worn out, but everyone jumped right in and put in two solid hours of work on the new house.  His whole family was out helping us and continually brought out fruit to eat (not too many takers, but I seem to be the "Mikey will try it guy."  Not sure why, since I have a Mikey on my team this year).

Tonight we talked about hearing God from His Word.  I was encouraged by our team's honesty in revealing their struggle to be consistent in God's Word and to really hear from God through His Word, yet also encouraged to hear their desire and dedication to jump in and try.  God has been speaking and moving and we are all learning to better tune in and engage.  I continue to rejoice hearing them share where God is stretching them and challenging their faith.  Please continue to pray for us!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 3

We feel a bit like pioneers as we have successfully completed our first day doing camp at the Ruby Ranch.  It is our hope and prayer and many more camps will follow as the dreams and vision of the Buzbees for the Ruby Ranch comes to fruition.  It is such a beautiful piece of property and even the basics - shaded tree areas, a playground with two trampolines and a large field made for a great day camp.

It definitely isn't what we are accustomed to, but that is where God definitely has not only prepared us during our training, but stretched us in our time here.  Ruby Ranch is located in the Las Parcelas community (where we took kids from down to Campo last summer).  So it is great to be able to continue and build upon the relationships we have previously formed.

We drove up in the bus to a watching and waiting crowd of about 50 - mainly campers with a few adults.  Nearly 30 of them participated in our camp last year, but we do have some new faces.  For many of us, we were able to pick-up where we left off.  For some of our new teammies, they were able to hear from the students how camp impacted them last year and how many found new life in Christ.

I couldn't have been more proud of our students who are totally running their stations (arts, Bible, music, sports and English) and leading groups.  All their preparation paid off even in new surroundings.  Every year I sit down and blog about how awesome it is to see the body of Christ at work.  So this year is no different.  The talents, passions and abilities that God brings to the team each year is incredible.  Then to see them in action is even better!

The kids had such a great time at each station and we could see the nervousness and shyness wear off as the day progressed.  Of course, launching kids on the trampoline and chasing the soccer ball through a field of horse poop tends to do that.  But they were able to just run and have fun and we enjoyed doing the same.  We were also able to provide hot lunches (while supporting the local economy) to each of the campers.

I was able to sneak away with our construction foreman to start specking out the site and ordering materials.  Praise God that we are going to be able to use the foundation laid by Manuel and his father in law (see yesterday's post).  This will not only save us some on cost, but will complete the step of faith the family took ten years ago.  This home construction will be one of the more ambitious and the largest home we have constructed to date.  We will start work tomorrow after camp.

Out team time at night has been a blessing.  They are all sharing stories of how they are seeing God at work in their hearts and simply where He is moving throughout the day.  We spend time in God's Word together and then also in prayer.  Then we move to our small groups and God's Spirit is definitely working as we are all striving to be open and vulnerable.  There is such a sweet spirit and team unity.  We can sense the prayer support we are receiving back in the States.  We continue to wait in expectation for all that God has for us and those we are ministering to.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 2

Our first full day is now nearing completion.  As I sit up here on the third view looking out into the darkness, a cool breeze envelops me (even though my legs are burning with my laptop on them) and it is a gentle reminder of God's presence that has been all around us so far this mission.  I've been leading our team time at night through a study on having an intimate relationship with God - really learning to listen, follow and walk with Him.

I'm always curious as to why His presence seems so much more palpable down here.  It's not that I believe that He is here in greater dosage, but that our senses are much more aware as we are outside our normal routine, comforts, technologies, distractions, noise and the list could go on and on.

We started our day with some great time alone with God after breakfast and then had the morning to unpack all the donated clothes that will be used in various communities down here.  Since we start our first day of camp tomorrow, we then loaded up and headed out to Las Parcelas - the community where the Ruby Ranch is - and where we are hosting the camp.  This is quite a change for us as we all anticipated and prepared for using Campo Alegria again this year.  But as we are learning together - God is in charge here and we want to be moldable and adaptable to His plan.

You see, last year, we worked a day out at Ruby Ranch doing seemingly mundane tasks of clearing trees and cleaning up at the playground (see post here from August 2011) where most of the team really struggled to see the purpose.  Then in December of 2011 when I was down here with my family, we held an awesome block party out at the Ranch (see post here) which allowed me to see some of the purpose of what we had done earlier that summer.  Then today while we were setting up at the Ranch, the light clicked on for many of us who were on the team last summer.  Little did we know the work that we were doing last year would pave the way for us to be the first team to use the Ranch for a camp.    God is so patient with our lack of vision and understanding and then gracious to give us glimpses of His awesome plan at work!

So we are excited and a bit apprehensive about our camp starting tomorrow.  It's in a new location, different amenities and just all-around 'new'.  But in our wondering, God has already said to us, "I'm here, I've planned this and I've got this."  Whew... that is always a relief.  We are just praying we continue to learn to trust and walk in greater faith.

Another unexpected this year was that this team would turn into a full-fledged construction team as well.  God is yet again surprising and challenging.  We did some small construction projects last year, but this year we are going to do a complete home for a great family.  Manuel currently lives in a 1-room  home with a side "kitchen" that probably isn't much larger than 8' x 10' with his wife and two daughters.  We surprised them "Extreme Home Makeover: Nicaragua-style" with the news today and they were overwhelmed.

You see, 10 years ago, Manuel sold all his goats to purchase construction materials to build a new home for his family.  He got an area leveled out and about 4 rows of blocks up all the way around before he ran out of money.  For 10 years now, they have looked in faith to God to provide.  How awesome that God chose to use us to help his vision become reality.  What a great lesson to us in stepping out in faith and trusting - through a long wait - for God to provide.

We are praying God will do a good work at the Manuel's home and at our camp.  We've already seen some of the kids who came to Camp last year and even one of the ones who gave her life to Christ.  We are praying for more to do the same this year!

PS - You can check out some of our mission pictures here

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 1

Hey we've made it!  Touched down here in Nica and boarded the bus for the Buzbees.  We had an incident free day, ate overpriced airport food and tried to catch a bit of sleep on the planes since most of us have been up since 5:30am.

But we've settled in and are really excited about what God has in store for us on this mission.  Each mission and each team is so unique and I was reflecting on the fact that this is the 10th mission team (I think... old age memory loss is setting in) that I've lead down here.  It's pretty cool to think all the high school and college students that have been a part of our Nicaragua teams over the last 9 years and how God has used this mission to save the lost, call others to a deeper walk and given all a greater understanding of our purpose as Christians being taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

We've had a few wrinkles in our plans, but it just reminded me that they should never have been our plans anyway.  In our team training, we talk a lot about being flexible and following God's plans over ours and I think we are going to really learn how to do that this mission.  We are still following the framework of previous missions, but it definitely will be a new a different experience.  But in true God form, He shows up in our weakness, dependance and brokenness and that is the attitude we are praying for individually and corporately as a team.

We appreciate all of you partnering with us in prayer.  We'll do our best to keep everyone updated here, on Facebook and also on Twitter.

koinonia

Koinonia.  Fellowship.  The characteristic of Christianity that marks true disciples as followers of the way - their love for Christ and for each other. 

Fellowship is an term that has continued to need reshaping and reforming as I've tried to better understand what Church is all about.  My earliest recollections were definitely hearing this term in the context of church, most closely associated with a picnic after that followed or a potluck supper.  Then later it become more of a descriptor of a location... usually followed by the word 'hall'.  Which then was usually synonymous with fried chicken.

No doubt these were well intentioned methods, strategies, events or locations that hoped to display the reality that Christians need each other as much as we need Christ.  Christianity as an island is a concept that is foreign to Scripture.  The book of Acts vividly paints pictures of koinonia in action.  The most noted passage is in chapter 2...

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I think Luke is teaching us something here of fellowship that is obviously beyond a simple 'togetherness' of believers, whether over a meal or not.   Koinonia has as its root the idea of having in common and sharing.  This is where it starts to get a bit radical.  John Piper says of this text, "In a moment Luke is going to talk about times of eating and praying together—what we usually call fellowship.  But that is not his first illustration of fellowship.  His first illustration is that the believers were so bonded that if one was in need, the others did not feel they had the right to live on in prosperity without giving up something to meet the need.  So they would sell possessions and use the money to meet the needs of the poor in the church."

Koinonia now becomes an amazing reshaping of what Church - the body of Christ - is all about.  We are all in - for Christ and for each other.  What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine, because really it all belongs to Christ anyway.  No one will lack among us - especially the least of these.  In fact, we will be known by not only how we love each other (which is always easier, by the way) but we also will be known by how we love those outside our circle.  And incidentally by loving those outside our circle, we are actually doing what Christ has commanded with the intention of them becoming a part of our circle.  It's koinonia in action and coming full-circle... inward and outward and outward and inward.

This is what I desire for our student ministry.  I hesitate to call it a strategy and would rather say it is just an outworking of a continual striving to align our ministry with God's Word, but it is new for us and has been strategic in its design.  How amazing and God honoring to be known for our koinonia - how we love each other and love the world.  How we live open-handedly.  How we so enjoy our community that we can't help but invite others to experience it as well.  May it be so.

The Mystery of the Cross

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Colossians 1:19-23

The cross.  We see and recognize its power even printed as words on a page.  An instrument of death that mysterious contains beauty and life.   But how?  How can such a tortuous means of death bring life?  In asking this question, we are really asking, “How can God transform evil, rebellious people like you and I, and make us acceptable in His sight?”  The cross.

You see, God reconciled sinners to Himself through the blood of the cross, as we read in the first chapter of Colossians.  And as Isaiah prophesied, there could be no other way for this reconciliation to take place other than in the cross of Christ.  And this happened for us, when we couldn’t have been farther from God.  We stood as His enemies – spiritually dead – and then we murdered His one and only Son.

Yet amazingly, in a mystery beyond our comprehension, that is how God made peace for us and with us.  The cross.  We can draw near to God, or as the author of Hebrews says, boldly approach the throne, because of the very act that pushed us the farthest away from Him.

And so today we rejoice, because God did not just save us from our sin, but He saved us with our sin.  And he did not just save us with our sin, but with our worst sin.   At the cross.

The worst sin imaginable – crucifying Jesus Christ – is actually what makes our sanctification possible.  In the greatest of mysteries, we realize that we are actually saved by the very thing we need salvation from.  The cross.

This is what makes the mystery of Good Friday a sorrowful, yet blessed day.  A day that a vile act was committed, yet we call the day good.  A day of darkness yet filled with inexplicable light and hope.  What an amazing God we serve that can work even the hatred of those who love Him for our good!  It’s the mystery of the cross.

Awesome God in Heaven, I thank you for the cross.  I can’t imagine the sacrifice you made in sending your only Son, Jesus, to the cross to die in my place.  Without the cross I am nothing, and yet with it, I have gained everything.  Thank you for saving me from our sin and crediting Christ’s righteousness to me – that I can now be known as son of the King.  Amen.

da-da's lap

I heard the click of the door and it's subsequent closing only to look up and see my little toe-headed boy, blanket in tow, heading my way.  At first all I could see was a silhouette.  There was just enough light coming in through the doors from the neighbors security light to break through the darkness of the living room.  But that didn't matter much... he knew where to find me.  I'm in the same place every morning.  So as his eyes began to adjust to the darkness of the room he started his walk over to me.

He only uttered one word... "da-da".  That was all he needed to.  The relationship is already well established... he just wanted me to know that he was coming into my presence.  I didn't need to say anything at all.  Just welcome him into my lap and wrap the blanket and my arms around him and continue on in prayer.

Mornings come early here in the Veleber household.  So for me to have some true "quiet" and time alone with God at the dawn of each new day, that means it has to happen before dawn!  Today was an earlier than usual start for my little guy, but what a powerful picture it brought to my prayer time. 

Here I am "da-da".  I'm just letting you know I'm here by saying your name.  I know you've been waiting here for me.  In fact,  you're always here when I need you.  I enjoy sitting in your lap.  Being embraced by your loving arms.  I don't feel the need to say much, as I know our relationship is secure.  I find great rest in your arms and peace fills my heart when I'm here.  This is a great way to start my day.  Thanks for your love and care for me.  Thanks for singing over me and delighting in me.  It's gonna be a good day.  We'll keep talking throughout the day, but you know I'll be coming back to this same spot - even though I'm not sure what exact time it will be - but look for me, because I'll be coming.  I love you "da-da."

My little Cole obviously couldn't articulate the encounter we had this morning with these words, but he did with his actions.  And the imagery was profound and came rushing into my mind, painting a beautiful picture with exquisite detail... my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  What a very similar morning routine I share with my son and I hadn't really realized it. 

The Psalmist David has taught me much in regards to a passionate longing for God and His Word and an understanding of what it means to practice the presence of God.  He writes in Psalm 63:1, "O God, you are my God. At dawn I search for you. My soul thirsts for you. My body longs for you in a dry, parched land where there is no water."
 
That same sentiment is expressed in the chorus of the song "Forever Reign" that we often sing in our student ministry.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

I look forward to the "da-da" moments I have with all of my boys.  The relationship and connection grows each and every time.  And I'm learning the same is true spiritually.  I desire to have the same longing for my "papa, Abba Father" and to run to His arms as my boys do with me.  There perfect love is found.  There my soul is restored and my energy is renewed.

He's always there.  Just waiting for us to say "da-da" and we'll find His arms open wide to receive us.

living like dust

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.  These were the words spoken over me as the ashes in the sign of the cross were placed on my forehead.  The statement lingered on as my mind ran through the implications.  The Psalmist writes: 

   "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
      Remind me that my days are numbered—
      how fleeting my life is.
   You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
      My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
      at best, each of us is but a breath.” 
                                                       - Psalm 39:4-5

Our time here is limited.  James reminds us that we are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Our bodies are tents.  We live as aliens in a foreign land.  The Kingdom is here, yet the Kingdom is coming.  This theme permeates the whole of Scripture.  Yet how quickly I lose sight of this reality.  How easily my eyes refocus on a different reality.  How quickly my mind adjusts to carnal thinking.  How longingly my affections move from the God to the gods of this world.


The ashes serve as a potent reminder.  Here today gone tomorrow.  My life already has a beginning date and one day an end date will be etched in stone.  But there will be a "dash" joining those dates... a dash that tells a story.  That story is being written now.  The God of the universe holds the pen and has written me into His story.


How will I live the dash I've been given?  There is really no other way to live the dash than with the end in sight.  Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.  Live is worth investing in what will outlast our lives.  Knowing God.  Loving God.  Serving God.  Investing in the lives of people.

Eternity awaits.  A dear friend from Nicaragua, Sister Ruby (who is right now enjoying eternity in God's presence), would often sing...

This world is not my home I'm just a passin' through 
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue 
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door 
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.