There are a few stories that maybe a one-time print moment in the history of the day, but the storms of March 2012 will be as memorable as the Floods of 1977 for me. Remembering where you were and what you were doing at certain moments in our lives just seem to stick with you. I remember in high school where I was on March 21, 1981 when then President Ronald Reagan had been shot. I remember telling Coach Zek Smith that he had been shot and coach said “Tim, you don’t joke about those types of things”. Of course I wasn’t, and that moment is etched in my minds history.
The winds of Friday, 2, March 2012 blew through with a fiery that has left families changed forever. The impact of a single event can sometimes change the entire course of an individual’s life. It changes the course of a business owner who has lost everything or experienced a major set-back and loss. Churches are impacted and can experience a new focus and direction of resources and energies when tragedy happens and response is a must. We often like to think about impact moments such as milestone birthday parties and anniversaries. We want to remember changes and advancement in your chosen career field or a promotion from your employer. Announcements that celebrate the birth of a child or the graduation of our child from high school or college we want to celebrate and remember. Yes, these happy moment we want to hold on to, but there is also value in remember the difficult moments and struggles of life too. The loss of a loved one from a tragic storm is an experience we all want to avoid. Honestly, most individuals want to avoid loss of life for any reason at all cost, but it happens. One of the strengths that is discovered during such a moment at death is the way in which we have lived prior to that event. Growing up I have heard the expression, “live it like you mean it” often. It was a reminder to me and a reflection to live my life in such a way as to be true and honest with myself and others as I traveled in my journey called life. I lost my best friend in high school shortly after graduation. Still today, I think of Mark Douglas Sharpe often. I had left for a mission trip and he had stayed home when he drown on a sunny day on a lake. The news of that moment didn’t bring sunshine for sure yet it was an experience that did change me forever. The moment was negative but the impact and change was positive. I learned what I called the enhanced value of friendship. Each time I look at that picture of us on graduation day I remember life is short, relationships should be meaningful, and maybe the most important lesson of all, the value of time.
The impact of the tornados that touched down did created change that we had no control over. The winds and hail of the moment destroyed property totally for some and just damaged the goods of others. There will be many varied experiences from those directly impacted and those that are impacted from the aftermath of the event. Helping to clean up and assisting with the next stage in life for those volunteering can have both a changing impact for those giving and those receiving a hand along the journey.
There is much to be done and there is many who need help. If we each decided to give and do as we can with respect to our resources, the single action of one becomes a pool of resources that makes a positive impact forever.
Until then.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Battles that Rage
The battle that rages within each individual may not necessarily been a battle that is easily recognized. Yes, there are many things we each battle, but given the nature of my column, I am speaking about the spiritual battle we face. I could make this extremely personal and say that battle I face if that makes you reading the column feel better. Sometimes it is easier for us to see issues that others face before we accept the challenge that is before us personally. The Bible says that Jesus Christ seeks after us as individuals. He loves us, cares for us and has a plan of abundance if we would only accept it. The Bible also says that the devil has a plan, where he seeks like a roaring lion that he may devour us. Not sure which plan you believe sounds the best, but I am thinking clearly for me, I like abundance of good, and not being devoured.
Here in lies the battle that we each face spiritually. Good versus evil. Our human nature wants to always believe that we are A.O.K., our lives are under control, we not only have a handle on things, but maybe even we see the future too. For those who have experienced just the opposite of those statements you clearly see the task before each of us because of personal experience. For some, being able to talk about a higher power is a battle. Some folks find it difficult to discuss all the things associated with a spiritual conversation. We hate to talk about church, because we’ve been hurt. We don’t want to talk about being submissive to authority or God because we had someone use us and we feel there was no return or appreciation for our efforts. Yes, these are some of the battles we each face. Battles that have touched each of our lives at different times and in different ways.
I would love to write that the ideal church is located in your neighborhood and that there are no issues to report, but I would be lying. I can report that the church Jesus Christ established was designed to be a place where hurting people can find help. The church that Jesus designed is to function as an outlet of light to see and a place of salt for flavor. Yes, we all know churches with problems, because churches are made up of people. I can report that the church Jesus created for the fellowship of folks to come together was built as an encouragement station, even if we humans have made it to be something else at times.
When you feel something inside you that is providing options and decisions, this is battle phase one. Determining who it is that we hear, feel, and sense directing us. Remember, it could be Jesus, or it could be the devil. Learning to figure out who it is can be eased with a personal relationship with Jesus. This personal relationship is key because we learn through a talking and walking with Him, who He is, what He is like, and we are better able to recognize His voice.
This week is the perfect time to think about the battle you are facing and what answer can be found that provides a real solution. Following Jesus is no guarantee that you will not experience heart ache or problems. Following Jesus will not give you a life of ease and all sunshine. However, following Jesus will give you a friend that will never leave you or forsake you. I have found a friend in Jesus and would like to recommend Him for your battles.
Here in lies the battle that we each face spiritually. Good versus evil. Our human nature wants to always believe that we are A.O.K., our lives are under control, we not only have a handle on things, but maybe even we see the future too. For those who have experienced just the opposite of those statements you clearly see the task before each of us because of personal experience. For some, being able to talk about a higher power is a battle. Some folks find it difficult to discuss all the things associated with a spiritual conversation. We hate to talk about church, because we’ve been hurt. We don’t want to talk about being submissive to authority or God because we had someone use us and we feel there was no return or appreciation for our efforts. Yes, these are some of the battles we each face. Battles that have touched each of our lives at different times and in different ways.
I would love to write that the ideal church is located in your neighborhood and that there are no issues to report, but I would be lying. I can report that the church Jesus Christ established was designed to be a place where hurting people can find help. The church that Jesus designed is to function as an outlet of light to see and a place of salt for flavor. Yes, we all know churches with problems, because churches are made up of people. I can report that the church Jesus created for the fellowship of folks to come together was built as an encouragement station, even if we humans have made it to be something else at times.
When you feel something inside you that is providing options and decisions, this is battle phase one. Determining who it is that we hear, feel, and sense directing us. Remember, it could be Jesus, or it could be the devil. Learning to figure out who it is can be eased with a personal relationship with Jesus. This personal relationship is key because we learn through a talking and walking with Him, who He is, what He is like, and we are better able to recognize His voice.
This week is the perfect time to think about the battle you are facing and what answer can be found that provides a real solution. Following Jesus is no guarantee that you will not experience heart ache or problems. Following Jesus will not give you a life of ease and all sunshine. However, following Jesus will give you a friend that will never leave you or forsake you. I have found a friend in Jesus and would like to recommend Him for your battles.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Remarks, let me share some.
Remarks are the things we say about a conversation, situation or the comments we make regarding what we have just witnessed or experienced. These "remarks" can either carry with them the weight of the world, or they could be the lifting encouragement that your spirit so desperately needed. For those who read this column regularly you know I have an option and I am thinking something all the time. Opinions are great to think about, consider and review. Opinions are perfect for testing conditions, beliefs and situations. Of course these past two statements are all self reflective opinions and not necessarily fact. There you go, a disclaimer all ready! Life regarding our remarks is just like a disclaimer isn't it? We have an opinion, we have thoughts but they should be heard relative to the situation, context, and understood from our point view.
The things we say really matter. I am of the opinion that most folks consider what they say to have no matter at all. My reason for believing such is because I hear people say things about people, situations, and events that I am not convinced they realize have an impact on others. Words are a powerful tool. Actions are also a handy tool and companion mate for words as well. These two go hand-in-hand and when used with consideration and thought, they have an amazing positive impact, even when shared to help others grow or see more clearly. However, the opposite is just as true. Remarks can set people back, and it even appears to sometimes be what me might call a deadly blow to self esteem, confidence, and vision. Not sure what you consider your role to be in society, at church, among your friends, or at work, but I believe mine should be one that is positive, provides encouragement and yes that includes a challenge too.
Everyday as we walk and talk we have a chance with our interactions with people to help write a new verse. Walt Whitman wrote that we each have a chance in the powerful play of life to contribute, make a difference, be a part, and to coin his words exactly, "write a verse". When you look out and see something happening do you turn your head, act as if you didn't see it, or just ignore it altogether? I have shared with the blessings of my life that there are 4 things that help to mold us as individuals. I have quoted these 4 for so long that I have forgotten where I even heard them, but I claim them as truths to live by for certain. The books you read, the people you meet, the places you go and the experiences you have. These truths I have shared in motivational talks with First Priority at their club meetings, devotions with sports teams, and even in sermons. I have discovered my life is different because of these 4 things alone and consider these remarks for what they are, mine, but remarks that have changed me.
The biggest decision I have personally ever made in my lifetime remains to be the moment that I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life! I remember it still just like I remember the first time I believed that Jesus loved me. Now these two experiences may seem like the same thing but they are not. I first believed that Jesus loved me because of the songs I learned at Vacation Bible School. It was the combination of my grandmother, Stella Mills, and her front porch singing and the efforts of Bill Cox from the First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina. That moment happened at Fields, Kentucky in an area simply known as Crocket. It was in a little room where we were making a summer craft that I painted in blue and gray. I remember the moment so well. It was the simply chorus "Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down" that was helping to turn my mind and thoughts. I believed that Jesus loved me from 1971 on, but it would be a few years later until I would make that decision to ask Jesus to come into my heart. I made that decision then because I knew beyond any shadow of doubt I could clearly hear Jesus speaking to me.
Remarks, yes I have a few to share. They are absolutely from my experiences. I have read books to confirm and challenge my way of thinking about faith, church, and Jesus. People have walked in and out of my life that have played huge roles and had tremendous impacts on me, and the ministry that God has given me. I have been blessed to travel to spot all around the world, but the biggest travel that has changed me has been through the doors of homes that have been opened to me here at home. People, places, books and experiences. All working to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the starts and Jupiter and Mars, but He is still working on me.
For Christians this is a perfect day and time to thing about the things we say, the comments we make and the impression we leave with folks we meet, talk to, and even those watching from a far. For you reading who may have already arrived at the conclusion that Jesus loves you, but you have yet to make the next move, consider this last remark. What He did for me, He will do for you.
Until then
The things we say really matter. I am of the opinion that most folks consider what they say to have no matter at all. My reason for believing such is because I hear people say things about people, situations, and events that I am not convinced they realize have an impact on others. Words are a powerful tool. Actions are also a handy tool and companion mate for words as well. These two go hand-in-hand and when used with consideration and thought, they have an amazing positive impact, even when shared to help others grow or see more clearly. However, the opposite is just as true. Remarks can set people back, and it even appears to sometimes be what me might call a deadly blow to self esteem, confidence, and vision. Not sure what you consider your role to be in society, at church, among your friends, or at work, but I believe mine should be one that is positive, provides encouragement and yes that includes a challenge too.
Everyday as we walk and talk we have a chance with our interactions with people to help write a new verse. Walt Whitman wrote that we each have a chance in the powerful play of life to contribute, make a difference, be a part, and to coin his words exactly, "write a verse". When you look out and see something happening do you turn your head, act as if you didn't see it, or just ignore it altogether? I have shared with the blessings of my life that there are 4 things that help to mold us as individuals. I have quoted these 4 for so long that I have forgotten where I even heard them, but I claim them as truths to live by for certain. The books you read, the people you meet, the places you go and the experiences you have. These truths I have shared in motivational talks with First Priority at their club meetings, devotions with sports teams, and even in sermons. I have discovered my life is different because of these 4 things alone and consider these remarks for what they are, mine, but remarks that have changed me.
The biggest decision I have personally ever made in my lifetime remains to be the moment that I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life! I remember it still just like I remember the first time I believed that Jesus loved me. Now these two experiences may seem like the same thing but they are not. I first believed that Jesus loved me because of the songs I learned at Vacation Bible School. It was the combination of my grandmother, Stella Mills, and her front porch singing and the efforts of Bill Cox from the First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina. That moment happened at Fields, Kentucky in an area simply known as Crocket. It was in a little room where we were making a summer craft that I painted in blue and gray. I remember the moment so well. It was the simply chorus "Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down" that was helping to turn my mind and thoughts. I believed that Jesus loved me from 1971 on, but it would be a few years later until I would make that decision to ask Jesus to come into my heart. I made that decision then because I knew beyond any shadow of doubt I could clearly hear Jesus speaking to me.
Remarks, yes I have a few to share. They are absolutely from my experiences. I have read books to confirm and challenge my way of thinking about faith, church, and Jesus. People have walked in and out of my life that have played huge roles and had tremendous impacts on me, and the ministry that God has given me. I have been blessed to travel to spot all around the world, but the biggest travel that has changed me has been through the doors of homes that have been opened to me here at home. People, places, books and experiences. All working to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the starts and Jupiter and Mars, but He is still working on me.
For Christians this is a perfect day and time to thing about the things we say, the comments we make and the impression we leave with folks we meet, talk to, and even those watching from a far. For you reading who may have already arrived at the conclusion that Jesus loves you, but you have yet to make the next move, consider this last remark. What He did for me, He will do for you.
Until then
Friday, February 24, 2012
For the battles we fight, I have found a friend
The battle that rages within each individual may not necessarily been a battle that is easily recognized. Yes, there are many things we each battle, but given the nature of my column, I am speaking about the spiritual battle we face. I could make this extremely personal and say that battle I face if that makes you reading the column feel better. Sometimes it is easier for us to see issues that others face before we accept the challenge that is before us personally. The Bible says that Jesus Christ seeks after us as individuals. He loves us, cares for us and has a plan of abundance if we would only accept it. The Bible also says that the devil has a plan, where he seeks like a roaring lion that he may devour us. Not sure which plan you believe sounds the best, but I am thinking clearly for me, I like abundance of good, and not being devoured.
Here in lies the battle that we each face spiritually. Good versus evil. Our human nature wants to always believe that we are A.O.K., our lives are under control, we not only have a handle on things, but maybe even we see the future too. For those who have experienced just the opposite of those statements you clearly see the task before each of us because of personal experience. For some, being able to talk about a higher power is a battle. Some folks find it difficult to discuss all the things associated with a spiritual conversation. We hate to talk about church, because we’ve been hurt. We don’t want to talk about being submissive to authority or God because we had someone use us and we feel there was no return or appreciation for our efforts. Yes, these are some of the battles we each face. Battles that have touched each of our lives at different times and different ways.
I would love to write that the ideal church is located in your neighborhood and that there are no issues to report, but I would be lying. I can report that the church Jesus Christ established was designed to be a place where hurting people can find help. The church that Jesus designed is to function as an outlet of light to see and a place of salt for flavor. Yes, we all know churches with problems, because churches are made up of people. I can report that the church Jesus created for the fellowship of folks to come together was built as an encouragement station, even if we humans have made it to be something else at times.
When you feel something inside you that is providing options and decisions, this is battle phase one. Determining who it is that we hear, feel, sense directing us. Remember, it could be Jesus, or it could be the devil. Learning to figure out who it is can be eased with a personal relationship with Jesus. This personal relationship is key because we learn through a talking and walking with Him, who He is, what He is like, and we are better able to recognize His voice.
This week is the perfect time to think about the battle you are facing and what answer can be found that provides a real solution. Following Jesus is no guarantee that you will not experience heart ache or problems. Following Jesus will not give you a life of ease and all sunshine. However, following Jesus will give you a friend that will never leave you or forsake you.
I have found a friend in Jesus and would like to recommend Him for your battles.
Until then
Here in lies the battle that we each face spiritually. Good versus evil. Our human nature wants to always believe that we are A.O.K., our lives are under control, we not only have a handle on things, but maybe even we see the future too. For those who have experienced just the opposite of those statements you clearly see the task before each of us because of personal experience. For some, being able to talk about a higher power is a battle. Some folks find it difficult to discuss all the things associated with a spiritual conversation. We hate to talk about church, because we’ve been hurt. We don’t want to talk about being submissive to authority or God because we had someone use us and we feel there was no return or appreciation for our efforts. Yes, these are some of the battles we each face. Battles that have touched each of our lives at different times and different ways.
I would love to write that the ideal church is located in your neighborhood and that there are no issues to report, but I would be lying. I can report that the church Jesus Christ established was designed to be a place where hurting people can find help. The church that Jesus designed is to function as an outlet of light to see and a place of salt for flavor. Yes, we all know churches with problems, because churches are made up of people. I can report that the church Jesus created for the fellowship of folks to come together was built as an encouragement station, even if we humans have made it to be something else at times.
When you feel something inside you that is providing options and decisions, this is battle phase one. Determining who it is that we hear, feel, sense directing us. Remember, it could be Jesus, or it could be the devil. Learning to figure out who it is can be eased with a personal relationship with Jesus. This personal relationship is key because we learn through a talking and walking with Him, who He is, what He is like, and we are better able to recognize His voice.
This week is the perfect time to think about the battle you are facing and what answer can be found that provides a real solution. Following Jesus is no guarantee that you will not experience heart ache or problems. Following Jesus will not give you a life of ease and all sunshine. However, following Jesus will give you a friend that will never leave you or forsake you.
I have found a friend in Jesus and would like to recommend Him for your battles.
Until then
Friday, February 17, 2012
Valentine's Love
On this week of Valentine’s Day there have been many different types of demonstrations of love. When I was in grade school this week meant that you would spend time filling out little Valentine Cards that you would give to all your school mates. Everyone exchanged cards and as little kids we would always giggle and laugh when you gave out the card that said, “would you be my Valentine?”
I am not real sure but I haven’t seen those little cards in quite some time. It would be neat to me if kids still gave out those little cards in grade school. For couples celebrating Valentine’s Day that included a dinner, flowers and a card for those wanting to make a real statement of love. Yet, the right card can also present the perfect expression of love too. For parents of children the gift of a hand written card saying “I love you” becomes a cherished childhood heirloom that parents will hold on to throughout their lifetime. Love is a word that says the very best of everything.
If I flip the coin of love for just a moment, the usage of the word has also been minimized in importance because so many use it so loosely. Some individuals will tell someone they love a person after a first date. In counseling I always share that if you “fall” in love, then you can easily “fall” out of love too. Love is not a feeling, yet so many people tie emotions with the word not thinking about the real definition of the word. A demonstration of love includes both words and actions that complement each other. One of my personally held definitions of love is: It does not matter what you tell me I will still love you. This definition I developed after witnessing people tell folks they love someone to only see them change their feelings when that person no longer did what they wanted them to do. That is not love, rather it is manipulation. The ultimate definition of love for me is the demonstration of Jesus Christ and His example of His love for me, you and all who would believe on His name.
The Bible says that Jesus demonstrated His love toward us that while we were yet sinners, He died for us. I personally know individuals who have done for others and their sole motivation for giving or doing was because they expected something in return The helped out only to see if there was some way they could personally benefit from being involved. While this is the case for some, and I am confident that we all know people who have acted this way in the name of love all for themselves, this was not the actions of Jesus. The demonstration of His love for us before we respond to Him is still amazing love to me. The fact that you can reject Jesus, and never accept His love for you will still not remove the fact that He loves you and died for you. The opportunity to experience His love, which equals forgiveness, is the ultimate example of love.
This month, one year ago, I preached the funeral of a church member I had the honor of serving as his pastor. The death of young people is always challenging and heart breaking. His mother and I had a conversation over the phone in which she said the most amazing thing I had ever heard from a mother who had lost a son. As we were talking about her son, his life, and his friends, she said: “Until I lost my son, I had no clue what it was that God felt when He sent Jesus to die in our place”. Immediately I knew from our conversation that she had a renewed sense of the Love Jesus had for her and for others. It was a powerful moment and this example of her witness and testimony will live with me until I meet my maker personally. She said, “I wouldn’t want anyone to have experienced what I felt, but to know that Jesus died for me has a whole new meaning”.
This Valentine’s Week what definition do you hold for love? When you think of an example of love what comes to your mind?
We could consider that Jesus Christ has given each of us a card this year, in the Bible. The Bible is His personal words of love written just for us. We could consider that Jesus Christ has given each of a meal, in the last supper. This supper is a unique opportunity to celebrate the gift of Jesus and his sacrifice for us. We could consider that Jesus Christ was the perfect flower, as the Rose of Sharon, given to us by the Father. If you wanted a card, dinner and flowers this year for Valentine’s Day, you can still have the best Valentine’s ever, just except the Love Jesus has for you.
Until then
I am not real sure but I haven’t seen those little cards in quite some time. It would be neat to me if kids still gave out those little cards in grade school. For couples celebrating Valentine’s Day that included a dinner, flowers and a card for those wanting to make a real statement of love. Yet, the right card can also present the perfect expression of love too. For parents of children the gift of a hand written card saying “I love you” becomes a cherished childhood heirloom that parents will hold on to throughout their lifetime. Love is a word that says the very best of everything.
If I flip the coin of love for just a moment, the usage of the word has also been minimized in importance because so many use it so loosely. Some individuals will tell someone they love a person after a first date. In counseling I always share that if you “fall” in love, then you can easily “fall” out of love too. Love is not a feeling, yet so many people tie emotions with the word not thinking about the real definition of the word. A demonstration of love includes both words and actions that complement each other. One of my personally held definitions of love is: It does not matter what you tell me I will still love you. This definition I developed after witnessing people tell folks they love someone to only see them change their feelings when that person no longer did what they wanted them to do. That is not love, rather it is manipulation. The ultimate definition of love for me is the demonstration of Jesus Christ and His example of His love for me, you and all who would believe on His name.
The Bible says that Jesus demonstrated His love toward us that while we were yet sinners, He died for us. I personally know individuals who have done for others and their sole motivation for giving or doing was because they expected something in return The helped out only to see if there was some way they could personally benefit from being involved. While this is the case for some, and I am confident that we all know people who have acted this way in the name of love all for themselves, this was not the actions of Jesus. The demonstration of His love for us before we respond to Him is still amazing love to me. The fact that you can reject Jesus, and never accept His love for you will still not remove the fact that He loves you and died for you. The opportunity to experience His love, which equals forgiveness, is the ultimate example of love.
This month, one year ago, I preached the funeral of a church member I had the honor of serving as his pastor. The death of young people is always challenging and heart breaking. His mother and I had a conversation over the phone in which she said the most amazing thing I had ever heard from a mother who had lost a son. As we were talking about her son, his life, and his friends, she said: “Until I lost my son, I had no clue what it was that God felt when He sent Jesus to die in our place”. Immediately I knew from our conversation that she had a renewed sense of the Love Jesus had for her and for others. It was a powerful moment and this example of her witness and testimony will live with me until I meet my maker personally. She said, “I wouldn’t want anyone to have experienced what I felt, but to know that Jesus died for me has a whole new meaning”.
This Valentine’s Week what definition do you hold for love? When you think of an example of love what comes to your mind?
We could consider that Jesus Christ has given each of us a card this year, in the Bible. The Bible is His personal words of love written just for us. We could consider that Jesus Christ has given each of a meal, in the last supper. This supper is a unique opportunity to celebrate the gift of Jesus and his sacrifice for us. We could consider that Jesus Christ was the perfect flower, as the Rose of Sharon, given to us by the Father. If you wanted a card, dinner and flowers this year for Valentine’s Day, you can still have the best Valentine’s ever, just except the Love Jesus has for you.
Until then
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Haiti - The road to Haiti begins in Kentucky - (Series- Article 4)
For the past 4 weeks I have be writing a series of articles about Haiti. I wanted to write this series and highlighting the 2 year anniversary of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. The first two articles were informational about Country of Haiti and the people whom are so easy to love. I described the conditions one finds in Haiti and about how great the need is there for the most basic of human services and resources. Last week in my column I wrote about the call to service and about the role we can play with one simple question. What role will you plan in responding to the need in Haiti?
We all like a first person witness. We want to hear from someone that knows what they are talking about. I would not call myself an expert on the Country of Haiti, the politics of Haiti or the people of Haiti. What I would call myself an expert on the Love of Jesus Christ. His love is real and it is a forgiving love that removes all our sins. I am also an expert on His plan. He has a plan for each and every one of us. Scripture calls it an abundant plan too! He calls me and every other Christian to be an Ambassador of His love and His plan. I am not afraid to call you into His service. We have a draft in place, if you will. He calls and we answer. Isaiah 6:8 is very clear about how the draft process works. Our response is simply, “Here am I, send me Lord”.
Haiti is a country in great need. The people of Haiti need our help. Kentucky has been blessed with one organization that began with a simple trip that changed one man’s life, then mine, and now I pray you are next. Arnold Lemke was called into service when asked by his pastor to go on a short term mission trip to Haiti. Arnold answered that call, not with the slightest hint of what God was up to. One of the beauties of Jesus Christ is that you and I need do nothing to prepare for His call on our lives, except make ourselves available. Arnold discovered on his visit what all see when visiting Haiti. He saw the devastation of starvation. USAID, (United States Agency for International Development) released this fact you should consider. 80 out of 1,000 kids born in Haiti will never see their first birthday. Arnold began to feed twelve children after that first visit and today the Kentucky led organization, Children’s Lifeline, feeds over 7000 children a week. Serving as the Chairman of the Board, Arnold Lemke is one man that God has used to make a difference in the lives of thousands in Haiti. If we look at his impact from a much broader perspective that impact is multiplied by thousands over when you figure all those that have traveled on a short term trip as I did.
Children’s Lifeline is headquartered in Clay City, Kentucky, and located on mission in Archaie Quest, Haiti. The mission is a small compound that contains a work shop where ladies in the community and village work making items with fabrics donated. These handmade items then become sellable products creating income for them and their families. Remember, the average yearly family income is $450.00. The compound contains a medical clinic, a church, a school with classrooms and most importantly for many reasons, a soccer field. The one item I have waited to write about last is the yellow neon painted cross sitting atop the hill overlooking the soccer field and the mission compound. While it seems appropriate for a church, a mission or a Christian organization to have a Cross, this cross would become the most important symbol identifying the community on that fateful day the earthquake hit on January 12, 2010. Not just the city of Port Au Prince was impacted by the earthquake. The countryside was also in ruins and with road ways out the connecting link for food, which is beans and rice, the devastation of the quake, was felt by the entire country and people of Haiti. It is at this point the story of the cross begins. Outside relief organizations and other countries such as the United States were all looking for places that helicopters could land with shipment of medical supplies, food, water and personnel. The soccer field of the mission and compound had plenty of room for landing, but no identifying characteristics which could direct pilots to their make shift runway, except for one. The Cross.
The Cross worked perfectly in Haiti and the cross works perfectly every time, if only we would look to find it where we are. You can make a difference in Haiti, and the beginning point for that journey is located right here in Kentucky. Children’s Lifeline…..will you help?
Until then
We all like a first person witness. We want to hear from someone that knows what they are talking about. I would not call myself an expert on the Country of Haiti, the politics of Haiti or the people of Haiti. What I would call myself an expert on the Love of Jesus Christ. His love is real and it is a forgiving love that removes all our sins. I am also an expert on His plan. He has a plan for each and every one of us. Scripture calls it an abundant plan too! He calls me and every other Christian to be an Ambassador of His love and His plan. I am not afraid to call you into His service. We have a draft in place, if you will. He calls and we answer. Isaiah 6:8 is very clear about how the draft process works. Our response is simply, “Here am I, send me Lord”.
Haiti is a country in great need. The people of Haiti need our help. Kentucky has been blessed with one organization that began with a simple trip that changed one man’s life, then mine, and now I pray you are next. Arnold Lemke was called into service when asked by his pastor to go on a short term mission trip to Haiti. Arnold answered that call, not with the slightest hint of what God was up to. One of the beauties of Jesus Christ is that you and I need do nothing to prepare for His call on our lives, except make ourselves available. Arnold discovered on his visit what all see when visiting Haiti. He saw the devastation of starvation. USAID, (United States Agency for International Development) released this fact you should consider. 80 out of 1,000 kids born in Haiti will never see their first birthday. Arnold began to feed twelve children after that first visit and today the Kentucky led organization, Children’s Lifeline, feeds over 7000 children a week. Serving as the Chairman of the Board, Arnold Lemke is one man that God has used to make a difference in the lives of thousands in Haiti. If we look at his impact from a much broader perspective that impact is multiplied by thousands over when you figure all those that have traveled on a short term trip as I did.
Children’s Lifeline is headquartered in Clay City, Kentucky, and located on mission in Archaie Quest, Haiti. The mission is a small compound that contains a work shop where ladies in the community and village work making items with fabrics donated. These handmade items then become sellable products creating income for them and their families. Remember, the average yearly family income is $450.00. The compound contains a medical clinic, a church, a school with classrooms and most importantly for many reasons, a soccer field. The one item I have waited to write about last is the yellow neon painted cross sitting atop the hill overlooking the soccer field and the mission compound. While it seems appropriate for a church, a mission or a Christian organization to have a Cross, this cross would become the most important symbol identifying the community on that fateful day the earthquake hit on January 12, 2010. Not just the city of Port Au Prince was impacted by the earthquake. The countryside was also in ruins and with road ways out the connecting link for food, which is beans and rice, the devastation of the quake, was felt by the entire country and people of Haiti. It is at this point the story of the cross begins. Outside relief organizations and other countries such as the United States were all looking for places that helicopters could land with shipment of medical supplies, food, water and personnel. The soccer field of the mission and compound had plenty of room for landing, but no identifying characteristics which could direct pilots to their make shift runway, except for one. The Cross.
The Cross worked perfectly in Haiti and the cross works perfectly every time, if only we would look to find it where we are. You can make a difference in Haiti, and the beginning point for that journey is located right here in Kentucky. Children’s Lifeline…..will you help?
Until then
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