Blog

17 Oct
0

The Flip Side of Sacrifice

Often when people think of missions they seem to equate the idea of sacrifice right along with it. While this can be true, I’ have personally always focused on the opportunity, adventure and potential in the mission God has given me.  I really cannot recall the great number of times others have lamented to me their pity for the things I live without. These things usually include ESPN, electrical appliances, fast food, hot water, and so the list goes. I thought...

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06 Sep
2

Trainings, Dinners, MP3s and Goats

What do Conferences, Trainings, Dinners, Goats and MP3 players all have in common? Each can be used to show compassion and share Jesus. As I sit inside my home, I hear my neighbor girls listening to Bible stories via Solar-powered MP3 Players, pre-loaded with hours and hours of the Bible in their language. I had brought several of these devices with me and had lent them one a few months ago. They continue to listen day after day, repeating the same...

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31 Aug
3

Sienna’s Supper

  “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:13 Recently, I came across this verse and was struck with the thought, “When have I ever had a feast and intentionally invited the poor, the crippled the lame and the blind?” Yet, it is clearly a command spoken by Jesus. Oh, sure, I’ve...

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07 Aug
1

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!

I’m frequently asked about numbers. “How many people attended? How many people accepted Jesus? What is the total number of salvations you’ve seen?” There’s really nothing wrong with numbers. I think it is part of our American culture to measure success in numbers. We like tangible things. We get satisfaction in facts of what is being accomplished. In the business world, performance is measured in numbers. The trend of finding security in numbers of attendance, conversions, memberships, baptisms and so...

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06 Aug
3

6 Month Update

Hello, Everyone!                                                                                                                                              August 5, 2013 This has been a busy month of much travel and variety. July marked 6 months of being here in Rwanda. The time has certainly gone quickly, and I have been blessed immensely. At the beginning of the month, I again travelled back to the capital to visit all families of sponsored children. This often provides opportunities to serve and witness with the children and their families. On this visit as I was...

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09 Jul
0

Summer Update

Sunday School Training June, 2013 Dear Friends, Family and Prayer Partners, Thank you so very much for your continued encouragement, prayers and support. This is truly a team effort. Frequently in my blogs, letters and status updates, I refer to Love Alive as “we.” I do so, as though I may be the only Love Alive representative here, I am certainly not doing this work alone. We are all working together. Whether you pray or give you are a...

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18 Jun
0

Looking at Baptism in a New Light.

I thought I knew about Baptism, I’m from the denomination named “Baptist” for goodness’ sake. I should understand it; however, seeing the way believers here seriously consider the spiritual, symbolic statement of faith, has opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of baptism. Recently, a Rwandese friend stated that as he wanted to be baptized, he would be participating in a 3-month course with his church. “Three months!!!” was my initial reaction. What could there possibly be to learn about baptism...

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05 Jun
1

Dear God, Do I Have to Give THAT up too?

When you think of giving up something to follow Christ, what things first come to your mind? If you are like many, favorite foods, modern technology, material comforts and family and friends are first to come to mind. I know this through the reactions of many friends and well-wishers who would frequently list for me the reasons they pity me for coming to Africa. I’m blessed that these things really don’t bother me. Yes, I appreciate life’s comforts and...

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04 Apr
3

It has been 3 months already?!?! God is so good!

Wow! Wow! Wow! This has been such a full month of activity, expansion and blessings. Can you believe Love Alive has now placed 40 children in school?!?!? 40! That’s 40 little lives given an opportunity to read and write. These kids are so excited about going to school they beg to go even during breaks. One child was upset that when I put him into “summer school” (The schools are on a 3 week break here.)...

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31 Mar
0

Ordinary Walk on an Ordinary Day

As I walked to town, I passed the Catholic church, where so very many persons line the sidewalks hoping for a few coins thrown their way. It is often overwhelming to have so many congregated together as I can’t help them all; but if I can single one out, I try to help. I had no money on me at the time, and had to pass on by, feeling rather helpless as I...

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