The World is Flat

The recent visit by Ukranian pastor, Igor Bandura, reminded me of the book The World is Flat by Thomas Friendman. Friedman’s examination of the influences shaping business and competition in a technology-fueled global environment is a call to action for governments, businesses and individuals who must stay ahead of these trends in order to remain competitive.
In a narrative punctuated by case studies, interviews and sometimes surprising statistics, Friedman’s message is clear: be prepared, because this phenomenon waits for no one.

The Journey we have embraced is a reflection of this very phenomenon. There are trends and influences that are significantly impacting the church's ministry. Some of these are technology fueled by our younger generations. Some of these are shaped by a desire to assist those who feel overwhelmed and left behind. The church has a role in both directions.

Igor Bandura modeled some wonderful principles for us to consider:

• If you are willing to say YES to God, God will show you the next step. For Grace Baptist Church in Odessa, it was the discovery of children living in an abandoned car.
• If you are faithful in taking the step, God will give you additional clarity. Igor reminded us how the children's ministry led to the camp on the Black Sea, the farm to feed them, and the transition house for when they turn 18. One ministry led to the next ministry opportunity.
• Keep taking the steps of faith for it is God who is working. Igor's humility in sharing all the beauty of these ministries was amazing and yet, so insightful. This was not Grace Baptist Church's success, this was the work of God.

We can learn from our brothers and sisters in the Ukraine. That is what makes the world flat. We are not their saviour, we are partners together in ministry. God has great things in store for us and all of it will be for God's glory. Thanks be to God!

Mama John Mozambique Update

February 28, 2008

Dear friends and family,

Last week I traveled to the community of Jangamo with Craig and Nina. They asked if I would like to teach the morning devotions for the Samaritan's Purse team. Since I have been teaching in the book of Mark on Saturdays, I began the devotion by asking the question, "Is God healing today?" Then I shared of how God uses us today. The picture I am sending is of Fenias, the supervisor for this team who was also my translator for the morning.

Later that morning I went to a small Methodist church where 25 young people sat on the ground and a Samaritan's Purse trainer was teaching about HIV. God is using this team in a real way to prevent HIV.This week Charles, the financial director, who is from Nairobi, Kenya came to Maxixe. We invited him to join us for supper. He spoke of the Baptist Church in Nairobi and told me of the enormous church they were building that would seat 6,000. (I don't know about that – it seems so big). I listened carefully as he shared his story and then I told him that Davis and I arrived in Nairobi in 1956. We found a group of English-speaking people who were Baptist and we invited them to our home for tea. They were meeting once a month for fellowship but on that day, Davis challenged them to spend some time in worship. We began meeting once a month for worship…then it was once a week….then prayer meeting…and the Nairobi Baptist Church was born. Charles was amazed to think that the church he knew in Nairobi had started in my living room and that Davis was an honorary deacon. I'd love to tell the whole story when I come home…Several weeks ago we had a Ugandan who works with Samaritan's Purse, Sam, come for dinner. Today Nina had to speak with him on the telephone and he began by asking how his partner was (he was the one I sat by during our Phase 10 game). Nina responded that she was fine. Sam said, "That's good, but I was talking about Mama John!"

The Bible studies at the church and the hospital, as well as playing with the children in the hospital, are very rewarding. Believe it or not, the mama's of the children like the coloring books as much as the children. It is a fun time and a teaching time. This week I had two women at the hospital waiting area win the prize (some cookies) for memorizing John 3:16.

Three men are now coming to the Saturday "women's'" Bible study. They challenged the six women that were there that next week they will add another man to their group. Last Sunday Nina brought the message in the worship hour from I Thessalonians 2:13. The church is growing and the music is wonderful. This past week the pastor prayed and thanked God for sending the church their very own missionary, Mama John!

Well, I think I have probably said enough about the weather…But, believe or not, it has been even hotter this week. Angelina and I used an umbrella to shade ourselves as we walked to the market today to buy some onions and tomatoes. I'm sure we looked just like a couple of Southern belles!

This morning I lead the team devotions. I have been learning Portuguese and I have learned "Deus a bençoa". I closed the devotions with this and my translator smiled and said, "God bless you!

With the flooding in the north Nina and Craig's work-load has more than doubled since my arrival so I don't get to see much of them. I had no idea the volume of work they would be doing. My part has been wonderful. Nina gave me the names of the more than 100 Mozambican team members that they work with in our province. Nina, Craig and I are the only Americans with Samaritan's Purse in this province. I spend an hour a day in prayer for this team. I want to tell you what I have learned about the programs that these people are involved in as Samaritan's Purse networks with local churches: HIV education and prevention in teenagers and young adults;Education on developing and maintaining healthy marriages; Home base care training so that community volunteers can care for those with HIV; HIV testing; Networking with church members to care for orphans and vulnerable children; Drought relief with feeding projects ( in one area of the province where we live); Flood relief – this includes helping set up temporary schools for the schools that have been flooded; providing nutrition and health for children, food distribution, water distribution, sanitation and hygiene; Training and support of local pastors....

More than ever I want to know Him, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him….I sincerely love each one of you.

Mama John/Mary

Meeting with Architect

Here is the latest on the Fellowship Hall. Members of the Capital Improvements Steering Group along with the original Fellowship Hall subgroup and Dave Bolt representing media met with Jim Byerly on Tuesday evening, Feb. 26. Jim Byerly is an architect with Huff Morris in Richmond, VA. Jim again presented the concept of expansion and relocating the kitchen and classrooms while adding two new restrooms and additional storage. Following several questions, it was agreed that this is the concept we want to pursue.

The next step in the process is to invite interested General Contractors to meet with us and make proposals regarding working in a design build team approach to accomplishing our goal. The team consists of us, the church, and the architect and the General Contractor. The interview process will take place on March 10. Once we have selected a General Contractor, it will allow us to finally begin to approximate and analyze our estimated costs as well as accelerate our efforts to get a building permit. My hopes of work beginning in May may not be accurate but as we take the next step, I will update you. The renovation journey continues. Pray for the Steering Group guiding these efforts.

Williamsburg City Council Says YES

The Journey has taken another step. I have just returned from the February 14, 2008 Williamsburg City Council meeting. The expansion of the church's fellowship hall (Hospitality Center) was on the agenda and it again passed unanimously.

The Williamsburg Planning Commission presented the proposal with three slides. One slide gave elevation drawings, one slide was a site plan showing the minimal addition in relation to our property, and the third slide presented a front image of the existing fellowship hall and sanctuary along with a rendering of how the addition would change the Jamestown Road view.

Council ask several questions regarding parking and the impact on neighbors. Terry Tyler spoke to the issue saying the Fellowship Hall addition was primarily to serve exisiting needs and does not enlarge our people capacity greater than the existing sanctuary. He also shared that from time-to-time we park across at Holly Hills but that we also have an informal arrangement with the Holly Hills neighborhood as they also use our facilities.

Council applauded our communication with neighbors and then voted approval of the addition. One councilman again reiterated that good communities need good churches and that Williamsburg has seen some churches relocate out of the city because of their inability to expand. He strongly endorsed our proposal. Terry Tyler, Church Moderator and Jim Bylerly, our architect from Huff Morris Associates along with myself were present for the meeting.

This is final hurdle regarding public hearings. There are additional drawings and questions to be answered for the Planning Commission to obtain our Building Permit but all of these can now receive internal or administrative approval. The Journey continues to be a positive one.

Mama John in Mozambique

Mama John has safely traveled to Maxixe, Mozambique. She is living with her daughter and son-in-law, Nina and Craig Ellison. Nina and Craig work with Samaritans Purse.

In just a few days, Mama John was full speed ahead. She has started working with her translator and companion - Angelina. She began a women's Bible Study at the church and for her first session, she had six women and two men. I'm guessing the group will get a new name.

She is building relationships with the hospital where she will visit children with HIV and who are also ophans. And in one of Craig and Nina's recent blogs, they indicated she has begun a prayer ministry for the Samaritan's purse team which is currently numbers 92.

Continue to pray for Mama John as she ministers to the children and adults of Maxixe and beyond in Mozambique.

Heartsaver AED Training

Walnut Hills now has ten people trained in Heartsaver AED. The course was prompted by the question of adding an Automated External Defribrillator (AED). The primary focus for the course was current practice in CPR, proper use of the AED, and assisting someone who is choking.

During several Business Meetings, we have discussed the merits of having an AED on site at the church. The merits of this decision were tremendous in our being able to respond appropriately to the needs of our congregation and the public. The purchase of the AED required trained representatives from the church. With the training successfully completed, the new AED should be delivered and mounted in a strategic location by February 19-20.

The Journey we have undertaken includes an outward focus that says to all who come our way - we care about your health and safety. The choice to have an AED on site at Walnut Hills and to have ten trained volunteers is a positive step forward.