First Impressions

I am sitting in the waiting room at Forsyth Memorial Medical Center in Winston Salem, N.C. My mother is a patient and undergoing several tests - endoscopy, TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) , and cardiac catheterization - in preparation for surgery to replace her aortic heart valve. I must admit, I am very impressed with Forsyth Memorial. The facility is clean, bright, well taken care of and it utilizes the latest in technology. And on top of the all the tools they bring to make people better, the best part is that the staff is extremely friendly and genuinely want to assist you. As they phrase it - they desire excellence and if there is room to improve, they want to know.

My hospital experience is not unlike a church. People make first impressions based upon the quality of our facilities, our technology and most importantly, the genuine love and interest expressed by our church family. The Journey we have undertaken will address many of our facility needs with a fresh new look. Funds permitting, we will take a giant step in technology as we add media functions to the Hospitality Center. But always remember, our facilities and our technology will never take the place of the genuine interest and love each one of us shares with those who visit with us at Walnut Hills. All of us want to feel welcome when we go someplace new. Make a point of introducing yourself and extending a warm hand of hospitality to all our guests. It makes a difference in every circumstance - hospital or church.

Bobbing for Apples

Have you ever attempted to bob for apples. You know the game, apples are floating in water and you are trying to open your mouth wide enough to get a bite and the apple keeps sinking or bobbing away. It can be very frustrating unless you are using really small apples.

The renovation process is currently a bit frustrating. We hoped to have all the numbers for the Hospitality Center by the April 23 Business Meeting. We didn't make it. The General Contractor came through with a preliminary number but it does not include an accurate number for the kitchen or sound or the site work. We keep bobbing hoping to get the final numbers and apparently, our apples are large enough to be difficult. We have recently learned that we may still need another approval from the city - that being for our site plan. The earliest we could get that through the system is June 18. We keep bobbing hoping we have everything in place.

As soon as we have an accurate cost estimate, the Capital Improvements Steering Group will meet and assess the implications for the initial 'wish list'. The Finance and Stewardship Committees will meet to assess the implications for funding the desired projects. A Called Business Meeting will be scheduled for the sole purpose of discussing the recommendations of these two groups in order to make a decision that continues to move us forward.

We will keep bobbing to make this happen. Your patience and involvement in the process is vital. Thank you for making the Journey.

April News for the Journey

The wheels of progress are often slow. Please do not think the renovation to the Fellowship Hall has ground to a halt. Things are happening, even if the pace is a bit more like a turtle. The decisions at this time are important and crucial. Here are some things for you to consider:

1. We continue to work with our architect, Jim Byerly, who is with HuffMorris and Assoc. in Richmond.
2. We have selected the general contractor for the project - OKJ Construction Company. We worked with OKJ as the general contractor for work on Children's Building and our roof and we have had a good experience and working relationship with them.
3. With these two components in place, we have asked OKJ and Huff Morris to develop a preliminary construction estimate for the cost of the Hospitality Center with everything we have desired which includes:

• the end wall removed and building enlarged
• a new commercial kitchen
• two new handicap accessible bathrooms
• three classrooms with sound-rated movable walls
• media capability (microphones, speakers, mixer, video, lights, etc)
• moisture resistant carpet squares for the floor
• drop ceiling with variable lighting options (fluorescent & incandescent)
• sheetrock w. 2 inches of insulation on walls
• enlarged hallway w. double doors as main entrance
• bricked in walkway for additional storage

As you can imagine, the cost of this work impacts the Hospitality Center and future items on our renovation list. Our goal is to have the construction estimate by the April 23 Business Meeting. Even if we have the estimate, we may need to schedule a Called Business Meeting to discuss the issues and cost of the Hospitality Center in early May so that the Steering Group can handle all aspects of the renovation desires and the funding of that work.

The renovation Journey continues, even if the pace has seemingly slowed down. God is at work in our midst. Pray for the journey.

A Mama John Update

Dear friends and family,

This week has been full of joy. Last Sunday's worship set the tone – the worship service was real – singing, dancing, praying and waving palm branches . A deep sense of the powerful, almighty God came over me. I remember that when I came there were only 3 people – besides the pastor – yet on Sunday, the church was quite full. The pastor preached from Matthew in Sunday School and church emphasizing " My house shall be called a house of prayer." With the picture I have attached, I would like to introduce to you my pastor, Pedro, and his wife, Helena. They both only speak Portuguese but our spirits commune.The real highlight of Sunday's service was the 25 children. Nina and Angelina (my interpreter) teach the children. They led the children in singing "Hosanna, hosanna" while waving their palm branches and walking through the church (we live in coconut country so there were plenty of branches to be found). One little fellow, about 1 1/2 years old held onto Nina's hand while walking and waving his branch. It was just precious.

Our worship service at the waiting center of the hospital is growing both in spirit and in number. Also, two mornings a week I go to the maternity ward – 6 rooms with 6 women in each room. The rooms stay full. I find myself praying and blessing these little infants and their mothers. I have learned how to say "May I pray for you" and "God bless you" in Portuguese and otherwise I pray in English. The smiles are beautiful as they thank me, saying "Obrigada".

God is so good. I do miss all of you and hope you are well. You have a special place in my heart. I always write my family and friends with love.

Mary "Mama John"

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.