Kony 2012

I am having trouble (confused with excitement) over the social media attention of- KONY 2012. I am grateful so many well intentioned folks are caring about what goes on in Africa. Be sure to watch. However, there is more to the story for sure.  While watching I felt like they weren't telling the WHOLE story.

Many who know me KNOW that Invisible Children is what God used to turn my eyes toward Uganda in 2006.  Many know of my passion for Africa! So it is no surprise that people are sharing with me.

As I saw so many posting I knew I had to watch the video. Then I saw a post that jumped out at me! I felt the Spirit prompting, I read.

This article (listed below under Visible Children it was called: We Got Trouble) yesterday that sort of brought to light some of why I feel "disenchanted" with Invisible Children. While it in no way sums up my feelings it sort of helps explain.

Then KATIE DAVIS (my favorite missionary to Uganda) hit the nail on the head:

"social justice without the Gospel message is no justice at all. what if we all focused less on being heroes and more on getting the good news of the love of Jesus Christ to the people of East Africa and the world." from facebook 3-7-2012

It looks like tons of stuff has happened since I read the article because there are all sorts of posts added and rebuttals from Invisible Children so read for yourself. 


So many of my friends were posting and sharing KONY 2012 on facebook.  I wondered how I could not share what was on my heart.  I was thinking HOW DO I SWIM UPSTREAM?! I prayed! I prayed some more! I did what I usually do, be silent.

Then, Michelle Palmer, also a missionary who formerly lived in Uganda wrote this:

SO many beautiful people with good intentions sharing KONY 2012. I love that folks are turned towards my sweet Uganda.

Kony must be stopped. I agree! I'm afraid this situation is more complex than an internet campaign. That being said, besides prayer I do not know the answer.

Consider reading the link to get the facts. Inform yourselves then go as the Father leads and join me on your knees.

Mercy, Jesus! Rescue Father. Rescue those who are being oppressed, who live in fear of the LRA. Send your angels to surround, protect and comfort your sweet children. Bring Justice.-Amen

She shared the article again and more:

VISIBLE CHILDREN: http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com.nyud.net/

Please read it---here is a brief excerpt---

Still, the bulk of Invisible Children’s spending isn’t on supporting African militias, but on awareness and filmmaking. Which can be great, except that Foreign Affairs has claimed that Invisible Children (among others) “manipulates facts for strategic purposes, exaggerating the scale of LRA abductions and murders and emphasizing the LRA’s use of innocent children as soldiers, and portraying Kony — a brutal man, to be sure — as uniquely awful, a Kurtz-like embodiment of evil.” He’s certainly evil, but exaggeration and manipulation to capture the public eye is unproductive, unprofessional and dishonest.

Here is another: Guest post: Joseph Kony is not in Uganda (and other complicated things)

Coming back to the "Kony 2012" video and its celebrity endorsements, what are the consequences of unleashing so many exuberant activists armed with so few facts? Defining Uganda in the international conversation by issues that are either geographical misfires (Save northern Uganda!) or an intentional attempt to distract the international community (Death to the gays!), do a disservice to the many critical problems Uganda has. 

I share this stuff to simply say: THERE ARE MULTIPLE SIDES TO EVERY STORY!

My bottom line-Invisible Children is not a JESUS bringing mission! Social justice with no gospel message is NO justice!

I don't know what any of this means for me as I am currently doing little to nothing for the mission I feel passionate about so for God sake don't take my word for anything.  I just had to get my thoughts out.

A sinner, saved by GRACE!

JP~Beautiful Mess


*************************************
3-13-12 Controversy still abounds. I find myself truly on neither side-nor against either side. Just on Jesus' side trying to hold on tight.  Here are a few more posts that have been interesting:

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/current-events/op-ed-blog/28573-is-kony-2012-good-or-bad

http://james127family.blogspot.com/2012/03/breaking-silence-to-defend-our-friends.html

PRAY!

I talked about it a LONG time ago: HERE

well TODAY! Please PRAY!

http://heartgrownfamily.blogspot.com/2010/07/pray.html

Monday, July 19, 2010

PRAY!

I know we have been silent for such a LONG time.  That does not mean we have given up or not been working on getting our kids home.  I have prayed many days about posting on here and every time I hear God whispering, "wait".  I don't know why, but I do know that I have been learning to listen when God speaks, even in a quiet whisper.

Well today, I got a strong feeling that my silence is over.  We need your prayers!  We just found out that our MP (member of Parliament - federal government representative) is meeting via conference call with the Minister of Immigration @ approx. 2PM TODAY.  He is advocating on ours and our kids' behalf to the minister.  We are praying for a miracle to happen today.  We are praying the minister's heart is SOFTENED, TOUCHED and SPURRED into action for our kids and for all the kids who are stuck, not just in Uganda, but around the world, from coming home to their forever families! This is the man who has the power to end this.  This is the man who can get our kids' visas issued.  This is the man God can use to bring our kids home in His perfect plan.  Please join us in praying!  Blessings,

Fighting in Canada,
Teach

Father Will You Come

Today I am PRAYING for James & His Family!  Thank you for those of you who are joining me! 

If you would please pray for them.  Yesterday's post: HERE

I was not able to make it to the corporate call today; God had other plans for my morning and they were delightful!  If you made it I am sure you were BLESSED! Just "knowing" they are praying-I can feel the POWER! 

I am still praying and fasting and asking FATHER WILL YOU COME!



I got this song from a fellow ifaster, Jena,  this morning-her shared songs are always TIMELY! 

Lyrics: HERE

What FAITH Can Do!

Maybe you know God has given me a HEART for Uganda. 

Maybe you know that I follow a few adoption blogs about Ugandan adoption.

Maybe you know I am a PRAYER WARRIOR!

Well if you didn't, then now you do!

In February:

I told you about a family that needed a MIRACLE!

Many families in fact...

A time of corporate prayer was organized and "The Call"  was AMAZING! 

Well, it's MARCH and:

One family is home... but another is NOT! 

I read this post today and NOTHING else has been on my mind:

Attacks Keep Coming

He said:

The thing the devil doesn’t know or is failing to see is that I serve an even bigger God!  An awe-inspiring, mountain-moving, gasp-giving, wonder-working, all powerful God that loves me and is taking care of me here.  Yes, I was discouraged.  Yes, I wallowed a bit in my own self-pity.  Yes, I was angry (still am a bit) BUT then God picked me up, brushed me off and told me to “keep on”. 

All I kept thinking is my brother is battling!  He is under attack!  I need him to know he is not alone!  Jesus please help him see he is not alone. I feel a responsibility to battle with him in prayer! 




I went on about my morning and in the shower this "tune" was dancing in my head and I could not "think" of the lyrics I new bits and pieces and I had to come and find the song...

Well, if you have read my blog very long you will not be surprised when I say:

IT BLEW ME AWAY

I want you to know his story, I want you to care.  I can't make you.   But I invite you...

Tomorrow is my ifast58 day. I don't usually publicize it, but I am inviting you to join me tomorrow if you feel led to fast and pray for James & his family. 

In whatever way you see fit...between you and God.  Please consider THIS family!

If you would like to participate in our weekly corporate prayer call-you are welcome to! 

Join us tomorrow morning first thing for a time of corporate prayer. I promise, you'll be blessed! Wednesdays 9:30 AM (eastern) at CALL IN # : 760- 569- 9000 ID: 968101

Brandi always posts the requests from participating organizations on Wednesdays: HERE

What can our faith do?  

Bring a father and his two babies home...Prayerfully so!

To God be the glory!

What Faith Can Do by Kutless
lyrics:

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Lyrics from : HERE

The Cost

Yesterday the PRAYER CALL was amazing!  I tell you there is nothing like "not knowing" people but all crying out the the same LORD!  It was powerful.  I cried many times.  Thank God for mute!  I would tell you all about it, but it wouldn't do it justice.  Hearing those that are my bloggy sisters was the best part.  Just the heart of familiar momma's crying out to God!  The unfamiliar voices blessed me just as much.  Male and female. Crying out for justice. 

 

Here is the latest update from Amy:  Progress & Thanks 

 

and I wanted to share this devotion today.  It meant so much to me and made me really think about COST!

February 8, 2010

The Cost of Sanctification

ODB RADIO:  |  Download
READ:

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely . . . —1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means? We take the word sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? And after He has done His work, are we then prepared to separate ourselves to God just as Jesus did? "For their sakes I sanctify Myself . . ." ( John 17:19 ). The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God’s perspective. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.

Are we prepared to be caught up into the full meaning of Paul’s prayer in this verse? Are we prepared to say, "Lord, make me, a sinner saved by grace, as holy as You can"? Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23 ). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit’s work in us?

From:

http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my-utmost-for-his-highest/02/08/devotion.aspx?year=2010

 This made me reflect on the families adopting from Uganda that I know are effected. I think overwhelmingly as I read the blog I feel that this is the case.  They are willing to do whatever for God's purpose. 

What about me?

you?



 

If My People Called by My Name

It's right above my computer.  A reminder.  A challenge. A promise.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

I listen to it.  In song. Running through my mind this morning is this,

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed!

You may remember me telling you about my friend Amy who is in Uganda to bring home her medically fragile daughter.  Here is a link to her latest blog: Glimmer of Hope

Well, James is from Canada and has been in Uganda for MONTHS because he can't get visas to come home. 

There are other families that I am not aware of that are effected as well.

SO, what if WE prayed? Do you believe that we can move the mountains from here to there? 

A fellow ifaster, Jena, who is also a Ugandan Momma, is organizing a TIME OF PRAYER!  Here is her message to save a step. This is the same momma that sent the email I posted in my UPDATE. 

I know there are lots of different bits of information floating around out there right now. There is a lot of fear. There is a lot of confusion.

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints." I Corinthians 14:33.

I would ask that we all pray for this situation. Pray it will be resolved. Pray there would be no more confusion. Pray that those obtaining legal guardianship in Uganda would be filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding and can only come from Him. Pray He will do more than we could have ever asked for or imagined for these precious little ones in Uganda. God loves each of these children more than we ever could. He formed them, He knows them, He adores them!

I have been thinking about Matthew 18:20 a lot today. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." On Wednesdays I am blessed to sometimes get to join a conference call with other people who have a heart for orphan care. It is a wonderful time of coming together praying for God's heart for the least of these. I think that we are better together and would love for us to go to the throne room together on behalf of the people in Uganda, the judges, the lawyers, the babies, the kids, the families...

Would you please join me in a time of corporate prayer this Sunday, February 7th at 5:00-6:00 PM EST? We won't be spending time discussing the situation. We won't be asking or answering questions. Those who wish to pray can simply pray what is on their heart. I will open us in prayer at 5:00 PM EST and I will close us in prayer by 6:00 PM EST. Please join us for the entire hour or five minutes, whatever works for you.

Some particulars about the call:

*The call will ask you to introduce yourself. If you are calling in after we have begun, please just remain silent and join in the call.

*Please don't use headphones or put the call on speaker. This will prevent a lot of noise and make it easier for all to focus.

*Please press *6 to mute yourself once you join the call. Press *6 to unmute yourself if you want to pray out loud.

You can join in the call by calling:
Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4850
Participant Access Code: 244388#

***UPDATE***
Within 10 minutes of posting I received two emails informing me I may want to change the time because the Super Bowl Pre-Show will be on during that time and the call would interfere with Super Bowl Parties. It is my opinion some things are more important than football, just sayin'...

I can tell you I have never been more blessed than to gather at the throne of the King of Kings, with people from all over the country and unite ourselves in one-voice! My Wednesdays are the highlight of my week.  So, I am SO excited to have this opportunity again on Sunday.  

So, want to JOIN ME? 

THIS Sunday: 5pm-6pm EST

If you are in Uganda that would be 1am Monday. 

In case you haven't had the pleasure of hearing this song:



Casting Crowns
"What If His People Prayed"

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more

What if the church for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took and stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He’s answered loud and clear, Yeah
If only we would pray

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face, Yeah
And turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He’s answered loud and clear, Yeah
If only we would pray

What if His people prayed
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/castingcrowns/whatifhispeopleprayed.html

UPDATED NEED a Miracle!!

Please join me in praying for this family!

http://james127family.blogspot.com/2010/02/devastated.html

They are in Uganda to bring home their medically fragile daughter and are being denied a visa to come back to the US.  Please pass it on!

UPDATE: LET'S FOCUS OUR PRAYER!!

I got this in response to an email I forwarded to my ifast58 prayer group:

I know this is a horrible situation. 

We should all truly get our our knees and plead for a miracle. 

This precious little one needs to get home with her family. 

She is so sick, so fragile. 

Her family must be weary, exhausted, frustrated and filled with all sorts of other emotions. 

In fact, praying right now would be a good time! 

And then again in about 30 minutes, and then before bed, 

and then when you wake up for that midnight potty run... 

well, you get the idea! 

Being a Uganda Mama I would like to point your prayers in a certain direction, 

if you would oblige me. 

A little history... there aren't many rules in regards to obtaining legal guardianship

in Uganda. 

One of them clearly states that the court order AND/OR court ruling (only one) 

must clearly state "legal guardianship with full and final adoption abroad". 

This is not a new requirement, this should not be a surprise to anyone. 

I think the surprise here is that as of today, the rule is being enforced without exception. 

In the past the consular would make an appt with the judge and verbally ask if they understood

the child in the petition would be fully adopted abroad. 

They could then issue the visa. 

This is such bad timing for this sweet family to have to be the first to have the rules enforced. 

Miraculous big prayers I am praying are that the judge would rewrite the court ruling. 

Since they only have to have one of the two documents say 'full and final adoption abroad' 

and the ruling is one page, this would be much easier and less time consuming to change. 

Even though it is culturally a slap in the judges face to ask, it could be what has to be done. 

Please, please continue to pray for favor for this sweet family. 

Their little blessing is such a gift. 

I pray their family can bring her home and love her up big!
 
Jena

I went to the Us Embassy site and clicked CONTACT US and sent an email.  Besides

prayer and emailing nad more prayer I don't know what else to do. 

http://contact-us.state.gov 

When you click the link you will see "questions and Answers" then to the right of that is an 

EMAIL A QUESTION OR COMMENT!!!! box and that's what I did!

under topic I selected "International Adoption" 

and for subject I put HELP!! PLEASE!!!

If anyone has any other suggestions, please comment here.  Thank you for listening as always!

Love, Jen

continued from yesterday:
I have never posted 3 blogs in one day. Here are links to the others to save you a step...


Miracle in My Mailbox

Temporary Home

Poverty of Heart

Little did I know as a teen, when George Michael was a heartthrob of mine, that these words would be a regular chant of my life--BUT not at all in the way the lyrics of that song intend.

Always it is a cry to God renew in me TRUST so that I can walk in FAITH. The LORD is so faithful.; So, trustworthy. I do not know why He puts up with me sometimes.; Honestly.

This New Year is FLYING by at record pace and at times I feel like I am not even ready for the holidays, oh! Wait, those are gone... Whew!

We are facing hard times! Bu placed into perspective, and with the faith the Lord has given me, not THAT hard of times.

When I think about those in Haiti, Uganda, and downtown Jacksonville... my perspective shifts.  See I will never go without a meal; unless by choice. I will never live on the streets; unless all that love me are on the streets too.  The "NEVER gonna experience" shock me, in comparison to trials "the least of these" face; and yet many seem to have so much more faith and praise than I have.

It's humbling.

So, where is this rambling blog post going?

Well, I read one of my favorite blogger's posts today.; Amy @ Loving The Least of These

I have this picture on my sliding glass door to remind me about FAITH! He had the opportunity to ask for his needs; Many kids asked for school supplies, bedsheets, clothes... and this guy...James Ocen said:

As I consider, this day, the organizations that are serving the least of these, as I spend time reflecting on the needs of others, as I pray and cry out to God on their behalf... I LOVE how it makes my "struggles and hardships" seem so small and insignificant.

I don't like how that is coming off sounding, but I hope you hear my heart...perspective. 

If the Polk's have to eat PB&J everyday for the rest of their lives...so what! They eat.  They will eat them together in a family.  Many, do not have these luxuries.

...and instead of feeling like "Whoa! Is me.  What is going to happen? How bad is it going to get?" I need to have the FAITH of this orphan: 

I TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST FOR MY NEEDS

Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him,
      the ones who are looking for his love.
   He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times;
      in lean times he keeps body and soul together.

 We're depending on God;
      he's everything we need.
   What's more, our hearts brim with joy
      since we've taken for our own his holy name.
   Love us, God, with all you've got—
      that's what we're depending on.

Psalm 33:18-22

________________________________________________________________________
Since my blog now uploads to facebook, many of my friends may not have seen my blog.  Below is a post that was also about faith, poverty and Uganda.  Explore the links-amazing stories that open your eyes. 

Poverty of Heart

Spend Yourself

  Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
       you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
       "If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
       with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
  and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
       and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
       then your light will rise in the darkness,
       and your night will become like the noonday.
  The LORD will guide you always;
       he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
       and will strengthen your frame.
       You will be like a well-watered garden,
       like a spring whose waters never fail.
 Read all of Isaiah 58: HERE

Darkness is something that tries to creep into my life regularly.  I NEED a light that shines as bright as noonday.  So, thinking about that "Spending myself on behalf of the hungry and satisfying the needs of the oppressed"... Really?  Really, really?  

While I don't want to draw attention to myself for fasting (totally not my heart), I do want to invite you to experience what I'm experiencing.  Like if I knew I was going somewhere truly amazing, I would want you to come with me.  I go there every week!  One day, one call, a day of prayer and focus, aligning my heart with God's!  It steadies me.  Keeps me on course. 

I spend a few meals, which truly isn't much of a sacrifice; weird, I know.  It amazes me that when I am spending my time focusing on God's heart, I forget my needs.  Showing me how much more we could really go without!   There aren't rules. You sacrifice what you want to sacrifice. 

The conference call is AMAZING.  Truly the highlight of my week.  Like a treasure I experience.  Standing shoulder to shoulder with those all across the country petitioning our Father for the least of these.  But, I want to invite you to experience the treasure!

So, all that to say this:
Would you like to join us?  Leave me a comment if you want to join us.  We are trying to grow to 1,000 participants by the end of January.  (side note: not all participants participate in the conference call, there is usually just a few that call in. ) It isn't about the numbers at all, that is not the point.  It is just about encouraging others to meet God where HE is at work already. 

Rereading this I feel like it sounds like a sales pitch-NOT!  That isn't my point AT ALL!  

My point is: if you are looking for a way to help orphans, widows, helpless, impoverished... PRAY. and... You can do it corporately, with others, for accountability and fellowship by joining ifast58. 

This weeks requests: ifast58

Watching THIS reminds me about who else is important to God:
I have posted this video before, but I have some new friends to the blog so wanted to repost. 



Resources:
Video from the site of one of my FAVORITE bloggy friends and fellow ifaster @ Loving the Least of These

How ifast58 all began: HERE

My past ifast58 blogs: HERE

Poverty of Heart

I am thankful for wrecked souls! and a world changing God! allowance to be a part of His changing work!


So, this man went to Uganda...

"I quickly began to recognize that as we had fed the starving bodies of the people in these communities they had been feeding my starving soul. They were infested with micro-organisms from polluted water. I was suffering a polluted heart from excess and ease of life. They had a lack of knowledge because of limited access to education, I had a lack of wisdom from useless and corrupting information overload. They are often gripped with fear from attack by the LRA or others, and I was ignorant in my lack of real fear of a just God."

 Read the entire post: HERE

I didn't even finish reading before my soul was wrecked.   Not because his story is so heartbreaking and/or "their" lives are so horrible but because MINE is. Sometimes my life just frustrates me!  I teeter between changing the world and staying the same.  Staying the same stinks! I know it, I live it.  But changing the world seems like an impossible task. 

I am thankful for a God that does the "changing" and that he allows me the privileged to be a part of His changing work. 

I think it is not the world I must change, but my world.  "MY" world! 

I ask God for so much, MUCH! and today I truly want to walk out TRUST in HIS provision.  For me and the "least of these."  I have a lot to learn from this young man:

click to go to blog

This scripture was shared with me today and is so encouraging. Pray it blesses your heart too.

Isaiah 55 (New International Version)

Invitation to the Thirsty

 ¹ "Come, all you who are thirsty,
       come to the waters;
       and you who have no money,
       come, buy and eat!
       Come, buy wine and milk
       without money and without cost.  ² Why spend money on what is not bread,
       and your labor on what does not satisfy?
       Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
       and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
 ³ Give ear and come to me;
       hear me, that your soul may live.
       I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
       my faithful love promised to David.
 ⁴ See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
       a leader and commander of the peoples.
 ⁵ Surely you will summon nations you know not,
       and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,
       because of the LORD your God,
       the Holy One of Israel,
       for he has endowed you with splendor."
 ⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
       call on him while he is near.
 ⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way
       and the evil man his thoughts.
       Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
       and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
 ⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
       neither are your ways my ways,"
       declares the LORD.
 ⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
       so are my ways higher than your ways
       and my thoughts than your thoughts.
 ¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
       come down from heaven,
       and do not return to it
       without watering the earth
       and making it bud and flourish,
       so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
 ¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
       It will not return to me empty,
       but will accomplish what I desire
       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
 ¹² You will go out in joy
       and be led forth in peace;
       the mountains and hills
       will burst into song before you,
       and all the trees of the field
       will clap their hands.
 ¹³ Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
       and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
       This will be for the LORD's renown,
       for an everlasting sign,
       which will not be destroyed."

HopeMongers

Amy Savage has this awesome post! Check it out!

If that wasn't enough, read this...

Amy Bottomly has this post!

or this...

Jena has this to say!

this...

and Vince... has this to say!

what about this...

And Brandi has this post!

Hmmm... I wonder if this is something I should be involved with?

Duh! YES! 

Check it out, maybe you should too.  Find a project, give $10, watch it grow!

HopeMongers

U-Gan-Da My Heart

This video is awesome! Many of you are asking-what do we do?  Now that we have seen.  I pray God gives us the courage to DO SOMETHING!



The song is powerful-I never heard it before this video (Posted the lyrics below)

A few of the people that keep me connected to what the Lord is doing in Africa can be found below:

Visit my sweet friend Brandi's site to find out to help her in a half-marathon to benefit Children's HopeChest
Living Freely: Kapelebyong--AMAZING MUST SEE also at her site you can see all sorts of other ways to help in Africa

You can also visit Amy's site@ Loving the Least of These and see about how God is working in her life after her trip with HopeChest to Africa

This mom @ Building the Blocks blesses my heart and posted an amazing post about what God is doing in her heart after eating rice & beans for 28 days to save money on their families grocery bill to help donate to other people adoptions fund.  

I already posted this but to link it one more time--If you haven't read One Roof Africa now is as good a time as ever. The Lord is up to something in Uganda. 

That's just a few to get you started.  Now what are we going to do?

Sara Groves "Saw What I Saw"
I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
And what I know of love

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it
We are what we are and it's more than enough
We have what we have but it's no substitution

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm made of
And what I know of love

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Ooohhh...
Your dreams inspire
Ooohhh...
Your face a memory
Ooohhh...
Your hope a fire
Ooohhh...

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
Your courage asks me what I am made of
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
And what I know of God,
And what I know of God.

SUUBI (Hope)

I have requested to be a part of the "SPREAD" campaign where Hunter and I will sell the necklaces featured in the video.

More information coming soon...

http://lightgivesheat.org

Whatever You Do

Unsettling!

I must DO something.

Something to help my neighbors.
Something to bring awareness about orphans and orphan care!
Something to help Uganda!
Something to bring awareness to my community that we must sacrifice!
Something that will change the world. My world. Their world.
Something...

Many things are running through my head. Praying for God to bring light and direction. Pray for me.

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17, New King James Version)

²³ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24, New King James Version)

Praise God I have another day to DO something!

Breaks My Heart!

Many of you have heard me talk about "Katie in Africa" with Amazima Ministries. Many of you are "followers" but in case you aren't, here is a long blog that kind of hits me in the GUT!

I feel like such a loser for caring about my face and the pride in me that I won't leave my house hardly. Children are starving to death. We can help. But we don't.

I sort of do-but hardly do. I want that to CHANGE!

Couldn't figure out how to link today's post from her blog-so I am pasting it here.

Below is her post.
Here is the link to the blog:
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

*be warned: I always re-read things before I post them. I didn't re-read this one, it is liable to be messy...



I am processing so many emotions right now; I'm just going to go ahead and let you know that this post will not be eloquent or well written. It will not be a beautifully worded story, but just the ramblings of a mom who is tired today. It will just be, and it will be good enough.


On Thursday of last week,I went to check on Michael, a sweet little boy from the Karamajong village that we took care of a few weeks ago. I found him with open sores all over his body. As a result of severe malnutrition, Michael weighs just ten kilos at 6 years old. He is no taller than Jane (my two and a half year old). His skin is breaking and unable to repair itself because his immune system is so weak. His hair is white as snow and his skin is yellow and splotchy and his smile and little bug out eyes can melt your heart and light up the room. Michael is fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of my Savior.

I have warned myself over and over that I must NOT start bring home children from the Karamajong village. We feed them lunch and supper every day and twice a week I drive my van, the trunk loaded with a mini pharmacy, into the middle of their village and treat anything I can. And I told myself and told myself that I would not bring them home for treatment, that twice a week visits were all I could handle right now. I wanted so badly to guard my heart because here's the thing: once you take one, you may end up with 13. I knew that once I had taken one sick child from this village home for rehab, there would be not stopping point because these children are ALL ALWAYS sick.

But as I looked at Michael, I saw no alternative. He needed to be bathed in warm water every day. He needed milk and eggs and ORS and multivitamins and fresh fruits and vegetables and there was no way I could get him all those things regularly where he was. Even if I did, there was no guarantee that his parents would not sell these things and continue only feeding him posho (corn flour). So he came home. He tested negative for HIV, TB and typhoid and we began a pretty rigid deworming routine as well as a highly caloric, protein packed diet. In the last 5 days he has gained 2.5 pounds (that's a lot if you only weigh 20!) but he has gained more than that. I have watched him transform from a lifeless, expressionless little boy who slept all day and was unresponsive to a over-the-top cheerful, sometimes down right ornery little boy who hardly ever stops smiling and loves playing games with other children. The transformation has been remarkable.

I will keep him for about another week as I begin counseling his father and step mother (this is the biggest issue, often second wives do not want to care for their husband's other children and sometimes even write them off as cursed or not worthy of food and provision...) about the most nutritious foods for him, frequent meals, bathing, ect. My heart will break to take him back and yet I will know that it is what is best for him and his family.

Wednesday as I met with the Karamjong children for Bible study a woman walked up to me and handed me a baby that I presumed to be dead. And then she breathed.

The mother told me that she was quite positive that she (the mother) had HIV and therefore was not breastfeeding her 10 pound, 9 month old little girl. I asked, quite obviously, what she had been feeding her then? And this was the response that awaited me, "Nothing. We have no food." Um. NO wonder the baby looked dead. She almost was. I pleaded the mother to let me take her with me, to be tested for HIV and be fed. The mother instanly agreed but fist wanted to show me her house.

I think I have seen it all. And then this happens. Thier house was made of cardboard and was smaller than the bed I sleep in at night. On the floor lay filthy old rags on which they slept and a pile of charcoal which they cooked on (when they did have food, I guess). I almost dropped on my knees right there. It was one of those I-just-don't-have-a-clue-what-to-do-next moments. So I did the only thing that comes naturally to me. I scooped her up. I prayed for her mother and the 6 other children living in the house/box and promised to return. I drove as fast as I safely could to the nearest semi-good hospital and then to get some high energy formula.

For the first 24 hours, I could hardly stand to look at sweet baby Patricia (her parents had not named her for fear she would die, and I could think of no one better to name her after than my precious Mommy). The hurt and the hunger in her lifeless little eyes was simply unbearable. Every time I changed her diaper, more big fat worms (we are talking really large, earth worm sized) had come out. I cried for the things this child has had to endue for so long. And I cried to know that though I deworm her now, the minute I take her back to her mother, the worms will return. Her HIV test came back negative and I am praising Jesus for that. She was diagnosed with severe pnemonia and malnutrition. She can hardly sleep at night for coughing so much.

Friends, I ask for prayer. For these children and for my heart. I have fallen in love with Michael and Patricia. Their sweet faces that arer Jesus. The tear stream down as I write this and have to think about taking them back to their parents, who I will try to help as much as possible, but still have such fear in my heart about. I look at their surroundings and simply wonder how children survive in this harsh world.

I am sad and I am angry. Between no sleep and a million doctors appointments (imagine that in Uganda you wait even LONGER in the hospital than you do in the US...) and Bible club on Thursday and Saturday program tomorrow and trying to raise 13 children and spend enough time with each of them, maybe you will right my saddess and anger of as the rantings of an exhausted mother and maybe they are, but this is my blog and I am going to say what I feel like. I am MAD. I have been sad and broken for these children for so long and it has finally turned into a hardened anger. I am angry that this culture so lies to women that Michael's stepmother believes that she does not have to care for this child who is not biologically hers, though she has ample means to. I am angry that in the "Pearl of Africa" and the most fertile region of it at that, a mother has litteraly NO food to feed her baby, not to mention herself or 6 other kids. I am angry that the result of this is that these sweet ones suffer in their innocence. I have said it before and it still holds true: I DO NOT BELIEVE that the God of the universe created too many children in His image and not enough love or food or care to go around. In fact I believe that He created the Body of Christ for just that, to help these little ones, the least of these. And I believe that except for a handful, the Body of Christ is failing. And its not just me who thinks this. When I'm angry, I like to research so that I can at least feel a bit justified in my rage ;) According to several differnt resources, there are an average of 147 million orphaned children in the world today (this statistic includes children who have lost only one parent as well), 11 million children starve to death each year or die from preventable, treatable illness. 8.5 million children work as child slaves, prostitutes, or in other horrific conditions (making things like that cute baby Gap dress Jane wore today...) 2.3 million children world wide are living with HIV.

That is 168.8 million needy children like Michael and Patricia. Seems like a big number, huh? It shouldn't, because there are 2.1 BILLION people on this earth who profess to be Christians. Jesus followers. Servants. Gospel live-ers. And id only 8 percent of those Christians would care for just ONE of these needy children, they would all be taken care of.

And now I'm just sad again. And I want to take care of all 169 million. But as I look into Patricia's eyes, that since just 48 hours ago have turned bright and smiley, as I smell her hair freshly washed with baby shampoo and snuggle her into her new footie pajamas (side note: is their ANYTHING cuter than a baby in soft cotton footie pajamas?!) God tells me that this one is enough. That He will hold the others while they wait for someone to come along and hold them tight and give them their milk and their medicine. That He doesn't ask me to take them all but to stop for the ONE because that one is Jesus, His son. Stop for the little boy with white haid and scabs covering his body, stop for the baby with feces covering her dress, so weak she can't hold up her hear. Stop and take the ones right in front of me any trust Him with the rest. He whispers that it will be ok and that I can smile because tonight 2 less children are hungry and that is good for today.

My anger is gone and I am just a mom who is tired and going to make another bottle and tuck her children into bed and love them the best that I can, as we as a family love the ones God has entrusted us with. Tomorrow I will brainstorm and pray and come up with the best way to take Michael and Patricia back to their homes, possibly find their parents jobs, or supply them with food and medicine. Tomorrow I will remember that they were never mine to begin with, that they are HIS and He will go with them where I cannot. But tonight I will just be. I will just sit with my Father in my sadness and brokeness and anger and ask Him why His innocent children must suffer and beg Him to move people to action and let Him hold me as I hold the baby He has blessed me with for today.

Feed the Forgotten Update

Living Freely: Running Totals!

This truly does my heart good. I was losing faith in God's people to respond to others in their need. Truly that is simply my lack of faith.

God is good! People, GIVE!

Go here: https://secure.pursuantgroup.net/pursuant4/hopechest/chcselect/donation.asp

Give. Remember to write "Feed the Forgotten" in the notes.

Feed the Forgotten

http://www.brandisthoughts.com/2009/05/feed-forgotten.html" target="_blank">



Are you ready to know the truth?
http://allafrica.com/stories/200904230189.html

People are dying. You can help.

Little to KNOW Sacrifice, No?

I awoke this morning from what was sort of a "nightmare" about my daughter's wedding. We are now 13 days away! I don't exactly know the point of the nightmare, do we ever?... Let me interject this first-it was more of a nightmare because things weren't going right, not a bloody, scary nightmare. As far as a point though, I felt that many of the items in the dream had to do with "SACRIFICE!" Sacrificing what I wanted or expected for what others needed or expected.

I do know that I have all this "angst" bubbling up inside of me about so many things. I knew I needed to come and blog to get this out of me. I write this post about myself even though terms may sounds like "others". I am so overwhelmed and frustrated about things. Here are a few I could put my finger on...



I was speaking to a dear friend and she was bringing up SACRIFICE. A word that when life involves "it" people are less likely to become involved. She was talking about a shoe ministry that she is involved in and was saying, to paraphrase, "people have no problem giving me their old shoes, trash, the things they were done with; but when it comes to asking for patent leather shoes, that people don't have, there has been very little response" Ugh! Guilty! She was not complaining at all, just sort of stating the obvious. She is glad to have the old shoes, they are needed and distributed. BUT there is an orphanage in Haiti that has asked for help and one of the greatest obstacles for children to go to school, is the uniform; and part of that uniform is BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES. She needs patent leather shoes for boys and girls; and to make it more "sacrificial": the girls require "baby doll" shoes. I am thinking: What happens when she sends a box with 5 pair of shoes? That being the symbol of our sacrifice. Shameful. I pray it isn't so.



Regarding the family that I wrote about whose baby died and now has $30,000 in medical bills they cannot afford to pay, there has been very little response. Interestingly, mostly from strangers; how odd. They lost their only child, at birth. Horrific! They need MONEY. So far $310 has been collected. Shameful. I am thankful (not faithfully so-fearfully) that at this point it is still anonymous, because what if there is no sacrifice. Would they not be so hurt again and feel abandoned by God and His people. Now I know that God works in all things! I know there is a lesson here for this family,and more. I know God loves them but still... My friend boldly came asking the Lord to provide through His people, to bless this family. Maybe He will... but to add to it-There are others that are watching too. Can God? Will God? Do a Miracle! Does believing God make a difference? To all I shout: YES! Lord for the rest of my days! To make matters more conflicted I have heard "Maybe God doesn't want to do this for this family" Well, what if God DOES and His people are so numb that they don't even seek Him or do not move to action. I can't know for sure, but I can't imagine a loving God that would NOT want to bless His people. I pray for a miracle.

In case you don't know what I am talking about, here is the post: http://redeemedbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2009/05/extreme-makeover-jesus-style.html



There are children, orphans, God's beloved in Africa who need so much. A team was going and was asking for some help with collecting items to give to children they meet. So I asked for donations of those I know. I think what we asked for required very little sacrifice; yet only 8.5% percent of the people that I petitioned did anything. All we asked for were some toothbrushes, toothpaste, pencils & sharpeners and underwear. Difficult things to collect no doubt (sarcasm intended). Then this happens to those on mission to deliver the collection: http://www.brandisthoughts.com/2009/05/it-could-have-been-him.html
There you are, in Africa, and a you have to choose between giving an orphan a TOOTHBRUSH OR A PAIR OF UNDERWEAR. Shameful. I sat there in my home, reading that story, knowing I could have sacrificed infinitely more and didn't. Happy to pat myself on the back for doing something, yet it was nothing really. Not enough, because it truly wasn't SACRIFICE. I pray I never forget the lesson.

In case you don't know what I am talking about-scroll down the left side of my blog and it will say "Search for writing about:" Click: Uganda



Then there are children in need of foster care or adoption all over the world and if roughly 1 family per church (likely much LESS) took 1 child they would all have a HOME. Hopefully a GOD loving, bible teaching, HOME that would allow so much more! ugh! For the Kingdom! Can you imagine what that would mean to our government if there was no need for a foster care system because the church took care of it. Financially alone. I have heard about a family of a friend of mine that their sole purpose in foster care is to love on children, and reunite families. They only take children with the hope of reunification not adoption. That's sacrifice. I ran into a sweet couple from my past that is "fostering-to-adopt" a beautiful baby girl born addicted to methadone. They have 6 months left before they know if they can keep the child. I can only imagine what each day must feel like "not knowing". Those momma's who lose children in the adoption process must relate similarly to those who lose a pregnancy. Painful. There is so much running through my head it is literally overwhelming me. Personally, I am scared. This is messing with me greatly. Probably the most of all I have shared because it would require too much SACRIFICE. Also, because of my personal story, a 10 year struggle, about desiring more children through vasectomy reversal that I'll share later... I request prayer for myself, my husband and family. A friend posted this in her comment and it made me cry and gave me hope "Hoping that your house will ring with the love and laughter of little children in the near future." I pray for God's will to be done.

In case you want to read more about what I am talking about: http://redeemedbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2009/05/living-freely-foster-care-system-and.html

The sacrifice we would make would truly only be a blessing. It is to benefit our Lord's name, yet we do little to sacrifice. The Lord Himself would make the way, yet we don't want to take a step.

GOD'S NAME IS ON THE LINE, will His people act? I think we don't give great consideration to that fact.

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Ezra 9
Ezra's Prayer About Intermarriage
After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, "The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness."

When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice.

Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God and prayed:

"O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.

"But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.

"But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.'

"What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this. Shall we again break your commands and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? O LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence."

There is a lot going on in this story. It wasn't so much about marrying a different race as it was about remaining wholeheartedly committed to God*. Marrying someone from a different culture whose goal did not include serving and loving our God was destructive to the life and community of God's people. HOW DOES THIS TIE INTO WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT? YOU ASK...

*Here is a blog I read about this scripture: http://realmealministries.org/WordPress/?p=1002

I feel we have intermarried a culture in America that is destructive to our life and community as God's people. I am thankful there is a remnant left that God is allowing to carry on and show the way.

It is frustrating, disheartening, and absolutely unnerving to watch (myself included) God's people not help, not get involved, not sacrifice one ioda.

(side note I looked up "ioda" and it is actually a curse word, woo ooh, sorry if it was too harsh and offensive, not!)

While I am no Ezra, I do symbolically tear my tunic, pull out my hair and say "Gracious God I am so sorry for the fact that we, your people, who are called by your name, sit, watch and stand by as people hurt, have need, children die, are hungry, need a family and we do nothing. I hang my head now in grief and sadness praying you will move and show, we, your people, what you ask of us. God we are sinful, but you are merciful and gracious and bless us greatly in spite of ourselves. God give me the will to sacrifice. God I beg that you take may fear, disappointment, frustration God and turn it to gladness, hope and joy that radiates and spreads like an infectious disease. A disease of goodness, gratefulness, and sacrifice. That you Lord would show us the way to sacrifice. To God be the Glory! Forever, in Jesus name. "


Image may be subject to copyright
Shoes-
https://www.dulcebebeboutique.com/item_images/large__black_oompaloompa_sh.jpg
Money-
http://www.kentsandvik.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/money_tree.jpg
Underwear-
http://www.blackwagon.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/CHD007-childish-girls-undies-lg.jpg
Home-
http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/media/logo-FosterLicensing.jpg

Mission Inspiration

Re: Uganda Mission

I ask you to go a read this blog post: http://rialeephotography.com/blog/2009/05/14/2720/

This is about a woman in Uganda that is serving the Lord. I follow her blog and her life challenges me. If you were 20 yr would you mother 13 orphans? It's a peak into her life, explore the links if you want to go deeper.

This was written by a photographer who went on the trip that took the underwear, toothbrushes etc we collected. I am still collecting. For more information see: http://redeemedbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2009/04/reaching-farther.html

Living Freely: Changing Faces

Living Freely: Changing Faces

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."~ William Faulkner

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."~ St. Francis of Assisi