Here's another cool picture taken at Yosemite last weekend.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Anthem for Christmas
This is fast becoming my favorite Christmas song. If you want the Gospel in a nutshell, the essence of the Kingdom of God, the purpose of life, here it is.
Anthem for Christmas
Words: Gloria Gaither
Music: Michael W. Smith
In the space of the beginning
Was the living Word of light
When this Word was clearly spoken
All that came to be was right
All creation had a language
Words to say what must be said
All day long the heavens whispered
Signing words in scarlet red
Some failed to understand it
So God spoke His final Word
On a silent night in Judah's
Hills a baby's cry was heard
Glory! sang the angel chorus
Glory! echoed back the night
Love has come to walk among us
Christ the Lord is born this night
All creation sing His praises
Earth and heaven praise His name
All who live come join the chorus
Find the words His love proclaim
Find the words His love proclaim
Words: Gloria Gaither
Music: Michael W. Smith
In the space of the beginning
Was the living Word of light
When this Word was clearly spoken
All that came to be was right
All creation had a language
Words to say what must be said
All day long the heavens whispered
Signing words in scarlet red
Some failed to understand it
So God spoke His final Word
On a silent night in Judah's
Hills a baby's cry was heard
Glory! sang the angel chorus
Glory! echoed back the night
Love has come to walk among us
Christ the Lord is born this night
All creation sing His praises
Earth and heaven praise His name
All who live come join the chorus
Find the words His love proclaim
Find the words His love proclaim
The earth was created to glorify Him. We were born to worship Him. We do this by serving Him in everything we do.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Bridalveil in the Fall
The purchase of a new camera necessitated a photo trip to the mountains today. Rosalynn and I chose Yosemite. This photo is of Bridalveil Falls. It's a little wimpy this time of year, but still beautiful. We also got to see a couple of bears. It seems that they really like the fresh fallen acorns.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Handle with Care
As a public health nurse, I have a very different work environment than my colleagues in the hospital. Instead of bringing patients into my space where I am in control, I enter the space of my clients. Sometimes I am very pleased to see healthy, supportive families who only need a little bit of cheer-leading on my part. Other times I encounter problems that I would never want to live through. Today I discovered that one of my clients, a mother of a 3 month old little boy, has been suffering in an abusive relationship for quite some time.
Lord, give me wisdom as I try to help in this desperate and delicate situation. Be glorified as I attempt to show Your love to this young lady and her family.
Lord, give me wisdom as I try to help in this desperate and delicate situation. Be glorified as I attempt to show Your love to this young lady and her family.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Here I Am
"Lord send me anywhere; only go with me.
Lay any burden upon my heart; only sustain me.
And sever any tie that binds save the tie that binds
me to thy heart. Jesus, my King, my life, my all.
I again consecrate my life to thee.”
~David Livingstone~
Lay any burden upon my heart; only sustain me.
And sever any tie that binds save the tie that binds
me to thy heart. Jesus, my King, my life, my all.
I again consecrate my life to thee.”
~David Livingstone~
Sunday, October 15, 2006
One-Anothering
I didn't coin the word, but I think one-anothering is a great English version of the verb fellowship or the idea of being community. It comes from a colleague’s rendering of what the "one another" passages from the New Testament command us to do. In other words, it is the verb form of what we are to do to one another.
I'm attending a Sunday school class about community. It has really got me thinking. I've been in the church all of my life. I attended Sunday school and youth group through my school years, but when I took a break from college, I found that there was no longer a neat little slot that I could fit into at church. Because I loved ministry, I stuck around in the youth group for a few years and discipled jr. high and high school girls, but there was still this lingering knowledge that I really didn't have a place. That dilemma has continued, on and off, until now. The church leadership at Calvary apparently agrees with me. They are searching for a pastor for young people 18-30-something years of age. Of course, that is a monumental task given the highly dynamic nature of that age group, but I applaud the wisdom of the church leadership in attempting to address the need.
But I wonder how one is to go about ministering specifically to young people. We, as a culture, like neat little slots that we can assign people to. When someone doesn’t fit into any of the slots we have created, we get nervous and attempt to make a new slot. More and more, young people don’t fit into slots. Maybe it is postmodern influence, but I think it is a good thing.
Perhaps the church has gotten too slot-happy and needs to explore one-anothering. Perhaps we all need to re-explore being a community. Maybe having Sunday school classes or outings or pot-lucks for all age groups, marital statuses, or genders would be a good start. Perhaps we need to stop segregating ourselves so much and start integrating. Most of the most valued people in my life have not been people that are just like me. I’ve loved spending time with older, widowed women, young children, college kids, married couples, and single people, and I’ve learned precious lessons from all of these categories.
I don’t want to deny the value of spending time with people from our own homogenous group. Just today a friend spoke of how much he has grown by being in a men’s Bible study. I know that I have had similar experiences, but I just want to experiment a little more with this idea of one-anothering and see where it leads.
I'm attending a Sunday school class about community. It has really got me thinking. I've been in the church all of my life. I attended Sunday school and youth group through my school years, but when I took a break from college, I found that there was no longer a neat little slot that I could fit into at church. Because I loved ministry, I stuck around in the youth group for a few years and discipled jr. high and high school girls, but there was still this lingering knowledge that I really didn't have a place. That dilemma has continued, on and off, until now. The church leadership at Calvary apparently agrees with me. They are searching for a pastor for young people 18-30-something years of age. Of course, that is a monumental task given the highly dynamic nature of that age group, but I applaud the wisdom of the church leadership in attempting to address the need.
But I wonder how one is to go about ministering specifically to young people. We, as a culture, like neat little slots that we can assign people to. When someone doesn’t fit into any of the slots we have created, we get nervous and attempt to make a new slot. More and more, young people don’t fit into slots. Maybe it is postmodern influence, but I think it is a good thing.
Perhaps the church has gotten too slot-happy and needs to explore one-anothering. Perhaps we all need to re-explore being a community. Maybe having Sunday school classes or outings or pot-lucks for all age groups, marital statuses, or genders would be a good start. Perhaps we need to stop segregating ourselves so much and start integrating. Most of the most valued people in my life have not been people that are just like me. I’ve loved spending time with older, widowed women, young children, college kids, married couples, and single people, and I’ve learned precious lessons from all of these categories.
I don’t want to deny the value of spending time with people from our own homogenous group. Just today a friend spoke of how much he has grown by being in a men’s Bible study. I know that I have had similar experiences, but I just want to experiment a little more with this idea of one-anothering and see where it leads.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Torn Between Worlds
I love being back in Manteca. It is good to be close to family, and my new job is great. But I miss Southern California, the friends I have there, and sometimes even working in the ER. …and I long to be in Cameroon, to serve God among the Baka who need Him so desperately. Three different worlds, and somehow my heart is in all of them. But if there is one thing that I’ve learned in my travels, it is that this world is not our home. God designed us in such a way that I don’t think it is possible to be completely content in one place for very long. Maybe the longing that I have for those other places stems from a deep-seated longing for heaven. Just maybe.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Jesus and the Lamb
Today I was reminded of a painting by an artist named Katherine Brown. The painting is called Jesus and the Lamb. Out of respect for the artist and her copyright, I will not show the image here, but you could always google it.
I first saw a copy of the painting in my friend's house in Cameroon. One day she told me that a Baka boy named Samba asked her who the man in the picture was. She said that it broke her heart, because she did not yet know enough Baka language to be able to introduce him to Jesus. Every time I see that painting, I think of Samba and his family and friends who can only hear about Jesus if someone knows enough Baka to tell them.
Now, only a few short years later, Samba has heard about Jesus and is even teaching others! He has become a preacher and a leader in his community. Praise God for planting curiosity in a young man's mind and for preparing him uniquely to be a vessel of His Word.
I first saw a copy of the painting in my friend's house in Cameroon. One day she told me that a Baka boy named Samba asked her who the man in the picture was. She said that it broke her heart, because she did not yet know enough Baka language to be able to introduce him to Jesus. Every time I see that painting, I think of Samba and his family and friends who can only hear about Jesus if someone knows enough Baka to tell them.
Now, only a few short years later, Samba has heard about Jesus and is even teaching others! He has become a preacher and a leader in his community. Praise God for planting curiosity in a young man's mind and for preparing him uniquely to be a vessel of His Word.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Bombay
Below is an email update from a friend who is in Bombay and narrowly missed becoming a casualty of the recent terrorist attack there. Please pray for Chris and his team as well as the people of Bombay as they deal with the aftermath of this horrible attack. And praise be to God for the obvious protection that He gave Chris and his team members.
Dear all,
In case you haven't heard from CNN or BBC, Bombay was hit by a major
terrorist attack yesterday.
Between 6:00pm and 6:30pm IST, a series of seven bomb blasts hit the
Western Railway Line. All of the bombs were planted either on the trains,
or at various stations along the railway line. The Western Line runs
through some of the most heavily populated areas of Bombay, and
approximately 6 million people use this line for transport every day. The
bombs were timed to go off within a twelve minute period, and 6:00-6:30 is
about the time that rush hour starts, so the trains were packed about to
the limit when the bombs went off. It was very deliberately planned to
cause maximum casualties and illicit fear from the general populace. The
estimated body count is now around 175 people, with another 500-1000
people estimated to be injured in the blasts and the panic that ensued
afterward.
This series of attacks hit me very close to home. I use the Western Line
to go to work every single day. I leave work at around 6:00pm, and am
still on the trains at 6:30pm, since my commute takes about an hour. I
travel in the men's first class compartment, which is the exact
compartment in which every bomb that was planted on the trains was
detonated. By the grace of God, my boss let me go home early yesterday.
I missed travelling on the trains during the time the bombs went off by
only an hour. Three of the bomb blasts affected the route I take every
day. One detonated at the station in the suburb I live, one detonated at
the station in the area where my office is located, and one detonated at a
station in between those two stops.
Telecommunications were almost completely frozen by the government
yesterday, and I was unable to make outgoing calls. This left many of our
staff scrambling in the dark to figure out if anyone from our office had
been injured or killed in the blasts. Until this morning, many of us were
unreachable, stranded by the lack of public transportation, and
unaccounted for. This morning, we were able to ascertain that only one
member of our staff had been injured. He was travelling in one of the
compartments in which a bomb was detonated. By a stroke of divine
providence, he is only suffering from a burn on his hand, and a gash on
his head that required a few stitches. While hospitalized, he is doing
all right, and will quickly recover, at least from the physical trauma.
Please pray that he can also cope with the mental and emotional trauma.
Other than that, several of our office staff were saved by split second
decisions not to get on trains that were wired with explosives. The
number of close calls we had yesterday is amazing, and it smacks of a
sense of God intervening on our behalf.
If all of you could please pray for the situation in the aftermath of this
tragedy, we would appreciate it. There are worries that local Hindu
fundamentalist groups will blame the attacks on local Muslims, which will
lead to riots and lynchings. Violent exchanges between various
underground Muslim gangs and fundamentalist Hindu groups has been
happening for decades in this city, and we are hoping that these blasts
won't serve to fuel hatred between the two groups. Pray this does not
happen, or things could get really ugly. Pray also that the families of
those who have been injured or killed might find comfort and peace. And
that the government might find the individuals involved in the blasts and
bring them to justice.
Most of all, know that I am doing all right. The primary worry that I
have now is how some members of my team will deal with the stress of the
trauma and the fear that might grip the city. Pray that we won't be
afraid. I think this is the one piece of advice that Jesus most often
gave to his disciples and I know that, if we really let fear grip us, it
could lead to self-absorbtion and a multitude of sins. Pray that the
Christians here might be a light to others, and be a source of peace,
comfort and reconciliation to those around us.
Peace of Christ,
-Chris
Dear all,
In case you haven't heard from CNN or BBC, Bombay was hit by a major
terrorist attack yesterday.
Between 6:00pm and 6:30pm IST, a series of seven bomb blasts hit the
Western Railway Line. All of the bombs were planted either on the trains,
or at various stations along the railway line. The Western Line runs
through some of the most heavily populated areas of Bombay, and
approximately 6 million people use this line for transport every day. The
bombs were timed to go off within a twelve minute period, and 6:00-6:30 is
about the time that rush hour starts, so the trains were packed about to
the limit when the bombs went off. It was very deliberately planned to
cause maximum casualties and illicit fear from the general populace. The
estimated body count is now around 175 people, with another 500-1000
people estimated to be injured in the blasts and the panic that ensued
afterward.
This series of attacks hit me very close to home. I use the Western Line
to go to work every single day. I leave work at around 6:00pm, and am
still on the trains at 6:30pm, since my commute takes about an hour. I
travel in the men's first class compartment, which is the exact
compartment in which every bomb that was planted on the trains was
detonated. By the grace of God, my boss let me go home early yesterday.
I missed travelling on the trains during the time the bombs went off by
only an hour. Three of the bomb blasts affected the route I take every
day. One detonated at the station in the suburb I live, one detonated at
the station in the area where my office is located, and one detonated at a
station in between those two stops.
Telecommunications were almost completely frozen by the government
yesterday, and I was unable to make outgoing calls. This left many of our
staff scrambling in the dark to figure out if anyone from our office had
been injured or killed in the blasts. Until this morning, many of us were
unreachable, stranded by the lack of public transportation, and
unaccounted for. This morning, we were able to ascertain that only one
member of our staff had been injured. He was travelling in one of the
compartments in which a bomb was detonated. By a stroke of divine
providence, he is only suffering from a burn on his hand, and a gash on
his head that required a few stitches. While hospitalized, he is doing
all right, and will quickly recover, at least from the physical trauma.
Please pray that he can also cope with the mental and emotional trauma.
Other than that, several of our office staff were saved by split second
decisions not to get on trains that were wired with explosives. The
number of close calls we had yesterday is amazing, and it smacks of a
sense of God intervening on our behalf.
If all of you could please pray for the situation in the aftermath of this
tragedy, we would appreciate it. There are worries that local Hindu
fundamentalist groups will blame the attacks on local Muslims, which will
lead to riots and lynchings. Violent exchanges between various
underground Muslim gangs and fundamentalist Hindu groups has been
happening for decades in this city, and we are hoping that these blasts
won't serve to fuel hatred between the two groups. Pray this does not
happen, or things could get really ugly. Pray also that the families of
those who have been injured or killed might find comfort and peace. And
that the government might find the individuals involved in the blasts and
bring them to justice.
Most of all, know that I am doing all right. The primary worry that I
have now is how some members of my team will deal with the stress of the
trauma and the fear that might grip the city. Pray that we won't be
afraid. I think this is the one piece of advice that Jesus most often
gave to his disciples and I know that, if we really let fear grip us, it
could lead to self-absorbtion and a multitude of sins. Pray that the
Christians here might be a light to others, and be a source of peace,
comfort and reconciliation to those around us.
Peace of Christ,
-Chris
Saturday, July 01, 2006
...Beginning of Another
It is with great excitement that I begin another chapter in life. I will be moving back up to Manteca and taking a position as a public health nurse with San Joaquin County. This kind of work will be completely different than what I am used to as an emergency nurse, but it sounds like it will be interesting, rewarding and a complete change of pace. I will be working with at risk pregnant moms and newborns, visiting them in their homes. It is the kind of work that I really think is suited to a person like me, and I am so excited, if not a little nervous, to get started.
End of One Chapter...
Yesterday was a momentous day in my nursing career. I had my yearly evaluation, in which I received a promotion to Clinical Nurse II and a small raise. Everyone always says the first year as a nurse is a time of growing and learning. As I look back at where I was a year ago, I recognize that God has given me many opportunities to develop my nursing skill and to grow into what my manager calls a "competent clinician." I've been blessed to be able to begin my nursing career in the emergency room, where every day is a learning experience. I still feel very much like the "advanced beginner" that I was hired as, and I have a lot to learn still, but my time as an emergency nurse is drawing to a close. I also gave my resignation yesterday. Life is taking a little different turn now, but I thank God for the opportunity to begin where I did.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
No Hero Here
When I tell people that I am a nurse, they usually gain an attitude of respect. When I add that I work in the ER, some have romantic images of heroism and glory. Well, there’s no hero here. Don’t get me wrong. We do everything that you see on TV shows like ER and Scrubs (the medical stuff, I mean). We treat everything from cuts and scrapes to massive heart attacks. The truth of the matter is that without our intervention, many of our patients would not have lived. But the heroic attitude, the “congratulations, you saved that man’s life,” the sense of fulfillment and peace that you would expect after a particularly difficult case was resolved just doesn’t exist. We’re expected to save lives. It’s part of the job description. People just aren’t very impressed when you do what is expected from you.
It seems like the same thing happens in ministry. A pastor, minister, or missionary is expected to change lives. A church that is not growing or making changes in the community is seen as a failure. A missionary who doesn’t report converts sometimes seems like he is not worth his financial support. But when churches do grow and conversions do happen, we often take it for granted. I mean, really, isn’t ministry the job of a minister? Do they really need to be congratulated for doing their job? The truth is that it is a hard job and a little recognition and glory would be nice.
But the glory doesn’t belong to us.
We live in a world of hurting people, people who desperately need God. Our job is to help direct them toward Him. He’s the One who does the real work of saving lives, and He should get all of the glory.
Lord, thank you for saving me. I’m sorry that I am so hard hearted most of the time and that I take for granted all that You have given to me. Please forgive me. Be glorified in all that You’ve done in my life. And Lord, help me to give all the glory to you when the life that you have given me somehow makes a difference in someone else’s life. I am no hero. That job is yours.
It seems like the same thing happens in ministry. A pastor, minister, or missionary is expected to change lives. A church that is not growing or making changes in the community is seen as a failure. A missionary who doesn’t report converts sometimes seems like he is not worth his financial support. But when churches do grow and conversions do happen, we often take it for granted. I mean, really, isn’t ministry the job of a minister? Do they really need to be congratulated for doing their job? The truth is that it is a hard job and a little recognition and glory would be nice.
But the glory doesn’t belong to us.
We live in a world of hurting people, people who desperately need God. Our job is to help direct them toward Him. He’s the One who does the real work of saving lives, and He should get all of the glory.
Lord, thank you for saving me. I’m sorry that I am so hard hearted most of the time and that I take for granted all that You have given to me. Please forgive me. Be glorified in all that You’ve done in my life. And Lord, help me to give all the glory to you when the life that you have given me somehow makes a difference in someone else’s life. I am no hero. That job is yours.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Calling
"Do our lives provide evidence of our calling? How we live seems more important than what specific task we do, when it comes to living a life worthy of our calling."
This quote is from an article that I read today in urbana.org. It was quite timely, as I had an especially difficult time controlling my anger and frustration at work yesterday. You can find it in its entirety by pasting this into your browser search window: http://www.urbana.org/wtoday.ephesians.cfm
This quote is from an article that I read today in urbana.org. It was quite timely, as I had an especially difficult time controlling my anger and frustration at work yesterday. You can find it in its entirety by pasting this into your browser search window: http://www.urbana.org/wtoday.ephesians.cfm
Friday, June 02, 2006
Creator
I had the best day the other day. My roommate, Lindsey, and I went driving in my convertible (which I recently bought from my parents) to the coast.
We started off in Redondo Beach and took a long relaxing walk on the sand. Families were playing in the surf. Young people were getting tossed around on their body boards. A few young men were surfing, and there was one guy attempting to parasail. We watched as a few pelicans plunged into the water to catch a meal, and we stood admiring a beautiful hawk that was hovering on an air current near the top of the rocky cliffs. We even got to see a small crab that was trying to escape the dangers of the beach after floating in on a mass of seaweed.
After leaving Redondo Beach, we drove down the coast a little way and discovered a lookout point in Palos Verdes. From behind the safety railing, we could see that the tall cliffs that we were standing on plunged down to a rocky shore, but, of course, I could not stay behind the railing. As I approached the edge of the cliff, I discovered an amazing sedimentary formation right at the shoreline. It looked as if there was a spring that escaped from the ground about 50 feet from the shore. It deposited enough minerals to make a circular formation that extended out in irregular striations and created an excellent tide-pool environment (something that I would love to explore sometime soon). The area must have been rich in sea life, because there were sea lions nearby, and one of them was doing cartwheels right in front of us. He was sharing the wealth of fish with a couple of pelicans who plunged greedily into the water. The seagulls looked as if they were really enjoying themselves as they effortlessly soared on the air current. The mixture of perfectly blue skies and cool sea breeze made me feel as if I could fly also. I managed to convince myself that wings were required to fly and decided to wait until I got to heaven to attempt flight on my own.
I found the words, "this is so beautiful," and "awesome!" escape my lips several times. I think God is glorified when we find enjoyment in something He created, whether it is in nature, music, the spoken or written word, or in our relationships with one another.
God, thank you for being such a wonderful artist to create all of the sights, sounds, feelings, scents, and tastes that you created. And thank you for creating us with all of the senses to be able to enjoy these things so thoroughly. What an amazing Creator to form so many beautiful things and then fashion beings to enjoy them.
We started off in Redondo Beach and took a long relaxing walk on the sand. Families were playing in the surf. Young people were getting tossed around on their body boards. A few young men were surfing, and there was one guy attempting to parasail. We watched as a few pelicans plunged into the water to catch a meal, and we stood admiring a beautiful hawk that was hovering on an air current near the top of the rocky cliffs. We even got to see a small crab that was trying to escape the dangers of the beach after floating in on a mass of seaweed.
After leaving Redondo Beach, we drove down the coast a little way and discovered a lookout point in Palos Verdes. From behind the safety railing, we could see that the tall cliffs that we were standing on plunged down to a rocky shore, but, of course, I could not stay behind the railing. As I approached the edge of the cliff, I discovered an amazing sedimentary formation right at the shoreline. It looked as if there was a spring that escaped from the ground about 50 feet from the shore. It deposited enough minerals to make a circular formation that extended out in irregular striations and created an excellent tide-pool environment (something that I would love to explore sometime soon). The area must have been rich in sea life, because there were sea lions nearby, and one of them was doing cartwheels right in front of us. He was sharing the wealth of fish with a couple of pelicans who plunged greedily into the water. The seagulls looked as if they were really enjoying themselves as they effortlessly soared on the air current. The mixture of perfectly blue skies and cool sea breeze made me feel as if I could fly also. I managed to convince myself that wings were required to fly and decided to wait until I got to heaven to attempt flight on my own.
I found the words, "this is so beautiful," and "awesome!" escape my lips several times. I think God is glorified when we find enjoyment in something He created, whether it is in nature, music, the spoken or written word, or in our relationships with one another.
God, thank you for being such a wonderful artist to create all of the sights, sounds, feelings, scents, and tastes that you created. And thank you for creating us with all of the senses to be able to enjoy these things so thoroughly. What an amazing Creator to form so many beautiful things and then fashion beings to enjoy them.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Patient
Pronunciation: 'pA-sh&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English pacient, from Middle French, from Latin patient-, patiens, from present participle of pati to suffer; perhaps akin to Greek pEma suffering
1 : bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2 : manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3 : not hasty or impetuous
4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5 a : able or willing to bear
I've discovered something interesting and unfortunate about human nature. You see, the ER is a working environment that brings out the best and worst in people. I find that many of the people that I work with are either quite loving and compassionate with patients or very cynical with them. We deal with many people who are scared, tired and frustrated with what ever illness that they are dealing with. They want answers and a miracle cure, stat. Many times their expectations exceed our ability, causing a conflict of interest. Not only that, but we usually have a waiting room filled with the sick and wounded and no room in the inn. It is not uncommon for us to have more patients than we have patience for. ...So it should not be surprising to see staff become cynical and uncompassionate instead of caring and patient.
I'm not immune to this paradox. I've found myself resenting patients at times just for coming in. My prayer lately is that God would replace my hard heart with a piece of His own and give me a willingness and desire to serve my patients and coworkers in whatever capacity needed in spite of the hardships or frustrations I encounter.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Nganga
Here is more info on the healer that visited Mayos and the boy that he was unable to heal from a newsletter sent by the Conrods:
This is a time for fervent prayer. Satan would love to see this boy die of TB and discredit the Gospel and invalidate the power of God. When I was in Cameroon, I saw so many people die after beginning to see them improve under modern medicine and prayer. Perhaps the mixture of interventions wasn’t quite right. Maybe we needed to add a little more prayer, love, and faith and not rely so heavily on the medicine. I am guilty of the same mistakes right now in my current occupation in the ER. I don’t love on people and pray for them as much as I should. Instead, I rely on our powerful medicines and amazing modern healing techniques. I have a lot to learn. Right now, I need to learn again how to pray.
Pray with me for Membila, for his health, and for those around him to see the Power of God in his life.
Thank you all for praying for the boy with TB and the situation with the traditional healer (Nganga) who was in town. The healer left a few weeks ago, and the people were convinced that he was not a “real” healer because he had no real power. We were excited to get that news, until our teammates bumped into this healer again a few days later working his “magic” in another village a few miles away. We asked our Baka neighbors why they didn’t tell their brothers in this other village to beware of this fellow, that he was just a con-artist. They said it wasn’t their responsibility, their brothers in the other town would figure it out soon enough. That mentality bothered us a bit because in the meantime, this other camp is being exploited of their money until they figure it out that this guy is a fraud. Anyhow, Membila, the boy with TB, is growing stronger and getting better. We are still giving him medicine and are praying that God would not only completely heal him, but show His power in Membila’s life.
This is a time for fervent prayer. Satan would love to see this boy die of TB and discredit the Gospel and invalidate the power of God. When I was in Cameroon, I saw so many people die after beginning to see them improve under modern medicine and prayer. Perhaps the mixture of interventions wasn’t quite right. Maybe we needed to add a little more prayer, love, and faith and not rely so heavily on the medicine. I am guilty of the same mistakes right now in my current occupation in the ER. I don’t love on people and pray for them as much as I should. Instead, I rely on our powerful medicines and amazing modern healing techniques. I have a lot to learn. Right now, I need to learn again how to pray.
Pray with me for Membila, for his health, and for those around him to see the Power of God in his life.
The Maribo Part 3
The Maribo (Part III)
Forgive me for dividing this story up into segments. My purpose was to include the details in short segments that were readable in a short period of time. If it has created an expectancy, that is, I assure you, only incidental :)
Maribo is the French word for 'divine healer'. The word that the Baka use is 'nganga', a word we have heard many times over the past couple of weeks. He has been a temporary resident of our area for that amount of time. For a few days he was in the vicinity of our houses. A time that coincided with an increase in sickness, not a decrease which one would expect a healer to accomplish.
But back to the ritual . . .
Most people seated around the fire had their foreheads painted with a tree bark concoction; a part of the ritual that was not offered to us. I was pleased, but prepared to decline had I been asked to participate.
As the young Baka man with Tuberculosis continued to follow the instructions of the nganga, other rituals were performed. One being that the healer rubbed his body all over the body of his subject.
We had made a decision as a family that our children shouldn't be at the ritual. We felt it our responsibility to guard their minds and hearts from this experience at this stage of their lives. They were safe at home with their mom. In contrast was the participation of the young people at the ritual. With their parents nearby, the young children played a crucial part of providing the mood for the evening ritual with their singing.
Late in the ritual, the music ceased and the nganga addressed the crowd. He lectured everyone and told them that the boy's father was responsible because he was not a good father. All of those present were invited to come by twos and stretch their hands over the fire. This served a dual purpose; to determine the guilt of anyone present and to provide strength for the participants. We were urged to join in, but once again explained that our strength comes from the One True God.
The ritual was complete and the boy was considered healed. The final requirement was that his parents return the next day with their saliva to offer to the nganga.
Today (2 weeks later) the boy is still very weak. He wasn't able to make the 2 mile walk from the encampment to his house. We pray that he is still faithfully taking his TB treatment (which lasts for 6 months) and not just relying on what the healer said.
That last statement reflects something of our own system of beliefs. Though we did have the opportunity to proclaim our solitary trust in Christ, sometimes we come across as trusting in the medicine for healing. The Baka trust in the spirits that their healer calls upon. We know that neither is completely correct. It is God that we all need to trust in to use whatever method he chooses. Please pray that God will show Himself in this situation as the Great Healer! And continue to pray with us that God will weaken the powers and spiritual forces that have such a tight control over these people.
The story is not over. The Baka "do not segment their lives into religion, economics, politics, and entertainment as we are so accustomed to do. Life is seen as one whole, with religion at the center. People hunt and gather for food, but they know that without the blessing of God, their efforts are futile." ('Incarnational Ministry': Heibert). They have no problem believing in God. They are willing to seek out the help of God, but see no distinction between the other spiritual and physical options at their disposal and God's power.
We are here at a crucial time in the lives of the Baka as the gospel message has begun to penetrate their society and lives. It is important that we present the gospel as a whole gospel. It must deal with salvation from sin, but also with illness, hunger, hostilities in the group, and with other problems of life.
Pray for us as we are constantly faced with choices that have the potential to communicate this whole gospel of Christ to the Baka people. Pray also for God's word to penetrate hearts that are longing for a lasting hope. Pray that they may know the Hope that is ours in the person of Jesus Christ.
Forgive me for dividing this story up into segments. My purpose was to include the details in short segments that were readable in a short period of time. If it has created an expectancy, that is, I assure you, only incidental :)
Maribo is the French word for 'divine healer'. The word that the Baka use is 'nganga', a word we have heard many times over the past couple of weeks. He has been a temporary resident of our area for that amount of time. For a few days he was in the vicinity of our houses. A time that coincided with an increase in sickness, not a decrease which one would expect a healer to accomplish.
But back to the ritual . . .
Most people seated around the fire had their foreheads painted with a tree bark concoction; a part of the ritual that was not offered to us. I was pleased, but prepared to decline had I been asked to participate.
As the young Baka man with Tuberculosis continued to follow the instructions of the nganga, other rituals were performed. One being that the healer rubbed his body all over the body of his subject.
We had made a decision as a family that our children shouldn't be at the ritual. We felt it our responsibility to guard their minds and hearts from this experience at this stage of their lives. They were safe at home with their mom. In contrast was the participation of the young people at the ritual. With their parents nearby, the young children played a crucial part of providing the mood for the evening ritual with their singing.
Late in the ritual, the music ceased and the nganga addressed the crowd. He lectured everyone and told them that the boy's father was responsible because he was not a good father. All of those present were invited to come by twos and stretch their hands over the fire. This served a dual purpose; to determine the guilt of anyone present and to provide strength for the participants. We were urged to join in, but once again explained that our strength comes from the One True God.
The ritual was complete and the boy was considered healed. The final requirement was that his parents return the next day with their saliva to offer to the nganga.
Today (2 weeks later) the boy is still very weak. He wasn't able to make the 2 mile walk from the encampment to his house. We pray that he is still faithfully taking his TB treatment (which lasts for 6 months) and not just relying on what the healer said.
That last statement reflects something of our own system of beliefs. Though we did have the opportunity to proclaim our solitary trust in Christ, sometimes we come across as trusting in the medicine for healing. The Baka trust in the spirits that their healer calls upon. We know that neither is completely correct. It is God that we all need to trust in to use whatever method he chooses. Please pray that God will show Himself in this situation as the Great Healer! And continue to pray with us that God will weaken the powers and spiritual forces that have such a tight control over these people.
The story is not over. The Baka "do not segment their lives into religion, economics, politics, and entertainment as we are so accustomed to do. Life is seen as one whole, with religion at the center. People hunt and gather for food, but they know that without the blessing of God, their efforts are futile." ('Incarnational Ministry': Heibert). They have no problem believing in God. They are willing to seek out the help of God, but see no distinction between the other spiritual and physical options at their disposal and God's power.
We are here at a crucial time in the lives of the Baka as the gospel message has begun to penetrate their society and lives. It is important that we present the gospel as a whole gospel. It must deal with salvation from sin, but also with illness, hunger, hostilities in the group, and with other problems of life.
Pray for us as we are constantly faced with choices that have the potential to communicate this whole gospel of Christ to the Baka people. Pray also for God's word to penetrate hearts that are longing for a lasting hope. Pray that they may know the Hope that is ours in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Maribo Part 2
It just occurred to me that I have not included the conclusion of the story about the traditional healer in the Baka camp. It is a bit long, but if you are interested in hearing more about what is going on in the lives of these precious people, read on, it's worth it. Here is part 2, part 3 to follow:
Part II
In our last update, I explained that a big decision was looming before us all- whether to accept an invitation to see a visiting maribo perform his healing 'treatment' ritual over a young neighbor boy with tuberculosis. After much prayer, we came to believe that the Baka would interpret our presence positively; as an evidence of our concern for the things happening in the lives of our friends here. We also decided that the men would make the trip to the camp alone, accompanying some of our neighbors.
The 3 kilometer walk from our homes to the camp provided a great chance to spend some pleasant and unhurried time with many of our neighbors. We stopped to sit and enjoy some honey under one of the shelters at the camp before moving on to the area where the maribo was to perform his 'healing' ritual. A few of those who had accompanied us were able to translate, and explained what was happening step by step. I prayed continually, asking that such rituals will soon be revealed to be just that and no more, and that this whole counterfeit spiritual system will one day be dissipated by the powerful reality of God's own Holy Spirit working among the Baka people.
For the ritual, we were all seated in a semi-circle around an elongated fire. Someone explained that this was no ordinary fire, as it holds a certain medicine. A couple of young men played the drums, and a wave of sound ebbed and waned from a chorus of young children also seated around the fire.
The maribo was dressed in shorts, with an animal skin around his head, which was supposed to help him 'see' the source of the sickness. He danced around the fire, joining in the song; and periodically stopping to stare into the fire- as though searching for something.
After an extended time of repeating this ritual, he invited the sick young man to join him at the fire. The young man was instructed to stretch his arms over the fire repeatedly, and then to bend backwards over the fire. This ritual also continued for some time before the young man was given a potion to drink, derived of forest medicines.
As neither of us felt any sense of fear, we were sure that God had answered our prayers. At the same time, I was acutely aware of the reality and the significance these rituals hold in the daily lives of the Baka people. As the ritual continued, I prayed to be open to the leading of the One True Spirit throughout the remainder of the evening.
Part II
In our last update, I explained that a big decision was looming before us all- whether to accept an invitation to see a visiting maribo perform his healing 'treatment' ritual over a young neighbor boy with tuberculosis. After much prayer, we came to believe that the Baka would interpret our presence positively; as an evidence of our concern for the things happening in the lives of our friends here. We also decided that the men would make the trip to the camp alone, accompanying some of our neighbors.
The 3 kilometer walk from our homes to the camp provided a great chance to spend some pleasant and unhurried time with many of our neighbors. We stopped to sit and enjoy some honey under one of the shelters at the camp before moving on to the area where the maribo was to perform his 'healing' ritual. A few of those who had accompanied us were able to translate, and explained what was happening step by step. I prayed continually, asking that such rituals will soon be revealed to be just that and no more, and that this whole counterfeit spiritual system will one day be dissipated by the powerful reality of God's own Holy Spirit working among the Baka people.
For the ritual, we were all seated in a semi-circle around an elongated fire. Someone explained that this was no ordinary fire, as it holds a certain medicine. A couple of young men played the drums, and a wave of sound ebbed and waned from a chorus of young children also seated around the fire.
The maribo was dressed in shorts, with an animal skin around his head, which was supposed to help him 'see' the source of the sickness. He danced around the fire, joining in the song; and periodically stopping to stare into the fire- as though searching for something.
After an extended time of repeating this ritual, he invited the sick young man to join him at the fire. The young man was instructed to stretch his arms over the fire repeatedly, and then to bend backwards over the fire. This ritual also continued for some time before the young man was given a potion to drink, derived of forest medicines.
As neither of us felt any sense of fear, we were sure that God had answered our prayers. At the same time, I was acutely aware of the reality and the significance these rituals hold in the daily lives of the Baka people. As the ritual continued, I prayed to be open to the leading of the One True Spirit throughout the remainder of the evening.
Roses are Red
Well, not all of them. The roses in our little yard, the ones that are blooming, are white, salmon, and yellow. They make a beautiful arrangement and emit a rather delectable fragrance. My roses aren't any better than any others. In fact, they are quite meager, but it is fun to have things growing outside our back door. The impatiens are getting bigger and blooming beautifully, the sweet peas are recovering from a nearly fatal encounter with powdery mildew, and all but one of the tomato plants are growing out of control.
It's funny. When I was younger, I hated working in the yard. Perhaps that was because the task of pulling weeds never seemed to end (a really good reason to be thankful for round-up) or because it seemed to get so hot so quickly. But now it is so fun to go outside and fiddle around with the green things.
Thank you Lord for a reprise from all of the roads and noise and smog and stale indoor air. Thank you for making such a beautiful world filled with green foothills, tree covered mountains, salty seashores, and fragrant flowers.
It's funny. When I was younger, I hated working in the yard. Perhaps that was because the task of pulling weeds never seemed to end (a really good reason to be thankful for round-up) or because it seemed to get so hot so quickly. But now it is so fun to go outside and fiddle around with the green things.
Thank you Lord for a reprise from all of the roads and noise and smog and stale indoor air. Thank you for making such a beautiful world filled with green foothills, tree covered mountains, salty seashores, and fragrant flowers.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Saturday, May 06, 2006
White Stuff
Does anyone know a cure for powdery mildew? I think that if I am unable to finally get it under control, it might just wipe out the entire plant population of our meager little patio, which has become one of my favorite diversions lately.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Perfume
Do you ever notice how scents can affect you? Some smells remind us of childhood, some of a person that we love, some of a place that we have visited. There are pleasant smells and not-so-pleasant smells and memories to match. I often get teased because the smell of a dairy reminds me of childhood and I therefore say that it smells “good.” Then I find myself explaining that there is a sweet cow/alfalfa smell about dairies that is good, even if some dairies and stockyards smell absolutely horrible.
Spring is in the air in Southern California. We’ve had intermittent rain showers that clean the air and stimulate new growth. The trees and flowers emit a bouquet of scents that are strong enough to make me sneeze, but are enjoyable none-the-less. It is a good reprieve from the smoggy smell of this area.
I went to my parent’s house last weekend and enjoyed the smell of the orange trees blooming. Then we took a drive up to my Grandparent’s. Of course, we had the windows of the truck closed the whole way, so when we opened the doors we were hit by the mountain air. The pine, oak, and other green things mixed with the brisk freshness that is at that altitude was a beautiful perfume.
Lord, thank you for blessing us with the sense of smell and for allowing us to enjoy some scents so very much.
Spring is in the air in Southern California. We’ve had intermittent rain showers that clean the air and stimulate new growth. The trees and flowers emit a bouquet of scents that are strong enough to make me sneeze, but are enjoyable none-the-less. It is a good reprieve from the smoggy smell of this area.
I went to my parent’s house last weekend and enjoyed the smell of the orange trees blooming. Then we took a drive up to my Grandparent’s. Of course, we had the windows of the truck closed the whole way, so when we opened the doors we were hit by the mountain air. The pine, oak, and other green things mixed with the brisk freshness that is at that altitude was a beautiful perfume.
Lord, thank you for blessing us with the sense of smell and for allowing us to enjoy some scents so very much.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Musings
This Easter, I have begun to realize something strange about my coworkers. When I first began to work with them, I noticed that many were not unlike most people who don't know Christ. They struggle with the same problems and need the same hope. However, I have noticed lately that they are a different group of people than those that I am used to. Many grew up in the church. Some know a good deal about the Bible. Others even know the Gospel message that brings salvation. It is strange to converse with my coworkers, since their knowledge about some areas of Christianity surpasses my own. It makes me wonder if they are just churched or if some of them know Christ and just don't look like the average Christian.
Regardless of whether they have a relationship with Jesus, my job remains the same; to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that needs Him so much.
Regardless of whether they have a relationship with Jesus, my job remains the same; to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that needs Him so much.
Automobile Annoyance
I got a letter from a friend the other day telling of how difficult it is to get work done on a vehicle in a third-world country. She was fortunate to break down near a village, but unfortunate that she was not near a larger town or a cell phone tower. However, she did manage to get the car worked on by a competent mechanic. She spoke of finding a mechanic who literally does all of his work under a shade tree and uses rudimentary security precautions such as locking up the spare tire inside of the vehicle to prevent theft. I was impressed at just how much he was able to do with his meager resources, but it seems that he was able to get the job done.
In contrast, I broke down three weeks ago just across the street from a modern auto shop. They were able to fix my car quickly and competently and I was back on the road 3 days later. However, my car broke down again in just a few days. Consequently, 2 weeks and 3 mechanic shops later, I should be driving my car again soon. I hope when I am in Cameroon, God will provide help like the mechanic that my friend ran into.
In contrast, I broke down three weeks ago just across the street from a modern auto shop. They were able to fix my car quickly and competently and I was back on the road 3 days later. However, my car broke down again in just a few days. Consequently, 2 weeks and 3 mechanic shops later, I should be driving my car again soon. I hope when I am in Cameroon, God will provide help like the mechanic that my friend ran into.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Just Another Day in the ER
We saved a life yesterday. A woman was brought in by paramedics having a massive heart attack. She was declining quickly and life saving measures had to be taken fast. We managed to stabilize her enough to send her off to cardiac cath lab to undergo a heart catheterization. She was literally teetering between life and death when she arrived at our door and just seemed to be getting worse for the 20 minutes that it took to get her to cath lab. But we received word less than an hour later that she survived the procedure and received a stent, a balloon pump, and a pacemaker. It is a bit of a thrill to be able to work as a team and make a definite difference in the outcome of someone who is so suddenly and severely ill.
I was a bit disappointed though, and this is why: I've seen lives saved before. Not just physical lives that will end eventually, but spiritual lives. I've seen people come to the Savior and receive true life. That is a true thrill!!
My experience last night is contrasted with what I read in Isaiah this morning.
"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!' Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, they shout joyfully together; for they will see with their own eyes when the Lord restores Zion. Break forth, shout joyfully together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God."
Isaiah 52:7-10
I was a bit disappointed though, and this is why: I've seen lives saved before. Not just physical lives that will end eventually, but spiritual lives. I've seen people come to the Savior and receive true life. That is a true thrill!!
My experience last night is contrasted with what I read in Isaiah this morning.
"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!' Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, they shout joyfully together; for they will see with their own eyes when the Lord restores Zion. Break forth, shout joyfully together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God."
Isaiah 52:7-10
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Cross-cultural Communication
I got an email update from friends in Cameroon today. They talked of how difficult it is to communicate with people from totally foreign culture. Talking in Baka is hard enough, but even when they communicate in French, they come away confused.
As I was reading in Isaiah this morning, I felt the same way. The words made sense, but I knew I wasn't really getting the full gist of the passage. I began to think about how my understanding of the scripture is tainted by the culture that I live in. I am not Hebrew, and I don't think like a Hebrew, so I don't fully understand all of the context of many Biblical passages in the same way that the original audience did. Soon, I will be trying to communicate scriptural truths to yet another culture with a completely different contextual understanding of the way things work. In some ways, I am sure that the Baka will have a purer and more complete understanding of scripture. However, there will be obstacles to hurdle as I try to take what I have learned, lift it from my cultural foundation and lay it back down in front of the Baka.
Thank God that He is bigger than our ability to communicate!!!
As I was reading in Isaiah this morning, I felt the same way. The words made sense, but I knew I wasn't really getting the full gist of the passage. I began to think about how my understanding of the scripture is tainted by the culture that I live in. I am not Hebrew, and I don't think like a Hebrew, so I don't fully understand all of the context of many Biblical passages in the same way that the original audience did. Soon, I will be trying to communicate scriptural truths to yet another culture with a completely different contextual understanding of the way things work. In some ways, I am sure that the Baka will have a purer and more complete understanding of scripture. However, there will be obstacles to hurdle as I try to take what I have learned, lift it from my cultural foundation and lay it back down in front of the Baka.
Thank God that He is bigger than our ability to communicate!!!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The Maribo
Please lift up the Baka team in prayer. Here is thier latest email prayer update:
The Maribo (The healer):
Several nights ago a woman came to our door asking if I would give her and her family a ride to the Baka encampment just down the road from us. I knew that her son was very sick with Tuberculosis and, in reality, couldn't endure the 3 kilometer hike so I said yes.
Soon I realized the reason for the trip. A man who is well known for his ability to heal was there. I was asked to give money so that he could start treating the boy.
My first intuition was that this man was no ordinary doctor. I asked a few questions to see what the course of the treatment might be. It didn't take long before I learned the information that confirmed my suspicions. The man is a seer as well as a healer. He is supposedly able to determine whether sorcery is the cause of the illness and who might be at fault. I declined to give money- saying that I am not at liberty to give money for this because I am under the authority of the one true God.
I returned home and throughout the night we could hear drums reverberating from the camp as it was a clear night. We wondered what was happening, as this continued until very early in the morning.
The next morning we heard that the 'healer' had successfully pulled something black out of the boy's stomach. Also all of the people were asked to reach their arms over the fire to determine if anyone played a part in his sickness. We were also told that the ritual would continue that night and that we were invited.
The hardest thing that we were facing was the support the 'healer' has even among those that frequent our small church on Sunday mornings. They were confused at our reluctance to give our support; one even saying that this man is given his powers by God. So we had a decision to make- to go or not to go. We discussed it as a team and as families and prayed together over the decision, knowing that this matter was of significant importance.
Part II in a couple of days.
For His Glory,
Barry, Desma, Brianna, and Brendan
The Maribo (The healer):
Several nights ago a woman came to our door asking if I would give her and her family a ride to the Baka encampment just down the road from us. I knew that her son was very sick with Tuberculosis and, in reality, couldn't endure the 3 kilometer hike so I said yes.
Soon I realized the reason for the trip. A man who is well known for his ability to heal was there. I was asked to give money so that he could start treating the boy.
My first intuition was that this man was no ordinary doctor. I asked a few questions to see what the course of the treatment might be. It didn't take long before I learned the information that confirmed my suspicions. The man is a seer as well as a healer. He is supposedly able to determine whether sorcery is the cause of the illness and who might be at fault. I declined to give money- saying that I am not at liberty to give money for this because I am under the authority of the one true God.
I returned home and throughout the night we could hear drums reverberating from the camp as it was a clear night. We wondered what was happening, as this continued until very early in the morning.
The next morning we heard that the 'healer' had successfully pulled something black out of the boy's stomach. Also all of the people were asked to reach their arms over the fire to determine if anyone played a part in his sickness. We were also told that the ritual would continue that night and that we were invited.
The hardest thing that we were facing was the support the 'healer' has even among those that frequent our small church on Sunday mornings. They were confused at our reluctance to give our support; one even saying that this man is given his powers by God. So we had a decision to make- to go or not to go. We discussed it as a team and as families and prayed together over the decision, knowing that this matter was of significant importance.
Part II in a couple of days.
For His Glory,
Barry, Desma, Brianna, and Brendan
Prayer
Through a recent email dialog with a friend, I have realized again the power and importance of prayer. Through this and some other correspondence, I have begun to come to grips with the lack of prayer in my own life. It's silly. I have seen first hand some very amazing answers to my own prayerful petitions. I have experienced the benefit of being in the prayers of others. I have learned to really enjoy praying, both with others and by myself. Why then, do I neglect prayer?
Well, sometimes it is because I feel that I am not worthy to approach the throne of God. ...a silly thing indeed if Christ really died to redeem my life. At other times I am too busy or tired or I occupy my time with much less important things. How can I put more value on these less important things when I have seen and experienced the power of prayer?
You know, it is so amazing to me that our prayers should affect the actions of an omnipotent God. It's as if the mailroom guy is asking the CEO for certain improvements in the company. Of course, the CEO knows better how to run the company, but he waits for the mailroom guy to ask anyway. God is glorified by our answered prayers. We ask Him to work in someone's life or ministry and we can't help but glorify Him for the actions we see Him take. Our prayers adjust our vision, so that we can see God working.
I've made a new resolution to be more faithful in prayer. Feel free to keep me accountable to this decision. And pray that God would give me the diligence and resolve that I need to accomplish this.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Romans 12:10-13
Well, sometimes it is because I feel that I am not worthy to approach the throne of God. ...a silly thing indeed if Christ really died to redeem my life. At other times I am too busy or tired or I occupy my time with much less important things. How can I put more value on these less important things when I have seen and experienced the power of prayer?
You know, it is so amazing to me that our prayers should affect the actions of an omnipotent God. It's as if the mailroom guy is asking the CEO for certain improvements in the company. Of course, the CEO knows better how to run the company, but he waits for the mailroom guy to ask anyway. God is glorified by our answered prayers. We ask Him to work in someone's life or ministry and we can't help but glorify Him for the actions we see Him take. Our prayers adjust our vision, so that we can see God working.
I've made a new resolution to be more faithful in prayer. Feel free to keep me accountable to this decision. And pray that God would give me the diligence and resolve that I need to accomplish this.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Romans 12:10-13
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
In Dependence
After spending some time with friends tonight, I have realized again the importance of being in community. This is something that I began to understand during my last couple years of school. It became apparent to me that God puts us in situations where we really need each other. He created us to need each other. He is forming a body of believers out of this world, a body with different parts that are all dependent on the whole.
Thus, if we are not acting like the body that God is making us, we will not be doing our job correctly. That includes being honest with each other. A passage from Michael Yaconelli's book "Messy Spirituality" struck me as so strangely true. It refers to the pretending we do when we are trying to hide what is really going on in our lives, what we really struggle with, and that we are really not "OK." This is what Yaconelli has to say.
"“Pretending is the grease of modern nonrelationships. Pretending perpetuates the illusion of relationships by connecting us on the basis of who we aren"’t. People who pretend have pretend relationships. But being real is a synonym for messy spirituality, because when we are real, our messiness is there for everyone to see."
The messiness is hard, but it is necessary, because we were made to rely on each other.
I need to stop messing around with pretending and modern nonrelationships and really be intentional about being a friend to those people that God has put into my life.
Thus, if we are not acting like the body that God is making us, we will not be doing our job correctly. That includes being honest with each other. A passage from Michael Yaconelli's book "Messy Spirituality" struck me as so strangely true. It refers to the pretending we do when we are trying to hide what is really going on in our lives, what we really struggle with, and that we are really not "OK." This is what Yaconelli has to say.
"“Pretending is the grease of modern nonrelationships. Pretending perpetuates the illusion of relationships by connecting us on the basis of who we aren"’t. People who pretend have pretend relationships. But being real is a synonym for messy spirituality, because when we are real, our messiness is there for everyone to see."
The messiness is hard, but it is necessary, because we were made to rely on each other.
I need to stop messing around with pretending and modern nonrelationships and really be intentional about being a friend to those people that God has put into my life.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Fellowship
I saw a friend from school today. We graduated together, and we have a great deal in common when it comes to previous experiences and ministry calling. He is one of those people who I could talk to forever because we like to talk about the same things. He is also one of those people who is never afraid to turn the conversation to spiritual things and to share deep heart matters. I miss conversations like that. I miss the kind of fellowship that causes me to really evaluate my life and how I am to use it for the glory of God.
It’s not that I don’t have the kind of friends who engage in fellowship times like that, but I think I have isolated myself from the intimacy of true Christian fellowship. I am learning what Paul meant when he wrote, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25)”.
It’s not that I don’t have the kind of friends who engage in fellowship times like that, but I think I have isolated myself from the intimacy of true Christian fellowship. I am learning what Paul meant when he wrote, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25)”.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Worthwhile
When I think of God's amazing sacrifice, of the promise that He has given us, of the hope we have of future glory, it is such a small, small thing that I should serve Him during this short life on earth. It is such a small thing, and yet no other occupation is more important or nearly as worthwhile.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
This Dieing Stuff
Death is something that has become not so uncommon in my world lately. That is one of the hazards of working in the ER. When I was in school, I was told by many of my professors that when a person is in the hospital, they are likely to be receptive of spiritual things. Many times, walls that exist when a person is well are easily broken down when he is ill. I had the opposite experience yesterday.
When I arrived at work, I received a patient who had end-stage lung cancer with metastases to the liver and spine. She was not responding well to chemotherapy anymore and came to us with severe difficulty breathing and a dangerously low blood pressure. With her family, she had decided that she did not want any heroic life-saving measures taken. In short, my patient was dieing.
During the course of our time together, she turned to me and said “This dieing stuff is hard.”
Being the attentive nurse that I try to be, I recognized this as a prime opportunity to talk with her about spiritual things. I asked her if she wouldn’t mind if I prayed with her. This question usually opens up communication lines as patients share what they would like you to pray about. However, my patient was not so receptive. She said that prayer helps some people, but she did not want to be prayed with.
So I asked if she would mind if I prayed for her later by myself. Her response was the same. She said that she did not feel that she was helped by prayer and that it might make some people feel better, but it did not help her.
It is at a point like this that the four spiritual laws or a traditional approach to sharing the Gospel doesn’t work to well, but I was able to share with her that I know a mighty God who hears and answers prayer. I know that He heard my prayer for my dieing patient this morning and I can only pray that He touches her life in a way that opens her eyes to her need for a Savior.
When I arrived at work, I received a patient who had end-stage lung cancer with metastases to the liver and spine. She was not responding well to chemotherapy anymore and came to us with severe difficulty breathing and a dangerously low blood pressure. With her family, she had decided that she did not want any heroic life-saving measures taken. In short, my patient was dieing.
During the course of our time together, she turned to me and said “This dieing stuff is hard.”
Being the attentive nurse that I try to be, I recognized this as a prime opportunity to talk with her about spiritual things. I asked her if she wouldn’t mind if I prayed with her. This question usually opens up communication lines as patients share what they would like you to pray about. However, my patient was not so receptive. She said that prayer helps some people, but she did not want to be prayed with.
So I asked if she would mind if I prayed for her later by myself. Her response was the same. She said that she did not feel that she was helped by prayer and that it might make some people feel better, but it did not help her.
It is at a point like this that the four spiritual laws or a traditional approach to sharing the Gospel doesn’t work to well, but I was able to share with her that I know a mighty God who hears and answers prayer. I know that He heard my prayer for my dieing patient this morning and I can only pray that He touches her life in a way that opens her eyes to her need for a Savior.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Which Came First…
I was reading Eternity in Their Hearts, by Don Richardson last night. I reached a section in the book where Richardson was presenting an opposing argument that stated that we, as a human society, came up with the idea of God. And, like us, of course, the idea of God evolved through time. The father of this theory was a man named Edward B. Tylor. Tylor said that ancient savages conceived the idea of a soul because of their experiences with dreams, visions, sleep, and death and their observance of shadows and reflections. As time went on and society developed, they began to develop their ideas of the supernatural. When aristocracies appeared, the idea of gods ruling over spirits appeared. Then, with monarchies came the idea of a supreme god. According to Tylor, monotheism, or the idea that there is one “Creator God” is just an invention of man that was preceded by polytheism.
Later on, a man named Andrew Lang, who is described as “Tylor’s favorite pupil,” came to some conclusions of his own. You see, Lang was a strong supporter of Tylor’s theories, but he was soon to encounter strong, undeniable opposition. When Lang read a letter sent home by a missionary, celebrating the fact that the people the missionary had been sent to reach already had an idea of a “Creator God,” his ideas were immediately challenged. However, he vehemently opposed the idea of monotheism preceding native polytheism, or animism and began to publish more works and speak publicly supporting Tylor’s theory
Another strong supporter of Tylor, Wilhelm Schmidt, was spurred on by the fact that Lang’s ideas were not accepted by the scholarly community. So, he dedicated himself to the study of the subject, with the idea of proving Tylor and Lang correct. He found the evidence to be strongly in opposition to Tylor’s theory. It seemed that “native monotheism” was alive and well and had, in actuality, preceded the idea of animism. Schmidt ended up publishing 4,000 pages of evidence in 12 volumes supporting the fact that monotheism had actually preceded animism.
This anthropological victory got me thinking. Animism is alive and well in most third-world cultures. The presence of spirits and their influence on life and death and the events of every day is undeniable in many areas of the world. Because of this, people have a very strong fear of controlling spirits and become indebted to them. Their lives are dictated by the traditions associated with their religion, not because religion is an invention of man, but because they must appease the spirits. This enslavement is driven by a very real and valid fear of real spirits who oppress.
All of this is sometimes hard to imagine from a North American perspective. Satan also enslaves us, but from a standpoint of denial. We have a hard time acknowledging that the spiritual world actually exists. Satan’s control of our lives often comes from convincing us that that there is no spiritual battle. Therefore we become apathetic.
Satan’s strategy in animistic cultures, however, is the opposite. Everything is driven by fear. It is in this setting that God has called me to work. This raises the question; how am I, an apathetic North American, going to convince a culture that is ruled by fear that God is more powerful than the spirits that they serve? The good news is that it really isn’t my job to do the convincing. But, in my attempt to be a worker worth her wages, I have to make my life worthy of the sacrifice of Jesus. God must be so real in my life that He clearly outshines the demons in theirs. I must have such a strong faith in Christ and His redeeming love that the demons shriek in horror.
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) This scripture must become my life-verse. Lord, please remove my apathy and replace it with zeal for you and for the furthering of your kingdom.
Later on, a man named Andrew Lang, who is described as “Tylor’s favorite pupil,” came to some conclusions of his own. You see, Lang was a strong supporter of Tylor’s theories, but he was soon to encounter strong, undeniable opposition. When Lang read a letter sent home by a missionary, celebrating the fact that the people the missionary had been sent to reach already had an idea of a “Creator God,” his ideas were immediately challenged. However, he vehemently opposed the idea of monotheism preceding native polytheism, or animism and began to publish more works and speak publicly supporting Tylor’s theory
Another strong supporter of Tylor, Wilhelm Schmidt, was spurred on by the fact that Lang’s ideas were not accepted by the scholarly community. So, he dedicated himself to the study of the subject, with the idea of proving Tylor and Lang correct. He found the evidence to be strongly in opposition to Tylor’s theory. It seemed that “native monotheism” was alive and well and had, in actuality, preceded the idea of animism. Schmidt ended up publishing 4,000 pages of evidence in 12 volumes supporting the fact that monotheism had actually preceded animism.
This anthropological victory got me thinking. Animism is alive and well in most third-world cultures. The presence of spirits and their influence on life and death and the events of every day is undeniable in many areas of the world. Because of this, people have a very strong fear of controlling spirits and become indebted to them. Their lives are dictated by the traditions associated with their religion, not because religion is an invention of man, but because they must appease the spirits. This enslavement is driven by a very real and valid fear of real spirits who oppress.
All of this is sometimes hard to imagine from a North American perspective. Satan also enslaves us, but from a standpoint of denial. We have a hard time acknowledging that the spiritual world actually exists. Satan’s control of our lives often comes from convincing us that that there is no spiritual battle. Therefore we become apathetic.
Satan’s strategy in animistic cultures, however, is the opposite. Everything is driven by fear. It is in this setting that God has called me to work. This raises the question; how am I, an apathetic North American, going to convince a culture that is ruled by fear that God is more powerful than the spirits that they serve? The good news is that it really isn’t my job to do the convincing. But, in my attempt to be a worker worth her wages, I have to make my life worthy of the sacrifice of Jesus. God must be so real in my life that He clearly outshines the demons in theirs. I must have such a strong faith in Christ and His redeeming love that the demons shriek in horror.
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) This scripture must become my life-verse. Lord, please remove my apathy and replace it with zeal for you and for the furthering of your kingdom.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Stranger Things...
A few short years ago, I knew very little about the continent of Africa. I had a friend who had discipled me in high school who was a missionary there, but I had no other ties to that part of the world. It is strange now to think of all the ties I have over there. In fact, at this very moment, I have many friends, and even family traveling and serving God in Africa. Emily, Katie, and Emily’s parents are on a trip in Nigeria (Cameroon’s neighbor and close cultural cousin). They are doing medical work and helping out some of the long term missionaries who serve there. Sharon is serving with the Freisens in Big Bekondo, Cameroon, teaching their daughter Rachel and gaining some valuable insight into linguistics along the way. I am sure that her help is invaluable to the Scots and Freisens, who are in Big Bekondo long-term. Robyn is visiting Northern Cameroon with a group of North Americans and Ray and Paula, some friends of mine who are opening up a new field in the far north. Pray for them as they travel the area, praying 5 times a day and hoping to form some relationships with Muslims. And you know that my parents are in Cameroon. They are with my good friends Barry and Desma, and new friends Nathan and Laurel. And of course there are all the missionaries that I met in Cameroon.
What is really strange though, is the tie that I feel with the Baka pygmies of Southern Cameroon. I used to look at pictures of people like the Baka, who live the same way that they lived thousands of years ago, who would be called savage and uncivilized, people who you see in National Geographic. In fact, the Baka were featured in National Geographic several years ago. Now, when I look back at old pictures and home video of the people that I got to spend so much time with, I wonder at that strange world that God brought me to and has caused me to love so much, and I even wonder if He will really allow me to go back and continue to work toward accomplishing the Great Commission among them. Stranger things have happened.
What is really strange though, is the tie that I feel with the Baka pygmies of Southern Cameroon. I used to look at pictures of people like the Baka, who live the same way that they lived thousands of years ago, who would be called savage and uncivilized, people who you see in National Geographic. In fact, the Baka were featured in National Geographic several years ago. Now, when I look back at old pictures and home video of the people that I got to spend so much time with, I wonder at that strange world that God brought me to and has caused me to love so much, and I even wonder if He will really allow me to go back and continue to work toward accomplishing the Great Commission among them. Stranger things have happened.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Food Staples
This seemed like an interesting idea at first, but I think I might have gone overboard. The following are lists of different uses, mostly edible, of rice and corn respectively. Though this may be a boring read, it is interactive, so feel free to add to the list (in the comments section). I thought of adding lists for cassava and wheat, but that would have gotten even more tedious. Thanks for putting up with my attempt at generating an idea for a blog entry.
Rice
Boiled rice
Steamed rice
Rice cakes
Rice crispies
Sticky rice
Rice milk
Rice noodles
Fried rice
Rice crispy treats
Chicken and rice soup
Puffed rice
Rice cereal
Sushi
Rice pudding
Rice wine vinegar
Horchata
Sake
Rice paper
Corn
Corn bread
Corn on the cob
Fufu
Grits
Sweet corn
Corn tortillas
Corn chowder
Maize
Corn whiskey
Tamales
Corn pops
Hush puppies
Corn starch
Corn syrup
Popcorn
Corn oil
Corn chips
Corn flakes
Rice
Boiled rice
Steamed rice
Rice cakes
Rice crispies
Sticky rice
Rice milk
Rice noodles
Fried rice
Rice crispy treats
Chicken and rice soup
Puffed rice
Rice cereal
Sushi
Rice pudding
Rice wine vinegar
Horchata
Sake
Rice paper
Corn
Corn bread
Corn on the cob
Fufu
Grits
Sweet corn
Corn tortillas
Corn chowder
Maize
Corn whiskey
Tamales
Corn pops
Hush puppies
Corn starch
Corn syrup
Popcorn
Corn oil
Corn chips
Corn flakes
Monday, January 02, 2006
Distant Memories
Have you ever noticed how easily places and times are forgotten? I watched a movie set in Africa tonight. The Africa that was portrayed was much different than the Africa that I know, but it occurred to me that I have forgotten many of the details of my time there. Some images are harder to forget, because I have pictures to remind me, but many events, smells, tastes, and sounds get pushed back into the recesses of the memory until they are rarely recalled. Little things bring back memories. The taste of groundnut soup with friends a few months ago helped me to remember treasured time around the dinner table with friends. The smell of certain illegal substances on the clothing of some of my patients reminds me of the thick mélange of scents that would waft into my bedroom window each morning, and of the voices of Baka men, women, and children sharing a bit of daybreak family time around the fire. The sound and feel of the wind and rain today (though miniscule when compared to Cameroonian rain), reminds me of rainy season and the thunderous sound of water hitting the thin tin roof. The sight of malnourished children on TV and sick kids in my ER prompts me to pray for the starving children in the Baka camp and wonder at how conditions can be improved for them.
That brings up an interesting point. Many of my memories are fond and pleasant, but some are just the opposite. I long to return to Cameroon, but it is not the warm memories that draw me, but the desire to see God glorified among the Baka. I remember the faces of so many Baka who have died, so many sick children, so many lives that are imprisoned by spiritual slavery. God doesn’t just remember them. He knows them each by name and has the hairs on their heads numbered. And He loves each of them so dearly. Lord, please continue to put a little of Your heart in mine and grow in me a love for all of the people that you love so much.
That brings up an interesting point. Many of my memories are fond and pleasant, but some are just the opposite. I long to return to Cameroon, but it is not the warm memories that draw me, but the desire to see God glorified among the Baka. I remember the faces of so many Baka who have died, so many sick children, so many lives that are imprisoned by spiritual slavery. God doesn’t just remember them. He knows them each by name and has the hairs on their heads numbered. And He loves each of them so dearly. Lord, please continue to put a little of Your heart in mine and grow in me a love for all of the people that you love so much.
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