tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86682649096892572832024-03-13T07:06:20.839-04:00Ghana Africa Adoption, Mission, and Family Blog - BB BitsGhana Africa Adoption and Family Blog - BB BitsBloggin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782008123654749037noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-5232464249532815522016-07-25T17:27:00.001-04:002016-07-25T17:27:08.119-04:00Seattle Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">So many emotions as I've traveled with Mason to propose to Rebecca. The past few days have revealed so much. Twenty-one years ago, Reid proposed to me unexpectedly. He had bought the ring, and he had a plan for the perfect way to ask me to marry him. However, it all unraveled and he couldn't wait. Reid ended up proposing in a way he hadn't planned. It was not one for the "romantic proposal ideas," BUT he redeemed it 10 years later to-the-day as we were walking down the beach in SC. He bent down on one knee and re-proposed! And, I said "YES" all over again!!!!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Now, after spending the past few days with Mason, I completely understand why Reid couldn't wait! And, I think it's made me love my husband EVEN MORE! Wow! I'm on a plane home from Seattle, and so excited about seeing him and the rest of our boys!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I'm thankful for Reid who has loved me well. I'm thankful to his parents, Jane and Reid Beebe Jr., and my parents, Robbie and Janet Franklin, who modeled marriage before we said, "I do." Today, I'm thankful for Chris and Carianne Meystrik who have also lived out committed marriage. The vows, "For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness, and in health. 'Til death do we part," were on display for Reid and I growing up, and now Mason and Rebecca have also witnessed Christ-centered commitment in marriage as they become engaged.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">After Mason officially set in motion his plans to propose, there were many emotions within our home. Our boys are really tight, and adding a new sister, though very exciting, changes the dynamics of the family. On Sunday morning, Mason left a beautifully written letter on the table expressing his love for our family and acknowledgement for the emotions swirling in our home. That afternoon, all of our family wrote letters to Mason and left them on the table for him to read when he came home from work. In the letters written, everyone shared how excited they were and Braden even asked for me to take pictures! (That's one thing the boys usually despise!) It was precious to see everyone's heart fill with anticipation as words of blessing were left for Mason to read as he set off on this surprise proposal!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">During his packing, Mason expressed how he wanted everything to be perfect. He laid out his "proposal outfit" from head to toe. He made sure that his belt and shoes matched. He kept walking through the house saying sporadically, "I'm so excited! I'm so excited!"</span></div>
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<span class="s1">As I traveled with him to Seattle, God allowed me a glimpse into his love for Rebecca. Mason let me listen to his love song playlist on his iPod telling me which song was "their song." As we sat together on the plane, he said, "Oh my gosh! This just keeps making me break out into a smile! I can't believe I'm going to be engaged!" I couldn't help grinning alongside him!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">On our long flight from Charlotte to Seattle, Mason pulled out pen and paper. All of this was going to be a complete surprise for Rebecca, and the reason for flying to Seattle was because all of her family was there to board a cruise ship today. Knowing that Mason would propose, then be separated from Rebecca for the next 8 days, he quietly wrote eight personal letters addressed to "my fiancé, Rebecca Meystrik. " She would have one letter for each of the eight days they would be apart. Oh my! As a mom, can I share how wonderful that was to see? Mason's desire is the same as his father's - to love his wife well! Precious!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Wednesday morning, Mason was nervous beyond words. He put on his tie and jacket, then asked, "Does everything look ok?" Driving to the hotel to pop the question, he recalled the line of a song in his "love song playlist" that talked about getting onto interstate 5 to go home - and we were getting on Interstate 5!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Once we arrived at the hotel, Chris Meystrik, Rebecca's dad came downstairs to meet us. (Mason and Chris have a wonderful relationship and Mason has sought his permission for each step of this relationship, from dating to proposing. It was fitting that he and Carianne help pull off this surprise.) Chris had found a perfect place in the lobby of the hotel, arranged for a wheelchair ramp to be set up for Carianne, connived with his JTV coworkers to record the moment, and tricked Jacob, Graceanne, and Jonathan into thinking that they were coming downstairs for a meeting about the trip! Unbelievable!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Everything was set to go... T minus 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Mason kept getting more and more nervous. Mason paced and paced. He sat down. He stood up. He went over what he planned to say. He said if he talked loud maybe his voice wouldn't shake. He paced some more. He went over what he planned to say one more time. He tried to call his dad and Franklin for moral support but left messages instead. He sat down. He got up.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Chris sent the text to come upstairs...</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Deep breath!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Mason stepped onto the escalator. He walked up behind Rebecca and said her name. She turned around puzzled, surprised, and speechless. Mason said everything he had planned though his knees and his voice were shaking. His words were heartfelt, true, romantic, and beautiful. Again, as a mom, my tears rolled because of his honest transparency!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">After Mason sank down to one knee, and asked, "Rebecca Rae Meystrik, will you marry me?" She said, "Yes!" They hugged and kissed and hugged! There was not a dry eye in the room. Then Mason gently slid the ring on her finger. Oh my! It's official!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Everyone congratulated and celebrated both of them! Mason glowed and Rebecca beamed! Young love ready to face the world together! Beautiful! Mason said to Rebecca, "Now I can call you my fiancé!" SO SWEET!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">On this trip I've learned that Mason wants to have a wedding band tattooed on his left ring finger to wear under his ring because he wants something that will never come off. This will be a symbol of his lifetime commitment. As a mom, I've never wanted any of our boys to get tattoos but I sure can't argue with the meaning of this one!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Some people may wonder, why does Robin share these things? I want people to know there are still beautiful things in this world. There are still significant moments to share as a mother and son. There is still romance full of surprises! There are still moments when you don't need to have everything figured out, but can move forward with confidence knowing God is leading you! There is still enormous nervousness when marriage is viewed as a lifetime commitment. There are still relationships where the male makes no assumptions, but respects the role of a daughter's father to bring wisdom to the relationship. There are still Christ-centered couples that seek to honor God in all they do.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In this chaotic world, there is still beauty and much to celebrate!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">"Every good and perfect gift comes from God, the Father of Lights, with whom there is no shifting shadow."</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Congratulations Rebecca and Mason! We are thrilled for you!</span></div>
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Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317721340312327192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-69237874987414407202016-01-15T09:58:00.003-05:002016-01-15T09:58:52.845-05:00Manhood - Saddened By the Current MessageBe watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. I Corinthians 16:13<br /><br />What happened to Chivalry? Honor? Dedication to country? Courage? <br /><br />Last night, I attended a meeting about financing college. As talk about the FASFA started, one of the requirements was shared and received a surprising negative response. The requirement is for males over the age of 18 to register for selective service - previously known as the draft. One of the males behind me said shrewdly, “If they want me…they can find me.” <br /><br />Honestly, I tried to wrap my head around the fact that all of the people in the room were trying to figure out how to receive the MOST money from the government to pay for college. However, the overriding tone of sentiment was people did not want to register for the draft or have their sons do so. Wait a minute… Let me get this straight… People want money from the government, but would not want to defend, fight or protect our country. If there is a possible time where people are needed to stand for the United States of America, the people in the room last night seemed to desire to prefer to run and hide. I don’t understand this. What happened to raising men of courage over cowards? <br /><br />I was also very aware of the number of women seated on the tile floor, while men around them sat snugly in comfortable chairs. As one of the women on the floor, I can honestly say that I noticed. I realized how the respect for women has changed. When I came home, I told my husband about it. I’m thankful to be married to a man who would still always give up his seat for a woman. Hopefully, we have sons who would do the same. <br /><br />Raising five boys, I guess I’m overly aware of the message these things send to them. Our prayer for the men we are raising is that they will be godly men… that they will always be willing to stand and fight for justice and righteousness… that they would speak for those who have no voice… that they would love others well… that they would give up their comfort for another… that they would lead with servant hearts surrendered to Christ. <br /><br />In the words of Theodore Roosevelt:<br /><br />It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. (1910)<br /><br />"...There is not a young man in this country who has fought, or an old man who has seen those dear to him fight, who does not wish to minimize the chance of future war.” (1919)Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-74399190204863458292014-04-30T07:11:00.001-04:002014-04-30T07:11:26.866-04:00Our Daily BlessingGuest Blogger: Victoria Vazquez, Age 18 years<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">victoriaevazquez.blogspot.com</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have no words to even fathom the last week and a half. I have tried to write this blog post a million times and currently I am asking for God to give me words when I have none...</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Last Thursday night, we went out for a market outreach. My heart was heavy as we pulled in and I saw many children living by themselves in this tough environment. There was a young , pregnant girl being dragged away by her abusive boyfriend. There were many fights breaking out among boys my age. There were children having to appear tough because the older boys would brutally pick on them...</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Meet Emmanuel. He is a young boy who lives in the market. He and an older boy of age 12 have partnered together in the hope of helping each other survive. When we arrived with meals to eat, this boy ate for the first time in many days. We went to the market with two orphanages, GMI and Nyame Dua. One of the boys from Nyame Dua heard Emmanuel's story and gave Emmanuel two cedis. That was all Zubel, the boy from Nyame Dua, had. I am reminded of the story of the widow who gave all she had and Jesus said that she gave more than all the other rich people because it was everything she owned... What a humbling experience. What more can I give, because I certainly have not given everything I have? What more can we, the American church, give to the rest of the world? The answer is very straight forward: We can give so much more...</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gTKJEKm1Z0s4Q0JD9JYU2iFPQmVNr9cYdgU4NITn10FCSJqNYaNW6kO3tgdXpGcvByef13f6y-dqPT2tH3ZNWqAdLkogSqnYTYmNklEKnzhZero9CEWts3jKQUPm3u8lJIHsvdQyZvux/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gTKJEKm1Z0s4Q0JD9JYU2iFPQmVNr9cYdgU4NITn10FCSJqNYaNW6kO3tgdXpGcvByef13f6y-dqPT2tH3ZNWqAdLkogSqnYTYmNklEKnzhZero9CEWts3jKQUPm3u8lJIHsvdQyZvux/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Meet Grace. Her parents are pastors and she sings in her church choir. She was at the market looking for answers to life. She wanted to be "cool". So many are fooled by the allusions of freedom, when in reality these children are then bound by the chains of starvation and abuse. I was able to talk to Grace and tell her the precious gift of family that she has. She agreed to continue in her church and to stay with her family. Grace said I was like a sister to her and the only sister she ever had was deceased. Her sister was named Victoria... What a powerful moment. We never know how God can use our words, even in our weakness, to impact other's lives.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSk3r0MKBMhLeRBVbZehRM4DNo-5dCbgBUpg4hFrNRnZCd7JnH_2uaeMDnkLgMRfAfTyHUy7C2Y2RVRL03QkyEA_iTd8OxBTSosf-ZH7O1M1gGU_nMPOC4ZNVC8O6eaujQUivt4qRanve/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSk3r0MKBMhLeRBVbZehRM4DNo-5dCbgBUpg4hFrNRnZCd7JnH_2uaeMDnkLgMRfAfTyHUy7C2Y2RVRL03QkyEA_iTd8OxBTSosf-ZH7O1M1gGU_nMPOC4ZNVC8O6eaujQUivt4qRanve/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">(Grace is far right)</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Two days after this market outreach, we received terrible news. That Saturday morning, one of the Feeding the Orphans sponsored children had been admitted to the hospital. He was a precious baby named Atsu and he was only 15 months old. They would not treat him, though he needed urgent attention, until there was money. Since his mother, Esther, had no money, she was left watching her son get sicker and sicker. Later that day, money arrived, and they did all they could do to save this little boy... But his heart stopped and the BEST teaching hospital in the COUNTRY did not have the BASIC instruments in the EMERGENCY Children's ward to notice his stopped heart or do anything about it. Mr. Ochs tried CPR on this little baby, but Atsu went into his Heavenly Father's arms that night. Atsu's brother, Etse, was admitted to the hospital that day with the same symptoms. We praise God because He is doing better, but the loss of Atsu is still heavy on many hearts.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVDd4O5Jflj72k3iVyQ7LRgPbgYyFWxpu2DSH5ca_AyrBJ55JNvJE9yVDnizq8fkdm9KOARTVvjWMYN2jRGtOSgiDvnR5my5nrsOcirk69dqb6fveS3YhPb9l6JL5sfraS1znD6oTe_GD/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVDd4O5Jflj72k3iVyQ7LRgPbgYyFWxpu2DSH5ca_AyrBJ55JNvJE9yVDnizq8fkdm9KOARTVvjWMYN2jRGtOSgiDvnR5my5nrsOcirk69dqb6fveS3YhPb9l6JL5sfraS1znD6oTe_GD/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eQ2R9VkVdv6GgadNuc1drlDyM5WfRlKlZ5aW14JFQFelmPU2eU93IYENsA-EFgeAaZiMVNqWBndSI2eK4Qx6vSzNqIH4mjHIpCgSmsGwLTT7LPmHiR9GaEUv5IL6UpUpHa0A22wP7FgK/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eQ2R9VkVdv6GgadNuc1drlDyM5WfRlKlZ5aW14JFQFelmPU2eU93IYENsA-EFgeAaZiMVNqWBndSI2eK4Qx6vSzNqIH4mjHIpCgSmsGwLTT7LPmHiR9GaEUv5IL6UpUpHa0A22wP7FgK/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcjky5xLOSL3xfisBu9-4cTc37OxKpYp-z2Gk4Ptqn-a_M15fkHLggYxD5-B9MU8JBGmLLnOVKlzLntja6L40YYdWpblzyqtC5nxHU9L3jmnXyS7zQppi5tnEEB3ifNxJmkG5tHbG6Ygl/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcjky5xLOSL3xfisBu9-4cTc37OxKpYp-z2Gk4Ptqn-a_M15fkHLggYxD5-B9MU8JBGmLLnOVKlzLntja6L40YYdWpblzyqtC5nxHU9L3jmnXyS7zQppi5tnEEB3ifNxJmkG5tHbG6Ygl/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Esther told us in the hospital that if it had not been for God bringing Feeding the Orphans into her life, she would not even be alive. Now she works making different things that are sold by Feeding the Orphans to support herself and her two, now one, baby boy. </span><o:p style="background-color: white;"><br /></o:p><span style="background-color: white;">A week later, we received awful news that my pastor had died tragically the night before. Once more, I was face to face with the concept of death. I did not know how to fathom it and I still have no idea how to grasp it all... All I recall is simply holding on to Reid and Robin and crying. Pastor Robert was by far the best pastor I've ever had. His jokes, wisdom, and realness were things I greatly admired. He was always welcoming during my random pop-ups in the church office. He is missed and the loss of His life is heavy on my heart. Community Bible Church has become my church family in so many ways and in every extent. I long to mourn and grieve with my family in this, but I know God has placed me on the other side of the world during this time for a reason. So instead of asking why, I ask God what He is teaching me with this.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><img src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1506626_1383889048498401_1994793467_n.jpg" style="padding: 8px;" /> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Two days later, it was time for little Atsu's burial. Due to the fact that white people had been seen, the process of obtaining this little boy's body had been made much more complicated so that more people would have the opportunity to be bribed. After this affair, it was finally time for a moment I had been dreading. We were to obtain the body and it would ride in the car with us to the burial site...</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I went with Reid and Mason to the morgue (the doctor had called it The Freezer). The morgue was just a couple run-down buildings with a constant smell. After an hour of waiting in this place, we were able to obtain Atsu's body and drive to meet everyone else. As we rode to the other side of this huge hospital, all I could think of was the fact that there was a dead baby in the same car as me. My stomach churned and stayed in a knot the rest of the day.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">The cemetery was not a respected place. Many just hung out there and I assumed they were waiting for jobs to dig more graves... We wept as Atsu was lowered into the ground and covered with trash-filled dirt. The cries of sweet Esther, Atsu's mother, are so vivid in my memory. My heart is so heavy at the loss of Atsu, but the pain she is experiencing is at another level that I cannot understand...</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Right in the middle of this week, I celebrated my 18th birthday. My precious family here made the day quite special. Throughout the day, I constantly wondered how I could get the joy of celebrating 18 years, when Atsu barely got 1...</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcHeVgsZq_SgIGp0pWOQWfLePeUNXn551OdRcyOsgyPuu-H1C0A5xonCuVORMsxFLUerIXuxTBK7hdo0oXRahTYBQEm19UwAAsT-cVyygaxSr_DjTLX3n1YGfzIBf7Gv4lIa9jiGPJSHo/s1600/IMG_2936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcHeVgsZq_SgIGp0pWOQWfLePeUNXn551OdRcyOsgyPuu-H1C0A5xonCuVORMsxFLUerIXuxTBK7hdo0oXRahTYBQEm19UwAAsT-cVyygaxSr_DjTLX3n1YGfzIBf7Gv4lIa9jiGPJSHo/s1600/IMG_2936.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">God has taught me the reality of how short our life on Earth is. He has shown me that at any moment, that life can come to an end. He has also shown me that I need to be raw and real with Him because He understands me better than I can understand myself. He has also begun to reveal the calling for my life. My desire to give my whole life to Him has grown in astounding ways.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">God has given us all the blessing in that His plans are much better than ours. In the big ways, like death, or in the small ways. Yesterday we learned this in our day that didn't go as planned. The day consisted of 5 hours in market traffic and only 20 minutes out in the market. We experienced the joy of seeing an excited face of a Feeding the Orphans lady when we bought her new sewing machine. We saw the heartbreak in young girls carrying lots of weight on their heads and the heartbreak of young hawkers who should have been in school. We also experienced joy in simply spending time together.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">This week was also my last week of teaching at Faith Roots International Academy. The bond I have made with the teachers and students there is so sweet. These kids and staff have taken a special place in my heart. I know I will miss them terribly. Their passion to learn and overcome is something that I admire. God has taught me a lot and humbled me in even more ways with these sweet kids. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMSJpcxIpW-mGt83y3ip8YvbbG_M0iimWddg4lt0aDLbISTHXCta_QPjlbWBW2YbbVNhNCPUAP0HmluMlUs-YM7xa5qDjlT5Sl4ceGasp2l8v3Deb0DZAKf1b0LmP3uxgA9407_oAbq7O/s1600/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMSJpcxIpW-mGt83y3ip8YvbbG_M0iimWddg4lt0aDLbISTHXCta_QPjlbWBW2YbbVNhNCPUAP0HmluMlUs-YM7xa5qDjlT5Sl4ceGasp2l8v3Deb0DZAKf1b0LmP3uxgA9407_oAbq7O/s1600/IMG_2885.JPG" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Every day is a gift, but it is our choice whether we use that gift to glorify God. I am at peace because I know little Atsu and our dear Pastor Robert are in Heaven. They have renewed strength and are soaring high with wings like eagles in my Heavenly Father's arms. God is good, ALL THE TIME, He is good, for His ways our much higher than ours. He loves us with a love no one can fathom and the hurt of the world is something He has seen since the beginning of creation! He is giving me the gift to see this hurt and to have my heart break like His, so that I can go and glorify Him with a passion that comes from above. I love my Heavenly Father so much and without Him, I would be nothing. I praise Him because He experienced the greatest tragedy of all: Jesus' death on a cross, so that I, who constantly fail Him, can be forgiven. WOW!!! To God be the glory, forever and ever.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /></span>Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-41514163668158003512014-04-10T12:47:00.000-04:002014-04-10T12:49:43.329-04:00A Commandment, Not A Calling<br />
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Guest Blogger: Victoria Vazquez, Age 18 years</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">What would happen if, as Christians, we all got up and made disciples of all nations? What would happen if we all went and cared for the least of these? What if we fed orphans and gave them homes? If each one of us who claim to be Christians proceeded to go, as we are called, then there wouldn't be thousands of fatherless, starving children... The bible tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. It tells us to care for the widows, orphans, and the least of these. It tells EVERYONE to go and do this. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have always lived in America with a mindset that I was not American. I did not believe myself to belong to a culture that always wanted more. I did not want to belong to a culture that had a passion for comfort. My heart would break as I was reminded of the starving children in the world and my overflowing table. I would be reminded of the fatherless children and the way I many times took my own father for granted... So now I am in Ghana and I feel more American than ever before because I feel as if I am not doing enough to share the love of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have been pushed beyond my borders in my fears, hopes, failures, and everything one can think of. I have cried and wept for a hug from home thinking I could not take on anymore. I have curled up in the arms of my Heavenly Father countless times seeking a comfort and peace that only He could provide. But there are others who die for professing the Gospel... There are others who are persecuted, killed, tortured... I want to do more, but honestly I do not believe I can take on anymore. In reality, I could not even take on this trip in itself. God has shown me that I am no longer in control, but have to render control to Him, the Great I Am; and honestly, I would have it no other way.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">A few weeks ago, the older Beebe boys and I stayed at Nyame Dua, an orphanage in a rural village. We were able to love on the children there and play with them. It was a blessing to be the hands and feet of Jesus there. The night we stayed there the power went out. I recall already being a little freaked out to sleep in a room by myself with the Muslim prayer call going off right outside my window, so this power outage was NOT in my plans. We sat outside in the dark night with the kids and watched the bright lightening in the sky. This was the same beautiful sky in America. God is the same there as He is here. That night I rested peacefully knowing that no matter what was to come the same God who had taken care of me all my life would continue to take care of me in Ghana.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The next day was one of tremendous humility and heartbreak. We were able to visit a little girl named Victoria who has a powerful story. Let me tell you about Victoria...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Victoria's grandmother was carrying baby Victoria when she fell into the sewage-filled gutter. The grandmother continued to have problems after the fall, so it was assumed that little Victoria was a witch who had caused this turmoil. Victoria was not fed by her mother and grandmother; they would simply send her out to collect water sachets to sell and feed them. While Victoria was out collecting and doing this gruesome work, she would beg for food to survive. Victoria has since then been sponsored and now attends school. Victoria has hope now!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">When we went to visit Victoria, we asked to see her school. As we walked through the village to see her school, she was sneered at. Many did not believe someone as poor as her deserved to even walk with "Obruni's", white people. As she was sneered and jested, the little girl did not say a word; she took the abuse silently. This little girl has a tremendous story of despair yet full of hope... A young girl with the same name as I, a totally different story, but loved and cherished by the same Almighty God!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">After returning to Nyame Dua, we asked a beautiful thirteen year old, named Sophia, if she would share her story. She responded with silent tears. She could not even fathom to put her story to words because there was so much pain from her past. She is only thirteen years old... I do not know her story, but I can see the pain and hurt that still haunt her. This young girl is now sponsored and attends school! During my stay at Nyame Dua, I was able to go and see the classroom where my young friend learns. I was also able to help her with her schooling. Her passion to learn is extraordinary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Every month, we celebrate the birthdays of the children at the orphanages GMI and Nyame Dua. Something so simple, but yet it makes the kids feel so special. This past Saturday we were able to take the younger kids to the beach for this special celebration. The beach did not have the expected clean, white sand, but on the contrary, it had trash filled waters and a seaweed, trash covered sand. Personally I found it very gross, but yet these children were having a blast! So many times I take that cleanliness for granted, yet these children were thankful for the opportunity to simply swim. WOW!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">As we were at the beach, I watched young Cynthia (13 years old) act as a mother to this little girl. She didn't really know the little girl on her back, but all she knew was that she was crying and needed to be held. When little Sarah fell asleep in Cynthia's arms, Cynthia backed her and that was that. Cynthia is a skinny, 13 year old and to carry a kid on her back for a few hours was extraordinary. I pictured my 13 year old sister back home and realized culture hadn't made her step up like that. The perspective and contrasting pictures were something that made me desire a deeper understanding of Ghanaian culture.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">After the beach, we returned to GMI and simply spent time with the kids. One boy was glued to me for most of the afternoon. This little boy was named Emmanuel. He wrote me a letter and simply talked to me. Emmanuel was used to stir something in my heart that I simply cannot explain. So many kids are like him, tender, sweet, and loving, yet they have no family. How much would it take for us, "The Church", to step up and give a family to these kids? Why can't we depend on God and go for it? I pray that we can not only continue to sponsor children, like my young friend Emmanuel, with food and schooling, but that we can step up and offer a family to them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Being in Ghana has changed my perspective on the world. It is no longer my safe zone to step up only when I am convenienced by it; it is my mission field. And what is my mission? To love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, and soul...and then to love my neighbor as myself. We are called to care for the widows, orphans, and least of these. We are called to go and do something about the brokenness in the world. We are called to care for these children like Emmanuel, Cynthia, Sophia, and Victoria. Followers of Christ, it's time to step up. Let's do something.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, <b><u>of love</u></b>, and of self-discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said, 'Go sell <b><u>everything</u></b> you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -Mark 10:25</span></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-45622464471135774872014-04-10T09:40:00.001-04:002014-04-10T09:40:19.503-04:00What If There's a Bigger Picture?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found this blog post that was written after in January of 2013. (Yes, over 1 1/2 years ago!) Since it was never posted, I thought it would be a treat to look back on God's goodness today. Enjoy...</div>
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My sister, Kelly, and her entire family spent two weeks with us over Christmas. We ministered side-by-side and spend long days together at outreaches, orphanages, and with children in various parts of the country. Having them here was refreshing for us because it was the first time we have had with family in over six months! Oh, it was such blessing to be together.</div>
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Sister and sister</div>
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Father and son (and a baby that needed to be held)</div>
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Cousin and cousin<br />
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The entire time they were here, our family was blessed to serve alongside them. Every day we shared devotions together, we talked about what we were seeing and experiencing together, and at times there were a few tears. Serving the needy at Christmas, in a country where Christmas is "just another day," caused us all to look at the holiday with new vision.<br />
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Christmas Eve, we showed the Jesus Film in a local fishing community, Maamie. This village is located on the borders of the capital city of Ghana, but you would never know it. This community is known for its "free sex night." People come from all over to participate in degrading acts on this night set aside for sin. Sadly, this has caused the village population to be strewn with children many times more numerous than the adults. Most doorways are scattered with 4-6 children to the one mother living in the room. It is a very sad area. During the Jesus Film, hundreds of people gathered for the viewing. Children dressed in rags squatted on the ground to watch the film. A few older children arrived in only their underwear - the image of one older girl in particular, has never left my mind. Kelly was handed a baby as we arrived, and she spent the evening holding a mother's newborn. I sat on the ground with the children - one on top of another. The little ones were fascinated with our skin and kept poking our arms throughout the movie. Even with all the distractions, I prayed. During the film showings, this is my main job - to pray. With Godwin on my lap, and Braden, Sam, and Wes close beside me, I prayed in my spirit for all of the souls around me. At the end of the film, the pastor gave an invitation and many received Christ on Christmas Eve. Friends from Fairview UMC had donated Bibles, and we distributed about 30 to the new Believers. We pray God's presence will ultimately change this community for His Glory.<br />
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On Christmas Day, our families served together all day long. We didn't stop to open gifts in the morning, but we did peek into the stockings Etornam made for all of us! <br />
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Everyone's favorite gift was a new Ghanaian scrubbing sponge!</div>
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On Christmas morning, we served at an <a href="http://mlighana.org/">MLI</a> Outreach back in Maami - the fishing village desperate for Christ. On Christmas morning. we walked through the community inviting people to come to the Outreach - evangelizing as we walked. We played musical chairs with the kids, helped serve a warm meal, played soccer with the kids, helped organize clothing before it was distributed, etc...<br />
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The silly band bracelet from Sam is the only gift these kids will receive on Christmas day.</div>
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Follow Leader Lenusia and dance your heart out!</div>
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What a FUN Christmas Day!</div>
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Wes playing Musical Chairs with all the kids.</div>
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Braden lasted until the very end. He was second in the Musical Chairs Competition!</div>
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John tries to maintain order in the chaos while holding a baby on his hip.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mlighana.org/">MLI</a>'s Wahab and Patrick greet everyone and make the children feel so special!</div>
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Faces of beauty surround us Christmas Morning! What a blessing!</div>
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Walking onto the futbol field. Precious!</div>
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Christmas outfits are rare in Ghana.</div>
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Thankful these children received needed new clothing at the Outreach.<br />
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After leaving the Outreach, we headed to GMI Children's home to spend the afternoon with the kids. Going to an orphanage on Christmas Day was very fitting. What a reminder that God, in His grace and mercy, came down to us and adopted us into his forever family? We are no longer orphans because of Jesus Christ.</div>
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The table is set, the food is served, the Christmas dinner feast is about to begin.</div>
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Zach enjoys the mango. Yum!<br />
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The tiny GMI Christmas tree with a paper star and two ornaments!</div>
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Ryzach and Kofi - overjoyed on this day!</div>
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Blessing and Believe celebrating Christmas!</div>
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Johnson and Cynthia are excited!</div>
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The beautiful gift from the O'Leary family was on display. It is a collage of all the children from GMI who have been adopted and are now home with their families. Precious!</div>
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The way boys play! Flying!</div>
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Christmas dinner - pineapple, mango, rice, chicken, and avocado! Wow!</div>
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Mason and Peter - big buddies! Always!</div>
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All of the children received new hand-sewn outfits from <a href="http://www.feedingtheorphans.org/">Feeding the Orphans</a>. Thanks to everyone who sponsored kids this Christmas!! What a blessing to receive a new dress. You made it possible!</div>
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Through the generosity of God's people, gifts were given to everyone at GMI.</div>
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Every child, no matter the age, received a gift.</div>
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Every auntie and those working in the home received a gift.</div>
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Everyone in this home felt the love of Jesus on this special day.</div>
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I've never seen so much JOY!</div>
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Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son. </div>
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His love abounded today.</div>
Everyone was blessed!<br />
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All of the children were so happy. Sylvester held his new blanket as a cherished gift and loved his new Christmas outfit, thanks to <a href="http://www.feedingtheorphans.org/">FTO</a>.<br />
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This Christmas was set apart from every other one in my life. The only one that could vaguely compare was when Reid's father, his sister and her husband and Reid and I stood in a soup kitchen serving the homeless on Christmas day. We'd skipped opening gifts to go out and serve others. That day was 16 years ago. We've enjoyed our friends from downtown spending the last three Christmas's with us in our home, but being in the soup kitchen 16 years ago is the only Christmas I can remember going OUT to serve others.<br />
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On this Christmas day, we spent all day OUT serving others. Our family had been immersed in poverty serving the least of these. We had been blessed to experience it with my sister and her family. The children in Maamie had so little. Yes, we had served them warm food today, but what about tomorrow? The nearly naked children received needed clothing. But what about when they outgrow it? For the children who received Christ, who will take them to church? Who will encourage them to grow in the Lord? Who will train them and equip them? <br />
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As it was time to depart GMI, all of my emotions came to the surface. While at the orphanage, my mind raced to thoughts of my own boys and tucking them in, Will the children here be tucked in on Christmas night? Will someone kiss them on the forehead and tell them each Jesus loves them? Will they be told they are special and created for a purpose? Will these children know the depth of the love of Jesus?<br />
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The children in Maamie and the children at GMI all received a Christmas gift, but the tears silently dripping down my face made me realize that the ultimate gift every child needs is the gift of Jesus. No earthly provision compares to the eternal gift of a life with God. Rust and moths will ultimately destroy everything of this world. Nothing else lasts. Only Jesus is forever.<br />
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I didn't want to leave the orphanage. I wanted to stay and tuck the children in. I wanted to tell them more of the Christmas story. I did not want to leave them as orphans. (John 14:18) It hurt to walk through the gate and step into the car.<br />
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Everyone else must have felt it too, because it was a long, quiet ride back home. I wondered what everyone was thinking, but I was wrestling with my own thoughts so I never asked.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">What if there’s a bigger picture?<br /><a href="http://www.sweetslyrics.com/Matthew%20West.html" style="color: #dadada; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 6px;">Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com</span></a><br />What if I’m missing out?<br />What if there’s a greater purpose<br />That I could be living right now<br />Outside my own little world oooh, ooh<br />My own little world woooh<br /><br />Father break my heart for what breaks Yours<br />Give me open hands and open doors<br />Put Your Light in my eyes and let me see<br />That my own little world is not about me<br /><br />What if there’s a bigger picture?<br />What if I’m missing out?<br />What if there’s a greater purpose<br />That I could be living right now<br />I don't wanna miss what matters<br />I wanna be reaching out<br />Show me the greater purpose<br />So I can start living right now<br />Outside my own little world whoo<br />My own little world yeah yeah<br />My own little world whoo whoo<br />Woooaah<br />Wooah<br />Wooah</span></div>
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Today, April 10, 2014 - After Kelly and John returned home, their hearts continued to break for the least of these children. They are now pursuing the adoption of a little boy, Gobi, from Uganda. We are praying for everything to happen quickly so he can come home to them soon. It will be a blessing for God to grow our family, yet again, with another child through adoption. We praise Him!</div>
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What is there is a bigger picture that my own little world?</div>
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<i>The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. </i></div>
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<i>Psalm 33:11 </i></div>
<br />Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-25560783969828588242014-03-04T16:58:00.001-05:002014-03-04T16:58:11.147-05:00Our God, A Mighty WarriorFriends, our apologies for the massive absence from our blog. There are plenty of excuses we could list, but most would appear unbelievable to people who have never lived in a 3rd world country. We truly have been overwhelmed, and it there has not been time to write.<br />
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Our God is moving and He is doing great things. We praise Him for everything. However, we have been facing some challenges that have also been distracting. At times, I find it hard to consolidate my thoughts into anything that makes sense. Tonight, for the first time, Victoria Vazquez will be sharing her experiences from her first 13 days in Ghana. She will be living with our family through the end of April. We rejoice Victoria is with us, and look forward to everything God will do in her life while she is here. Victoria, the Beebe family welcomes you to the "adventure of missions." <br />
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Guest Blogger: Victoria Vazquez, age 17 years<br />
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I have restarted this post so many times. I do not have words for the emotions overwhelming me and the thoughts racing through my mind. I simply let the Lord write my words and pray that He is glorified in this post. Today is Day 13 of my stay in Ghana, and I shall rewrite the devotion for this day given to be by a dear friend: <br /><strong><em>Many times in life we try to fight our own fights and try to win with our own power. But all Christ asks of us is to be still. Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." If we just trust in Him and be still, He will provide. </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /> As followers of Christ, we are always in a battle because Satan constantly attacks us. Here in Ghana the battle is exposed because there is no American dream to mask it. I have been a witness to people's battles with poverty, injustice, and starvation. The hurt and pain these people undergo everyday is devastating. <br /><br /> Today I went with some cadets for their practice, as they will be in an Independence Day parade Thursday. I boarded a school bus, which is a giant van, and went into a town with these kids. Since I am white, many school children flocked me the entire time; however, this is normal. There was one girl who constantly kept asking me for food. There was also her sister with a case of Down Syndrome who was running around with only a raggedy shirt to wear. As I asked, it came to my knowledge that these girls' parents could not afford to send them to school and they were both very hungry. When the little girl saw the bus leaving and realized we could not give her any food, her little face cried and cried. The boy, who was with my school, whom had translated for me told me his story as well. He had a younger brother, but their mother could only afford to send one of them to school (him). His father had died and now he had a stepdad who came home angry and would harm them... As I write this, my heart breaks; is this reality? However, God is taking care of them and I will be used by Him to love and help as many children as possible in my time here on Earth. <br />
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<br /> Previously, I had partaken in Feeding the Orphans food deliveries to families. One place we went to deliver food was built on trash and sewage.... Human beings lived in this filthy place... However, it was beautiful to see the hope some of these people had. Christ was their hope!<br /><br />
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<br /> There was also a little boy that we visited in the hospital who was suffering from kidney failure. He was found alone in the hospital and had to be transferred to the best hospital in Ghana or would have died. I praise God because He is the greatest Healer of all who are taking care of Emmanuel (the little boy). I was able to visit him in this new hospital and was shocked. The best hospital in Ghana looked like a hospital in America from the 1920's. There was no sense of hygiene, personal space, running water, or even up-to-date procedures/instruments. I questioned how anyone could possible receive care in a place like that... Then I had to take a trip to the hospital.<br /><br /> Last Friday night, I was bit by a two-headed baby snake. I didn't think much of it until my leg started going numb. Long story short, I ended up at the best hospital in Tema. I praise God because I was able to bypass protocol, aka the 3 hours of waiting, since Godwin's wife Lenusia was a doctor and she was with me. As I was being rushed to the hospital and my leg was going numb, I had a peace, but when we went into the hospital and I was given an IV, terror overwhelmed me. I was surrounded by very sick people in a third world country in a very run down hospital... This time the lack of hygiene, personal space, or up-to-date instruments was affecting me! I sat in a plastic chair with bugs falling from the ceiling watching the nurse open my anti-venom with rusty scissors, and I wondered when the last time she washed her hands was (the hospital had no water), but God showed me: This is why I was to serve medically. This was why I was to go into medical missions. WOW. So at that moment, He gave me a peace because he was giving me a patient's perspective in a third world country. This was the perspective I needed to ignite my passion to serve medically in third world countries and share the gospel that way.<br /><br /> Less than 24 hours after this snake bite, I was in my second wreck in Ghana. We were rear-ended by a tro-tro (a large van that carries people for a small price, like a public bus). Through this experience, it has appeared that the Ghanaian government is very corrupt. Officials have been previously bribed to side any which way, even if a person's driving harmed someone else. Foreigners, especially white ones, seem to be targeted and are thought to be very rich. I do not see a sense of justice, but is that not why God is just? He fights for us, we need only to be still. Thank goodness!!! The one who created the Heavens and the Earth is fighting for me, what can stand against that? Nothing.<br /><br /> So what has all this taught me? Well one, that God is protecting me. That wreck could've been so much worse. The hit should've caused the back glass to shatter and that would've harmed many of us. That hit should've also injured many on the over packed tro-tro. I have also learned that God is bigger than any fear. My biggest fears involve getting bit by something and having to go to the hospital. They also involve getting in car wrecks... Funny how both of those things happened in less than 24 hours. God has brought me to a deep dependence in Him. He is my everything and He is all I want now. He is my very best friend. <br /><br /> In Ghana, I have been overwhelmed with the contrast from here to America. Kids are eager to learn here! Many do not have the opportunity to go to school, and in America many take school for granted... Many take family, food, clothes, and lodging for granted... Most of all, there is no strong motivation to GO and serve and help the least of these. My passion to serve has grown and not only do I depend on God to take care of the many I meet here, but I depend on Him to protect and fight for me. He is the lover of my soul and He is enough for me.<br /><br /> I do not understand what God is doing in me. I feel unworthy to be here, but I trust Him. He is doing something great in me and I pray that He is using me. He brought me here for a reason, and He is in control!<br /><br /><em><strong>"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 1:6</strong></em><br /><strong></strong><br />
Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-10975576784053786532013-10-23T23:23:00.000-04:002013-10-23T23:23:00.411-04:00Playing with the Spirits<br />
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This may not be a popular post, but here's some PERSPECTIVE from Ghana...<br /><br />Here in Africa, we live in a world where we try to share about the One True and Living God. We attempt to educate people with Truth from God's Word. One of the challenges we face is the mixture of Christianity with tribal religions. Worship of idols and sacrificial offerings are common place. The use of curses, juju (bl<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ack magic) and witchcraft are known. Some of the stories we have been told have brought us to tears. Literally. Pastors work diligently to help people recognize the need to depart fully from things that are not of God in these practices. People can not call themselves a Christian if they still participate in the practice of worshiping other gods.<br /><br />Recently, there was a festival for the gods of Ghana. One night, our car was surrounded by people in a frenzy worshipping a local god - a gold idol carried on the shoulders of the people. Traffic was halted and it seemed like at least one thousand people were celebrating in the streets. Men walked beside our car carrying guns, and people knocked on the windows of our blocked car. The darkness of oppression could be physically felt. Evil - something not of God - surrounded us! Since moving to Ghana, this is one of the only times I have felt afraid. While driving, my hands were visibly shaking. Evil.<br /><br />Recently, there have been FB posts about Halloween in America. Fright Nights and Zombie Celebrations seem to be something that Christians are participating in. Where is the fascination with evil and death coming from? Blood and gore? Haunting spirits? Fright Nights? Witches? Friends, it is not of God! It frightens me to know that Christians in America would take part in some of these things. Do you realize what spiritual powers you are invoking? Why is there such fervor around death, murder, spiritual powers, etc??? Where is the intensity for desire to celebrate evil coming from? Do you realize there is witchcraft happening in America too, and children are being used in ritual practices? I know this firsthand!<br /><br />THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE IS REAL AND RAGING! Have you forgotten?<br /><br />As Christians, I implore you to diligently ask God to search your heart about participating in some of the things that clearly depict the evil of our enemy - anything to frighten - fright walks, scary caves, etc... (our God calms, protects, and comforts), anything glorifying death - zombies (our God is the God of LIFE), anything celebrating the murder of human life (our God is the Giver of Life) anything dabbling in spells, curses, etc... or speaking to the spirits of those who have died (our God has warned us not to participate in such things), or anything that does not glorify God - DEPART FROM IT, and GUARD THE HEARTS OF YOUR CHILDREN! Parents, YOU ARE THE WATCHMEN ON THE WALL for your household!<br /><br />Living in a culture where I am continually aware of the spiritual battle raging over me, my focus has intensified toward what is not from the Lord. Yet, many things are no longer seen as "evil" but cloaked in the desire for "fun" and "entertainment." Twilight books are best-sellers and Halloween is the second highest retail holiday in America. As a Christian, this is what frightens me and causes me to tremble.<br /><br />So, while children in the USA trick-or-treat in their new $30 costume, we see naked children in the market. While kids there enjoy their bag-load of candy that will last for months, we hold children who have not eaten any food for days. While people there celebrate being frightened - and even pay money to be scared out of their wits, we comfort people who are afraid a curse has been placed on them - because that is reality. While people dress their children up as witches and wizards, we have witnessed the reality of witchcraft and the detrimental evil it causes - even years later.<br /><br />This post is not sent in judgement or condemnation. It is a cry of intensity from my heart. A plead to "TURN AWAY! COME BACK! FLEE FROM EVIL!"<br /><br />Celebrating some of the things listed above is akin to worship. Part of your life is given, part of your monetary resources are given, part of your attention is given...and once given, it is gone. Our life, our time, our money, our focus are all offerings. I pray Christians will not become like the idols - with blind eyes, deaf ears, and mute mouths. However, the contrary action is for "you who fear the LORD," to "bless the LORD!"<br /><br />"The idols of the nations are silver and gold,<br />the work of human hands.<br />They have mouths, but do not speak;<br />They have eyes, but do not see;<br />They have ears, but do not hear,<br />nor is there any breath in their mouths.<br />those who make them become like them,<br />so do all who trust in them!<br />O house of Israel, bless the LORD!<br />O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!<br />O house of Levi, bless the LORD!<br />You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!"<br />(Psalm 135:15-20)</span></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-86777813166393255302013-10-22T11:52:00.005-04:002013-10-23T08:22:32.997-04:00The Plight of the Orphan<div class="MsoNormal">
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Guest Blogger: Mason Beebe, age 16 yrs.<br />
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What is our ultimate goal as Christians? What is the most
important piece of our faith? In His word, God asks us to do so much it is
overwhelming. And it is so easy to get caught up in whether we are or aren’t
doing these things. But I think the biggest and most important part of our
faith is our relationship with our Holy Father. This relationship is what will
drive us to do the things that God calls us to do. If we truly have a
relationship with God, our service to Him will be out of love for Him, rather than
doing just so we can get to heaven. <br />
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About a month ago
I left to spend three weeks in an orphanage in Bolgatanga. We live in Accra
which is in the very southern part of Ghana, and Bolgatanga is in the very
northern part of Ghana. Basically the entire country of Ghana was between where
I was in Bolga, and where my family was in Accra. It was so hard to be away
from my family. My brothers have become my best friends, and not having them
around was depressing to me. It was in the midst of this hardship that I found
my true need for God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even though my
soul was in turmoil, I was able to minister to the kids in this orphanage in
tremendous ways. Even though most of the time the children drove me crazy I was
able to love them in a way they do not often experience. Living under the same
roof as these fatherless children gave me a whole new perspective into their
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At this home
there are two small boys maybe 3 or 4 years old named Bright and Marvin. When
we first arrived in Bolga these two boys cried about everything. It seemed they
had learned that no one wanted to listen to them cry, so they could cry to get
what they wanted. And the older kids catered to them when they threw a fit.
This got under my skin, and I began being rather harsh with Bright when he
would start crying. One day when he was crying about something silly, I bent
down to reprimand him. As soon as my face was on his level I almost couldn’t
speak because I realized that he looked very much like my little brother
Godwin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Realizing this
gave me a whole new perspective. I would not treat Bright that way if he was a
part of my family. And this is when my role in that home really hit me. These
kids have no one to stand up for them. They have no mother or father to defend
them from mistreatment. This is the plight of the orphan. Not simply that they
have no one to tuck them in at night, but they have no one to raise them in the
ways of God, no one who will help them in times of trouble, and no one to
encourage them when they are hurting in their soul. It was hard enough for me
being away from my family for three weeks. I can’t imagine being without a
family for a lifetime. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was amazing to
see how much just my being there impacted the kids. There were a couple times when
I left the house for a little bit. When I returned one of the kids would see me
and run out to greet me, followed by the rest of the mob. It reminded me of the
times when my Dad would get home from work and I would run out of the house to
give him a hug. I did not feel like it at all, but I am probably the closest
thing to a Dad these kids have ever known. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I know you are
probably just waiting for me to bust out the story about something amazing that
happened while I was there. Well, honestly I don’t have any incredible stories.
My ministry was loving on the kids in simple ways and the biggest one was just
by being there in the first place. Leading devotions, playing soccer, walking
to church, taking them to the hospital, telling them goodnight, and going on
walk to name just a few of the ways in which I was able to minister.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So how does the
first paragraph of this blog post fit in with everything else? As I said
earlier being in Bolgatanga was extremely hard. I was able to truly feel my
need and dependence on God. My relationship with God is what got me through
that trip. There were many times when I was ready to pack up and go back to
Accra. But God gave me the strength to get through the trip, and he gave me
love to satisfy my needs, and then even more to share with those children. It
was hard, but Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me. I was making a small
sacrifice for Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Please don’t
think I am trying to hold myself up as an example of how every Christian should
live. I am messed up. I struggle with sin. It doesn’t always feel like God is
with me. I am not special. I hope you read this post and are challenged to dive
into God’s Spirit and be engulfed with a love for Him. Because that is where
any form of missions needs to start. If we aren’t doing it because we love God
and we want to glorify his name, we are doing it in sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are 153
million children in this world who have no earthly father. They have no earthly
being to love them, care for them, defend them, or raise them up. But our God
is so good. He has not claimed the rich and powerful, but he has claimed these
children as His own. He has said that He will love them, care for them, defend
them, and raise them up. Isn’t that amazing? Just thinking about that puts a smile
on my face. This world is not without hope. And God offers us a chance to play
a part in redeeming this world. Don’t you want to be a part of that? Is that
not the most amazing and fulfilling duty we could ever be asked to do? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t want to see
the church rise up and love orphans if they do not truly love God in their
hearts. For that is at the very center of what we believe. There is a passage
in Matthew that talks about the day of judgment and how there were people that
did works in the name of God, but that was not enough. God wants us to love
Him, so that when the road gets rough, we don’t give up and quit, but so that
we draw from His strength and love to keep pressing forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="text"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">“Give justice to</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">the weak and the fatherless;</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></b><span class="indent-1-breaks"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Rescue the weak and the needy;</span></span><br />
</span></b><span class="indent-1-breaks"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<span class="text"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 82:3-4</span></b></span>Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779165745777117662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-32960295137587129872013-09-26T06:24:00.003-04:002014-04-10T09:30:33.136-04:00Praying for a Miracle<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"This child is cursed!" </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"He is talking to demons!" </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Don't go near him or touch him - he is of the devil!" </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"His mother is cursed. Someone performed magic on her while she was pregnant to give her a child that is not a human being!"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"The thing needs to be killed! Look at his head - it's deformed! Kill it! <i>Kill it!</i> <b><i>Kill it!</i></b>"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">These were actual words spoken over this little boy. The villagers were making plans to end his life because his head is misshapen. People did not believe he was human, but did believe he was possessed. He would sit alone without being fed or even touched because everyone was so afraid of him. His mother was shamed within her own village, ostracized from the others because of her strange looking baby.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXW-CbXEK2p-B7NjfPRKnD4E-vJIDaWV_mha4AXFolDdryyHDXKcnHn1VeBHUIr5ftFmfg1DqW6tNjZ3Frd-0uDZU8RKD-1SR86mQCJkx6zKH7frdl_irK94wz5VaOTBY6ggkJwEpB08F/s1600/1263785_10151594972696394_932838561_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXW-CbXEK2p-B7NjfPRKnD4E-vJIDaWV_mha4AXFolDdryyHDXKcnHn1VeBHUIr5ftFmfg1DqW6tNjZ3Frd-0uDZU8RKD-1SR86mQCJkx6zKH7frdl_irK94wz5VaOTBY6ggkJwEpB08F/s320/1263785_10151594972696394_932838561_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxg0jn_8ilxwgILCYm6y9jFvisFC7MMNdmImLHENpEvI7F-9MGd9E9ZGozx6gTpuSc1eJXBUR_nG0NqnIGJQqSgwpahyphenhyphen3ZC3sMtapdTkD45Aj5XsfdhxIGTPU4Gu5wckLRkEOtEQoQCsy/s1600/1001945_10200235228982761_1477613887_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxg0jn_8ilxwgILCYm6y9jFvisFC7MMNdmImLHENpEvI7F-9MGd9E9ZGozx6gTpuSc1eJXBUR_nG0NqnIGJQqSgwpahyphenhyphen3ZC3sMtapdTkD45Aj5XsfdhxIGTPU4Gu5wckLRkEOtEQoQCsy/s320/1001945_10200235228982761_1477613887_n.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now, meet Shadrach. This child doomed for death was rescued by Daddy Paul. Daddy Paul runs two orphanages here in Ghana. When Daddy Paul heard about the situation from one of his Aunties, he made the 18 hour trip to the village to stop the madness. He volunteered to take care of the child to save him from his certain future if he remained in the village. The people were relieved to be rid of the cursed "thing." Paul's strongly stated to the people, "This child <i><b>IS</b></i> a human being. <b> He is a child of God.</b> You can <b>not</b> kill him!" Daddy Paul brought Shadrach into Nyame Dua in Bolgatanga and Auntie Juliana has been diligently caring for him ever since.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our family met Shadach about a month ago, and we all fell in love with him. He is such a precious child. However, because of his fused skull, his brain is not growing properly so he has some continual struggles to survive. Breathing is laborious for him. The first day I held him, I could not contain my tears listening to the child gasp for air. It was heartbreaking. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That day Daddy Paul had taken Shadrach to see some of the finest doctors in Ghana to see what could be done to help the poor baby. The doctor's answered, "Nothing can be done for him here. He needs surgery, but he will need to go to another country for this to happen."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We are now praying for a miracle. We are praying for a family to step forward in faith to adopt this precious child of God. He was rescued from death for the future God has planned for him, but a family must faithfully be willing to help find him the medical help he so desperately needs.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our son, Mason, recently spent three weeks in the orphanage where Shadrach is living now. Over the 21 days, Mason fell in love with little Shadrach. He kissed him on the head several times a day, and on the day we made crafts, Mason made one for him knowing he would not be able to do it. While our family stayed at the orphanage, Shadrach melted into a special place in each of our hearts. Shadrach is one who deeply stirs something within. You look into his face and wonder, "How could anyone ever want to kill this child? The Lord has created him perfectly for His purposes. He has been knit together by God. Oh, how could people view his life as one not worth living?"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiFRHNrCL50ICA5vMnpT6IiBE-ftrw6-7VoDnubLKNeR1c0PKtVaMu6BXaoR_LB-Vj3s_xWWeldm0pCiCAiNU-phCy1Yngru24rEEsmg01mmRndvXnF7wpDUn8szk6_NzeR4Mj_dlOpxk/s1600/547786_10200393309414673_2097258399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiFRHNrCL50ICA5vMnpT6IiBE-ftrw6-7VoDnubLKNeR1c0PKtVaMu6BXaoR_LB-Vj3s_xWWeldm0pCiCAiNU-phCy1Yngru24rEEsmg01mmRndvXnF7wpDUn8szk6_NzeR4Mj_dlOpxk/s320/547786_10200393309414673_2097258399_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We now daily pray for little Shadrach. We are praying for God to lead someone to rescue him again. Without adoption, nothing can be done to help him here in Ghana. The medical facilities and expertise simply are not found here. Daddy Paul has spoken with the Social Welfare Director and Shadrach should be granted a medical visa to help expedite his potential for medical help. Honestly, he needs it soon. The longer he waits for someone, the longer his brain growth is stunted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TSbimYLB8cBG9PsDVXOGpdawoVU_Ck1UJ12w2yOQxnBwmkHK4d-IjmsxiFkaM3sZO5sAtDkWS-BBaRon3fVobfFQczqD-HAelV0MB8BhOavVysLAnzi-5soUC3rtKD-H2Xm8tNOC2TFP/s1600/598751_10151598624846519_2079268604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TSbimYLB8cBG9PsDVXOGpdawoVU_Ck1UJ12w2yOQxnBwmkHK4d-IjmsxiFkaM3sZO5sAtDkWS-BBaRon3fVobfFQczqD-HAelV0MB8BhOavVysLAnzi-5soUC3rtKD-H2Xm8tNOC2TFP/s320/598751_10151598624846519_2079268604_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Friends, we are praying for a miracle in this little boy's life. There are people on both sides of the ocean praying for this precious child. We truly believe he has been saved for God's incredible purposes. Nothing about him is a mistake. Everything about him cries out, "<i><b>I have been created by a Heavenly Father whose ways are not always understood, but whose ways are always good.</b></i>" (Isaiah 55:9)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please pray for baby Shadrach. Please pray for a family to be led to adopt him Please pray for him to receive the medical help he needs in the time he needs it. Please pray for him to know the love of his Heavenly Father. Until God provides the miracle of needed medical care, please pray for Auntie Juliana as she cares for him daily nurturing him in the love of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It's horrible what Shadrach endured as a baby in this culture. It's atrocious that people would believe he is cursed because his head is misshapen. It's unbelievable that people would actually make plans to kill this poor child. But, in our country, if a woman is pregnant with a child testing positive for Downs Syndrome or perhaps a misshapen head, and a doctor suggests an abortion, it is equally as horrific - perhaps more so. But there is no outcry. There is no longer shock. We are desensitized to the value of a human life. To think that a child created in the womb in the image of God is something to dispose of grieves my heart beyond belief.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As you pray for Baby Shadrach, please join us in praying for all of the babies who are "formed differently." Please pray for people to have an understanding like Daddy Paul's. May God give people the courage to say, "<i>No, this child is a human being. He/she is a child of God formed in the image of our Creator. He/she does not deserve to die.</i>" </span></div>
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<i><span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-ESV-16253" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">For you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16253P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>formed my inward parts;</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="position: relative;">you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16253Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>knitted me together in my mother's womb.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-ESV-16254" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16254R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>Wonderful are your works;</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">my soul knows it very well.</span></span></i></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-78089597598608170382013-09-19T13:10:00.001-04:002013-09-19T13:10:16.728-04:00The Danger of Disguise<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Guest blogger: Mason Beebe, age 16 yrs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Recently, I
read an article online about a certain social media application. The author was
warning readers about the dangers of the application and his ultimate goal was
to have the reader delete the app from their phone or electronic device. His argument against the application was that, when advertised, the
application seemed safe, but under careful study the application is very
dangerous. This bad application was being disguised with good advertisements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> As you probably know, living in Ghana has
greatly changed our view on American/Western culture and values, and most are not for the
better. After living here in Ghana for some time, I realized that it is nearly
impossible to truly see certain pieces of Western values for what they are
until you are no longer immersed in the culture. There is so much wickedness
in the country that people don’t see because it is disguised as something good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> One of the pieces that has made me so
upset is the complacency of the church. We have not taken our faith seriously. We don’t live like the prayers we pray or the songs we sing. We are not
reaching the world as God called us to and what is even more saddening is that
we are giving ground to horrible sins in our own country. A big part of this is
the fact that we have not been looking past the disguises of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> One example I can think of is the
television show Duck Dynasty. It is being devoured by the Christian community
because the people in the show claim to be Christians. I realize it is a television show, but do you see the
people in this TV show living out their faith? Do you think they are living in
the way Jesus would have them live? I watched one episode where one of the
characters paid $100 instead of apologizing to his wife. What is that saying
about us as followers of Jesus Christ? Almost all of the characters spend money
on a whim, buying things of worldly value. What does this say about what we
value as believers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I know that one argument in favor of Duck
Dynasty is that they pray at the end of every episode. Here in Ghana, there is
a castle where slaves were kept before being shipped to countries participating
in the slave trade. There is a room about 25’ by 15’ where as many as
300+ slaves were held in utter darkness in their own excrement for months. Right above this dungeon was a church where the foreign occupants of
the castle would go to worship. So, since they went to church and worshipped God, did that make what
they were doing to the slaves okay? Since they pray at the end of every Duck
Dynasty episode, does that make what they do in the rest of episode okay? Where is the line of compromise? Another
thing to consider is will some Christians use this show as an excuse to be
prodigal with the resources God has blessed them with? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Another example of disguised sin in our
culture is “Christian radio.” While we were back on furlough I was grieved and
even angry by the worldliness of what was being played on the radio. The only
“Christian” part of “Christian radio” seemed to be the music. What is talked about by the
DJ’s is meant to entertain and nothing more. Every year one radio station does
a cruise to help raise funds for the station. Do you think that this cruise
shows that we, as followers of Jesus, are willing to give sacrificially? American
Christians don’t seem to take what Jesus says and calls us to seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Not all sins in our culture are disguised. There is much wickedness in America that is held up for the world to see. But this evil is becoming accepted in the one beacon of hope for America, the church. American Christians are not simply buying into small disguises, but are being seduced to believe that extreme iniquity really isn't that bad. If 78.4% of America professes to be Christian, then how is this happening to our nation (U.S. Religious Landscape Survey)? We are warriors who have surrendered to the will of our enemy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I did not write this blog post so that
you would stop watching Duck Dynasty or stop listening to “Christian radio.” I
wrote this so that you would begin to examine things in America that are currently accepted as “okay” and decide for yourself if these things are truly
good. Slavery may have ended decades earlier if people had asked this question while they were worshipping above the heads of 300 captive people! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I wrote this post because I want to see the church in America rise up and do
the Lord’s will. I want Christians not to be set apart just because they listen
to Christian music, but because they do
hard things and live out what the Bible asks of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> There is so much God calls us to in the
Bible it can be extremely overwhelming. I have found that I cannot do
everything the Lord asks of His people in His holy book. But God is rich in
grace for my incompetence. He has shown me that if my heart truly desires to do
the Lord’s will, and I put all of my effort into doing that, then He is pleased
with what I do. I am not asking you to do anything other than seek the Lord.
Study His word and His commands not so that you can get to heaven, but because
God is so good and you want to please this holy and good God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> God has given us so much. And even though
we have turned our backs on Him numerous times, He still loves us, and He still
is asking us to be a part of furthering His kingdom. Are you going to accept
this incredible opportunity that God offers you, or are you going to continue
living in comfort embracing any worldly pleasure life brings upon you? We don’t
have long to take advantage of this opportunity that God offers us. Psalm 144:4
says, “Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> So are we going to continue buying these
disguises that the American culture is creating for sin, or are we going to
choose to look past these masks and see the sin that lies there? Then, are
we going to just live with the knowledge of this sin, or are we going to fight
it? Are we going to pray passionately for God to move? Are we going to
fervently ask for God’s spirit to help us, and for His grace when we mess up?
Are we going to live like Jesus meant what He was saying in the Bible, or are
we going to read passages with tranquil pleasure thinking that the biblical mandates don’t
apply to us? What are <b><u><i>you</i></u></b>
going to do?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Psalm 144:4</b></i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779165745777117662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-41073732462745375712013-09-18T19:54:00.002-04:002013-09-18T19:54:29.130-04:00With Love from GhanaEnjoy <a href="http://meaganercksn.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/praise-the-lord-give-thanks-to-the-lord-for-he-is-good-his-love-endures-forever-psalm-1061/">Meagan's post</a> about the outreach on Saturday. What a blessing!Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-39612725037431890322013-08-30T16:33:00.000-04:002013-08-30T16:33:00.760-04:00A Mother's Heart Living here in Ghana, many know me now as “Mommy Robin.” Little hands weave into mine constantly and I
am the semblance of a Mom to many. At times, this role is
enjoyable. I kiss little ones on their
heads telling them over and over how much God loves them. I look at report cards and celebrate the
successes, but also challenge kids to improve in needed areas. I laugh and enjoy the tight hugs frequently
given when we visit the children.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This week, our family is staying at Nyame Dua orphanage in
Bolgatanga, Ghana. We traveled to the
northern tip of the country to be with these precious kids. I have loved being here. Waking up to children laughing outside the
window while sweeping the compound is music to my ears. Listening to Braden communicate in his strong
Ghanaian accent makes me smile. Watching
Franklin pick up Hagar, Sweetie, and Assibi all at once reveals his heart. Seeing Weston do all of the “dance moves” to
the songs while hidden in the background demonstrates how safe he feels. Listening to Mason communicate to the boys
with love and authority defines the respect he has received in his time serving
here. Our adopted son, Godwin, blends in
with everyone here, playing and laughing. He is no longer fearful that we will
abandon him. (When we first arrived in
Ghana, Godwin would not allow us to set him down whenever we were at an
orphanage. Now he literally runs to play
with the children.) As the mom of my
boys, I have loved to see them interact here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, my mother’s heart also longs for all of the children
here to have what our boys have - a mother and a father who love them. I have this as a hope for each of the
children here. But God has been working
on my heart in many ways recently to show me there is another place where hope is found.. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, a family is a gift.
Whether through biological birth or adoption, a child raised in a
healthy, in tact, Christ-centered family has been blessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While we have been staying in the orphanage, I’ve noticed the character qualities being
instilled in the children. Daddy Paul,
Auntie Grace, and Auntie Juliana are each loving the children here to the best
of their abilities. They are training them
well to know and serve the Lord. The children all have daily responsibilities
which they do without complaint – sweeping, washing clothing, washing dishes,
cooking, etc... The older children help
care for the younger ones, carrying them and shepherding them from place to
place. The home is neat and orderly
because the children seem to cherish their few belongings. (Though the leather has nearly worn off, they
are still using the soccer ball we brought them nine months ago!) Overall, the children don’t argue often but
treat one another with patience. One hour each evening is devoted to worship
and prayers. This devotional time has been led by the older children while we have been here. It is impressive to witness. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The children here seem content. They seem to know they are loved. They seem to understand God’s love for
them. The people who operate this home
are striving to raise up secure, competent, faithful men and women of God. They seem to be teaching that God is the
answer for these children in their circumstance. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx2cqVxySflgGseMnUsDTvnYElIc8vS9leF2qhj-8bQ5hQ4JsUrbwHCpLnsx8kt3zkp7RhJqde1GBCF9pe-IB7d4lO80xtJ2JWNMSGnYbMpItJiuVZXINRa2jjqpWsKcLMmAwLvgLsawq/s1600/IMG_9658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx2cqVxySflgGseMnUsDTvnYElIc8vS9leF2qhj-8bQ5hQ4JsUrbwHCpLnsx8kt3zkp7RhJqde1GBCF9pe-IB7d4lO80xtJ2JWNMSGnYbMpItJiuVZXINRa2jjqpWsKcLMmAwLvgLsawq/s320/IMG_9658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lunchtime! Rice and Stew. Yum!</div>
</div>
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This is a message orphans should hear. The statistics reveal that very few, overall,
will know the hope of adoption into a family.
While as a Christian, as an adoptive mom, and as someone witnessing the
daily life of orphans in Ghana, I want to BEG every professing Believer to sincerely seek God in faith about the possibility of adoption. However, I also believe that we are called as
Believers to care for the orphan and widow where they are. Right now, we are to care for them in the
orphanages. Right now, we are to care
for them on the streets. Right now, we are to care for them in the villages. Right now, we
are to stand in the spiritual gap for them and PRAY for them. God has commanded us to do that in His Holy
Word.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t know the answers.
But I know the God who does. HE
is the ANSWER for these children to live with hope and assurance of their
future. I pray for those children who
will never know the love of a family, that GOD can and WILL fill in the void. I pray He will give them confidence that they
are never alone though many days they may feel alone. I pray
the kids living in orphanges during their childhood years, can turn to each other when they need the support of a family. I pray for the children who will live their lives on the street or trafficed without ever even knowing the comfort of a home - much less a family.</div>
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For those families who have stepped out in faith to adopt, my mother’s
heart says, “Thank you.” I want all of
these kids I am living with right now to have someone tuck them in at night, to kiss their boo-boos, to
wipe away their tears, to hold them when they need it, to teach them about
life, and to provide shelter from the harsh world. Oh, I long for them to each know the
assurance of love when I see the distant look creep into their eyes. This haze over their faces sometimes tells me they are disconnecting and wtihdrawing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For those serving orphans, my heart says, “Thank you” to you
as well. You truly are giving your lives away by loving the forgotten and
abandoned. The cost of serving these
children is high. Working through the
initial trauma, praying to God to provide food to feed 40 children when there
is only enough for 20, stretching resources to meet basic needs, correcting disrespectful
behaviors, navigating adolescence for many children at once, providing needed
structure, operating a full home at capacity and then being faced with another
child who needs to come in, etc… Those
truly giving their lives for these kids have been CHOSEN for a high
calling. Please pray for them. They need our prayers. We need to be praying for more people to
serve daily in the harsh reality of many orphans.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p>In Ghana, there is one orphan for every 23 people. It is estimated that over 1,000,000 children are orphaned in this country. There are 400,000 children in America waiting for adoption in the foster care system. With a population of over 300,000,000, there is one orphan for approximately every 1,000 people in the United States.<br />
<br /></div>
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Ghana has just announced a temporary “ban” on adoptions. We are hopeful that this ban will be lifted
within a few months, but there are no guarantees. Children with special medical needs may still be adopted, but the rest must wait until further notice. This restriction has caused me to look more closely on the reality that so many orphans will never be adopted through varying circumstances. We advocate for adoption and believe in the blessing of a forever family for a child. Please understand, we advocate for adoption! However, continuing to see the same faces again and again has raised the question, <i>What about children who will never know the gift of adoption? Where is their hope to be found?</i> <br />
<br />
The action of the church to "care for the orphan" must extend beyond adoption advocacy with a broader awareness of orphan needs worldwide. Annually, approximately <a href="http://www.orphanhopeintl.org/facts-statistics/">250,000</a> children are placed into adopted families. With <a href="http://www.orphanhopeintl.org/facts-statistics/">143,000,000 - 210,000,000</a> orphans worldwide - the number of adoptions doesn't even reach 1% of the need. <br />
<br />
Throughout scripture, <i>we are urged to care for the orphan</i>. And, we must.<br />
<br />
Would
you please pray for the men and women serving orphans in the world? Would you stand in the gap for children who
have no one fighting for them spiritually?
Would you please pray that they will know their Heavenly Father, even if
they never know their biological father? Or an earthly father? Would you please pray that God’s love will be felt by them as something REAL,
TANGIBLE, and TRUE?<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">...to you the helpless </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14056AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">commits himself;</span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-10-14" style="position: relative;">you have been <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14056AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span>the helper of the fatherless.</span></div>
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">O </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, you hear the desire of the afflicted;</span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-10-17" style="position: relative;">you will <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14059AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></span>strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear</span></div>
<span class="text Ps-10-14" style="position: relative;"><span class="text Ps-10-18" id="en-ESV-14060" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">18 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
to <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14060AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></span>do justice to the fatherless and <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14060AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></span>the oppressed,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-10-18" style="position: relative;">so that <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14060AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></span>man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.</span></div>
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-10-14" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-10-18" style="position: relative;">Psalm 10:10b, 17-18</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779165745777117662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-1711023728555129722013-08-26T13:52:00.000-04:002013-08-26T13:52:02.497-04:00Costly Education<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Yesterday, as I was driving home, I passed through the toll booth with my small friend knocking on my window. I rolled down the window for his greeting.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Hi, Mommy!” grinned Christian. “Do you want popcorn?”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“No, not today, Christian. I am going to come talk with you one afternoon, okay?”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Yes, Mommy. I will be waiting.” </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(Mommy is a common name for any older light skinned woman.)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I watched Christian trot away to the next car and was saddened by his life circumstances. After asking several people about this young boy, perhaps 12 years of age, I’ve learned he has no parents. He is living with a woman who sends him to sell popcorn for her at the toll booth. I am quite certain the profit feeds both she and the young boy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Christian is not in school. Along with several other children who sell daily at this toll booth. Their days are spent hawking bread, drinks, plantain chips, apples, and popcorn. They stand in the dust hoping for a sale. Trucks cover them with diesel smoke, and their little flip-flopped feet chase the cars that move forward before paying. At times, their little faces are dripping with sweat from the hot sun. Their clothes look dirty with tears and holes adorning them. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is their childhood.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We recently learned of young girls prostituting themselves for the payment of a bottle of coke or maybe 2 cedis ($1) for an unthinkable sexual act. Why would this ever be permissable? Families turn a blind eye if this income from the streets can pay school fees or provide needed food for families. Prostitution or starvation? Prostitution for education? This is reality.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One young boy we are close to is 17 years old. He has just been promoted to 2nd grade. Why? Because when he was a child, he was given over to fishermen. He fished in a wooden boat bailing water and eventually helping to toss the large net into the sea. His family needed money so the small amount he was given for a day of work justified keeping him out of school. Nightly, he would bring home 1 cedi ($.50) for his family. He received his first opportunity to go to school last year, at age 16. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In Paulkrom, a rural community within the Eastern Region, the public school meets under the trees. (As do others in Ghana.) </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Children walk for miles because <i>it is the best school in the area</i>. Several miles or more is the twice a day trek for many students. When it rains, the teachers do not come. Even if the road is passable, rain is the needed excuse for teachers to miss work. The desks are crammed together seating 5-6 students each. Classrooms bump up against each other with the only divider being the chalk board. There are no textbooks here. Most students have one notebook to use for all subjects. A notebook is a small composition book with about 60 sheets of paper bound on the spine with string or two staples. In Ghana, only 68% of children in rural communities attend primary school (through grade 8). </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Today, our family sat in the middle of a group of hovels talking to young 12 year old boy about going to school for the first time. He grappled to understand our English because he has never been in a classroom. After both of his parents died, he lived in the market with this grandmother. Once she passed away, a lady allowed him to sleep on her concrete floor. This fall, he will have the first opportunity in his life to go to school.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is the reality for most of the world. I once read you are one of the wealthiest people in the world if you know how to read. In Ghana, the recorded literacy rate is 80%, but only 50% of males enter secondary school (9th grade and above) with a startling 47% for females entering secondary school. Surprisingly, these numbers are only the enrollment figures. Looking at the actual attendance of secondary schools, it is even more concerning with only a 40% attendance rate in 9th grade and above! By combining these figures, only about 20% of Ghanaians graduate with the equivalent of a high school diploma. One in five people.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The average annual income in Ghana is $1410 per year. People here are supporting families at an average pay of $3.86 per day. The Ghanian national poverty line is earning less than $456 per year or $1.25 per day. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sadly, 34% of the young population here in Ghana statistically spend their childhood in child labour. Do you think many of these children ever receive an education? While some of their peers are in school settings, these young ones are fishing on boats, picking cocoa beans, cutting firewood, or farming. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(All statistics are compliments of <a href="http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ghana_statistics.html">Unicef</a>, dated 2011.)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">School is starting in America. Parents and their children are filling grocery carts with school supplies. Folders covered with Justin Bieber, special colored pens, paper clips shaped like rockets, the new Crayola set of crayons, a new backpack and lunchbox for the new school year help start the new year right. (Yes, I have bought all of this for our boys. Well, not the Justin Bieber folder, but everything else, yes, I have bought it.)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today I was on Facebook. There were several posts about “how expensive” school fees are. There were complaints about the school supply lists and having to buy thumb drives and science lab fees. It made me so sad. Oh, do you realize what you are receiving for what you are paying? There isn't a complaint that the students have access to science labs and computers, but the rub is that it is not "free."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here’s a spotlight on comparing statistics in the United States (from Unicef) with the ones you read above. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Avg. Annual income <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$48,450</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Poverty Line Annual Income<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$11,490 (+ $4,020 for each person in family)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Poverty Line Daily Income<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$31.48</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Primary School Completion <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>95%</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Secondary School Completion <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>90%</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Child Labor <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NONE RECORDED</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Education or Training Beyond 12th Grade<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>70%</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Friends, I know there are provisions at American schools for families who can not pay the fees. Yet, honestly, I wonder if the families who say it’s too expensive are struggling to eat everyday because they have no money for food. I wonder if they do not have money to take a child to the hospital when he desperately needs to go. I wonder if they live in homes without electricity or if they walk long distances to carry water to their houses. I wonder if students come home from school and fill their afternoon with chores for survival - building fires to cook, hauling water, hand-washing their laundry, etc... The students in America can work on schoolwork after nightfall. Those who live here without electricity end their productivity with eyesight about 6:30 pm unless they have candles or a flashlight, and either luxury would be an added expense for the family. All of these situations are actual families that we have served here - whose children were not in school because the families could not afford it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My heart breaks to give some perspective on the rest of the world. <b> 70% of the world! </b> I want to cry out to the people in my homeland, <i>“Why are you complaining?”</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Computer fees? Very few schools have them here. I’ve seen teachers teach about computers by drawing them on the chalkboard. Many children have never even seen a computer. Very, very few schools have a computer lab. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Lab fees? I’ve never seen a science lab in Ghana. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Special clothing for gym, labs, etc...? Children here buy one new uniform for the year. They wear it everyday. One boy we know was wearing a uniform that had been worn by others for eight years because his family could not afford another one. Holes, tears, etc... but it was his daily uniform. How many new clothes does the average American student receive before school? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Extra fees for music or sporting teams? If a school here has a soccer team, that is it. No track, swim-team, baseball, football, basketball. lacrosse, or rugby teams exist here to my knowledge. I’ve never seen a marching band or heard a school choir or ensemble. (However, some churches are teaching their youth how to sing!) </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Remember, there is no school-bus fee, so FREE transportation is available to and from school in America. Students here walk. For miles. MILES! There is not a FREE transportation system.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the USA, there are free and reduced lunches available for those in need - not to mention the numerous food pantries. We have had students refused entry into school because their families couldn’t pay the “feeding fee.” The average “feeding fee” here is $.25 - $.50 per day. For many students, the only time they eat during the day is while they are at school.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Textbooks? The schools provide them in the United States. Not here. Many of the textbooks, if they are available, here have been “donated” after years of use in other countries.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Classroom posters and cheery educational decorations? If any, they are handmade, rough drawings on construction paper that fades in the sunlight. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Teaching credentials? In the US, many schools require at least an undergraduate, if not a Masters degree. Here, students are blessed to be taught by someone with a secondary school degree. The equivalent to a high school diploma.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>But still there is complaining by those with access to one of the best education opportunities in the world...</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Need I go on?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As you look at what you are being asked to pay for by the schools, maybe it’s time to ask the question if the items are really needed for education and if your child will be better off for the receiving of them. Are new sports uniforms needed every season? New notebooks, bookbags, and lunchboxes - are they needed every year? Scrubs for labs? Would an old t-shirt suffice?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Please, please, be thankful. There is so much to be thankful for with regards to education in the United States. And, yes, there is a fee attached to the benefits enjoyed. Some of the fees, I honestly cringe to think people are paying it when children around me have ZERO access to education. However, as parents, you have the privilege to invest in your children’s future. And, guess what? If you can’t pay the fees you are being asked to pay, your child can STILL GO TO SCHOOL. A public education is not in jeopardy if you can not pay school fees. Americans can choose homeschooling, private schooling, or public schooling to educate your children. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I've heard the new catch phrase, "first world problem" as it relates to having too many discount cards on a keychain, difficulty at the ATM, etc... I'm amazed these things can be joked about as "problems." A website has even been developed so people can post their "problems" of living in a developed, privileged nation. Here are three quotes I found today. (I wasn't choosy. These are the first three listed.)</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<h2 style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #593623; font-family: 'Josefin Slab', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">"I have to get dressed so that I don’t look too lazy when I go out to pay the gardener.”</span></h2>
<div>
<h2 style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #593623; font-family: 'Josefin Slab', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">“I cant find the right balance between my fan and my electric blanket.”</span></h2>
</div>
<div>
<h2 style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #593623; font-family: 'Josefin Slab', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">“I went to go babysit for an hour and the kids didn’t know what their own wi-fi password was.”</span></h2>
</div>
Really? <br />
<br />
From where I sit, I don't find the humor in these things. <br />
<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I know many people don't truly comprehend what we see daily or what life is like for the least of these. However, <i><b>people who have been on mission trips or adopted children from third world countries, I beg you not to forget what you have seen.</b></i> <a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2012/04/statistics-usa-ghana-world.html">You are responsible for what you now know</a>. I pray the faces and images will remain imprinted on your heart so that hearts are turned to gratitude instead of complaining. I pray hearts of gratitude for blessings will overflow with gratefulness. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Our education as a Christian is costly. We are constantly in God's classroom for instruction. I am still learning. Sadly, I lived most of my life with very little thought for the rest of the world. God has placed our family into a new classroom. We are learning in new surroundings through very different teaching methods. Our teacher has not changed, but many of His teachings are stronger than ever before - caring for the poor, seeking justice, providing for those in need, loving the orphan and widow, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, providing a cup of water for the thirsty - these are the Scriptures lived out daily in obedience.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We don't pay school fees to sit in God's classroom, but there is a blessed cost, isn't there? The amazing thing is that what we see as a "cost" in the beginning can become an "offering of love" over time. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="text Luke-21-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Jesus looked up and saw the rich <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25818B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>putting their gifts into <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25818C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the offering box,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-21-2" id="en-ESV-25819" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and he saw a poor widow put in two <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25819D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>small copper coins.</span><span class="text Luke-21-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Luke-21-3" id="en-ESV-25820" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And he said, <span class="woj">“Truly, I tell you, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25820E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>this poor widow has put in more than all of them.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-21-4" id="en-ESV-25821" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25821F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>poverty put in all <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25821G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>she had to live on.”</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="text Luke-21-4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><i>Luke 21:1-4</i></span></span></span></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-33146335564838340142013-08-24T08:02:00.005-04:002013-08-24T13:34:50.313-04:00God's Treasures<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Guest Blogger: Mason Beebe, Age 16 yrs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Being a missionary is hard. It does have many
joyful moments and God shows himself to us in mighty ways, but that doesn’t
always make it easy. The joyful moments and God sightings give us perseverance
and faith that we are where God wants us, which is all we need to endure the
trials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> But shouldn’t all Christians be
missionaries? Shouldn’t we all experience these trials? If you have truly put
your faith in God and do what He asks you to do then God has placed you in a
strategic spot for the furtherance of His kingdom. But why do some people have
to go serve the poor? Why do some believers have to sacrifice worldly
possessions and desires to please God? Is going to church, reading the Bible,
and praying not enough?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmIjQBFoOjWaya2aFJl-PoKwNLvToX_mC-Q7mI2_FnobHB3VGDYCpmcRxnhL2OSiBGhaUEVyGxozIc2y6GQAmv29-MrZaWzgL_VjL16ZAbswzBg5Rx9xZCI93us71CPS6-g-w1iGWTV3O/s1600/2013-08-14+09.10.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmIjQBFoOjWaya2aFJl-PoKwNLvToX_mC-Q7mI2_FnobHB3VGDYCpmcRxnhL2OSiBGhaUEVyGxozIc2y6GQAmv29-MrZaWzgL_VjL16ZAbswzBg5Rx9xZCI93us71CPS6-g-w1iGWTV3O/s320/2013-08-14+09.10.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> God has recently been convicting me of the
condition of my heart. What God calls us to do is useless if our hearts are not
in the right place. If I play with orphans and bring smiles to their faces but
do not truly love them in my heart, my endeavors are worthless. <i>“If I speak in the tongues of men and of
angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I
have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I
have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If
I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not
love, I gain nothing.” </i><b>(1
Corinthians 13:1-3)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> For the past
ten days I have been in an orphanage in Bolgatanga, which is in the very
northern part of Ghana. Basically the entire country is between where I am and
where my family is. The first week or so of being here was extremely hard. I
was homesick. I was not able to love the children really at all because I was
wanting so badly to be with my family. While I would not have chosen to go
through this, God used this time of hardship to grow and teach me so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> When I traveled up here with Daddy Paul
and another volunteer, we brought with us a young boy. His mother had not been
caring for him the way she should have been and so he was brought to
Bolgatanga. The reason he could not stay in an orphanage in Accra, where his
mother was, is because if something happened in the home that he did not like,
discipline for example, he could have run away from the home and gone back to
his mother. As I was struggling through being homesick, I looked at this little
boy. I was going back to my family in a matter of weeks. This boy was here to
stay. For all he knows he may never see his mother again. God put me through
the hardships I experienced so that I could better understand the orphan's longing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsXQF08SzHoKl75QrONCV69TBFlF9u1g3iNrdhz_9KdlP8mH4OEVSjmsITSHpZP-j0uxBnSTzwunnKNFky-w_9k3HeE1MQhCExoMx6G8V5U6EN9JtwOPXhXmjfrD64t8_FKNwuJsRZOlt/s1600/2013-08-17+11.55.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsXQF08SzHoKl75QrONCV69TBFlF9u1g3iNrdhz_9KdlP8mH4OEVSjmsITSHpZP-j0uxBnSTzwunnKNFky-w_9k3HeE1MQhCExoMx6G8V5U6EN9JtwOPXhXmjfrD64t8_FKNwuJsRZOlt/s320/2013-08-17+11.55.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Have you ever considered the fact that God
sees the poor the same as he sees us, the wealthy. He can use the poor in the
same ways He can use the wealthy. More than that, He treasures all of us. The
poor are God’s treasure. He made them when they were still in the womb and He
loves them. Material wealth does not matter at all to God. The less privileged
are just as much God’s children, tools, and treasures as anyone else. If we are
true followers of God, and if God treasures the poor, shouldn’t we do the same?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> This realization helped me so much in the
way I love the kids here in Bolgatanga. I am not here because it is my
“Christian duty” but because each one of these children is made in the image of
God and He loves them so very much. God is using my arms to wrap them up in a
hug, my lips to tell them He loves them, and my presence to let them know that
they are not forgotten. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The first week here was easily the hardest
week of my life. But God showed Himself to me in so many ways and taught me so
many things, that I knew I was in the right place. I am now seeing the fruit of
my endurance. I am so glad to be surrounded by God’s treasured creations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> So what are you going to do about this? As
Christians we are all called to help the poor. So you can start by aiding the
less privileged that God has placed around you. Secondly, make sure your heart
is in the right place. Always remember that every single person on this earth,
no matter what they have done or failed to do, and no matter their beliefs or
their possessions, is just as much God’s creation as you are. Truly love them
in your heart, as a treasure of the everlasting King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYioSS5KB1pxaQBl55c99xEK0sP3EgFNnzy1ffZPyn8drHhLtULnXs5sV83Hz8ADXkxuqm5KMnfZC-GFR-2iyDXUa4dt-_a69sbuExXx6IhZ1RjfJFMla_2X11itEULrFErg7Lgr7Z9lun/s1600/2013-08-17+17.15.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYioSS5KB1pxaQBl55c99xEK0sP3EgFNnzy1ffZPyn8drHhLtULnXs5sV83Hz8ADXkxuqm5KMnfZC-GFR-2iyDXUa4dt-_a69sbuExXx6IhZ1RjfJFMla_2X11itEULrFErg7Lgr7Z9lun/s320/2013-08-17+17.15.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord says to a king, 'Worthless one,'<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">and to nobles, 'Wicked man.’<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He shows no partiality to princes,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">nor regards the rich more than the poor,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">for they are all the work of his hands.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Job 34:18-19<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779165745777117662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-86219041791512723072013-08-20T13:05:00.002-04:002013-08-20T13:05:47.529-04:00My New Comfort ZoneGuest Blogger: Franklin Beebe, age 15 yrs.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Living in Ghana caused me to mature quickly. Living here, many times we lack comforts and conveniences that used to be part of my everyday life in America. I am so thankful to God for that! I have seen God work in so many uncountable ways in me. He has shown me how to rely on Him when I am in need. I am so much closer to my Father and I can feel Him working all around me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we first began our African journey, I didn’t want to come. I didn’t want to leave everything I knew, and all my friends and family. I didn’t want to go out of my comfort zone to help others. Honestly, I was self-centered on my own wants and desires. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I look back on those days when I would just pout and be angry with everything around me because I wasn’t going to receive to live life the way I wanted. I wish now that I had spent that time differently. Everyone only gets one life, so don’t have a bitter attitude when God, who gives you breath and lets you live on the earth that He created, asks you to do him a small favor here and there.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some of you may think that us moving to Ghana was huge! I thought it was an enormous task also, but the good Lord has changed my view on quite a few things since I have lived on this side of the ocean. Now, I see two years as a very small time of my life that I can give to the Lord. We are praying about what God desires for our family next - is it coming back to the US or is it staying longer? I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me as the next step of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I want to challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and serve God. I promise you will see Him work, it might not be right at that moment, but you plant seeds that will grow! We recently had a mission team come to Ghana from our old church and many of the people on the team said they wanted to get out of their comfort zones while they were in Ghana. So what were they going to do, just be out of there comfort zones while they were here in country and step right back into their comfort zones when they go home? I hope not. We don’t need to get out of our comfort zones for a few weeks or months to serve somewhere or even just spend a day at a local ministry. As followers of Jesus we should all be out of our comfort zones 100% of the time to serve all day everyday!</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28868A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">we walk by faith, not </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28868B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">by sight.</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>2 Corinthians 5:7</i></span></div>
Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-32256765438606233072013-08-10T17:42:00.002-04:002013-08-10T17:47:34.381-04:00Chains Be Broken, Lives Be Healed<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Over the past two weeks, we have had the privilege of serving with an amazing mission team from Community Bible Church in High Point, North Carolina. The team is from our previous home church where our family held membership for 12 years. Many of the young adults on the team were small children when we moved from High Point! It has been an incredible time of ministry serving with those we love and those that love our family. What a blessing this time together has been! We praise God for His timing in bringing them!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Here is a brief snapshot from a Facebook post of what the past two weeks have held:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Incredible time with the CBC team is drawing to a close. The Lord has done so much. Many souls have been saved. A professional clown has created laughter in remote, rural villages. A very, very sick little boy was taken to the hospital where, after a week of treatment, a diagnosis has been given. Two deaf and mute children now have the potential for a hopeful future. Many people have heard</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> the gospel of Jesus complimented by music, drama, and dancing. Construction continued on the Doron Medical Center with the team claiming the land by prayer walking the perimeter. The "least of these" were loved as we held orphans in our arms or held the nubs of lepers' arms (those with leporacy). God broke chains of sin and bondage. Four team members were baptized in the Volta River. Five million listeners were blessed by the team members guesting on a Ghana radio program. A church was abundantly blessed by God's generosity and will have musical instruments next week. God brought 200+ people to the medical outreach in a village without church. Many who came chose to receive Christ and everyone was prayed over before seeing the doctors. The team grew in their faith and surrendered more of their lives to radically living outside of their comfort zone. Our family felt tremendously loved and encouraged. Prayers were answered. God's glory abounded on earth. We can not praise Him enough for everything He has done. Thank you CBC team for your obedience to GO! All glory goes to God alone.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I asked if any of the team members would like to write a blog post about their time here. Becca Maners was the first to volunteer.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I post her writing tonight, she is sitting in the Accra airport waiting to board her flight home. We will be excited to hear how the Lord uses this trip to impact her life beyond her time in Ghana. We pray she will lead others in living out the challenge she has written below. We love you Becca!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Guest Blogger: Becca Maners, 21 yrs.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ghana, Africa 2013</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I sat in the dirt with sweat and dust covering my body, a little girl in my lap stared up at me with big brown eyes. I could see myself in the reflection in her eyes and thought to myself, “what would it be like to live her daily reality?” I saw nights she spent without food, her thin worn clothes, life absent of love, and diseases that cause great suffering. This might not have been her reality completely, but I saw in her the nation of children neglected; neglected from our love. My stomach began to feel sick, anger began to set in, and a deep passion for the least of these welled up inside of me. But as I continued to search those eyes for her story, the sweetest smile formed on her face. It felt like God had tapped her on the shoulder and said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). I saw the Lord saying to me, “be joyful as you serve me and love them with a love like I love them”. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not everyone is called to travel across the ocean to Africa, but God HAS called us all to serve the least of these. Our life is filled with stuff, activities, relationships, and we are comfortable. As the body of Christ we are called to be God’s hands and feet, not to be comfortable. Although the steps we take will be filled with trials and our life will become dirty and sweaty serving him, it should be our joy to further His kingdom. So be bold in your faith, let His name be constantly on your lips. Take time to release yourself from the “holy huttle”, only interacting with other believers. Realize that Satan is real, but God has WON!!! So go tell everyone the victory in Him!! Challenge yourself, challenge your finances with giving, challenge those around you in their walk. Step into those villages where you find the least of these, whether that’s down the street or across the world. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> I got up after I happily let my legs go numb as the little girl slept clinging to my arm the whole evening. She grabbed me around my legs, and I bent down and said, “do you love Jesus?” She looked up at me with broken english and said, “yes and I love you”. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><b>John 14:18</b></i></span></div>
Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-28576586518784475232013-07-28T13:06:00.001-04:002013-07-28T13:11:48.387-04:00One Month<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In February, God made it very clear that he had a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">different path for my life than I could have ever imagined. Through praying for direction, God provided me with direct scripture for the next chapter of my life (Jeremiah 13:15-17, Psalm 116, Psalm 119: 9-16, Isaiah 26:3-4, and Luke 22:41-44). After God completely broke me down, He gave me one last </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">direct </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">command: Go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). How more direct could He be with me? I am a planner, so that is what I began to do: plan a trip to Ghana, but what my trip held for me I could have never planned.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One month away from my family. One month giving others everything I have to give. One month seeing hurt first hand. One month obeying God’s command and living out His plan for my life. One month of the next chapter of my life. One month of heartache. One month of tears. One month of hardships. One month of blessings. One month of new friendships. One month with family. One month of beautiful, messy pieces fitting perfectly into my puzzle, my life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I arrived in Ghana, my first home became Great Mission International. GMI is an orphanage that is home to around 50 people (volunteers, orphans, and house leadership). The first few days were a complete struggle. I didn’t know what to do or how to act, so I poured myself into the people around me. Through my pouring out, I was filled up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Another home became City of Refuge, CORM. City of Refuge is a small community that rescues child slaves from the fishing community and provides them with a home, a loving family, and an education. Faith Roots International is a school located at CORM’s campus that provides an education to the children who are rescued along with children from the community. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3fITI7rIqpivmLVlv2rced0-jyPxnU0Z50b0lgkQZFFnD7zCfaMrC_cmaiFodK55MkfuLLrTP0SOV-FPpUO4Y3dt1fkgYoTXDHLTKU63Go0gCYulCboY4uCSil4BZomLEAKJcHSQFn6g/s1600/P1020746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3fITI7rIqpivmLVlv2rced0-jyPxnU0Z50b0lgkQZFFnD7zCfaMrC_cmaiFodK55MkfuLLrTP0SOV-FPpUO4Y3dt1fkgYoTXDHLTKU63Go0gCYulCboY4uCSil4BZomLEAKJcHSQFn6g/s200/P1020746.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIGejm4Np0KSnvOiM1Lptwbv80FNDDHIakux6At0cyaY8AjSbBK6lfBVTL_LE6dZ2M7ACVqxNgx_9bG4tF_4FW1OBe95B05T2LJYmuoroQHKmk77-XBuTOh-LOIASV3wZPGrw04pBn6mr/s1600/P1020624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIGejm4Np0KSnvOiM1Lptwbv80FNDDHIakux6At0cyaY8AjSbBK6lfBVTL_LE6dZ2M7ACVqxNgx_9bG4tF_4FW1OBe95B05T2LJYmuoroQHKmk77-XBuTOh-LOIASV3wZPGrw04pBn6mr/s320/P1020624.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will be finishing my college degree in May 2013. I will graduate with an Elementary Education degree. During my time at CORM, something new clicked in my heart. God provided a path for my future. Through God’s direction, I feel called to CORM. I feel my call to ministry has truly began through this ‘one month’.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Through this month and loving on the kids, I found myself, along with so much more. I found a new meaning to ‘child-like’ faith. I found friendships that will last a lifetime. I found love and bonds with the kids. I found memories that I will always carry with me. I truly found beauty in the broken. I found people with nothing giving so much. I found peace. I found community. I found a new home. Though I found so much, I lost too. I lost a piece of my heart to the kids, to the other volunteers, and to the leadership at both homes. I lost a piece of my heart to Ghana. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Though goodbyes are always hard, I know this is not truly goodbye. This is <i>see you later</i>. My ‘for such a time as this’ is ending, but truly just beginning. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in </span>need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b> -Philippians 4: 11-13</b></i></span></div>
Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-60968059773277164622013-07-26T08:17:00.000-04:002013-07-26T08:17:47.157-04:00Home Away from Home<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOg-E6alar-U2FvIQkAAMdgHnKbkOSZWneNeuhE_fOIjubbT9qPhyl7rKcEDaNJQyeaaKxsG8_hsNualX86SbQ89QFX-AaXUbLIMAaPiuVcNjD-pFoveAGKalRqIt6jnPjevLc-si4Dpq/s1600/IMG_1247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOg-E6alar-U2FvIQkAAMdgHnKbkOSZWneNeuhE_fOIjubbT9qPhyl7rKcEDaNJQyeaaKxsG8_hsNualX86SbQ89QFX-AaXUbLIMAaPiuVcNjD-pFoveAGKalRqIt6jnPjevLc-si4Dpq/s200/IMG_1247.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hello Beebe blog readers! My name is Jamie Talley and I have been staying at an orphanage called Nyame Dua for the past six weeks. God has taught me so many wonderful things that I would like to share with you all!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>James 1:27 - “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I arrived in Ghana the first thing I did was start sweating. I was used to having air conditioning all the time and only having to be in the heat when absolutely necessary. I immediately began to wonder how long this trip would feel due to the heat. I thought to myself, “Self! This is gonna be a long trip if you don’t find a way to stay cool real quick!” Upon arrival at Nyame Dua I discovered a ceiling fan in my room that I now praise Jesus for because it saved me many a sweltering day. I have learned to praise Jesus for even the small things such as this.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnPPv0wN4VltG51s0T5UwRufcrqrZK5CANCHpFXvB839zAkN5N1X83qStUv4LaCpLISw2sruwkxwOoV5d0Po5B5N8lWlO49cxjJiVRme8DKSmimNJHp8zJz4AvUU3eH-Pwpe-TB0btPqe/s1600/IMG_0966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnPPv0wN4VltG51s0T5UwRufcrqrZK5CANCHpFXvB839zAkN5N1X83qStUv4LaCpLISw2sruwkxwOoV5d0Po5B5N8lWlO49cxjJiVRme8DKSmimNJHp8zJz4AvUU3eH-Pwpe-TB0btPqe/s200/IMG_0966.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before I came here I considered myself a strong Christian and very pridefully talked about what I was going to be doing in Ghana. I thought I was big stuff for stepping out of everything I know for A WHOLE SIX WEEKS. That’s how it felt in my mind at least. Now it seems such a small amount of time to learn a new home and have to leave so soon. I praised Jesus on Sunday mornings for sure when I was at church. I prayed (sometimes) that His name be praised for all the big wonderful events that I saw happening in the states. I praised Him when I saw another person join the family and praised Him when another brother or sister proclaimed aloud that He is the savior. I even thanked Him for the food that I ate at a meal. I seldom thanked Him and praised Him for anything else though. I took for granted how much food I had. I took for granted that I have my own bedroom and loving parents that have supported me for these first twenty-one years of life. I took for granted having central air conditioning in my house. So many things that I thought were just there, I never thought of as blessings. Jesus provided for me the things I needed to thrive here in Ghana. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV2H0QC82aWfMq18JEac-KepDbDTWj679jOQe1truQZUfGFZA2WWUQzz7bUwTf1C2B9CVda48gNZyoOxS7BOTbvEtUFeFyN-gLNJgZq-ZtSEWnCmiVRnnR5dut3EaohAJSmr9nL_Mj02d/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV2H0QC82aWfMq18JEac-KepDbDTWj679jOQe1truQZUfGFZA2WWUQzz7bUwTf1C2B9CVda48gNZyoOxS7BOTbvEtUFeFyN-gLNJgZq-ZtSEWnCmiVRnnR5dut3EaohAJSmr9nL_Mj02d/s200/IMG_1227.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My first two weeks here were pretty rough as I settled in and got used to what I was doing every day and who I was with every day. I had never been on my own before like I was at Nyame Dua. I cried and prayed that God would let me be able to talk to someone only my tenth day here because I felt so lonely. Through the sound of my blubbering I heard a knock on my door and found Meagan and Richard, two of the folks working at another orphanage, standing there waiting to come talk to me. God heard me. I had planned on a Skype date with my parents that night as well, but the power had gone out. After talking with Meagan and RIchard I felt better but still was just homesick for the sound of my parents’ voices. I continued praying that I could get just a phone call to go through to the states. The first attempt failed and I shed a few more tears. I tried once more and prayed through the tears that this would work for just five minutes, and God gave me a twenty minute conversation with my mom and dad! GOD HEARD ME! He heard my cries for help and didn’t leave me alone. I was never alone because God heard me. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRWXzFbRBSuOV4b5LkgQY0lB3R7x7LNQUQw_hZW4I5069tIh39kJgVs9QjlB_ZFVJxozt3VRXPoNTir3Vm_Yn1D53A1OSwVCXeKMWTBizKr7Kzs_M9Cc5836lCo4SNBvEvrTJ3h1ifl7x/s1600/IMG_1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRWXzFbRBSuOV4b5LkgQY0lB3R7x7LNQUQw_hZW4I5069tIh39kJgVs9QjlB_ZFVJxozt3VRXPoNTir3Vm_Yn1D53A1OSwVCXeKMWTBizKr7Kzs_M9Cc5836lCo4SNBvEvrTJ3h1ifl7x/s200/IMG_1069.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Throughout the trip there were very few lonely nights after that because even with the power out I could feel God’s presence in the room with me comforting me and telling me to just rest. I found that reading was a good way to suppress the loneliness for a night or two. I read His Word some and began reading the </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">Lord of the Rings </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">trilogy. Praise Jesus. I had something to do and something to kill the loneliness in my heart. The Beebes were also a fantastic help. I called Robin just to ask for prayers and she invited me to come spend the day with them. Praise Jesus! The Beebes were always ready to help and pray for me when I needed it. I also went over to GMI, the orphanage where Meagan and Richard were working, quite a bit. There were other Americans there that were a great help just to talk to when the kids were taking a nap. Praise Jesus! I have made so many wonderful new friends.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3GR7_Td7JJwIPnZOo1O3wTpVkLHCzDbB10osGD72UQpXbE7ZW3ZlxBm0K0mGbWHaTk2wD8mVvyH3Lqg052v10Nt1Hxq2uAgb-WpxEnWt34Wr-G0wjDh5hfKjNqos6OZSLxQqxYWv-QsT/s1600/IMG_1277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3GR7_Td7JJwIPnZOo1O3wTpVkLHCzDbB10osGD72UQpXbE7ZW3ZlxBm0K0mGbWHaTk2wD8mVvyH3Lqg052v10Nt1Hxq2uAgb-WpxEnWt34Wr-G0wjDh5hfKjNqos6OZSLxQqxYWv-QsT/s200/IMG_1277.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Beebes will forever be a family that I pray for and will continue to love and keep in touch with. I was and still am incredibly grateful for Mason who came and stayed with me the first few nights that I was here. Franklin and Weston came with cousin Zach Tate on different occasions to play with the boys at Nyame Dua and help me out with things around the home. Braden being a youngster is always ready to play with the kids at the home when he visits and is also ready to lead us in morning devotions when called upon by Reid. Godwin is such a bundle of energy all the time and is such a welcome burst of energy when I was lacking a little. Reid and Robin have been so welcoming as well and have been parents to me as well as their own while I have been here. Praise Jesus!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dXJLwrq2OlzBRvg89w9P_CI39hyphenhyphen_0Wp5mPtwnGUhb0udhm4pT51H61_RG5IZW95JwR6j_su_lvZkkJ-QjxSNv-H4q2ufjdr5t9Iy70MPOujNnV7NPtg5nzofOyDybHd7oRrXWQazrM-L/s1600/IMG_1302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dXJLwrq2OlzBRvg89w9P_CI39hyphenhyphen_0Wp5mPtwnGUhb0udhm4pT51H61_RG5IZW95JwR6j_su_lvZkkJ-QjxSNv-H4q2ufjdr5t9Iy70MPOujNnV7NPtg5nzofOyDybHd7oRrXWQazrM-L/s200/IMG_1302.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnkD8pEZPQzXLYV5LbEj8trlWNXDRWnx6yuEgKG8ywQdwwPElGl6GOwdPK_jgspSka8ivetjdyHOYPCFTRPESmoQBnm8AOsZgUjXj8u7FHm2fCRS2sQeVA8PBw-tcCDKpeQmSZBOItWyX/s1600/IMG_1149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnkD8pEZPQzXLYV5LbEj8trlWNXDRWnx6yuEgKG8ywQdwwPElGl6GOwdPK_jgspSka8ivetjdyHOYPCFTRPESmoQBnm8AOsZgUjXj8u7FHm2fCRS2sQeVA8PBw-tcCDKpeQmSZBOItWyX/s200/IMG_1149.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>More friends were met at GMI in Meagan and Richard first when they were the answer to my prayers. Richard, who is from Ghana, was a welcome guide and male companion along the way. Meagan, Andrea, Kate, and Miriah were so much fun to be around! Meagan, ready to live in Ghana, showed me, just through her actions, how to love on these children and how to be a gentle leader for them yet be stern enough when they need it as well. Andrea, the first that I was in the “classroom” with, showed me, again solely through actions, how to get these children to learn in different methods of teaching yet all with the love and care that all children need. Kate was such a welcome burst of energy! She was always ready to play with the kids and never slowed down when the rest of us were showing signs of being tired. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Miriah </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">showed me how to distract the whining kids while still teaching and<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> love on those just wanted attention sometimes. All of these wonderful people I now consider my friends, and I think that it’s awesome how God brought us together in Ghana when we might not have ever met had we stayed in the states.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I could go on just about forever about the people I have met that have helped me, but I’d like to talk about the kids I was with a little bit too. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiacl1G_4nPyAaHiRlNq6hGoBe2op0UEsFzhpGm0UKQb-9Gr9cyItdp0lRljk_JTi2ztSW5J6WougaNsfHfHEap32W6JQytdsJuFG-Zp3x8PNkmmHzVFBVuEDvENlmpFhmbVE7Fd293ULJ/s1600/IMG_1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiacl1G_4nPyAaHiRlNq6hGoBe2op0UEsFzhpGm0UKQb-9Gr9cyItdp0lRljk_JTi2ztSW5J6WougaNsfHfHEap32W6JQytdsJuFG-Zp3x8PNkmmHzVFBVuEDvENlmpFhmbVE7Fd293ULJ/s200/IMG_1213.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I stayed at Nyame Dua for these six weeks and ,after God ridding my heart of homesickness, I fell in love with the home and all the people there! Daddy Paul has become my best friend while I have been here. We talked about the states and Ghana and just about everything whenever we had the chance while the kids were at school. When the kids came home it was nonstop soccer time after homework. All day everyday they wanted to play soccer. All of the kids touched my heart in different ways and now I wish that I could take them all home with me or that I could bring my family from the states here so as to have all of my family on one continent. As I said before, I went to GMI quite a bit as well and fell in love with kids there too. I could talk forever about each of the kids but that would literally take forever. They are all so sweet even when they are screaming for attention. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMsZnSVSqeP322cOPbySevtVQQkGF1STeGcfUeZs8K134vHTvTdQwcKkb3n5Tpy2-BgIvlJNrB6Tvc2r24p-yyRiv5c1DYwWeFzuWxOw2pqMwXHtnI5l4d2Oj_1ehqdWf6ho0BubKlN03/s1600/IMG_1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMsZnSVSqeP322cOPbySevtVQQkGF1STeGcfUeZs8K134vHTvTdQwcKkb3n5Tpy2-BgIvlJNrB6Tvc2r24p-yyRiv5c1DYwWeFzuWxOw2pqMwXHtnI5l4d2Oj_1ehqdWf6ho0BubKlN03/s320/IMG_1300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLro0yNkMbRyhLpQm_iXcalXV6rcQQtlEr4q_kbT8r81ExsSmkT5JD5O5u0FcUv1X1Ffk7jPyG6v5LwnCZiymWROFmk7w0jQaQcy4LsybRs0FshnC2lE3pH7ayH9uXKEJEpRjUqHAXw1Ba/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLro0yNkMbRyhLpQm_iXcalXV6rcQQtlEr4q_kbT8r81ExsSmkT5JD5O5u0FcUv1X1Ffk7jPyG6v5LwnCZiymWROFmk7w0jQaQcy4LsybRs0FshnC2lE3pH7ayH9uXKEJEpRjUqHAXw1Ba/s200/IMG_0980.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I have been here through Feeding The Orphans which is a great organization that is helping all these kids and more throughout Ghana. They need your help too. They have links on their website where people can sign up to sponsor children throughout Ghana. There are different sponsorships though. The big ones are school and food. These sponsorships are to </span>help the<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> kids at Nyame Dua and GMI as well as some children that are living with single mothers out on the streets. Anything you and friends can give is a huge and very welcome gift. I am a college student so I understand being broke by the states’ standards and understand that prayer is just as powerful as giving money, but please don’t neglect these children just because you think to yourself, “Self, someone else will take care of it.” I think I can sacrifice a Starbucks run once a week to save up enough money to feed a kid for a whole month. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iAtPG0eDEr1H02P5lXOAH5KtZ8ZVHs6WxxtVGEaJ_EpDoi0YU_MK6FFk18Yf9vBug7uy6x6_YSljjawrv68ZGjOqjhSXOqflu4GfwpBO7DeU4BbTGx2dlTHundl0LbpQR0V8S9KboUpB/s1600/IMG_0982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iAtPG0eDEr1H02P5lXOAH5KtZ8ZVHs6WxxtVGEaJ_EpDoi0YU_MK6FFk18Yf9vBug7uy6x6_YSljjawrv68ZGjOqjhSXOqflu4GfwpBO7DeU4BbTGx2dlTHundl0LbpQR0V8S9KboUpB/s200/IMG_0982.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Pastor Jerry from Fairview United Methodist, where I have been for all twenty-one years of my life, prayed over Zach and I that our hearts would be broken for these children while we are here. One child in particular broke my heart just as my pastor had prayed for. I'll call him Baby S. for now. He was born with a </span>misshapen<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> head which has caused some severe brain damage. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He also has a very difficult time breathing. His </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">parents didn't want him and his father even ran away because he thought his child was a demon. His mother was trying to find a way to kill him when she brought him to Daddy Paul's home in northern Ghana who then said, "No he's a child of God and we will find a way to take care of him." Paul and I took him to the hospital just for a diagnosis and the doctor said just he needed to have special care to be taken care of. The doctor pointed at me and said, "Where this man is from would be a better place for the baby to live than here (Ghana)." I almost cried at that point while his caretaker held him. If nothing else please pray for Baby S. that he would be healed of what is plaguing him and that he would be adopted by a loving family that could take care of him the way he needs to be taken care of.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thank you all for your support and love! May the Almighty God of peace and mercy bless you all this day and forevermore! - Jamie</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Psalm 27:1 - "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"</i></b></span></span></div>
Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-77006572785241903702013-07-25T07:35:00.001-04:002013-07-25T07:35:25.908-04:00My Summer in Africa Guest Blogger: Zach Tate, age 14 yrs.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Although some people were worried about me spending the summer in Africa by myself I have had a great time and will have memories I will never forget. One of my favorite places to go over this summer was Nyame Dua, an orphanage, to play soccer with the kids. One of my cousins and I would spend the weekend after we showed the Bible on Thursday night. I had a great time just playing with the kids and the kids were very excited because not many people volunteer there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkNrHbmsPllJcVLpeibMHmbHFAfzzDTLrqpj4vIZK6q3aBtBcPKEFe1nWtTgtSzSuEBJop8swzLLydDipEpWaPGTXYP0vVrMore_9HlWh_edVLr4kxwNupekIHGhJ5jcKRjDN3ofOG5tl/s1600/P7132625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkNrHbmsPllJcVLpeibMHmbHFAfzzDTLrqpj4vIZK6q3aBtBcPKEFe1nWtTgtSzSuEBJop8swzLLydDipEpWaPGTXYP0vVrMore_9HlWh_edVLr4kxwNupekIHGhJ5jcKRjDN3ofOG5tl/s320/P7132625.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I also had the chance to take the older kids from Nyame Dua to see Despicable Me 2 in the theater at the Accra Mall with some money my pastor gave me before I left. One amazing thing about that day was that only one out of the six kids we took had ever been to the mall and none of them had ever been to see a movie even though the mall was only about thirty minutes from where they lived. That day we just had a great time hanging out and walking around the mall with the older kids. </span></div>
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I also saw God when we helped with the construction of the Doran Medical Center this week. We helped a team that came from New York and the staff at MLI to build many of the walls for the medical center.<br />
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And even though my cousins were doing school for most of the summer I would come back in an instant because I saw God in many places and many things this summer and I will go back to America changed.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. 1 Timothy 4:12</i></span></div>
Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-11738216250920226692013-07-18T10:14:00.002-04:002013-07-18T10:21:30.580-04:00Franklin's 15th BirthdayGuest Blogger: Franklin Beebe, age 15<br />
Photo Selector, Mom (Franklin would never choose this many pictures of himself!)<br />
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1 - 5. Fifteen Today!</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My second birthday in Ghana was my fifteenth birthday. It was very different, but also very memorable. Compared to most of my other birthdays, this one was set apart. I am glad that I am blessed with such an awesome family that I could spend it with. It would not have been the same without them. My cousin, Zach, was with me as well so his presence made the day extra special.</span></span><br />
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The sludge we walk over to deliver food in Chorkor.</div>
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The community is built upon trash heaps like this.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On my birthday, I was able to minister to three different families in Chorkor. While we were in Chorkor delivering food to impoverished families who desperately needed it, I thought to myself, I wonder how many other people my age have the beautiful opportunity share the passionate love of Christ with those who need it most, on their birthday. God blessed me so much that day! Sharing the love of Jesus with the poor in spirit on my birthday was the best birthday present that I have ever received.</span></span><br />
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Zach and I with Grandma Agnes. She greeted us with a smile which was very uncommon for her. Her smile was a reflection that she is feeling God's love when we come. </div>
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Holding Atsu!</div>
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Zach and I holding Atsu and Etse.</div>
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Mary and Esther singing "Happy Birthday" to me with all four Ghanaian verses!</div>
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My day ended at GMI orphanage where I was "ponded" by the kids. In Ghana, people drench you with water as a birthday tradition. Abu wanted a big, wet hug!</div>
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Cousin time with Zach!</div>
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Having some fun with Kofi.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes, I wish that I could live in the U.S.A instead of here in Ghana. Most of my friends, and all of my family live there, but God has put us here for His purposes. I don’t always like that we live here, it’s really hard sometimes, but on a day like my birthday I am reminded that we are blessed to be here. Not just blessed to live outside of our homeland and experience new things everyday, but also blessed by Him to share His love to the brokenhearted and depressed. I was rewarded the privilege of doing this on my birthday.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In a weird way, my birthday reminded me of a Hobbit’s birthday. We gave other families food. On my birthday, instead of receiving gifts, I was able to give gifts. We gave food, but more importantly, we gave the gift of Gods love for his sons and daughters. My birthday in Chorkor was very enjoyable, and I will never forget that God has blessed us so much to serve here in Ghana!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.S. Some of my birthdays are also shared on this blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2012/06/14th-birthday-ghana-style.html">14th Birthday - Ghana Style</a> - my first birthday in Ghana</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2007/07/franklins-football-birthday-party.html">My Ninth Birthday</a> - at home in Knoxville</span>Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-31204927297205330202013-07-03T19:47:00.000-04:002013-07-03T19:47:04.586-04:00You Are My Sunshine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You are my Sunshine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My only Sunshine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You make me happy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When skies are gray,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You'll never know Dear,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Please don't take my Sunshine away...</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This was my Mamaw’s favorite song. We sang it to her often. In fact, on numerous occasions my sisters and I would belt out the song to honor my Mamaw. Whenever our cousins were with us, we all sang it together. Even her great-grandchildren have learned the beloved song and blessed her with the lyrics on special birthday celebrations. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We recently enjoyed our furlough home and I had special moments with my Mamaw. We landed in Knoxville on Thursday night, May 1st. Early the next morning, I arose and headed straight to my Mamaw’s assisted living facility. My prayer when we left last June was that the Lord would allow me to see her “one more time.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As I left the house to go see Mamaw, my mother prepared me that she might not know who I was. As I knocked on her door from the hallway, I braced myself. A muffled, “Come in,” beckoned from inside the closed door. I slowly opened it, and walked toward my Mamaw. Her eyes slowly focused on me, and she said in disbelief, “R-ah-bin.. R-ah-bin...” Then she cupped her hands on my face and looked at me for a few moments to be sure it was really me. I assured her of my presence, and we hugged tightly. She was overjoyed to see me, and I was overjoyed to see her. As I left that day, I praised God for answering the prayer I prayed one year ago. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Throughout my time home, there were other special moments with her. On Mother’s Day, I stood beside her in church and helped her stand with my arm holding some of her weight. Her voice was soft, but I could audibly pick up the blessing of her voice lifting the notes of the hymns. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On her 95th birthday, I made another special trip to see her and take her the perfect gift I’d found. I know it sounds silly, but I believe God led me to this simple gift. It was a frame that had all of the words to “You Are My Sunshine” on it. When I saw it, I just HAD to buy it for my Mamaw! When she opened the present, she read the words on the frame. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuBvR_7mewhXDPUcwhm0kX_Ev5ESntDEUWTM_wWB6J95zak13E_0uSzvp6W-WXHdv9FOm5Em493oVHyCtQucAugSvEdd59fsYhjyZ2KwW5JvUxC-AhRpf_ibXWxmblsvnXmZWpU51X5PK/s1600/20130612_153318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuBvR_7mewhXDPUcwhm0kX_Ev5ESntDEUWTM_wWB6J95zak13E_0uSzvp6W-WXHdv9FOm5Em493oVHyCtQucAugSvEdd59fsYhjyZ2KwW5JvUxC-AhRpf_ibXWxmblsvnXmZWpU51X5PK/s640/20130612_153318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine, You make me happy, When skies are gray...”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All of the sudden, we were both singing the song together. Her wrinkled hands were held tightly in mine, and her blue eyes held my gaze as we belted out the notes. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“You’ll never know, Dear, how much I love you...”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My strong voice overshadowing her weakened one...until the last line. As I approached the words, my emotion overtook me. I swallowed hard to fight back tears of the thought... My Mamaw’s gentle voice was the only one singing the last line.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Please don’t take my Sunshine away...”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My parents hosted a large birthday celebration for my Mamaw. Many friends and family came to celebrate her long life. After all, “95 years is a long time,” my Mamaw would say. If you ever met her, she was sure to tell you her age within the first two sentences of conversation. She was very proud of her long life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yet, over the years she has let go of more and more of this life. Her beloved husband died nearly 12 years ago. She left the home she loved to settle in a temporary apartment. She stopped driving. She stopped cooking. She stopped living alone and moved into a home that could provide more care for her. In all of it, she NEVER stopped being thankful. She praised God for her mind that still “knew who she was talking to.” She thanked God for her family. She praised the “Good Lord” simply for His goodness. Her life was sprinkled with the Light of Christ that was a ray of Sunshine to others. She lived her faith. Quietly. Humbly.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Before we left for the airport to return to Africa, our entire family went to see Mamaw to say goodbye. Reid and I informed the boys that it would likely be the last time we would see her. We arrived and she was getting her hair fixed. (She didn’t know we were coming, but she looked beautiful in the pictures. What’s more beautiful than a 95 year old woman with a new hair-do?) </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We told her we had come to say “goodbye.” Her tears and mine immediately started flowing. Even the stylist in the beauty shop started to cry. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The seven of us walked beside Mamaw as she pushed her walker. We slowly made it down the hallway to her room. Once inside, we all shared hugs. Mamaw kept saying, “I wish you didn’t have to go. I wish you didn’t have to go.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I do too, Mamaw.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I told her again how much I love her. I told her again how much she means to me. I told her again how special she is to me. Then we took pictures. “One more picture with Mamaw...” I kept thinking to myself. Somehow, I knew. Something deep within my spirit told me this would be the last time we would be together. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we were getting ready to leave, I knew I was supposed to sing her song one more time with her. “You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine...” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Reid’s voice and some of the boys chimed in to the familiar melody. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“You make me happy, When skies are gray, You’ll never know, Dear, How much I love you...Please don’t take my Sunshine away...Please don’t take my Sunshine away...”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our time with her before boarding the plane bound for Africa, was my last visit with my Mamaw. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">She left this earth to join her Savior on Monday, July 1st at 2:08 EST. My family surrounded her beside as she breathed her last breath. I learned that all of them sang “ You are My Sunshine” to her as she lay dying. Their voices were unjoined by mine, but I would have been singing too if I’d been there. There is something about that song that binds all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After my father called to tell me the news, it felt surreal. I’d been in bed very sick for several days. In fact, I think I was violently ill at the time my Mamaw passed. I don’t think that is a coincidence. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As the news sunk in, I kept thinking of her. Memories flooded my mind. Reid, Zach, the boys and I all shared stories we remembered. Yesterday morning, I held our youngest, Godwin, and sang these words over him, “You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine...” Godwin, who is growing to big to sit and cuddle, snuggled warmly against me knowing I needed comfort. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It felt very lonely to be facing this news without my family. I wanted to hug my Dad who had just lost his mother. I wanted to hug my Mom who was also grieving. I wanted to reminisce with everyone who shared the joint memories. “Lord, comfort me,” I prayed.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Then God, as only God could, sent me His comfort. All the way in Ghana! (He is Lord of Lords everywhere!)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I posted on Facebook about my Mamaw asking for prayer. I shared her favorite song. Then, guess what? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Three FTO volunteers that are serving at an orphanage here told me that they had been singing “You Are My Sunshine” to all of the children! All!! Day!! Long!! This was the day after my Mamaw died. None of them knew there was any connection to this song. No other volunteers have ever mentioned singing this song in Ghana. Can you believe it? Oh, our God is so good. He is singing over all of his children - over all of creation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I think this song for the orphans was a special request of my Mamaw. I can just see her standing with Jesus asking Him if He would comfort her granddaughter. “Excuse me, Jesus, would you let R-ah-bin know I’m okay? Could you let her know I’m with you? I'm afraid </span>she<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> will wish I didn't have to go, but I want her to know how happy I am to be here. Would it be okay to let her know? I have a little song I’d like to sing with You over the children if it’s okay with you...”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“You are my Sunshine,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My only Sunshine,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You make me happy,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When skies are gray,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You’ll never know, Dear, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How much I love you, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Please don’t take my Sunshine away...”</span></div>
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<i>The Lord your God is in your midst, </i></div>
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<i>a mighty one who will save; </i></div>
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<i>he will rejoice over you with gladness; </i></div>
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<i>he will quiet you by his love; </i></div>
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<i>he will exult over you with loud singing. </i></div>
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<i>(Zep 3:17, ESV).</i></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-34715422341216959122013-06-29T16:47:00.000-04:002013-06-29T16:47:12.480-04:00FISHING IS LIFE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Along the coast and waterways of Ghana, fishing is the most common form of livelihood. During a recent family outing, the boys and I experienced first hand the hard work required of fishermen (and children, unfortunately).</span><br />
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We worked for about an hour helping to pull the net in. I'm guessing their net was about 200 to 300 yards long. These fishermen were working the Volta river for their catch. Their net was about 1/10 the size of some of the ocean nets I have seen. I can't imagine the endurance required to fish the ocean. </div>
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The net was put out by boat in a horseshoe shape. Two teams of fishermen were at each end of the horseshoe working the net from the beach. We pulled at a steady pace, drawing in the net until our catch was on the beach.</div>
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By the time we heaved in the net, I had blisters on my fingers and nearly exhausted back, leg, and arm muscles. My pride wouldn't allow me to give up before we pulled in our catch - I was so thankful when we finished.</div>
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However, the majority of the treasure in the net was trash - plastic water bags, Indomie wrappers, broken flip flops, etc... At least 90 percent of the catch was garbage. I would estimate the entire weight of fish caught was less than 10 pounds, with four small 9-inch fish surrounded by scaly fins no larger than 2-inches. The picture below shows everything we pulled in. With 7 native guys fishing for themselves, their family, and their village, the contents of the net had to be very disappointing. Over one hour of strenuous physical labor for 12 men resulted in this?</div>
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But fishing is what people in this village do - it's all they know to do. They fish just like their parents before them and their children who will follow in their fishing footsteps. They will be at it again tomorrow, hoping for a better catch. To these natives - FISHING IS LIFE!</div>
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Our experience fishing with the natives helped me see the importance of "fishing" with Jesus. These Ghanains fish in the same way that Peter and his friends would have fished 2,000 years ago. But fishing from my cultural background is quite different. I have grown up with a leisurely approach to fishing - it's something you do for fun, relaxation or sport.<br />
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When Jesus told his followers they would be fishing for men, the disciples (as well as my native fishing friends) would have envisioned "fishing" as something they would be doing every single day - as if their lives depended on it. Before Jesus called his disciples, they had to work and work (just like the Ghanaian fishermen) until they had enough to feed themselves and provide for their families. When they traded in their nets for the gospel, they could not have imagined working any less than when they were on the sea.</div>
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The call to "fishing" and making disciples is not a call to leisurely fun. A weekend hobby or a once-a-year vacation pastime is definitely not what Jesus has in mind. The purpose, determination and commitment we give to our careers is exactly what Jesus calls us give as fishers of men. Just like the fishermen we met - the ones who fish from sun up to sun down 6 or 7 days a week - we must rethink (and quite possibly repent of) what it means to follow Jesus and make disciples.<br />
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Here is another perspective on "fishing" I read last week...<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the waters all around. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Week after week, month after month, and year after year, these who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be a primary task of fishermen.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Continually, they searched for new and better methods of fishing and for new and better definitions of fishing. Further they said, “The fishing industry exists by fishing as fire exists by burning.” They loved slogans such as “Fishing is the task of every fisherman.” They sponsored special meetings called “Fishermen’s Campaigns” and “The Month for Fishermen to Fish.” They sponsored costly nationwide and world-wide congresses to discuss fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all the ways of fishing such as the new fishing equipment, fish calls, and whether any new bait had been discovered.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called “Fishing Headquarters.” The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn’t do, however: They didn’t fish."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(Darrell W. Robinson, People Sharing Jesus, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1995, pp 21-22)</span></div>
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<i>And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men" (Mark 1:17, ESV).</i></div>
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Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317721340312327192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-73725318957721480802013-06-17T18:00:00.000-04:002013-06-17T19:19:37.365-04:00God Is In The "HARD"We have arrived back in Ghana after a short 6 week furlough home. Short is an understatement. The time at home was a tremendous blessing but I found myself longing for more time, more conversations, more hugs, more connections with those I love... <br />
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Now, we are back in Ghana and facing another transition for our family. Parts of coming back are wonderful, and parts are stark shoves back into the reality of life here. <br />
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Yesterday we drove to church and passed a woman wrapped in a rice sack for clothing...<br />
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Young ones who know us chased down our car at the toll booth. I think they were there selling water to support their family...<br />
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Hugging some of the kids at the orphanage brought tears because I know parents on the other side of the ocean longing to be the one hugging their child. Oh, I hold them tight. For now, to a small degree, our family stands in their place to express love...<br />
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We've been without power and could not run the generator. We've enjoyed candles and flashlights in the evening (not much, but enough to be reminded of how difficult it is to lose power - towels are draped in front of the refrigerator to absorb the defrosting water)... <br />
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In many ways, I feel like we are back to "HARD." <br />
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As much as I struggled going from Ghana to America 6 weeks ago, now I find myself struggling again. Neither is an easy transition. <br />
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Our boys vocalize it too. They miss relationships from home. I heard their hurting hearts whisper people they miss from home. Having our nephew, Zach, with us for the next 6 weeks has made coming back easier. His presence has been life-giving for all of us. We are thankful he is here.<br />
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I am not complaining. Just sharing the struggle. <br />
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We are grieving again. Losses. Longings. Things left behind. <br />
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A friend is preparing to move onto the mission field and her words are more eloquent than my own right now. Maybe more honest too...<br />
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<i>We've had people say "You chose to do this, so why are you complaining?" (I wasn't complaining, just answering their question "how are things going?" and, of course, they didn't want to really hear how things were going, they were just being polite--why don't I ever get that!?!!?)... I have always felt, that the only choice we had was to obey or disobey and that isn't really a choice for us--we will obey God's call, no matter what!!! and that means even with all the loss. And the losses are showing me where I have treasured things, both good and bad, that have kept me from treasuring Jesus above all. I understand how I've put my security in my abilities all my life and how I've protected myself from vulnerability, but all that is being stripped away. And the good things too, like relationships that are so dear to me. And so far, none of it has been replaced with a more intimate relationship with Jesus, which is what I hoped for; there is just an emotional void, an emptiness that I hope someday will be filled with more of Him.</i></div>
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<i>I'm sorry to go rambling on, but there isn't anyone here who might even slightly understand any of this. I'm not sorry for the losses, but the dying is painful and knowing it will be like this for the rest of our lives is hardly "adventurous." It is something we embrace and trust His grace to be sufficient for "today."</i></div>
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<i>HE IS WORTHY OF ALL and I'm praying for you today that you will feel His presence and sense His loving arms around you and your family and that, even when you can't make sense of things, you will find rest for your soul.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Another missionary wrote these words on her blog, and I found myself resonating with her thoughts as well. I did find it funny that one of the comments said, "<i>I count my blessing everyday that you are in Bogota rather than Uganda.</i>" Too funny. Sigh... Yes, <i>we</i> are on the other side of the world. And it is far away.</span></div>
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<a href="http://joshandemilykines.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/when-shes-not-the-good-missionary/">When She's Not the Good Missionary</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These are the times, I seek the comfort of Christ. I curled up this morning praying asking Jesus to sustain us, lead us, encourage us. He is. He will. My feet need to remain grounded on the solid rock, and not grappling for footing on the sand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The times when I feel like God is far from me, I must remind myself of the truth that He is holding us. He is with us. He is in the "HARD." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I need to be reminded of this. He is teaching me more about contentment in Him alone. He is worth everything. HE IS WORTHY OF ALL. </span></div>
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<i><b><span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-ESV-29437" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29437B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>content.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-ESV-29438" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29438C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>hunger, abundance and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29438D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>need.</span></b></i></div>
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<span class="text Phil-4-12" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><b>Philippians 4:11-12</b></i></span></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-92101784650015765162013-04-30T04:34:00.000-04:002013-04-30T04:34:01.746-04:00Consider Yourself Invited!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">On May 1st, our family will leave Ghana for a 6-week furlough, planning to arrive in Knoxville on May 2nd around 5:00 pm. Most of our furlough will be spent in Knoxville with a few days devoted to time with Reid's family in South Carolina and a weekend trip to North Carolina to worship and share with our former faith-family, Community Bible Church.<br />
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We are anxious to share all that the Lord has been doing in Ghana since our arrival last year. We are amazed by the stories He is writing</span><span style="color: dimgrey;">. </span><em>Here is a <a href="http://youtu.be/vXfZlZdfFpI" target="_self">video</a> highlighting some of things He has been doing.</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: dimgrey;">We have several planned gatherings where we can enjoy each other's company and we will share some of our experiences from our first year in Ghana. </span>We hope you will join us at one of the times below to join us in praising God for His work here.</span><br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #46b855;">YOU ARE INVITED... (to as many as you would like to attend..</span><span style="color: #23560b;">.)</span></span></strong></em><br />
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<em style="color: #81c2e2;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taste of Ghana Dinner and Market</span></strong></em><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="color: dimgrey;">Friday, May 10th at 5:30. PM</strong><span style="color: dimgrey;">, Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, </span><span style="color: dimgrey;">8807 Pleasant Hill Rd, Knoxville, TN 37924. </span><span style="color: dimgrey;">Dinner served at 6:30 PM. Stories from Ghana at 7:30. Reservations required: <a href="mailto:janet-franklin@att.net">email</a> Janet Franklin.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a69b1d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong><em>Night With the Beebes</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Saturday, May 11th at 5:00 PM</strong><strong> </strong>at Nicholas Ball Park, 8728 Ball Camp Pike, Knoxville, TN 37931. Please bring a main dish and dessert to share - drinks and supplies provided. Hosted by t<span style="color: dimgrey;">he Stevens, Lively, Randall, Roach, Brown, Gerard, Totty, Crain, and Von Hagen families. </span>Please make reservations with Clark Stevens by <a href="mailto:drclarkstevens@hotmail.com">email</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #81c2e2; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em><strong>Mother's Day Worship Services</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You are also welcome to join our family for two Mother's Day worship services that we will be leading. Caledonia Presbyterian Church and <span style="color: dimgrey;">Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church are holding a joint service on <strong>May 12th</strong>. The service will begin at <strong>9:45 AM</strong> at PHUMC,</span> 8807 Pleasant Hill Rd, Knoxville, TN 37924.<br />
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On the afternoon of <strong>May 12th at 2:00 PM</strong>, we will be leading the Water Angels service for the homeless community of Knoxville. The ministry is located at 907 University Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6cc16c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong><em>Night with the Beebes</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Friday, May 31st at 6:00 PM</strong>. Location - Shannon Valley Farms Clubhouse, 4842 Horsestall Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918. Bring an hor dourve to share. Open invitation. Hosted by the Persinger and Salvador families. <a href="mailto:Persingercrew@comcast.net">Email</a> Cindy Persinger with questions.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a69b1d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong><em>Sharing Time in North Carolina</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will be celebrating at Community Bible Church, 4125 Johnson Street, High Point, NC on Sunday, <strong>June 9th</strong> leading the Global Connections Class at 9:30 am. We will also be joining the CBC Ghana mission team for the luncheon after church raising money for their upcoming trip this summer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We look forward to seeing you at these gatherings. Please join us in celebrating what our great God has done!</span><br />
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Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317721340312327192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668264909689257283.post-11946799532758444412013-04-08T11:05:00.003-04:002013-04-08T11:06:14.160-04:00T-Shirt Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
T-Shirt Truth:</div>
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<b>YOU DON'T KNOW PAIN -</b></div>
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<b>LOVE ORPHANS</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kEcB3HQzUQyE_Hyx3jDy76SaeZtrgwDgTEfJoOOtLnBqUUtvpbCfIkuhG755dDarhr9E4C-ozYCqD8ETtBtPlkmFUh-e-MWpGkEwIBlIvCYKgD2kJ326WI-8Pz10UM5GC6WYvVAQJBYa/s1600/IMG_7708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kEcB3HQzUQyE_Hyx3jDy76SaeZtrgwDgTEfJoOOtLnBqUUtvpbCfIkuhG755dDarhr9E4C-ozYCqD8ETtBtPlkmFUh-e-MWpGkEwIBlIvCYKgD2kJ326WI-8Pz10UM5GC6WYvVAQJBYa/s320/IMG_7708.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This shirt was sold by Feeding the Orphans in the USA to raise orphan awareness.</div>
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Now it is clothing a young boy in Ghana.</div>
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And, the words are true - </div>
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<b>YOU DON'T KNOW PAIN - </b></div>
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<b>LOVE ORPHANS.</b></div>
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Hard words, aren't they?</div>
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Again, this post has two authors. A few thoughts of my Dad from our visit to Ejura are shared later in this post... <br />
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Our family is tremendously impacted by the sacrificial giving of so many in the States for God's ministry here. All of our monthly support funds our ministry here - transportation for ministry, emergency needs that come to us, internet to share photos and stories with you, equipment purchases for the film outreaches, replacement for flat tires, vehicle repair, etc... We pray and try to steward well what is sent to our family in monthly support. <br />
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Other times, special gifts are sent to us us, and God always shows us clearly where He desires for us to use it. You would be amazed at the number of needs God has met through your giving! Over this past week, a gift from a homeschooling mother selling bread provided for the immediate need brought to us, extra food was provided for a family because of a gift from our neighbor - the extra food is now being shared with a double orphan in need, and two children sent us money that was used to help a pastor giving his life away to help fatherless children in a community virtually void of Christ. We can not tell you all of the stories, but want you to know that the Lord has led us clearly with so many "extra" gifts. Each of you have blessed others beyond measure and one day you will hear all of the stories in heaven. We are amazed by God's provision for his children. THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING PEOPLE HERE WITH YOUR GIVING!<br />
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Months ago, I wrote a post titled <a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2012/10/disney-in-ghana.html">Disney in Ghana</a>. I created the comparison between Disney in America versus Disney here in Ghana. There is a great contrast in what constitutes "dreams coming true." <br />
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In that post, I shared about a young boy, Timothy Lumsdaine, who gave us his all of his savings before we traveled to Ghana. We prayed about how to use his money and the Lord led us purchase deworming and parasite medication for a village. Life changing impact was made through his sacrificial gift, and it was done in the name of Jesus Christ. <br />
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A few months ago, my parents called and we learned of another sacrificial gift coming to Ghana. An elderly woman at their church, Myrna King, did not receive any gifts for Christmas last year. Instead, she asked her family to give her money to be given for ministry in Ghana. My parents shared that they would be bringing this money with them, along with other financial gifts so Reid and I began praying for what God would want us to do with it. Soon, God answered.<br />
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In January, we ministered in Ejura and saw many children with heads that looked like this one. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUIvnli02uunpPDhy80XhrGwcmChkuKCZU-NuAjh18kGjlCyBgv_eXP-2FUn6vQwd5LRdheXl0bmbYFBIN_Q_uBrJ_74yDLlLaloX8qXZDQ-J29Rzj3xTtTiw8IU2NJgiqm7AxsrW2Eie/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUIvnli02uunpPDhy80XhrGwcmChkuKCZU-NuAjh18kGjlCyBgv_eXP-2FUn6vQwd5LRdheXl0bmbYFBIN_Q_uBrJ_74yDLlLaloX8qXZDQ-J29Rzj3xTtTiw8IU2NJgiqm7AxsrW2Eie/s320/IMG_2064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Missing patches of hair indicate the child has ringworm and likely other worms and parasites in their system. These both suck nutrients from the system and prevent complete nutrition from absorbing in the body. One dose of deworming medicine rids the body of the nasty bugs for three months.</div>
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We knew God wanted to money from Myrna to provide for the children in Ejura to be treated against worms and parasites. However, there were 1100 people estimated to need treatment between the two villages. <a href="http://www.feedingtheorphans.org/">Feeding the Orphans</a> immediately agreed to provide the rest of the needed medication! WOW! All of the financial gifts my parents brought with them provided for the transportation to take it to the remote villages 10 hours from our home! God always provides! ALWAYS! </div>
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In a few weeks, we are going to dedicate the FTO well in Paulkrom (another blog post about this amazing story coming soon too - I hope!). As in <a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2012/10/disney-in-ghana.html">Deti</a> when we dedicated the well last year, we would love to provide dewormign medication for the village and school children. If you would like to help provide deworming medication for this outreach, please contact <a href="http://www.feedingtheorphans.org/">Feeding the Orphans</a>. We estimate needing at least 400 doses for this village. This is a picture taken last week in Paulkrom. The need is great there as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWijJoHQErjuLSNVYsF437Zw82fA-aaM3alZv_JEtPssTa7GB6GoFfTcBx6ZRvCouTwGYoyj8Ewa6ze3_R7i6ua9NU7OEBbeyj_iIAP_TmFhBsrmZUujeQ1LXMk6Vq76fBfhnG8rJJYij/s1600/IMG_8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWijJoHQErjuLSNVYsF437Zw82fA-aaM3alZv_JEtPssTa7GB6GoFfTcBx6ZRvCouTwGYoyj8Ewa6ze3_R7i6ua9NU7OEBbeyj_iIAP_TmFhBsrmZUujeQ1LXMk6Vq76fBfhnG8rJJYij/s320/IMG_8471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I love this picture from the deworming and clothing outreach in Ejura because it shows that receiving a small gift of medicine or one piece of clothing is still "<a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2012/10/disney-in-ghana.html">Disney in Ghana</a>."</div>
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Now, some thoughts from my Dad about distributing the clothing and dewormer in Ejura.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Guest Blogger: Robbie Franklin, my Daddy, shares a few thoughts</span></div>
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(There is more still to come from him!! In this post there are a few thoughts from him with the rest coming from me, Robin, your normal blogger.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Dad)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we arrived at the church in Abrewa Ano, the building and grounds were covered with women, men, and children. We came with a fully loaded trailer of medication, clothing, shoes, and goodies. </span></div>
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When we arrived at the church, everyone was singing and dancing. A praise service was happening! Everyone was so joyful and exuberant. </div>
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Women were dancing while sweat dripped down their face.</div>
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Children were clapping and singing.</div>
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Everyone was so excited about worship!</div>
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After the time of worship, Janet shared with everyone about how God called her to trust him during her cancer. Her story touched hearts and challenged us to walk out our faith.</div>
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We began with the deworming medication first.</div>
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Even Braden, age 9, became a pharmacist.</div>
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Donations from God's people provided doses of medication for 1100 children and adults!!!</div>
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We distributed the deworming medicine to the men first, then the women, then the children.</div>
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The entire family worked together, along with Ernest and Wahab to make sure everyone received a dose. Because this medicine is most effective if it is taken at night, everyone was given one dose to take home and administer in the evening.</div>
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Ernest translated all day long. He was invaluable to the team.</div>
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Some children were sweating profusely on their mother's backs. It was extremely hot inside the church building.</div>
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Everyone waited patiently to receive their medicine.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Dad)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a long time, we had handed out the appropriate doses, and we made the preparations to distribute the clothing. Donations of clothing from <a href="http://www.mlighana.org/">MLI Ghana</a> and <a href="http://www.feedingtheorphans.org/">Feeding the Orphans</a> were consolidated to have enough to share with the people. Huge bags of clothes were opened and dumped onto the floor for the people to come and choose one new piece of clothing.</span></div>
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We started with the adults, so the children were sent outside to play futbol (soccer) with the Beebe boys until it was their turn.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Dad)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, because this village worships Christ, there was an overwhelming peace among the people while they waited. Everyone waited patiently for their turn. It was very orderly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Each person stepped forward and whatever they touched first became the one item of clothing they would take home. The men were excited about a new tie or a sports jacket - even if it was too small.</span></div>
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The men and women choose carefully. Remember, whatever you touch first is yours!</div>
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The kids play outside while until it is time for the children to come inside.</div>
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The girls line up before going inside.</div>
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One child ended up with one of our shirts that we sold to raise money for Godwin's adoption. I can't believe it is now being worn by a child in this village. </div>
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T-shirt Truth: <b>"I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you." John 14:18</b></div>
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<b>"Millions of orphans...millions of orphans...millions of orphans... Will you come?...Will you come?...Will you come? Yes, I'll come. Because Jesus came for me."</b></div>
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One little girl in Knoxville, Reagan Hooks, sacrificially provided some new clothes for the children specifically for this outreach! Sadly, I was outside taking photos when the specific ones she sent were handed out, but every child adored their new clothes. Reagan, thank you so much for your generous heart to help! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu1tfPtNHauyIJNnVvrhGDUdLUjm7131jiejAqbrM2yIS5Q8706xYNsSpE7CEO46a5u0kqbb51Sc0C4f3imM1HNwMcjIhT5Fa6afwG3IWoDvDWDwW8Y-lJt6ovKR6oTrfaFVVl7dkCbgH/s1600/IMG_7713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu1tfPtNHauyIJNnVvrhGDUdLUjm7131jiejAqbrM2yIS5Q8706xYNsSpE7CEO46a5u0kqbb51Sc0C4f3imM1HNwMcjIhT5Fa6afwG3IWoDvDWDwW8Y-lJt6ovKR6oTrfaFVVl7dkCbgH/s320/IMG_7713.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Some handmade dresses from Betty Barkley are also now adorning the children! To know these dresses have been handmade with love is such a gift!</div>
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Adorable!</div>
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Handmade Pillowcase dresses also blessed the children! Thank you!</div>
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Our boys also cleaned out their closets for this outreach. After seeing the need here for clothing, they wanted to give away what they could to bless others. Their closets now only hold the clothes they need. Everything else is being given away. <br />
I nearly cried seeing this little boy in one of Franklin's shirts. His "Perfect Aim" band shirt now covers this precious little boy. </div>
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The next day as we drove through the village headed to Mbana, Franklin saw the same little boy running through the village wearing his Perfect Aim shirt. Wow!</div>
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T-Shirt Truth - <b>"We make it our aim to please Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9. </b><br />
<b>We aim for perfection. 2 Corinthians 13:11. </b><br />
<b>What's your aim?"</b></div>
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Even the Tate family is represented in this village now. When they came in December, they left nearly all of the clothes they wore, so they could be shared with those in need. Now their clothes are clothing the children of this village!</div>
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One more gift given was new Bibles for the church. This village boasts of 10 students going to senior high school. 10 students out of a village of about 600 people. They are very proud of this fact, and they should be. In the remote areas, many children do not have the privilege of any education beyond primary school. Yes, primary school. Few people in the village can read English so we didn't leave many English Bibles for them. Eventually, we will work to find Bibles in their local language and take them if possible.</div>
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Janet enjoys playing hand clapping games with the children. The kids were always around her!</div>
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Dad entertained all of the children with his nose flute! They were very curious about it!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Dad)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of the young children wanted to touch my skin, and some of the very young children looked at me with eyes full of fear. In Ghana, I was called, "Obruini" meaning "White Person."</span></div>
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One little boy carries the gifts for his family home. </div>
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While we head home to our comfortable house, everyone here walks home to their huts. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day was very orderly with everyone receiving a dose of medicine, followed with clothing and finally a biscuit (cracker) to everyone. I wish that all of you who sent money to buy and transport the medicine, the clothing, or the flip flops could have witnessed the joy on the people's faces as they received their gift. Reid, Ernest, and Wahab explained that all of these gifts were sent from brothers and sisters in Christ because they wanted to share His love. They explained that the gifts given today were not going to last, but the love of Jesus lasts for eternity.</span></div>
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One more t-shirt truth for you to ponder. I think this t-shirt actually came from the Oleary family as their own children cleaned out their closets. The Olearys are the founders of Feeding the Orphans. </div>
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Read this t-shirt truth knowing a child in Africa is now wearing it. Read it knowing the children in this village have no electricity within miles of their huts. Read it knowing the children walk barefooted carrying water on their heads for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing because running water is a foreign concept. Read it knowing children in this village are eating dead mice for dinner. Read it knowing many children will not eat today. </div>
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<i>Read it asking yourself the question...</i> </div>
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T-Shirt Truth. "<b>Why should we eat like Kings and Queens when they have nothing?</b>"</div>
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This picture reflects our heart. Franklin is kicking the ball in the center of picture wearing a t-shirt that says, "Hope in the Dark." That's what we are doing, through the power of the Holy Spirit - we are bringing "Hope in the Dark." Beside Franklin runs a little African boy wearing a shirt that was once his. A little boy running with purpose and running with aim. A little boy, we pray, running for Jesus! We pray this little boy will aim for perfection in pleasing Him - the Savior who came for him! </div>
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As in <a href="http://beebebits.blogspot.com/2012/06/red-dress-girl.html">other Africa scenes</a>, the little boy's red shirt is the only splash of color. Because Franklin is wearing brown, Franklin is faded into the background in this photo. The memory of our presence in this village will fade as well. We won't be remembered for long. But the love of Jesus will not fade. The HOPE of Him will not grow dim. The TRUTH of him will not change with time. So, as I see the little boy running in a bright red shirt, I pray that the tangible touch of Jesus given this day will last for all eternity of the lives of Abrewa Ano. </div>
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<i><b>"We make it our aim to please Him."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>2 Corinthians 5:9</b></i></div>
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<i><b>"We aim for perfection."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>2 Corinthians 13:11</b></i></div>
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Hillbilly Rockin' Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845219331915517894noreply@blogger.com3