Looking Back (post 2)

Upon arrival in the Philippines, I was caught up in everything around me.  I had heard many stories from my husband about the people, culture, sights, sounds, smells....and I wanted to experience it ALL!

But I quickly got a sense of what life was like in the Philippines.  And unfortunately I got to see many heart-breaking things and smell many putrid odors.  It was more than I bargained for to be honest.  And it was the same for the others. 

But what truly lit us afire was the fact that the shelter my husband had helped open 9 years earlier was no longer a shelter but only a school.

We collectively agreed that SOMETHING had to be done about the children in the trash dump, the children sleeping on the streets completely alone, the children begging outside the McDonald's for just a bite to eat.  Something....but what.  We were just 12 white people with very little money to offer.  But...thankfully we have a very big, very loving God who just asked for us to have a little faith.

In a matter of only a few days, a conversation with the Vice-Mayor of the city and some resources of a local businessman God was clearly revealing His great plan.

While 11 of us were back home, Dustin stayed behind and secured the building that is currently Wesley Home for Youth.

Only 2 months later, in August 2009 God breathed life into The Rescue Ministries and the next trip to the Philippines was already in the planning stages.

To be continued.....

Sheryl

Looking Back (post 1)

As time moves forward, we are forced to move with it.  Our bodies get tired, our faces wrinkle and our age (number) increases.  Nevertheless, we remember, we look back.

When I think back to the summer of 2009, it doesn't "sound" like that far back.  But it is amazing, truly remarkable....how far God has brought us.

During the planning stages of our 2009 trip, every mission meeting the itinerary changed from the prior meeting.  Literally.  And when I say changed, I mean changed.  Revamped, didn't even resemble, completely threw out the old and created anew.  As a "planner", this was difficult for me. 

But the funny thing, the biggest blessing when I'm looking back is that even after the final meeting, as we boarded separate flights, the 12 of us had no idea what we were going to be a part of during that trip.  Even my husband, the dreamer couldn't have imagined that he would come home having secured a place to become Wesley Home for Youth.  

But in my recollections....one of the things that points me back to my Savior is that during that period of time Ephesians 3:20 was in my head EVERY day.  

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I committed it to memory after my sister reminded of these precious words.  Due to some things that were happening in my life I was clinging moment by moment to that verse.  Claiming it.  Believing it.  I had no idea why God hit me over the head with that particular verse, but it would soon come to life more than I could have dreamed.

To be continued....

Sheryl

Word

Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Mission Information

The next 3 mission trips to the Philippines are starting to take form. Below is information on the dates and trip goals. As always the dates are tentative based on ticket costs for +/- one or two days.


April 10 - April 21, 2012
Goals:
Rescue 5 youth who will put the orphanage at capacity.
Evangelism: share gospel in the school, set up Young Life program, and have a nightly Crusade; form relationships with youth in orphanage/discipleship
Finalize vision for Camotes (building site) - designing the layout of future orphanage; looking at cost of building the dorms, school, church, etc.


December 26, 2012 - January 6, 2013
Goals:
Spend Christmas and New Years with the WHY kids (this will be designed for sponsors who get to meet the kids they sponsored and build relationships with the kids)
Evangelism: go into the schools with salvation bracelets
Prep for Summer 2013 mission trip: getting building materials; contracting with builders, finalizing building campaign (when we come back)
Humanitarian ministry: going to dumpsite to give food, provide medical care, dentistry, etc. to 500 or so in need)

**Vision can certainly change as needs change**

July 9, 2013 - July 31, 2013
This is a longer trip than is typically plan, it will most likely be split in the middle and will have two teams. Our prayer is that each team will have a 10-12 day trip, consisting of 3-4 churches who will have 6-10 youth in addition to adults. We will certainly open it up so that if some folks want to go the entire time it is a possibility.
Primary goal of this trip will be construction. Prayerfully we will be working to construct buildings on Camotes Island and doing evangelism there as well in the evenings. This trip is over a year away so it will certainly take form and change some depending on how we do with our Capital campaign and funding for construction. The Summer of 2013 should be when we bring some large mission groups so that construction and evangelism can be completed on a larger scale. By this time the Young Life program will have been active for over a year so we hope to do a camp as well.


If you would like more information please email gentfamily@aol.com

Will you go?

There is nothing like standing on top of "Trash Mountain" and seeing nothing but trash in front, to the left, to the right, behind, underneath you.....and children running barefoot through it as if they were in a meadow of clover.



There is nothing like feeling a child's dirty little hand grab yours as they show you where they play.


There is nothing like seeing a boy feed his sister when he is just as hungry as she.


There is nothing like feeling God using you to lead a child who has never heard the Gospel of Christ.


A picture is worth a thousand words....


But what is a personal experience worth?

Will you go?


I am proud, thankful, humbled, overwhelmed and blessed to say these are my feet.  God lead me to a man I never thought I was worthy to marry.  God gave me an opportunity to serve in missions and the man He gave me encouraged it.  God prepared my heart to go and see and touch and do.  God provided the funds when they were questionable.  God is big enough.  If it is His will for you to serve in missions, it is possible, but you must be willing.

Sometimes it is a little scary to pray God's will, because He may just tell you something you don't want to hear, to go somewhere you are scared to go, to do something you aren't sure you can do....But He will lead you and prepare you to do His will.

Thankful, Sheryl

Jolly

Jolly is a precious young boy with a contagious smile that could illuminate any dark place.  His name fully suits him.  Although quiet, his smile speaks volumes!

Jolly lived on the streets as a beggar for two years before coming into Wesley Home.  His mother could not afford to send him to school or provide for him.

Since coming to Wesley, Jolly has learned responsibility for his chores and his studies.  He has worked hard in his extra time and is catching up in his school work.

During our July mission trip Jolly took a big step and made a profession of his faith in Jesus Christ through water Baptism.  Jolly is eager to learn more about the Bible and God's love.

Please click here if you would like to sponsor a child or donate to The Rescue Ministries!

Word

John 4:7-13



Photo credit: © Michael Utech/iStockphoto

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”  “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Christmas at WHY

During the last couple of weeks the children at WHY have been practicing Christmas carols to share in the community.   For them this will be to raise funds for Wesley Home.  As WHY grows extra monthly funds are always a necessity. 


Just as any family grows and requires more available funds, the orphanage is growing.  For this I am so thankful!  It makes my heart happy to know that this Christmas we have four children more than last Christmas.  This ministry has been blessed by God in tremendous ways that we couldn't have imagined!


As you consider your gift lists, consider these children.  We will be collecting for Christmas gifts until December 5. 


Because of the generosity thus far we are getting close to reaching our goal of $2500 for Christmas gifts for all the children and staff at Wesley.


Thanks for giving!
Sheryl

Thanksgiving

Just a word of thanks. 

To those of you who pray for, support financially, give of your time, love and talk about these kids.....Thank you.  The Wesley Home for Youth is growing because of you showing and sharing God's love.

Colossians 3:14-16
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.





Thankful, Sheryl

Word



http://photobucket.com/images/burning%20candle/



Matthew 5:15-16

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Education

How important to you is your child's education?

Growing up it was not unusual for my parents to have jobs that didn't require higher education.  These days it is more and more unusual for jobs to NOT require a college degree.

It is typical for us to send our kids to college directly out of high school.  Of course for those of us who can't afford a university out of our monthly income there are always student loans, right?

What about elementary, middle and high school education?  Well, there's no question there because public education is government funded.

In the Philippines even public education is not free.  The government does not pay for each child to go to school through high school.  It is up to the parents to pay for the children to go, provide all school supplies and to provide transportation to get them there. 

So what would your choice be if your options were to have food for your family for today or for your child to go to school?

For the families with five children who live on $3 or less per day, education can't be the prioirity.  They just have to make do.

Would you consider giving a child at Wesley Home for Youth education for Christmas?

Glenn and Emily can complete their college studies for only $500 per semester.

Jeraluz can complete this, her senior year of high school for only $30.

What can you give?


Thankful, Sheryl

Christmas Giving

Christmas is just around the corner and we are thrilled to be sharing another Christmas season with the growing number of children at Wesley Home for Youth. It is remarkable to see God’s hand on each of the children’s lives and on the home itself.

During this Christmas season we hope to again provide a gift to each of the children and staff. These gifts will be necessary items such as clothing, shoes and hygiene items. We also plan to purchase a Karaoke Machine as a “community” gift for everyone’s use. Luxury treasures are not our goal but to merely meet daily needs. We have a goal of raising $2,500 so that each child can receive a few items each for Christmas.




ANY amount will go a long way in providing a memorable Christmas experience. Below are examples.


• $2 will purchase socks for our kids who have holes in their socks (they walk to school each day)

• $5 will buy them an umbrella so they do not have to walk in the rain.

• $10 will buy them school shoes so that they are not “different” from the other kids in their school.

• $50 will provide a complete Christmas package for one child



While planning your Christmas lists and giving, maybe you would consider giving in someone’s honor or memory. So many people on our lists are “hard to buy for” because they “have everything”. Truly we are blessed. As of today there are only 2 children who have full sponsorships. Would you consider sponsoring a child as a Christmas gift this holiday season? What a life changing Christmas gift you can give in the memory or honor of a loved one!


We will have our Christmas collection through December 5, 2011. If you would like to contribute in general or for a specific child for Christmas please do so by that time. You may give online or click on the link at the top left (Christmas Giving). Please mark in the message that your donation is to go toward the Christmas gifts for WHY.


Thank you for your continued prayer and support for The Rescue Ministries and the children of Wesley Home for Youth.


Peace, Dustin

Word

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

Nemfa

Nemfa is a very smart and well-mannered 10 year old girl. She  joined the WHY family in August 2011 and is excited that she will be able to continue her education.

Nemfa is the 3rd of 7 children. Her father is very ill and is no longer able to work. The medicine he needs is expensive and is consuming all the income the mother earns.

Nemfa's parents are grateful for the opportunity for her to finish her education. Nemfa dreams of one day becoming a teacher. She would like to help her family financially and ensure that her younger siblings also receive an education.

Nemfa is in great need of committed monthly sponsors!  Please click here if you would like to sponsor Nemfa or donate to The Rescue Ministries!

Catherine

This 12 year old girl packs a punch to the heart!  Catherine (pronounced Cat-a-rine) joined Wesley Home for Youth in January 2010 and is a treasure to the home.   Her sweet spirit speaks much louder than her voice. 



Catherine's parents separated before her birth and was abandoned by her mother soon after she was born.  She was left in the care of her elderly grandmother.  Although Catherine's "lola" did her best to care for her, she was unable to provide funds for her education.   She is hopeful for a better future through Wesley Home.

Catherine works hard to complete her chores and help in the kitchen.  When she is finished she eagerly begins helping her house-siblings with their responsibilities.

Cathy is doing very well in her studies.  She loves to express herself through singing and dancing!  She can be seen singing with all her heart during worship services.

If you would like to offer support for Wesley Home for Youth please click here.  Your prayers and financial support are essential for these young children.  Thank YOU!

Word

Psalm 37:5-7
 

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Michelle

Michelle came to Wesley Home in January 2010 as a mischevious little girl and has since transformed into a mature young lady. 

She enjoys singing while she completes her chores.  God has truly put a song in her heart.

Michelle is eager to learn more about God's word.  I was blessed for her to choose me to share Bible stories with her and Catherine during some down time on our July mission.  They were happy to sit for nearly an hour while I shared with them about the life of Joseph, asking questions and for translation along the way.  How amazing it is to see young people so hungry for God's word and His promises!

Michelle is in 2nd year high school and is working hard to receive high marks.  She loves to read and study English.

Michelle has a tender spirit and cares deeply for others.  She is thrilled with the opportunity to complete her studies through Wesley Home.

She is in need of committed monthly sponsors!  Please consider what you can contribute to help Michelle.  Click here to sponsor Michelle or donate to The Rescue Ministries.

Thankful, Sheryl

Word

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,  so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

Think, Say, Do - Part 3

So my question is: Are you a thinker, a sayer or a doer?


Think: verb (used without object)
to employ one's mind rationally and objectively in evaluating or dealing with a given situation; to have a certain thing as the subject of one's thoughts; to consider something as a possible action, choice, etc.

When you see an opportunity to serve, do you let someone else take the opportunity instead?  Do you let yourself believe lies that you aren't "good enough" to serve?  Do you tell yourself that your not good at that aspect of service and someone else will do it?


Say: verb (used with object)
to utter or pronounce; to express in words; state; declare; state as an opinion or judgment

When you see an opportunity to serve do you say you will but not follow through?  If something else comes along do feel as if your commitments aren't important?  Is it easier to say yes and not show up than to just say no in the first place?  Do you let Satan distract you with other things?  Do you assume that someone else will be there to pick up the slack in your absence?  Do you say you will do something to get attention or praise?


Do: verb
Do, accomplish, achieve, mean to bring some action to a conclusion; Accomplish emphasizes attaining a desired goal through effort, skill, and perseverance: to accomplish what one has hoped for. Achieve emphasizes accomplishing something important, excellent, or great

Do you show up for the opportunity to serve?  Are you willing to get your hands dirty to accomplish the goal?  While all three words (think, say, do) are verbs, only "do" is taking full action, to accomplish and achieve.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22

 

Folks, we are at war!  Against Satan, against our own sin, against lies we tell ourselves.  We can sit around and think about it or talk about it, but nothing is changing.  We have to DO something.  WE must DO something.  The Bible doesn't tell that someone in the next city will take care of things.  The Bible tells YOU and ME to GO!

My prayer is that committed people will rise up to share hope with the lost in our own cities, our own nation as well as around the world.  God doesn't call all of us overseas, but He does call all of us!



Thankful, Sheryl

Think, Say, Do - Part 2

We were not created by God to just take up space and consume resources.  We were ALL created for a divine purpose.  That doesn't mean we have a promise of ease,  comfort, convenience and wealth.  But we still have a purpose and there is work to be done.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

A popular term in ministry (that I've selfishly used myself) is "burn out".  We tend to feel tired, worn down, overwhelmed with responsibility, wanting to take time for ourselves and so we just stop.  We give up.  We lay down.

I don't want to be that person.  I don't want to give up on the people who need hope, a warm meal, a tender smile, my time, a helping hand, a listening ear.....the list goes on and on.  Nor does God want me to be that person. 

God doesn't need me to serve Him, He WANTS me to serve Him!  He WANTS me to fulfill my purpose.  No matter if that purpose is leading a small group, opening a soup kitchen or cleaning toilets to fund an orphanage half way around the world.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Col. 3:22-24

Each morning when I drop my tween daughter off at school, as she is getting out of the car, I say "Make good choices today."  Lately I've been thinking to myself about the example I set for her.  What about my choices....Will I choose to be lazy, too busy, blind or deaf when there's a need?  What type of person will I choose to be?

To be continued......




Thankful, Sheryl

Word




http://freebigpictures.com/road-pictures/mountain-path/



2 Tim 4:2-5

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Think, Say, Do - Part 1

It seems that ministry work brings out the best and worst in people.  Whether it is those that run the ministry, work in the ministry, support the ministry financially and prayerfully really makes no difference. 


We are human.


When things are new, exciting and results can be easily measured; most of us are thinking about our ministry often, talking about it with our friends and family and getting our hands dirty with loving on and working in our ministry.


But. sigh


When things get tough, the ministry is a couple of years old, other things have come along, support is down, work is harder, laborers are few.  We want to quit. 

Satan entices us with new and exciting things.  Ministry or not.  Things that are more fun, easier, our friends are working there.....we would still be working for the Lord after all.....

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

If there is a reason to start the ministry, there is a reason to continue the ministry.  People need hope, they need to see God's love and they need to see His grace through us.  If they see us give up as Christians, why wouldn't they give up on their own lives, their own negative situation, their own hope?

We must stay the course.  No. Matter. What.

More thoughts to come....


Thankful, Sheryl

Giving

So often when we are planning mission trips people are so giving. 

Giving of their time and talents to make things for us to take to share the gospel and show God's love.

Giving of their financial blessings to help fund the projects that we will be doing while on the mission or to help a mission team member with trip costs.

Giving of their self in prayer for preparation, for safety and health.

It is always amazing to see the gifts and the givers.

For our past trip in July we planned to share the gospel of Christ in local schools.  For this we needed tools to give visual explanations as we shared.  And they were given.



We had color books to show as we demonstrated how to make a Salvation Bracelet.  The children (even high school age) were thrilled to have a reminder of the message we shared.

Because of the large classes (approximately 65 in each high school room, around 50 in elementary classes) we were able to share with about 1000 students in a matter of a couple of hours.



a group of high school boys with their bracelets, Bev, Eremy and Megan in center

 

Jeraluz helping Megan distribute bracelets



elementary students with bracelets

A very special THANKS to everyone who gives and those who will give in the future.  

Thankful, Sheryl

Jeraluz

Although Jeraluz is not quite 15 she doesn't seem to mind the motherly role she is filling at Wesley Home for Youth. If she isn't busy assisting Nanny Linda with dinner preparation after school she is helping a younger house-sibling with homework. 



Jeraluz with Catherine



Jeraluz has a fun-loving way about her that draws the younger children.  But they have respect for her and they get in line if she calls them on misbehavior.

Jeraluz was one of the five that were baptized during our July mission trip.  This was a huge step for her as she turned from her old life and said I believe in Jesus Christ, the one true and living God.  Please pray that she will continue to grow in her faith and her walk with God.

Committed monthly sponsors are currently needed for Jeraluz.  Please help this young lady continue her education and continue her journey in a safe, loving environment.  Click here to donate for Jeraluz.

Word

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Mary Grace

Mary Grace, better known as Gigi, joined Wesley Home for Youth in July 2011.  She is a charming young girl with a quiet way about her, other than her tendency to be full of giggles.   She has adjusted very well and is happy to be part of the family.

At age 10 she is still in grade 1 because her family cannot afford her education. Her father is a fisherman and earns only a small amount of money daily. It is insufficient to provide basic needs to the 10 children and his wife.

Mary Grace is already being led by her older house siblings with her school work and learning her daily chores. She is excited about the opportunity to continue her studies. She dreams of one day becoming a teacher and helping her younger siblings get an education.

She is enjoying trying new things.  Only a couple of days after joining Wesley Home, she tried ice cream for the first time in her life.  And she loved having Melinda do her hair!

Mary Grace is in need of dedicated monthly sponsors that will help support her through prayer and financial giving.  Please click here if you would like to sponsor Mary Grace or donate to The Rescue Ministries!

Glenn

Glenn, what a beautiful and contagious smile he has! Every time you see him, he's just smiling.

As one of the first to enter Wesley Home in January 2010, Glenn has taken his role as leader in stride.  As the oldest male in the home he feels a sense of being a protector to the younger children.  He is very particular about getting things right as he leads the others in knowledge of God's Word.  He doesn't mind to speak up during Bible study sessions, but wants to be sure he is correct in his speaking.Glenn is studying at Cebu Technical College to become an automotive expert.  He is working hard in his studies and is thankful for the opportunity to complete his education.

Glenn enjoys spending time with his house-siblings at Wesley.  He enjoys playing volleyball and especially loves playing with and caring for the chickens.

Please pray for Glenn as he continues to grow in his faith in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for his family's safety as they are in a dangerous neighborhood where gangs and drugs are prevalent.

John Mark

A few weeks ago we announced John Mark's arrival at Wesley Home for Youth, but he has not been properly introduced.

Eight year old John Mark is a very quiet young boy that takes great pride in his school work. He is currently in grade one and has 1st honors. His favorite subject is English.


In his home he is responsible for all the cooking, cleaning and laundry because he is the oldest of three children. 

John Mark is a precious child with a sweet but unhealthy smile.  He seems to be consicous of this and holds back when his picture is being snapped. 

John Mark's home is in one of the worst dumpsite areas. Both of his parents are scavengers in the dumpsite and earn about $2-6/day. His parents are grateful for the opportunity to have John Mark at Wesley so that he will be in a safe environment and be able to continue his education.

 

This past week John Mark's 4 year old brother was in the "sludge river" just behind their dumpsite home and drowned.  Please pray for the family of John Mark and for the safety of the children still needing to be rescued from the dumpsite.

Word

Psalm 1


Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Wesley Home updates

Hello Friends!  I'm sorry about the lack of blogging lately.  The beginning of school is always so hectic for everyone and I'm no exception!  But here's good news....I have updates!

During this week Wesley Home is growing again.  We will be taking in 2 more girls - Sharon, age 11 and Dbehlinda, age 13.  We are ecstatic to continue seeing God working at Wesley. 

If you are interested in providing a "Welcome Package" for either of these girls you can do so by making a one-time donation of $50.  The package includes a school uniform, blanket, towel and necessary hygiene items. 

DONATE HERE

Also, I would like to thank everyone for your prayers during the academic exams for this school quarter.  All of the children passed their tests and are receiving good grades.  I am so thankful for the gentle persistence of Flor, the director and of the guidance of the older house-siblings.

Thankful, Sheryl

Body of Christ

In our home we do lots of hosting simply to have time to chat and fellowship with other families and to do ministry planning.  Some would believe this means that our home is a home fit for entertaining with clean floors and streak free mirrors.  Ahem....well although I do attempt to have a home that fits this description it typically doesn't happen. 

So last week as I am preparing dinner for a family, I asked my son to put the vacuum cleaner away.  As I'm hurrying around the house to get some of the clutter cleaned up I walk into my pitch dark bedroom and my foot finds the spot that my son chose to put the vacuum cleaner.  My big toe was in ridiculous pain but I had to go on.  So with help from my daughter I pulled myself together and finished dinner.

The next morning my toe was turning all shades of blue and purple and I was limping like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.  I just kept thinking to myself how silly it was!  It was my TOE for Pete's sake!  A simple toe.

But then God brought to mind the body of Christ.  If such a small part of my body was affecting me so greatly, how important are all parts of the body of Christ?

Romans 12:3-8

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

It's easy to consider ourselves unimportant to have an excuse to be lazy, to stop serving.  But if we allow Satan to convince us that our area of service goes unnoticed not only are we neglecting the rest of the body, we are also missing out on our opportunity to use our gifts and further the kingdom of God.

Thankful, Sheryl

Word

Isaiah 55:9

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Judy Ann

This week we are re-introducing a special young lady, Judy Ann.  I hope you enjoy reading about some of the experiences Cathi shared with Judy Ann during our trip.

Judy Ann is a sweet spirited 14 year old who loves to sing. She has the best smile and attitude of agreeableness. I loved talking to Judy Ann because she would always say “yes!” in such a way that made me smile.

One of my favorite memories of Judy Ann was one of the first nights we were at Wesley Home. Judy Ann and one of the other girls were washing our dinner dishes. They were singing worship songs and loving life. She loves so much to sing to Jesus, that she was on stage at almost every event we had with the kids, singing special music.

It was incredible to watch her have such a passion for singing to our God. One Sunday after church her and I and another one of the girls sat around and sang songs out of their song books until everyone else had left the chapel.

She is also quick to jump in and help with whatever needs to be done, whether it is her daily chores or helping a new member at Wesley learn their way around. To share one final memory of Judy Ann, one night while a group of us were hanging around in the kitchen, her and Rovi decided they wanted to play with my hair. They had fallen in love with my curly hair, since they never see anything but straight hair. The girls had so much fun running their fingers through it and braiding it. They even put my hair on their head and acted like it was their hair. They are so stinking cute!

God created a connection between Judy Ann and I that only He could have done. She is an incredible girl who is hungry to learn and understand more about Jesus. Since returning home, the social worker at WHY has stated that she reads the Bible left for her every single day.


~Cathi