Good Morning,
Sharron and I may not have the most beautiful Christmas tree; however, it is very special to us. You see, most of the ornaments either were made by our children or have some other very special meaning. We see our family when we look at our tree.
If God had a Christmas tree, I wonder what it would look like.
Mother Teresa saw suffering and poverty outside the convent walls made such a deep impression on her that she received permission from her superiors to leave the convent school and devote herself to working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. Although she had no funds, she depended on God, and started an open-air school for slum children. Soon voluntary helpers joined her, and financial support was forthcoming.
The Society of Missionaries has spread all over the world. They provide effective help to the poorest of the poor in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and they undertake relief work in the wake of natural catastrophes such as floods, epidemics, and famine, and for refugees. The order also has houses in North America, Europe and Australia, where they take care of the shut-ins, alcoholics, homeless, and AIDS sufferers.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) If God had a Christmas tree, I think Mother Teresa would an ornament.
Joni Erickson was paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident in 1967 that changed her life forever. Just before her accident at a camp, she prayed, "Lord if you're really there, do something in my life to change me, I'm begging you…” Following the accident, she battled severe depression. She found comfort in reading the words of the Prophet Jeremiah, "Mere Christianity" by C.S Lewis and works by Francis Schaeffer. She sought to glorify God immersing herself in God's Word and claiming his promises.
In 1974, she appeared on Barbara Walter's "Today Show" in New York. She spoke about her new life of suffering to millions of people. This opened doors all over the country to speak to those with a disability. Joni and Friends Ministry was born…and most of you know the impact Joni has had.
Paul said, “All the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. (Philippians 3:7-9) If God had a Christmas tree, I think Joni would an ornament.
On December 28, 1944, after ten months of incarceration in concentration camps, Corrie Ten Boom was free. She had lost her father and beloved sister at a Nazi death camp. Gaunt, filthy, and weak, Corrie made her way to the railway station and boarded a train for a three-day journey home to Holland. She later found out that an order had been given at the end of that very week to kill all women her age and older. An error in prison paperwork was the catalyst God used to release her.
In 1947, after speaking at a church in Munich, she saw a balding heavy-set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where she had just spoken. One moment she saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. She could see her sister's frail form ahead of her, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin.
She and her sister, Betsie, had been arrested for concealing Jews in their home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where they were sent. ... "You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard in there. Since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, ..." his hand came out, ... "will you forgive me?"
She stood there — she could not. Betsie had died in that place — could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking? It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to her it seemed hours as she wrestled with the most difficult thing she had ever had to do.
She had to do it — she knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”...
She stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. Forgiveness is not an emotion. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" she prayed silently. "I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling."
Mechanically, she thrust my hand into the one stretched out. As she did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in her shoulder, raced down her arm, sprang into their joined hands. Healing warmth seemed to flood her whole being, bringing tears to her eyes.
"I forgive you, brother!" I cried, "With all my heart!" For a long moment they grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. She stated later that had never known God's love so intensely as she did then.
Romans 15:7 says, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” If God had a Christmas tree, I think Corrie ten Boom would an ornament.
We all have our own stories…God’s mercies; times he has shown his grace…and given His grace to others through us.
As I travel throughout the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands I see, first hand, the good work that our people do in His Name though His Army. I see our employees and volunteers giving of themselves to restore hope to others. In doing so, we are fulfilling God’s purpose for each of our lives.
Ephesians 1:3-6 says, “Long before he laid down earth’s foundation, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. What pleasure he took in planning this!”
If God had a Christmas tree, I think each of you would be an ornament.
Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Good Morning
November 30, 2006
It is by presence of mind in untried emergencies that the native metal of a man is tested.
-Abraham Lincoln-
Good Morning,
I recently read the book, Pour Your Heart Into It, by Howard Schultz, the Chairman and CEO of Starbucks. The book tells the history of Starbucks from a little store that sold whole bean coffee to the worldwide corporation all of us know today. The book tells the store of a crisis that hit the company in the 90’s due to a frost in Brazil. Although Starbucks did not purchase any of their coffee from Brazil, as Brazil produces about one quarter of the world's coffee supply, the serious shortfall in coffee production there sent prices up around the world. Starbucks faces some critical decisions. Should they raise prices? As their prices were already above their competitors, this was not a good option. They thought of another option. They could save millions of dollars every year if they bought a slightly cheaper coffee. Starbucks spends more money per pound of coffee than almost any company in the world does, even though fewer than 10 percent of their customers can tell the difference.
If you can raise profits by shaving costs on your main product and 90 percent of your customers would not even notice, why not just do it?
Because, according to Schultz, Starbucks can tell the difference. Inside Starbucks, they know what great coffee tastes like. Authenticity is one of their core values; it is a part of who they are. If they compromise who they are to achieve higher profits, what have they achieved? Eventually all of their customers would figure out that they had sacrificed their quality, and they would no longer have a reason to walk the extra block for Starbucks.
Schultz goes on to say that long before that happened, the Starbucks employees would have realized that, too. What, then, would keep them coming into work every day? Yes, they could have higher profits, but the result would be poorer quality of coffee? The best people would leave. Morale would fall. The mistake would eventually catch up with them.
Starbucks was not willing to compromise its core value, even in the face of significant financial challenges. Why, because it when again who they are and what they stand for. What about us? Paul, in his letter to the Church at Philippi talked about this very issue when he wrote the following.
“The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash – along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant – dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that come from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ – God’s righteousness.
I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power…”
One of the core values of The Salvation Army is compassion. From the early days, compassion has been at the center of everything the Army stands for, whether it is serving the lost or in our everyday business dealings. William Booth stated, “Go for souls, and go for the worst,” even a recent national advertising campaign was, “The Army of Compassion.”
Compassion is not something we stand for; it is something that we are. Every relationship, every encounter and dealing we have with others should be seasoned by compassion.
Albert Orsborn, former General of The Salvation Army, obviously understood the importance of this key value for the Army when he penned the words to the following song.
The Savior of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the laborers are few,
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,
And still straying sheep to be led.
Chorus
Except I am moved with compassion, How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed, burning love is my need; I know I can find this in thee.
O is not the Christ 'midst the crowd of today
Whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will he not show to the hearts that would know
The things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear
Or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master's own love,
Without his anointing and seal?
My prayer is that we will be as intentional on keeping compassion as our core value as Starbucks is about quality of their coffee.
Blessings,
d
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Good Morning
November 29, 2006
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor even touched,
but just felt in the heart.
Helen Keller
Good Morning,
Last Thursday we had our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Blaisdell Center. What a great event. The day was highlighted by having 2,180 guests join us for dinner. The entertainment included Henry Kapono, several of our own music groups and Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Yes, that is correct, Mayor Hannemann, and he did a wonderful job.
Wearing the uniform during such functions is like a magnet. I lost count of the number of people who came up to me during the dinner. Every person had the same message, “Thank you so much for being here, you’ve made my day.” Oh, they said it in varying ways, but they all were so thankful. One of Mayor Hannemann’s staff commented about the large number of Senior Citizens at the dinner. We talked about the importance of having a place for our seniors to go on memory filled holidays. Positive family memories can bring an incredible sense of loneliness during this time of year to those who have lost husbands, wives and other family members. It was encouraging to see smiles on so many faces.
On Friday evening, we participated in the Waikiki Christmas Parade. While I am the first to admit that our float posed no danger to any desired award, I was humbled by the reception we received throughout the entire parade. As we moved down Kalakaua Avenue, people would shout out, “Thank you for being there,” or “Keep up the good work.” One woman yelled to me, “Thank you for yesterday.” I yelled back and asked if she was there, she said, “no, but I heard about it.”
As we drove home from the parade Jesus’ words came to me, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) While encouraging me, the words were also a challenge. I am reminded that the reason we do all that we do is not to make The Salvation Army look good, but that people will praise our Father in heaven.
After going to an exciting University of Hawaii football game on Saturday, we struggled out of bed Sunday morning, hoarse voices and all, to make an early flight to Kauai and drove to Hanapepe for their Worship Service. However, once there we were immediately energized. Lieutenants Larry and Joy Groenleer are doing a great job and are such a blessing to be around. The corps was filled not only with people, but also with enthusiasm and excitement about the things God is doing. After the worship service, we shared in a “potluck” lunch with the people. Another lesson I have learned in my time here is that I do not think it possible to have a Salvation Army event in Hawaii without eating. The food was good, the fellowship was great, and we left filled in every way.
New York Yankee, Lou Gehrig, at his retirement speech said, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” I know that it may sound trite, however, when Sharron and I see the way God uses The Salvation Army here in the Pacific Islands to blessings and serve people, and, have the opportunity to serve along side so many employees, officers and volunteers that are so mission focused, I do not think Lou Gehrig had anything on us.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…” Philippians 1:3-5
Blessings,
d
Friday, October 27, 2006
Invisible Heroes
I loved the Green Bay Packers as a kid. I grew up watching Bart Starr, Carroll Dale, Elijah Pitts, and Ray Nitschke, under the leadership of Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi. Each time I played street football, I was either Bart Starr throwing “the bomb” or Carroll Dale receiving. I would not miss a game.
We all have heroes, people we admire, look up to and want to be like.
We have heroes we remember from our past. John Glenn’s flight in the Mercury 6, Friendship 7 excited the world, as he circled the earth. I remember watching on a small black and white TV while I was in 2nd grade. He inspired a nation.
We have spiritual heroes like Martin Luther, John Wesley, and William and Catherine Booth, who have influenced millions. Their work stands on its own.
When we think of heroes we think of traits like smart, strong, visionary, decisive, clear thinking, bold and daring; heroes like Winston Churchill, who in the midst of World War II, Great Britain under constant bombardment, and virtually standing alone against the Third Reich said:
“Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days—the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race.”
I listen to such words and say, “Now there is a great hero!
In the honor of our heroes, we erect statues, write books, sing songs, and wish we had more people like them. Heroes!
However, I believe there are many more heroes, most go unnoticed: no statues, no books, and no songs. These people go through life doing seemingly insignificant things, yet drastically affecting others. Their traits include such things as care, love, investment of time in others, belief and faithfulness; they are Invisible Heroes.
Scripture is filled with hundreds of examples of such heroes. One example comes in the most unlikely place, by a very unlikely person.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:31
This story shows that God will use anybody. This woman worked as a prostitute in Jericho as the Israelites approached the city. Although the Hebrew spies needed someone to help them scope out the best approach to conquering the city, there seemed little logical reason why Rahab should have been considered for the role: 1) She occupied no position and held no official title in the city; 2) The Israelites looked upon women as lower class citizens. 3) As a prostitute, she held an even lower social rank than the average woman did.
However, because being a hero depends less on titles than it does influence, God chose Rahab. She helped the spies by her quick wisdom, gutsy style, and clever plan. By doing so, she saved not only her own life, but aided in accomplishing the purposes of God in Jericho. The name “Rahab” even occupies an honored place in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11).
The Apostle Paul had heroes. During his final days of his life, he felt abandoned. His “so called” friends had left. Only Luke was with him while he was writing his final letter to Timothy, which closes with:
Do your best to come to me…Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:9-12
Paul needed those three men with him. He knew what was coming his way, and he could accept that, but the thought of being alone during those dark days were unbearable.
I moved to Portland, Oregon, with my mother and stepfather, Pat, when I was eleven. My mother never learned to drive and Pat was not interested in driving us to church. Therefore, my mother called the large corps that was fairly close to our house and asked if anyone could pick us up on Sundays, she was politely told no.
There was another corps on the other side of town. She called, even though the corps was a long way from our home. Without hesitation, the officer, a single lieutenant, said yes. And, over the next four years, he drove across town two times each Sunday, plus numerous times during the week to pick us up. He never knew that young boy would someday be an officer or the Divisional Commander in Hawaii; he was only serving a little old woman and her young son.
The funny thing is if you ask him about his accomplishment of life, he may not even think about those days in Portland. He was just doing his job, what God called him to do.
I am not sure what kind of accolades Major Ron Bawden will receive during his retirement service next year, but Lieutenant Ron Bawden was, and still is, a hero of mine. I would not be here today without him.
You have the opportunity to touch the lives of people every day. You go through the day, without pomp and circumstance, doing things the world never sees, and they are often deemed insignificant. However, to the person touched, and to God, the things are very significant.
We live in a day when corporate greed and corrupt leadership makes headline news. Abuses by those in spiritual leadership and people using God’s name to promote their own political agendas have soured many on the claims of the Gospel. I cannot think of another time in history when we were more in need of heroes.
Ray Boltz, in his song “Thank You,” simply put it:
One by one they came Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched By your generosity.
Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made,
Invisible on the earth In heaven, now proclaimed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
We all have heroes, people we admire, look up to and want to be like.
We have heroes we remember from our past. John Glenn’s flight in the Mercury 6, Friendship 7 excited the world, as he circled the earth. I remember watching on a small black and white TV while I was in 2nd grade. He inspired a nation.
We have spiritual heroes like Martin Luther, John Wesley, and William and Catherine Booth, who have influenced millions. Their work stands on its own.
When we think of heroes we think of traits like smart, strong, visionary, decisive, clear thinking, bold and daring; heroes like Winston Churchill, who in the midst of World War II, Great Britain under constant bombardment, and virtually standing alone against the Third Reich said:
“Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days—the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race.”
I listen to such words and say, “Now there is a great hero!
In the honor of our heroes, we erect statues, write books, sing songs, and wish we had more people like them. Heroes!
However, I believe there are many more heroes, most go unnoticed: no statues, no books, and no songs. These people go through life doing seemingly insignificant things, yet drastically affecting others. Their traits include such things as care, love, investment of time in others, belief and faithfulness; they are Invisible Heroes.
Scripture is filled with hundreds of examples of such heroes. One example comes in the most unlikely place, by a very unlikely person.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:31
This story shows that God will use anybody. This woman worked as a prostitute in Jericho as the Israelites approached the city. Although the Hebrew spies needed someone to help them scope out the best approach to conquering the city, there seemed little logical reason why Rahab should have been considered for the role: 1) She occupied no position and held no official title in the city; 2) The Israelites looked upon women as lower class citizens. 3) As a prostitute, she held an even lower social rank than the average woman did.
However, because being a hero depends less on titles than it does influence, God chose Rahab. She helped the spies by her quick wisdom, gutsy style, and clever plan. By doing so, she saved not only her own life, but aided in accomplishing the purposes of God in Jericho. The name “Rahab” even occupies an honored place in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11).
The Apostle Paul had heroes. During his final days of his life, he felt abandoned. His “so called” friends had left. Only Luke was with him while he was writing his final letter to Timothy, which closes with:
Do your best to come to me…Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:9-12
Paul needed those three men with him. He knew what was coming his way, and he could accept that, but the thought of being alone during those dark days were unbearable.
I moved to Portland, Oregon, with my mother and stepfather, Pat, when I was eleven. My mother never learned to drive and Pat was not interested in driving us to church. Therefore, my mother called the large corps that was fairly close to our house and asked if anyone could pick us up on Sundays, she was politely told no.
There was another corps on the other side of town. She called, even though the corps was a long way from our home. Without hesitation, the officer, a single lieutenant, said yes. And, over the next four years, he drove across town two times each Sunday, plus numerous times during the week to pick us up. He never knew that young boy would someday be an officer or the Divisional Commander in Hawaii; he was only serving a little old woman and her young son.
The funny thing is if you ask him about his accomplishment of life, he may not even think about those days in Portland. He was just doing his job, what God called him to do.
I am not sure what kind of accolades Major Ron Bawden will receive during his retirement service next year, but Lieutenant Ron Bawden was, and still is, a hero of mine. I would not be here today without him.
You have the opportunity to touch the lives of people every day. You go through the day, without pomp and circumstance, doing things the world never sees, and they are often deemed insignificant. However, to the person touched, and to God, the things are very significant.
We live in a day when corporate greed and corrupt leadership makes headline news. Abuses by those in spiritual leadership and people using God’s name to promote their own political agendas have soured many on the claims of the Gospel. I cannot think of another time in history when we were more in need of heroes.
Ray Boltz, in his song “Thank You,” simply put it:
One by one they came Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched By your generosity.
Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made,
Invisible on the earth In heaven, now proclaimed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Good Morning
October 23, 2006
If I had my life to live over...I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.-Nadine Stair
Good Morning,
Those of you that attended our Partners in Service Luncheon last year had the opportunity to hear Major John R. Jones talk about the Army’s emergency disaster work around the hurricanes last year. During his message, Major Jones said that hurricanes, floods, earthquakes are often referred to as “Acts of God.” He went on to say that, he did not believe that was the case. Natural disasters are just that, natural; they happen because it is part of nature. The “Acts of God,” are the things that the people of God do following “acts of nature” or humans that destroy and unsettle lives. I love that comment, I agree wholeheartedly with Major Jones.
Last week we experienced an act of nature that unsettled all of us. Many of us were at the Ala Moana Hotel with the Divisional Women’s Ministries Conference when the earthquake occurred. Many of us spent the morning bringing our senior women and their luggage down 15+ floors via dark stairwells. Others were talking to the women, as well as other hotel guests, giving them assurance that everything would be all right. While all this was happening, Major Jonnette Mulch was leading a wonderful time of praise and worship. It was interesting to move around the hotel to see the stress on peoples faces, then go into the worship service and sense the calm assurance that God was in control. At one point during a testimony time, a man thanked the women for the calming confidence they were sharing with others. He also thanked them for making food available to others; Acts of God.
We heard the airport was open, and decided the best thing was to get the women from the neighbor islands home. We arrived at the airport, saw thousands of stranded people standing outside the inter-island terminal, and decided we had to do something. I wish I could say everything went smoothly, yet, there were challenges, including no electricity, overtaxed cell phone lines, people coming up asking for directions (I guess it is the uniform), getting permission from airport security, on and on. However, thanks to Major George Beauchamp at the ARC, the Leeward and Kauluwela Corps, Revolution Hawaii, the women from the neighbor island corps and the Waioli Tea Room, we were able to serve over 3,000 people with food and water; Acts of God.
I would like to share one of the letters we received from stranded travelers:
Dear Salvation Army, We would like to thank you for all you did for us while stranded at the Honolulu airport after the earthquake. We were really feeling anxious and hopeless when your volunteers appeared with heart felt smiles and much needed food. I don't think were could of lasted much longer without food. There were many older people and children that had been in line outside for 8 hours with only a small amount of liquids every hour. We did not get out until 12:30am and if not for your organization we would of not found the strength to last the 13 hours at the airport. Thank you again and may God continue to bless you.
I received a special blessing while we were waiting for the food to arrive. The neighbor island women decided to have a praise meeting outside the airport. As they started to sing people went over to see what was happening. Within a few minutes, hundreds of people were standing and singing. You could feel the sense of calm coming over the people that moments before were anxious. Situations had not changed, but there was the gentle reminder that God was still in control and everything was going to be all right; Acts of God.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:37-40) Acts of God
Over a week has gone by and all of us have returned to our lives and the busyness that life brings. I do hope and pray that our reminder of last week will stay with us awhile, and that we will remember, no matter what happens, God is in control and we are in very good hands.
Blessings,
d
If I had my life to live over...I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.-Nadine Stair
Good Morning,
Those of you that attended our Partners in Service Luncheon last year had the opportunity to hear Major John R. Jones talk about the Army’s emergency disaster work around the hurricanes last year. During his message, Major Jones said that hurricanes, floods, earthquakes are often referred to as “Acts of God.” He went on to say that, he did not believe that was the case. Natural disasters are just that, natural; they happen because it is part of nature. The “Acts of God,” are the things that the people of God do following “acts of nature” or humans that destroy and unsettle lives. I love that comment, I agree wholeheartedly with Major Jones.
Last week we experienced an act of nature that unsettled all of us. Many of us were at the Ala Moana Hotel with the Divisional Women’s Ministries Conference when the earthquake occurred. Many of us spent the morning bringing our senior women and their luggage down 15+ floors via dark stairwells. Others were talking to the women, as well as other hotel guests, giving them assurance that everything would be all right. While all this was happening, Major Jonnette Mulch was leading a wonderful time of praise and worship. It was interesting to move around the hotel to see the stress on peoples faces, then go into the worship service and sense the calm assurance that God was in control. At one point during a testimony time, a man thanked the women for the calming confidence they were sharing with others. He also thanked them for making food available to others; Acts of God.
We heard the airport was open, and decided the best thing was to get the women from the neighbor islands home. We arrived at the airport, saw thousands of stranded people standing outside the inter-island terminal, and decided we had to do something. I wish I could say everything went smoothly, yet, there were challenges, including no electricity, overtaxed cell phone lines, people coming up asking for directions (I guess it is the uniform), getting permission from airport security, on and on. However, thanks to Major George Beauchamp at the ARC, the Leeward and Kauluwela Corps, Revolution Hawaii, the women from the neighbor island corps and the Waioli Tea Room, we were able to serve over 3,000 people with food and water; Acts of God.
I would like to share one of the letters we received from stranded travelers:
Dear Salvation Army, We would like to thank you for all you did for us while stranded at the Honolulu airport after the earthquake. We were really feeling anxious and hopeless when your volunteers appeared with heart felt smiles and much needed food. I don't think were could of lasted much longer without food. There were many older people and children that had been in line outside for 8 hours with only a small amount of liquids every hour. We did not get out until 12:30am and if not for your organization we would of not found the strength to last the 13 hours at the airport. Thank you again and may God continue to bless you.
I received a special blessing while we were waiting for the food to arrive. The neighbor island women decided to have a praise meeting outside the airport. As they started to sing people went over to see what was happening. Within a few minutes, hundreds of people were standing and singing. You could feel the sense of calm coming over the people that moments before were anxious. Situations had not changed, but there was the gentle reminder that God was still in control and everything was going to be all right; Acts of God.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:37-40) Acts of God
Over a week has gone by and all of us have returned to our lives and the busyness that life brings. I do hope and pray that our reminder of last week will stay with us awhile, and that we will remember, no matter what happens, God is in control and we are in very good hands.
Blessings,
d
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Good Morning
October 2, 2006
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Good Morning,
Yesterday Sharron and I had the privilege of attending the chapel service at the Addiction Treatment Services (ATS). Each time we attend services at any of our programs we go with the intent of being an encouragement and, hopefully, a blessings; yesterday was no different. However, like so many times, we are the ones that leave blessed, encouraged and re-focused on our ministry.
The highlight of the service was when five men performed a special worship sign language presentation to the song, This is My Desire. Words of the song include:
This is my desire: to honor You.
Lord, with all my heart, I worship You.
All I have within me, I give You praise
All that I adore is in you.
Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul; I live for you alone.
Every breath that I take, every moment I awake, Lord have Your way in me.
I must admit I had tears in my eyes as I watched the men signing to the words of the song. I thought to myself, “I wonder what the desire of those men were two months ago; certainly not honoring and worshipping God." I know that each of them still have a long way to go in their recovery, but, God believes in them. I thanked God as I sat there for each of those men, for the staff at ATS and for His grace, mercy and encouragement.
There was a daylong celebration yesterday to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of the Waianae Ministry. We were able to share some time with people as they played, sang, ate worshipped and fellowshipped together at the park. The people have so little, however, they are so willing to share whatever they have. At one point during the afternoon, I sat and listened as a couple of the people shared together of God’s blessing and how privileged they were (one was in a wheelchair and on oxygen); the other person had significant other health problems. Those two friends taught me some life-lessons right there. God has certainly blessed our ministry on that part of the Island.
As I sat at home last night, I began to think of how fortunate I am. I have the opportunity to see God’s hand in the lives of so many people. I am privileged to meet people whose lives have been put back together and are able to see God’s restoration power. I see people, whom the world says have nothing, and I know they have everything. And, most of all, know that God is at work in my life, as He has been before I was born, to live a life as an example of His grace.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:3-4
Blessings,
d
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Good Morning,
Yesterday Sharron and I had the privilege of attending the chapel service at the Addiction Treatment Services (ATS). Each time we attend services at any of our programs we go with the intent of being an encouragement and, hopefully, a blessings; yesterday was no different. However, like so many times, we are the ones that leave blessed, encouraged and re-focused on our ministry.
The highlight of the service was when five men performed a special worship sign language presentation to the song, This is My Desire. Words of the song include:
This is my desire: to honor You.
Lord, with all my heart, I worship You.
All I have within me, I give You praise
All that I adore is in you.
Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul; I live for you alone.
Every breath that I take, every moment I awake, Lord have Your way in me.
I must admit I had tears in my eyes as I watched the men signing to the words of the song. I thought to myself, “I wonder what the desire of those men were two months ago; certainly not honoring and worshipping God." I know that each of them still have a long way to go in their recovery, but, God believes in them. I thanked God as I sat there for each of those men, for the staff at ATS and for His grace, mercy and encouragement.
There was a daylong celebration yesterday to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of the Waianae Ministry. We were able to share some time with people as they played, sang, ate worshipped and fellowshipped together at the park. The people have so little, however, they are so willing to share whatever they have. At one point during the afternoon, I sat and listened as a couple of the people shared together of God’s blessing and how privileged they were (one was in a wheelchair and on oxygen); the other person had significant other health problems. Those two friends taught me some life-lessons right there. God has certainly blessed our ministry on that part of the Island.
As I sat at home last night, I began to think of how fortunate I am. I have the opportunity to see God’s hand in the lives of so many people. I am privileged to meet people whose lives have been put back together and are able to see God’s restoration power. I see people, whom the world says have nothing, and I know they have everything. And, most of all, know that God is at work in my life, as He has been before I was born, to live a life as an example of His grace.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:3-4
Blessings,
d
Friday, August 25, 2006
Daring to Dream
"I like the dreams for the future better than the history of the past."
Thomas Jefferson
G. Hamel, in his book, Leading the Revolution, notes that leaders are possibility thinkers, not probability thinkers. Probabilities must be based upon evidence strong enough to establish presumption. Possibilities are not. All new ventures begin with possibility thinking, not probability thinking. After all, the probability is that most new businesses will fail and most social reforms will never get off the ground. If entrepreneurs or activists accepted this view, they would never start a new business or organize a community. Instead, they begin with the assumption that anything is possible. Like entrepreneurs and other activists, leaders assume that anything is possible. It is this belief that sustains them through the difficult times.
God’s leaders should see the possibilities that God has in store for us. In order to do so, we must rise above the minutia of the day-to-day and look for possibilities of the future. Otherwise, we are stuck in the present, in the way we have always done it, and because we have never done it that way before, we stick to what we know. Meanwhile, we sit in wonder of other organizations that are growing, developing and doing new and innovative ministries.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
Let us dare to dream: dare to think all things possible; and dare to live life accordingly.
d
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Micronesia
August 22, 2006
Good Morning,
Seeing things through the eyes of others is always an interesting thing. In July, Sharron and I had family from the mainland visiting us. As we traveled around the Island, we would hear comments from them about the beauty of the land or about the crashing waves of the Pacific. They would marvel at things that (unfortunately) we have begun to take for granted. These moments would make Sharron and I step back and realize how special this place is…which always turned our thankfulness toward God and the people we have the joy of working with.
Another example of seeing things through the eyes of others was on our recent trip to Micronesia. David Arita (Advisory Board Chairman), Commissioner Joe Noland and Brian Jahnke (manager of the Waioli Tea Room) joined us for the trip. Throughout the trip they would notice things that Sharron and I (once again) would overlook. Things would make impressions on them that would carry the dinner conversation on for hours (that and extremely slow service). Our guests were impressed by the humbling work of our officers, who serve in very difficult circumstances, however, continue to have thankful hearts. The experience made me even more thankful for the needed work done by The Salvation Army throughout the Marshall Islands and Micronesia.
Our people in the Marshall Islands are experiencing some very difficult conditions. I will share a few of these concerns, asking you to pray for our co-workers.
For the last month the Coopers been very busy trying to send needed items to the outer islands, however, the planes have broken down and no ships are being sent out. Gas on Majuro is $4.25 a gallon, and $7.50 on Jaluit. To complicate the issue more, the gas station has been closed for the last 2 weeks. According to Marty, “Everyday we run around trying to help our officers, but there are problems upon problems.” Ebeye has run out of water. Jabor has very little food left on the island and their water tank is full of a fungus. They have been trying to send a new tank and food; however, no boats are going out. The Coopers ask that each of you pray for basic transportation needs and for the price of fuel to come down. According to Marty, “Life is already hard enough here for our people.”
It was a joy to see our friends on Pohnpei, Chuuk and Guam. Each place has opportunities of their own to meet basic life-needs of people. Chuuk continues to try and locate some property where we can build a building. They are currently holding services in the home of A/Captain Hermes and Rufina Otis, where I had the joy of sharing with the corps people on Friday evening. As I was speaking, I noticed a sign on the wall of their house that read, “No Minors.” It struck me that their home is a former bar. Is there a better use for a former bar than a place of hope and joy? Do not get me going there, you would be in store for a full sermon.
Our trip ended with a visit to Saipan. We thank God for Wayne and Annie Gillespie who are working hard to begin The Salvation Army’s work on that island. The depressed economy is evident as we drove around the island. Building after building is boarded up. I walked into a store and was shocked at the prices of food. A gallon of orange juice was $13. Annie said she did not remember the last time she saw fresh milk. In talking with Wayne and Annie, there is a serious problem with Human Trafficking, which The Salvation Army is already at work meeting the needs of people. Please pray for Wayne and Annie as they work with Major Brian Saunders to open an outpost on Saipan by the end of the year.
On Sunday, Sharron and I attended three services at the Leeward Corps (Sunday Morning, the Chuukese Outpost, and the Upper Room). The spirit in each service blessed us. It was great to see so many new people in attendance. Major Phil and Captain Debbie Lum, after only a month here, are doing a wonderful job of reaching out to touch lives and build bridges into the community.
Please continue to pray for the father of Major Leticia Saunders, who is recovering from surgery. Also, we were saddened to learn of the death of the 1-month old grandchild of Lieutenants Benji and Rosebee Rakin. May the God of peace comfort those who experience loss.
Blessings,
d
I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only
Ones among you will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
-Albert Schweitzer
-Albert Schweitzer
Good Morning,
Seeing things through the eyes of others is always an interesting thing. In July, Sharron and I had family from the mainland visiting us. As we traveled around the Island, we would hear comments from them about the beauty of the land or about the crashing waves of the Pacific. They would marvel at things that (unfortunately) we have begun to take for granted. These moments would make Sharron and I step back and realize how special this place is…which always turned our thankfulness toward God and the people we have the joy of working with.
Another example of seeing things through the eyes of others was on our recent trip to Micronesia. David Arita (Advisory Board Chairman), Commissioner Joe Noland and Brian Jahnke (manager of the Waioli Tea Room) joined us for the trip. Throughout the trip they would notice things that Sharron and I (once again) would overlook. Things would make impressions on them that would carry the dinner conversation on for hours (that and extremely slow service). Our guests were impressed by the humbling work of our officers, who serve in very difficult circumstances, however, continue to have thankful hearts. The experience made me even more thankful for the needed work done by The Salvation Army throughout the Marshall Islands and Micronesia.
Our people in the Marshall Islands are experiencing some very difficult conditions. I will share a few of these concerns, asking you to pray for our co-workers.
For the last month the Coopers been very busy trying to send needed items to the outer islands, however, the planes have broken down and no ships are being sent out. Gas on Majuro is $4.25 a gallon, and $7.50 on Jaluit. To complicate the issue more, the gas station has been closed for the last 2 weeks. According to Marty, “Everyday we run around trying to help our officers, but there are problems upon problems.” Ebeye has run out of water. Jabor has very little food left on the island and their water tank is full of a fungus. They have been trying to send a new tank and food; however, no boats are going out. The Coopers ask that each of you pray for basic transportation needs and for the price of fuel to come down. According to Marty, “Life is already hard enough here for our people.”
It was a joy to see our friends on Pohnpei, Chuuk and Guam. Each place has opportunities of their own to meet basic life-needs of people. Chuuk continues to try and locate some property where we can build a building. They are currently holding services in the home of A/Captain Hermes and Rufina Otis, where I had the joy of sharing with the corps people on Friday evening. As I was speaking, I noticed a sign on the wall of their house that read, “No Minors.” It struck me that their home is a former bar. Is there a better use for a former bar than a place of hope and joy? Do not get me going there, you would be in store for a full sermon.
Our trip ended with a visit to Saipan. We thank God for Wayne and Annie Gillespie who are working hard to begin The Salvation Army’s work on that island. The depressed economy is evident as we drove around the island. Building after building is boarded up. I walked into a store and was shocked at the prices of food. A gallon of orange juice was $13. Annie said she did not remember the last time she saw fresh milk. In talking with Wayne and Annie, there is a serious problem with Human Trafficking, which The Salvation Army is already at work meeting the needs of people. Please pray for Wayne and Annie as they work with Major Brian Saunders to open an outpost on Saipan by the end of the year.
On Sunday, Sharron and I attended three services at the Leeward Corps (Sunday Morning, the Chuukese Outpost, and the Upper Room). The spirit in each service blessed us. It was great to see so many new people in attendance. Major Phil and Captain Debbie Lum, after only a month here, are doing a wonderful job of reaching out to touch lives and build bridges into the community.
Please continue to pray for the father of Major Leticia Saunders, who is recovering from surgery. Also, we were saddened to learn of the death of the 1-month old grandchild of Lieutenants Benji and Rosebee Rakin. May the God of peace comfort those who experience loss.
Blessings,
d
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