Good Morning

February 25, 2007

Good Morning,

You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus

-Mark Twain

Sharron and I are completing a visit through Micronesia with the Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Lt. Colonels Don and Debi Bell. Prior to the trip, I told the Chief that each visit into this part of the world was an adventure and where life-long memories are built. This trip is certainly no exception.

On Sunday, February 18, we had the privilege of officially opening The Salvation Army in Saipan. When General William Booth passed away in 1912, The Salvation Army was in 56 countries; with the opening of Saipan that total is now 112. Over 80 people gathered in the home of Ministry Leaders Wayne and Annie Gillespie to celebrate the day. Six Junior Soldiers and 10 Adherents were enrolled and Colonel Bell presented the Army flag to the Gillespies. The next day we had lunch with the newly formed Advisory Council. Everyone is excited about the future for the Army. Wayne and Annie were so proud and thrilled to have their vision come true and bring the Army to their home.

The next stop was Chuuk. The Chuuk corps lost its corps building over a year ago. Since that time, the ministry has over doubled. I sometimes think that our buildings do more to limit our success that anything else. Captains Otis conduct meetings in their home and throughout the islands at sites they refer to as “prospective outpost;” we had the joy of visiting two of those sites.

We traveled by car into the hills on a very narrow road (I use the term loosely) to visit the one prospective outpost. At times, I was not sure we would make it; and that doubt increased when Captain Otis’ 4-wheel drive vehicle was stuck for a brief time (Sharron, Major Saunders and I were in a small rented car). However, by walking the last part of the way, we finally arrived in Witchap Nikitui Iotek, a small community of people with no running water or electricity. The people live very simple lives but are full of joy and contentment. In the center of the community is a small building that is used for a number of occasions; one of which is for the prospective outpost. We were welcomed with gifts, coconut water as we shared together in praise and song. It was a joyous time. Major Saunders commented to me, as we were leaving, about how we get caught up into so many things that do not really matter, and seeing these people’s simple faith had just taught him a number of lessons.

We traveled about 45 minutes by boat to our next stop, Fonoton. After about 15 minutes on the boat, we gave up on the idea of trying to keep dry. So, soaked to the bone we walked about 10 minutes from the boat dock to the village. It was moving beyond words to be greeted with singing of the children. The children’s voices were tremendous and they sang with all their hearts. Again, we were presented gifts and coconut water. It is an understatement to say God blessed us. Time to leave came all too soon.

On Saturday, following a day of travel to the Marshall Islands, we were once again on a boat for a two hour trip to the Island of Arno. About 50 people from Majuro, Ebeye and Jaluit accompanied us. The ocean did not fully cooperate, and many people arrived a little sick but still excited about the day’s events. I think everyone on the island was at the opening of the outpost. There were more people outside the building than could fit inside. Others did the best they could by looking in through the windows or listening from under nearby trees. The building, made entirely from local materials was beautiful. What a joy it was to meet Overton Clarence’s brother, who welcomed the Army to their island. For those of you who may not know, it was at Overton’s persistent writings that brought the Army to the Marshall Islands 21 years ago. And now, the Army is on the Island of his birth.

Sunday brought wonderful times of worship at the Rita and Laura Corps. Fifteen Senior Soldiers were enrolled and three babies dedicated (including Overton, the great-grandson of Overton Clarence) in Rita on Sunday morning.

The time for us to travel home to Honolulu has come all too quickly. So many treasured memories have been added to our lives, a few of which I have shared with you. People in Micronesia are always so gracious in their welcome; however, Sharron and I are the ones truly blessed. The people teach us things by the simplicity of their lives and their capacity to enjoy every moment of life; I should be so wise.

So, I return to Honolulu a little wiser and a lot more blessed.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

February 7, 2007

Good Morning,

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen

nor even touched, but just felt in the heart.
Helen Keller

I remember my Commissioning Day as a Salvation Army officer so well. I walked across the stage and received my first appointment from the Territorial Commander. It was exciting to have people introducing themselves and telling me all about my “new corps.” I began to plan what I would do during my first days and weeks after my arrival to the appointment. Simply speaking, Renton, Washington, would never be the same! Those were optimistic days.

As I look back, I did not have the impact on Renton, or for that matter, any other subsequent appointment that I dreamt of having during those “early days.” I am not sure that I had a significant community impact during any of my appointments. However, that does not mean I have not been successful. In reality, I may have been far more successful than I will ever know. One thing that I have learned over the years is that God measures success far differently than us.

In the corps, we often measure how successful we are by nickels and noses. We gauge our success by the size of our budgets or how many people attend our Sunday worship services. I am not saying those things do not matter, they do. However, I think God’s definition of success is far different from ours, and much more difficult to evaluate.

I am far wiser today than I was 31 years ago on that commissioning day (I was naïve). I have learned a few things about godly success.

· It is not all about me. God calls me to love and to serve others. To do that means that sometimes I may have to give up some things and may have to do other things that I would rather not. Ministry opportunities do not always come between the hours of 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, or on Sunday mornings. God provides many opportunities to impact lives (at very inconvenient times) that if missed, are never to return.

· The Army is much bigger than my appointment. I need to look beyond my corps, program or divisional boundaries and work to influence His Kingdom. God does not see our artificial boundaries. He sees the hearts of men and women who need Him, and my responsibility is to do whatever I can to bring people to Him, whether or not I will ever see the results or receive any recognition.

· Pain is temporary; quitting is forever. There are many times, due to discouragement, I have been temped to quit. Opportunities for worldly success may come my way, trying to entice me to forsake my call. It would be easy at those times to walk away, to quit. I am so grateful that Jesus never quit on His way to the cross or in His efforts to save me. I think that all of us want to have an impact, to make a difference in other people. However, I think, first God has to build the pastor or leader within us, before He can accomplish anything significant through us. Those times of building are often difficult and quite painful. Quitting will shortchange us and the people that we would have served.

· Life is not fair; if it was I would drive a Lexus. I cannot go through life looking for fairness or trying to make sure that I get my way. The Lord tells me to follow Him and adhere to the guidance of those He has placed over me in leadership. Always looking to be treated fairly and to make sure that I get my “fair share” will only lead to resentment on my part and, ultimately, in the end, bitterness.

· Live as if there are no future appointments; learn the art of “being there.” People who are always looking for the next “step up the ladder” miss the joy of true ministry, and I believe will end up disappointed and embittered. God has appointed each of us to where are today. King David said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” One of the names of Jesus is Emmanuel or God with us. Jesus promised to never to leave or forsake me. You see, presence gives great assurance. Presence is a grantor of courage. I need to work hard, reach out to others, give of myself daily, and let my tomorrows take care of themselves (Matthew 6:34).

These are just a few thoughts that come to mind. However, I guess we all need to learn the lessons ourselves. The walk of faith is a great adventure. Best of all, God is far from finished with me. I am still under construction, as was the Apostle Paul, who wrote:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-14

Blessings,
d