A Biblical Team?

What Scriptural principles can be applied to teams? Here are some thoughts...

The leader must get to know the followers. This undeniably important process takes time, energy, and focus. In the corporate space, this was called MBWA (Management By Wandering Around). Here in the church we call it Ministry of Presence. Just being there in the team working, listening, laughing, and sharing.

The team members must get to know the leader. While this is not universally held as a leadership principle, in my experience (and by the Scriptures) it is a critical step in the building of the team that team members easily dismiss due to a variety of reasons. The disciples wanted to know Jesus and therefore sought Him in order to do so. We should do the same, obviously, as Christ's disciples, in getting to know the Savior, but we should also do the same to get to know those whom He has placed over us in authority. The better we know each other the more open we can be about what needs to be accomplished in the mission Christ has given us. And, the better we know each other, the more likely we'll be able to follow the next principle.

We should give each other the benefit of the doubt and speak well of each other. There is a strong human temptation to be critical of others - our leaders, fellow team members, or those who we supervise. Conversations which tear others down or subtly cast doubt on others clearly rubs against the call of the Scriptures to "consider others better than ourselves" and to "clothe ourselves with humility toward one another", and so on.

If we have a challenge with the way things are going - as a leader or a follower - then our Scriptural duty is to present the issue before the Lord (in prayer and through the study of the Scriptures) before proceeding. Next steps can include seeking independent counsel (outside the situation) or going directly to the leader or team-member to come to a better understanding of the situation. Or, it may be that God guides us to just be still and let Him handle them or us.

However, next steps should not include rallying others to our "cause". Unfortunately, this is one of the first things we're tempted to do for the obvious reason that it validates us and our thinking. But, again, the Scriptures speak against this behavior for it leads to factions, cliques, and division.

You may feel as I do that this last principle is the most difficult because a) it may expose the potential for me to be wrong and b) it requires me to trust Christ and His Word rather than my own initiative. It takes great courage to say the tough stuff in love and be willing to admit that we had it wrong. However, when we take this chance - if we do - then we demonstrate trust in Christ to follow through on His promise to take care of us when we honor Him.

What are the benefits? As the team trusts in Christ and His provision, then while there may be difficult conversations, He honors those conversations, lives are changed, and His work is accomplished to His glory. As lives are changed, the team may change, too. But, even in welcome arrivals and bittersweet departures, Christ is honored as His work continues.

What's in a Name?

In the psalm of the shepherd, Psalm 23, David writes that the LORD leads him down paths of righteousness for the sake of the LORD's Name, "He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." This is not a request as much as it is a statement. God leads David (and all His children) in paths of righteousness for the sake of His Name.

This was one of those "Ah-Ha!" moments where I was again reminded that it isn't all about us. In fact, it is rarely all about me or you. This statement demonstrates that it is, and always has been, about God. He leads us on paths of righteousness so that His Name will be honored, glorified, and given praise. The secondary result is that we are guided to live lives that are honorable, praiseworthy, and the best paths we can take for our eternity.

Jesus alludes to it in Matthew 5:20 when, in His Sermon on the Mount, he says, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." As we lives lives resulting from God's guidance, others praise God!

Question: how are we honoring, or dishonoring, the Name of God? Some would say that I've dishonored His Name by writing it completely rather than "G*d". I'm thankful that He knows my heart and knows I'm writing this for His Name's sake.  Others would say I'm making a big deal out of nothing. The Bible says otherwise.  Here are just a few examples from the NIV Bible:
 
Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.

Psalm 108:9 Yet [the LORD] saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.

Psalm 109:21 But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.

Psalm 143:11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.


Bottom line: The LORD's Name is important to Him. Therefore, when we act, when we speak, and even when we think, let His Name be glorified.

Make room in front!

Let's pretend for a moment that you and I are on our way to see someone we both admire greatly. This person could be anyone, absolutely anyone in history - Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., and so on. We've received our invitations, the time and date has been set, and we're really on our way.

How would we approach that event?

Would it be with excitement? Or, even muted anticipation? Would it be, instead, with a casual disregard? Once we arrived, would we seek a seat in the back? Or, would we get there early for a seat as close to the front as possible?

If we are followers of Christ, worshipers of the Most High God, then whenever we gather together in corporate worship, we have this opportunity.  We are not coming just for the music or the speaking - no matter how great (or not so great) they may be. Instead, we are coming to see and celebrate not a man like those in the example above, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords: Jesus, the Messiah - Savior of the World!

This does not replace the day-to-day, moment-by-moment opportunities of worship in our thoughts, our words, and our actions as we serve others. But, coming together as the family of God, we set aside a specific time to celebrate Christ, commune together as His family, and seek Him through His Word (the Bible), and by His Spirit (the Holy Spirit). We pray to the Father, that through His Word and by His Spirit, He would make us more like His Son!

King David writes in Psalm 63:1, "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." This picture of physical - even painful - longing illustrates how much David desired to be with God. David continues in verse 2, "I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory."  Going to the temple and worshiping was important to David.

We at Central Community feel strongly that this is the privilege and opportunity we have every time we gather as the worshipers God has designated us to be.  Therefore, because we have a very large room to worship in, if a service is not at capacity, we close off back sections so that we can get close and in front to worship together. This simply carries forward our desire to prepare our hearts for worship as a community - His community.

So, when you see that a section in the back of our auditorium has been closed, instead of considering it as a boundary or limitation to worship, please consider it encouragement to move forward, gather close as the Body of Christ, and follow David's lead as we "earnestly seek" the One who calls us His children.  Then, as God deepens our relationship with Him, He will also call others to be a part of His family so that, one day, we won't be closing sections in the back, but opening them to make more room for those who will meet His Son for the first time - for eternity.

I believe that God is doing a mighty work in this City and I'm looking forward to seeing that work unfold in Central Community and all the churches who "earnestly seek" Him!

Rocks in the oddest places

I was stopped by a seasoned saint in our church yesterday with two questions regarding some changes we had made to the building.

First, he asked about why removed doors from a set of nearby bathrooms. About a year ago, we removed these doors to our bathrooms behind the Activity Center. I initially thought these should be removed because they were redundant. The doors opened to a long hallway that provided all the privacy that was required - they seemed redundant, especially for those among us who are OCD about clean hands grabbing unclean handles.  However, the big deal was that we had several cases where folks (particularly men) would get in the room and get confused by another locked door that went to an adjacent locker room.  In one instance, a guest was so flustered by this that he was pounding on the door and yelling obscenities. Through the addition of signage, we solved a part of the problem, but without opening a door to get in, it is unlikely that we are going to search for a door to get out. So, we removed them.

Second question he had concerned "the rocks in the sinks" - why were they there?  About three years ago, we redecorated a different set of bathrooms and in that exercise of redecoration, we added rocks in the sinks. They look nice. But, they are obviously a decoration and not something functional to the use of the sink. Just as other decorations are not functional to the use of the bathrooms, the rocks add "a look" to a room that really needed to be updated. My response to his question was that "they look nice."

Here are a few lessons:

We did not communicate the changes to the church.  We just made the changes. Sometimes, that's okay because the value of the change is so obvious. But, I'm discovering more and more that those times are an exception. The church needs to know what's going on - not just in the buildings we use but in the lives of the Body of Christ.

Our seasoned saints especially require communication - relentless communication, as we have called it. It can be easy for them to feel left out. And, we don't want any committed member of the Body to feel this way.

Sometimes, relentless communication still goes on three years later.

Distractions from the mission of the church - changing lives - abound. God is doing great things in the Body of Christ at Central Community. Huge, great, powerful, Spirit-filled-driven things. Lives are being changed!  Yet, on top of all the distractions to deal with, the ones from inside the Body may be the most numerous.

Of course, the unstated, elephant-in-the-room lesson is this: the expense of a bag of rocks was not in its purchase, but in its mere presence in a bathroom.

(By the way, the rocks in the sinks we have are not the picture in this posting - its stock footage).

Filters...

On my run this morning, I was reminded (again) that I haven't written on this blog for a while. Actually, this kind brother in Christ, with whom I had stopped to chat, simply said that he had read my blog this morning. I took it as another one of God's reminders that I need to write. It's good for me and I hope my readers enjoy it, as well.

Let's talk filters. Did you know that we perceive through a set of filters driven by our expectations? And, that these expectations are situational? A hearing-impaired woman told me a story yesterday of such an experience. She was with other hearing-impaired and deaf people and saw a man who was both blind and deaf. He had been born able to see and hear, but two brain tumors robbed him of both sight and hearing. At first, because of how the tumors left him, his appearance seemed disconcerting at best. However, this woman felt strongly that she should to meet him. And, plucking up her courage, she introduced herself (this is, in itself, an amazing thing!) and had, by signing in his hands, a wonderful conversation with a fellow brother in Christ who has now become her friend.

How many of us have missed out on blessings such as this one simply because, on a first impression, we made the wrong decision? This malady gums up the works of our relationships and ultimately robs us of the joy God has planned for us.

How are you and I filtering what we see? With an expectation of fear, distrust, and caution? Or, like the woman who literally reached out to another, are we approaching life with guarded optimism? And, what is guarded optimism really if not trust in the promises of God? He will never forsake you, nor leave you. (Dt. 31:8) Or, Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Heb. 31:2) What blessings will we reap today because we purposely viewed others through the eyes of Christ?

Time to plan

God has wired me to work. So, while I have a day each week to be away from the office, I still work. He works my mind and heart to be better aligned with Him. I catch up from the previous weeks and dig out of email (and voicemail) jail.

But I also try to plan.

Planning for the future is important - but while that is true, I must also realize that the plans I make are all under the complex sovereignty of God. He reminds us in His Word that His purpose prevails over our plans (Prov. 19:21). What am I left with then? I must commit my plans to Him first, then they will succeed (Prov. 16:3). Without that caveat in our planning, we're whistling past the graveyard, ignoring our ends (Heb. 9:27) and, more importantly, ignoring the power and will of the Most High God.

Given that all is up for change - my personal vision, mission, strategy, etc. - this will take a while. And, that's a good thing. In this approach, I can be more assured that I'm not getting ahead (or going sideways) of what God is leading me through.

Rest in Peace, Grandpa

On Friday, November 26, 2010, Richard "Dick" Buehler, Sherry's Grandpa, passed on to his eternity with Jesus.

I met him soon after I began dating Sherry, my bride. And, over 23 years later, I've learned a lot from him. Here are just a few observations:

Grandpa loved. This was not the emotional, sappy, temporary kind of love that our common culture seems to advocate. In his generation, love was a "many splendored thing". In mine, it was a battlefield. But, the love I'm describing is God's love, the love Christ commanded us to have toward one another (John 13:34-35). This love was the one Jesus described as none greater (that a man would lay down his own life for another - John 15:13). A love that was patient, kind - not rude, envious, boastful, or proud. This love delighted in the truth, not evil, keeping no record of wrongs. This kind of love always trusts, hopes, perseveres, and protects. This love never fails.

He demonstrated that love for his wife, Gwen, who died some 8 years before he did. I never saw them disregard or disrespect one another but honestly desire to be with each other - even after over 60 years of marriage. Then, in his last days, when asked what he needed, he'd reply, "I need Gwen." This, for a married man, is the first place to purposefully and actively act on Jesus' command to love. Husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church, laying His life down for her (Ephesians 5:22-33). I have no doubt that Grandpa would gladly put himself in harm's way to protect his bride - not only physically, but incrementally, as he placed her needs above his own.

This love continued with family and friends as he demonstrated love through generosity. Although he was generous financially, that isn't the generosity I'm describing here. Grandpa was generous with his time. Although he was known as a story teller, he was also a story listener. When he asked a question, he waited for an answer. He didn't seem to me to be one who made small talk. He wanted to know my opinion as he was willing to share his. And, although there were times when we disagreed, we still kept talking and listening to one another.

Many at the funeral could have shared their own stories about how he listened to them after delivering petroleum products when he owned a Phillips 66 distributorship in NW Indiana, or at the corner diner, or at one of his gas stations. He cared about people and he also accomplished much - a rare combination these days.

Other attributes I observed in Grandpa were Integrity and Honor. Grandpa's words matched his actions. And, I had no doubt believing that the Grandpa I knew (and observed) was the same Grandpa when no one was watching. This led to his reputation in the business community as a stand-up kind of guy that people trusted to do business right. With regard to Honor, Grandpa was unafraid of speaking what needed to be said and standing up for what was right. These attributes of Christ which he demonstrated are sadly lacking in the world today and - all too often - in the church.

So, as I spoke at Grandpa's funeral, I'm reminded that these are the times when our hearts are tender to the Lord's leading regarding change in our own lives. Looking at the love, integrity, and honor Grandpa demonstrated should lead us to follow his lead, seeking to follow in the footsteps of his example - loving our spouses, family, and friends with the love that Christ commands us to demonstrate towards them in actions as well as words. We should seek to ensure our words match our actions and that our actions are taken for what we believe to be right - not in compromise but in the sometimes difficult role of moral leadership.

Grandpa, who had a quiet humble faith, is now with Jesus...and his Gwen.

Rest in peace, Grandpa. See you on the other side....

Ode to my friend and brother, Randy Carey

"Randy passed away tonight."

That’s the first line of an email I didn’t want to read.

As I write this, I’m starting my first day of a 2 week mission in Uganda. My heart breaks that I’m unable to attend the celebration of his life, saying farewell, and comforting those that mean so much to my friend: his bride, his boys, his parents, family, and friends. But, God is not surprised. Somehow, in the complex sovereignty that only He can manage, I’m supposed to be here and not there.

Often, when I called him over the phone, Randy would answer in a falsetto “Helloo?”. I still answer the phone that way occasionally and bring a smile to the caller. He was my “brudda of anudda mudda” and we would remind ourselves of that nearly each time we would see each other. When he and I would sing together, I felt I could sing better just because it was us singing. Randy included me. He encouraged me to play guitar, sing, and lead. For more than a few years, when we were on the PEAK Worship team together, we were a team. Randy would lead the congregation and I would lead the band. It worked and God was glorified.

God used Randy to change my life. He was after me to go to Lost Valley Ranch for the annual men's retreat for a few years and I felt that it was weird, because of my travel schedule, that I should leave my family for a weekend to learn how to be a better husband, father, man. I finally gave in and went with him in 1999. Walt Hendrickson was speaking from the minor prophet Haggai and switched, in the Spirit, to discuss the fear of the LORD. God used that conversation to change my life. One could say that without Randy’s persistence, I wouldn’t be in ministry, now. Although I suspect that God would have found another way, I’m glad He chose Randy to make a difference in my life. Randy wanted the best from me for God and I wanted to give my best.

The more I thought about my conversation with his wife Rhonda last week, the more I realized that my time with Randy in September was the best I could have as a last time with him. My last few moments with him was in prayer. And, now, my friend and brother is with Jesus. He “is” with Jesus. These are the times we must remind ourselves of the reality of our faith and speak of those who've passed on in the present tense. Randy is no longer with us. He is with Jesus. Randy is safely home.

Safely Home by Jon Mohr

Children, precious children I Know you're shaken,
A loved one taken. Oh but hear me. Come, draw near me. Their pain is passed now. They rest at last now, safely home.
They are strong and free. They are safe with Me.
This life is nearly shadow. Today there's sorrow, but joy tomorrow. Safely home. Safely home.
One day you will join them, all together, this time forever, safely home. Safely home.

Randy, I love you, brother. Farewell. See you soon.

Our federal government...

Here's some sobering information from a site that shares analysis on government revenue and debt.

US Federal Revenue

2008 Total: $2.524T ($1.45T Income Taxes)

2009 Total: $2.105T ($1.04T Income Taxes)

US Federal Yearly Deficit (more than 3x increase!)

2008 Total: $459B

2009 Total: $1.41T

Ok, so here's the point. There are some very hard times coming where we will have to make some difficult decisions as a nation. Not to be over-simplistic, but when the revenue falls, each of us as families must take a hard look at what we can cut out of our expenses to stop or slow "the bleeding".

For a time, we might have to take on additional debt to get past a season of reduced revenue. But, the government seems to avoid these "third rails" of politics and, as a result, we're passing them down to our children and their children.

Looking at the expenses, there are no easy answers. Assuming there are inefficiencies (probably not an assumption) in the expenses, even 10% savings wouldn't reduce the deficit of 2009 to below 2x the previous year's deficit. Pretending we weren't managing 2 military initiatives (aren't they still wars?) and bringing them to pre-9/11 levels would cut the defense spending (which includes veterans benefits, BTW) by half. Even so, that wouldn't bring the deficit down to 2008 levels.

So, what's the answer? I don't have one, but I treated this as my business, here would be my approach:

1) get the efficiencies back into the system. Not sure how possible this is given that we're talking about the federal government, but we must try.

2) stop sending tax dollars to the states and communities. Leave the revenue there and let them manage their (our) own communities. There will be exceptions when there is federal presence (US Parks, Federal agencies, etc.), but this should reduce the earmark issues we've been struggling with. And, this would reduce the nominal administrative overhead that comes from handling money.

3) adopt a policy of allowing failing businesses to fail completely IF there can't be proofs that the business will recover. For example, I'm glad the buggy whip businesses weren't bailed out when that industry began to decrease when the automobile began to be accepted more widely. There is still a market for a buggy whip, but it's a niche market at best.

4) reduce or eliminate incentives to outsource labor overseas.

5) in short, adopt whatever policies promote a healthy and growing GDP. If we can't reduce spending, maybe we can increase revenue. This implies that individual and business tax rates would decrease but that revenue would increase as more individuals and businesses have higher incomes.

6) lastly, adopt policies that reduce the frivolous litigation that's prevalent in the society.

What do you think? What else should our leaders do?

For the follower of Christ, I believe we need to have our eyes and ears open to know how to help and in the helping of others, lead them to Christ.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:16-18

What should we say about others?

As I grew up working through high school, into the military, through my college days, and into the corporate work environment, I learned that it was perfectly acceptable to speak negatively about others while they weren't around - especially about whoever I was working for at the time - but also colleagues and coworkers who weren't living up to "my expectations." At its base level, this is gossip and God is clear about what He thinks of this behavior. As God began to convict me of these (and other) sins, maturing me in my walk with and for His Son Jesus, I learned something extraordinary: gossip dishonors God, the target of the gossip, the receivers of the gossip, and me. It's plainly a lose-lose-lose-lose proposition.

What's the answer? It's simpler than it may seem. Under most circumstances, words spoken to describe another should be the same whether they're in the room or not. And, those words should be as objective as possible and as kind as possible. These standards include the times when we seek godly (and discrete) advice about how to approach someone about an issue so that we may resolve it (for example, approaching another leader about how to lead an individual or resolve a problem).

This is something that isn't learned just once, unfortunately. We, as leaders especially, need to practice this principle daily. Why?

1) Gossip creates disunity and separates friends: Proverbs 16:28.

2) It is an attribute uses to describe the depraved (i.e., lost). Romans 1:28-31.

3) Gossip fuels quarrels. Proverbs 26:20.

Plainly, gossip undermines a team. As leaders we need to avoid it ourselves and "nip it" when it comes our way.

Warrior Airman

When I enlisted in the US Army back in 1980 (yes, June 17 will make 30 years since my enlistment), the Armed Forces had been a volunteer fighting force for a mere 7 years and it showed. Morale was low and esprit de corps was even lower. Looking back now, I wonder if the pain of the Vietnam conflict, only 5 years over by then, manifested itself in a fighting force with a self-esteem problem. Maybe it was only found in the US Army and then only where I was trained and stationed. But, then again, I don't think so.

Since then, the US Armed Forces have celebrated many victories and now even though the main stream media often struggles to do so, citizens and corporations are celebrating our warriors. It now seems more "cool" to be courageous and perfectly appropriate to be a patriot. This is what I witnessed as our son Lewis graduated from Basic Military Training in Lackland AFB, TX this past weekend. The picture is of him and his friend Sam Dixon in front of the Alamo.

One of the most stirring (and emotional) moments was the coin ceremony. This is where the trainee receives a commemorative Air Force coin from his/her Training Instructor. It is at this moment that each recipient transitions from a trainee to an airman. Then, in unison, these 700 plus recipients recite the Airman's creed:

I am an American Airman.

I am a warrior.
I have answered my nation's call.

I am an American Airman.
My mission is to fly, fight, and win.
I am faithful to a proud heritage,
A tradition of honor,
And a legacy of valor.

I am an American Airman,
Guardian of freedom and justice,
My nation's sword and shield,
Its sentry and avenger.
I defend my country with my life.

I am an American Airman;
Wingman, leader, warrior.
I will never leave an airman behind,
I will never falter,

And I will not fail.

These last words were shouted with such vehemence, such force, such conviction, I had to choke back the tears - not just for my son and the pride that welled up within me for him, but in thanksgiving to God for men and women like these who demonstrate in their actions, words, and focus this John 15:13 principle, that "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

In God we trust and to Him I give thanks for those willing to lay down their lives so that we may be free to worship the One true God - Father, Son, and Spirit.

How do you read the Bible?

How do you read the Bible?

I know, left-to-right, top-to-bottom, page by page. Ha-ha. No, seriously. How we perceive any source of information dramatically shapes how we receive the information. For example, if I'm reading a tabloid magazine or one of those forwarded internet stories, I'm going to question the truth of the story until I have confirmation from a separate source (another publication or a place like www.snopes.com). On the other hand, if I have grown to trust a newspaper and/or magazine or author, I may believe the story a little more readily before I look for outside confirmation. Get it?

So, how do you read the Bible? I hope this description of an approach I've come to might help you provide your own answer.

First, I believe that the Bible is true. Therefore, when I study the Bible, I open my eyes, ears, and mind to the Bible giving it every measure of the “benefit of the doubt.” If there is something that seems amiss, then my first assumption is that I don’t have a clear understanding and need to dig a little further. My assumption is never that it’s wrong. There is a quote from St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109AD), "I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand." So, my faith comes first in order that I might understand. Unfortunately, some (if not most) studiers of God’s Word, have it the other way round and trip up when they can’t understand and run the serious risk of losing it all.

I believe that Scripture interprets Scripture. This means two things to me. One, that from Genesis to Revelation, the same author (the Holy Spirit) wrote all the Scripture through over 40 human authors. This means that it should all match and I can go to other Scripture to help me understand a specific Scripture in my current study. Two, that same Holy Spirit is within me (and any Christ follower) and He is available to me, by faith, so that I might understand what He wrote and how it might apply in my life.

Lastly, I believe that there are concepts in the Bible that are out of my earthly reach. Dt. 29:29 says that “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” In addition to its specific message to the people of Israel, this verse also tells me that if I don’t fully understand something from God’s Word, I can trust Him who does understand it to reveal it to me in His timing – on either side of eternity.

So, how do you read the Bible?

Farewell to Africa

Heading back to the United States today and plan to update this blog with pictures and text once I get all my resources together.

As I consider my nearly two weeks here, I offer just a few observations of the time spent here.

• Generally speaking, the people of Africa are welcoming and pleased to receive guests. This is especially true in the rural areas of both Uganda and Kenya. In fact, a very common phrase we heard was "You are welcome." This wasn't in response to a "Thank You", but simply a declaration that we were welcome there. I want to be more welcoming to my guests.
• Although poor economically, the rural communities we visited are rich spiritually. Their faith is strong as is their resolve to be obedient followers of Christ they're called to be. This spiritual wealth is something I want to invest in!
• The infrastructure in Uganda is quite limited. Although the infrastructure was more advanced in Kenya, they still struggle in the rural areas, especially. Citizens in the US have SO much for which we take for granted. Clean running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, screens over the windows/doors, and smooth roads are just a few examples. I resolve to avoid whining at the minor inconveniences of daily living.
• God has offered me an excellent glimpse into the lives of my extended family in East Africa. For this, I am grateful.

For what are you thankful?

Last Work Day on Site

On Tuesday, it was another warm day. Joni had a great idea the previous day of setting out the tarp used to cover luggage from the top of the van as a sort of awning. Modified somewhat to make the most shade we could this was put in place again. Shade always draws a crowd. Soon we had kids, moms, and grandmas resting under the awning.

After shooting an interview with Tim and Colleen, Colleen had arranged for me to meet my new sponsor child, Janette. She's a sweet girl and shy. Because of the timing of her visit to the church site, I was unable to spend a lot of time speaking with her - so I still don't know her age or circumstance. I do have pics, tho.

Because Colleen had to drive to Kampala, I volunteered to drive the van on TAPP visits. It's amazing how that van can fit into walking trails. We had good visits and even led two older men to the Lord!

Meanwhile work continued on the building as the platform was completed, a door installed, and the roof was finished off. The building really looks good!

The end of the day was marked by a video presentation of the Gospel of John. This three-hour film was made possible by a generator, speakers, projector, a new scrim, and a whole lot of seat-of-the-pants inginuity. The team headed back to the guest house while Tim and Moses stayed back. By the end of the film there were hundreds watching on both sides of the screen!

Our last night there, we spent it getting ready to depart and planning for our role in the dedication service the following day.

The Ugandan people are kind, gentle, and most welcoming. We are blessed!

On Site at the Ngoro Church

As we arrived the first day (Monday), we saw that the roof was already begun. The building is an elongated octagon. The rafters, already in place, have been treated so that they can resist termites. These pests are a problem as we learned of another church in the district which lost its original building due to an infestation. The roof is made of overlapping corregated steel. The building itself is brick. By the end of the day, the roof was in place. All that remained was the steel caps that cover where the roof angles meet along the ends and sides. The doors and windows would come in the next days.

The building site was a hive of activity as the floor was cleared and rocks were brought in to support and fill the platform area. Many of us helped in this and we were humbled as the village women and girls would haul huge rocks on thei heads! They are accustomed to this as they have to carry water from the local well to their homes. Water is carried in Jerry cans weighing 45 pounds. Some of them will have one on her head while carrying one or two at the same time.

For a time, I manned the wheelbarrow. There were some young ones who helped fill it for me. One of these, Jennifer Martha, is 14 tears old and lives with her mom - her dad is dead. Although it's difficult to support a child in this village yet, I hope that it will be possible soon. She's a sweet girl who could really use our help. They all can.

Later in the morning and early afternoon, I went on home visits to TAPP clients. TAPP is a program to help families affected by HIV/AIDS through relief and self-sufficiency programs. It is so very sad to see the devastation this disease has had on this already poor society. Hearing some of the stories of how the disease has come into the family, it also saddens me to see how we men sometimes fail our wives and children!

After lunch, I spent some quality time with the local pastors teaching and encouraging them. They are called and seek to be and remain equipped to lead their churches through a deeper walk with Christ. Hearing their stories both humbled me and encouraged me as a pastor.

The rest of the team was busy with kids, women, more TAPP home visits, and, of course, the building project. There was demonsrative joy in the village as these two different people groups came together in their common love for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Before wrapping for the day, the team distributed goats to widows and turkeys to the pastors' wives. Yes, they were live!

It was another great day in Uganda!