Who reads the direction?

This question is often asked of me as an IT worker.  So many times with computer issues, whether software questions or setting up a new server, the answer a user is looking for is in the most obvious place, the direcitons/manual.  If we would just take the time to read the directions/manual we would be able to answer our own questions. Isn't that true with our Christian walk as well?

I was reading the 4th book put out by Willow Creek Church entitled 'Move'.  This series of books are based on the results of an extensive survey of 1000 churches across America (which started with Willow Creek Church) that was given to the attenders of these churches.  The survey was about all things church. The ultimate goal was to see what helped people grow spiritually and how the church was doing with helping the attenders spiritual walk.  In the first chapter of this book the author's made the statement that the best help for any Christian, no matter if they are a new convert or a life long believer, in growing spiritually was reading and meditating on God's word.  So in essence, reading God's directions for us.

This idea is not new to me, but at the same time hit me hard.  During my 3 year stint as Elder at Grace Community Church the question "How can we help our congregation grow spiritually?" is asked at every Elder meeting.  And we come up with different ideas and programs that can help. They do link back to getting people in the word!  Then we take time to pray for our congregation and ask God help us  assist his congregation in looking to him for their needs.  Now just reading the directions is not always enough. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that our lives and hearts are changed.  That is what is so hard at times as an Elder is that in the end it is by God's grace, through the work of the Holy Spirit, that brings people closer to him.  Not by anything we do.

Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast

So many times in life, when I have a tough decision or am not sure what to do, I try to lean on my own strength and understanding. When in reality, I should get into God's word (bible) and get on my knees to seek the Lord's will and ask for his strength to guide me.  I need to stop and read the directions.

Uganda 2012 First Meeting

Today we had our first meeting for those interested in going on the short term missions trip to Uganda in July 2012. It was a great first meeting as we had 10 adults and 3 children show interest in going.  It was a good time to discuss concerns, general plans and our hopes for the trip. We plan to go in July for 2 to 3 weeks. In the coming weeks we hope to nail down exact dates, possible departure cities and approximate costs.

Our desire as a family is to have our entire family go to Uganda in July.  This is something we feel a strong prompting from God.  We have a great connection with Micah and Kara (missionaries from Grace Community Church to Uganda) and cannot wait till we server along side them in July. We are praying fervently for the Lord's provision so we can all go. Please pray for us as we begin this journey.

Operation Christmas Child

The last couple of years we have taken part in Operation Christmas Child (see previous post for further details).  Obviously we have a heart for children, and this is a tangible way we can lead our children to serve others like them, but also to learn thankfulness.  Heather keeps her eye out all year long for excellent deals on school supplies toys, and toiletries, and we go shopping together to fill in what we don't have and choose toys.  This will be the only gift most of these children will get not only at Christmas, but all year.  This year we joined forces with our good friends Connie and Tom Troyer, and Maryjane Troyer to help assemble shoe boxes.  Tom and Connie have been doing this for years and have a literal stockpile of items to give and they are generous enough to share so we combine what we have and pack!  We do two boxes, they generally do 6+.   This year the entire family took part.  Gary and Tom helped wrap shoeboxes an also filled a box each. Maryjane, Connie, Heather, Tyler, Grace and Esther all helped fill boxes. It was a great time to remember others that are not as fortunate as we are and do not normally get anything for Christmas.  In a small and tangible way we can share the Love of Jesus with children all over the world.  Below are some pictures of our time together.

Gary, Grace, Tom and Tyler wrapping boxes.

Heather and Grace displaying their box.

Grace with her box she packed.

Tyler and Heather with Tyler's box

Heather and Grace packing a box.

Connie packing a box.

Boxes for Iraq and Shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child

This past week we heard, through my Dad, about an opportunity to send some boxes of goodies to soldiers in Iraq who do not normally get packages.  So tomorrow we are going shopping with Dad to get items for these boxes.  This will be a great chance to instill in the kids the importance of giving and sacrificing for others.  Also a great way to show our thanks for the soldiers service in Iraq.

We have also begun accumulating items for the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  This program is  run by Samaritan's Purse (click here to learn more about Operation Christmas Child).  This program every year provides christmas shoe boxes to children across the world that would not hear about Jesus Christ any other way.  Last year 8 Million children received a box.  What a blessing!  We will be working with our good friends Connie and Tom to assemble some boxes this year.  Stay tuned for pictures of this fun event.

These are two exciting events our family is taking part in in an effort to share Jesus with others.  I encourage you to consider doing a shoebox this year with Samaritans Purse.  Click here for more information.

Uganda 2012

This past week I met with Pastor Dan from Grace Community Church (our home church) and discussed the possibility of taking a group from Grace Community Church to visit Micah and Kara Mills in Uganda.  It was a great time discussing the possibilities for next year.  We decided to begin the process of planning to go to Uganda in July of 2012.  We will be having our first meeting on Sunday September 18th right after church to gauge interest. Yesterday I emailed Micah to get the ball moving and he was excited.

As a family we are hoping to all go on this trip.  That is right, all 5 of us.  We are really feeling like God wants us to go and I am a firm believer he will provide.  please start praying for us and the future team members as even at this moment I know the devil is beginning to try to sabotage this trip. Whenever the Lord moves, the devil is there to cause issues.  I pray that those whom the Lord is calling will be able to step out in faith and answer the Lord's call.  I cannot wait to see the hand of the Lord move and lead this trip.

Faithfully following him,

Gary