A Heart For The City?

On a blog that I now frequent (Ed Stetzer's blog), I came across a series of posts entitled "You Can't Love A City If You Don't Know A City." I have been in Richmond now for a month, and I have tried to do all I can to "get to know Richmond." As many of you know I lived in Chicago for ten years. During that decade, especially following my urban ministry training at Moody, I devoted myself to learning Chicago. Dr. Fuder challenged us to not only be passionate about exegeting Scripture, but also about exegeting neighborhoods, cultures, the city, etc. My learning never stopped in Chicago! I anticipate that my "city education" will be ongoing here as well.

I (along with my teammates) have been visiting various ministries and social service agencies (rescue missions, transitional housing, health clinics, recreation centers, etc.). I have been researching and reading all I can about the history of Richmond. I have tried to get my hands on local newspapers. Wherever I visit, I try to ask a lot of questions. I even find myself taking drives just to observe different neighborhoods, or trying different routes just to see new scenery.

Richmond is a unique city. It has a population of about 100,000 people, yet it is very close to too larger urban centers (Oakland & San Francisco). It is also surrounded by smaller cities, which almost seem to be viewed as "greater Richmond." It is diverse - approximately 40% Latino, 35% African American, 20% white, 5% Asian (with a growing Asian and Southeast Asian population). Yet within this diversity there is not much segregation along racial lines. Although, there are neighborhoods within the city that are primarily low income and primarily upper class, it seems as if the majority of the city is mixed income. It is a place of great beauty (natural beauty and beautiful people). It is also a place of challenge and pain (homelessness, violence, crime, etc.). The city's slogan is "Richmond: A City of Pride and Purpose."

As I continue to learn and build and learn some more, I have been challenged by something the Lord has exposed in my own heart. We (the pastors) have been telling the church body that we love Richmond, and that we - as a body on mission - have to love our city. However, the Lord has challenged me with a convicting question "do you really love ALL of Richmond"? You see my heart gravitates towards the more "challenging" areas of the city - ie the Iron Triangle, North Richmond, etc. I love building with, listening to, praying for, and learning from homeless men and women. I am excited and passionate about engaging the public school system and contending for educational justice.

Yet, if I'm honest when I say I "love Richmond" the affluent areas of Point Richmond and Hilltop aren't included in that statement. My heart doesn't break for the residents of Richmond who seemingly "have it all together" externally, yet are lost apart from Christ. I am asking God to break my heart for the whole city.

I want to have the same compassion for the prostitute and the professional. I want to be burdened for the homeless man and the "high up" executive. I'm asking God to break my heart for the muslims who attend the mosque at the end of my street, the first and 3rd generation immigrant, the politicians and the powerless.

I'm thankful that God has highlighted this blindspot in my heart. I'm asking Him to continue to stretch me and break me in this area. Stay tuned...

Discipleship Through Dance

This is actually my second post about the D3 Movement, but I just have to talk about it one more time! Below is a video of my good brother, Mike Avery, and two of his young apprentices, Devonte & James. Mike is using a God given talent and passion to make disciples of Jesus Christ. It is more than just dance classes/instruction. Mike is spending time with young men, teaching (Doctrine) and modeling (DNA) the truth. Discipleship is not just taught (Doctrine) it is also caught (DNA).

I'm proud of my brother Mike! Check out this video...

God Is Compassionate

I had the opportunity to preach for the first time this past Sunday morning, in my new pastoral role at Living Hope Neighborhood Church. I really enjoyed this opportunity to share this message. I am excited to see what God is going to continue to do in and through His Church here! Although Sunday's message wasn't recorded (because it was an outdoor service), we do upload our sermons to our web site each week, and you can listen to them here.

God Is Compassionate

Luke 10:25-37 “The Parable Of The Good Samaritan”

What is compassion?
Compassion = splagchnizomai (splock-knee-zho-my) is to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)

Compassion is derived from the Latin words “pati” and “cum,” which together mean “to suffer with.”
Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish.
Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears.
-the above were taken from Henri Nouwen

“Compassion is to feel someone else’s pain in your heart.” – Pastor Ford

Compassion starts in our eyes --- we see someone in need
It then moves into our hearts --- we feel the pain of others
It then compels us to move our feet ---we act on what we have seen and felt

Compassion is risky, messy, and requires sacrifice!


(1) A Compassionate God

a) The Compassion of His Character
-Exodus 3:7-8; Jonah 4:11; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14/Mark 6:34

b) The Compassion of the Cross
“Jesus is the Great Samaritan” – Tim Keller
-John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:4-5; Romans 5:8


(2) A Compassionate Church
In order for us to move with compassion we first must be moved by the compassion of Christ. The compassion he showed on the Cross for us, should compel us to show compassion to others.

May we be a Church that is known in the city of Richmond for our Christ-like Compassion!

Glen Kehrein"s "The Stuff Of Urban Ministry"

One of the most impactful classes I ever took at Moody Grad school was "Urban Anthropology & Sociology." It was co-taught by Dr. Fuder, Moody's former Urban Ministry Director, and Glen Kehrein, long time Executive Director of Circle Urban Ministries on Chicago's west side. The Lord really used this class to give me a passion and desire to learn cities: their history, cultures, political systems, city systems, etc. At the time I felt (and I still believe) that EVERY Moody student should be required to take the course, regardless of their major.

During one of our last classes together, Glen shared his Top Ten List, entitled "The 'Stuff' of Urban Ministry. I recently found my notes from that class, and was greatly encouraged by it as I am seeking to learn my new city, and asking God to break my heart for Richmond. I thought I would share these valuable insights from Glen, one of my heroes in the faith.

The "Stuff" of Urban Ministry Top 10

(1) Personal Integrity
-be totally honest with yourself and others
-personal honesty & time will lead to trust

(2)Spiritual Commitment
-Pray, understand God's heart, and follow it

(3)Humility
-Know yourself in order to build God's Kingdom not your own
-Sacrifice = to give up a lesser value for a greater value

(4)Personal Support & Accountability
-From spouse & committed friends

(5)Faithfulness
-Learning from experience without quitting
-Faithful to the calling throughout ups and downs

(6)Define your vision (it is a process)
-Find out where you are going
-Mission + Philosophy(Theology) + Strategy = Vision

(7)Commitment to relationships over structure
-Structure is not the engine, nor is it the caboose either

(8)Resources follow commitment
-People give (time, talent, & treasure) to what they believe in.
-People give resources where they see commitment.

(9)Education (degrees, pedigrees, & OJT's)
-Spend your life learning, formal & self study

(10)The "Need" does not dictate "the Call"
-Even Jesus didn't do it all and get it all done...and He was God

Please be praying for Glen and his family as he battles cancer. He continues to give updates on his treatments as well as what God is teaching him on his blog.

Bye Bye Bye

Some of you may know that it has always been a dream of mine to sing in a boy band. Well, at my YAFR (young adult fellowship) going away bbq I had the opportunity to perform one of my favorite N'Sync songs with some of my close friends. Hope you enjoy it...



With a little bit of practice, I think we can do something more like this...


Stay tuned...

September Praise & Prayer

I have decided that each month I am going to post a praise and prayer blog entry. This will be a way to chronicle how God is at work throughout the year! It is also crucial for me to have people praying with me and for me as I begin this new season of pastoral ministry. Here are my praises and prayer requests for this month...

Praises
1) Engagement!
On the evening of Sunday August 21st I got engaged to Joanna "Josie" Albright! I still can't believe it! Lord willing, we will be getting married in early November!

2) The Move
After 36 hours of driving, we made it safely to Richmond, CA! I am thankful for all of God's provisions throughout this time of transition.

3)New Church Family
I am really thankful for my new church family at Living Hope! They have welcomed me with open arms, and many of them worked hard to get my home ready.

4)New Ministry Team
I am thankful for my new team here who I will be serving with and doing life with. These brothers are going to sharpen me, encourage me, and hold me accountable.

5) Saying Goodbye
-The Sunshine staff gave me two wonderful send-offs. We went on a Spirit of Chicago cruise on Lake Michigan as a staff. They also had a going away party at Sunshine on the Thursday evening before I left. It was a very emotional night for me, and I will never forget that time and the words of encouragement that were given.
-My young adult ministry at Christ Bible Church also threw a send-off bbq for me. It was a great time with my friends, and I left feeling very encouraged!

Prayer Requests
1) Moving Josie
Lord willing, on September 29th I will be flying to Branson. We will be driving a moving truck from Branson to Richmond, departing on Saturday October 1st. Please pray for safety and for provision with all of the moving costs.

2)Relationships
-Pray with me that the Lord would give me new discipleship relationships in Richmond!
-Also, pray that I would consistently continue to check in and encourage the young men I was discipling in Chicago.
-One of my responsibilities at the church will be building networks with other social service agencies and churches in Richmond. Please pray that the Lord would give me favor and authentic relationships with community leaders.

3)Richmond HS
Pray that the Lord would give us open doors of ministry at Richmond High School!

4) Preaching Opportunities
I will be preaching at our church on Sunday September 18th and Saturday September 24th. Pray with me that the Lord would give me the words to say, and that Christ would be lifted high in my messages!

5) Support Raising
I am still in need of monthly supporters. Pray that I would trust God to provide for my monthly support needs.

6) Making Disciples
-As a church, it is our hearts' desire to stay focused on our mission, that of making disciples. Pray that we would not become distracted from this, and that the city of Richmond would be impacted with the Gospel!
-This has been a violent summer in Richmond. There was a shooting again this past weekend. Pray that God's peace would reign here, and that our church would be active in working for the peace of the city!

Please let me know how I can be praying for you! You can email me at pastordave@lhnchurch.org

Pray for the Greigs

My good brother Allan and his wife Annie are currently in Swaziland serving the local church and local orphanage through the organization that Allan started, Africa Revolution (AR). AR currently has five interns serving and learning in community there!

I am excited about the things that God is doing in Swaziland and in and through the team of interns there. If you want to read more about AR or the work of the interns, check out the web site and blogs.

Words That Have Stuck With Me

10 Year Reunion

This year marked our 10th year of the Montana trip!! I have had the privilege of being on every single trip, and have enjoyed every year! This year was our biggest group of students. We took both teen guys and teen girls, and we also took a group of "Montana alumni" - guys now in college who had gone on the trip before.

Although every year is different, the same thing happens every year! Let me explain. The beauty of the yearly experience between Sunshine (Chicago) and Springhill Presbyterian (Montana) is that it is cross-cultural, intergenerational, multi-racial, and cross-geographical (not sure if that is a word, but it is now!). For one week each summer, we do life together. We learn from one another. We pray together. We laugh together. We study the Scriptures together. We have amazing shared experiences together (mountain hiking, fly fishing, Yellowstone, camping, etc.) Our family bond in Christ takes the forefront!

Our teens our impacted in a powerful way. They enjoy seeing the different states, and experiencing a new place. It is a blessing to get out of the city for a week during the summer. They are also impacted relationally. Their host families become family. We are all impacted by the love and hospitality we are shown by those who host us. We also get the opportunity to experience God in a unique context, and return to Chicago refreshed and encouraged to follow Christ.

Those who are involved at Springhill are also impacted in a powerful way. Our teens faith challenges them. The host families also feel that family bond that develops throughout the week. They begin to view the kids they are hosting as "their kids." At the end of the week tears are often shed as we say goodbye and as we reflect on the week. The Lord has also used this week to encourage and challenge the Springhill church to live "on mission."

We are both better Christians and have a bigger view of God because of our partnership.

I am now on staff at Living Hope Neighborhood Church in Richmond, California. Therefore, I won't be making the trip from Chicago to Bozeman next summer. However, I have been invited to come out once again. This time I will be making the trip from the west coast to the big sky. Lord willing, in future years we will be bringing young people from Richmond to Montana to share this experience with long distance family from Chicago and Bozeman.

I am so thankful for this partnership in the Gospel. It has been such a beautiful thing. If the Lord wills, I hope it continues for many years!

Moved By Majesty

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at New Hope Fellowship in Lawton, MI. I preached from Isaiah 6:1-8, which is a very weighty passage. I was really challenged in my preparation to think hard about how I view God in His Glory, His Majesty, and His Holiness. It was a very encouraging and humbling time on Sunday morning. Please pray for me, as I will be preaching this same message at Sunshine this coming Sunday (July 10th).

You can listen to the sermon here. I have also shared my sermon outline below...

Moved by Majesty
Isaiah 6:1-8

(1)He saw His Glory (v. 1-4)
-John 12:41; Psalm 93:1-2; Revelation 4:8

“The word ‘majesty’ when applied to God is always a declaration of His greatness and an invitation to worship.” -J.I. Packer

(2)He saw his own sinfulness (v. 5)
-Ezekiel 1:28; Job 42:5-6; Revelation 1:17; Romans 7:24

“The vision of God’s Majesty, Holiness, and Glory made Isaiah realize that he was a sinner.” - Walvoord & Zuck

"As long as our gaze is fixed on the horizontal plane of this earth, we have no problem with ourselves. When we contemplate who God is, we will be broken." R.C. Sproul

(3)He experienced His grace (v. 6-7)
-1 John 1:7-9

God provided the forgiveness and cleansing that Isaiah desperately needed!

(4)His Grace compelled him to Go (v. 8)
-2 Peter 1:16 = …we were eyewitnesses of His Majesty

Glory --> Grief --> Grace --> Go!

It's Goin Down

In addition, to this blog I also update Sunshine's blog. I recently posted a cadre of blog entries from some of our staff. It is exciting to see God at work as we serve together and learn together! You can check out the blog entries here.

Discipleship & The Arts

A good friend and co-worker of mine, Mike Avery, recently started a movement, called the D3 Movement. Mike is a very talented dancer. He specializes in the following dance styles: krump, hip hop, pop locking, waving, and lyrical hip hop. He uses his art form to proclaim the good news and to give glory to God. Mike is also a disciple maker, so his heart is to use dance to disciple this generation of young people. I am excited to see how God is going to continue to use Mike in ministry! You can check out this web site here.

The name D3 stands for:
Deliver the Gospel
Deposit a new Mindset
Disciple this generation

In the book of Acts, chapter 13 verse 36 it says of King David, "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers...." This verse I think communicates Mike's heart behind the D3 movement. May the same be true of us. By God's grace, with the days He gives us, may we serve the "purpose of God in (our) own generation."

A Soldier On Mission

On Mission

I recently read an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette that was written as a tribute to a young man who had given his life as a soldier in Iraq. His name was Gabe De Roo. His parents go to my parents church, and our families went to the same two churches throughout our growing up years. I never really knew Gabe well, but the article makes me wish I did. Gabe, age 25, died August 20, 2006, killed by a sniper’s bullet in Iraq. He had stooped to reassure captured Iraqi gunrunners that American soldiers intended to arrest, not kill them. As he rose, a sniper’s slug struck his neck in an area exposed between his helmet and bulletproof vest.

Gabe’s father, Dave, shared with the Gazette that he had initially dissuaded him from enlisting in the military. De Roo’s parents had urged him to take classes at a local community college instead. He came home one day and told his parents that he had enrolled two weeks prior to his conversation with them. He wanted to be in the infantry, front and center. He wanted the physical challenge. He wanted to serve his country. He left for basic training on January 30, 2003. He assured his dad he would find a church when he left.

During his service in the military, between 2003 and 2006, he wrote numerous letters to his wife and family back in Michigan. He consistently communicated his love for his family and how much he missed all of them. Some letters ended, “Be good and godly,” and were signed ‘Chummer’ a name his father had bestowed on him years earlier. Among the pictures he mailed home were several of smiling Iraqi children sitting next to the grinning, sunburned American soldier. He was intent on learning the language and considered someday returning to Iraq as a missionary he told his wife.

By Gabe's second deployment, Iraqi insurgency had escalated and US base commanders urged departing soldiers to “make sure you have closure with all your friends and family.” His mother shared that he was keeping a very short list and keeping his conscience clear during this time. He had been promoted to sergeant when he returned to Iraq in June 2006. Messages to his parents began to change during this time. “Please pray for us…that we would be godly parents who will teach little Gabriel to love God,” he wrote in a postcard to his mother and father. “I can never thank you enough for raising me with a firm foundation in the Scriptures,” he wrote in another letter.

What struck me the most as I read this article containing his letters home was his focus on "The Mission." Gabe was a dedicated soldier. He loved his country, and he served his country sacrificially. However, Gabe realized that ultimately he was sacrificially and selflessly serving the Lord that He loved. His most important orders came from the real Commander in Chief, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Gabe never lost sight of the fact that he was first and foremost "on mission" for Him. He was a soldier for his country, but he was a Soldier in the Lord's army. He wrote in one of his letters to his parents, "pray that I live as a godly example to those around me and that I give 100 percent all the time.” In another conversation he told them, “If there’s a grenade, I’m going to be the first one on it. These other guys need more time to get right with God.”

After a stirring military funeral and prayers of support, Gabe's father David De Roo was able to share a private moment with the soldier who accompanied his son’s body back to the US. The soldier explained that Gabe’s military friends had nicknamed him “John 3:16.” He had willingly done dozens of extra push-ups, the soldier told De Roo, because he had refused a drill sergeant’s order to utter a swear word. “What kind of person did you see in my son?” David De Roo says he asked the soldier. “Sir, I want to be like that man. I want to be like De Roo,” he remembers the young man responding.

Gabe's life made an impact and brought glory to God! He didn't separate his vocation from His Mission, and neither should we, regardless of what our vocation or profession is. God strategically places us in unique families, neighborhoods, jobs, cities, etc. so that we might be ambassadors for Him. I love the way Peter puts it in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." What a privilege it is to go on mission together (that's what we do as the church)! We collectively 'proclaim the excellencies of Him'.

A Big Move

I recently made one of the biggest decisions I have ever made in my life. In mid-August I will be moving to Richmond, California to join the staff of Living Hope Neighborhood Church as an Associate Pastor! This coming transition is both exciting and difficult.

I have been serving with Sunshine Gospel Ministries in varying capacities since the fall of 2001. I began as a volunteer and intern while I was a graduate student at Moody Bible Institute. I have been serving full time with Sunshine since January of 2004. I have grown up in ministry here so to speak. Sunshine has been so much more than just my employer these last ten years. They have been my family. I have truly been blessed to have served at such a great ministry with so many great people! In addition, Chicago has become a place that I love. It is very much home. I love my neighborhood, and I love the youth whom I have worked with. I think the hardest think about this transition is saying goodbye to the youth. I know that I will return and visit, and that I will be able to stay in touch via the telephone, email, and facebook, but it will be different.

Yet I feel compelled to take this step of faith and enter into a new season of ministry. Over the last few years God has been doing a new work in me, and leading me towards pastoral ministry. Although there is still uncertainty, it is time to prayerfully move forward. Living Hope Neighborhood Church is a multi-cultural, urban church. It is a three year old church re-launch. By 2007, the membership had dwindled to roughly 10-15 members. My good friend, Aaron Roy, moved to Richmond in January of 2008 to pastor this new work in Richmond. Over the last three years, this nearly closed church has seen God transform lives and neighborhood impact is taking place. There is a need for additional laborers to make disciples and develop leaders. Another good brother of mine, Curtis Zackery, and his wife Monique will also be moving to Richmond (from Franklin, TN) in August to serve with the church.

As Associate Pastor, I will be assisting with the teaching and preaching at the church: Saturday morning service, Sunday school, Sunday morning service, and small groups. I will also begin an elder ordination process soon after I arrive. My main focus will be discipling men. This will include, but will not be limited to, working with teens. We are hoping to engage the local high school, Richmond High, and Lord willing I will be taking a leading role in this. In addition to my duties at the church, I hope to begin taking seminary classes again at Golden Gate Theological Seminary. My intent is to pursue a master’s in “missiology” – the theology of missions.

Richmond is a city of approximately 100,000 people. It is located in the bay area, near the cities of Oakland and San Francisco. It is a diverse city, both culturally and socio-economically. It has similar challenges to Chicago, including poverty, homelessness, gang challenges, educational inequity, etc. Yet, as in Chicago, God is using His Church in Richmond to draw people to Himself and to spread His fame amongst the Nations. I am humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing there.

This position with Living Hope is not a paid position. I will once again need to raise financial support for my salary! I am excited to see how God will provide for this. I am asking that you would prayerfully consider supporting me in this new ministry adventure. My monthly support goal is $2,500. If you are already supporting me monthly, and you would like to continue to support me in Richmond, you can actually begin sending my monthly support to the church beginning July 1st.

Over the course of my time at Sunshine, I have been blown away by the team of people whom have come alongside me! I am once again in need of “teammates” who will support me both financially and with prayer. I would love to speak to you more about this opportunity, either on the phone or in person. Please let me know if you want to hear more!

Thank you for walking with me during my years here in Chicago! I look forward to continuing to be an encouragement to one another in this new season of life and ministry.

Radical Together

We are going to be reading this book together as a Youth Outreach team this summer. I am really looking forward to it.

I love two quotes from this video...

"(In light of the Gospel)Now it just makes sense to show that type of mercy to others!"
and
"We've got a King who deserves praise from every people group on the planet!"

I hope to begin reading this book while I'm on vacation, so I anticipate more "Radical Together" posts in the weeks ahead...

Double Dream Feat

I love this guy!

Persistent Prayer, Person, Promises

On Sunday April 3rd I had the opportunity to preach at my home church, Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church. I was asked to share from Luke 18:1-8, the parable of the persistent widow. I really enjoyed both preparing and delivering this message. As I re-visit it today, I am still challenged by the things the LORD taught me in this text.

You can listen to the message here. Below are some of the key thoughts that I hit on...

The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8

Persistent prayer is fueled by an ever-expanding view of the Person & Promises of God!

(1)The Need for Persistent Prayer

a)Dependence
Widows were helpless and vulnerable…they were completely dependent on others for provision and protection!

“Prayer is the expression of man’s dependence upon God for all things.” - New Unger’s Bible Dictionary

b)Desperation
Luke 18:1-8 = …there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him…yet because this widow keeps bothering me…so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming…

c)Devotion
Luke 5:16-->Acts 1:14; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“A man should pray as often as he has an opportunity; should be constant and assiduous at the throne of grace, and continue putting up his request to God, though he does not presently return an answer.” - John Gill

(2)The Person & Promises of God

(a)His Compassion & Justice

Two of the key qualifications for a judge at that time were the fear of God and the love men!

“This parable is a standard Jewish “how much more” argument: If an unjust judge who cared not for widows can dispense justice, how much more will the righteous judge of all the earth, who was known as the defender of widows and orphans?” - Bible Background Commentary

Psalm 68:5 = Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.

(b)His Coming Judgment
The Just Judge is coming back to judge the earth. Those of us who have believed on the Gospel should not fear His return, but rather long for his return. Maranatha!

Luke 18:8 = …when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?

Can you see the beauty of the Gospel in this parable?
We are like the widow: vulnerable, needy, helpless, dependent. We were oppressed by our sins, unable to save ourselves. We were dependent upon outside intervention! The Righteous Judge, the Just Judge intervened on our behalf in the person of Jesus Christ. We stood guilty before the Just Judge (for all have sinned and fall short), and God's justice demands that our sins are punished. If God doesn't punish sin, then He is not just. Christ took the penalty for our sins. He took the punishment that we deserved. Christ death satisfied the justice of God. His death on the cross and His resurrection are our source of hope! This work of redemption brought us back to God. We were fatherless, but He is now our Father. We were husband less, but we are now the bride of Christ. Christ is coming back, and because of the Gospel we can long for His return! So let's be steadfast in prayer and faithful service to the King until He comes back to get us!

Cardboard Testimonies of Transformation

My parent's church did a "cardboard testimonies" service similar to the one in the video, and it was a powerful time. This video will definitely make you well up!

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.

Support Japan

I have been looking into how to support Japan during this time of crisis. There are several relief and development organizations on the ground there now. I just wanted to highlight a few of the options that you can send money through:

Samaritan's Purse
For over 40 years, Samaritan's Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. Read more here...

In Japan, Samaritan's Purse is "delivering emergency relief supplies, including heavy-duty plastic shelter materials, blankets, water, hygiene items, and first aid kits, to survivors of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan's northeastern coast."

World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Read more here...

In Japan, World Vision is "is distributing relief supplies to thousands of people devastated by the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11. An emergency response team is on the ground in hard hit areas, providing water, blankets, and other urgently needed supplies to survivors. Ongoing efforts will focus on the unique needs of children, who are the most impacted."

Churches Helping Churches
Churches Helping Churches is a global partnership of church communities who seek to rebuild other churches in the wake of a catastrophic natural disaster. Read more here...

In Japan, Churches Helping Churches is "getting behind a local organization called CRASH Japan, which comprises Japanese missionaries and churches who know each other and know Japan."

Our junior high students at Sunshine are going to begin collecting money this afternoon. We are going to donate the money to Samaritan's Purse, to support their efforts.

Let's all continue to stand with Japan in prayer! Let's pray that God would use this to draw people to Himself there.

One Month To Live

This video is very inspiring and puts things in perspective!

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.