The Generous Mile
14. June 2008
Global Nomad
“Going the extra mile” is a phrase that has become part of our language, originating from the teaching of the All Wise One during His stay on earth. What a wonderful concept. Such a brilliant aspect of generosity. Doing more than expected or required. Giving more than necessary, with joy - enhancing the lives of those around you. While visiting a S E Asian country, the business friend, with whom I was staying, generously took me out to breakfast each day. It was amazing the variety of Chinese cuisine for early day enjoyment. It certainly remains in my memory as an “extra mile” incident. Hundreds of miles away in a Pacific Island nation, I remember well being stranded on a journey…….
<<<<Just the other side of the mountains, the driver stopped at a village for, what the passengers thought initially, was a break, but later realised he was negotiating to purchase a pig. Such an event holds major importance in the culture of the land, especially in those days. Of course, he was not sure when he set out from home, just where he might find the best bargain. It happened to be at this village just at the foot of the hills and on the banks of a large river, with a modern bridge across it.
So the ongoing passengers, in the early evening, were now stranded!! No problems, they would wait for the next PMV - not scheduled of course - it could come at anytime, probably not until early the next morning. The local folk immediately welcomed us to a meal - a cultural norm and we settled in for the wait. Later, a government truck arrived carrying several local highway engineers who were coming home for the weekend. This could be the breakthrough, as the driver would probably need to get back to the base several hours away. Yes, it was an opportunity and he welcomed me aboard to spend the night at the highway camp - under the mosquito nets. In the morning it was relatively easy to find the ongoing “connections” to the mountain pass and then the highland town of Goroka - my home at that time.>>>
However, should no offer have materialised that evening, we would still have been welcomed and well cared for by the residents in the village along the roadside. Such is the culture of that island nation, no one is ever stranded really, there is always room for one (or more) extra folk to stay the night. Extra mile hospitality indeed. On another occasion, we had hiked for some 10 hours up one of the mountains and welcomed the soft grass and the cooler climate as we spread out exhausted. After the nap, we discovered we were surrounded by fresh fruits to enjoy. There had been no planted harvest that year, but these fruits had been a life-saver and this extra-mile kindness was so welcome. In another Asian nation, I had been so warmly welcomed by the owners of temporary shacks along the roadside, which I called the “Street of Gold”. No just invited inside but offered refreshment and the comfort of a chair to enjoy the hospitality. This also was a memorable example of going the “extra-mile”.
Thousands of miles away in Tunis, a shoe-shine operator gave an excellent lustre to my shoes one day and received my gift with much appreciation. The next day, while enjoying coffee on the pavement outside a restaurant, I noted this same flowing robed gentleman weaving his way through the clients as they sipped their coffee and chatted. When he saw me he warmly greeted me and in his flowing language, bombarded me with thanks…. and now he wanted to clean my shoes again and every day - such an expression of extra-mile appreciation.
In India, among the lepers, a young man in search of true kindness, himself expressed a spirit of extra-mile compassion. While serving among these special folk he discovered their extra-mile caring of each other. This quotation from the book: “Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne says it all……
<<<Years back, folks had given the land along the railroad tracks (worthless for development) to Mother Teresa, and she began caring for lepers. Then they began to care for one another. Now there were over 150 families, teaching one another “thank you.” They grew their own vegetables, raised animals and fish. They made their own shoes. They sewed their own clothes. And they made saris for all the Sisters, blankets for the orphanages, and bandages for a medical clinic there in the colony. The clinic was run by lepers who had been treated and now cared for others. They even made their own prosthetic arms and legs out of wood for those who underwent amputation.>>>>
This quote from the Archbishop of York is also interesting, emphasising the need for compassion and service. Quote by: Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, ‘the moral imperative of doing the right thing is in danger of being replaced by the consumerist imperative to buy the right thing’. He asserted that there was a link between consumerism and eliminating faith from the public sphere and called for society to ‘rediscover the compassion and service at the heart of religion’. Sources: The Times (5/6); Daily Telegraph (5/6)
May we all be given the grace to go the extra mile(s) in serving others…..
Global Nomad
14 June 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Generous Prayer
6. June 2008
Global Nomad
Just a few days ago, a small group of folk in a country market town gathered in a humble home to pray for the world. The evening focussed on two areas of the world South Asia and the Aids/HIV Pandemic. What a privilege to read about ventures of faith in these places and to intercede for specific needs. Prayer is so precious and so diverse in its format. In each generation there are inspired men and women of prayer, they stand out as examples for us to follow - Martin Luther, John Wesley, Praying Hyde, Amy Carmichael, Corrie ten Boon, Andrew Murray, George Muller, Count Zindendorf, Rees Howels, Hudson Taylor, St Augustine, Brother Lawrence, Mother Theresa, Brother Andrew and many, many more have been “intercessors behind the scenes of history”unknown, yet so well known in Heavenly Circles. Each had hearts of generous prayer that beat in harmony with those around the Throne.
Some of these special saints have crossed my path too, leaving an indelible mark on one’s heart and mind. One such “hidden saint” managed a busy Guest House of three or four floors that included a bookstore, in a busy suburb of London. She looked so frail yet her inner strength was sparkling, especially during the weekly times around a huge boardroom-like table, as she read out airmails from a large pile of correspondence from around the world. Two hundred folk, serving gallantly overseas, were on her list for prayer. What a powerful experience. During her 80th year, she toured part of Africa taking meetings. Her life-text was “Kept by the Power of God” - the title of her first book. Her second book was called: “Still Kept by the Power of God”.
Another dear friend was so weak that most of the time she had to lie on her back on a sofa in her lounge. The hours of intercession that rose from that sanctuary may never be known, the lives changed, the situations reversed or solved are I am sure both significant and numerous. In the presence of weakness, there was an unseen strength that pervaded the atmosphere and touched her community. The story has been repeated many times, especially in the run-up to major revivals. People who generously prayed without ceasing for their countries, saw answers in such dramatic ways. Some folk just quietly take off to various countries to pray and meet up with the saints - no complex organisation - but like Philip of old they are directed by the Spirit to a particular locality or person. May we seek in some small way to follow in their train.
A wonderful shepherd, turned railway crossing operator, turned chimney sweep, turned handy-man was another intercessor of excellence. Will never forget his prayers at the 6am prayer meetings in his local church. He spoke with the Lord just as if He was right there and in such a natural way. A modern-day Psalmist with a rich rural accent. A living example of a transformed life. A great story-teller, almost a Pied Piper character - the youngsters loved him.
In recent years, there has been a significant growth in concentrated and focussed prayer - the Global Days of prayer with tens of thousands around the world interceding together on a specific day or for a particular month crying out for the nations. The mushrooming of 24/7 prayer rooms has brought much blessing and enriched many lives. May we all be more prayerful and really generous in praying without thinking anout the time for our communities and the world.
Global Nomad
06 June 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Spontaneous Generosity
24. May 2008
Global Nomad
While reading the excellent book: “God at Work” by Ken Costa, ISBN 0-8264-9635-0 I discovered some really insightful quotes and thought I would share them with you. Maybe you would like to read the book too, I am sure it would of great interest. I trust it will encourage and inspire you in your spontaneous generosity.
Here are the quotes:
Jesus spent over half of his teaching dealing with the subject of money and possessions. Many of His parables are about wealth, agriculture, business, debt-forgiveness, and management performance - everyday examples of commerce.
Martin Luther said: ” There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind and the purse“
Giving belongs not the suburbs of Christianity but to the very centre of our spiritual lives. Giving is spirituality made real.
One of the ways in which we get distracted is when our fear of financial insecurity overwhelms a God-given desire to be generous.
Giving is not simply a financial transaction. It is essentially an act of trust in an economic order that goes against the grain of the modern world view.
Not every need can be satisfied by us. We therefore need to be judicious in striking a balance between known commitments and the desire for spontaneous giving.
Generous regular giving is one of the ways in which we underline to the spiritual powers, that attempt to draw us away from God, that we trust in Him and His control of all our resources. It is a venture of faith and therefore will be subject to attack.
Giving is one of the great privileges we have and a practical way of responding to God’s love.
Giving is a form of worshipping God, celebrating His goodness and enjoying what we have.
Generous giving is liberating. Every time, we issue a defiant statement to the forces that lie behind money, saying in effect: “You don’t have a hold on me”
Giving is a habit that, once established, brings huge benefits.
However small the amount, it builds a sustainable pattern of generosity.
We need to plan the bulk of our giving, while leaving room for moments of spontaneous generosity.
Giving frees us up to enjoy God’s goodness precisely because our priorities are right as we provide first for the needs of others and then for ourselves.
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle”. Proverbs: 23:4
From “The Use of Money” - John Wesley’s brilliant sermon: “Gain all you can, without hurting either yourself or your neighbour, in soul or body by applying hereto with unintermitted diligence and with all the understanding which God has given you; save all you can, by cutting off every expense which serves only to indulge foolish desire, to gratify either the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, or the pride of life; waste nothing living or dying, on sin or folly, whether for yourself or your children; and then give all you can, or, in other words, give all you have to God. Do not stint yourself…. to this or that proportion. Render unto God not a tenth, not a third not a half but all thatis God’s be it more or less; by employing all on yourself, your household, the household of faith and all mankind, in such a manner, that you may give a good account of your stewardship, when you can be no longer stewards.”
Global Nomad
24 May 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Generosity in the Clouds
20. April 2008
Global Nomad
As I climbed up through the clouds to a remote mountain village in Papua New Guinea, I was musing on the amazing Hand of the Lord in calling, equipping and enabling one of His special Mountain Warriors (young David) to be part of the Doulos crew for 2 years or so. While David was serving onboard, I was visiting his home country on a research assignment.
Being so close to David’s home I took the opportunity to visit his family and let them know how David was doing. The extended family welcomed me heartily with a feast. They had amassed a generous amount of delicious local vegetables and fruits for me to carry back to the ship for their “son”. Of course, they were not conversant with weight allowances on international aircraft or that ship personnel do not automatically travel first class without limits.
Much discussion and friendly negotiation took place seeking to discover a more practical arrangement to get the generous gift of fresh supplies to the ship. A plan was made using MAF - the light aircraft flying program. The agreement: the vegetables & fruits would be sold in the local market and the money carefully carried down to the airstrip in the valley. This would be given personally by the Chief of David’s village to the pilot who would then “give” it to us onboard the ship. This very personal connection-chain had been planned with precision and everyone was happy.
Earlier as their “son” was flying for the first time at 20,000ft, en route for the Doulos and the adventure of his life, he quietly turned to me and said “Isn’t it wonderful, David, that the Lord Jesus is there guiding the pilot safely through the clouds.” His powerful knowledge of trusting the Lord was so real. Sometimes we complicate things too much.
Truly a powerful story of the Lord’s ability to take ordinary people, from around the world, and bring much blessing through them to many. David K is now a Pastor in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, with his own small family. He is back in his own area, after studying at Bible School in his country. He is a specialized agricultural community-development officer, teaching his people to husband rabbits as a food enrichment supplement. He tempts them with the sweet taste of the meat and soon a new project is underway. How amazing the Lord has taken those whose ancestors were into a different kind of “diet” and brought such people, as Pastor David, to be a blessing to many.
Global Nomad
20 April 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Generosity of Love
22. March 2008
Global Nomad
Evidence of the generous heart of the Creator is seen at every turn. As we look at the heavens, the vast array of heavenly bodies without number and awe-inspiring. Take a closer look at the creative ingenuity of the flora and fauna of planet earth - mega-millions of leaves artistically decorating a huge variety of trees, each delicate leaf an amazing life supporting mechanism. As we delve deeper into the micro-world visible under micro-scopes another generous display is seen of excellence and beauty. The whole of creation is embellished with the hallmark of a generous Creator.
However, the greatest act of generosity was witnessed on a rugged hill just out side an eastern city - a scene of the most brutal cruelty that mankind could conjure up for serious criminals. There the generosity of Love displayed its rugged power of vanquishing death and the power of sin.
“In the fact of the Saviour’s sufferings, sin deepened into densest darkness and grace broke forth in brightest brilliance. In the strange mystery upon which we have already reverently looked, sin and love met in fiercest conflict. All other forces were withdrawn and alone in a death grapple in the darkness, sin took hold on love and love took hold on sin. The issue of the conflict is now the subject of consideration but only the contemplation of the opposing forces, as seen in this supreme hour. Love incarnate has taken hold upon sin and the issue must be a decisive victory for one or the other. In this hour, sin or grace will triumph for ever. If sin and grace are seen as here revealed, there will be no possibility of mistake as to the nature of both.” The Crises of the Christ by G Campbell Morgan D.D. page 221/222
May we all be deeply challenged and enriched by this historic act of generous Love. The Creator/Redeemer taking our place on the Cross that we might live for ever.
“Come see His hands and his feet,
The scars that speak of sacrifice,
Hands that flung stars into space
To cruel nails surrendered.
This is our God, the Servant King,
He calls us now to follow Him,
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to the Servant King.”
Graham Kendrick.
Global Nomad
22 March 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Generous Hearted
14. March 2008
Global Nomad
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “Today My Best Friend Slapped Me in the Face.”
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: “Today My Best Friend Saved My Life.”
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend’s life asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?” The other friend replied: “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away; but, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.” [From Bob and Brenda in UK]
Global Nomad
14 March 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Harvest on the Horizon
7. March 2008
Global Nomad
Farming and all the related skills for resourcing our daily lives are so vital to community development. Throughout the globe, families and communities are constantly and energetically labouring to harvest supplies from the countryside, rivers and oceans. The back- breaking work of preparing the ground for sowing, the long hours of caring for the growing crops and the wise husbandry of the oceans and rivers are all undertaken with the harvest in view. Finally the great time arrives and there is much joy as the ripened crops are harvested whether from the ground or trees or bushes or deep in the oceans.
For many the harvest fails or is damaged; for others it is delayed and for some it is aboundant. Generous hearted folk around the world are totaly committed to stepping into challenging situations, seeking to redress the problems; to enrich the soil; increase the yield; restructure the methods of production, contribute to long term sustainable answers to the immense challenges of disrupted supplies of vital food and water.
Education, partnership, microloans, new machinery, donated seed etc can all be of tremendous blessing to those facing giant-like difficulties in this field. Here are a few projects that are seeking to make a difference so that “Harvest on the Horizon” becomes a reality.
http://www.farmsinternational.com/index.html
http://www.kokonutpacific.com.au/
http://www.rurcononline.org/index.php
http://root.reason2b.net/operationagri/content/resources/appeal2007/front
Glabal Nomad
07 March 2008
Resources to Enrich | 0 Kommentare »
RESOURCES TO ENRICH
3. March 2008
Global Nomad
Welcome to this new category from Global Nomad!!
The aim is to share resources to enrich your networking and your community projects. You are welcome to share resources which you have found valuable. There is a vast ocean of material “out there” for us to explore. Trust these notes will enable us all to be further equipped in our desire to become generous people.
The whole concept of seeking to improve the quality and the availability of safe water is one that is close to my heart. One of my favourite videos is called “Where the Waters Run” produced by Moody Science. It is a classic in its own right and captures the subject photographically in such an excellent manner. Well worth seeing even though it has been around a while. We used these videos in High School science classes a few years back. Some technical material is timeless and thus in some ways this video series is as relevant as ever. If you would like to obtain a copy let me know through the comment section.
The generosity of our Creator in masterminding such an ingenious process as the water-cycle is awesome in its magnitude. Millions of tons of water are gracefully, silently and seemingly effortlessly lifted from the oceans of the world and then expertly recyled to be returned to earth in various forms and strength.
In the blog entitled: “Skilled Generosity”, dam and well production is highlighted. Other excellent resource projects in this field are:
http://bushproof.biosandfilter.org/
http://www.livingwater.org.uk/home.asp
On the BBC website a while back was an excellent article on a simple method of purifying water using plastic bottles. A friend of mine has invented a new type of unit to purify water for rural communities. Each unit can provide fresh water for some 2000 individuals and requires minimum maintenance. You can read all about this initiative on the following site: www.meckow.com
More later…..
Global Nomad
Resources to Enrich | 0 Kommentare »
Skilled Generosity
3. March 2008
Global Nomad
SKILLED GENEROSITY
People with generous hearts throughout the world are responding to challenges far beyond their imagination. In Eastern Kenya, a dry and arid area of that resilient nation, water is a precious commodity. Drought is a frequent visitor bringing with it all the trauma and tragedy of minimal and contaminated water supplies. A group of motivated residents from a village in the UK has established an initiative to address this issue. Using skills in construction and water supply technology, they are ably constructing catchment dams. These huge lake-like features serve between 200-300 households with at least seven people per household. They’ve also supervised the construction of wells up to 86ft deep fitted with sturdy manually operated pumps and filters. While in the rural community they noticed a need for assistance with education in slum areas and have generously responded by providing buildings and books.
A timely reminder from the “Wishing for a well Appeal” - “It is important to be reminded that every 8 seconds a child dies of water related disease and around one billion people do not have adequate sanitation facilities.” Sponsors are generously supporting this project. You might like to join them. “Water is Life”
Global Nomad
03 March 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Generous Collector
3. March 2008
Global Nomad
GENEROUS COLLECTOR
Postcards are still contemporary and you may well have a load of them that you would like to clear out. If so, then why not send them to us now. Write to us for details of local contact point. A former RAF chaplain is collecting and selling used and surplus new postcards as well as other material listed below. He generously gives his time, along with his family, to sorting and selling these cards. Several thousands of pounds have been generated so far for a wonderful Aviation Project that operates light planes worldwide serving rural and isolated communities with essential services and community development personnel. Recyling with a purpose!!
Global Nomad
March 03 2008
Global Nomad's Notes | 0 Kommentare »
Recent Comments