Generous Reflection
16. May 2012
Global Nomad
Reflection on Water and Sanitation
Every 20 seconds a child under the age of five dies from diarrhoea. Stop and think about that for a moment. Dead.
As a mum of an energetic 18-month-old, this is a statistic which makes me feel physically sick. When my little girl is poorly the most I have to worry about is how I rearrange my schedule. Pretty pathetic in comparison.
So what can we do? Yes, we must act – do whatever we can with the resources we’ve been blessed with. But as Christians we can also pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we must ‘pray continually’, but sometimes I think the difficulty is we don’t really know where to start.
How do we even begin to pray about poverty? When you know that 780 million people are still without clean water and 2.5 billion without access to a basic toilet on our planet, it’s difficult not to ask, will my prayer even make a difference?
The answer to that question is a resounding yes. I am reminded of a quote by Oswald Chambers ‘we have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.’ If we truly realise who we are praying to, then we will know that every time we pray we are making a difference.
Philippians 4:6 says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’
If the state of our world makes you anxious, then let God know about it. Spend time individually or in a small group praying about some of the big issues facing the planet today. Be creative about it. Visit our How to Pray page, for great insights into current prayer needs.
Since you started reading this, another three children have died from diarrhoea. So let’s lift our voices in prayer to God and pray for an end to poverty. Why not pray right now?
If you want to know more about what Tearfund is doing when it comes to the water and sanitation issue, then visit www.tearfund.org/water
Thank you for joining us in prayer,
Laura Hollinger
Tearfund digital team
Courtesy: Tearfund www.tearfund.org/water
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Generosity par Exellence
30. April 2012
Global Nomad
The Untold Titanic Story : John Harper
If you saw the movie “Titanic,” you know much of what took place 87 years ago tonight, when the ship that even God couldn’t sink, DID sink. Of the 1,528 people who ended up in the icy water, only six were rescued.
But did you know that one of those six was actually saved twice that night?
His story is an inspiring reminder that there’s more to life than mere survival.
To tell this man’s story, though, I have to first tell you about another man, a Scot named John Harper. Harper, a minister of the Gospel, boarded the Titanic with his six-year-old daughter, Nana. He planned to travel to the Moody Church in Chicago, where he’d been invited to preach for three months. When the ship struck the fateful iceberg and began to sink, Harper made sure his daughter was placed into one of the lifeboats. He then began what would be the last evangelistic work of his young life.
As the freezing waters began to fill the ship, Harper was heard shouting, “Let the women, children and the unsaved into the lifeboats.” Survivors reported that Harper took off his own life jacket and gave it to another man. “Don’t worry about me,” he reportedly said, “I’m not going down, I’m going up!”
When the ship began to sink, more than 1,500 passengers jumped or fell into the icy waters. As they gradually drowned or froze to death, Harper was seen swimming from one passenger to another, pleading with them to accept Christ.
Only six of the 1,500 people struggling in the water were later rescued, including a man who later identified himself as Harper’s last convert. This young man had climbed up on a piece of debris. Harper, who was struggling in the water near him, shouted out, “Are you saved?” “No,” the man replied. Harper then shouted the words from Scripture: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” The man did not answer, and a moment later he drifted away on the waves.
A few minutes later, the current brought the two men back together. Again Harper asked, “Are you saved?” Once again, the answer was “no.” With his dying breath, Harper shouted, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” He then slipped under the waves for the last time.
Then and there, the man he had witnessed to decided to turn his life over to Christ. Four years later, at a Titanic survivors meeting in Ontario, Canada, this man tearfully gave his testimony recounting how John Harper had led him to the Lord.
I don’t need to tell you that this dramatic story never made it into the movie. We live in a culture that seems to be more interested in fictional stories of romance, illicit sex, and priceless jewelry than in the real romance between God and His people.
When the subject of the Titanic comes up, as it may today on the eighty-seventh anniversary of the sinking, tell your friends the story of the young Scottish minister who witnessed to Christ with his dying breath.
And make sure your kids know the story a well. John Harper reminds us of a great lesson, the secret of the ages: that there’s more to life than mere survival.
[Taken from Prayer Alert http://site.prayer-alert.net ]ttp://www.sonserver.com/archive/titanic.htm ]
[Photo courstey of Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic ]
Further information……
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Harper_(pastor)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17706311
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Helicopters of Generosity
19. April 2012
Global Nomad
Helimission’s aim is to bring social, medical and spiritual help to people in remote and inaccessible areas. Helimission is non-denominational and helps those in need without consideration of their religious affiliation. Helimission operates in the following countries: Madagascar, Ethiopia and Indonesia. We are currently looking into other countries in which to operate.
We currently operate 4 helicopter bases: on the Indonesian islands Papua and Sulawesi, as well as in Ethiopia and Madagascar. From our bases, we support local missionary organizations in the bush by flying in provisions for them – rather like a kind of taxi. In addition, we transport building material and medical supplies to supply and maintain bush hospitals. Further, we fly in medical personnel to treat local inhabitants in remote areas. Many of our flights are to rescue emergency patients and accident victims.
This is an excellent project in which to partner. Their generosity in flying service is such a blessing to many. See more on their website: http://www.helimission.org/english/
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Generous Tracking
9. April 2012
Global Nomad
E-mails are very much a part of daily life in the 21st Century. Such a rapid communication-channel is well used, although some may prefer social networking or Skyping…. Some of us may send out scores of e-mails in a working day. Is there something more we can do?
Yes, I believe reading through our “sent file” once a day or once a week, can be a good exercise. It enables us to reflect on what we have communicated and also enables us to pray for the folk to whom we have written. I find this a very effective practice. Giving more time and thought to our communications.
It is also a generous action that can bring much blessing in lives.
Global Nomad
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail
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Generous Revelation.
6. April 2012
Global Nomad
One of the best parts of the story accompanying the appearances of Christ after His resurrection is to the two on the road to Emmaus. The story is more compelling if we did not know the end of the story but it portrays the adventure of the Lord coming into our lives. His appearance on the road to the two was as a stranger first of all. They did not know him and so He came across as a stranger as He did to all of us when we first met Him or heard of Him. He moved from being as stranger to being their teacher as He opened the scriptures to identify all the OT passages that refer to Him. That must have been a glorious teaching session. But that is what He did and wanted to do for us as we became interested in His words. He opened the Word to our minds and hearts many times with an emotional reaction to the message. Do you remember when the Bible began to come alive to you as the Spirit taught you just as the two realized what was happening? Sometimes we do not comprehend that until much later as these two discovered.
He was invited in which was a very common thing to do and showed great hospitality. Then the Lord moved into the house and became the guest of the two who did not know who He was. They did not know who they were inviting in but I think they must have wanted to hear “the rest of the story.” Do you remember when you invited the Lord into your life and asked Him to stay with you not really knowing all that might happen when He came in? That is a wonderful day for any who can remember the transaction of letting the “Stranger” in. So He was the guest of the two He met on the road to Emmaus. He came into our lives as a guest when we met Him on the road of life. Very different roads each of us was traveling. And we much like the two He met were feeling hopeless because of something that happened. Many on this road, though things were really looking up, all of a sudden the hopes of years are dashed by a death, disease, or some situation over which we did not have control. At this point in the journey of life a guest in the house can be a glorious blessing as it was to the two.
Then there is a great change in the relationship of the three in the house. A meal is set on the table and the Lord Jesus moves from being a guest to being the host. He assumes the place of leadership and takes the bread, offers thanks, breaks it and shares it with His friends. A picture has hung in a home we have visited many times of the Lord in the role of host blessing the bread and serving as the host of the small gathering who for the first time learned what it meant for them to be a part of “two or three gathered together in His name.” What a dramatic change in our lives when the Lord whom we invited in assumes the position and role of owner and host of all in our or now His house. How far reaching it is to acknowledge Him as Lord of our lives and surrender the position of ownership to Him. When we do that we can expect He will reveal Himself to our souls which will make the lessons of the Teacher on the road of life burn in our hearts.
Stranger! Teacher! Guest! Host! All in the space of an encounter that brings the two from being hopeless downcast unbelievers to strong believers. Rather than seclude themselves in the comfort of the home they leave immediately and go and tell the world- He is alive. I trust this season of celebrating our Lord’ victory over death will be the opportunity you are willing to proclaim to all you know – “He Lives, He lives,… I know He lives…”
Guest post from Fred Kosin.
Photo courtesy: http://www.dayspring.com/?ref=ecardsds
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Generous Contentment
3. April 2012
Global Nomad
From The Carbon Fast Series by TEARFUND.
Today’s action: Enjoyed meat-free Monday last week? Go for a dairy-free Tuesday!
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
There is a freedom in learning to be content with what we have. Contentment involves trust, joy, fulfilment and peace. Despite his many hardships and constant ups and downs, the apostle Paul teaches that being content is like discovering a secret. While the world promises us happiness ‘if only’ we attain more wealth and success, the secret is that God promises us peace in him regardless of our material circumstances. How could living contentedly relate to our worship of God?
Creator God, we are truly grateful for what you have given us. We live in the palm of your hand. Teach us how to have thankful hearts and lead contented lives in your grace. Amen.
(The reflection today was contributed by Viv Benjamin, National Advocacy Coordinator at TEAR Australia.)
Thank you for your support
Helen, Climate Change Campaigns Officer
http://www.tearfund.org/
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Generous Response
28. March 2012
Global Nomad
Do you know that ‘handicap’ is a state of mind, not a disability?
A few months ago I had a really wild idea. Actually it was well out of the box. I think it came during a period of sheer insanity. I asked my daughter-in-law to accompany me to Africa! And even though she is in a wheelchair, she quickly responded “Yes!”
Africa is not ‘wheelchair friendly’!
Someone with a bit of common sense should have stopped both of us right there. They should have clarified our thoughts to realize that my ‘wild ideas’ could actually be a disability! But no-one did. Now I’m caught up in this one and can’t (don’t want to!) give it up.
I can’t resist a challenge. (And this one’s a doozy!)
In her published testimony Vahen [V-ann] wrote:
“Sunday morning, May 30, 1999, began like any Sunday morning. I was getting ready for church. Vaughan had proposed to marry me only the week before. Suddenly I experienced excruciating pain running throughout my upper chest, back and arms. It was like no other pain I had ever experienced. I struggled to the phone and managed to call for help. I could barely move because the pain was so severe. I was conscious of losing movement in my legs. All feeling from my chest down began to disappear. My bodily functions wouldn’t work. It felt like a dream from which I would soon awake. But it wasn’t a dream. I was hospitalized for nine months and was faced every day with the reality of my new limitations.”
This proposed trip to Uganda is set for May 6-19, 2012. Vaughan & Vahen (The 2Vs!) will be sharing their witness of: “the healing that God has already worked in our lives. The race is not over. I have learned so much about following Jesus. My trust in Him has increased. I have gained a new perspective on what really matters in life. We never have to face life’s struggles alone. With gratitude and thanks I can say that His promise is the anchor in the midst of the storm.”
Over several years of experiences and ventures, I can confirm that our Father is always faithful in providing. I’ve not been too good at the work of linguistically translating scripture into unwritten languages, but I have been delighted to translate His Word into practical skills that ‘equip the saints’ to do their task effectively. And now through this venture with “The 2Vs” I’m looking to see how we can translate this aspect of His creative healing for some folks who have never thought that way before.
Courtesy of J
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ohn King LMC http://www.leadershipmatters.ws/
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Generosity of many
27. February 2012
Global Nomad
Generosity of many made Operation Christmas Child a success
Posted: Monday, February 27, 2012 4:30 am
To the editor:
Thanks to the generous efforts of St. Louis city and county residents, thousands of hurting children worldwide will have the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas. Residents in the St. Louis and Mid-Eastern areas packed 36,185 shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and necessity items for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.
Nationally, a total of 6,051,799 shoe boxes were donated. These gift-filled shoe boxes are making their way — or have already made their way — into the hands of needy children in 100 receiving countries.
On behalf of our community, I would like to thank the volunteers at local collection sites and everyone who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoe box gift. For many of the children receiving these boxes, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.
Although the West County and South County drop-off locations are closed until November 2012, gifts are received throughout the year at Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C., 28607. If you would like to get involved year-round in helping children in need through Operation Christmas Child, go online to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ m or call me at (636) 300-3190.
Thanks again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide!
Linda Logsdon
Area Coordinator
St. Louis & Mid-Eastern Area
Operation Christmas Child
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Generous Protection
4. February 2012
Global Nomad
Guest post by:
Pastor Fred Sherwood
Mannville Community Church
Several people in our congregation have known the heart break of a devastating fire in their home. When you ask them what was their greatest loss the answer invariably is the pictures and other personal effects that have memories attached to them. Things can be replaced but the memories are precious and irreplaceable. It is a good reminder to us to be doing the kinds of things today that will produce memories that we will want to recall fondly for the rest of our lives.
My small work space is surrounded by pictures of my family. One of those pictures was taken in the south of England in the countryside of Burrington Combe. You may have heard the story of the preacher and hymn-writer Augustus Toplady who was from a nearby town. As he was walking along the road a sudden storm swept across the landscape. Toplady sought shelter in a large rock formation with a wide cleft in it. With his creative mind he meditated on the connection between his shelter and God’s help in the storms of life. Thus, on that stormy day, was born the famous hymn Rock of Ages which has been a source of strength for many and a personal favourite of mine. Since I was in the area I
wanted to stop and get my picture taken in the same cleft where Toplady sheltered from the storm. As if on cue a storm came up and I took shelter in the cleft which is now sign-posted “Rock of Ages”.
My wife snapped the picture of me sitting on a boulder in the cleft with our baby on my lap and a toddler holding my hand and peering out from under my arched legs. My children felt secure in their father’s hands and I had a moment to reflect on my own security in the hands of our Heavenly Father. I wondered how many travellers over the centuries have sought refuge in that cleft and how many of them knew the God who created it. The words of the hymn came to my mind and I sang to myself,
“Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee…Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked come to Thee for dress, Helpless look to Thee for grace…While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds
unknown, See Thee on Thy judgement throne, Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.”
Toplady’s hymn captures the essence of the Gospel message. We cannot earn our way to heaven by what we bring with us, but we must accept by faith God’s unmerited favour in sending His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Those who trust in Him will experience the resurrection unto life and will never need to fear death again
Photos: Wikipedia and Fred Sherwood.
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Generous Neighbourhood Watch
31. January 2012
Global Nomad
Dorothy’s diligence and care for the folk in her mobile home estate is quite amazing. Her awareness of those who might need extra care or encouragement is very finely tuned. Knowing all the names of the residents and their individual needs speaks volumes.
Recently, some damage was done by folk not really thinking of the welfare of others, caused considerable anxiety in the community where Dorothy lives. She was able to be the link between the residents and the authorities as they seek to discover exactly what happened and also to bring the folk concerned to task for their thoughtlessness.
Giving time, talents and much tenderhearted care within the community has been such a blessing to those who live there.
Global Nomad.
Photo Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_home
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