Christmas 2013

(Luke 2:9-14 ESV) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:9-14 ESV)

The angels in Heaven came down and sang in delight! Can you imagine the awe that must have been felt by these shepherds? When was the last time we were so in awe of what God has done for us?

Even with this mighty, angelic, proclamation, we often robotically repeat, "Merry Christmas," or even, "happy holidays." Feliz Navidad brings a chuckle to our lips. Or, how about, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied:
(Isaiah 9:6 ESV) "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

Today, We hang lights, put up a tree, and blow up giant Santas, reindeer and snowmen. We shop for that perfect gift that is ever elusive. We scurry around like Martha, making all things right, when we should be like Mary:
(Luke 10:40-42 ESV) "But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42 ESV).

The truth is, on that night, in a barn in Bethlehem, God's plan was revealed. We have the historical advantage of knowing now that the birth of Christ would lead to our salvation.

(Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV) "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV)

As we search for the best gifts to give, let us ask ourselves are we giving the best of ourselves to God? When we say Merry Christmas, let's remember that it's not just a few weeks of lights and gifts and parties and food. Let's remember Him who was delivered to us to be the sacrifice that saves us; the blameless and spotless lamb whose blood would be shed for us; the only one that can speak for us before the Father.

God opened the door, gave us an invitation to complete forgiveness, healing, and eternal life through the birth of is Son, Christ Jesus.
(John 3:17 ESV) "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17 ESV)

God delivered on His promise. He presented us with an incomparable gift, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Haiti, October 2013

At some point in our journey with God, we realize that not only is He guiding us somewhere, but he is training us for something. I have reached that point.

I knew that when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I would be changed. Just a couple of years ago I also realized that I was willing to go where He led me. Since then, Christ has opened my heart to serve where and when I am able. Since then, Christ has taken me and broken me down so He could build me up again. Since then, Christ has lit a flame in me that thrives on the oxygen of the life He has given me.

Then, here comes Haiti. I have said before, a little over a year ago, I would have never considered Haiti as a destination, much less would I dream that I would have allen in love with that nation and its people. But, our Lord has plans that we cannot fathom. If we are willing, He will lead us on a journey so remarkably splendid we cannot help but be completely overwhelmed.

It is interesting to note that, having now been there three times, each time has been markedly different; each has taken me down roads that were not even on my map. All three times, though, God has shown me something new, and put His stamp on me and my spirit. The Lord has, in fact, continued His work in me, building upon each past experience to increase my faith, my strength, my desire to serve Him and my dependence on Him.

This latest trip to Mission of Hope – Haiti, we brought a team of people that was very diverse: in age, background and experience. We left home as a group of individuals, and were molded into a family of brothers and sisters in Christ. So much so that I, who have never allowed many to become close enough to me to consider a true friend, much less family, can lay claim to a new and entirely real circle of friends.

I went to Haiti to again experience the blessings of serving others, but was surprised and delivered from things that I carried with me. It seems that this trip, for me, was grandly designed by God to let me leave behind things that burdened me, things that kept me from walking forward with Him. Again, He broke me to rebuild me. Again, he widened my eyes to see a vision of Him so vivid that I could never deny Him or His desire to have me walk with Him. Again, He loosed in me a longing to be a better man; a better man of God; a better husband, father, son and brother.

It should now be obvious to any who know me, or who have only met me, my love for the island nation. It should also be obvious that I love my Lord, and will go anywhere for Him. I am not yet the man He has set out to mold, but eagerly look toward the day when I can sit at His feet and see the portrait He prepared of me, long before time, and well before I was born, and see that I did all I was asked, and gave all of myself, knowing that I am His.

Drowning out God's Voice

When we returned from Haiti in April, I immediately noticed the clutter, noise and activities that seem to be ever-present in my life.

Between the cell phones, emails, television, work, meetings, family, friends, even church commitments, it is amazing that we ever actually accomplish any task we begin. I really wonder if we do complete any tasks before starting a new one.

So, the question that screamed out at me from hundreds of miles away was, "Why could you shut it all off while in mission, but immediately allow it to interfere again when you return to the United States?"

A good question, one which I am still struggling with. Right now, as I write, my cell phone is at my left hand, the internet radio is playing, and my email is churning along in the background (behind the very screen on which I type.) These are all a part of me, somehow, and not easily laid down. I could do it while traveling, but that was almost a necessity as there was limited connection (imagine my trying to check the ballgames!) It was as if God said, “No, not here; I will block your signals and you have to focus on me.”

So again, why not that same thing here? Probably because I have set myself up as the top of the hill, go-to guy with all of the answers. I know that God waits to hear from me and lead me along the narrow path that is His. I know that my way is the easy way, even as I complain that it is so hard. It is curious, this illusion of self-importance, that this can lead me in ways that were I to just consider the possible outcomes, I would likely not choose consciously. What in the world is wrong with me?

In short, I am human. To be precise, I am a flawed man. I know this. I have proven this over and over again. I have even confessed this to any who will listen. While I find that I am slowly turning onto the path that God has for me, I often step off on my own, usually intentionally, and stray away until I lose sight of the correct path, and struggle to find my way back, before I just simply ask God to lead me by the hand back to His road. It is in these times that I find myself most at ease, though most out of my comfort zone. He tells me to relax, He has control, and I only need do what He tells me. Wow! How easy is that?

I suppose that it is an immense step in the right direction to realize these things; small comfort to a mind that is seeking peace in a world as distracting as I allow mine to be. With each small step I take in His ways, I find I am less likely to run from Him, and when I do, not as far. Knowing that I am not, and will not be, perfect is one way to see who I really am. The closer I get to Him and the further I walk along with Him, the better I am. I know this.

My phone is still at my left hand, and the internet radio is still noisily playing along, as is my email in the background. But, while I have been at the task of writing this, I find that I have two missed calls, and have not even heard any songs or checked my emails. I suppose I can work beyond these things.

We really do serve an awesome God, and sometimes we need to stop and remember that.

Mission to Haiti, April 2013

I am blessed to have, again, been allowed to travel to Haiti, via Crossroads of Arlington Church and Mission of Hope Haiti. This last trip was an eight day, life changing event for my wife and me.

(Sunset on Haiti at Mission of Hope)

 



On our trip, we met many wonderful people. Other missionaries, like the Journey Church crew from Norman OK, a great couple from Chicago, John and Jen, and a mother-son team from VA, Beverly and Camden; and not to forget Dr. Josh and Elisha, who stayed behind to complete a two week medical trip. The most impressive folks we met, though, were the people of Haiti, and the staff and interns of Mission of Hope.

Discovering God in a country that is so impoverished, and seemingly wanting for every possible service or supply, is no less than overwhelming. We found people who had a deeper connection with the Lord, despite the circumstances (or, maybe, because of) in which they find themselves. I was reminded several times that we are the same, only our location of birth separates us. Finding hope, contentment, and joy in the midst of what I perceived to be tragic conditions, ministered to my soul much more than I could have ever thought to minister to the Haitians.

(Visiting in the village of Titanyen, with Maxin)

During our ministry trips to the village of Titanyen, we met people who asked that we pray for their healing from ailments such as cataracts, a stroke, even a gunshot wound to the leg. Most, though requested that our prayers for them would lead them to a closer walk with Christ. Imagine, wanting for all basic resources and still asking only for Christ to draw closer to you! The praise and worship of those who are in Christ in Haiti is just indescribable.

(The village at Leveque - moving people into solid homes)

It is very hard, impossible actually, to put into words the change in my heart, and the Spirit's reach into my soul. My teammates from Crossroads were amazing, and I saw such growth in each of them as to stop and praise my Lord for what I was privy to. When one is a part of something like this, it is truly miraculous. How else can I describe it?

Honestly, as I have talked of my trip, I have found many to be either uncaring or incredulous that I would even go to Haiti, much less wish to return. It is clear to me now, though, that we all are given a direction, be it as a missionary to Haiti, or a participant vicariously through prayer or funding, or through whatever else the Lord may lead us to. Some will follow the lead, others may discount it as a foolish whim, while still more will actually deny God's presence in our lives.

(our sponsored student, Manoucheka (Ma-nush-ka)

Over the years, I have been rounded up by God in a way that is much like the cat herding commercial from the big game a few years ago. I ran this-way-and-that for years. Somehow, He managed to lock onto me (or I onto Him may be a better turn of phrase,) and directed me on this path. I am so overjoyed to have been a part of the trips, and look forward to many more. I can honestly say, only God could have placed on my heart a love for the Republic of Haiti and the Haitian people.

(In Titanyen, Haiti. A beautiful laugh)

We have a video of photos that we took while there. I hope this works. If not, the original file is at https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5pKQa2I4mkXbVFPV09BZWJwY1E/edit?usp=sharing

 

(Video of images taken in Haiti)

We will be going again soon and will ask for both prayers and financial assistance. Both are welcome, and I look forward to hearing comments at texastude@mac.com.

Additional information can be found at:
www.CrossroadsOfArlington.org
http://mohhaiti.org/

May God bless you,

Michael

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
--Psalm 121:1-2 NIV