Ocala Church of Christ » Missions

Carter Robison :: Dominican Republic Mission Trip

Jacob Medley — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:42:53 +0000

Hey Dad, just a little update on what we are doing down here. First week was East Hill Church of Christ from York, Nebraska. During this week had community day, VBS days, went to the dump and hospital in Puerto Plata and had some serious work days. In one work day, we planted 100 palm trees and planted some plants making an entrance into Rio San Juan. We also are in the process of making a sidewalk in front of the hospital in Rio San Juan that will go beside the palm trees that we planted. It was an awesome experience because not only did we work with the group from York, but we work side-by-side with other Dominicans that came to help us. As we planted these trees next to a busy highway, the natives would slow down and stare at what we were doing for their town, and many would show their appreciation as they drove by. Planting 100 palm trees in one day, was an exhausting experience but well worth it to see the look on the faces of the Dominicans. There are so many other stories I could share, but will save for another e-mail because I am limited with the time. However, I am so blessed to be down here! Miss and love everyone back home!

Carter Robison

Manna Global Ministries: We ask you to please be in prayer with us over our Summer Programs.

Jacob Medley — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:48:42 +0000

We ask you to please be in prayer with us over our Summer Programs. It will be a full, exciting summer and we are praying that everything done is for the glory of God.

Four of our Dominican interns fly there today while 2 more will be arriving within the next week. The Haiti interns arrive on Thursday. All of the missionaries in the DR and Haiti have been preparing for the interns and groups, while the interns and groups have hard at work for their trips.

MannaHaiti groups:

Levy from Levy AR
Cloverdale from Searcy, AR
Medical group from Hixson, TN
Sloan’s Team from AR
Otter Creek from Otter Creek, TN
Collective group from all over USA
Redwood City from Redwood City, CA
MannaHaiti interns:
Felicia Blocker
Jessica Hall
Jeff Reese
Savannah Sloan
Jordan Smith
Keely Williams

MannaDR groups:

East Hill/ York, NE
Lake Cities/Trophy Club, TX
Northside/Jefersonville, IN
Highlandview/ Oak Ridge, TN and Maricamp Road/ Ocala, FL
Cloverdale/ Searcy, AR
Westminister/ Westminister, MD
MannaDR interns:
Audrey Parker
Nikki Mynatt
Jill Rhodes
Jordan Crow
Carter Robison
Glen Weaver

Misión Para Cristo :: JANUARY 2010

Jacob Medley — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:22:05 +0000

None of this would be possible without God’s blessings and your partnership… by you doing something, we doing something and God putting it together we can do something we could have not done apart from each other… I Cor. 12-13/Philippians 1:3-5

JANUARY 2010

It is hard to believe that another year has started and we are already into February. 2009 was a tremendous year for both the church and the mission. If January is an example, 2010 promises to be a very exciting year.
First, on a personal note, a very special thank you for your prayers during Donna’s surgery and this time of recovery. She says thank you for your prayers but please don’t stop. We also want to thank Dr. A.D. and Sharron who provided us a place to stay and transportation. Donna continues to improve and is back in Nicaragua doing her physical therapy. She is scheduled to have the second knee replaced March 30.
We welcome to the work of the church and the mission, Sergio and Daisey Salazar and their son Douglas. Sergio and Daisey graduated from Baxter in December and started their work with us on January 1st. They are both from Nicaragua. Sergio will be serving as the Assistant to the Executive Director and will work with all aspects of the mission. Daisey, who is a pharmacist, will be working with our new medicine agreement with MINSA. They both will be a vital part of the church in Jinotega. Also on January 1st Ben and Susan Brooks began their work with us. Ben is a CPA and has worked as the CFO in the automobile industry and Susan is a school teacher. Ben will be working as the Deputy Director/Finance and Development of the mission and Susan with our schools and our “Smile” project. They live in Bossier City, LA and attend the Airline congregation. They will also be helping during the year with our groups. What a blessing to have both of these couples as part of our team.

This month we expanded our Institute for Preparation of Workers with the starting of a second class. We now have 45 students combined in both classes (with additional 60 Bible students in the Waswili prison.) Each class meets one week every other month (in the prison they meet two mornings a week… We are now into our second year of working with Sunset to prepare workers for northern Nicaragua. Luis Prada serves as the director of the school. This summer our plans are to add Video Classes for the students to be involved with great teachers from around the world. Over the last five years of the institute each student has received a Thompson Chain Reference Bible made available through the generosity of a family in Arkansas. The support for the institute comes from the Highland church in Texarkana and the new class is support by a brother in South Carolina.

We were able to attend the Annual Sunset Summit in Lubbock and Medical Mission Seminar in Dallas. At the medical conference we hosted with Health Talents a lunch for mostly medical or pre-medical students interested in medical missions. Both missions presented how they could be part of what we do in Nicaragua and HTI in Guatemala. A special thanks to both Sunset (partner with the mission since 2008) and ICHF for hosting these times each year. We were also able to be with Garland Street congregation in Plainview, our overseeing congregation. We are so thankful for their continued support, March 1st will mark five years they have had the oversight of this mission (partners since 2000). We visited with some of the folks from the Farwell, TX congregation (partners since 2008) and with Cindy at Child Meds First (partners since 2006). We were with the Argyle congregation in Jacksonville (partner since 2007) and we were part of the ministry fair at the Westgate congregation in Dothan (partners since 2006). We were at the Grapevine congregation who hosted a dinner meeting for the mission (partner since 2005), the Highland congregation in Texarkana (partners since 2003), and visited with a new congregation in Holly Hill, Florida. When we were in Lubbock we visited with Dr. Long of the nursing department at LCU. While in Lubbock we meet with part of the group coming Spring Break from LCU. This month we had the privilege of meeting with the Board of Director of Teethsavers who became a partner with the mission in 2009.

We have now secured over 20,000 toothbrushes toward the goal of 50,000 this year… we picked up over 6,800 toothbrushes from the Heritage congregation (partner with us since 2008) in Keller and a large sports bag from Gail Goad of the 4th and Beech congregation in Durant, OK. Gail says they have two other bags of similar size already in Nicaragua and will get those to us when they return to Nicaragua in February.

The world stopped and was stunned by the tremendous tragedy in Haiti. We pray that you have given prayerful consideration to what you can do to help the people of Haiti. With the rainy season coming soon one way you may look to help is with a project out of Harding…. http://www.tentsandtarps.org/
The mission has considered how the church in Nicaragua can to be involved in Haiti. Many have helped us through years, our work in Nicaragua started the year before Hurricane Mitch. We know what we can do is limited. One of the reasons is our continued effort of Hurricane Ida relief on the East Coast of Nicaragua which we have a group traveling there now. This work of Ida relief is done in conjunction with MINSA and SINEPRED. Also with our continue efforts on the Rio Coco and other projects serving the Jinotega Region. But our desire continues to do what we can to help our church family in Haiti.
With this desire to help we have developed a plan to help 12 children from Haiti to come to Nicaragua. From the very beginning of this plan we have been in contact with the Ministry of Family and other government offices. Porfirio Molina, the Vice-President of MPC-Nicaragua and our Director of Government Relation, was the Vice-Mayor of Jinotega, has taken the lead for the mission in this project. We are working directly with people in Haiti who are also working with the Haitian government on approval of the children to leave Haiti. In Haiti we are working with, Jean Robert St. Hilaire: Delmas 43 Church in Port au Prince. We fully understand that with all the concerns of the exploitation and trafficking of children we have to do things with proper approval from both Haitian and Nicaraguan government. It is exciting to see the church in Nicaragua looking to serve the church in Haiti. We continue to ask for God’s wisdom and direction as we move forward for the children.

This marks our third year to host students as part of the PAM program at Baxter Institute in Honduras. It is through this program we were able get to know Sergio and Daisey last year. Coming to be with us for three months this year is Byron and Sandra Caná and their two sons: Diego and Derek. They are from Chimaltenango, Guatemala. This is our fourth couple to host with this program. We look forward to these students coming each year.

For your prayers and consideration:

Please continue to keep Donna’s recovery in your prayers.
School starts the first of February. We start the year with 20 schools and with over 850 students. Could you help with “Just One More…” student or school? $20 a month helps a child, $350 support a school. Contact us today.
The signing of the Medicine agreement with MINSA was scheduled for February 5th but was postponed till the 19th because of conflict with Dr. Gonzales schedule. The agreement has been finalized but we just need his signature. Please pray that we can finally bring this project into action.
We presently have 15 groups confirmed for this year, we have room for you and your group to come this year, contact us today for date to come to Nicaragua.
We need $6,000 to fund the shipping of a container out of Global Samaritan in Abilene. The supplies are ready to ship we just need the funding for the container.
The mission’s coffee cooperative (coop) is coming together. We have enough money to start forming the cooperative. However, we are still in need of additional $4,000. If you want to help or need more information contact Mike. The cooperative will start with three families from the church in Yankea. Reynaldo Rizo the evangelist in Yankea is one of the farmers. Thanks to a brother in Alabama we were able to purchase the first piece of equipment for them to use in this harvest.
This year we need to purchase a utility truck and another van. We are bless to have the vehicles we have but this week we have had to rent two additional vehicles because of number of different directions our people are traveling to serve.
Please continue to pray for the search for a new Nicaraguan Director.
We need $2,600 to fund this year Bible Bowl. We will start giving out this year material on the book of Mark in February.
$1,750 is needed for the Video Conferencing equipment we need for the Institute, this equipment will also be used for training with Teethsavers and our Community Health Promoters.
$600 a month is needed to be able to rent additional space for the mission and church in Jinotega. Last Sunday there were 99 in attendance Sunday morning, the children in the classroom were more than in auditorium. This space will give more housing, secure parking for our vehicles, additional classroom space and additional warehouse area.
Toothbrushes still needed….

Thanks again for all your support and encouragement. Your partnership makes the difference. .Because of Him; Benny and Donna

video :: Help Haiti

Jacob Medley — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:42:59 +0000

Brad Gautney of Manna Global and Global Health Innovations details their efforts after the January 12, 2010 Haitian earthquake.

http://mgm.mannadr.org/

Haiti: God is good!

Jacob Medley — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:57:07 +0000

I just talked to Norm and everything went well! Roberta had already made it back to her home in Port au Prince with many supplies and the group of Wesley, Holly, Josh, Melissa, and Luckson are on their way back to the DR, 3 of which have flights in the next few days.

We are still accepting any donations for relief efforts and on-going support of help for Haiti. 100% of your donation will be used to buy fuel, gas, food, water, etc. for those in need! Donations can be made through our website (mannaglobalministries.org) or by sending a check to MGM, PO Box 2993, Clarksville, IN 47131.

Thank you for your continuous thoughts and prayers!

Manna Global Ministries
Laura Beth Lamb
Administrative Director

Haiti: Be praying!

Jacob Medley — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:54:57 +0000

Please be in further prayer about something that we have been praying for since we knew that it may be a possibility. Norm, and some of his trusting Dominican helpers, are on their way to the Dominican Republic/Haiti border with about 4,000 lbs. of supplies for Roberta, including 2 tents, rice, beans, oil for lamps, water, 75 gallons of gas and diesel, etc. He will be picking up 5 of our team, including Wesley Wallace, Melissa Jung, Holly Eckhart, Luckson Previl and Josh Wyatt. They will be staying near Santiago or Santo Domingo tonight and the ones who are traveling back to the states will be hopefully on their way back within the next 24 hours! The border authorities allowed Roberta to drive in so that they can do an easy transfer from truck to truck of the supplies he has for Roberta.

Please, please pray that this transition goes well! This could open up so many possibilities for us and you to be of service to those in Haiti that need our help!

Please don’t forget to email Laura Beth Lamb if you are interested in serving as a doctor, construction worker, cook or just feel the need to help (and can speak Creole!). We do not any decisions made yet but will be in contact with you as soon as we have any details and prayerful decisions from Brad and Brian.

Laura Beth Lamb
Manna Global Ministries

Haiti: Day 2

Jacob Medley — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:53:26 +0000

Our group was in Port au Prince today and were able to check the children’s home run by Roberta. She was out of town at the time of the earthquake but is booked on a flight through MFI in the morning. Sadly, we had gotten word earlier in the week that one of the children had been killed when an outer wall fell, but the rest of the children are well. Most of the outer walls are down, but their home appears to have no structural damage. The kids are managing very well and and will have part of our group staying with them for the next few days. They have the food they need and are boiling water from their well. Thankful to hear the children are doing well and have a safe place to sleep at night!

Most of the group was going out into the city to be of help where ever they are needed. As they were driving through the city, they “happened” to see a surgeon and director of an NGO that they had met in the DR. They stopped to talk with him and he told them there was a hospital that was in serious need of help and how to get there. They went directly there and hundreds of people were waiting, needing medical attention and very few medical personal. Our team was put to work immediately and worked there all day. They eventually had to leave to insure they were back to Mission of Hope before dark.

There is a water and fuel shortage now, so travel is limited and difficult. Through a conference call this morning, we were able to discuss some options for taking groups but we are praying that God gives us guidance in making some big decisions.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all of you who have sent encouraging words, verses, offered help, donations, and really the list could go on forever! Please continue to relay all communication through Laura Beth Lamb whether you are interested in going on a relief trip or would like to make a donation. 100% of your donation will will be sent to Haiti for relief and on-going support. Donations can be made through our website or by sending a check to MGM (PO Box 2993, Clarksville, IN 47131).

We’re praying that God directs those working in Haiti to where they are needed most and that they will take His light and hope with them as they go. With each moment, we continue to pray for those who are trapped, that they will be found, and that those who are hurt will receive comfort. Lord, make yourself known in a mighty way.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” – Philemon 1:4-6

Sincerely,
Laura Beth Lamb
Administrative Director

They made it! Prayers have been answered!

Jacob Medley — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:51:51 +0000

After a long 2 days of travel for 9 people, they have arrived in Port Au Prince. The 9 that traveled together are Brad Gautney, Brian Wallace, Wesley Wallace, Rustin, Brad Johnson, Josh Wyatt, Luckson, Holly Eckhart, and Melissa Jung We just got an email from Brad’s co-worker here in the states that the team made it into Haiti and are safely at Mission of Hope. Here is what she wrote:

“I just got off the phone with Marilyn from MOH (Mission of Hope) who was on skype with Brad Johnson while we were on the phone. The team made it. Brad Gautney was at work in the clinic while we were on the phone.”

So thankful to know they made it there safely!

We are making a spreadsheet with all who have responded and is am working on all of the logistics of getting a team in there as soon as we hear how we need to respond from Brian and Brad.

Thank you for all of the amazing, encouraging emails whether it has been about a donation, collecting items to send or communicating your desire to travel with a relief team.

If you want to contribute directly to the relief efforts in Haiti, 100% of your donation will be sent to help those in need. Please make contributions through our website (mannaglobalministries.org) or by sending a check to MGM (PO Box 2993, Clarksville, IN 47131).

We will be sending out updates still at least once a day to inform you on what the need is and how the group that is doing. Please continue to keep them in your prayers that they will have strength to face the challenges ahead and the guidance to make decisions on how Christians abroad can minister to those in Port au Prince.

You have been amazing prayer warriors for all of us!

In Him,

Laura Beth Lamb
Administrative Director
Manna Global Ministries

VIDEO: Mike Faris, The Detail Man

Jacob Medley — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:31:52 +0000

This is a short segment of the interview with Mike Faris. Mike and Ann Faris came to the mission in October 2007. Mike is serving as the Deputy Director with Ann developing Bible material for the schools and congregations.

Photos From Medical Mission Team :: San Andres 2009

Jacob Medley — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:52:06 +0000

Check out some of the pictures from our trip to San Andres in Nicaragua.

Our Medical Mission Team is Back

dawn — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:30:11 +0000

They returned home on Sunday! Praise God for a safe trip. We can’t wait to hear all the stories!

Medical Mission Team Meeting Sunday 4:00PM Sept 12th

Jacob Medley — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:06:43 +0000

Medical Mission Team Meeting Sunday 4:00PM Sept 12th

Support a Missionary :: Chris O’Connell

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:38:13 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Elizebeth Cooperstien

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:36:06 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Matt & Jamie Cline

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:35:10 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Dave & Cindi Webster

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:32:36 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Tom Curtis

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:31:06 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Pete Sziklai

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:25:16 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Milke Alsup

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:24:16 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: William Leeper

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:21:52 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Steve Kennedy

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:20:26 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: David Oliver

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:08:37 +0000

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

Support a Missionary :: Jacob Medley :: Documentary

Jacob Medley — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:06:58 +0000

It is our hope to promote the importance of missionary work and its spiritual and emotional impact on the people serving as missionaries. We want to encourage people to take a more personal approach to the “Great Commission” and service to others, as well as, give different mission fields greater exposure.

The concept for this documentary series entitled “GO” is to encourage and empower people to do what Jesus commissioned us to do. The first part of the series will focus on what a mission trip encompasses and how it effects the people going. The series will evolve from there to focus on different aspects of the mission field.

18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

www.gochristiango.com

If you or someone you know would be willing to support this effort, please do.

Checks can be made out and sent to:

Maricamp Road Church of Christ
2750 SE Maricamp Road
Ocala, FL 34471

!! Important !! in the memo section of the check please include the note Missionary Name / Nicaragua

For more information please visit:
http://www.misionparacristo.com/ or http://www.ocalachurchofchrist.com/missions/medical-missions/

Thank You,

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FOR NICARAGUA

David Oliver — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:16:36 +0000

THERE WILL BE AN ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FOR THE TRIP TO NICARAGUA ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SERVICES. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE TEAM THEN PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND.

Good News! A Congregation Was Established in Wamblan, Nicaragua

David Oliver — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:21:43 +0000

God continues to provide the harvest. In 2007, our congregation was able to establish a congregation in Wamblan, Nicaragua. We accomplished this by bringing a medical team into a remote, underserved community. I just received word on Friday, June 5th, 2009, that we have had an additional 3 baptisms this past week. Truly, we planted the seed through love and compassion as Christ asked us to do, and He provided the increase. Praise God!

2009 Medical Mission to Nicaragua

David Oliver — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:54:41 +0000

ATTENTION:

Our medical mission to Nicaragua will be the first full week of October. We will depart on the third and return on the eleventh. If you are interested in going on this trip, then please contact Dr. Oliver by filling out the form below.

A Balanced Spiritual Diet

Darlene — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:26:31 +0000

We are faced daily with images of poverty. The entire world struggles against and lives in daily fear of it. It’s true the poor are and always will be with us (Matthew 26:11), and it is our responsibility, indeed our privilege, to minister to them (Deuteronomy15:11). However, there is an even more overwhelming and destructive poverty that we too often turn a blind eye to. It is growing at an alarming pace. When we look at pictures of the physically impoverished masses with their emaciated faces and distended stomachs we are horrified. When we see the children walking barefoot in ragged clothing through garbage heaps searching for scraps we rightfully cry out with tears of compassion and horror for our fellowman. But there is a deeper underlying poverty that nourishes the physical poverty allowing it to flourish. The poverty I speak of is our spiritual poverty. This poverty likewise has existed since the beginning, but it has grown at an even more alarming pace than material poverty. Just as a rich man can become poor almost overnight, so too the fruits of the spirit can disappear from our lives if left unguarded. We are so careful to watch over our bank accounts and we buy enormous amounts of insurance to protect our belongings, but how much thought and time do we give to safeguard our spiritual riches?

Last year I was fortunate enough to participate in the medical mission to Nicaragua. As we were preparing for the trip everyone kept telling me it was a life changing experience. While we were there I was moved time and again at the overwhelming physical poverty, and I began to realize how many physical luxuries I take for granted, such as clean drinking water, a comfortable bed, and a climate controlled home and work environment. Although I had an increased appreciation for the blessings God has given me, I was disappointed because I kept waiting for the life changing moment, the “aha” moment, the epiphany that I expected and hoped for. It never came. I came home feeling thankful and fulfilled, but not really altered. The whole time I was there I kept praying that God would reveal to me the lesson that he wanted me to learn, but when I arrived home I felt essentially unchanged, and as if I had somehow missed what God wanted me to see.

A few days passed, and I kept playing back my memories of the trip, and what I kept turning over in my mind was the fact that as poor as those people were they did not seem dissatisfied or unhappy. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t cry at the sight of their material poverty. I was moved with compassion and I wanted to help alleviate their hardships, but I did not cry for them. Instead I was filled with a curiosity about their apparent lack of awareness of their situation.

After we returned I continued to marvel at the strength and stamina of those hundreds of young women about the age of my own daughters who walked for miles on dusty, steep roads to bring their children to our mobile clinics. I looked at them with one in their arms and many times one in their womb and two or three more clinging to their worn skirts and I wondered at the mystery of what made them rise every morning to face the struggle of keeping them fed yet another day. By our standards they should have been lost in despair at the hopelessness of their lives, but they weren’t.

As I dwelled on these things after my return home my lesson was revealed. God wanted me to see poverty, but it was not their poverty. It was my own. That is when I broke down and wept. I saw myself through God’s eyes and I cried bitterly at what I saw. I saw the poverty of my spirit, and then I saw the true poverty of our nation and the world at large. We’re so proud of our material wealth. In our foolish pride we keep saying we’re the richest nation in the world. We are blind. Just as those Nicaraguans are unaware of the true depth of their material poverty, we are blind to our spiritual poverty.

Every time we feel the void we try to fill it with a new possession, or we seek some new form of entertainment to distract us from it. You have only to look at the unbelievable sums of money paid to those who provide us with those distractions to see how twisted our values have become. We’re so confused that we look to people for answers that are even more lost and confused than we are. We confuse fame and power with wisdom believing that those who have achieved wealth and fame must have the answers. When in fact most of them have such empty lives they become hopelessly lost in excesses that quickly destroy them. Why in our blindness do we seek guidance from those who are also blind and lost?

In Mathew 15:14 Jesus said, “… If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” In John 6:35 Jesus said, “… I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” In Matthew 7:20 Jesus said, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Galations 5:22 states, “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” If we neglect the need to nurture the fruits of the spirit we will starve in our spiritual poverty and we will doom many others to the same fate through our example.

You see, I had become caught up in the “American Dream” too. I was envious of those who lived in bigger, nicer homes. I was giving, but in truth it was done more grudgingly than cheerfully. I gave of my time, but grumbled about how my life was no longer my own. I was dissatisfied in spite of the many, many blessings God had heaped on me. I had the heart of a petulant child. In short I was on the brink of spiritual starvation and didn’t realize it.

Since that time I have significantly increased the amount of time I spend in the scriptures and in prayer. I have begun to examine myself more frequently for signs of discontent or other spiritual problems. I often see areas that need to be fixed, and I know I always will. Sometimes when you ask God for a revelation you will not like what you see, but I pray that I will never become too afraid to ask.

Yes, I feel compassion for the poor, and yes I want to do more and more to help alleviate their suffering. But I have never seen anything sadder or more painful than the picture of myself among the masses sitting in fields of plenty spiritually starving to death, and unaware of our own malnourishment. We must do regular checkups and make sure we are getting a balanced spiritual diet. When we are spiritually fit we will be able to minister to others who are spiritually ill.

What Happens When God Gives the Increase? By Rex Morgan, Christian Productions International

Jacob Medley — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:02:18 +0000

In our personal lives we see God giving the increase everyday as we face challenges and opportunities by faith. We see God’s increase when our children’s frown is turned upside down into a smile, when a difficult moment opens up opportunity. Now, I want to share with you how God is giving the increase through our combined efforts in reaching the lost.

Although we are living in a time that we as individuals, the church, and our nation are faced with economic challenges, our sacrificial gifts are being greatly increased by God. This is stated clearly by Paul, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose…” (1 Cor. 3:7-9). Being united in one purpose, as “God’s fellow-workers”, your mission efforts are growing one soul at a time.

Christ’s teachings are shared through the Spanish television program, “With the Open Bible”, every Monday night at 9:00 PM EST, in all 50 states of our country. You can tune in on the Dish Network, Almavision channel 9413.

Being fellow-workers with you at Maricamp Road and with other partners makes this weekly broadcast possible. We are planting God’s saving message in people’s hearts, together with World Bible School (WBS). Television viewers across the United States continue to request free Bible correspondence courses.. As of the beginning of April, Sherri Hayes of WBS has enrolled 872 Spanish- speaking students from 28 states that responded directly to our television broadcasts. God is now giving the increase as these students are studying and being encouraged by their WBS teachers. We ask that you pray for all of these students and our efforts to reach them with God’s word.

MIRTHA REINOSO writes:

Dear brothers,

We want you to know that your programs edify us so very much. We see them from our city. Many of us are interested in receiving your Bible course. Please let me know how we can receive it.

Greetings in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Mirtha Reinoso

Mirtha is now a WBS student along with her friends. She is an example of the hundreds of requests we have received. Many have become Christians. Some who have responded earlier in our ministry are now elders, teachers and leaders in their local churches.

Help needed. Please add these ongoing initiatives of Christian Productions International to your prayer list.

Nationwide Dish Network TV broadcast
- We are averaging 15 new contacts each broadcast.
Daily radio broadcast to Cuba
- We know of 345 souls baptized as a result of radio programs to Cuba in the past 2 years.
- 19 new churches have been planted in Cuba through these contacts.
TV program DVD distribution in Latin America
- In the four years before we began radio in Cuba, 20 churches were planted through our video distribution there.
- DVD copying and distribution now is ongoing in several Latin American countries.
Weekly international TV broadcast on Enlace reaching 23 countries on more than 5,000 stations. Every Thursday 3:30 PM CST
- Being followed up by local churches and WBS
- Good news! God has increased his kingdom by planting 72 Spanish-speaking churches or Latin American ministries since this work began.
South Florida TV broadcast on Mega TV 22 weekly at 8:00 AM
Laredo, TX Local TV broadcast.
New York, NY local TV broadcast.
Radio Production for World Christian Broadcasting for Latin America, both Spanish and Portuguese languages.
- Short-wave and Internet broadcasting from Madagascar into Latin America starting in June of 2010. Radio productions are already underway.

It is easy to see that “God gives the increase”. How much more of an increase is God giving that we have no knowledge of at this time? Whose eyes are watching the television program? Whose ears are listening to God’s message? God knows, and He will “give the increase”.

Thank you for your unfailing love and partnership.