A Matter of Perspective

I was going to title this a "Question of Balance," but since the Moody Blues used that back in 1969, I decided against it.

This has been a tumultuous fall. The markets have been dropping, housing market crashing, financial institutions failing - everywhere you turn, you hear the bad news. We've been praying for the kids at Mission of Mercy, while looking to cut internal costs any way we can. A drop in giving means that our ability to help the children will be impacted. This has been a very stressful time in leadership at Mission of Mercy. Even though Americans are struggling, the need is growing greater for the kids in developing nations.

On the personal side, I found out what African Tick Bite Fever was - about 10 days after it knocked me for a loop. A few days back from Swaziland and I was ill, but still trying to go into the office every day. Just as I was starting to recover, a doctor confirmed the diagnosis, and the fact that it just needs to run its course.

I was not having a good end of November. But, on Friday, the 21st, Dee and I flew to Seattle and then drove up to Lynden, where our daughter Kate, her husband Aaron, and our grand daughter Montana now reside. Aaron's parents were also there for his ordination ceremony Sunday evening. On Saturday evening, we celebrated Montana's 1st birthday (just a few days ahead of schedule). What a joy it was to spend time with her again. She is a delightful baby and we miss being near her.

Sunday evening, we all headed across the street for Aaron's ordination ceremony. Seven churches in the Lynden area are supporting him as he seeks to plant a church, probably in the Bellingham area. The church was full. As leaders from each of the seven churches surrounded him and laid hands on him in prayer, we were deeply touched. We can see that Kate and Aaron already have a base of people that love and support them. At the end of the evening, we addressed the Reverend Aaron Walters as an ordained pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. We are very proud of Aaron and Kate, and pray for their success as they establish a new home.

On Monday, we flew back to Colorado, then drove to South Dakota on Tuesday. I met up with my son, Mason, and we headed up to a little trailer house on Iron Creek Lake to spend a couple days. Thankfully, there was a neighbor who hauled us, and our stuff, to the trailer on his snowmobile - there was lots of snow on the ground. We beat the brush, in vain, looking for the great whitetail buck for a couple days, but still managed to meet up with Dee, her sister and her parents for a great Thanksgiving feast.

After the pressures of the past couple weeks, and fighting things healthwise, the change of scenery was just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes we allow things to grow larger than life, and they begin to consume us. There are challenges ahead, and they'll be around for a long time to some. But, in the middle of all of that, we need to remember the blessing of family and of children. It was a lesson I needed to learn all over again.

As we look ahead to the Christmas season, I hope I can remember to balance the troubles of the world with the blessings that God has given through family and friends. My hope is for a balanced perspective for you, as well.

Mozambique - Swaziland

Traveling can sometimes be a real challenge. Dee and I just returned from a trip to Africa to attend the dedication of a couple of Mercy Centers. On the way there, a flight cancellation resulted in a day's delay in travel. Two days after we got there, I got my suitcase. The night before we returned, Dee got her suitcase! It's amazing how little you really need.

I am always moved by seeing the work of Mission of Mercy. In Swaziland, where the rate of AIDS is the highest in the world, virtually every family has been impacted. The Mercy Centers provide these kids with a sense of community and stability. The workers are deeply dedicated to the children.

This was my second trip to Swaziland, but just my first to Mozambique. Most of southern Africa was influenced by the British, but Mozambique was a Portuguese colony. So crossing the border into Mozambique made you keenly aware of the differences in language and culture. But you know what? Kids are still kids. They love to laugh and play - and they are grateful for the meal they receive every day they attend at the Mercy Center there.

The last time I was in Swaziland was August, 2008. Our entire family was there, along with others, on a Mission Trip. We helped break ground on two new centers. It was great to go back and see both of the centers completed, and to see the great number of kids that are already being impacted.

Our last day in Swaziland, we got to spend time with Sophie, our sponsor child. We took her to a candle factory, where she got a few instructions on candlemaking. Sophie has really been on our hearts since we started sponsoring her. Both of her parents have died of AIDS and her life has been very difficult. She has become a very special young lady to us.

One final note. Our trip took place during the week of the US Presidential election. The night after the election (which would have been the morning after in the US) we had dinner in Mozambique. Someone showed us a newspaper. The full front page was a picture of Barrack Obama with the huge headline (translated) "Obama, President for the World." The next day, back in Swaziland, at a dedication of a Mercy Center in a remote area, there were several tribal elders in attendance. They all thanked us, as Americans, for electing Obama. We definitely live in amazing times! It will be interesting to see what is in store for us in the next few years.

A Sad "See You Later"

Earlier this month, we had to say goodbye to our grand daughter, Montana, as well as Kate, our daughter, and Aaron, our son-in-law. We were there for Montana's birth, and for the first 10 months of her life, we have been very close. Aaron graduated from seminary last November and has been waiting for his first position, which he now has taken in Lynden, Washington. For much of that time, they have been living with us. I was there the night that Montana crawled for the first time. It has been an awesome experience.

A sad part of our culture is the away movement of our families. I grew up with both sets of grandparents living in the same small town, and I got to see them regularly. I have fond memories of fishing with my grandfather, and getting jelly beans every time we saw him. There is something that grandparents add to a child's life - a peace and acceptance of the child, and the ability to love in a less disciplinary manner. We loved having Kate, Aaron and Montana living with us.

The Bible says that children are a gift from God. If children are a gift, then grandchildren are like all of the presents under the tree! Dee and I already miss seeing Montana's daily discoveries in life. But, she is in good hands - Kate and Aaron are wonderful parents. We did send Montana a camera for her computer, and got to see her online last night for the first time. I'm sure we'll also be burning some miles flying into Seattle on a regular basis.

Because Kate had a special birthday in August, I can no longer say I have three children in their 20's. Life is marching on. I am enjoying our children as they have become adults. I am proud of all three of them. Our youngest child, Emily, just opened her own business in Laramie, WY. Her husband, Heath, is a school teacher. Our middle child, Mason, is completing his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering at South Dakota Tech in Rapid City, SD.

Attorney John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute is the source of one of my favorite quotes. He said, "Our children are living messages sent to a time that we will never see." I may never meet Montana's children. Nonetheless, she carries a part of Dee and me. Through the life we shared with Kate, and the life she shares with Montana, it is our prayer that our "grand-message" will live a full life, and impact the world around her.

Children, and grandchildren, are such an important part of our lives. In addition to our own, I guess you could say that Dee and I have another 37,000 children in 16 countries around the world. We are truly blessed!

But right now, we're really missing Montana. Oh yeah, you too, Kate and Aaron!

Hope in Bangladesh and the Philippines

Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to travel a great deal on behalf of Mission of Mercy. When I talk with people about my travels, I'm often asked if I get to see major tourist attractions in each of the countries I visit. Sometimes when we host a group of people, like a Mission Trip, we'll try to spend a day sightseeing and shopping. But, for the most part, I travel to see Mission of Mercy projects and meet the people who are serving the children. I love that aspect of what I do - experiencing life as it really is.

That was the case on my recent trip to Bangladesh and the Philippines. Bangladesh has a population of over 150 million people in a country slightly smaller than the state of Iowa. You can't escape the mass of humanity wherever you go. Over 80% of the population is Muslim. We drove for hours, including transport over the river by ferry, to see a couple of the village schools. Most of the Mission of Mercy projects are in the rural areas, and are inaccessible at times during the monsoon season. One of the things that really struck me was how little that they have as a point of reference to us in America. We encourage the children to write their sponsors regularly, but there is nothing in their culture to relate to. In these areas they have no mail service, and no need to communicate with anyone beyond their living area. There's no soccer league or dance school to write about. They live very simple lives - no electricity, no running water. Yet, you can see the hope in their eyes.

When we went to the Home of Hope Children's Home, I saw children who are being raised to become leaders. The first of the children are now graduating and contributing to the church and the community in Bangladesh.

In the Philippines, we also traveled a great deal. On the island of Malapascua, there is a small population which relies primarily on fishing. With solar power, a few lights can be lit at night, but the homes are very simple bamboo homes - all cooking is done outside over an open fire. Since we were going to spend the night, our afternoon included a walk around the island, and some time just sitting on the beach speaking with the fishermen. I met one sponsored child and his mother. She was sewing ripped fishing nets, and we had the opportunity to speak. She is extremely happy that her son is able to participate in the Mission of Mercy program. He gets help and encouragement in his studies, and receives nutritious meals on a regular basis. Our last activity of the day was attending a children's church service. The kids led the singing - and were enthusiastic participants. Over 150 Mission of Mercy kids crowded the church, and I had a wonderful evening with them.

The next day we visited several families whose homes were destroyed earlier in the summer by a typhoon. Upon my return, I had the joy of sending funds from Mission of Mercy to help eight of these families with sponsored children. Their homes will be rebuilt - and they will be able to move ahead with their lives.

After two weeks of exhaustive travel in Asia, my last full day was a Sunday. We were to attend church at the Happy Horizon's home. I was told that the children of the home, some of whom were rescued off the streets after much abuse, always led the worship. I thought, "this will be cute." I was totally unprepared for what I experienced. These kids are talented singers and musicians - and they know how to worship. Any church in America would be blessed to be a part of that service. I came out of that service refreshed and encouraged. The abuse that some of these children have suffered in their lives is unimaginable - yet they have hope in a God who deeply loves them and cares for them.

My final activity was to speak at the two year anniversary of a church. We traveled on rocky roads almost straight up the mountainside. The church started two years ago with about 15 people. There were probably 200 at the service that afternoon. The kid's from the orphanage came to help with the music. The worship was led by the pastor's wife. After the service, I found out that the pastor's wife was one of the first five girls taken in years ago when Happy Horizons had just started. Talk about ministry coming full circle!

Though I didn't hang out on any popular beaches, or visit any tourist attractions, I experienced a side of life that very few of us in this country get to experience. I saw poverty, to be sure. But I also saw something that all of us need to experience daily - Hope!

Kenya

I spent three days in Kenya this month. This was my second trip to Kenya in less than a year. When you have been to some place that impacted you, you wonder if it will have the same impact when you go back a second time. In this case, the answer is, "definitely, YES!" Dee joined me on this trip as we traveled to see two projects with the Massai tribe, plus visited New Life Home and Hope Academy in Nairobi.

Over the course of the three days, we were able to visit New Life Home twice. New Life Home rescues discarded and abandoned children. There were 51 babies, ranging from infants to toddlers. The level of care these children are provided is amazing. Between the staff and volunteers, these children get almost one-to-one care. This is one of those places that you get lost in time. Just holding and playing with the children blesses your heart - and to think these are the children that are the throw-aways of Nairobi! God has a plan for each of them!

Our trip south to the Massai tribe was amazing, as well. Because we were on such a tight time schedule, we were not going to be able to visit a game park or zoo. On our drive in the bush though, we happened across a giraffe and herd of zebra's! Dee said afterward, "Let's give the Lord a hand - he has blessed us!" Everyone else felt the same.

When we got to the first project, which is pretty isolated, we were greeted by the children singing for us. They are amazing kids. They face living conditions that most of us cannot relate to. Yet, because of the assistance of Mission of Mercy, they have hope. When we were there last November, we became concerned about the quality of the water. It was tested and found to be contaminated. Since then, we have provided a water purification system that allows the kids to drink safe water. The families are allowed to draw water for drinking, also, so the children are able to drink safe water in their homes, as well. I believe this will make a difference in the health of our Mission of Mercy children and their families.

During the trip, we also visited the home of one of our sponsor children. These are huts with sheet metal roofs, with hardened mud over a basic stick frame. The families do much of their cooking indoors, but the only ventilation is through the doorway, and two very small openings at either end of the hut. The last time I was in Kenya, when we visited a home they were cooking indoors. It took us several washings of the clothes I was wearing to get the smoky smell out.

For those of you who read this that support a child through Mission of Mercy, I deeply appreciate your support. Your sponsorship makes a big difference in the lives of these children. If you have not yet sponsored a child, you can do so by going to the Mission of Mercy website at www.missionofmercy.org.

I continue to marvel at how blessed we are in the US. Even in the midst of an uncertain economy, we can still reach out to "the least of these" and make a difference. This past week, I fell in love all over again with the people of Kenya. And I'm again encouraged by the work that we are doing, not just in Kenya, but in countries around the world!

Watching Montana Grow

Dee and I have been blessed to have our grand daughter, Montana, live near us. She is now six months old. I had friends tell me that being a grandparent was a wonderful thing, but I always thought they were being a bit "gushy." Now, I believe them. It is fun to watch her grow up. She is very curious about her surroundings, and I think she's partial towards her grandpa!

Children are a blessing of God. In Psalm 127:3, the Message Bible says, "Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?"

Whenever I spend time with Montana, though, I'm mindful of the children that don't have parents who can provide for them. It's not because the parents don't love them. They are just born in a different country, amidst the poverty that surrounds them. Poverty exists in America, to be sure. However, we have many safety nets that are available for those who seek help. In the case of the poor, part of the safety net in a developing country is having children who can work at an early age to help support the family. These children often fall through the cracks of the system.

Even in a difficult economy, I often wonder if we can't do more? According to the Census Bureau, there are 110 million family units in America. If every family helped one child in need in a developing country, we'd see the world change. That's not going to happen. However, if you happen to be reading this - and you don't sponsor a child, I'd invite you to our website at www.missionofmercy.org. There is a child waiting for help - and for about a dollar a day, you can give them hope for the future.

I know God has a plan for Montana's life. I am excited that God has given us the opportunity to be part of her life. I pray for God's blessing for her - and I pray that when she grows up, she will be a world changer! I pray the same for the 37,000 children that we reach daily through Mission of Mercy. Children are a joy to watch and to be with, aren't they?

Children at Risk?

It seems that every day we hear about more difficult circumstances created by the economy. We are constantly inundated with news about the increase in gas prices and the decrease in home prices. Every time you go to the gas pump, you're faced with sticker shock. Their are many families in America that are struggling, and I feel that financial challenge even in my own family.

These are times that also challenge non-profit ministries. We rely on the loving gifts from God's people. Often, when times get tough, people cut back on the amount of money they give. I have given this a great deal of thought - and I think about the potential impact on children that we serve at Mission of Mercy. These are children that had little or nothing to begin with. My heart goes to these children, as well.

If you have a vehicle of any size, it is easy to drop $60 in the gas tank when you fill up. My total this morning was $60.65. That's twice the $30 per month that it costs to sponsor a child - to provide nutrition, education and medical help, as well as the message of Christ. Put another way, you can support a child who needs you for just a half a tank of gas. When the temptation comes to cut back on support of a child, perhaps you can think of ways to save a half of tank of gas over the course of a month, instead. Share the ride when you can. Combine your errands on one trip, instead of taking multiple trips. With just a little planning, you should be able to cut enough on gas to support "one of the least of these."

In the midst of difficult times and a tight budget, please keep in mind these words of promise from Isaiah 58:10-11:

" if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry

and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

then your light will rise in the darkness,

and your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail." (NIV)

Sri Lanka

This was my 5th trip to Sri Lanka since the tsunami. Dee and I have had the opportunity to lead teams to work on the orphanage at Kalapuwa Sri. Because we know so many of the staff here, it was a bit like coming home.

We were surprised to learn that Darshini, our 11 year old sponsor child, had made the 6 hour trip to meet us. I had met her before, but because of the fact that it is a grueling drive, and that Darshini must stay a couple nights at the orphanage to make the trip, I had told them they should not put her through the stress. However, she wanted to see us, so she came. She was a delight to be with. She is a Tamil, so most of the other kids do not speak her language. Both of her parents are tea pluckers on a tea plantation near Kandy, earning very little salary.

The dedication of the new Kalapuwa Sri orphanage was thrilling for us. We had not been here for over 18 months, so we were amazed with all that had been done. This is truly a home where the boys can grow in the knowledge that they are special and they are greatly valued. These are kids that have lost everything.

As we packed our bags for the trip back to the US, we talked about how so many of the missionaries and the national staff have invested everything in the lives of these kids. We return with an even greater sense of responsibility to do everything we can to support their efforts. This is where the ministry happens – and we are determined to pray for the workers and the kids – and to help them in every way possible.

Cambodia

We were unprepared for the beauty of Cambodia. Having read the stories of the genocide of the Khmer Rouge in the 70’s, and how 1 ½ to 2 million people lost their lives; we were not sure what to expect. We spent three days traveling the country by air, boat and car. We saw a country that has suffered a great deal. But people are doing their best to recover.

Our first trip was a boat ride to the floating school that Mission of Mercy supports. There was also a medical team with us to provide check ups for the children. We met our 12 year old sponsor child, Lay Phat, and our heart went out to him. The floating fishing village he is a part of is incredible, but there is concern that the lake they are on is being over fished and their livelihood may diminish. That’s why an education becomes so important.

As we traveled to Battambang and then south to the orphanage on the southern coast, we saw so many people deeply committed to helping these children become productive members of society. As these kids learn about the Lord, many have dreams of becoming pastors. The kids at the orphanage are learning business practices by raising crops, pigs, quail, and by doing crafts. They are able to sell the products. Several of the kids have nice bikes that they have purchased for themselves.

Although our days were filled from early to late, Dee and I were deeply impacted, and look forward to the day that we can return.

India - Bonnie

At the end of our Mission of Mercy conference with project leaders from around India, we had a nice banquet. It was our joy to invite our sponsor child, Bonnie, and her family. It was a wonderful evening. Bonnie is being educated in an English school, so she could communicate well with us, and translate for the family. Her older brother is now 25, but was not a sponsor child, so he only completed 8 grades of school, and is not able to speak English, which is a disadvantage here. It took him awhile to find a job, and he receives a very small salary. Bonnie's parents expressed to us how grateful they were that we were helping her. She is a very bright young lady - and would like to become a doctor some day. We don't know what the future holds, but we know that, with our sponsorship, Bonnie will be able to get at least a high school education.

Sometimes, though, the little things strike you. As much as we tried to honor and host them, they would not sit or take a bite until we had sat and began eating. We gave Bonnie a CD of Sarah Kelly, a Mission of Mercy artist. There was some conversation in the family. I asked what they were talking about and Bonnie finally said, "it's not a problem. We have not a way to play the CD." We are so used to technology. We will see that we're able to put the CD on cassette tape, or provide a CD player for them. The family is Hindu, but Bonnie receives teaching about the Lord every day. She told us that she prayed to God that she would be able to meet us again, and that night was an answer to her prayers. We will get to spend a little time with her again tomorrow before we depart for Cambodia. When I think of how the whole family is impacted by her ability to get an education, I assure you, that $30 a month check doesn't seem like too much to give.

India Conference

We are in day one of a three day conference in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. Around 50 project directors, representing ministry to over 15,000 children are in attendance. It is amazing to meet these people that have so deeply impacted so many children's lives. There are so many stories of children who have graduated from the program that are now teachers, pastors or professional people. Does $30 a month really do that? It doesn't take very long to be convinced that these children are making a great difference here in India. Most of those children would have never had the opportunity for education and growth had it not been for sponsors who provided for them. Even though there are pockets of prosperity in India, when you walk the streets of Kolkata, you see how deep the level of poverty is for so many. If you are reading this and already sponsor a child - thank you! You are making a difference. If you do not yet sponsor a child, you can go to our website at www.missionofmercy.org and find a child that you can bless. My guess, though, is that you will be blessed as well.

Headed to Asia

Early tomorrow morning, Dee and I will fly out to Calcutta, India. It is the first of three countries that we will visit over the next three weeks. In India, we will be meeting with most of the project directors that are responsible for our ministry to the kids. From there we go to Cambodia to view the Mission of Mercy projects there. After that, we'll fly to Sri Lanka for the dedication of Kalapuwa Sri, a boys academy.

In India, we will get to visit Bonnie, our sponsor child. When last we saw her, she was just 11 years old. Now, she is 14. It will be interesting to see the changes that have taken place. We have invited Bonnie and her family to join us for the banquet at the end of the conference. It will be one of the highlights of our trip.

We have never been to Cambodia, so this will be a new experience for us. During that trip, we'll meet Lay Phat, the 12 year old boy that we sponsor. He is part of the floating school - a project I have heard a great deal about.

In Sri Lanka, we'll participate in the dedication of Kalapuwa Sri. Following the tsunami that hit the day after Christmas, 2004, I went there 4 times over the next couple years, and led groups from Texas, South Dakota and Michigan to help build the boys' home. Dee was a leader on two of those Mission Trips. We are excited to see the finished work.

On every trip I've taken, God has created unique opportunities for me that reaffirm the work we are doing. I wonder what is in store on this journey? Please keep Dee and I in your prayers. It will be a very hectic three weeks of meeting people and visiting projects. You prayer support would be greatly appreciated. I will try to post a couple times on this trip. At the very least, I will post a wrap up when we return.

My two cents

I just returned from a meeting that included people from a number of ministries that provide relief and development to countries and communities in need. During the meeting Rich Stearns, President of World Vision, shared a few statistics that were very sobering. In America there are more than 350,000 churches, with well over 100 million people in regular attendance. The average Christian gives 2.5% of his/her income, which is only slightly ahead of Americans on the whole. Of the giving to those 350,000 churches, just 2 cents of every dollar goes to fund programs to deal with poverty and injustice around the world. It was pointed out that 2,100 Bible verses deal with justice and the poor, so we have certainly been given instruction in this endeavor.

You could say this is a rather dismal picture of American Christians. I'd rather look at this as an opportunity to for us to stretch and create even more opportunities to reach out and impact lives around the world. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and ministering to the widow and orphan is part and parcel of the Good News of Jesus. When we reach out in His name to the least of these, we are putting feet to the Gospel. And guess what? Amazing doors then open for people to hear our words. St. Augustine said, "at all times preach the gospel, and when necessary, use words."

We are given the blessings of provision to be a blessing to others. This has caused me to look again at my priorities, and to consider what more I can do for His kids.

Romania - A special place in my heart

The first time I traveled overseas was in 1994. I flew to Romania with several Mission of Mercy Board members as they were looking at some land for a Mercy Center. I still have vivid memories of that trip. Romania was reeling in the aftermath of the Ceausescu regime. Every major TV network was airing specials about the plight of orphans, and thousands of Americans were coming into Romania to adopt children. That trip, perhaps more than anything else, shaped my future and gave me the passion I still have for the work that Mission of Mercy is engaged in.

Last week, over 13 years later, I was back in Romania. Much has changed. The country is part of the European Union and, while not prosperous, is certainly growing in that direction. While the financial situation has changed, it is still a country that desperately needs to hear about Christ. And, there are many children who haven't reaped the benefit of the growing economy. We will soon be completing the second building on that property I walked on many years before.

When we arrived, I just happened to mention that I had sponsored a girl there for many years. She had graduated in 2003. I wondered what had ever happened to her? When she was 16, she wrote us that her dream was to become a computer programmer. I was told that she worked not too far from the project and asked if I would like to meet her? Absolutely, I would. The next afternoon, I was introduced to Lavinia. She is now 23 years old; not much younger than my youngest daughter. She remembered that I had two daughters and a son, and asked how they were. She told me that she had graduated from University and was now working in a web development firm there in Pitesti. She is studying on the side to get her Master's in Computer Science. This was the little girl we sponsored, and exchanged letters and photos with. She thanked me several times for my sponsorship, and told me how much difference that made in her life. Who do you think was most blessed? Certainly not her. Meeting her was such an encouragement to me - and proof that sponsorship does make a difference. In fact, we will soon be revamping our web site, and there's a good possibility that part of that work will be done by Lavinia in Romania. That's sponsorship coming full circle!

Another Goodbye - and a Hello

On February 1, Dee and I attended a dinner in our honor. It's been 25 years since we formed what is now Bethesda Christian Broadcasting. We have three stations in western South Dakota, and two radio stations in northern Wisconsin. Over the years, so many people have supported KSLT, our first Christian station, and the other four stations as they came along. Because of the prayer, support and friendship of these awesome people, thousands of lives have been impacted. It was hard to say goodbye to these precious friends, but we know they still support us and know the reasons for our move. Thank you for the gift of your friendship.

Less than a week later, the movers are pulling away from our new house in Colorado Springs. There are boxes all over the house. It seems cold and empty now, but I know that once Dee puts her touch to the house, it will become our home. We have a few questions. Do we really need all of this stuff? Will our children ever pick up their boxes? And where is that book I wanted to read?

This is a time of new beginnings. I know it will take some time, but I know this is part of God's plan for our lives. We'll keep you posted!