Four LJBC members will be leaving in January to help minister at the Haiti Home of Hope orphanage run by Bill and Jennifer Campbell. In these weeks building up to the trip, we have been blessed to see God already working as we prepare for the trip. Here are two stories where He has made Himself known.
Although finances are tight for all, the Barnett family in particular wondered where the money would come from to pay for the trip. Their concern was doubled as they have two family members going. Despite their reservations, they felt led to join the group. As soon as they committed by faith to go, Mr. Barnett started being allowed to work overtime at his job. They used the extra pay towards the trip until both sets of fees were fully paid. Interestingly, as soon as the necessary amount was reached, he was no longer given any overtime by his employer.
Deborah and I are the other two LJBC members participating in the trip. Awhile back I mentioned to Deborah that all of the women going are capable in design and organization. She joked, “Should we do an Extreme Makeover: Home of Hope Edition?” No more was said of our idea then or in the weeks to come.
Meanwhile, Jennifer was home in the states. While here, she attended a Celebrating Home party. She purchased a small piece of artwork; although she kept it to herself, in her mind she decided it would be the inspiration to decorate her room at the orphanage.
Fast forward a few weeks. Jennifer, Deborah, and I met for lunch to discuss our activities for the upcoming trip. We discussed the usual: games with the kids, craft projects, home visits, etc. I sensed I needed to keep pushing and then Jennifer shared, “Well, there is one thing but I hate to ask.” We encouraged her to go ahead. She continued, “Bill and I had a horrible wall color the ten years we lived in Kansas City. We moved to the orphanage and our room is the same color as our room in Kansas City had been. For twenty years of marriage, we have had the same awful color. I decided while I was here that I want to make our room nice as it is the only place we have that is for just the two of us.” Deborah and I jumped at this opportunity. Before long we had a new wall color picked, bedding purchased within a few days, and more still in the works.
Now some may be thinking, “Really? They’re going to decorate a room?” Let me explain this isn’t a case of extravagance. For ten years they have lived with no closet or storage for their clothing of any kind. Nothing decorates their walls except ugly paint. No coverings adorn their window and not even a lamp sits by their bed. Every waking hour of every day they are in Haiti is dedicated to taking care of the children. As I told Jimmy and others about our lunch conversation, I was blessed to the point of tears that not only was God desiring to bless Bill and Jennifer in this way but He had chosen our group through which to bless them.
These two events reveal God is working through this trip. I’m confident of speaking on behalf of all of us going when I say that we are looking forward to being part of what God has planned through this short-term mission experience. Stay tuned…more to come in the weeks ahead!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thank You for 2010
A couple months ago Pastor Jerry presented an urgent request to the congregation. One of our missionaries was experiencing extreme financial difficulties and, out of love and commitment to serve our missionaries, we wanted to make our congregation aware of this need. As usual, our church stepped forward with generosity, love, and compassion. We received a note of gratitude from our missionary, and while maintaining the privacy of our friend, I want to share that note with you, our church family.
“Dear Brothers,
I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how very much we appreciate your generosity to [my wife] and I regarding our [financial problem.] Things have been especially difficult at the church, as you know. Your gift helped to pay a large amount of that needed bill.
We appreciate your prayers and support more than you know. Please continue to keep our family and the church…in your prayers. You are in our prayers, as well. I pray that God will richly bless you and your families as you continue to follow His leading.
With much appreciation and In His service,”
This missionary has encountered even more problems in the weeks since this letter was written. Indeed, our missionary team around the world has been facing new hurdles and obstacles in their respective ministries. They have followed God wholeheartedly but God never promises that will be easy, and they still struggle with the effects of diseases, crime, war, economic downturns, and natural disasters. However, in the midst of the trials, as we draw nearer to the return of Christ, they are fighting their battles with stronger faith, trust and obedience.
Supporting a missionary goes beyond the financial gifts and includes prayer and encouragement. (For ways to contact members of our mission team, please contact Kathi Woodall.) With that said, in 2010 our church was able to meet many needs for our missionaries.
Budgeted funds were set aside for missionaries serving in:
“Dear Brothers,
I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how very much we appreciate your generosity to [my wife] and I regarding our [financial problem.] Things have been especially difficult at the church, as you know. Your gift helped to pay a large amount of that needed bill.
We appreciate your prayers and support more than you know. Please continue to keep our family and the church…in your prayers. You are in our prayers, as well. I pray that God will richly bless you and your families as you continue to follow His leading.
With much appreciation and In His service,”
This missionary has encountered even more problems in the weeks since this letter was written. Indeed, our missionary team around the world has been facing new hurdles and obstacles in their respective ministries. They have followed God wholeheartedly but God never promises that will be easy, and they still struggle with the effects of diseases, crime, war, economic downturns, and natural disasters. However, in the midst of the trials, as we draw nearer to the return of Christ, they are fighting their battles with stronger faith, trust and obedience.
Supporting a missionary goes beyond the financial gifts and includes prayer and encouragement. (For ways to contact members of our mission team, please contact Kathi Woodall.) With that said, in 2010 our church was able to meet many needs for our missionaries.
Budgeted funds were set aside for missionaries serving in:
- Eastern Kansas & Western Missouri, Inner Kansas City, Tennessee
- Togo, Mexico, Kenya, Haiti
- Domestic and international Southern Baptist missions
- Monthly support for the Quiroz family in Spain
- Clothing and household items for the Inman family while they are home on furlough
- Additional monthly support plus funds towards a car for Joseph Akakpo
- Shipping for clothing and shoes for children at the Haiti Home of Hope
- Manuals for the Theotherapy prison ministry in Nashville
The Women’s Ministry reached out by:
- Making and shipping blankets for the Haiti Home of Hope
- Mailing a gift card and personalized pillowcase for each woman who enters the Rivera Transition Home for Women in Nashville
- Donating finances for manuals for the Theotherapy prison ministry in Nashville
Thank you so much to all of our church body who made all of this possible in 2010. The missions’ committee is excited as we look forward into 2011. Through trust and obedience, we are seeking new areas where God desires us to reach out to a world desperately in need of a Savior.
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