Golf Tournament...

Tiger Woods started his golf career at the early age of 2.  Just one year later, this 3 year old phenom shot a 48 over nine holes at the Cypress Navy course.  Like Tiger, I to started my golfing career at a young age, 4.  I remember it like it was yesterday.

We lived in Casper WY and my older brother, Joey, and I were in the back yard.  As I was playing on our patio, my brother stood off in the distance, on that beautiful sunny day, with club in hand. I remember him swinging, and that ball traveling about 90 miles an hour right at me.  I guess you could say he made it in the hole, which was actually my mouth.  It was a beautiful shot that bounced once on the pavement and then right into my teeth.  I'm a little bit hazy on the rest of the details after that, as I was suffering from teeth being knocked out and blood flowing profusely.

I wasn't really interested in golf anymore after that until later in life.  Actually, I'm not sure if I ever really was interested in the "golf" part.   Having a dad who played all his life and was ridiculously good at it (and still is) golf was a part of our family.  However, whenever the 4 of us (dad, and two brothers) would go play, I was more interested in "dinking" around...the driving range, driving the golf cart, running around the course, eating those tasty hotdogs, fighting with my older brother, spending hours trying to find where I hit my ball and averaging 140 on 18 holes.

I would like to think that I am a golfer, because its in the family...but the reality is, I'm not, and I'm okay with that.  Especially after my last experience at the driving range, when I hit someone.  No, it wasn't someone standing out in the fairway, rather, the gentleman that was right beside me.  How does that happen?  I have no idea...but it was miserable as I saw that ball pelt the man's leg next to me, rather then going straight into the fairway.  He grabbed his leg in pain, walked over to put his clubs away and then left the driving range.  My brothers helped comfort me as they quickly fought over who could have the man's leftover range balls!

Okay, having shared that little experience...what does that mean?  Well, I wanted to share with you all about a very special event our home church is hosting.  Each summer, South Hill Calvary hosts a "Golf Invitational" that benefits different non-profit organizations.  Now that the Lord has opened the doors to start an orphanage down here in Mexico, the invitational will benefit the "House of Blessing" this year.  I would love to personally invite any and all of you to be involved in this.  Whether that is playing in it, sponsoring a hole, or just praying for this event.  I'm so excited that I get to fly home and be a part of it...BUT...don't worry, I won't be playing in it.  I will be there at one of the holes to share and talk about the orphanage and ministry down here, with all of the players.

I have included a link to the website where you can read more information, find out details and even get registered, if you would like to play in it.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any assistance, or call the church office, 253.841-5680.

Thank you so much and I hope to see a lot of you on Saturday, the 27th.

www.southhillcalvary.org/golf

Let Your Light Shine...

It was a glorious thing last week, watching the light posts FINALLY being installed on the orphanage property after waiting for such a long time.  I’m not going to lie, the waiting process was killing me and I was about to lose heart...this is NEVER going to happen!  Well, thankfully, the Lord, who is always patient, helped lift me out of that rut, and reminded me of His goodness and faithfulness these past 9 months. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

The Mennonites have almost finished their part of the electrical work, and now we are waiting for CFE to come and hook things up to the main power line.  Could it be a longer wait?  Possibly, but that’s okay...because I have seen the “...goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living.” 

Last week was also special because my dad and a small team were down here from WA for my cousin's wedding.  It was so great to hangout with him, catch up and have some father/son time.  I think Ayantu was the most excited to have her "Pa" here for a week.  They spent the week full of telling funny stories, watching Jesus movies, playing at the park, trips to the store, LOTS of candy..AND...especially hugs and kisses.

This week, I have experienced yet again, something new, in Mexico...graduations.  Now, having been a youth pastor for 9 years, I don't know how many graduations I've attended.  Normally, they are long, drawn out and can tend to be boring.  Nevertheless, it is exciting to see students finish a milestone in their life...as well as listen to that one random person who always brings a giant fog horn, and lets it ring at the most awkward times!

This week, I will have experienced not one, but two graduations.  In fact, I was even able to be a part of one of them.  Let me explain...

On Thursday morning, I was reading the Word and came across this verse, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

I began praying that verse...asking that my works and everything I do, might shine in such a way that it draws people to glorify the Lord.  Right then there was a knock at the door.  It was my uncle and Panchito, who is the director of the Jr. High school.  He was hoping to borrow some guitars for the graduation.  We walked over to the church to get them and I asked if he needed anything else.  He then shared that they were having a lot of problems with their sound system and didn't know what to do.  This was definitely an area I knew about and I wandered if I should ask to help.  The Lord quickly reminded me, I had just read and prayed to be used in such a way.

I ended up at the gym, working with teachers, administrators and students, to get things resolved.  I was able to bring some extra chords and equipment to the school, yesterday, to make sure the musicians, speakers, and especially, audience, could hear things clearly.  And then I found myself, sitting in the front of the gym, helping run sound for the graduation.  I know it might now seem like a big deal...or one might ask, how could running sound at a graduation, be a light and witness.  I don't fully know...BUT...we are commanded in scripture...

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17).

I pray that for myself, and each of you, whether we are running sound at a graduation, taking care of our kids, teaching a bible study, leading a small group or going on a missions trip...that whatever we do, we would do with a joyful heart that wants nothing more to honor our Lord!

Washed By The Water...

"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37). Have you ever wondered what exactly that "water" was?  Was the eunuch pointing to a pond, river or maybe a lake?

I have been a part of many baptisms in my day...witnessing people make that 'outward profession' of their 'inward change'.  These have taken place in all kinds of water...pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and ponds.  This past Sunday, I along with some 80 other people, were able to witness the joyous celebration of our dear brother Pancho's baptism.  It was an incredibly special day.  Because of Pancho's health, it would have been too difficult to take him to the usual spot...SO...we brought an old bath tub to the church, and had it outside.  This indeed was a first, but probably one of the most powerful baptisms I've ever been a part of.

I had the privilege of leading us in a worship song, and we sang Pancho's favorite song, "Levanto Mis Manos" (I Lift My Hands).  Please take time to go online and listen to one of the most beautiful worship songs.  So fitting for this brother and his state!

I lift up my hands to you even when my strength is failing. I lift up my hands to you even when my life is troubled. When I lift up my hands, I begin to feel Your spirit that moves me to sing. When I lift up my hands, I begin to feel, a fire burning in me. When I lift up my hands my burdens are gone. You give me, the strength that I need. Lord, anything is possible, anything is possible, When I lift up my hands to You.

Hands were raised, voices were lifted, tears were flowing and my heart was overwhelmed.  As I watched this weak and feeble man raise his hands to his Lord, any little problem or difficulty that I have seemed to fade away, 'in the light of His glory and grace!'