"inhaling the Word and exhaling in prayer"
I am sitting in the room before going to shoot one of our last interviews for this video project. It is striking me that I have failed so often and so frequently by not inhaling the word and exhaling in prayer. On this trip, in each step of my day, home, away.
To our team, to those who have come to love Maine and more so Mainers, I think we should all consider the coming weeks and days as our lives slide into the normal rhythms and patterns of life. I want to consider the pattern of prayer, the purpose of prayer, how God is glorified by our making requests and asking Him for His will.
I hope and desire that God will press upon me to pray for Maine, for Mainers. To inhale the Word and be reminded in it and respond from it to prayer for these people and the mission...the glory God would have here.
Peace.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
A Lot Has Happened Between the Last Post and Now
We do hope you will keep checking back. We will be posting so much more from the last days. They have been busy and record-breaking HOT, but here is one quick update. This afternoon, one day after camp ended, Doug Warren, pastor of CTR, is at a birthday party with his daughters and two of our campers. The children didn't know each other before camp and the campers' family does not attend church. The children became friends and the connection was made. That's how it happens here so many times. We, at Covenant, wanted to invest in a mission where connections could be made with a local church. God is answering our prayers for this in Portland. In this and in so many other ways we will continue to share here, we are seeing fruit (even as most of our team is traveling home). We continue to give thanks.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Is it Wednesday already?
This happens every year. We work and grow and learn and knit together a camp. We come together as a team in a way that would not have happened at home. We are Covenanters who worship together, but not as often do we labor together. Monday comes around, and it's a bit nervous wondering what is going to happen. God's hand reveals itself, having held this wonderful plan and these relationships, these children and fellow labors in Christ at the local church for us together to praise and glorify Him. It's awesome every time.
Then Wednesday hits. It's almost over. We see and are planning for the parents' night tomorrow. Then Friday is around the corner. It will be gone. Already I regret the passing of these days. While we are each getting tired and worn down physically, we are also each so alive in the relationships we are building--those with each other, those with the children God entrusted to us, those with the the members at Christ the Redeemer.
If you are a bit nervous about going on a mission trip, that's smart. It just might change your life. I promise it will change your relationship with God. I promise you will see Him with a clarity and purpose that I wish I lived each day.
Eph 2 8-10
Then Wednesday hits. It's almost over. We see and are planning for the parents' night tomorrow. Then Friday is around the corner. It will be gone. Already I regret the passing of these days. While we are each getting tired and worn down physically, we are also each so alive in the relationships we are building--those with each other, those with the children God entrusted to us, those with the the members at Christ the Redeemer.
If you are a bit nervous about going on a mission trip, that's smart. It just might change your life. I promise it will change your relationship with God. I promise you will see Him with a clarity and purpose that I wish I lived each day.
Eph 2 8-10
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18
The first day of camp went very, very well even though we were managing more than 80 children, had a little rain, and were figuring out the lay of the land. New friends, hugs, smiles, and exciting new things to learn so overpowered those little challenges. We said our good-byes, packed up camp, and spent the evening at the local baseball park watching the Portland Seadogs cream the Binghamton Mets 7-2 (may not have been the final score--we only made it to the eighth inning before sleep threatened!). We're praying for more than 100 kids on Tuesday and safety as we go on a hike in a gorgeous wooded city park. Check back. We'll have updates and more photos! Thanks for your support in this effort!
Our New Friend
Crystal Kepler is one amazing woman. Crystal is a member at Christ The Redeemer Presbyterian Church, the church we are partnering with this week, and has been our contact for Explorer Camp. She did some of our shopping for us ahead of this week for things such as some craft supplies and snacks. She has also promoted the camp by delivering flyers and posters to various sites around Portland. Doing this camp would have been a challenge without her! Crystal Kepler--Thank You!!!!!
Hitting the Mark...
Is tough in life and in archery, but the kids LOVE this activity! Some of them weren't quite strong enough to pull the string back, much less hit the bulls-eye!
Telling the Story
Several kids on the Covenant team, down to the youngest one, got to share the story of God's love for us with their new friends using these bracelets. Thank you for helping us be here to tell this miraculous story!
The Girls...
Painted angels and sewed pillowcases. After hearing the story of creation, they learned that God rested on the seventh day. We hope they will remember that as they rest on their beautiful pillowcases.
We're Building...
Relationships and toolboxes with the older boys. Pray for the relationships to grow deeply quickly. Pray that the boys will walk away with spiritual tools that can help them throughout life.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Today We Started at THE Beginning
The children heard and saw a very creative version of the creation story first thing this morning. It was acted out by our high school team members using a bag of crazy stuff they had never seen before. They had to think quickly and use their creativity. It was really fun!
Working Out of the Back of a Truck
Every day we haul our gear to be ready for camp. You never know what will come out of Dan's truck!
We Are Thankful
Some of you may have heard that just as Dan made it to the Maine state line, he was rear-ended. We are thankful that he, Lois, and all of the camp stuff they were hauling were safe. The car may be a little worse for the wear!
RAIN!!!
Rain go away! ...but no one seems to care about it now that I look around.
Great start to camp. Nearly 80 children if I heard correctly. 40 more joining us tomorrow! Team is awesome. Great God stories being reported right off the bat!
Great start to camp. Nearly 80 children if I heard correctly. 40 more joining us tomorrow! Team is awesome. Great God stories being reported right off the bat!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Site visit...
http://www2.portlandschools.org/ocean-avenue-school-project
This is a link to see the school where we will spend the next week. It's very very cool. Check it out, but also pray that it will be holy ground for the next week. Pray for safety. Also pray, as Pastor Dan asked us to pray, that as we share our story, we listen to the children's stories and share His story. Lots of stories this week.
Today the team had great energy and a lot of fun. Worship with CTR was awesome. CTR is just awesome...they worship and love each other with abandon.
This is a link to see the school where we will spend the next week. It's very very cool. Check it out, but also pray that it will be holy ground for the next week. Pray for safety. Also pray, as Pastor Dan asked us to pray, that as we share our story, we listen to the children's stories and share His story. Lots of stories this week.
Today the team had great energy and a lot of fun. Worship with CTR was awesome. CTR is just awesome...they worship and love each other with abandon.
Sunday, July 17
New Testament Reading: Philippians 2:19-30
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 37:23-26
Points to Ponder
1. In the same way Paul sent Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians, Covenant has sent us to Portland. Why are we here? What is our mission while here?
2. Be on the alert today for ways to:
a. Be a brother
b. Be a fellow worker
c. Be a fellow soldier
3. Whose interests should we look out for today?
Pray for:
-- Team members Burney and Roger Johnson
-- Protection in travel for team members arriving today
-- CTR, their ongoing witness in Portland, and today's worship with them
-- Flexibility and creativity as we see our camp site for the first time
-- Children who haven't heard about camp to be invited today by a friend and decide to attend starting tomorrow
-- The storms predicted for tomorrow won't affect us
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 37:23-26
Points to Ponder
1. In the same way Paul sent Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians, Covenant has sent us to Portland. Why are we here? What is our mission while here?
2. Be on the alert today for ways to:
a. Be a brother
b. Be a fellow worker
c. Be a fellow soldier
3. Whose interests should we look out for today?
Pray for:
-- Team members Burney and Roger Johnson
-- Protection in travel for team members arriving today
-- CTR, their ongoing witness in Portland, and today's worship with them
-- Flexibility and creativity as we see our camp site for the first time
-- Children who haven't heard about camp to be invited today by a friend and decide to attend starting tomorrow
-- The storms predicted for tomorrow won't affect us
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Maine evangelicals. Not mainstream.
We will post some clips later but for now I just want to share this bit of one story. We shot in front of the church where early early in our nation a spiritual fight occurred. First against the gospel, then for it, now again against it.
Note this excerpt from the current church website: "Reverend xyz impressed upon his congregation that they should be concerned more with ethics and less with theology. He had no use for the horrors of Calvinism; he denied the trinity and the orthodox doctrine of atonement, but still did not go as far as the (the current denomination that uses the building)"
It's part of the history of the area and expresses the foundation of why the area see evangelical and Calvinism the way the do. Not a favorable viewpoint.
We're not in Kansas anymore...
Note this excerpt from the current church website: "Reverend xyz impressed upon his congregation that they should be concerned more with ethics and less with theology. He had no use for the horrors of Calvinism; he denied the trinity and the orthodox doctrine of atonement, but still did not go as far as the (the current denomination that uses the building)"
It's part of the history of the area and expresses the foundation of why the area see evangelical and Calvinism the way the do. Not a favorable viewpoint.
We're not in Kansas anymore...
Saturday, July 16
New Testament Reading: Philippians 2:12-18
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 104
Points to Ponder
1. What does it mean to "work out your salvation?"
2. Who does verse 13 say is working in our lives? Why is He working?
3. How can you apply verse 14 today and during the rest of this mission trip?
4. What makes us appear as a light to the world?
Pray for:
-- Team members Phyllis Hamm, Lauren and Maggie Hayes
-- Safe and timely travel for the large number of team members traveling today
-- The joy of Christ to shine in our lives
-- Servant hearts
-- All logistical details of our trip to work smoothly
-- Good weather next week during camp
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 104
Points to Ponder
1. What does it mean to "work out your salvation?"
2. Who does verse 13 say is working in our lives? Why is He working?
3. How can you apply verse 14 today and during the rest of this mission trip?
4. What makes us appear as a light to the world?
Pray for:
-- Team members Phyllis Hamm, Lauren and Maggie Hayes
-- Safe and timely travel for the large number of team members traveling today
-- The joy of Christ to shine in our lives
-- Servant hearts
-- All logistical details of our trip to work smoothly
-- Good weather next week during camp
Friday, July 15, 2011
Simon uses his brute strength to close the Expedition!
We are a little out of chronological order, but wanted you to know about this!
If anyone saw this vehicle on the highway, they wouldn't have a clue what "treasures" were inside! Simon worked through a blustery thunderstorm to see that every item needed for Explorer Camp Plus fit inside. He's hoping he saved room for Mr. Dan, Lois and the snakes! Simon gets the super-packer award for his work today!
This mission trip has been filled with miracles. The fact that Simon and Dan got EVERYTHING inside the Expedition is a MIRACLE!
We ask for safe traveling mercies for Dan and Lois as they embark on their long journey (traveling on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday--it's a LONG way to Maine)!
Friday, July 15
New Testament Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 135
Points to Ponder
1. What attitude did Christ have?
2. What did Jesus give up for you?
3. What have you given up for Him?
4. Jesus humbled Himself by being obedient. What is God telling you to do?
5. Are you willing to submit yourself to Christ and obey Him on this trip?
Pray for:
-- Team member Bailey Freeman
-- Team members traveling today
-- No travel delays today or tomorrow
-- A good close to music camp in Portland
-- A good close to Bonus Days at Covenant
-- A good night of sleep for team members leaving tomorrow
-- All details left at home to be left with confidence under God's care
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 135
Points to Ponder
1. What attitude did Christ have?
2. What did Jesus give up for you?
3. What have you given up for Him?
4. Jesus humbled Himself by being obedient. What is God telling you to do?
5. Are you willing to submit yourself to Christ and obey Him on this trip?
Pray for:
-- Team member Bailey Freeman
-- Team members traveling today
-- No travel delays today or tomorrow
-- A good close to music camp in Portland
-- A good close to Bonus Days at Covenant
-- A good night of sleep for team members leaving tomorrow
-- All details left at home to be left with confidence under God's care
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Preflighting...
We are at the site of next weeks camp. It is an awesome facility. Brand new LEED certified (green) school that will be just great. The music camp that is here now is awesome and a lot of fun. Kids are having a great time. We are seeing faces we know and that is very cool.
Bernie has been praying for 120. Last we heard 75 were registered. JUST got word that 91 are registered as of today.
Weh hew!
Bernie has been praying for 120. Last we heard 75 were registered. JUST got word that 91 are registered as of today.
Weh hew!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, July 12
New Testament Reading: Philippians 1:21-26
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 16
Points to Ponder
1. Re-write verse 21 in your own words.
2. How is playing a game, building a race car, or constructing a shelter "fruitful labor"?
3. Could you tell someone your testimony?
4. Could you tell someone how Christ has changed your life?
Pray for:
-- Team members Bailey, Sean, and Susan Doyle
-- The assembly and packing of supplies into the Suburban
-- God to begin working in the children who will attend camp to have ears open to hear His Word
-- Lives to be changed next week, theirs and ours
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 16
Points to Ponder
1. Re-write verse 21 in your own words.
2. How is playing a game, building a race car, or constructing a shelter "fruitful labor"?
3. Could you tell someone your testimony?
4. Could you tell someone how Christ has changed your life?
Pray for:
-- Team members Bailey, Sean, and Susan Doyle
-- The assembly and packing of supplies into the Suburban
-- God to begin working in the children who will attend camp to have ears open to hear His Word
-- Lives to be changed next week, theirs and ours
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Monday, July 11
New Testament Reading: Philippians 1:12-22
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 63
1. From where is Paul writing? (See Acts 16:11-12 and 22 and 23)
2. What difficult circumstances have you faced? Have you thanked God for them?
3. What challenges do you think you will face in Portland?
4. What challenges do you think our team will face in Portland?
5. What do you and our team need to do to thank God for the challenges we will face?
Pray for:
-- Team member Lois Callen
-- Bonus Days at Covenant this week and the endurance of the adults leading it
-- CTR's music camp that begins today and the team from Delaware leading it
-- Children in Portland to hear about Explorer Camp and begin planning now to attend next week
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 63
1. From where is Paul writing? (See Acts 16:11-12 and 22 and 23)
2. What difficult circumstances have you faced? Have you thanked God for them?
3. What challenges do you think you will face in Portland?
4. What challenges do you think our team will face in Portland?
5. What do you and our team need to do to thank God for the challenges we will face?
Pray for:
-- Team member Lois Callen
-- Bonus Days at Covenant this week and the endurance of the adults leading it
-- CTR's music camp that begins today and the team from Delaware leading it
-- Children in Portland to hear about Explorer Camp and begin planning now to attend next week
Sunday, July 10
New Testament Reading: Philippians 1:7-11
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 115
Points to Ponder
1. What is grace?
2. How do we "partake" of it?
3. What are the fruits of righteousness?
4. How do we get this fruit?
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 115
Points to Ponder
1. What is grace?
2. How do we "partake" of it?
3. What are the fruits of righteousness?
4. How do we get this fruit?
Pray for:
--Team members Madeline Brawley, Kathy Browne and Madison Browne
--Team unity
--Doug Warren, pastor of Christ the Redeemer in Portland, and his wife, Kristen
--Endurance for CTR members as they head into two weeks of back-to-back camps, music camp this week and our camp next week
His Glory!
When we first gathered as a team, we looked at a big number! The cost of all of us going to Maine for a week...camp...flights...hotel...food. Each of us had a very personal reaction to it. Most of us probably thought it was unattainable. In and of ourselves, it was.
The next time we gathered, we looked at individual obligations to go on the trip we felt called to go on. Each of us had yet again a very personal reaction!
Today's note is to share the new number: $0. Based on the money that we know is coming in, the entire team is fully funded. All 36 of us.
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:19).
Let's worship and praise God for His provision and the way He allowed us to see His hand so personally in our lives. Take a second for personal and family worship right now! Read Phil. 4:10-23 aloud. See Him and praise Him!
These verses related to the financial support the Philippians had sent to Paul for his missionary ministry. Like Paul, we have received financial support for our missionary ministry. It would be easy to stop there and only acknowledge how God has met our need. But we need to also consider the giver. God, through them, met Paul's ministry needs, like He has ours. The verses remind and show us that the givers were a part of Paul's ministry like they are ours, sharing and participating. Paul was reassuring them that God would supply their needs as they, like we and the givers to our ministry, must have been feeling a bit overextended! A partnership. The fruit increases to the credit of the givers! The reason for His supply? His Glory! Nothing less than “His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
God's wealth greatly exceeds my understanding of it, be that a wealth of forgiveness, love, or funds for a missions trip.
How awesome He is. Let the worship begin!
The next time we gathered, we looked at individual obligations to go on the trip we felt called to go on. Each of us had yet again a very personal reaction!
Today's note is to share the new number: $0. Based on the money that we know is coming in, the entire team is fully funded. All 36 of us.
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:19).
Let's worship and praise God for His provision and the way He allowed us to see His hand so personally in our lives. Take a second for personal and family worship right now! Read Phil. 4:10-23 aloud. See Him and praise Him!
These verses related to the financial support the Philippians had sent to Paul for his missionary ministry. Like Paul, we have received financial support for our missionary ministry. It would be easy to stop there and only acknowledge how God has met our need. But we need to also consider the giver. God, through them, met Paul's ministry needs, like He has ours. The verses remind and show us that the givers were a part of Paul's ministry like they are ours, sharing and participating. Paul was reassuring them that God would supply their needs as they, like we and the givers to our ministry, must have been feeling a bit overextended! A partnership. The fruit increases to the credit of the givers! The reason for His supply? His Glory! Nothing less than “His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
God's wealth greatly exceeds my understanding of it, be that a wealth of forgiveness, love, or funds for a missions trip.
How awesome He is. Let the worship begin!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Saturday, July 9
New Testament Reading: Philippians 1:1-6
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 100
Points to Ponder
1. What can you thank God for today?
2. Who should you thank God for right now?
3. What does Paul mean when he says "participate in the gospel"?
4. How do you see God working in your life?
Pray for:
--Team members August, Bill, and William Boyd
--Final team preparations
--Team meeting tomorrow to accomplish everything we need to accomplish
--A clear vision of the work God has for us in Portland
--A strong finish to fundraising
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 100
Points to Ponder
1. What can you thank God for today?
2. Who should you thank God for right now?
3. What does Paul mean when he says "participate in the gospel"?
4. How do you see God working in your life?
Pray for:
--Team members August, Bill, and William Boyd
--Final team preparations
--Team meeting tomorrow to accomplish everything we need to accomplish
--A clear vision of the work God has for us in Portland
--A strong finish to fundraising
Monday, July 4, 2011
let the many coastlands be glad
It's 2011...and we leave again in just a few days! The glory of God — and our joy in him — is the heart of mission.
John Piper recently wrote: The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God. "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!" (Psalm 97:1). "Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy! (Psalm 67:3-4). . . Missions begins and ends in worship.
Let the worship begin.
John Piper recently wrote: The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God. "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!" (Psalm 97:1). "Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy! (Psalm 67:3-4). . . Missions begins and ends in worship.
Let the worship begin.
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