God's Mission is Outside the Bubble...

  So I just started reading the book, "Compelled by Love: The Most Excellent Way to Missional Living" and even though I'm only 2 chapters in, I can tell it will be challenging and convicting.  It's right where my head has been as of late.  The premise of the book is that we are all called to love others, not just other believers, but truly all those we come in to contact with.  When we truly see, experience, and live in the reality of God's love for us, how could we live any other way?  I really appreciate how the pages (at least what I've read) are full of scripture references and not just someone's opinion.  I love how the book presents the progression of the Christian life based on Galatians 2:19-20 - 1.  Christ's love in me, compels me  2.  Christ's love for me convinces me  3.  Christ's love at work in me, changes me.  I can not live a life of love on my...but rather the work of Christ and His love in me.  So often I try harder to love people, but in my own strength that will NEVER happen.  We are called to love as God does, which will never be accomplished while I'm living for myself.  This quote pretty much sums it up, "the lost are waiting to meet the believers who look like Jesus, not just talk about Him."  We will learn to love people (all people) when we learn to see them how God sees them.
  Chapter 2 goes right along with my previous blog post.  One of the sections is titled, "God's Mission is Outside the Bubble" and had some great food for thought.  "It seems we work hard to insulate ourselves from the very world Jesus says we should be focused on.  It seems we have created, without malicious design, a Christian bubble - an evangelical subculture - where Christians live surrounded only by other Christians, and as a result, there are few among the lost whom we get to know intimately."  I want to intentionally be involving myself with those outside the church.  To be living Christ's love in my neighborhood and workplace.  It's time to get dirty - get out the comfort of our church walls and make a difference.  Reach out to the hurting we see and love them - not for what they can do for us, but simply because we have been given great love through Christ.  What greater motivation do we need?  How many outside of my Christian circle can I truly say I show love to on a consistent basis?  Am I the one they come to when they have a need?   Is my life, every aspect, defined by love?  Do people know I am a Christian, not because I go to church on Sunday, but because of my love?  "The missional outworking of His heart in our lives refuses to allow us to sit still.  He drives us to the rocky places of people's lives."  Am I willing to go to the rocky places?
  One of my new favorite bands to listen to is a group based out of Oklahoma called Warr Acres.  While I was reading today, I started thinking about their song "Shadow of the Steeple" and how well it went along with this idea of loving others.  Here are the words and if you've never heard of them, you should totally check out their album.

Shadow of the Steeple

We’re stuck in complacency
We clock in once a week
The same routine
Some people put up a façade
Get by on a friendly nod
While inside hurting

We’ve been commanded to serve
We’ve been commanded to love
We’ve been commanded to go
These orders are from above
This isn’t too much to ask
This is the least we can do
Think of all He’s done for me
And all He’s done for You

In the shadow of the steeple
There are people who’ve lost their way
And in the neighborhoods surrounding
Hearts are pounding in great pain
Is there anyone to help them
And to tell them there’s a way
Is there anyone to love them
And to show them Jesus’ face

It’s time to be Christ’s feet and hands
Move from the sidelines and the stands, no spectating
It’s time to roll up all our sleeves
Kneel down and wash some dirty feet
And it might get messy but that’s okay ‘cause

We will go, we will go 


Am I willing to go??

Maybe its time to quit (or at least rethink this)

When is too much of a good thing bad?  That phrase is something I've been mulling over for a while, but especially this last week.  Several months ago I read a book called "Barefoot Church" by Brandon Hatmaker that started me thinking.  As a Christian, when does learning about the Bible get in the way of my actually living it out?  Don't I grow more when I stop just learning and start practicing?  Enough with soaking up information from sermons and Bible studies and instead start pouring out to those who need a helping hand.  Are my days/nights filled with church services, small groups and Bible studies so much so that I never have the time to engage those outside of my "church crowd."  Are my friends all brothers or sisters in Christ who feed my status quo lifestyle?  Am I INTENTIONALLY seeking out those who I can encourage and serve in my neighborhood, work, and social circle.    When does "act justly, love mercy, walk humbly" become more than a mantra on a t-shirt but something that impacts my interactions with all those I come in to contact with?  If I'm so wrapped up in "church world" how will I ever reach those who most likely will never set foot in my church. (or any other church for that matter)  Wouldn't it mean more to them if I walked hand in hand with them?  Why is service a scheduled event in my life instead of a lifestyle?  Aren't we as the church called to be the "hands and feet of Christ" and not just a building?  When did I last get out of my comfort zone of church and meet face-to-face with those in need - need of help and more importantly in need of Christ.  What would it take for what I say I believe, to change the way I live EVERY day?  How many times in the Bible do we see Jesus attending a church service or small group study?  Rather he was out meeting people where they were at - Zacchaeus in a tree, the Samaritan woman at the well, the "sinners" that he had dinner with, and the lame man at the pool of Bethesda - none of these people met Christ after a great worship service with a stellar power point sermon.  He met them where they hung out, lived, and shopped.  I'm definitely not saying church is bad...I love my Oak Creek Community Church family!  We all need to be fed spiritually and be encouraged by fellow believers.  But we are missing the WHOLE gospel if we forget there is a hurting world outside the 4 walls of our church that need the hope that we have in Christ.   As you can see I have WAY more questions than answers, but I want to work through them.  I don't want to remain unchanged just because I don't have all the answers.  The time to start is now.  I want my life to be interruptible so that I make the time to "do life" with others.  Read this great quote in a blog this week and here's how I want to start - "We are all just waiting for someone to notice - notice our pain, notice our scars, notice our fears, notice our joy, notice our triumphs, notice our courage.  And the one who notices is a rare and beautiful gift."   I want to be the one who notices!

Brazil trip - Day 11...

Woke up excited today!  I am ready to head home and catch up with my family and friends!  It's been 11 days since I've had contact with any of them.  The technology break was nice but now there are 10+ days of stuff to catch every one up on.  I was just thinking last night of all the things that happened in the world and we have no idea.  I'm sure the morning hours will tick by slowly since we are all so

ready to head home, but it will be here before we know it.  We had my favorite for breakfast this morning...manioc breakfast sandwiches and fried bananas, oh and sweet coffee too.  I must be becoming part Brazilian!  Since the morning was dragging, Jeanette and I set out to check our the zoo at the hotel.  Of course it didn't open promptly at 8!  It had a jaguar, a few types of birds, and monkeys. I guess since we didn't get to see monkeys in the wild, this was going to be the next best thing.  Jeanette and I decided to entertain ourselves by ad libbing what the monkeys were saying.  Exhaustion must be setting in but we were definitely cracking ourselves up!  It was still only about 9 am so we headed back to the mall to kill some time.  Of course we ended up finding more to buy!  Good thing I have plenty of space in my luggage.  It was finally time to head back to the boat for our final meal together.  Did my last round of dishes for the team and then it was time to pack up the bus.  Lynn and Julie weren't leaving til later that night so it was time for another round of goodbyes with them and the crew.  We couldn't have asked for better people to take care of us.  I don't think there was anything else they could have done to make the trip any easier for us.  CBM has a great ministry and I was privileged to spend a few weeks having a small part in it.  After the goodbyes, we headed off to the airport.  They only let you check in so far ahead of your flight, so Jeanette, Leann, and I headed off for some more shopping.  I'm sure I will be all shopped out for a while the last couple of days.  I did finally find my Havaianas with the Brazilian flag, so my shopping is now complete!  Once we checked

in at TAM we had to go through security, which is nothing like in the States.  They put your bags through the X-ray machine but then go through EVERYTHING!!  They unzip every pocket and through every baggie.  They didn't know what my Avon bug spray was so they confiscated it.  They empty everything on to the belt...so imagine bras, underwear, tampons, and anything you would rather the world didn't see spread out for all to see!  Oh well, I guess we can feel safe.  I was finally able to get wifi for the first time since we left Miami so I called a few people who of course didn't answer!  Also got to text a few iMessage users...it was great to finally be in contact with and hear from a few people.  Since Jeanette was flying to Rio tonight instead of Miami, she got put in a different security line and a different terminal...so I didn't even get to say goodbye except through the glass.  I'm going to miss that girl and all her craziness.  What will I do when she isn't around to cram herself in to my one person hammock while I was trying to nap!  Said a little prayer for safety for her as she travels along over the next 24 hours.  Was hoping I'd sleep the whole flight to Miami but instead finished "Wild."  Enjoyed the book so now I need to find someone else to pass it off to.    Landed in Miami, through customs and checked in to our hotel rooms.  Leann and I headed for a quick bite to eat and then off for nice HOT showers and then comfy beds for a few quick hours of shut eye!  Its been fun but nothing like being back in the good old U.S. of A.

Brazil trip - Day 10...

Part 1:

Spent the night out on the hedgies with Jeanette.  Have to say I slept about as well as I have any other night this trip.  It started out pretty hot even though we were moving, but by morning it had definitely cooled off, not unbearable, just a chill in the air - especially for any uncovered body parts!  In the morning, I woke up just as the sun was peaking over the water...it was a magnificent sunrise.  Sunrises and sunsets always seem just a little more beautiful on these trips.  Yesterday I noticed a res spot on my arm, but this morning, it looks like a blister in the middle.  Ruth Anne said it looked like this bug that is

irritating to the skin and then causes blistering.  Haven't really had too many bug bites, but at least when I do, I get the cool one!  We had a quick devotional this morning as usual and I'm going to miss hearing Lynn's words of wisdom to start the day.  Today he spoke from John 1 where Jesus asks 2 of his disciples, "What do you want?"  He challenged us to ask ourselves that question each morning, knowing that we might not always pick the right thing, but each day is fresh and new.  Time is dragging this morning without work to do.  We laugh ever time someone looks at their watch and says what time it is because it feels like hours later and is usually only minutes.  I'm trying to be present in those moments instead of wishing them away.  I know soon enough I will be back in my busy life and wishing for some down time.  The girls and I sat out front catching some sun and talking for a little while.  I'm also pretty far in to the book Lynn gave me to read.  Might actually have it done before we leave Brazil.  Jeanette gave me a book to read by Mark Batterson so I should be all set.  I'm actually looking forward to reading it.  I've read another book of his and really enjoyed it so this one has to be just as good as Jeanette has really talked it up.  I found Batterson's book "Wild Goose Chase" to be quite challenging.  Quite a few of us have been trading and recommending books to each other.  Going to have to start borrowing more books from the library or I'll go broke!  A few more hours to Manaus and then we get off the boat to go shopping!!

Part 2:

We just docked at our final port back in Manuas.  About 18 more hours and we will head back to the airport for the long journey home.  So today was our shopping day in Manaus.  Jander walked us through the port where we docked and then through the streets of Manaus.  First we headed to the Opera House in the heart of downtown.  I think some of the team was hesitant and a little scared, but I actually enjoyed it.  Its nice to get to experience the city this way, by walking the streets and being up close and personal with the people.  It was your typical town, lots of little shops and people walking around.  Jander walked us through this small warehouse sized building which was the fish market.  I can't even begin to describe the smell but one of my fellow ER nurses said it smelled like rotten crotch and that's pretty close!  (Sorry my nurse friends will truly appreciate this!)  It was neat to see but not sure I want to eat fish again for a while. Next we took a quick tour of the Opera House.  There wasn't a whole lot to it, but it was interesting.  After the tour, we headed over to the market for some shopping.  We were given an hour and well split up.  Jeanette and I decided to tag team and Caffe headed out with us.  Most of the shops were filled with trinkets you can find in most markets of the world, just with a different city/country on them.  A popular item that most of us bought were the Brazilian brand Havaianas flip flops.  A little more than I would spend in the States, but its true Brazilian!  Plus mine were on sale of course!  They do seem to have more cushion too.  I also found a Brazilian soccer jersey too, so I was all set.  The market was a little crazy but scary in the least.  We did have a funny

experience though.  Jeanette had told Caffe that she was looking for t-shirt that said "Brazil" so he took us to a clothing store.  Once inside, Caffe spoke to the lady and the next thing we know she is motioning us to follow her to the back of the store.  We follow her back where we expect to see t-shirts but instead she starts showing us bikini tops and bras.  Jeanette and I just look at each other puzzled then thanked the lady and walked away.  I wondered aloud what the store lady thought of the nice Brazilian bringing not one but 2 young white girls looking for lingerie!  Apparently sometimes Portuguese doesn't translate well in to Portuguese either!  Once we all finished shopping we started the trek back to the boat.  We took a quick detour through the butcher's area and I swear it smelled worse than the fish market.  There were slabs of meat just lying on the counters in the sweltering heat.  I'm trying to push that memory out of my head, otherwise I won't be eating fish or beef!  We loaded every one back on the boat for our final journey.  We are docked near a hotel so once we arrived, a few of us headed up to check out the "mall."  It was about 8-10 shops near the hotel.  Of course everything was marked up by about 50% compared to the market.  We were still on the hunt for the elusive plain Brazil t-shirt.  It did appear that 2 soccer teams were staying at the hotel.  We walked by as they were loading up the team buses.  Ruth Anne told me I could have probably gotten a picture taken with them, but I'm not sure that anyone would want to stand that close to me.  They must be trying to get us ready to head back to the States because we had hamburgers and fries for dinner tonight.  I finished packing up and LOVE how much I've gotten rid of.  Just one checked bag for me - so much easier to drag around the airport.  Home is sounding more wonderful!

Brazil trip - Day 9...

After a pretty sleepless night, I was up for good at 4am.  Flavia couldn't sleep either and ended up leaving the room about 4:30.  I laid there until a little before 5, then headed to the upper deck to catch the sunrise.  It was beautiful and quiet.  Quick change in to my running clothes and I met Dr. Robins for an early morning run through the streets of Sao Sebastian...how many people can say that?  The streets were quieter than I expected but there were some shop owners opening up for the day as well as couples getting an early morning stroll in.  We even came across another Brazilian runner.  I think that's one of the things I love most about running.  You don't need much, just some shoes and the open road. And I always seem to find a willing partner.  We had planned to run for 30 minutes then swing back and pick up some of the ladies to go walking in the park.  As we were about to finish up, Lynn caught us and told us he had something to show us.  We had met a gentleman last night who I can't remember his name, but he is the local baker.  He goes to Ronaldo's church and is very active there.  Lynn was stopping by to pick up bread for breakfast so we went along.  Lynn wanted to show us his furnace but apparently he didn't want to show it to us.  He had stayed late at the party and was behind for the day.  Lynn was going to wait, but Guy and I decided to head back to the boat to pick up the walkers.  We jogged back only to find out we had been stood up!  So after rehydrating real quick, we headed back to the bakery to help Lynn carry the bread home.  We met him a little ways from the shop.  We all ate some still warm, fresh baked bread on the walk back and boy was it good!  I skipped breakfast to get my cold shower in...needless to say I was sweaty!  We were going to have a few patients in the morning but I headed off to try to catch a quick nap, but with no avail.  I'm pretty sure I will sleep the whole way home and all weekend!  At 11 am, we headed to Ronaldo's house for our BBQ.  I have

loved all the food here, but this had to be the best.  We had grilled beef and sausage with some white sauce, rice and beans, along with fresh salad.  And of course dessert...but who had room for that!  We then toured the greenhouse project next to Ronaldo's house, which they actually use to help supply food to 3 local schools. It was so nice of them to have us all over and throw us a going away party.
 Then we had to say goodbye to Ronaldo, his family, and a lot of the crew.  Slowly we are dropping people off at their homes.  Not long after we got back to the boat, it was time to leave Sao Sebastian and head on to Manaus.  Ruth Anne leaves tomorrow for the States so we had to make sure we get back in time.  You can tell that every one is tired.  Most of us are just hanging out in the hedgies napping and reading as we watch the river slowly go by for the last day.  Most of our trip will be overnight tonight so there won't be much to see.  A few of the girls and I are going to sleep up top tonight.  Should be fun although a little cold we've heard.  We are game to give it a try though.  Probably will beat listening to snoring!!

Brazil trip - Day 8...

Today was our last day of scheduled clinic, of course we know that apt to change at any moment.  Apparently half the year this village is very large, but right now a lot of the people have moved away

until the waters recede some.  We ended up seeing only about 30 patients or so, so it made for an easy morning.  It appears this village has a contaminated water source as several of the people complained of recent trouble with diarrhea.  Sad that there is still this problem in the day that we live in.  Since the clinic wasn't busy, I went and helped Flavia while she was teaching Bible stories to the children and singing songs with them.  They sure enjoyed it and then they all got a whistle and another prize after...talk about smiles!  It was then time to head back to the boat but on the way we picked guava straight from the trees and ate it...yum!  After lunch we set sail for Sao Sebastian.  It was a bright clear day for sailing.  Once we got to Sao Sebastian, I saw there was a small park near where the ship was docked and asked Lynn if it would be safe to run there.  He said we should be fine, so Jeanette and I made plans to run together later in the day.  The whole team took a field trip down to the industrial area of town.  It mainly consisted of areas where they make and/or repair boats and also made made handmade furniture.  It was neat to see the boats in varying degrees of completion.  It was a super hot day today so I came back to the boat to cool off and rehydrate before our run.  Then it was off for my marathon training run.  It was HOT - probably 90+ degrees but it felt great to get out moving and sweat!  Plus Jeanette and I had a good time talking through some stuff.  God has big things in store for that girl!  Pretty sure the Brazilians thought we were crazy and a few young Brazilian boys kept yelling phrases at us like "hello" and "I love you."  Kept us laughing for sure.  I was actually hoping for a cold shower tonight, but unfortunately it was lukewarm...probably the only time I'll be thinking that.  We had Brazilian pizza tonight for dinner which was really good.  It had ham, sausage, tomato, onions, peppers, and egg on it.  Some of them had corn and peas too, but I opted for the less is more option!  During dinner, Lynn told us we were

invited to a surprise birthday party for Ronaldo, the local pastor.  We had to walk a mile or so to his house and also had to make a pit stop at a local ice cream shop to pick up some ice cream. While were standing there waiting, a group across the street started singing "As the Deer" in Portuguese of course, so we joined along in English which was kind of cool.  It was fun to saunter through the city streets and see all the shops, restaurants, and even the local hospital.  Once we got to Ronaldo's house we were able to meet some of his family and church congregation before he got there.  He seemed surprised when he finally arrived.  It must be a Brazilian tradition, but while he was preparing to blow out the candles someone popped a balloon above his head that was filled with flour, so he was covered in it!  Gave everybody a good laugh.  He had a soccer cake that was coconut and lots more other food of course.  Most us just had a little cake since it hadn't been too long since we'd had dinner.  The party was going strong when we left but we were all getting tired and still had the trek back to the boat.   My highlight of the day had to be seeing Jeanette get baptized in the Amazon!  She had made the decision earlier in the trip, but was waiting for the better waters of Sao Sebastian!  What a cool experience for her as well as us.  Well I told the team the next training run would commence at 5:30 am tomorrow so I guess I better get some sleep.  We will see if any one else shows up!  Tomorrow is our last day in Sao Sebastian and we are having a Brazilian BBQ at Pastor Ronaldo's house before we head back to Manaus for the last leg of the journey home.  I really started thinking today about how I wanted to call my family and tell them everything that has been going on...but only about 72 hours to go!

Brazil trip - Day 7...

Happy Monday...hard to believe we have been here for a week now.  We headed back to the main river today for our next day of clinics.  It started pouring about 4am or at least that's when I woke up to hear it on the roof and then it rained most of the morning.  We reached our next destination about 10 am and thankfully the rain had stopped.  It made me wonder how the village we were at yesterday was

fairing as they didn't have much wiggle room as far as flooding was concerned.  The clinic started out kind of slow but we ended up having a pretty busy day.  Apparently this was only the 3rd trip that Amazonia has made to this particular area, and you could tell the people weren't as comfortable with us - especially the children!  We had quite a few screamers today.  When we first arrived at the village
today, you could see there was a small tributary that went back behind the houses.  I was saying how cool it would be to kayak down it.  Well after clinic, Lynn came and said one of the crew would take the smaller boat out and show us an area deeper in to the rainforest.  So LJ, Leann, Guy, Janet, and I all piled in to the boat for our jungle safari.  It was more what we all expected being in the rainforest.  Lots of lush green plants and trees.  There were all kinds of bright flowers and trees, and even saw a date tree.  Then we really started seeing the wildlife.  There were all kinds of birds that we couldn't identify Then several toucans flew just over the boat...so cool.  Then we heard a high pitched screech coming from the trees and

were hoping to get to see our first monkey, but it actually ended up being 2 of the brightest red/blue macaws.  Definitely very cool stuff.  Another part of our team went out after us and didn't see a thing...poor them!  Hopefully there will be more time for side adventures.  As on most trips, flexibility is the key.  We were supposed to stay in the general area to treat another village, but apparently they came down the river to see us instead, so we headed 3 hours the other direction for our next stop.  We had a nice sunset cruise to end the day. I swear the sunsets get more beautiful each night.  Enjoyed just hanging out up on the upper deck chatting with Leann tonight and then goofing off with the rest of the team.  Leann and I are planning on taking one of the younger girls snipe hunting one of these nights.  :)  Speaking of hunting, we are hoping to go alligator hunting before the trip ends.  Guess we will have to check with the guys soon.  I do know one of my biggest take aways from this trip will be that you never really know what someone has or is going through.  At night, during our devotional times, several of the ladies have shared some heavy, heart-wrenching stuff with us.  But thankfully it doesn't end there...they then shared of God's amazing grace in their lives!  Looking at these ladies, you would never know the burdens and heartache they carry, but God is merciful and gracious.  Made me think of the quote..."there but for the grace of God, go I."