The children were eager to hear more.  I asked, “Have you ever asked Jesus into your heart…
                                     to be with you, protect you, care for you, love you and forgive you?”


                         John 6:47,”I am telling you the truth: he who believes has eternal life.” (GNT)
                 
Blank looks were returned to my questions. “Well the little girl I told you about…do you know who she was?” “No” came several voices with heads shaking side-to-side…”Well that little girl was me”.

“And just like you get sad when you don’t have enough rice to eat, or your Papa and Mama do not have enough work, or the rice farming is not good, or a big storm comes and blows off the roof of your home…
                                    I didn’t know how to make things better”

                   Philippians 4:6, “Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, 
                                            always asking him with a thankful heart.” (GNT)

“You know these songs I have been teaching you?”…“Yes” came little voices again…
”Well when I was your age the lady who taught me these songs loved God and knew Jesus. She also told me about what Jesus did for me by going to the cross…He loves you and wants to be here for you…and for you to know his love”

                                  John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 
                                    that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

So when this “Mam” asked if I wanted to ask Jesus to come into my life…to “come near to me”, like the song, I said “Yes” and we prayed together. Would any of you like to ask Jesus to come near to you and into your life?

                                  John 3:3, “Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: 
                                                         Unless a person is born from above, 
                             it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.” (MSG)

Not one child said “no”…I re-confirmed…then I said okay anyone who wants to pray with me bow your heads…
everyone bowed their heads and prayed after me.

Dear God,

I love you. Thank you for coming near to me and loving me.

Thank you for your son Jesus. Thank you for what he did for me.

That he went to the cross to wash away my sins…the bad things that I sometimes do.

Please forgive me I want to be near to you…will you please come into my life? I love you and thank you.

Amen

2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” NLT

Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (NLT)

We all said a big “Yeah!” and clapped our hands…then I told them that just like the Graduation the other day with the celebrations…the angels in heaven were celebrating over their coming near to God and asking Jesus into their hearts!

Luke 15:10, “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” NLT

The Pastor that was helping with the restoration of the school will do the follow up on the children… we passed out little pads of paper and colored pencils to the children and they all wrote down their names. 
 Note: I erased their last names for privacy.

The rest of the day was light hearted…with games, more songs and paper airplanes races. I taught them “Red Rover, Red Rover” they played it for over an hour. When it was time for me to go the two oldest girls came up to me and said “I will miss you Mam…I love you Mam” I gave them hugs and a smile and told them I would see them again.

You see I know that when time stands still here on this earth…we will rejoice together in Heaven with our Lord! And let me tell you what a day that will be.

Caprice <><
2 Peter 3:9, “Now the Lord is not slow about enacting His promise--slow is how some people want to characterize it— 
no, He is not slow but patient and merciful to you, 
not wanting anyone to be destroyed, 
but wanting everyone to turn away from following his own path and to turn toward God’s.” (VOICE)                

After they finished their song for the team in order to clear the schoolroom, I asked the children if they wanted to hear a story. With big smiles they all said, “yes!” 
So I took them outside to the sidewalk in front of the adjacent classroom and I began this story…
“How many of you were frightened or sorry that the storm came?
Hands went up…did you cry? Heads shook yes…
    Well there once was a little girl and like you she got sad and scared at times…her father would drink alcohol and get angry. She felt sad and did not know what to do…when she was ten years old she met a lady who told her about God who created the world and he was a Holy God. Do you know what Holy is?” Their faces looked with eagerness to know the answer…”Holy is something that is so good, so very, very good and it is separate from what is wrong or bad.

Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (NIV)

I love the way the Messages puts it…

Matthew 5:8, “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. 
Then you can see God in the outside world.” (MSG)

I continued, “And God who is Holy and good…loves you and you (as I gestured to the different children) and me so very much that he gave his Son to us and his name is Jesus…do you know who he is?”

John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” NIV

John 5:24, “I tell you the truth: eternal life belongs to those who hear My voice and believe in the One who sent Me. These people have no reason to fear judgment because they have already left death and entered life.” (VOICE)

All together they replied, “Jesus is God”; they are taught the principles of good character as a result of who God is in public school, but not that you can have a personal relationship with Him by asking Jesus into your heart. To just have the knowledge and then lack the belief…does result in relationship with God.

1 Peter 3:18, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (NLT)

Do you know God? Do you truly know…that you know God and his love?

We all experience storms in one way or another in our lives; 
Some of the storms are a result of our surroundings and others…
Those storms...are the ones we create...we can become the "Storm Makers"
If the truth be known we bring them on our selves.

Yes, it is true if we would be honest…not everything in this world is good and we are included in this.

Have you ever disliked someone…Hated so deeply that it caused pain in someone’s life?

Taken something that didn’t belong to you…as to benefit your own needs casting theirs aside?
It is referred to as stealing

Caused another person to hurt…so you could feel better about yourself?

How about the simplicity of casting yourself in a positive light…when really none of what you said is true?


Or maybe you are a fantastic person...and for sure...you are always available to boast about it!

Have you ever just past something by…not showing kindness when you were capable of making a difference?

Do you stuff alcohol, drugs, food, your job, who you "think" the world wants you to be...
In the number one place in your life as a safety net...
 Instead of a relationship with God?

We have all allowed the winds of destruction to howl around us, because of the choices we make. 
These storms that rage, come in many different forms, don't they?

Well why not change course? 
Instead of you taking control…let God carry you through...by putting your life into his hands! 

Trust me…no...Trust God…you will never...ever...regret it!

Caprice <><

Acts 3:19, “So now you need to rethink everything 
and turn to God so your sins will be forgiven and a new day can dawn, 
days of refreshing times flowing from the Lord.” 
(VOICE)

The return drive home was quiet. 
We were all crammed into the car, leaving behind two of our team members to spend the night at the location. This would save the time of driving us all back and forth in addition of providing them an early jump on the day. 

The next morning we left at 6am to arrive on site early, the day was already warming up as a wave of hot humid air blanketed over us as we stepped onto the grassy field at the school. The children had begun to arrive, although I told them I had work to do and we would start our time together some time around 10am.

At 10am they were lined up and ready. We started with songs…these kids love to sing! The day before I had taught them 3 songs, “Waddle Le Ah Cha”, “Noah’s Arky”, and “Jesus Loves Me”. 

We had a lot of fun, but today…well…today was different.

The song that came to mind is an African American song called Kumbaya; that was originally sung in the Creole language. It asks God to come near to those who need him. It is inviting Him to come to your aid.

Hebrews 4:16, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (NLT)

I hadn’t thought it through… the Lord gave me the idea when I asked, "What next Lord?"  I am glad I asked...because what God had in store...was amazing. 
"Kumbaya" unfolded as a Chaplain tool, as the children began to relate to the song and request for God to come near...

Someone is crying…

The children shared regarding the tears of fear they shed during the typhoon.

Someone is praying…

The stories of the prayers they prayed for help.

Someone is working…

They listened to sound of the hammers pounding the nails into the new roofs of the school all around them…and they smiled with a sense of fulfillment.

Someone is thankful…

They were thankful that their prayers were being answered grateful that God would smile on them

Someone is Happy…

With BIG smiles they all agreed…I could see understanding in their hearts.

They decided to sing for the team on their lunch break…the quality of the video is not that good...but the treat of them singing...out shines the quality of the video. I can't wait to share with you what happened next...
But that is another story for next week! 
So until then...

If it is tears...then cry out

If it is a need...then ask

If it is work to be done...look around, God will supply

And then remember to...

Give Thanks with a joyful heart!




Note: 
If you are receiving this as an email and are having trouble viewing any of the videos 
please go to the actual web page @ 
http://www.crossroads-ukiah.org/womens-blog

The first day of our official workweek took a lot of planning by our team leader. There is no running to the large home improvement centers for supplies or a GPS to guide you to your site. Planning, preparation and prayer are what get you were you want to go. The location required two trips to get us all there in addition to the precious supplies and generator.  And the drive in it self took an hour there, another hour back to the mission house and then one more hour to deliver the last of us. One car, a team of seven, plus the driver and supplies finally on task 3 hours later.

“Unfortunately, there seems to be far more opportunity out there than ability.... We should remember that good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.”
― Thomas Edison

We passed the “church without walls” as the drive took us deeper into the storm torn island. The dirt road that traversed through the countryside, was a glimpse of what these villages had endure with typhoon winds up to 195 MPH. But on the other hand the island was resilient and strong like those who live here.

Philippians 4:13, “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (GNT)

Looking out the window on one side of the car laid the rice fields with a river, and scattered here and there were water buffalo…which served as their power in farming. Out the other side was a costal mountain ridge. As we traveled along its base and up slightly in elevation, we were treated to a beautiful view of the valley. And then suddenly as we rounded a curve in the narrow road, we came upon men working to install power lines; this area had been without power for 5 months! Carefully our driver maneuvered by the vehicles and workers in the road. Continuing on there were areas were the downed coconut palms had been drug to the side of the road, cut into boards, and then used by the locals for rebuilding. Nothing would go to waste…where tragedy struck…opportunity could be seen.

“What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity?
Our attitude toward it.
Every opportunity has a difficulty,
and every difficulty has an opportunity.”
J. Sidlow Baxter

We came to one more river, crossed a bridge, turned at a “T-intersection” and there was the village where we would be working. On one side of the narrow street were homes and on the other the school. Our driver entered through a gate and then parked on the grassy grounds of the school as we took in our work site…the damage was easy to identify. Roofs were missing and trees that once provided ample shade for the students and teachers were stripped of branches, yet tender leaves were budding at an attempt to regain their stature. And then I noticed them, a swarm of children, smiling faces and hands waving…all on vacation, parents working, their daily chores completed they were ready to visit and spend time with our team. And this is where I was graced with another wonderful opportunity…wrapped in a blessing.

I need to share something with you before I go any further. I had practiced hammering nails for weeks in preparation for this mission. I am a registered nurse, chaplain, women’s and mission’s ministry leader, mom of five, and grandma of 5 with one on the way to make a wonderful half dozen. I love life, my husband, gardening and Jesus. Nowhere in my life experiences have I hammered nails on a roof! But I told Judi the coordinator for CSBDRM, that I was not afraid of hard work. To honor that and the privilege of coming I practiced daily hammering nails. I hammered until I got it down. 

2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)

But you know what? I may have these ideas of who I am, the experiences that fit nicely under my belt, and the desire to do this or that…but my father in Heaven has the best plans for me and knows exactly where I belong and when to place me there.

Ephesians 1:18-20, “I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world.” (GNT)

So…what happened next, I will forever hold dear to my heart for years to come. You see God took all of those experiences, the needs in this village and the prayer requests and said, “here you go Caprice…I am trusting you with these little hearts.”

My job for the next two days was to keep these kids busy and out from under the feet of our team. These kids, where precious, and more important God knew what the last five months had been for them and their families. So we played games, helped organize moving lumber from one building needing repair to the next and again we sang songs together. In other words the Lord was laying a different type of foundation.

Caprice <><

And then… the unexpected came again…humbling and gracious.

As church concluded in walked two young men carrying a small plastic table covered with a bright tablecloth, which had a plastic plate with four sandwiches. These sandwiches were made of 3 slices of white bread dapped sparingly with butter and a warm bottle of coke. They placed this table in front of us and then sat down with the rest of the congregation.

Psalm 36:8, “We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness.” (GNT)

And then I understood…they were all looking at us and waiting for us to receive this offering of food and hospitality. So with hearts full of love for this community of believers we eat these precious sandwiches. It might not have been the roasted pig from the school graduation, but it was as important of a gift…so we at    

Psalm 22:22, “I will speak Your Name to my brothers and sisters
 when I praise You in the midst of the community.” (VOICE)
Several of the women and children stayed and visited with Libby and I. The young girls were very intrigued by Libby's height and golden hair. This sweet fellowship after the church service will always be treasured in my memories.

Seated in the middle of the benches, an elderly woman dressed in her best, with a stick as a cane in one hand and an umbrella in the other. She greeted me with a toothless grin and white-rimmed eyes scared with cataracts. And then this nervous face peeked out from beside her 90-year-old “Lola”, her grandmother, to see who these foreigners were. She caught my eye again…there behind the center hand hewn coconut palm pole was a young adult girl who had Down's syndrome. Her shy eyes met my smile. She peeked at us…very curious about who we were. So I got up walked over to her and sat on the bench across from her. She looked deep into my eyes but said nothing…although I saw a timid invitation in them.

One of the other young girls spoke up with a warm smile…”Her name is Digi”…I reached out and took Digi’s hand. Her petite stunted fingers gripped and caressed my hands…we sat silently for several moments. Then as she looked up at me, the sweetness of her face, her piercing eyes were rimmed with tears … and then came a smile that I will not even try to describe. We sat together holding hands and smiling…it was one of the sweetest fellowships with another believer I have ever had.

John 4:23-24, “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” (MSG)

The other children were eager to greet us…little girls sat around Libby as they chatted…you know the way young children do…no one really is a stranger…just friends, someone to enjoy as you spend time with one another.

We sang songs together as the little girls taught us one…we would exchange the gift with a song from us. I taught them “Rise and Shine”…the song about Noah’s Ark… I am sure they thought I was hilarious as I acted out the different animals especially the kangaroo! I could see Libby’s smile as she watched her goofy mom. But never a look of distain…she too was enamored by these children…we all laughed together as we sang. I looked back at Libby so very grateful for the time God had given us in the company of such good-hearted people!

So amazing was this church and such an example of how we should be as communities of believers gather together. They had a children’s ministry, worship band, pastor, elders/leadership team, college fund, greeters, hospitality, fellowship, building fund/plan… everyone using the gifts, talents, and the time they have to help their church grow. Nothing I have ever seen in America can compare to this small yet mighty group!

We should reconsider how we do church with the need to have buildings, programs and numbers.

 

Romans 12:1-2, “Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.” The Voice

We need to be the churches with out walls.

Psalm 95:1-6,

“Come, let us sing to the Lord! 
    

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come to him with thanksgiving. 
    

Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.

The sea belongs to him, for he made it. 
    

His hands formed the dry land, too.

Come, let us worship and bow down. 
    

Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,”(NLT)

Caprice <><

We walked down a small path and were greeted by two rows of hand-hewed benches, jammed full of children on either side of the path. They sat huddled closely together under tarps to avoid the direct heat of the sun, singing their Sunday school songs with grins that were bigger than the chorus we heard…if that could even be possible. As we waved and smiled, they greeted us so full of joy that they wiggled with excitement.

Isaiah 12:5, “Because of your wonderful deeds we will sing your praises everywhere on earth.” (CEV)

We continued for another 10 yards through a rather rough and rugged area…piles of gravel on one side, mounds of dirt and ditches on the other, ducking here and there to avoid ropes that were holding the tarps to giant eight foot high bamboo poles. The church was already gathered and singing praises together.

Psalm 66:4, “Everyone on earth worships you; they sing praises to you, they sing praises to your name.” (GNT)

The church had no walls, an uneven dirt floor, and a weather torn tarp that allowed sunlight to illuminate the smiling faces of those singing praises. We were met by a row of greeters who were very gracious and warm, hands were shaken and more smiles were exchanged. 

Psalm 84:10, “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else! I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked!” (CEB)

The coco palm benches were full, so we were seated along side a half built cinderblock wall; their future church in the making. A young woman in her early twenties led worship, as we sang along to the words written on the back of recycled posters. A beloved chipped guitar strummed the music that filed the air as we joined together to sing.

Psalm 33:3, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” (NIV)

Testimonies of the love and care that God had shown this little church were given.

James 5:13, 
“Is anyone among you in trouble? 
Let them pray.
 Is anyone happy? 
Let them sing songs of praise.” (NIV)

The children came and sang more songs of gratitude for God sending us to help. 
What an amazing way to spend a Sunday in joyful song with this tiny church with out walls. 

John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is.” (GNT    

One of our team members Jack, gave the message, he shared about the good seed; 
a story these rice farmers could relate to. Jack had us all go out to the road by the rice fields 
as the parable came to life in the eyes of those there.
 
The Parable of the Sower

Luke 8:4-8, “A large crowd came together. People came to Jesus from every town, and he told them this story:

“A farmer went out to sow seed. While he was scattering the seed, some of it fell beside the road. People walked on the seed, and the birds ate it all. Other seed fell on rock. It began to grow but then died because it had no water. Some other seed fell among thorny weeds. This seed grew, but later the weeds stopped the plants from growing. The rest of the seed fell on good ground. This seed grew and made 100 times more grain.” (ERV)

You see these rice and coconut farmers knew…they understood the parable because of experience...they have worked the different type of soils.

Jesus Explains the Story About Seed

Luke 8:11-15,  “This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved.

“The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone.

“And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.

“But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” (MSG)

This community of believers have the good-hearts that believe 
God is who he says he is and 
will do what he says he will…

He will care for you…

He loves you…

He believes in you…why else would he have given us Jesus?

Won’t you believe in him?

Then with thankful hearts, back we went into the church and the offerings were taken. 
One was for the building project...one coin at a time for one brick at a time. They had the faith that God would finish their house of worship with a confidence that ran deep. The new walls and roof would come with sacrifice, time, labor and effort…who else but this community of believers who knew God provided what it would take to build out of the rumble.

1 Chronicles 16:29,”He is wonderful! Praise him and bring an offering
 into his temple. 
Worship the Lord, majestic and holy.” (CEV)

And then another offering was taken, on the outside this hand craved wooden offering box was rather old and worn, but on the inside it was hopeful and full of promise as the offering tinkled into the box. A young adult…her dream of attending college one day and to become a math teacher was being provided.

Psalm 138:1-3, “Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” 
Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again:

“Thank you!” Thank you for your love,

Thank you for your faithfulness;

Most holy is your name,

Most holy is your Word.

The moment I called out, you stepped in;

You made my life large with strength.” (MSG)


Is your life large with the strength of the Lord?

If not, why not bring the song back?

Take a quite moment and just ask…it doesn’t hurt to just ask.

Give God the question…

“God are you there? And do you really love me and care?

Please help me to trust and believe!”

I promise you will never regret it

Caprice <><

Sunday morning seemed to roll around rather quickly as our days all seemed sort of jumble due to the fact that we were 15 hours and one day ahead of time at home. The team was split into two groups in order to attend two different church services. Libby, Jack, Bill, Mike and I had the privilege of heading out into the inland rural areas of Leyte. What an amazing Sunday awaited us.

Psalm 24: 5-6, “God is at their side; with God’s help they make it. This, Jacob, is what happens to God-seekers, God-questers.” (MSG)

We drove for a little over an hour through the countryside still marred by the typhoon as we observed the two primary farming crops of this Island. The valley floor was blanketed with rice fields in a patch work of green; with different shades representing the cycles of the crop…some young tender shoots, others reaching towards the sun with new seed stems and others bent over heavy with heads of grain ready to harvest. The coco palms that weathered the storm are rather frazzled. Many are like wounded soldiers lying broken on the ground, snapped in two; although these will be put to use as they are gathered for lumber. Those still standing have half or more of their palm fronds missing or broken. Yet underneath the fronds are young green coconuts…the hope of a productive future.

Isaiah 43:1-28, “Israel, the Lord who created you says,
 “Do not be afraid—I will save you. I have called you by name—you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.
For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you… Do not be afraid—I am with you!” (GNT)

We bumped along the unpredictable road and main artery of this area that brings people back and forth to the port of Leyte. Some times the road is rock, other places are muddy with puddles and then all of a sudden you come upon a section of concrete for 80 yards or so.

Psalm 132:7, “Let us journey to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool. “(VOICE)

Small groupings of homes by the roadside are still in the process of recovery. Worn out from the storms of this life…lack of work, rice harvests good and bad, typhoons and poverty…but the evidence of the love of life is everywhere; flowers planted with care, children playing, laundry drying in the sunny tropical breezes and whose heart would not be warmed by the smiles and waves that greet us as we drive by. Although these homes may have had dirt floors, some with only tarps for a roof, they were well loved…the centers of family and community.

Exodus 15:2, “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (NIV)

Nothing could of prepared me for the privilege of sweet worship that was just a welcome away.

Psalm 107:32, “Honor the Lord when you and your leaders meet to worship.” (CEV)

As we got out of the car the voices of children singing warmed my heart.

Psalm 149:1, “Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song,
    praise him in the company of all who love him. (MSG)

No Journey is too long…

That the wings of the Lord can’t carry you there.

No thing is so broken or disaster so horrific that God can’t fix

No heartache too deep

That the touch of God’s hand can’t reach.

Won’t you trust him to be there for you?

Take the first step to get closer

Allow the mending to start

Enjoy the touch of His Love!

Caprice <><

When Libby and I had finished our tour of the school grounds we went and sat on a bench in the back of the crowd. But then…unbeknown to us…we were escorted to the stage and were to become part of the honored guests. I cannot tell you how uncomfortable I felt. Here we sat in a place of honor for nothing we had done! Unprepared and not dressed properly. They gave us decorated medallions, sang songs to us and mentioned CSB-Dr and BGR in their speeches, thanking God for us.

Philippians 2:2, “I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind.” (GNT)

As the ceremonies began, music crackled on a loud speaker powered by a generator loaned to them by our team, the crowd stilled, the parents then walked together with their child in the commencement; I began to see something so different than the schools in California. Honor, respect, and a love of family and God; was everywhere to be seen. These public schools were centered in the Lord. They opened in prayer, closed in prayer, gave out awards for honesty, trustworthy behavior, and outstanding pupils in kindness to others and on and on it went. The parents stood by their children pinning on ribbons and placing medallions around their necks…because schooling is a family effort entrusted to them by God.

These children at the first school sat in the morning sun for 2 1/2 hours without complaint as sweat poured down their hot precious faces. The girls wore their best dresses and stockings with heels. The boys had long sleeve shirts and slacks with shoes too big so there was room for growth. They presented speeches of gratitude to God and family praising Him for getting them through the trying year and thanking him for his faithfulness. Songs were sung of pursuing through the storm of Typhoon Yolanda and how it had made them stronger. I was amazed at the standard of respect, honor and integrity that I had the privilege to experience.

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)

Libby and I were humbled beyond words that I cannot express due to the honors that were bestowed on us…but here is the reality we… did not do anything to complete these projects. We were there to represent those who had gone before us. The sweat, determination, skill and love they gave to the teachers and students of the two school graduations we attended.

James 2:24, ”You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe.” (CEV)
Then came the most unexpected surprise…2 hours in they had us get up and we were then escorted to a classroom that was laid out with food. We sat down and visited with the teachers and then in walked two young men carrying a 4 foot long item that was dripping and wrapped in cardboard. They placed it on the center of the food table, unwrapped it and there before us…laid a whole roasted pig!! There was no way that we could leave or refuse this honor…we sat and as I choked back my tears of awe, I was struck by a scripture

1 Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (NIV)

1 Peter 5:2-4, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” (NLT)

But then another verse came to me, and I know the type of team members that served before me…they would have thrown back their crowns too… and I wanted to throw back the crowns that I was receiving at the feet of those who had gone before us…

Revelation 4:9-11, “The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,

“Our Lord and God! You are worthy
 to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life.” (GNT)

"We Fall Down" by Chris Tomlin

We fall down

We lay our crowns

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of

Mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

And we cry holy, holy, holy

We cry holy, holy, holy

We cry holy, holy, holy

Is the lamb

When we do anything for those who are in need…no matter what part of the comfort or restoration we provide…we do it as one…all part of the mission serving as one body.

So thank you team’s 2&3 for the hearts of service; the Pork was great!

Libby and I had a very unusual first assignment.
 It was to represent the teams who had gone before us at the 6th grade graduation ceremony. 
We were to be ambassadors for CSBC-DR and BGR. 
I do not think that either of us was prepared for what was about to take place over the next two days.

The 3 teams before us, like us, were assigned the task of repairing the roofs of several elementary schools. 
We were to work along side the pastors of the different communities as they reached out to the families affected by Typhoon Yolanda. When team three arrived at their assigned school they were asked to repair a roof, 
but this roof was not on a classroom.
 It was on a concrete platform. 
Puzzled, but willing to serve, they completed their task.

Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, 
as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (NLT)

This concrete platform was a stage for the graduating students to walk across. 
It was the culmination of a year that hopefully these students would never have to experience again! 
These storm torn communities had made it through and now 5 months later it was a time to celebrate. 
The graduating class of 2014 could commemorate their achievements of education requirements met, 
courage shown in the face of destruction and the tenacity to continue. 
What we had the privilege of witnessing was a testimony to strength against the winds of adversity that had blown.

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. 
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, 
for the Lord your God goes with you; 
he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)

The teams before us had given hope to these communities and families of the graduates! 
They gave them a hope of a future by providing for them a place to celebrate their achievements.

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (ESV)

When we had arrived at the school, it was obvious by our appearance, 
that we were part of the teams that had gone before us. 
We were greeted graciously. 
Shown around the school with special attention given to the work that the teams had completed, 
especially the stage for graduation. 
We were escorted to the different classrooms to meet the teachers 
and were finally ushered into where the graduates in their white caps and gowns where gathered. 
I was given the opportunity to pray for them and give them a blessing for their very special day.

Revelation 14:12, 
“Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, 
keeping God’s commands, 
staying faithful to Jesus.“ (MSG) 


Caprice <><
Please keep the teams that continue to serve and most of all those whose lives have changed since Yolanda made land fall. For more information on how you can help 
https://www.facebook.com/CSBDRM

Pack and re-pack…shop for what you have heard you may need, but have not experienced…pray for a heart that is willing and the strength to serve. Prepare for possible opportunities. All these mixed together and just maybe you will be ready. Ready for what you may ask…basically the unknown. You see…

Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT)

How can anyone go and help those who have loss so much…experienced great fear…and endured such hardship? We can only do this because we have the love of the Lord wrapped around our hearts…a supernatural love…a love that does not come from our human comforts, but is hyper-charged to love by the Holy Spirit in us. It is when we snuff-out what we want, then in turn do for others what they can not do for themselves and come along side them…that we grow.

John 15:13, “No one can have greater love than to give his life for his friends.” New Life Version (NLV)

My life is what I want…do…have. And when you or I give up those things to serve others we are putting someone else’s needs before our own.

Hebrews 13:16,  “Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.” (GNT)

Lesson learned…The Lord holds us all in His hands and loves it when we trust Him…In and out of the storms that come.

Caprice <><

Libby with a group of women and children on our first Sunday morning. The children were very interested in her light hair and height.

Team #4 builds a temporary class room. Note what looks like tree branches in the upper left hand corner is actually a root ball of a huge tree that went over.

This is why electrical power comes and goes

Temporary Church made from a torn tarps and giant bamboo poles.

Thank you all so very much for covering Libby and I in prayers, as we served on the Island of Leyte in the Ormoc area of the Philippines. There are so many stories to tell and I promise they will be soon to come…

Until then...

Remember that it is never easy to step out of your comfort zone, but God promises to be there for you when you do.


Hebrews 11:1, 
                  “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, 
                                                      this faith, 
                                                              is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.” (MSG)


Make your life worth living…trust God and move on out into the unknown…you will not regret a moment spent trusting God and living by faith.

Caprice <><

Could you please be praying for my daughter Liberty and I? 

We will be traveling 3/26 to 4/8 to Ormoc, Leyte, Philippines to serve in the area of disaster recovery for 2 weeks. 

Ormoc, a port city of 191,200 people, was hard hit by Typhoon Haiyan. As the largest city in Leyte by land area, it is the economic, cultural, commercial, and transportation hub of western Leyte.

Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was a powerful tropical cyclone that devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, on November 8, 2013. It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,201 people in that country alone. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed.

More than 6,000 people have been confirmed killed and another 1,800 are missing after Haiyan tore across some of the country’s poorest islands, generating tsunami-like waves that left dozens of towns in ruins. About four million people have been left homeless and 16 million affected, according to the government.

The Storm

Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, was historic in its scope, with experts including NASA concluding it may be the most powerful tropical cyclone to ever make landfall.

“It is the most powerful storm ever to make landfall,” Weather Channel lead meteorologist Michael Palmer told NBC News. “It is as strong a typhoon as you can get, basically.”

Some other mind-boggling facts about the storm:

370 miles: That was the width of Typhoon Haiyan as it surged through the Philippines with sustained winds of 195 mph, and gusts reaching 235 mph.

Six is the number of times Haiyan made landfall on Nov. 8. 

17 ft. Height of the storm surge in Tacloban, the biggest city in the hardest-hit central Philippines, where some of the worst flooding was recorded.

27 inches: That was the most rainfall recorded by NASA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), on the southeast corner of the island of Leyte, during the storm's passage.

Libby and I will travel with Team #4 and be working with Baptist Global Response, National Partners, and the International Mission Board, California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Ministries. These mission groups have adopted Ormoc City, Leyte, for the recovery and rebuilding efforts, to help with recovery post Typhoon Haiyan.




Please Pray for:
Health and safety
Traveling mercies
Strength to do the Work
Humble attitudes
Financial provision
Opportunities to Share Jesus
Wisdom & Discernment

The work in Ormoc will consist of roofing, the repair of schools, community centers, churches, homes, and possibly water systems.

"No one has ever become poor by giving" - Anne Frank

You may not be able to go to distant lands like the Philippines…but trust me there are plenty of people in this world who are hurting, in need and without hope. Go…make a difference…you will never be the same again :o)

Matthew 25:35-40, 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

Thank you so much!
Caprice <><

You can follow the many teams including ours on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/CSBDRM

For more information re: the above statistics go to:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/typhoon-haiyan-crisis-numbers-f2D11609327