Clay Feet

Two weeks ago, I titled the message "Clay Feet." This was my image. This a reference to a passage in Daniel that I wanted to expound upon slightly. 

Daniel 2:31-45

“You were looking, O king, and lo! there was a great statue. This statue was huge, its brilliance extraordinary; it was standing before you, and its appearance was frightening. 32 The head of that statue was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked on, a stone was cut out, not by human hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, were all broken in pieces and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
36 “This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. 37 You, O king, the king of kings—to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the might, and the glory, 38 into whose hand he has given human beings, wherever they live, the wild animals of the field, and the birds of the air, and whom he has established as ruler over them all—you are the head of gold. 39 After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. 40 And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; just as iron crushes and smashes everything, it shall crush and shatter all these. 41 As you saw the feet and toes partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but some of the strength of iron shall be in it, as you saw the iron mixed with the clay. 42 As the toes of the feet were part iron and part clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so will they mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great God has informed the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation trustworthy.”

This is a great image! It is meant to illustrate a weakness or character flaw. 

And it is this image that see Solomon. The great and wise Solomon, who has never had an equal before or after in regards to that wisdom, did not stay the course in his relationship with God. Instead, he listened to his 700 princesses (wives) and worshipped their gods. In doing so he broke the commandments in Deuteronomy 17. Go ahead. Read chapter 17 and then read about Solomon. He does everything that he is not supposed to do according to the Law. 

In 1 Kings 9:6-9 we see the pronouncement of what will happen as a result of Solomon turning away from God. 

Look at your feet. Are they clay? What character flaw have you been ignoring, are you blind to? 

How is that keeping you from living the life of a conquerer? Read Revelation 2 below:

 4 I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God. 

Shake the dust and clay off your feet. Come back to you first love. Repent and come back to God.

The Cali Experience 2013

It has been almost a month since we got back from our trip to Cali. I wanted to put into words some sort of wrap of concerning the trip in its totality.

A lot of what you hear when you get back is, "How was the trip?" And to be forthright, it is hard to answer that. How does one sum up an experience as full as a two week trip to another country.

I know my propensity to be verbose when I talk. I like to tell stories. I am aware of the problem so I tend to want to be sure that I am answering what is truly being asked.

So when I answered that question it was mostly to respond however I was feeling at that particular moment. You know. The short answer.

I had one person ask to meet with me over lunch and talk about the trip. Of course, I felt bad for them because I was still in the throws of being EXHAUSTED. So I don't even know if I can recall any part of that conversation. I hope I was coherent!

In short, I would say that the trip was incredible! I would say that it was eye-opening and heart-opening. I would say that it felt so good to be a part of a church, however briefly, that could teach me so much about prayer. So much! About what it is. About what it isn't. How to pray! Oh. Bless Nineje for being the prayer admiral she is!!

My expectations for this trip were to learn about the Master's Plan, help build a part of church (to bless them), and tell one person about Jesus Christ. If you have been reading this blog you know that all three of those were given to me in amazing ways. And there was so much more God had for us.

The hand of God was on me (us) the entire time. He moved in our hearts to refresh us (me) He rejuvenated me. Specifically, we got to be a part of a God movement that has been 30 years in the making. In some ways, it was like being brand new to the team and you get put in for the last quarter of the game. And yes! You get to be a part of the team that is winning the game.

I have felt in the past that I was sitting on the sidelines. Watching the game. Hoping to play. Hoping to make a difference in the goal of this team we call disciples. And to be in Cali for those two weeks was such a gift. We were just visiting, but we were in the game. God used me while we were there. He showed me and taught me.

And some of those things that God taught me, while it might edify others, are so personal that they won't be typed or listed here. My journal has daily entries about God's glory and his provision for me.

I will share this from a journal post on September 24th. I was reading our devotional book for the Cali trip and I started noticing some "themes" that God had been doing a work in me. Here are the themes that He gave me.

God is my Revealer.
God is my Redeemer.
I am to be a Life Builder.

He gave me these verses in Psalm 37:
          Our steps are made firm by the LORD,
    when he delights in our way;
    24      though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,
    for the LORD holds us by the hand.

And this from Psalm 100:
          Know that the LORD is God.
    It is he that made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

And this from Luke 2:
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

I am God's child. And my primary purpose to be on this planet is build life into others. That is a Life Builder. That is my role in being a disciple of Jesus. In being a parent. In being a husband. In being.

In summary, I loved going on this trip. And if you ask me, "How was your trip?" I will answer that it was fulfilling. Because on it, God filled me up. Infused me. An experience that I wish for all of you.

Start saving now. Go on a Work and Witness trip. You will never be the same.



If you would like to see some of the results of what we did in a concrete, analytical view. Go here!

The Journey Home - Cali Edition 2013

Tuesday morning was a very, very early morning! We had to be at the airport by 5 am. But even more important than that was that we get to go to 4 am prayer at the church. We didn't want to miss it!! 

So we got up at 3:15 am and got our bags downstairs to be ready to load. Then we walked to the church to pray. We climbed into the van and, after hugs, said goodbye to Vince.

After the van ride to the airport we got in line to get our tickets and board the plane. And said goodbye with hugs to Sandra.

After going through Immigration (Customs) with agents and guards, we found ourselves by an Oma Coffee Shop waiting to board. I could not go without trying a coffee from an actual Oma Cafe. After all, I had Oma coffee in my suitcase!  I got a latte de arequipe which is a caramel latte. And just so you know, very good!

After the plane took off we got some great pictures of the mountain ranges we were flying over! I think they are called the Faraliones de Cali and the Cerro Calima.

We were all exhausted but between the customs form, the juice cart and the breakfast meal going through the cabin I wasn't able to sleep any. I don't anybody else in our group got any sleep. I don't sleep well on planes! Never had. I was slightly jealous of the two asia girls in the seats behind me. They were zonked out the whole time!! 

After we landed, some of us (ahem, Ron!) got to go straight through from the airplane to the next boarding area. All the rest of us had to go exit the terminal, get our luggage and then go back through security. I think it was God showing Ron that he doesn't have to be too concerned about international travel, because with God all international can be easy. 

It was difficult (again, read frustrating) to have to do all that again, but we got to where we needed to be with a little extra time. Since we were all going back to our respective home arenas, Genell, Steve and Bob were headed out on a different airline at a different time. I think their layover was only 2 hours. The rest of us had a six hour layover. Which was fine. 

This is a good time to mention what the effects of those little bugs from the day before were. I do not and have never liked mosquitos. I hate the idea of mosquitos. I don't like that they transmit diseases. You get the idea, right? Well, I will take mosquitos over those little bugs anytime! Those of us that had bites were itching intensely!! All day long, beginning when I woke up, they itched!!! Bad! 

And the only thing I had to put on them? Sanitizer!! It would do some good for a while but ultimately all it did was sting bad enough that I forgot about the itching. 

Genell let me have some hydrocortisone to rub in and it did almost no good. So I just put up with them. (Edit- They finally went away three days after this!!) 

Then, it was time to say goodbye to our friends that were leaving early. Again, hugs went around. I will miss them. But I know I'll see them again at various district events. So only shortly parted. : ] 

While we were waiting we got an email from Vince about the house. The price had started out about twice what they could afford (found this out on the way to the airport in Cali) and by the time we were in Miami and waiting to board the plane, it had dropped to about 40% of the price! It was the elusive extra 10% that was not happening. But what a major drop in price! God was working!!

Time passed and we got on the plane. I know I was seriously dragging. But yet, wide awake. I think Ron was too. : ] 

We got to our seats and it was time to close the hatch. Yet, strangely, the back row of the plane was vacant. Hmmmm. So Ron and I asked to move to those empty rows. Accepted. Happy! 

The flight was not very eventful and I still couldn't sleep!! But we were getting closer to home!!!!

After landing and then getting our bags, it was once again time to say goodbye to each other. Ron, Bill, April and I gave hugs and said our farewells. What a trip together! God was so very good to us.

Turning my phone off airplane mode yielded an email from Vince! The price had dropped down to exactly the price they could afford! It could still be a little cheaper but what an amazing answer to prayer! Look what God did in only 36 hours!

My original plan was to stay at a friend's house in Minneapolis and then drive home the next day. But I felt pretty awake and after a sandwich I decided to hand on home. I mean, I was this close to my family. I think Ron inspired me, as he did the whole drive home thing too and he had even further to go than I did. 

I got pretty tired around Rochester and had to pull over for some milk and those awesome Hostess chocolate donuts. You know the ones I mean!! Goodness in a row.

About five minutes from home, I debated whether to text Alissa and tell her. I decided not too. What are the chances she would even be awake at 2 am?

I drove up and the house had the extra lights that my wife leaves on when I am not home. I got my stuff and as quietly as possible I entered the house. 

I think I freaked her out a bit. Fortunately, I was NOT hit over the head with a baseball bat and am currently writing this, so you know I survived. 

But man, it was so good to be HOME. I crashed. At the time I arrived home, I figured out that I had gotten something like 6 hours sleep in 48 hours. And I needed to get up in 4 hours to help get the kids ready for their day. WOW. I was so tired. 

But that is for another post, another day. I plan on doing one last post that sums up the trip for me and the recovery time. As for this series, it is almost over and I am so glad that it may help you or entertain you or at the very highest of goals, inspire you to go on a mission trip of your own. 

May it be so.

(Will post a video of the trip home when I have more pictures to complete it.)

Surprise Monday!

(Note: This post has been backdated. I plan on doing two more posts after this one to complete the Cali Series of blog posts. Videos will follow as pictures are available.)

Monday began by finding out what we were going to be doing that day.

Our hosts (Vince & Alyson) and logistics officer (Miss Sandra) informed us that we were going out to Pastor and Pastora's family retreat house in the surrounding countryside of Cali. In fact, all the international attendee's of the Master's Plan were going!

So we all got ready and Vince also shared that they would like to go by a house that they have been praying for. This is a pretty neat story in itself and deserves more space than I can give it. They have been looking for a bigger place to do ministry out of God is moving to get one that they found that would do nicely. The trick is the price!

We went by the house and were able to go inside. We walked through and then met on the roof to pray for God's blessing in securing it for the right price. I'll have more information to share tomorrow!

After going by the house it was time to get to the church to catch our bus to Pastor's house.

It was a little bit of a trip out to their house. Backspace. Re-type. . . their AMAZING house! It was beautiful! I'll have pics in the video. So check that out.

We got to relax a bit and tried some fruit that looked like little "tommy toes" tomatoes. They weren't! They were some sort of little fruit that tasted like a cross between grapes and baby tomatoes. Tangy and then full and rich. Very good. I ate too many of them I think!

We sat and relaxed and talked to those we could talk to. Then we came inside. Pastor and Pastora talked to all of us and told us how excited they are to see this Plan going to other countries to help spread the Kingdom.

Then it was time to eat. (Eat? What's that? We didn't ever eat or have too much food!! LOL!)

Did I mention that we ate??!? It was a plate full of food. Four kinds of meat. Potatoes. Plus more. Also, we were offered soup that had a leg of chicken in it. This was not a Weight Watchers portion, people! Ugh. S-t-u-f-f-e-d!

The best part for me was talking with a youth pastor from Guatemala. Often on this trip, we would find ourselves, despite Vince's best attempts, at a time where we did not have an interpreter and a desire to communicate. I have decided I would like to study Spanish more and become fluent. God is gonna have to do something to work that out!! I digress. The point is that I found myself tired often and not knowing enough Spanish (often) to really have a conversation. So, I found it difficult (that's frustrating spelled differently) to communicate with any meaning or depth without Vince or Alyson or Linda Kimberly or Cesar or anybody else that translated for us. Not their fault, just part of it.

But here I was sitting at a table with Pastora's brother who spoke VERY little English and this youth pastor. As we tried to communicate with each other, I began to understand him and he began to understand me. We figured out that we both knew enough of the other's main language to sort of patchwork a conversation together in which we could get our meanings across. It was really fun to talk and laugh and tell stories. God was working in that I believe.

After that, the Cali 8 (that's us gringos from the Prairie Lakes District) got together to cogitate with Dr. Kraemer about the future and how all of the things we had experienced had changed us. And what we were going to do with it.

I have to insert one thing here. While we were talking, there was, unbeknownst to us, a small almost invisible bug that was biting our legs! It wasn't a mosquito. I think they call them (excuse the spelling) seczundos. They didn't suck your blood out. They bit you and left round blood marks on your legs, arms, chests or wherever! Nasty little buggers! But the bites aren't that bad besides looking yucky all over you. It was the next day that was horrible!! We were told that we would really start itching the next day and they were not kidding!!! But I get ahead of myself. : ]

After our talk and a wait for the bus, we left to go back to our "casa." We did see a flame eater guy at one of the intersections! That was cool. Or hot. Depending. Eh.

We got back and we were told that they normally do a banquet for the team's last night there. So there were little boxes on the table for us and instead of Alyson's awesome cooking, they told us they had heard us talking about missing pizza. So they had ordered us pizza, Cali-style!!

It was very good! One was a chorizo, ham and cheese pizza and the other was plantain pizza. Don't make that face!! It was pretty good. Surprisingly. Different, but good. There ya go. That's a good description! Well, you didn't have to eat it. So there. : p

Next, we gathered around the table again. Vince, Alyson and Sandra presented each of us with a box and a verbal accolade that highlighted how they had experienced us during the past two weeks. Nutshell alert:  They said nice things about us.

I think I speak for everyone when I say, we had grown together as a team, including Vince, Alyson and Sandra. This was the official moment in time when I realized that the trip was done. And we would miss them. They had become people that we had grown to love. Further, for me at least, it was a realization that the people that we had grown closer to, that lived all over three states, would be going back to those places and the closeness of serving/learning together would be a little more distant.

That part wasn't fun. It was sad.

We had experienced something together and there is a bond there. God orchestrated it. Train of thought here. Then, what is He going to do with it? God does amazing things. Wonder what He knows about this, that we don't know about it? Hmmmmm.

Lastly, we all went upstairs and packed and packed and finally - went to sleep. If you can count going to sleep for three hours (from 12:30 am to 3:15 am) as actual sleep.

Stay tuned for another post tomorrow!

Our Last Sunday in Cali (For Now)

Our morning began with a great breakfast (as usual) and then we headed to church! We went in early so that we could experience what the church calls Consolidacion. We don't really have a word for it in english, so the best we could come up with was a cross between assimilation and incorporation. It is how they move people from being church attenders into disciples. It is the first step after coming to church.

The service was wonderful, as usual! The speaker was a pastor from a church in Kansas City. He delivered God's word. He spoke on the Master's Plan main theme:  Conquering the Impossible! John 11:38, Lazarus being raised from the dead. "Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" Great stuff, as usual, from God!

After the service, we had lunch and then we went up to see Cristo del Rey. Christ the King. It is not a big a the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro but it is second! Entonces (then), we went down to the city artisan market. We all had things that we wanted to take back with us to the US and this is the place to shop! They have so many handmade items! Ear rings, hats, clothes, coasters, sandals, etc! We shopped about an hour or so. It was fun to negotiate a bit.

After that, we had a change of plan (Be flexible!!) and went downtown to see the city center. It was a city square and many old buildings. After our little tourism jaunt, it was time to get back!

Bill and April had been asked to sing, play and drum for the service that night at church. We prayed for them and they went and practiced. We met back up with them for the service but only stayed until they did the offertory. Then we headed back home. As you can see in the video, they gave their best to the Lord. Pastora asked why they weren't playing the whole time?? LOL.

Vince and Alyson had changed the plan today for some secret thing they were trying to make happen tomorrow for us. We still didn't know and so we had to wait until Monday morning to find out. Whatever it is it will be very fun!

Today was the day that I thought more about the fact that our trip is quickly coming to an end. It is a strange feeling. Can't wait to get home to see the family! Yet, have had great experiences here with a dynamic church and dynamic people! It has been a time of renewing the soul. Drawing close to God and serving Him whole-heartedly. We will never be the same.

Post for tomorrow coming soon! And don't forget to go back and make sure you haven't missed a day!

Impact and Conquista!

This is the day that the Lord has made!

This was a photo I actually took Friday afternoon. Not bad for an iPhone! There are only two short rainy seasons during the year. And for the most part they happen around 4:30 pm. Almost clockwork. This was the first time we had seen the rain. We had really good weather most of the time. It was a little hot a few days. Being only 3 degrees from the equator, the sun rose and set almost the same time every day.

What an exciting day today was! Today was what the church calls an Impact event. We went so that we could experience one and help out. We had no idea what God was going to do!

Of course this event had been prayed for many weeks before at the prayer times and at the cell groups. An Impact event is an event that impacts the community around the church, or at a specific site in the city they are trying to reach into to make a difference (this means they share Jesus, not some event just to make themselves feel good). Everything this church does is to create an opportunity to tell people about Jesus. This is something I believe that most churches have lost. They are focused and intentional which is why they are growing!

The event we helped with was in a park that they had gone to for several weeks and walked around prayed over. This totally wowed me! The event was to give services that people in lower classes didn't routinely have access to. They had inexpensive clothes for sale (I don't know if they were gently used or new.), pet care, medical care, dental care, a bounce house, domestic abuse help, immunizations, diabetes testing, and help with insurance access. There was entertainment as well. The salsa dancers and a play from a group called Lifehouse that told the forgiveness of Jesus in a innovative way. Also, there were children's events that included a couple of the kids getting a chance to beatbox and rap. Chevere!

We all jumped in and helped out in different ways!

One of my prayers was that during this two weeks, I would have a chance to lead someone to Christ. Today that prayer was answered.

Ron, Genell and I were talking with Linda Kimberly, a church disciple that translated for us during this time. She is so sweet! She had an Evange-cube and asked if we would like to walk around a lead people to Christ. Of course we said yes! She gave us the cube and showed us how they use it to reach people. After a short introduction, off we went! Ron started. We walked through the crowd and Linda randomly picked someone.

Ron asked them if he could tell them his story. They agreed and we went over to a tree that made some shade. Ron walked them through the story of Jesus and his story with Jesus using the Evange-cube. During the course of the story, another lady, Mary, came up to the fence from the other side. She begin to listen and then she begin to cry. When Ron asked if they would like to ask Jesus into their life, all five listening said they did, including Mary. Linda led them through a repentance prayer and then their names and information was taken down for follow up. It was amazing to see God work!

Then it was Genell's turn. She talked with two ladies that prayed the prayer of repentance and asked Jesus into their hearts! God was moving in a mighty way! Others were talking with people and they were accepting Jesus as well! Children were raising their hands to accept Jesus! An outpouring of the Holy Spirit was happening as people asked to change their lives forever. It was too amazing to even describe properly.

I am only giving as much detail as I can give where I was, but I have one more story to share. Mine.

After Genell, it was my turn. I was nervous. But I had just seen the Holy Spirit move and I wasn't going to let Satan take away my chance to impact someone's live for Christ.

So Linda walked up to two of ether dancers and asked them (she is doing the talking for intros because we don't speak espanol) if we could talk with them. They said something I didn't understand and then we followed them toward a building. Then, they went into that building that had refreshments in it. I thought they must have said no and so we were going to get something to drink in the heat. We went into the building and then we walked into the back of it. As I walked into the room, there was the entire dance team, about 22 people! Linda had me stand in he he middle of the room and then told me that they all wanted to hear what I had to say. Gulp!

So I quickly said a prayer asking God to help me and started to talk. Linda translated for me and as I went along, God did something to my words! He gave them strength and meaning. They were still my small words, but He made them His words as they left my mouth. God used me to speak his Truth and Love into their lives! And as I finished with the cube and my short testimony, I asked them if they would like to have Jesus in their life. And they started nodding. All 22 of them!

Linda led them through a prayer of repentance and then people came in and took their information for follow up. Then, I walked around to each of them and met them. I got their names as well and told them I would pray for them.

What a feeling! God used me to advance his Kingdom. Me. And all I did was be willing to do what He asked me to do. He did everything else. Gloria a Dios!

God used the Conquista that night as well. This church used a secular comedian to draw people to an event where a simple testimony of a loving family led to people asking Jesus to come into their life.

Across the town that day and into the night, God continued to use people to reach people for Jesus and the number of people accepting Christ that day was around 4000.

This day made an impact in God's kingdom! One day changing 4000 lives! Wow. We prayed. God answered. Kingdom growth.

Check out the video below to see what we experienced.

Keep checking back as I continue to poster for Sunday through Tuesday!

Master's Plan Conference

Wednesday through Friday we attended the Master's Plan Conference. This conference is put on by the Casa de Oracion, the church we attended since we have arrived.

It is a leadership conference that inspires leaders through biblical preaching and by showing them how to disciple effectively. The conference is immersed in prayer before, during and after. We felt that we had been surrounded by God's provision, blessing and protection.

There were three main speakers: Pastor Fernando , Dr. Jorge Lopez and Dr. Roberto Motessi. Pastor Aldaberto Hererra and his son, Juan David also spoke. Pastora Nineja Hererra prayed frequently throughout the event.

One of my favorite points was one that Juan David made in his preaching. He said that, "Prayer is like a seed that you plant in fertile ground. Then [we] have to wait. That doesn't mean that nothing is happening." He asked why we don't preach on all the times in the Bible that prayer wasn't answered immediately. Awesome point!

My second favorite that was especially meaningful was one made by Dr. Lopez. He said that now is the time. Do not wait. Now is the time. He said that, "If you never begin a task, it is 100% failure rate." It is wrong to receive a word from God and then procrastinate it away. We don't do what God is commanding us to do and we sin in the act of doing nothing.

All of the conference was built around praise, worship and prayer. Every session included all of this because they are a staple of the church. They are the life of the church. It breathes them and exhales them on all of the people. We were so blessed to breath with this church for two weeks and to be a part of this conference.

It was a time of growth and stretching. We were reminded and challenged to again be filled with the Holy Spirit and what that really means.

The video below is a quick overview of the conference. Enjoy!