For a couple of months now, we have been working with several friends, family, and neighbors to prepare for a rummage sale that is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, September 11th, from 8:00AM-4:00PM EST. What was originally planned as a simple garage sale, quickly blossomed into something much bigger, as we began to receive offers for donated sale items, and a simple willingness from many to pitch in where needed.
A neighbor reached out to her church located just a few blocks from our house, and just like that Pastor Tony Sobocinski, and the parishioners at Concordia Lutheran Church opened their doors and agreed to host the event in their fellowship hall. It's been a true blessing and we are so grateful to everyone who has given of their time and their resources to make this become a reality.
With that said, if you happen to live within driving distance of Dayton, Ohio, we would love to have you visit and consider stopping by. Concordia is located at 250 Peach Orchard Drive in Oakwood, Ohio. 100% of all proceeds will go towards the funding of the Anslay Church of God Child Survival Program!
Additionally, we will have a special table on display where visitors can sign up to sponsor the Anslay CSP for only $20 a month, and choose from a variety of premium gift items that will be available on that day. Also, the wonderful folks at Chik-fil-A have provided us with coupons that will go to the first 50 visitors who buy an item at the sale. Each coupon entitles the customer to a free chicken sandwich with any restaurant purchase.
For those of you who live out of state, we would love to have your presence with us on that day as well. Above all, we would value your prayers before and on the 11th and that the Lord would use this event to bring in the needed funds and attract new sponsors. If you are already a monthly sponsor would you consider making an additional one-time gift on behalf of the sale? If you're new to the program, monthly sponsorship is only a click away!
Lastly, as the sale approaches, would you also be willing to share the link to this blog on your Facebook account and on other social media outlets? We're looking forward to what this weekend will hold and continue to trust in the Lord's sovereign will. God bless!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Question
I’ve been thinking a lot these days about my grandfather, Norman. This is nothing new, but the memory of him always seems to be that much stronger as the fall approaches. It was nine years ago this month when he passed from this world into Heaven’s kingdom, and though this time of year strengthens my recollection, it is not the primary reason why he’s come to the front of my mind.
There is one memory of him that seems to transcend all others and is practically woven as if with a golden thread through nearly every long-term encounter I ever had with this extraordinary man. As I look back on the times when I had the privilege to be alone with him, either driving in a car or on one of our family’s weekly Sunday afternoon visits, I knew that it would only be a matter of time before I would be asked “the question.” At a certain point during our conversation he would inevitably pause and then re-direct the subject to gently ask, “So how are you doing with Jesus?”
This was not an intrusive inquisition of my faith, but was instead a gracious and loving invitation to reflect upon and discuss the state of my daily walk and relationship with my Savior. I think back to those moments often, and vividly recall those times as a teenager and young man when I wasn’t especially proud of the answer I had to give.
Over the past couple of weeks our family has found itself in a season of uncertainty. We recently received word that the Rwandan government has temporarily halted all adoptions while it takes steps to update its process to meet certain international standards. The news is a disappointing pause in what is already a very long journey. Additionally, though the work has continued on in our fundraising efforts for the Anslay Church of God CSP (more on this very soon!!) there are admittedly times when it seems that progress is slow, and we feel as though we are running in place.
We know that both of these endeavors belong to God, but during these times it has been eye opening to learn just how much I have assumed a sense of ownership over each one. Work and duty has been the defining priority as we knock down each task and tirelessly pursue every goal. As worthy as these efforts might be, the relative stillness of the moment has been the cause for reflection, and the question once asked by my grandfather, returns as if it is spoken softly by the one he now walks with in a place that is just a breath away from here. “So how are you doing with me?” I hear Jesus ask.
As I have searched for my response I have seen a person who is eager to work but is often too busy for fervent prayer, or the extra time it takes to truly study God’s word. How quickly can we allow our work to distract us from the person whose love drew us to it in the first place? It’s a humbling reminder to return to where we were called to live from the start, but if a season of uncertainty is what it takes to bring us back there, then it may be the best thing that could ever happen to you or me. As you read the passage below, I am compelled to lovingly ask the question, “So how are you doing with Jesus?”
James 5:31-20
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
There is one memory of him that seems to transcend all others and is practically woven as if with a golden thread through nearly every long-term encounter I ever had with this extraordinary man. As I look back on the times when I had the privilege to be alone with him, either driving in a car or on one of our family’s weekly Sunday afternoon visits, I knew that it would only be a matter of time before I would be asked “the question.” At a certain point during our conversation he would inevitably pause and then re-direct the subject to gently ask, “So how are you doing with Jesus?”
This was not an intrusive inquisition of my faith, but was instead a gracious and loving invitation to reflect upon and discuss the state of my daily walk and relationship with my Savior. I think back to those moments often, and vividly recall those times as a teenager and young man when I wasn’t especially proud of the answer I had to give.
Over the past couple of weeks our family has found itself in a season of uncertainty. We recently received word that the Rwandan government has temporarily halted all adoptions while it takes steps to update its process to meet certain international standards. The news is a disappointing pause in what is already a very long journey. Additionally, though the work has continued on in our fundraising efforts for the Anslay Church of God CSP (more on this very soon!!) there are admittedly times when it seems that progress is slow, and we feel as though we are running in place.
We know that both of these endeavors belong to God, but during these times it has been eye opening to learn just how much I have assumed a sense of ownership over each one. Work and duty has been the defining priority as we knock down each task and tirelessly pursue every goal. As worthy as these efforts might be, the relative stillness of the moment has been the cause for reflection, and the question once asked by my grandfather, returns as if it is spoken softly by the one he now walks with in a place that is just a breath away from here. “So how are you doing with me?” I hear Jesus ask.
As I have searched for my response I have seen a person who is eager to work but is often too busy for fervent prayer, or the extra time it takes to truly study God’s word. How quickly can we allow our work to distract us from the person whose love drew us to it in the first place? It’s a humbling reminder to return to where we were called to live from the start, but if a season of uncertainty is what it takes to bring us back there, then it may be the best thing that could ever happen to you or me. As you read the passage below, I am compelled to lovingly ask the question, “So how are you doing with Jesus?”
James 5:31-20
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Reaching out to our Community
Each year, our small suburb celebrates the end of of the summer season by hosting an ice cream social. It's a fun event which is taking place this very afternoon.
This past week we had some car trouble that ultimately forced us to cancel long held travel plans to visit family in New Hampshire. In the midst of the disappointment we began to make alternate plans and Julie soon remembered a phone call she'd received from a friend a couple weeks ago. Her friend had suggested reaching out to our local community center to ask if we might be able to set up a booth at the ice cream social to share about the Anslay Church of God Child Survival Program. Booths typically house local businesses and craft vendors, so we didn't know if we would get the opportunity.
Julie's call ultimately paid off and we were given permission to set up shop. We don't know what to expect but we're excited at the opportunity talk to others about Compassion and what the Lord is doing through CSPs around the world. If you happen to live in or near Dayton, Ohio we'd love to see you. The social is being held between 3:30PM and 7:00PM EST at Shafor Park in Oakwood at the corner of Shafor Boulevard and Patterson Road .
More importantly though, I would ask any of you who are following this blog to take a few moments to lift up a prayer this afternoon as we seek to stand in the gap for moms and babies living and dying a world away. Pray that hearts would be open and receptive, and that above all God would be glorified and lifted up.
This past week we had some car trouble that ultimately forced us to cancel long held travel plans to visit family in New Hampshire. In the midst of the disappointment we began to make alternate plans and Julie soon remembered a phone call she'd received from a friend a couple weeks ago. Her friend had suggested reaching out to our local community center to ask if we might be able to set up a booth at the ice cream social to share about the Anslay Church of God Child Survival Program. Booths typically house local businesses and craft vendors, so we didn't know if we would get the opportunity.
Julie's call ultimately paid off and we were given permission to set up shop. We don't know what to expect but we're excited at the opportunity talk to others about Compassion and what the Lord is doing through CSPs around the world. If you happen to live in or near Dayton, Ohio we'd love to see you. The social is being held between 3:30PM and 7:00PM EST at Shafor Park in Oakwood at the corner of Shafor Boulevard and Patterson Road .
More importantly though, I would ask any of you who are following this blog to take a few moments to lift up a prayer this afternoon as we seek to stand in the gap for moms and babies living and dying a world away. Pray that hearts would be open and receptive, and that above all God would be glorified and lifted up.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Glimpsing the Future
As we partner with others to fund the Anslay Church of God Child Survival Program, we are looking forward to learning more about the people who will be blessed through the collected contributions. As more sponsorships arrive each week, we move a little bit closer towards the moment when we can report that the project is fully funded. We've got a long way to go yet, but feel so encouraged as God continues to move in people's hearts to participate.
In the mean time I wanted to pass along a couple of true stories that describe how the Lord is at work in the lives of individuals and communities where CSP programs have already been established. Both give a picture of the care that awaits the families in Mbulu, Tanzania once the project is funded.
The first recounts the story of a Ugandan mother who received lifesaving care for her and her newborn child as a result of a local CSP. You can read her story here.
The second is a copy of a report from a CSP in Illimomen, Kenya. This report is typical of what you will eventually receive as a sponsor of the Anslay project, and it provides a helpful summary of the actual number of mothers and infants that are a part of the program, a list of prayer requests, and photographs of the families. Since each CSP is managed and facilitated by a local church, the report also contains an interview with the project's pastor. You can read a copy of the report here.
Though we don't yet know the people of Mbulu, we know that God certainly does and we love them and continue to pray for the Lord's provision as we move forward. Please consider partnering with us today. Your contribution may very well save a life, and in the process begin to release a child and a family from poverty in Jesus' name!
In the mean time I wanted to pass along a couple of true stories that describe how the Lord is at work in the lives of individuals and communities where CSP programs have already been established. Both give a picture of the care that awaits the families in Mbulu, Tanzania once the project is funded.
The first recounts the story of a Ugandan mother who received lifesaving care for her and her newborn child as a result of a local CSP. You can read her story here.
The second is a copy of a report from a CSP in Illimomen, Kenya. This report is typical of what you will eventually receive as a sponsor of the Anslay project, and it provides a helpful summary of the actual number of mothers and infants that are a part of the program, a list of prayer requests, and photographs of the families. Since each CSP is managed and facilitated by a local church, the report also contains an interview with the project's pastor. You can read a copy of the report here.
Though we don't yet know the people of Mbulu, we know that God certainly does and we love them and continue to pray for the Lord's provision as we move forward. Please consider partnering with us today. Your contribution may very well save a life, and in the process begin to release a child and a family from poverty in Jesus' name!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Witness the Power of One
What if you knew that the gift of your commitment to love and support another individual, could literally save their life and set it on a path that might bless a multitude of others for generations and an eternity to come?
It’s easy to rattle off statistics about third-world mortality rates, and to quote incomprehensible figures meant to paint a picture of the losses being realized each day in places where hope is a concept as inconceivable as a snowflake. Contemplating and praying over the plight of the masses is both right and necessary, but at its heart, the most compelling number of all is the life of one.
By supporting Compassion’s Child Survival Program you give a little one a chance at life, and once they are old enough, the opportunity to be a part of the Child Sponsorship Program where they can develop a one-on-one relationship with a sponsor who will love, support, and pray for them. It’s truly difficult to measure the power of this connection as countless stories of hope, rescue, and redemption are living proof of its incredible impact. Many children grow up to qualify to be a part of Compassion’s Leadership Development Program which provides Christian leadership training and tuition for Compassion graduates to attend an accredited university. Though I could point you to encouraging statistics about the number of children being rescued from the cycle of poverty, I’d just like you to hear the amazing story of one.
The video below introduces you to Jimmy Wambua who shares his incredible journey of survival and hope in the midst of great deprivation and heart-wrenching tragedy. His story provides us with an incredible example of what can happen when one is simply willing to reach out to another to share the love of Christ. Perhaps today is the day for you to stand in the gap for one who is waiting for their own journey begin. (Jimmy’s story begins at the 1:50 mark)
It’s easy to rattle off statistics about third-world mortality rates, and to quote incomprehensible figures meant to paint a picture of the losses being realized each day in places where hope is a concept as inconceivable as a snowflake. Contemplating and praying over the plight of the masses is both right and necessary, but at its heart, the most compelling number of all is the life of one.
By supporting Compassion’s Child Survival Program you give a little one a chance at life, and once they are old enough, the opportunity to be a part of the Child Sponsorship Program where they can develop a one-on-one relationship with a sponsor who will love, support, and pray for them. It’s truly difficult to measure the power of this connection as countless stories of hope, rescue, and redemption are living proof of its incredible impact. Many children grow up to qualify to be a part of Compassion’s Leadership Development Program which provides Christian leadership training and tuition for Compassion graduates to attend an accredited university. Though I could point you to encouraging statistics about the number of children being rescued from the cycle of poverty, I’d just like you to hear the amazing story of one.
The video below introduces you to Jimmy Wambua who shares his incredible journey of survival and hope in the midst of great deprivation and heart-wrenching tragedy. His story provides us with an incredible example of what can happen when one is simply willing to reach out to another to share the love of Christ. Perhaps today is the day for you to stand in the gap for one who is waiting for their own journey begin. (Jimmy’s story begins at the 1:50 mark)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
What is the Chief End of Man?
This is a worthwhile question whether you are student of the Westminster Shorter Catechism or not. It seems simple enough, but upon closer inspection one quickly understands that it is very plainly asking for a singular answer. It doesn’t ask for “a chief end of man” since the exclusivity of the word, “chief” simply renders it illogical. No, instead pierces to the heart of the human condition with the unflinching audacity to demand and assume the truth.
The paradox is that our difficulty with this question only comes when we operate under the assumption that we in our humanity are the source for obtaining a valid answer. Our predicament grows even further when we begin to look within and reason that there is no valid response. Our culture clings to the ragged myth that there is no absolute truth, though some of the brightest and well-learned intellectuals of our day claim to believe this absolutely. Under this tail-chasing assumption, the belief that we are intended to “Glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” is not merely an absurdity. It is an abomination of the highest order.
On the other hand, many who would agree with this statement, don’t allow its words to penetrate past the heart. This is what I wrestle with the most. Does my life glorify the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Creator of the heavens and the earth whose majesty is wrapped up in the triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Scripture unashamedly claims that truth is not only knowable, but that it is His and His alone. If I am to accept this along with God’s grace, and forgiveness, then am I not compelled by love to give Him more of my life than I already do?
This is difficult for us to swallow as we live in an age of bloated consumerism and an addiction to vain pursuits and platforms that turn the smallest of us into the gods of our own temporary universes. It’s tragically ironic that as our technology improves and our television screens grow wider and more defined, our vision of the world seems to proportionately fade and blur. What do we have time for, or better yet, what are we making time for? Though one much wiser than me wrote that out of the abundance of one’s heart the mouth speaks, I wonder how much louder our actions call out when we squander the opportunities and gifts we’ve been given on vain and worthless pursuits?
There are many ends to man, but only one of them is chief above all. May all else fall away as we dedicate our hearts to it.
The paradox is that our difficulty with this question only comes when we operate under the assumption that we in our humanity are the source for obtaining a valid answer. Our predicament grows even further when we begin to look within and reason that there is no valid response. Our culture clings to the ragged myth that there is no absolute truth, though some of the brightest and well-learned intellectuals of our day claim to believe this absolutely. Under this tail-chasing assumption, the belief that we are intended to “Glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” is not merely an absurdity. It is an abomination of the highest order.
On the other hand, many who would agree with this statement, don’t allow its words to penetrate past the heart. This is what I wrestle with the most. Does my life glorify the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Creator of the heavens and the earth whose majesty is wrapped up in the triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Scripture unashamedly claims that truth is not only knowable, but that it is His and His alone. If I am to accept this along with God’s grace, and forgiveness, then am I not compelled by love to give Him more of my life than I already do?
This is difficult for us to swallow as we live in an age of bloated consumerism and an addiction to vain pursuits and platforms that turn the smallest of us into the gods of our own temporary universes. It’s tragically ironic that as our technology improves and our television screens grow wider and more defined, our vision of the world seems to proportionately fade and blur. What do we have time for, or better yet, what are we making time for? Though one much wiser than me wrote that out of the abundance of one’s heart the mouth speaks, I wonder how much louder our actions call out when we squander the opportunities and gifts we’ve been given on vain and worthless pursuits?
There are many ends to man, but only one of them is chief above all. May all else fall away as we dedicate our hearts to it.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
One-Time Gifts Revisited
Though it's been a little while since my last post I'm pleased to report that the number of needed sponsorships has dropped from our original goal of 123 down to 110. We've been thrilled and blessed to hear from a number of people who are passionate about saving the lives of children in Tanzania and we are thankful for every gift that's been made so far.
Though monthly sponsorships are a key element to sustain the program for years to come, we've also received some excellent questions about the need for one-time gifts. Already we've been contacted by individuals who have had garage sales, and also from others who have hosted birthday parties where donations to the CSP have been given in place of traditional gifts.
Almost every time the question has been asked, "Am I able to donate this money to the project?" Our answer, of course, is an enthusiastic, "Yes!"
We realize, however, that the link to Compassion's Anslay Church of God website appears to only offer the ability to give in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual increments. However, the opportunity to give on a one-time basis is certainly available and is equally secure. Since I previously wrote about this back in June, I think the best thing is to provide you with that link which offers step-by-step instructions, complete with screen shots from each key portion of the website.
We are also available to answer any questions you might have about the site or any other aspect of the project, so feel free to e-mail us at thompsonwriting@att.net. We continue to feel so thankful as we partner with you to fund this project and share the love of Christ with so many who live a world away. It's even inspired us to come up with our own unique and creative ways to raise funds as well, and we'll be sharing much more about those plans in the coming days and weeks.
As always, this project is the Lord's "house" to build and these mothers and children belong to the One who sits on the throne at the right hand of the Father. We are confident in His abundant provision and grace as we continue to walk forward with you on this journey. God bless you and thank you for giving!
Though monthly sponsorships are a key element to sustain the program for years to come, we've also received some excellent questions about the need for one-time gifts. Already we've been contacted by individuals who have had garage sales, and also from others who have hosted birthday parties where donations to the CSP have been given in place of traditional gifts.
Almost every time the question has been asked, "Am I able to donate this money to the project?" Our answer, of course, is an enthusiastic, "Yes!"
We realize, however, that the link to Compassion's Anslay Church of God website appears to only offer the ability to give in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual increments. However, the opportunity to give on a one-time basis is certainly available and is equally secure. Since I previously wrote about this back in June, I think the best thing is to provide you with that link which offers step-by-step instructions, complete with screen shots from each key portion of the website.
We are also available to answer any questions you might have about the site or any other aspect of the project, so feel free to e-mail us at thompsonwriting@att.net. We continue to feel so thankful as we partner with you to fund this project and share the love of Christ with so many who live a world away. It's even inspired us to come up with our own unique and creative ways to raise funds as well, and we'll be sharing much more about those plans in the coming days and weeks.
As always, this project is the Lord's "house" to build and these mothers and children belong to the One who sits on the throne at the right hand of the Father. We are confident in His abundant provision and grace as we continue to walk forward with you on this journey. God bless you and thank you for giving!
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