Bake Sale Blessing!

Last week, I was so blessed by the third grade students at my school! (These are students that I would have had in my class this year if I hadn't resigned to leave for Brazil.) Two of them had the idea of having a bake sale during parent-teacher conferences to raise money for CLM. Rebecca and Payton (along with their younger brother, Logan and their parents) talked with other students and hung up flyers around the community to advertise. They raised almost $300! I was so impressed with their genuine concern for children that they will probably never meet.

A Ministry Opportunity

Last night, we had the privilege of joining a friend of ours who ministers at the Total Living Center at 9th and Harrison in Canton. (Thanks for inviting us, Christina!) TLC provides those in need with a hot lunch every day and dinner three days a week. The gospel is preached, an altar call for salvation and healing is offered, and gifts and groceries are generously given at each service. They also have a free clinic and offer free legal services. We were humbled by the obvious basic needs of those who live right here in our community. It was truly an eye-opener of the mission field in our own backyard.

Pastor Bartow and his wife, Mary started this ministry 15 years ago--AFTER retiring from the pastorate. He is now 82 years old! The gospel message to feed the poor and heal the sick is lived out each day through their genuine love and obedience. Pastor Bartow told us that it's the only church he knows that gives more each week than they get in the offering plate! We would definitely recommend that you check this great ministry out for yourself.

Wet Cement

"The spirit of a little child is a lot like wet cement. When a child is young, it takes little effort to make an impression that can last a lifetime."

I was sharing tonight with my friend, Stacey about how I believe our MDs ("missionary dogs") are going to make a lasting impression on the kids at CLM. I have learned many spiritual lessons from Maggie and Mocha. Most importantly, is the tangible expression of unconditional love. It doesn't matter how I look or what I've done--they greet me with wags and kisses, and a look that screams, "I have the best mom in the whole world!" If I've been gone for only a few minutes or a few weeks, their reaction is the same--uninhibited, genuine excitement that we are together again. They don't care what I'm doing, they just want to spend time with me--the closer the better. (Isn't that God's desire of us?) I think about how comforting they are to me and I know their impact on the children will even be greater. Please pray for their travel experience and adjustment to Brazilian wildlife (porcupines, tarantulas, and scorpions...oh my!)

Dear Lord, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am!