The House Call

Up the dirt road we trudged. Alan, Kay, and I stopped outside the small, concrete home and waited. The door opened. Kay explained why we were there so the door opened wider to allow us to enter.
Clothes hung on lines around the room. Shelves held folded clothes and accessories. An immaculate store occupied the front room of the home. A young woman and older man greeted us.
Earlier in the day, Kay had spoken to the man when she was visiting local residents. Because of recent surgery, he could not walk down the hill to our boat so requested a home visit. Though unusual, we made time to see him.
Because of a dwindling supply of glasses and only three strengths remaining out of ten, the choices were few. Alan picked up three pair of glasses, and we left for the home.
Alan requested a Bible to use for his glasses check. The man told Kay that he could not read. He did know numbers so I found a calendar on the wall to use.
The man put on the glasses Alan handed him. He looked at the calendar and smiled. The first pair worked. Once again, God knew what we needed.
With Kay’s interpretation, he discovered Alan wore the same strength. They were also almost the same age. Smiles went around the room. A lady at an adjoining house a few feet away leaned out her window and smiled into the store.
After a short conversation and handshakes, we were ready to leave. The house call had been very successful. Before we left, Alan wanted to practice the Portuguese Kay had taught him.
He often learns a few phrases of the language wherever we go. He had asked Kay how to say God go with you.
With confidence and a smile, he repeated the words. Even though I don’t try to speak unfamiliar languages, I knew what she had told him. It was not what he said. I began to laugh. After shocked expressions on the faces of the Brazilians, they also started laughing.
“What did I say?” Alan asked.
“You just said, ‘God break your soul’,” Kay giggled.
She quickly got him out of the predicament. All four of us laughed and laughed. With a pat on the back and a smile, we departed.
The goof made me think how easy it is for poor communication to cause problems. People may have good intentions but may jumble the words. Others may hear something that wasn’t actually said.
Thankfully, an excellent interpreter and laugher saved the situation.

Cruising the Amazon

Like a gigantic floodlight, the full moon illuminated the deck outside our cabin. Black water and dark shadows passed by. Overhead, unfamiliar constellations twinkled.
My mind played like a broken record, You are on the Amazon in the middle of the rainforest. It seemed so surreal.
Several nights we traveled all night up the river to be at a village the next morning. How did the captain do it?
Instead of being filled with the latest technology and secluded from passengers as on a large cruise ship, the bridge on our boat was always open to us and only three doors from our cabin. I saw few instruments and a large wheel. How did the captain know where we were going in the blackness? Somehow he and his crew always got us to each village safely. They worked tirelessly to steer the boat, mop the decks, and secure the vessel. They often joined us during our morning devotional time. Each day they were happy and available to all of us.
After being in a village one day and knowing we would be there the second day, we were surprised to leave at nightfall. Down the river we went and turned onto a smaller tributary. Alan and I were stunned when the boat glided up to a mostly submerged tree. A crew member threw a rope around the tree and secured it. Branches rested on the front of the boat. Was something wrong with the boat? Were we stopping to fix it?
After staying there for a while, we realized that we had docked for the night. Visions of anaconda and other slithering creatures filled my mind. Monkeys, jaguars, and poisonous spiders jumped in too. Surely all of them could be in that tree and overtake our boat.
While Alan and I discussed our unusual stop, the mission doctor passed by. “That is not safe,” she said. “One time a snake came onboard and got a lady. Use your flashlight.”
It was not all my imagination. Animals could be in the tree and join us.
In the middle of the night, I awoke and needed to make a trip to the bathroom down the outside deck. I waited and waited. Finally, I knew I had to get up. When I moved, I heard Alan move too. He agreed to go with me onto the deck. First, we looked both ways with our flashlight. The way was clear. With the flashlight glowing, we stepped quickly into our cabin.
Early the next morning, I was up when the the captain moved the boat. He edged forward so the rope could be untied. However, he went too far. Limbs crunched and snapped. He backed up and most of the tree righted itself. We were headed back to the village.
Another marvelous sunrise painted the sky pink. Another of God’s wonderful presents on the Amazon.
On our last night of the cruise, we again coasted up to a tree with only its top limbs exposed. However, the boat could not get close enough to tie the rope. A crew member jumped into the inky water. He tromped a few steps to the trunk, flung the rope, and returned to the boat. What was he walking on?
I held my breath the whole time. Crocodiles, anaconda, and piranha lived in those waters. He could be snatched, coiled, or eaten. In Florida, people are advised to stay out of bodies of water at night. He seemed unconcerned and climbed back onto the boat without mishap.
We faced another night of watching the deck for intruders. Probably there was little chance of problems, but movies, books, and T.V. shows aided my imagination. Along with the magnificent sunrises and sunsets, we received a dose of adventure with our mission cruise.

Swift Prayer

With dinner on the table, Ashlyn, Emily, and I began eating. Molly sat in her seat grabbing tiny bites of food from her tray. After a few minutes, her normally sunny disposition was replaced by whining. She only ate if I fed her. Nothing seemed to satisfy.
Molly continued to twist, turn and whine. Nothing helped.
“Let’s pray for Molly,” five year old Emily said. She leaned toward Molly while we all closed our eyes. “God, be with Molly. Help her have a good night. Amen.”
She opened her eyes and smiled at a now silent Molly. With assurance that her sister would be ok, Emily returned to her dinner.
When there is a need, stop and pray. Simple solution. Powerful message. Another sermon from a young child.

Matthew 21: 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing you will receive.

Dear Lord, help me remember to pray immediately when there is a need. Amen

Another Surprise on the Amazon

Picture by Ella Uwaibi

In front of Alan, a ten year old girl waited expectantly. Through Ruth, his interpreter, he learned the child could not read. Therefore, he placed his eye chart of symbols on the table. The child just stared at it and spoke to Ruth who explained that even the middle line was blurry.
Rarely do reading glasses help the children Alan sees on mission trips. Most need prescription lens or surgery. Therefore, his supply of glasses is geared to adults.
He looked into the bags of glasses hoping for a pair that might not be too big. What a surprise to find one small pair. He handed them to the little girl.
Carefully, she put them on and looked down at the chart. Her face crinkled into a wide grin. Because she could see, the pastor’s daughter could now learn to read.
Once again, God supplied the glasses for an unusual case. Out of over two hundred pair of glasses, one small pair waited on a special, little girl with a specific need.

Romans 11: 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be the glory forever. Amen

Masterpieces of the Amazon

A diffusion of yellow sunlight enlivened the clouds. An artist’s light brushstrokes of white and gray whisked across the pastel blue sky. From a wee blaze of fire to a colossal ball, the sun transformed the darkness of the jungle. Within a few minutes, black nothingness became shadowy forms and finally, masses of green surrounding a quiet dark river.
Each morning as Alan and I watched the sunrise, we marveled at its beauty and that we were actually there. For years images of the Amazon formed in our minds from movies, books, television, and magazines like National Geographic. It was a faraway, mysterious place filled with huge snakes, fierce crocodiles, impenetrable vegetation, and deadly diseases.
The gorgeous sunrises over the large, serene river painted a quite different picture. Cool mornings, breathtaking skies, and calm waters captivated and refreshed us as we prepared for the day. Usually only a couple other team members shared the deck with us. Few words were spoken. There was a reverence as we spent time with God.
After a few minutes, the coolness vanished. Light glared off the water. Passengers awakened. A few boats joined us. But each masterpiece provided a unique gift to carry throughout our day.

Creator, thank you for the infinite treasures of your creation. Amen

An Amazing Amazon Tale

From the bank he watched his boat drift into the current of the Amazon. His only mode of transportation gone. Untied and pushed into the water by villagers opposed to his work, his small boat floated toward the center of the wide, quickly flowing river. In spite of the antagonism, the pastor knew God had called him to minister to those along the river.
When he and his family had to leave their mission work in Angola because of the war, he felt God’s call to the Amazon. Even when his wife balked at the idea of starting Presbyterian churches in the area, he persisted. God changed her heart. Many counseled them to not go, but they went. The couple and their three children evangelized in villages on the mighty river. With two children now in college and one working in Youth with a Mission, the couple continue to serve the twelve churches they planted. Going from village to village in a boat allows him to visit each one every month.
One village was especially resistant to evangelism. Besides untying his boat, the power was cut off when he tried to work on the church. Rocks flew at him. Disgruntled residents threw wood for construction of the church into the river. They hoped to stop the building. He remained faithful and persistent. If God wanted the church to be built, it would be built.
One year a flood consumed the village. Ground washed away from the rest of the area, but the church stood on solid ground. It was the only building unfazed by the swirling torrents.
Hardships continued. Six years ago a strong wind swept his boat away. As he attempted to retrieve it, the strong current yanked him into the swirling water. Exhausted and weary, he couldn’t reach shore. Finally, a small fishing boat came. But with a large fish filling the space, there was no room for the struggling pastor. Fortunately, another boat arrived and pulled him from the dangerous river. He survived.
Four years later another huge flood again destroyed the village which hovered on the banks of the river. Disaster demolished their homes and their resistance to God. They accepted the church and began to know Jesus.
His message to our group was to overcome barriers-cultural, geographic or whatever we face. Don’t give up when times get hard. All Christians are to go out and not just the leaders. Through an interpreter, the humble, persevering pastor shared his remarkable story.
For two days we ministered in that once hostile village. Residents welcomed and accepted medical care from the doctor and dentist. Children learned about God through VBS. Alan’s glasses helped them see. A church service enabled them to learn more about Jesus. Several families received clothes, school supplies, and hygiene items in bags filled by our team. The visit was made possible because of years of persecution, endurance, and obedience by a serving pastor and his family.
After hearing of his years of struggles, persecutions and hardships, any problems or persecutions I might have are truly insignificant. He didn’t look for fame or glory but desired to be obedient to God’s call. Though he is not known around the world, his work is recognized by the One who matters.

Acts 8:1-8 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Reflections on the Amazon Mission

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 2 Corinthians 9: 9

The fan blew a tiny, hot breeze onto us offering minute relief from the stifling heat. Our examining room at the front of the boat had no AC but a few open windows. With the crush of clients, the heat grew more intense.
A young man escorted a ninety year old lady to her seat across the table from us. A young mother and daughter joined her as they sat nearby. We smiled at them but Ruth, our interpreter, did the talking.
Ruth asked her to read the passage from the opened Portuguese Bible Alan put in front of her..
With a shake of her head, she told Ruth she couldn’t read it. With each pair of glasses Alan tried, she continued to shake her head.
“She needs a high strength. Give me 4.0,” he told me.
I reached into the bag containing 4.0 reading glasses to find a pair for a lady. One pair caught my eye. The label said 6.0. I had never seen a strength that high in our supply.
“How about this pair?” I asked.
“I didn’t know we had any like that,” he answered as he handed the glasses to her.
With the glasses perched on her nose, she grinned and nodded. Immediately, she began reading and reading. Her face was aglow as we all marveled at the transformation.
Finally, she stopped to converse with Ruth. We discovered that she had not been able to read the Bible for some time. She only had a New Testament and wondered if she could get the entire Bible. Her grandson worked on our sister boat so Ruth assured her that he would receive her new Bible.
Though the strength of the glasses fit, the frames did not. Apparently, the previous owner was much larger. The stretched glasses kept falling down her nose.
Alan and Ruth hurried to the kitchen to make the adjustments. Boiling water softened the plastic so he could contour them to her face.
With her new glasses in a spiffy case, the sweet lady embraced each of us before she left. What a blessing to be able to see someone’s life changed by being able to see clearly again.
Glasses we gave out came from the Lions Club and friends who donated unused glasses. Everyone who has unneeded glasses can give them to their local Lions Club who clean, repair, measure, and label them before distribution. One person’s castoff becomes another’s treasure.

Dear Lord, help me give to those less fortunate whether at home or abroad. Amen

Sixty-sixth Anniversary

With little money but loads of love, my parent’s wedding occurred as World War II neared an end. A small home wedding attended by family and friends started their long journey together.
Rationing produced obstacles and required creativity to pull off the wedding and honeymoon. Borrowed tires, rationed gas, and a young couple’s excitement, took them to the family cottage on a northern Indiana lake for a few days.
For sixty-six years they have been a team raising children, finishing education, moving several times, and living life. That is quite a feat in our current world.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.
Love, Rebecca

Who is Not Guilty?

Not Guilty screamed the headlines. The news blared on all the TV stations. Video of the verdict played over and over.
The case consumed Orlando, captured Florida, and enthralled the world. Three years of investigations, accusations, and testimonies dominated the media. All types of people were seized and held captive-young, old, male, female, rich, poor, educated, uneducated ... Like a horrible, riveting soap opera, lives were exposed and damaged while the world watched.
Opinions differed. Debates and arguments occupied time. Words and actions revealed strong emotions. The terrible crime created victims and villains.
Tensions rose higher and higher. After the case closed, the jury deliberated. Sides were taken as each hoped for the right decision.
Finally, the jury returned. The decisions rang out across the world. Total shock. Relief. Stunned silence. Joyful hugs. Both inside and outside of the courtroom, a range of emotions surfaced.
Though the daily coverage ended, the saga isn’t over. Sentencing comes later. Media frenzy continues with interviews, tabloids, books, movies ...
So many questions remain unanswered. Who killed Caylee? How could any mother do such a thing? Why didn’t she report her child missing? How could Casey lie and lie while she partied? Why did such an adorable child’s life end so tragically? Probably those questions will never be answered satisfactorily.
Crimes against children grab attention and demand action. This one invaded our homes and insisted on justice. For many, that justice did not come. However, God is the ultimate judge.
Outrage, indignation, and helplessness about injustice done to Caylee can be channeled to help other children. In every community around the world, innocent children are abused, neglected, starved, and killed. Only a few of the cases appear on the news. They suffer in silence hoping someone will come to their aid. Often only a few know of their struggles.
They can be helped. Everyone who watched the trial, read the reports, and felt anger at the cruelty can rescue other children.
Around the world, thousands die each day of starvation, disease, and war. They ache from hunger and abuse. Mental and physical abuse occur in all levels of society. A poor economy only intensifies the problem.
Opportunities abound to assist to make lives better. Donate food and money to a food pantry or foreign ministry. Volunteer for a feeding program, at a homeless shelter, or abuse center. Encourage a single parent. Write letters to the newspaper or government leaders. Let the world know about the problems and offer to help.
Problems can be attacked and children saved. Anger, exasperation, and compassion should not be wasted on things we can’t change. Together we can make a difference. No one wants to hear Not Guilty when asked if he helped make a child’s life better.

We hold these truths to be self-evident...

Fireworks. Parades. Hamburgers and hot dogs. Beaches. All traditional Fourth of July activities.
The first Independence Day looked much different. Agonizing days of debate-writing and rewriting-until a formal document was approved. Important words on a piece of parchment announced to the world the beginning of a new nation.
Not everyone agreed. Arguments, fights, and battles followed the signing of the Declaration. For years war raged.
Finally, a permanent government was established, under God, which represented the people. Freedom and independence drew people from around the world. Molded together yet retaining separate identities. There was a promise of a better future for all.
Unfortunately, for some people the ideals and principles of our Founding Fathers have been overlooked and discarded. No longer is faith in God, a strong work ethic, and a sense of law and order important. Selfishness, a sense of entitlement, and greed reign in their lives.
Law abiding citizens who value our country remain in the majority. However, it is crucial that those Americans stand firm and not forget our roots. The Constitution guarantees freedoms but requires responsibility. With complacency, the rights of the majority can be taken away.
While traveling the world, I have seen all kinds of governments and the results of each type. Every trip makes me more thankful to be an American. What we take for granted is only a dream for many around the world.
Never will we all agree on everything. But we can debate, compromise, and work together to keep our country strong. We can celebrate our accomplishments and encourage the dreams.
If only all Americans had the opportunity to travel to less fortunate, oppressive countries, how perspectives would change.
Be thankful for the wonderful country we have and generations of citizens who have struggled and died so we can be free.
God bless America.

Sobering News on Emails and Facebook

2 Corinthians 1: 2-5 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise to the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Two emails and a facebook post contained solemn news. The message on facebook conveyed encouragement that surgery went well. After a recent stroke, the friend from church continues to show signs of improvement. A nod. Squeezing both hands. Opening of eyes. Tiny steps lead to big miracles.
Both emails dealt with death. The first was about the passing of a sixty-seven year old man who had been under the care of Hospice. Though his family will miss him terribly, his death brought freedom from pain and suffering. He was ready to meet Jesus.
The second one related the prognosis of a young boy. Most of his short life he has fought a valiant fight against leukemia. Frequent hospital stays. Rounds and rounds of difficult treatment. Tubes and needles. Foreign to most but familiar to him.
Today he celebrated his eighth birthday a month early. His desire was for a pirate party so Base Camp at Arnold Palmer Hospital made it possible. In spite of his intense pain and strong medication, he wanted to party.
Friends learned that his wish was to have an I-pad so they delivered it to him. His huge smile revealed his pleasure.
Yesterday, doctors told his mother that treatment was no longer working. Medical science had exhausted all resources. Their medication can try to alleviate the pain.
The attitude, compassion, and faith of that young man has touched many, many lives. In the hospital he encouraged other young patients and is known as Dr. Joseph. He knows he will be with Jesus when his time here is over.

Please pray for the friends and family of all three.
Bob’s family as they deal with his death and the multiple services here and up north.
Loyd and his family as he journeys toward recovery.
Joseph and his family as they spend quality time together as long as possible and that he leaves peacefully.

Dear Lord, be with all of the family and friends of these three. Touch Loyd and Joseph in a special way. Remind us to say I love you and to enjoy time with our loved ones. Amen