After getting the update on Nora, Melanie and I went back to the delivery room to find a mom struggling to deliver her baby. This was her 6th child and she had been pushing for two hours with no success. Clearly something was wrong. The doctor told her the baby was “getting tired”, though they had no real way to monitor the baby’s well-being in that little clinic. He announced that he was leaving to prepare the OR for a c-section. However, the mom and her husband seemed unwilling to sign the necessary paperwork for surgery. The atmosphere was tense and we were so concerned about this mom and her baby. Melanie and I just stood by watching it all not knowing what in the world to do. We looked at each other and knew we needed to pray. We stood there in that tiny, unairconditioned delivery room in a remote village in Africa and called out to the only One who could intervene. We prayed aloud and simultaneously calling out to God to save this baby and mom.
After several minutes the OR nurse entered intending to get the father to sign the paperwork for a c-section. She looked at the mom and decided “we can get this baby out”. So she literally climbed on top of this mother and began pressing down hard on her abdomen. We had been told by the doctors that the nurses and midwives will do this but that many moms and babies have died because the uterus ruptures under such force. The midwife was yelling at the mom but the mom was losing strength. Needless to say, our fears increased with every passing moment. Finally, the midwife looked in our direction and said “come help me”. I’m sure we must’ve turned to look behind us. Who? Us? Well there was no one else there and, frankly, I was happy to have an assignment if it meant helping in this emergency. The midwife asked Melanie to hold one of the mom’s legs and asked me to help her sit up. So I did. I reached my arm around this mom’s waist, letting her lean back on my chest and shoulder, my arm against her bare, sweat-soaked back. And we ALL pushed. Finally, after many minutes, a little head emerged. Soon we could see the problem. The baby’s umbilical cord was wrapped around its shoulder and chest. Thankfully, it wasn’t around the baby’s neck. The nurse pulled the cord over the baby’s head and the baby boy was finally born. WOW. Boy did we cheer and cry. I’m certain I worked harder to bring that baby into the world than I did with my own children!
Our celebration was short-lived when we realized this baby was not breathing. He was gray and lifeless. His little head was horribly misshapen from being in the birth canal for so long. Again we prayed fervently, begging God to breathe life into the baby. Finally, after what seemed like many minutes, the baby boy began to cry. More cheers. More tears. The nurse and midwife thanked us over and over again for our prayers. I will always believe that God allowed us to witness a miracle that day. He displayed His power over life and I pray He received all the glory!
Friday, December 9, 2011
New Life
After Juliet left with Renee, Melanie and I were able to observe a c-section birth. The team used Ether to sedate the mom. We watched through the window of a swinging door, inhaling plenty of Ether ourselves. While the team prepped for the surgery and the mom was still awake, she was left on an operating table in the center of the room, completely nude and all alone. She appeared remarkably calm in spite of the circumstances.
The c-section was amazing and a beautiful baby boy was welcomed into the world right in front of our eyes! We cheered at the sound of that first cry.
We then went back to the maternity ward where we met Nora. She was in labor. She was from Kampala, the capital city, but had traveled many hours to this village to visit her sick mother. Her husband was in Kampala and her mother was too sick to be with her. So she was in labor with her first child and was essentially alone. When we met her, she was 6 cm dilated and contracting every 5 minutes. She was also experiencing excruciating back labor. Sandra and I ministered to her the best we could. Of course, there was no pain medication. She didn’t even have a bed to rest in but was told to walk until time to deliver. We wiped her brow and neck with a cool cloth. I let her squeeze my hand during contractions and exams (and, boy did she squeeze!!). At times she would squeeze so hard that I had to brace myself to keep from being pulled over. We walked and breathed and prayed. We took long, deep breaths together. I rubbed her lower back during contractions. It was a hard but sweet time. She was so appreciative and once said “Thank you so much, I appreciate your company” in her sweet African accent. It was so hard to leave her at nearly 8 cm. We stayed until the very last minute that we could. We prayed over her and I continued to pray all through the night that God would comfort and protect her.
We visited families in the village the next morning and by the time we made it back to the clinic, Nora had already gone home. She had delivered a healthy baby girl during the night. Praise the Lord! The midwife told Sandra that Nora had named the baby Celeste. It means celestial and was in honor of “the angels” God sent to help her the day before. Wow.
The c-section was amazing and a beautiful baby boy was welcomed into the world right in front of our eyes! We cheered at the sound of that first cry.
We then went back to the maternity ward where we met Nora. She was in labor. She was from Kampala, the capital city, but had traveled many hours to this village to visit her sick mother. Her husband was in Kampala and her mother was too sick to be with her. So she was in labor with her first child and was essentially alone. When we met her, she was 6 cm dilated and contracting every 5 minutes. She was also experiencing excruciating back labor. Sandra and I ministered to her the best we could. Of course, there was no pain medication. She didn’t even have a bed to rest in but was told to walk until time to deliver. We wiped her brow and neck with a cool cloth. I let her squeeze my hand during contractions and exams (and, boy did she squeeze!!). At times she would squeeze so hard that I had to brace myself to keep from being pulled over. We walked and breathed and prayed. We took long, deep breaths together. I rubbed her lower back during contractions. It was a hard but sweet time. She was so appreciative and once said “Thank you so much, I appreciate your company” in her sweet African accent. It was so hard to leave her at nearly 8 cm. We stayed until the very last minute that we could. We prayed over her and I continued to pray all through the night that God would comfort and protect her.
We visited families in the village the next morning and by the time we made it back to the clinic, Nora had already gone home. She had delivered a healthy baby girl during the night. Praise the Lord! The midwife told Sandra that Nora had named the baby Celeste. It means celestial and was in honor of “the angels” God sent to help her the day before. Wow.
Uganda Day 1: Meeting Juliet
My first couple of hours at the Manafwa Health Clinic were spent touring the facility. Hundreds of people come everyday, waiting for hours to be seen by one of two doctors. There is no running water at the clinic and the facilities are quite primitive. Despite their very limited resources, this clinic treats HIV, TB, malaria, and dehydration. They do surgeries and deliver babies (lots of babies – stay tuned for those stories!).
After touring the clinic, I began to feel pretty useless. I’m not a doctor or a nurse, so I wasn’t sure exactly what my role should be. I turned the corner to see Josh (Serving His Children’s team coordinator) holding a tiny, lethargic, sickly little girl. Juliet had all the signs of severe malnutrition. Her hair was losing its pigment, her skin was breaking down causing open sores and cracks all over her body, and her hands and feet were severely swollen with edema. Her shoulders and back were so bony and her eyes were so sad. I gently took her from Josh but she winced from the pain of being touched. She was too weak to cry but let out a tiny sound, like a newborn kitten. Although she looked like a young toddler, Juliet is actually 4 years old.
For awhile she sat in my arms, not responding to anyone or anything. I had no idea what to do with her as we waited for her mother to return and for Renee to finish clinic so that Juliet could be admitted to the Jinja clinic. I have a four-year-old little girl at home. So, on the one hand it was so easy to love Juliet. On the other hand it was almost unbearable to see her suffering. So I comforted her the same way I would’ve comforted my own little girl. I held her and swayed. I sang “Jesus Loves Me” over and over. Finally she relaxed and rested her head on my chest. As long as I was singing or humming, she would keep her head right there on my chest. So we walked and we swayed and we sang. After awhile, I sat in the back of the matatu (van) and leaned back on a backpack so Juliet could rest without me putting too much pressure on her hurting little body. She finally fell asleep. Oh how I loved holding her. I believe that’s exactly what Jesus would’ve done if He were physically present in that moment. So I was His arms holding her. I was His hands gently stroking her tender skin. I was His voice singing over sweet Juliet. “Jesus loves me…little ones to Him belong…they are weak but He is strong.” Oh God, thank you for my time with Juliet. They were two of the sweetest hours of my life. Father, please teach her mother how to love her and feed her and care for her. Please draw her mother to You.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Guatemala 2010
Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the LORD will answer them;
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We were driving through Guatemala City, past the “ghetto” where the poorest of the poor live. The homes are really tin sheds, at best. Our pets and lawnmowers have nicer accommodations. Many of the children who live in this ghetto are orphaned. “Poverty” doesn’t even seem to accurately describe what we saw.
We arrived at the church, Iglesia Adonai. We enjoyed a wonderful service with familiar worship songs sung in Spanish. The boys behind us were giggling and trying to engage us. We smiled back and communicated with gestures and our limited Spanish. They asked to play with my camera and I happily obliged, watching them take pictures of their friends as their friends tried to hide behind one another. Riley shared her activity book and the boys were amazed by the erasable ink.
At one point, one of the boys, probably 9 or 10 years old, pointed to my water bottle and made the motion of drinking. He was asking for my water bottle. I laughed and said no. “Surely he’s kidding,” I thought. Who would ask a stranger for their water? As soon as I turned around, a terrible feeling came over me. Conviction. Guilt. Heartbreak. Before my first trip to Guatemala in 2008, Jes gave me this verse from Matthew 10, “Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” A cup of cold water for a little one. What if this boy was thirsty? How could I have so quickly forgotten that he and his family struggle to survive? That he may not know where his next meal is coming from? How could I have been so selfish? Have I ever known real hunger or thirst? What if this boy was truly thirsty? I quickly grabbed my Spanish dictionary and looked up “thirsty”. Then I asked him, “Sediento? Sediento?” He nodded vigorously. I gave him my water bottle and touched his sweet dirty face. Looking into his eyes, I told him “Jesus Cristo te ama”. He drank half of the 20 ounces in one gulp. He was thirsty.
I was so ashamed of my selfishness and so overwhelmed with God’s love for this little boy, I had to turn around so he wouldn’t see me cry. As another song began, I stood, one hand raised in worship, tears streaming down my face. With my eyes closed, I suddenly felt two small arms around my waist. I looked down to see two brown eyes looking up at me with gratitude and love. A divine moment. He wasn’t angry that I had hesitated to share with him. He wasn’t frustrated with my selfishness. In that moment, he taught me more about my Savior’s love than I could have ever taught him. Patient. Kind. Unconditional.
Before, he left, I asked his name. I showed him my journal so he would know I was going to write down his name and remember him. His reply? “Andy”. Andy?! “Mi padre es Andy!” That’s my father’s name. He showed a small smile. No way would I ever forget this child’s name.
(I had forgotten that Andy’s friend still had my camera. I was completely oblivious to the fact that his friend had captured this moment. What a precious gift to discover on the bus as we pulled away!)
I spent many sleepless hours praying for Andy that week. And I still do. I pray that he will have food, water, and shelter. Even more importantly, I pray that he will find the source of living water in Jesus. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Would you pray for Andy too?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are so many things I want to share with you about our trip. It was an incredible week. I loved sharing the experience with Riley and she is already asking when we can go back. Hundreds of children heard the gospel that week and many professed that Jesus is Lord and Savior of their lives. Some of the ladies on our team were able to share our testimonies with 120 women and teenage girls. We were able to minister to women who are hurting from past abuse, who struggle with shame, or who are overwhelmed with the burdens in their lives. These women heard the hope of the gospel. They heard the truth that, through Jesus Christ, they have value, they are freed from shame and guilt, and they have a Savior who knows their every need. So once more, I humbly thank you for your support. I thank you for sacrificing financially so that Riley and I could take this trip. I thank you for your prayers of protection and provision while we traveled. I thank you for your obedience. Please pray for us as we prepare for 2011. In July, Jes plans to travel to Southeast Asia to teach the New Testament to underground church leaders. In September, I hope to travel to Uganda with a medical team. In November, Riley and I would love to return to Guatemala. Only by God’s grace do we have the privilege to go and show Jesus to the world. Thank you for being a part of God’s mission to the nations!
I look forward to the day, when we will all worship our Father together…you, me, and my sweet friends in Guatemala…
Revelation 7:16-17
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the LORD will answer them;
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We were driving through Guatemala City, past the “ghetto” where the poorest of the poor live. The homes are really tin sheds, at best. Our pets and lawnmowers have nicer accommodations. Many of the children who live in this ghetto are orphaned. “Poverty” doesn’t even seem to accurately describe what we saw.
We arrived at the church, Iglesia Adonai. We enjoyed a wonderful service with familiar worship songs sung in Spanish. The boys behind us were giggling and trying to engage us. We smiled back and communicated with gestures and our limited Spanish. They asked to play with my camera and I happily obliged, watching them take pictures of their friends as their friends tried to hide behind one another. Riley shared her activity book and the boys were amazed by the erasable ink.
At one point, one of the boys, probably 9 or 10 years old, pointed to my water bottle and made the motion of drinking. He was asking for my water bottle. I laughed and said no. “Surely he’s kidding,” I thought. Who would ask a stranger for their water? As soon as I turned around, a terrible feeling came over me. Conviction. Guilt. Heartbreak. Before my first trip to Guatemala in 2008, Jes gave me this verse from Matthew 10, “Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” A cup of cold water for a little one. What if this boy was thirsty? How could I have so quickly forgotten that he and his family struggle to survive? That he may not know where his next meal is coming from? How could I have been so selfish? Have I ever known real hunger or thirst? What if this boy was truly thirsty? I quickly grabbed my Spanish dictionary and looked up “thirsty”. Then I asked him, “Sediento? Sediento?” He nodded vigorously. I gave him my water bottle and touched his sweet dirty face. Looking into his eyes, I told him “Jesus Cristo te ama”. He drank half of the 20 ounces in one gulp. He was thirsty.
I was so ashamed of my selfishness and so overwhelmed with God’s love for this little boy, I had to turn around so he wouldn’t see me cry. As another song began, I stood, one hand raised in worship, tears streaming down my face. With my eyes closed, I suddenly felt two small arms around my waist. I looked down to see two brown eyes looking up at me with gratitude and love. A divine moment. He wasn’t angry that I had hesitated to share with him. He wasn’t frustrated with my selfishness. In that moment, he taught me more about my Savior’s love than I could have ever taught him. Patient. Kind. Unconditional.
Before, he left, I asked his name. I showed him my journal so he would know I was going to write down his name and remember him. His reply? “Andy”. Andy?! “Mi padre es Andy!” That’s my father’s name. He showed a small smile. No way would I ever forget this child’s name.
(I had forgotten that Andy’s friend still had my camera. I was completely oblivious to the fact that his friend had captured this moment. What a precious gift to discover on the bus as we pulled away!)I spent many sleepless hours praying for Andy that week. And I still do. I pray that he will have food, water, and shelter. Even more importantly, I pray that he will find the source of living water in Jesus. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Would you pray for Andy too?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are so many things I want to share with you about our trip. It was an incredible week. I loved sharing the experience with Riley and she is already asking when we can go back. Hundreds of children heard the gospel that week and many professed that Jesus is Lord and Savior of their lives. Some of the ladies on our team were able to share our testimonies with 120 women and teenage girls. We were able to minister to women who are hurting from past abuse, who struggle with shame, or who are overwhelmed with the burdens in their lives. These women heard the hope of the gospel. They heard the truth that, through Jesus Christ, they have value, they are freed from shame and guilt, and they have a Savior who knows their every need. So once more, I humbly thank you for your support. I thank you for sacrificing financially so that Riley and I could take this trip. I thank you for your prayers of protection and provision while we traveled. I thank you for your obedience. Please pray for us as we prepare for 2011. In July, Jes plans to travel to Southeast Asia to teach the New Testament to underground church leaders. In September, I hope to travel to Uganda with a medical team. In November, Riley and I would love to return to Guatemala. Only by God’s grace do we have the privilege to go and show Jesus to the world. Thank you for being a part of God’s mission to the nations!
I look forward to the day, when we will all worship our Father together…you, me, and my sweet friends in Guatemala…
Revelation 7:16-17
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Baby Girl
And He who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Rev 21:5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a story from the Lovelady Center, a Christian residential facility that helps women from difficult circumstances. Lovelady is a safe haven for women (and their children) who are homeless, leaving abusive relationships, recovering from addiction, or coming out of prison.
A staff member overheard two residents talking. One said to the other, "Hey Baby Girl, come over here". The staff member quickly reminded the ladies "we don't use our prison names here. We use our real names". Baby Girl replied, "but that is my real name. My mother abandoned me at birth so I was never named. My birth certificate just says 'Baby Girl'."
The staff member asked her if she'd like to get a new name. The staff member walked this lady through the process of legally changing her identity. For the first time in her life, she now has a name.
I take a lot of things for granted and then I try to be aware of that and be thankful for my home, my family, my job, the food on our table every meal. I never, not once, thought to thank God that when I was born, I was loved enough to be named, to be given an identity. Then I realize a greater truth. Despite my rebellion, in spite of all the ways I fall short of God's holiness, God has given me a new identity in Christ. I am Child of the King, Friend, Beloved. May I never forget that I have been graciously, undeservedly, and eternally blessed by a Father who knows my name. Thank you God that You are making all things new...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a story from the Lovelady Center, a Christian residential facility that helps women from difficult circumstances. Lovelady is a safe haven for women (and their children) who are homeless, leaving abusive relationships, recovering from addiction, or coming out of prison.
A staff member overheard two residents talking. One said to the other, "Hey Baby Girl, come over here". The staff member quickly reminded the ladies "we don't use our prison names here. We use our real names". Baby Girl replied, "but that is my real name. My mother abandoned me at birth so I was never named. My birth certificate just says 'Baby Girl'."
The staff member asked her if she'd like to get a new name. The staff member walked this lady through the process of legally changing her identity. For the first time in her life, she now has a name.
I take a lot of things for granted and then I try to be aware of that and be thankful for my home, my family, my job, the food on our table every meal. I never, not once, thought to thank God that when I was born, I was loved enough to be named, to be given an identity. Then I realize a greater truth. Despite my rebellion, in spite of all the ways I fall short of God's holiness, God has given me a new identity in Christ. I am Child of the King, Friend, Beloved. May I never forget that I have been graciously, undeservedly, and eternally blessed by a Father who knows my name. Thank you God that You are making all things new...
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Blessed to be a Blessing
Luke 12:32-34
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A friend and I spent this morning going to 7 schools in Bessemer to tell the counselors about Angel Food so that they can help us identify families with an urgent need for food.
They were all receptive but three stuck out to me...
One counselor got tears in her eyes and said "You have no idea how much it means that someone wants to help. We had a family just last week that we sent to the Salvation Army because we didn't know what else to do for them. Thank you so much for caring."
One counselor told us that many of their students eat breakfast and lunch at school and they don't eat again until they come back to school. Can you imagine not giving your kids an afternoon snack...nevermind not being able to provide any dinner? What about a snack before bed? These children just go to bed hungry. Right here in Birmingham.
While searching for one school, we had gotten a little turned around and we were later getting to this school than we had planned. We found the counselor and you know what she said? "Oh please come in. I have a family in my office RIGHT NOW that needs help". We met Ms. U and her son. I don't know their story but I know that she doesn't know how she's going to feed her children this summer when they don't have school meals. She was so grateful to meet us. I kind of laughed and said "what are the chances we would be here at the same time?" And the counselor said (in the hallway of the public school), "That was God's timing. He will provide!" Because of God's gracious provision and God's perfect timing, Ms. U and her three children will have a box of food delivered to them this month and in the months to come.
So it's no surprise but guess what? God is at work. He is blessing His people so that they can bless those around them. You don't have to go far to be a blessing. If you're reading this blog, you have internet access. So if you'd like to feed a family this month, please follow the steps below and allow the Lord to use you to minister to the poor and needy in our city. Please forward to anyone you can think of! :)
Blessings,
holly
GIVE THANKS to God
BY HELPING OTHERS
Grace Klein Construction, Inc. and friends are organizing a monthly food drive to help families in need in Shelby County. We are working in conjunction with Angel Food Ministries as they provide boxes of food at a very reasonable price. .
If you are interested in feeding families in Birmingham, in the name of Jesus, please follow these simple steps:
1) Go online to www.angelfoodministries.com.
2) Select order online.
3) Select host site (choose one)
a. Enter Asbury UMC, Birmingham, AL 35242 – Jefferson County
b. Enter Alabaster First Baptist, Alabaster, AL 35007 – Shelby County
4) Click on order online.
5) Select as many boxes as you wish. (Consider the signature and senior box)
6) Under “Your Information” section enter your full name in the first name
field and enter GKC Friends in the last name field. **This is urgent for
pickup**
7) Pay by debit or credit card.
8) Done – you just fed some folks (thank you!!)
Once you have completed these simple steps, GKC & Friends will pick up the boxes of food and distribute to families in need in the Birmingham area. We will represent Christ with each box shared. If you are interested in helping with the distribution of these boxes, please email Tim Bower at tim@gracekleinconstruction.com for Jefferson County and Elon Gilchrist at gilchristcrew@yahoo.com for Shelby County.
Grace Klein Construction, Inc.
3325 Lorna Road, Suite 2304
Hoover, Alabama 35216
www.gracekleinconstruction.com
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A friend and I spent this morning going to 7 schools in Bessemer to tell the counselors about Angel Food so that they can help us identify families with an urgent need for food.
They were all receptive but three stuck out to me...
One counselor got tears in her eyes and said "You have no idea how much it means that someone wants to help. We had a family just last week that we sent to the Salvation Army because we didn't know what else to do for them. Thank you so much for caring."
One counselor told us that many of their students eat breakfast and lunch at school and they don't eat again until they come back to school. Can you imagine not giving your kids an afternoon snack...nevermind not being able to provide any dinner? What about a snack before bed? These children just go to bed hungry. Right here in Birmingham.
While searching for one school, we had gotten a little turned around and we were later getting to this school than we had planned. We found the counselor and you know what she said? "Oh please come in. I have a family in my office RIGHT NOW that needs help". We met Ms. U and her son. I don't know their story but I know that she doesn't know how she's going to feed her children this summer when they don't have school meals. She was so grateful to meet us. I kind of laughed and said "what are the chances we would be here at the same time?" And the counselor said (in the hallway of the public school), "That was God's timing. He will provide!" Because of God's gracious provision and God's perfect timing, Ms. U and her three children will have a box of food delivered to them this month and in the months to come.
So it's no surprise but guess what? God is at work. He is blessing His people so that they can bless those around them. You don't have to go far to be a blessing. If you're reading this blog, you have internet access. So if you'd like to feed a family this month, please follow the steps below and allow the Lord to use you to minister to the poor and needy in our city. Please forward to anyone you can think of! :)
Blessings,
holly
GIVE THANKS to God
BY HELPING OTHERS
Grace Klein Construction, Inc. and friends are organizing a monthly food drive to help families in need in Shelby County. We are working in conjunction with Angel Food Ministries as they provide boxes of food at a very reasonable price. .
If you are interested in feeding families in Birmingham, in the name of Jesus, please follow these simple steps:
1) Go online to www.angelfoodministries.com.
2) Select order online.
3) Select host site (choose one)
a. Enter Asbury UMC, Birmingham, AL 35242 – Jefferson County
b. Enter Alabaster First Baptist, Alabaster, AL 35007 – Shelby County
4) Click on order online.
5) Select as many boxes as you wish. (Consider the signature and senior box)
6) Under “Your Information” section enter your full name in the first name
field and enter GKC Friends in the last name field. **This is urgent for
pickup**
7) Pay by debit or credit card.
8) Done – you just fed some folks (thank you!!)
Once you have completed these simple steps, GKC & Friends will pick up the boxes of food and distribute to families in need in the Birmingham area. We will represent Christ with each box shared. If you are interested in helping with the distribution of these boxes, please email Tim Bower at tim@gracekleinconstruction.com for Jefferson County and Elon Gilchrist at gilchristcrew@yahoo.com for Shelby County.
Grace Klein Construction, Inc.
3325 Lorna Road, Suite 2304
Hoover, Alabama 35216
www.gracekleinconstruction.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Some Clarification
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Obviously my last post has garnered much response (some posted comments, mostly personal emails, phone calls, or in person conversations). The responses have been overwhelmingly positive, but of course some have their concerns. I hadn't thought it necessary to deal with people's concerns directly until I read my cousin Jaclyn's comment. You need to know a few things about Jaclyn. 1. She is a phenomenal mother. Really. We've all noticed it from the moment her first son was born. She balances love and discipline, structure and fun like no one else. When Jaclyn has something to say about mothering - I listen. 2. Jaclyn and her husband have experienced unspeakable tragedy in their lives. She has a quiet strength and knows adversity in a way I do not. When Jaclyn has something to say about pain and suffering - I listen. 3. Jaclyn is the polar opposite of outspoken, obnoxious, in-your-face blunt. So if Jaclyn feels strongly enough to boldly express her concerns - I listen.
So this post is not a direct response to my cousin's comment, but her comment did make me stop and think. And I'm sure that her concerns are shared by many out there who know and love us. So this post is to clarify a few things.
A few things I'd like you to know:
1. We are not going alone. This initiative is being led by one of our pastors. He and his wife have 3 children very close to our girls' ages. 30+ families are seriously praying about moving to East Lake as well. Most have put their houses on the market. One couple has already bought a house in East Lake, several others are in the process. East Lake movers range from young singles to young marrieds to young families to families with teens to retired couples. Each person has an amazing story about how God has been preparing them for this. We could write a book.
2. We are not moving into a violent crime area. Yes we will have an alarm system, no we won't be out at night, and yes our patio furniture may get stolen. We are moving into an area of poverty and will certainly be much closer to violent crime than we are in our current gated community. But we feel like we are being reasonable with our choice of neighborhood.
3. School is our biggest decision at this point. Obviously the public schools are not great. However, we truly want to be in community with our neighbors and sending our children away to private school might hinder that. So we are praying for direction trusting that God will show us what is best for our girls and what is best for this mission He has called us to. Though it's hard for me to fathom, God loves our girls even more than we do. I believe that ultimately what is His will and what is best for our children will not be in conflict.
4. We have served in inner city Birmingham in the past but for many months Jes and I have felt frustrated that we "go" and serve (locally or globally) but then come home to our comfortable, easy life. It's just not enough for us. We are thinking of this much like you would think of moving to another country to become a missionary. In many ways this is much, much easier but our hope is to build deep relationships with people. We believe that there is no better way to show the love of Jesus to people than by sharing life with them and we just can't do that from 35242.
I'm sure this doesn't address all questions. Obviously there is risk involved in what we are doing and we don't take that lightly. To be quite honest the welfare of our children has been my first and greatest struggle. I have literally lost sleep over it and I pray I would never, ever put them in danger because I'm being reckless. However, there is no doubt in our minds that this is a calling from God. Honestly, it wasn't my idea. It wasn't Jes' idea. Trust me. It really wasn't. But if we are certain we are called to this then we are certain we can trust God when we go. We are not promised safety, or comfort, or ease. Jesus certainly didn't have a life of safety, comfort, or ease. But we are promised that if God calls us, people WILL be saved and He WILL be glorified. That's what we are living for.
It won't be easy but we go with confidence knowing that God is with us. We covet your prayers. When you worry about us or are frightened on behalf of our girls, please stop right then and pray. I assure you that you have no worry or concern that I haven't felt 10-fold. But God has been faithful to quiet my spirit and calm my heart. All I have to do is pray.
PS: Ben and Kylie DeLoach are the pastor/wife moving to EL. She recently posted some info on her blog that y'all might enjoy.
http://lifewiththedeloachs.blogspot.com/
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Obviously my last post has garnered much response (some posted comments, mostly personal emails, phone calls, or in person conversations). The responses have been overwhelmingly positive, but of course some have their concerns. I hadn't thought it necessary to deal with people's concerns directly until I read my cousin Jaclyn's comment. You need to know a few things about Jaclyn. 1. She is a phenomenal mother. Really. We've all noticed it from the moment her first son was born. She balances love and discipline, structure and fun like no one else. When Jaclyn has something to say about mothering - I listen. 2. Jaclyn and her husband have experienced unspeakable tragedy in their lives. She has a quiet strength and knows adversity in a way I do not. When Jaclyn has something to say about pain and suffering - I listen. 3. Jaclyn is the polar opposite of outspoken, obnoxious, in-your-face blunt. So if Jaclyn feels strongly enough to boldly express her concerns - I listen.
So this post is not a direct response to my cousin's comment, but her comment did make me stop and think. And I'm sure that her concerns are shared by many out there who know and love us. So this post is to clarify a few things.
A few things I'd like you to know:
1. We are not going alone. This initiative is being led by one of our pastors. He and his wife have 3 children very close to our girls' ages. 30+ families are seriously praying about moving to East Lake as well. Most have put their houses on the market. One couple has already bought a house in East Lake, several others are in the process. East Lake movers range from young singles to young marrieds to young families to families with teens to retired couples. Each person has an amazing story about how God has been preparing them for this. We could write a book.
2. We are not moving into a violent crime area. Yes we will have an alarm system, no we won't be out at night, and yes our patio furniture may get stolen. We are moving into an area of poverty and will certainly be much closer to violent crime than we are in our current gated community. But we feel like we are being reasonable with our choice of neighborhood.
3. School is our biggest decision at this point. Obviously the public schools are not great. However, we truly want to be in community with our neighbors and sending our children away to private school might hinder that. So we are praying for direction trusting that God will show us what is best for our girls and what is best for this mission He has called us to. Though it's hard for me to fathom, God loves our girls even more than we do. I believe that ultimately what is His will and what is best for our children will not be in conflict.
4. We have served in inner city Birmingham in the past but for many months Jes and I have felt frustrated that we "go" and serve (locally or globally) but then come home to our comfortable, easy life. It's just not enough for us. We are thinking of this much like you would think of moving to another country to become a missionary. In many ways this is much, much easier but our hope is to build deep relationships with people. We believe that there is no better way to show the love of Jesus to people than by sharing life with them and we just can't do that from 35242.
I'm sure this doesn't address all questions. Obviously there is risk involved in what we are doing and we don't take that lightly. To be quite honest the welfare of our children has been my first and greatest struggle. I have literally lost sleep over it and I pray I would never, ever put them in danger because I'm being reckless. However, there is no doubt in our minds that this is a calling from God. Honestly, it wasn't my idea. It wasn't Jes' idea. Trust me. It really wasn't. But if we are certain we are called to this then we are certain we can trust God when we go. We are not promised safety, or comfort, or ease. Jesus certainly didn't have a life of safety, comfort, or ease. But we are promised that if God calls us, people WILL be saved and He WILL be glorified. That's what we are living for.
It won't be easy but we go with confidence knowing that God is with us. We covet your prayers. When you worry about us or are frightened on behalf of our girls, please stop right then and pray. I assure you that you have no worry or concern that I haven't felt 10-fold. But God has been faithful to quiet my spirit and calm my heart. All I have to do is pray.
PS: Ben and Kylie DeLoach are the pastor/wife moving to EL. She recently posted some info on her blog that y'all might enjoy.
http://lifewiththedeloachs.blogspot.com/
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