Wally and the man

“Time to get up Wally. Time to get up.” The sounds seemed so far in the distance that they didn’t seem real, until he heard the stirring of the other children in the orphanage. “Here we go again.” he thought. The morning felt damp from last nights rain, as it usually did when the weather blew in. The roof had a series of holes and always left puddles on the concrete floor. Nothing out of the ordinary, just another day in the small Haitian orphanage. Wally was one of thirty-three kids that lived there with Joseph and his wife. They too were Haitian and worked as the house parents for them all.

Life was usual for Wally and the others, chores to do, school work, get things ready for lunch, which was almost always rice and beans. But little did they know that today would be different.

Just after lunch a missionary came to visit them. They hadn’t had visitors in a long time. Excitement filled the air as the children played with the missionary and took pictures with him. Wally had a hold of one leg and someone else the other, holding on as if he could never leave as long as they didn’t let go.

Things finally settled down for a short story time. The missionary talked a lot about God and how he loved them, but it just seemed like a story. Not like back when his parents were still alive. He remembered sitting next to his dad and hugging him with all his might. But like so many others in Haiti Wally’s parents died young and left him to the streets. Wally was grateful to live at the orphanage, but there he never felt ‘that’ kind of love.

The missionary brought a small present for them. When he pulled a small stuffed lamb out of his bag the excitement almost over took them. He had one for each of them, and the collar even had their name on it. He could read it plain as day ‘WALLY’. In the orphanage nothing belongs to you, everything is common, including clothes and soap. But this was special, it was His. He jumped into the man’s lap and hugged him with all he had. As the missionary hugged him back, the two shared a moment of mutual caring and love. As the embrace seemed to last forever, all was right in the world for Wally. He felt the love of long ago, and could even feel it with his own arms.

Down deep on the inside we each need approval and affection from others. Love is one of life’s most basic needs. The real Christmas story isn’t what we see this time of year in the stores. It’s really a love story. It’s about God giving you a gift so special it even has your name on it. It’s about a relationship, like Wally had with his Dad. This year instead of just presents, give Love.

Dedicated to Mary Jones and Walinski (Jimenez orphanage, Ouanaminthe Haiti, 2007)


Remember Look Up, Live Life, and Be Thankful


Kevin

Memories

As my day comes to an end, I find myself looking back over a memory from earlier this year, in late February. To paint you the mental picture, let me just fill in a few blanks:

I started my day today in the pan handle of Maryland, sandwiched between West Virginia, and Southern Pennsylvania. All up in the Appalachian mountainside, in the booming metropolis of George's Creek (approx. 15 houses). For those more interested in details, you'll find it due south of I-68, exit 34 on SR 36 near Frostburg, which is just east of Cumberland, MD.

This morning started like every other morning, except as I walked outside my hotel I felt the brisk air send a chill through my body. I'm not sure of the actual temperature, probably around 60 degrees. Now this doesn't sound chilly on the surface, but since last week was in the 90's, it felt chilly to me. I broke out a hooded sweatshirt for good measure anyway. Around 9am the sun rose enough to began sharing it's heat, I took off the jacket for a few hours, just to put it back on again later.

My project ended early, so my crew and I headed north to Johnstown PA, (near the Flight 93 Memorial site) to prepare for tomorrow's project. When we finally made it to the hotel, I checked us in and went to my room to clean up for supper. (We had Cozemels Mexican by the way.)

I hope this next part is not TMI, but I'll share it because it's crucial to understand the point of my story. I wasn't over my chill yet, so I took a quick hot shower to warm up. Before I got out, I turned the water to my usual luke warm to cool, and then it hit me!

Our minds work like an intricate spiderweb; made up of ideas, memories, sounds, smells, and thoughts. Many of which are interlinked like files in a hard drive, touching but not always connected. As an example, when a certain song comes on your favorite radio channel that is from your childhood, or maybe your teenage years, you instantly remember a moment in time, a date, a dance, some lost love one, or something having nothing to do with the song, but represents a time in your life story. This is what happened to me.

As the cool water hit my skin from the shower I remembered a day in late February earlier this year in the Dominican Republic. I was in an apartment provided for me by G.O. Ministries while in Santiago. It didn't have hot water, at least not like we think of here in the states. They use something known as a widow maker to make hot water. Let me explain; instead of a usual shower head we think of, the shower head is bigger and has electrical wires coming out of it, wrapping around the pipe and into the wall. As the water comes through the head it's heated, sort of, but not heated enough to suit my wife if you know what I mean. The good thing about them is this, you never have to wipe the fog off the mirror.

Anyway; even in February it's hot in the Caribbean. This particular day I had come in from my daily trip out to one of the ministry sites and jumped into the shower to freshen up for the evening. The cool water felt good since it was hot, and a thought came to my mind. The children at the feeding center I had spent the morning with have never known a shower like I have at home. Never had the opportunity to spend lots of time absorbing the hot massaging waters we have in America. Since my widow maker barely provided what I would call a sprinkle, I reflected on the moment. Most of the children do not take showers, but rather a bath out of a pot of cold water. As I stood in the shower both today and in early February my heart was on those children.

We have life so good, and most of us totally take it for granite. Life is full of those we have forgotten. Children who don't know the privileges we have here. McDonalds on every corner, Walmart, good education, food to not only eat, but to gorge on. Life in the Dominican to me is easier and harder at the same time. The don't have the luxuries that we don't even notice, but also have a simpler life because of it. My two weeks in the Dominican last February was physically exhausting, mentally challenging, and an emotional roller coaster, but was the best adventure of my life. To use a word I use a lot, it was impactful. So much so my heart and dreams always seem to find me thinking of these children and a place so special to me, that I want to leave all of this world behind, and trade it for that one.

I've been ask by many that know me personally 'Why would you want to leave here, to go there and live in poverty?' I can't really put it in words other than this; Why would Jesus leave all of Heaven to come here? Because he could and did make all the difference.

My quest in life is simply this: Be a loving husband to my wonderful wife Felicia, Be a loving Dad to two awesome daughters, and change as many lives for the better as I can before I die. To spend this life, in such a way, that at the end of life's day I will be able to say I did my best. Using every resource, every opportunity, every day to bring God glory. Call me a radical? let me quote my older brother on this one; "I may not always be right, but I'm am always convinced." I know what I believe, and if I'm wrong, it was worth helping people anyway, so what.

To all my friends and missionaries with G.O. Ministries, and to my friends in Africa, I thank God for your passion to care for other people. To look beyond yourselves and into the lives of others, providing hope and love to all of God's children. For feeding the forgotten, housing the unwanted, building churches for those with nowhere to go, your sacrifices do not and will not go unnoticed. To quote my friend Pastor Elijah Wafula "You are an ambassador from another kingdom. And that kingdom is God's." Thank you for all that you do.

My day has came and gone, my only hope is that tomorrow will bring me the opportunity to brighten someones day. Maybe to share God's good news, or maybe just bring someone a smile, either way I end this day as I began it, with some time in prayer, and leaving it in the hands of an Almighty God to use as he wishes.

Remember Look Up, Live Life, and Be Thankful

Kevin

From Kenya to Kentucky

How far would you travel? 100 miles? 1000 miles? How far would you travel to fundraise for a cause? I met a great man of God, a Pastor and Missionary from Kenya a couple of weeks ago in Kentucky. Pastor Elijah Wafula was traveling in our area and preached for us about 'God's Purpose in you'. I spoke with him for a few minutes after the service and exchanged contact information.

He invited my family and I to come to Kenya and see what the Lord is doing. He Pastors a church and has planted several others in his area of the country. He also started an orphanage for children in his community.

It just amazes me how much my heart has been changed towards missions. Not a day goes by that I don't think of and pray for my friends on the mission field. It probably doesn't make sense, at least not in our country, the land of plenty, but my heart is there, serving. Maybe it's just God changing my heart. But to quote my new Kenyan friend 'God's heart is for missions.'

Here's a link to his website http://vbministries.com/


God is still awesome, and doing a great work in our times.


Remember Look Up, Live Life, and be Thankful.

Kevin

DR trip

I have so much to say about my recent trip, I don't know where to begin, other than to say it was a good trip. I am still processing and sorting out all the things I both saw and experienced, as well as what God has shown me while in country. But to say the least it has made an impact on me.

Thanks for being patient, many of you have been asking and are interested in details. Missions night at our church will be on March 9th @ 6pm. Hopefully by then I will be able to talk more since I'm hosting the night.

My many thanks to all of those who have supported me and sponsored me for this trip. God's blessing for you all. You are in my prayers.

For all my new friends and fellow missionaries, you'll never know how much you mean to me. Thanks for two weeks of true servanthood, for coming alongside me and seeing to me every need. I hope to see you soon.

Remember Look up, Live life, and be thankful.

Kevin

CAI 4th Grade Presentation

Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity that is so awesome!! I had the unique experience of going to my daughters school and talking about the missions trip I just returned from on the 19th. They had been studying on Paul's missionary journeys and ask me to come and share some things from the trip. Mrs. Morrow, my daughter's teacher, arranged for me to talk to the entire 4th grade. The following is the movie I presented.

I'm not only grateful, but humbled to be able to serve.

Remember Look up, Live life, and be Thankful.

Kevin

Just a day in the Dominican

I woke this morning to the peaceful sounds of the morning wind blowing through my window. The air was fresh and just cool enough to make you want just two more minutes of sleep. I rolled over for just a moment and whispered “Good morning Lord.” What a majestic place! I find myself in the Dominican Republic, nestled in the Caribbean Sea.

The Dominicans’ are a very social people. Everyone you met says hi, shakes hands, and they have surely cornered the market on hospitality. It’s a great place!!!

I met a dear friend of mine at his apartment just down the street; we walk together each morning to another friend’s house for a time of reflection and morning devotional. The walk is short, just long enough to breath in the morning’s dampness in the air. The three of us have been meeting for the past week, since I’ve been here, starting each day of with this devotional. It has been a great encouragement to me, to spend time talking with other men and find out they struggle from some of the same struggles I do. But also learning about a deeper prayer life with the Father. It’s been an awesome time, and powerful stuff.

On the way back I walked just reflecting on what we had talked about. I walked through the construction yard on my way home, just in time to see the construction team all gathered together. One of the men was leading a devotional of their own. My first thought of construction workers (being one myself) is the rough type. But yet they all had their heads down listening to the Word of God, and submitting to His guidance. It was a moving sight. Maybe this might seem odd to you, but at least to me this morning, I see another day started in prayer, that will be alright in the hands of a loving God.

Dios,
I’m grateful for another day of your gracious mercy, and fresh wind of the Spirit. May today be used for your glory and honor, and open doors of ministry for us to share your love with the hurting today. I pray all things further your kingdom in the earth and bring you glory.

In Jesus Cristo numbre… Amen


Remember Look up, Live Life, and be Thankful


Kevin

Dominician Republic

If a picture could tell you a story, this little boy would have a lot to say. The expression on his face, lacks all enthusiam, or hope. That's because he lives in one of the poorest places in the Dominician Republic. He lives in a village called Batey Ocho (villiage #8). It's only exsistance is to provide labor for the Sugar Cane companies. There are several of these Batey's around the Dominician Republic and no words can describe the manner in which they live. But to them this is simple a way of life. We can not measure their life by our standards, or our yard stick if you will. What I saw is a people who through insurmountable odds, have survived and worshiped God. And whose faith in Him is what lead them through. I am so grateful to have met my brothers and sisters in Christ serving in the kingdom of God's family. I walk away knowing that their faith is the kind to strive for. There faith is tried through life's fire, and they are still dancing like the three Hebrew children. God bless his people.

Remember Look up, live life, and be thankful.

Kevin

A friend

A missionary friend of mine, and Brother in Christ sent me an email and link to his blog. The stories and testimonies he has shared has touched me to the extent that I can not put into words, (and that's saying something :). Please go to this link and read what he has shared http://gojmartinez.blogspot.com/ .

Pass this on to every Christian you know. God is really building bridges.

Kevin

Look up, Live Life, and be Thankful

Lunch with John

I had lunch today with a missionary friend that I met last February in Haiti / Dominican Republic. He shared a story with me that I think bares repeating.

Preface:

John Martinez is a missionary living in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He moved there from Louisville, KY and is part of the GO Ministries staff (see link below). He has been on the missions field for 6 yrs, and serves as a Short Term missions trip facilitator, as well as many other things including Haitian Missions Coordinator.

K Note: John like most of God's servants has needs that must be met. He is currently in town for a family visit as well as Ministry business. Above all things his biggest need is prayer. I have met with John and know that his heart is for God and ministry. Please add him to your prayer list. If you would like more details on how to help John with missions ministry or missions needs, please contact Vicki at the GO Ministries office ( Link http://www.go-ministries.org/ ) All else fails contact me and I'll get you going in the right direction.



While on a trip to Haiti from his home town of Santiago, he traveled for 12 hrs by bus over roads that were, let's say less than maintained for a simple description. Having traveled a majority of the day they arrived at their destination, an orphanage.

Haiti, besides being war torn from the revolution, and being poverty stricken, has also met with some natural disasters over the past few years. The most recent Hurricane Noel last month. The flooding has left families torn apart and some children have lost not only their few belongings but both parents. Left to live on the streets. Such is the fate for so many in Haiti. This particular orphanage is sponsored and ran by two local Haitian Pastors.

When they arrived at the orphanage the children (several hundred) where lined up outside awaiting their arrival. When they got off the bus the children began to sing. They lifted their voices in praise to God. Now to plant an image, these children have no personal belongings. They have only the clothes they wear, a small bunk to sleep on, and one sheet to cover up with. John's exact words were '...nothing. If they wash their clothes they have to stand around naked til they dry' One of these children, a little girl while praising God in heaven with excitement for the visitors, dropped down to her knees and began to say to God 'thank you! thank you!' She took a minute and worshipped him. John's heart just melted.

Stories like these always get me. Here the two of us, grown men, sitting in a restaurant nicer than these children could even imagine, let alone ever see, discussing impoverished children with 'nothing', thanking God for what they have. John was tearing up telling the story, I was swallowing my own lumpy throat as I heard it. It reminded me of a one armed girl I saw in '95 at an orphanage in the mountains above Port Au Prince that smiled at me and gave me a hug. Children of innocence, to young to realize the cruel world, yet with a child's love for an American visitor, a soldier that came and spent the day. She may not of even understood that I was American, only that I came to visit, because I could. I will never see that girl again this side of heaven, and if I did I surely wouldn't know it. But like so many I saw this past February she's one I'll never forget. And I pray that she too remembers some soldier that spent some time at her orphanage. Christ said in Mathew 28 " Go into all the world and make disciples..." And that is what's happening in Haiti. Two Pastors reaching out into the streets and taking orphans into their care. Not that they have it much better, but that they are willing to do with what they have. Providing the bare essentials, two meals a day, and the Word of God. There's still Hope in Haiti. There's still a cause. There's still Pastors mentoring and teaching the next generation to continue in the fight for the kingdom, in a land riddled with the nightly beats of the Voodoo drums. The prayers of young children ripping holes in the enemies strong hold, with a simple 'thank you God!' Needless to say even after 6 yrs of missionary work, I think John's visit was memorable. He shared with me that every morning he gets up and loves what he does. It's not a job to him, it's a way of worshipping God. It's a way of living in His presence.

To tell you the truth if I could have just paid the bill and left, I'd be back on the dirty streets under the Haitian moon, praying with them tonight. You see, they really know God. When you have nothing, there are no distractions. Like the Children of Israel in the desert wilderness, if all you have comes from God, you stay close. We like to look at them and feel pity because they don't have what we have, but really we don't have what they have, they trust God. And to trust God as a little child is worth more than all we store up. We are like the rich young ruler, given the choice to choose God. It was more than he could bare. As John so eloquently put it today over lunch 'comfortable'. We have become comfortable with ourselves so much so that we think we can't do without all the comforts. Now God doesn't intend for us to live impoverished, but he does mean for us to trust Him, and serve Him. You see, I left something there when it was my time to leave, a part of my heart, some of my compassion. Many people describe mission trips as life changing. I would agree to that, but maybe a better way would be life impacted. I'm not the same, and nor do I want to be. It's a lot of emotions and feeling to process. I sometimes dream of laying in my bunk at night in Haiti, listening to the dogs howl, looking out into the night as people walk by in the dark, and in my dreams I feel peace. The peace I can only describe as being in God's presence. Not the kind of presence you feel when you worship at church on Sunday with your tie on, or in a prayer meeting kind, but maybe the kind Moses and the Children felt. The ' in his presence' kind. Not supernatural, just the He's here kind. One of the things I pray, is that all that I am, and all that I have, be used for His glory. That when I end this life, I have nothing left. All my resources, all my energies, are used for His purpose. That I didn't hold anything back, no regrets. That I can bow down on feeble knees, look up and say 'Thank you Lord!'


Lord,

Let my riches be in Heaven, and let my heart be as this little child humble before you. May your Spirit and provisions find their way into the hearts in Haiti. There's not a child that goes hungery that you don't feel their pain. Not a person's grief that goes unnoticed. Not a prayer unheard. I pray protection for the Pastors who have reached out to these children. I pray guidance for the missionaries and my friend John to do your will. Grant them the resources needed to serve and support. I pray Divine protection to cover them as they work your fields. And bless the harvest with workers to disciple these children. In Jesus name.... Amen.



Kevin

Look up, Live Life, and be thankful.