Get Involved in Helping Your (Distant) Neighbors.

The poor are always with us, but may we not let that discourage us from reaching out to our fellow man. I pray that the Lord will grip your heart to have compassion on those in need--here and abroad--and find ways in which YOU can help them. When you watch videos or read articles about what some people living with AIDS or living in the midst of persecution, or perhaps being persecuted themselves, go through, imagine yourself in their shoes (if they have shoes). I have been influenced and immersed in American culture just like you probably have, and therefore, having not been exposed to many different cultures firsthand, I cannot say that I know what they must be going through. But if I just try to imagine, with what little knowledge or idea that I have, what it is like, my heart breaks, my soul burns, and I want desperately to help.

Here is a brief survey of reputable organizations you can get involved with:

For those of you unfamiliar with World Vision, I encourage you to visit their website and also check out this video from Good Morning America highlighting World Vision's Gift Catalog and the difference we can make by purchasing something from it. World Vision is well known for the child sponsorship opportunities they offer, but their work goes much farther than that. They also help with disaster relief, urgent care, major crises, etc. World Vision, World Help, and Compassion International are great organizations that really do help people in ways that surpass just physical care. For example, you can help World Help distribute Bibles to people in different parts of the world who are currently without the Word of God. (If you follow the link, you will see a very good video. Though it is long, I urge you to watch all of it.) You can partner with The Seed Company, an affiliate of Wycliffe Bible Translators, in providing the resources translators need to produce Bibles in peoples' mother tongues around the world. They set a goal to begin translation for 225 more languages in the next three years. LIFE Outreach International works to provide water wells for people without access to clean water, homes, mission feeding, etc. I encourage you all to get involved in what God is doing through these organizations. They are very good about keeping you informed on the progress they are experiencing as well as new needs that arise. Also--The Seed Company is very good about this--they will request prayer for specific needs. I much appreciate learning what the particular "cluster" to whom I am contributing is doing and for what they need prayer in particular. Thank you Roy Peterson (The Seed Company), Vernon Brewster (World Help), James and Betty Robison (LIFE Outreach International), and everyone involved in these organizations for all your hard work and your passion for the cause.

No Title. Just Read.

Okay, it's my bedtime right now, and I'm still up, but don't tell anyone.... It's a new year, and hoepfully this year I will post consistently--the sparseness of my posts last semester is shameful. Don't worry; I'm not going to bore you with a list of New Year's resolutions in this inaugural post. I happen to think all the hubbub over them is annoying. I would prefer instead to discuss other things.

First, school: I am taking thirteen credit hours this semester, but don't let that deceive you. My course load is as heavy as ever. I think this semester will turn out well though. My Greek class is excellent, as always, and Biblical Hermeneutics should grow and refine me considerably. Western Civilization II will not disappoint--how could it with Dr. Beutler teaching it? He's fantastic. I slept in his class only once last semester (after an all-nighter) even though it began at eight in the morning. Introduction to Logic should interest me, as for my fitness class, I think it will help me prepare for the mission trip to Romania this summer.

I plan to make efforts to cultivate deeper friendships with a few people in particular this semester. I will exercise strategy when I do this, for these people will have a positive influence on me, are on the same "page" with me, and will probably aid in my constancy in the spiritual disciplines. I truly admire them and want to share life with them more often. Does it sound funny or selfish that I want to surround myself more frequently with these people who will produce such fruit? Shouldn't I want to spend time with them just for the sake of getting to know them better and not for my personal gain? I am seriously asking. To add another dimension: I learned in Marriage and the Family last semester (this was in the context of mate selection, not friendships, but I think it still applies) that when we first meet a person, we weigh the costs and benefits of getting into relationship with that person. With that said, maybe we all have at least a semi-selfish motive for making friends with anyone.

Second, church: You can now listen, download, and, for some, even watch past messages on the redesigned site. Check it out by clicking on the Meadow Heights link in the sidebar.

Third, ministry: I'm not sure where to start. Thoughts are spinning in my head regarding current ministry and future ministry. I have more questions than answers, but I think that is where God wants me. I rely on Him and seek after Him much better this way. Though I am a junior, I've been asked the famous question, "What are you going to do after you graduate?" countless times already. My answer is probably the same as yours: I don't know. I've been thinking about my future much more lately, but I'm not getting anywhere, and I know why. God is pleased to only show me what's just ahead of me--just enough so that I can take the next right step. That's how it's been throughout college, and I doubt it''ll change anytime soon. Of course, I could be wrong; He can surprise me. :) I feel for my brothers and sisters who are seniors this spring and are unsure of what to do next. BUT God is the Lamp unto our feet and the Light onto our path. He is also faithful. "...The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works" (Psalm 145:13). Hold fast to His promises. "He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them" (v. 19).