Rosemita's Song 2/12/2014

"So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:10

[Beloved, the following is an article I wrote during my recent mission trip to Haiti.  I pray that it will give you some insight into what still goes on there and that it will move you to pray for those still in harms way as well as those who leave the comforts of home to minister to them.]

***

Brought along primarily as a photographer to document the International American Medical Mission’s mission to Haiti, I also happen to be the minister of the O’Fallon church of Christ.  It was this capacity that sparked the most meaningful moment I experienced while in this destitute country.

There was a young lady that grabbed my attention as I made my photographic rounds.  She caught my eye because she couldn’t have been more than a few days old.  As I moved in to capture her receiving care in one of the tents in which patients were being seen, Dr. Charles Woodridge pointedly asked, “Are you going to take a picture of a baby we haven’t even helped yet?”  “Yes,” I replied. “That is what I’m here for.  My job is to capture the process of us providing help.”  With a look of grave concern overtaking his eyes, he said in a quiet but direct manner, “What you need to be doing is praying.”  I put down the camera, gathered everyone who was close and sought the face of God on behalf of the infant whose name turned out to be Rosemita.

It turns out that Rosemita had been born just 20 hours before that moment.  She was born to two parents in their home.  Her mother had received neither pre nor post natal care and Dr. Woodridge was the first physician the newborn had ever seen.  We further learned from interpreters who volunteered to work with the mission that she was born after just 7 months of gestation.  And now Rosemita was in trouble.  She would not take the breast and had therefore not eaten since she was born.  Further, the temperature was somewhere in the mid-90s that day and the baby was showing signs of heat exhaustion.  Other challenges included a heart rate of 200 and a glucose level in the 30s.

In later conversations, I learned that Dr. Woodridge is a very happy go lucky guy who is constantly laughing, joking and trying to bring smiles to the lives of others.  But I also learned that when he is serious about something, he is dead serious and he is serious about children.  In fact, he refuses to see adults on the mission unless it is an emergency.  There were other physicians and caregivers along for that.  A veteran of the U.S. Army, he had seen a lot of death and was not in any way interested in adding to the number he had seen by way of this precious little lady.  He said, “Every time I see one of these little ones die, it takes a chunk out of me and when that chunk is gone, it’s gone.”  So we prayed with everything we had.

After the amen, Dr. Woodridge started directing traffic around the baby even while he held her in his hands (she was not yet big enough to be held in arms).  He called for Leonardo Gilbert, Founding Director of IAMM, to do whatever it took to get an ambulance, a car or even a donkey to get the little one to the hospital because there was a very real possibility that she could die.  Bro. Gilbert, also minister of the Sheldon Heights Church of Christ in Chicago, IL, immediately moved into action, pulling together local administrators and interpreters to make things happen.

Meanwhile, the doctor called for a glucose drip, formula or anything that could be safely given to the baby to feed her.  Of course no such luxuries are available in Source-Metalas, Haiti.  It is an area so poor that it is not a matter of not having hot and cold running water, but that the water has to be retrieved by the bucket from a questionable source half a mile away over rocky and desert like terrain.  Two young ladies could be seen making this journey over and over again throughout the day to fill tanks inside the orphanage that hosted us.  It is estimated that a full bucket, which they balanced perfectly on their heads, weighed 35-40 lbs.

Very quickly, members of the pharmacy team provided a syringe and some clean water in which sugar had been dissolved.  Within 5 minutes of our fervent prayer, Rosemita received her first meal of about 10 CCs of sugar water at the hand of Dr. Woodridge.  The baby’s suckle reflex  kicked in and she was finally eating. 

The parents cried tears of joy and word of the good news spread throughout the IAMM Care Camp prompting other eyes to dampen and more than a few sighs of relief.  After about 15 minutes, her glucose levels were again tested and found to be at 99.  The news kept getting better but she was not out of the woods yet.  In order to have the best chance at life, she needed more care than we could give her out of tents using the limited supplies we had available.  She needed a hospital.

This is just one of the many stories that happened on day one of the five day mission.  IAMM has been coming to Haiti every year since the earthquake, some six years now.  The mission provides similar services in Jamaica.  Each time, we work in concert with local churches of Christ and base ourselves in orphanages where the need is often most acute.  From this base, local communities are served, often reaching into the hundreds per day.   A team of volunteer doctors, nurses, ministers, pharmacists, administrators and coordinators leave the comforts of home at their own expense to “go unto all nations” and do the work of the Lord.

We do not know the end of the story for Rosemita.  Our best hope and prayers are that she will grow into a wonderfully healthy young lady who lives a long and prosperous life.  However, in a country as challenged as Haiti is, one never knows.  The truth is, we rarely know how things turn out with the people that are served.  But we do know that we have done what God has called, equipped and gifted us to do and that is to serve.  And at the moment of service, the people’s gratitude, that of our brothers and sisters in Christ, is overflowing.  They wear their Sunday best to see the doctors and offer the best they have: their thanks.

By the end of the day as we began to lose light and therefore shut down operations, an ambulance finally arrived.  It was through a phalanx of handclaps and cheers that the parents of Rosemita climbed into the ambulance, a family who left with more hope than that with which they arrived.  Bro. Gilbert, as he always does, came through once again, making sure that the process works, that the resources are utilized to their fullest extent and that everyone is placed where they can do the most good.

As for Dr. Woodridge, he was not at the ambulance with everyone else.  He was still in his tent taking care of one last little one as the light dipped below the mountains to the west.

More information can be found about IAMM at www.iammonline.net.  To support IAMM, contact Ardana McFerren at 773.609.IAMM or by email at iammonline@gmail.com.

One,

Lee

The Walk of the Talk 2/10/2014

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."  1 Cor 4:20 (NIV)

We have all heard the expression, "talk is cheap."  The implication, of course, is that it is easy to say or claim a thing but that it is another matter all together to be or do a thing.  This is particularly true in religion today.  There are many people who claim many things but far less often are they backed up by reality and truth.  It is easy to put on a facade and mange the impression others have of us.  We show up at worship, say amen, pray reverently, slap a few backs, shake a few hands and check the box marked "holy" for another week, fairly certain of how we are perceived by God and man.  The question must be asked, however, what happens when we walk out of the sanctuary?  What happens at midnight?

Beloved, God is not impressed with any of what we say.  Adam, Abraham, Moses, Samson and David all said wonderful things and were all guilty of sinning against God at one time or another even as do we.  God is much more interested in the heart and mind.  It is in the heart and mind that truth, love and sincerity can be found.  And if they be found, they will be manifested in deeds.  It is through these deeds that the power of God can be seen in our lives.  It is not when we say we should love others as we love ourselves that the power is seen.  It is when we help someone who has hurt us.  It is not when we say that we love God but when we are obedient to His will and way for our lives in word, thought and deed that the power can be seen.

Words are important.  It is through them that we learn about our Creator.  The full expression of godliness, however, comes not from words but from the effect those words have on who we are and what we do.

One,

Lee

Prayer Request 2/3/2014

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:19-20

Beloved,
This week I am journeying to Haiti as part of the International American Medical Mission.  The point of the mission is primarily to advance the cause of Christ.  Of the many ways to do so such as feeding the poor, building programs, water purification and so on, this group transports doctors, nurses, pharmacists and ministers to do the work of the Lord.  More information about the organization can be found at http://iammonline.ning.com/.

On behalf of the IAMM, I solicit your prayers for the success of the mission, the health and safety of all of those who have volunteered to serve and the people of Haiti, particularly those who reside and work in the two orphanages at which we will work.

One,

Lee

About Elders 1/31/2014

"Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your  fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,  shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;  nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." 1 Peter 5:1-4

Very recently, our congregation, by the will of the Holy Spirit, installed two new elders.  They are both men of good report, qualified according to Scripture, leaders, servants and hard workers in the vineyard of the Lord.  We praise God for them and for the work they have voluntarily undertaken.

There are three men, however, who were already in this capacity who have served the congregation for many years.  And while we are thankful for our new servant leaders, our gratitude for those who have stood for so long is overflowing.

Beloved, being an elder in the church can be daunting, thankless, heart wrenching, unpopular, difficult, time consuming and even dangerous.  This is so because they are charged with oversight.  They are often analogized as shepherds of the sheep.  And if you know anything about sheep, you know that they (we) can be unruly, obstinate, combative and subject to wander off.  The task is made particularly difficult in this day and age because so many believers treat the church as some sort of quaint organization with flexible rules and leadership that you can choose to observe or not.

Of course being an elder is not all doom and gloom.  There are an exceeding number of positives associated with the office and function.  First, it is a special calling from God for men who have the capacity and desire to accomplish it.  The joy of leaving the 99 to successfully bring back the one who has wandered off is unsurpassed.  Being with members in their time of need can be very fulfilling.  And simply doing the will of God in all of its definitions and permutations provides purpose, peace and rewards.

So today, special recognition and thanks is given to Grant, Charlie and Gary for all that they have done, are doing and, as they continue as elders, are yet to do.  With the help of God, as elders, shepherds, overseers, presbyters, pastors and bishops (all Scriptural synonyms for the office), you have guided our congregation through times that have been both challenging and prosperous.  We would not be where we are or who we are as a body without your efforts.  On behalf of the entire congregation, thank you for all of your efforts.  You are an amazing and valuable gift.

And as a church family, we look forward to what John and Ron, our new elders, will add to our spiritual lives.  We know that the new team will lead us even closer to the Throne.  May the Lord bless all of you, your wives, your families and all of us.  The journey begins anew.

One,

Lee

Wrestling With Faith 1/29/2014 (rp)

"Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him.  Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:24-26

Jacob was facing the daunting task of encountering the brother whose birthright and blessing he had stolen and then escaped.  In the ensuing time period, he had prospered mightily under adverse conditions.  Having fulfilled his obligations to his father-in-law and built his family, it  was now time for him to find a place of his own.  To do so, it was necessary to cross the territory of his estranged brother and he was fearful.  Having isolated himself, he was accosted by an unnamed and unidentified angel (Hosea 12:4) with whom he wrestled and won.

Beloved, there are many quiet moments we endure before facing daunting tasks or situations.  These situations can challenge our faith mightily.  We ask both ourselves and God, "Why am I in this situation?  Why is this happening?"  We are often unsure of what to do and sometimes find it difficult to determine even what is real.  At some point, we must come to a decision about whether we are going to trust God or go it alone.

There are a variety of opinions surrounding the meaning of Jacob's wrestling match.  For our purposes here, it is submitted to you that it is not unusual to contend with our faith, but as with Jacob, we should always seek the blessings associated with it.  This is a stark reminder that the Lord is always aware of our plights because He is ever with us.  If we would but stay in the fight, we will prevail against doubt, despondency and faithlessness, and we will be blessed.

Scripture reveals that the very next morning, "Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." Gen 33:4

One,

Lee

GPS 1/27/2014

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Josh 1:8-9

One of the greatest pieces of technology to come along in a great while is the GPS (Global Positioning System)  By acquiring a device that connects with satellites orbiting the earth, anyone can determine where they are just about anywhere on the planet within about 3 feet.  More importantly, if a person needs to get from where they are to where they want to be but do not know the way, simply type in the destination and the GPS system will trace out a path to get them there by the shortest route possible, as long as the directions are followed.

Technology that precedes the GPS that we know today is the GPS (God's Positioning System) that has always existed.  It was the system that Abraham used when he left Macedonia to get to the land promised to his descendants.  It was the system that the Hebrews used to escape both Egypt and the slavery they endured there.  Unfortunately, they decided to stop using their GPS just as they approached the land promised to them.  This resulted in them becoming "lost" and wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

Beloved, GPS is still available to us today.  It is known as the word of God.  We are encouraged to read it and study it every day.  In it we find truths such as, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding but acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight," (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Further, we are told that it is strong enough to be able to be relied upon and firm enough for us to draw strength from it.  The added benefits are that we will be successful in our godly endeavors and prosperous in our lives.

Joshua, one of the two Hebrews to advocate for staying the course according to their GPS 40 years earlier during their original trip to the promised land was ultimately given leadership of the people and commanded by God to always adhere to its directions upon their second approach. Joshua did just that. It turns out that he was strong, courageous, successful and prosperous in leading the people into their new land.  We likewise have a heavenly promised land.  Let us be sure to follow our GPS all the way there.

One,

Lee

The Right Way 1/24/2014

"So Jesus said to them again, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'" John 10:7-10

If there is one thing we Americans like, it is choice.  We want to have as many options as possible.  Even among these options, we want to have the ability to customize so that our choice would be as unique as possible.  Our choices are a means of self expression and it is not unusual to pursue them vigorously.  Sadly, this is true of our religious preferences as well.  So often we choose religions, denominations and churches based more on how they make the word of God conform to us than how they help us conform to the word of God.  And while this is not about what denomination or church is "right," there is a right way.

Jesus spoke thousands of years ago about the motives of those who would come to lead God's people. Many of them were false teachers, false prophets and leaders with questionable motives.  It is these he refers to as thieves.   Paul addresses the "believer's" side of this same coin when he says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths" 2 Timothy 4:3-5.

Beloved, it is critical that we find the right way and stay in it.  There is one voice and one truth that believers must recognize and follow.  Far above and beyond the voice of an earthly minister, teacher, elder or theologian, we must draw near to the voice of the Lord.  Consider this: "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,  in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world," Hebrews 11:1-2.  In Matthew 17:5, we are literally instructed by God to listen to Jesus, His own son in whom He is well pleased. Finally, Jesus says of himself, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me," John 14:6.

There are many voices and many paths but there is only one that leads to salvation and the eternal life that it provides.  Choose the right way.

One,

Lee