The fact that I haven't posted anything in the last month is not a reflection of inactivity. It is rather the simple reality of having had much too much on my plate. Having too many things on your plate doesn't mean that they are all unsavory or bad, but that they can collectively become somewhat overwhelming
Since the end of February we have traveled to Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Roanoke, Columbus, Pigeon Forge, Forest City and back to Raleigh. We have had the pleasure of meeting with hundreds of people concerning our books and have seen some incredible things happen.
Here is a list of just a few of our most exciting developments. Our Christmas book has been accepted and will be available for purchase at that big children's attraction near Orlando, that is led by a mouse. Our books are now available in such locations as Sauder Village in Northern Ohio, Christmas shops in Pigeon Forge, TN and historic sites in Plymouth Mass., We have been approved for distribution by the world's largest distributor of Christian books and literature. We have secured permanent showroom representation in the America's Mart Atlanta, and at the Minnetonka, Minn. gift show. We have attended the regional gift show in Columbus, OH and Boston, Mass.
I have been invited to do events at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the annual Virginia State Readers Association convention, services at several local churches including 1st Baptist Houston, 1st Methodist Pensacola, Woodland Hills Baptist Asheville as well as others. I have been invited to do events at The Miracle Theatre and the Apple Farm in Pigeon Forge. We have scheduled book signings as close as here in Asheville and as far away as Texas. We have invitations to come to Illinois, Wisconsin, Mass., Arkansas, Mississippi, Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Ohio and several other states.
What a whirlwind of developments. There remains the struggle to not overreach our resources, and yet follow God's leading through new and exciting, opening doors. Books continue to be ordered from stores, churches, and individuals throughout the nation and literally around the world. God has been faithful and has given us great individuals to help us see this emerging dream become a reality.
What continues to be amazing is that God has chosen us to help reach children, and their families with the Good News of God's Love, Redemption, and Care. He deserves all of the honor and praise for what He is accomplishing.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Miles,miles, and more miles
Three trips to the Dallas, Texas area, a trip to the panhandle of Florida, quick visits to Georgia and Alabama, and too many conference calls and meetings to recount. Things continue to move forward as we see our books reaching homes through an ever increasing network of stores, catalogs, churches, schools, and individuals. We don't even want to look at the odometer on the car anymore.
We have just returned from our most recent trip to Dallas. We were honored to be invited to participate at an annual Conference for Children's Pastors. The conference brings together the leaders of church ministries to children from most of the 50 largest Southern Baptist churches in America. It was great to meet these dedicated leaders and see their commitment to reaching children all across the world with the message of Christ's love for every child.
We were able to begin developing relationships which will allow us to see our books find their way into many of these church ministries. What an incredible opportunity the Lord has opened for us! I just keep coming back to the fact that it is God's grace that has allowed us (myself, others working with me at Cane Creek Publishers, and our business and ministry partners) to experience all of this. It has not all been easy. There have been disappointments, setbacks, struggles, and closed doors, along with all of the new and exciting opportunities. In it all, we have seen God's hand at work.
What is most rewarding is to hear about children who are loving the books and whose lives are being changed. Earlier this week, I had two really neat experiences with parents of children who have copies of our books. The first happened when I was visiting at a public school. A parent that I know, but had not seen in a couple of years, came up and greeted me. He went on to share how much his children had enjoyed "The True Night Before Christmas". It seems it is one of their favorite books. He had received one of our original books back in 2008. The book is now an important part of their family's Christmas tradition. A few days later, I was at a meeting discussing how our new "Dorothy and the Good Shepherd" book will soon be used in Day Camps for children in Kenya. One of the pastors in the meeting shared how his little girl "loves" the book about "the loaves and fish" ("The Night Before Jesus fed 5000 Men). He told us how she comes in carrying the book, almost every night and wants it read to her again, and again, and again. His comment was, "if you want a testimony about your books just let me know, I'll be happy to share - anytime".
I cannot explain how exciting, and at the same time humbling, it is to hear these kind of stories. Praise God for what he is accomplishing through His grace in our lives. I pray that I never fail to appreciate the "wonder" of how God ever chose to use me to share His story with others.
I have one final story to share. Earlier this week we were returning from Texas. We had driven over 17 hours "none stop", except for gas and food we ate in the car. I had a meeting to attend, here in Western North Carolina, the very next day. We had started just after noon in Dallas and now it was almost 6:00 the following morning. As you can imagine we were "bone tired". It had started to rain and we were about 10 miles from home. All of the sudden, as I pulled out from a stop sign, I felt a strange sensation and heard an unusual sound. Almost instantly, I realized we had a flat tire. The trunk was full of luggage and books. We stood in the rain, moving boxes and suitcases so we could get to the jack and spare tire. As you can imagine, I was thinking - Why? Why here, why now, why us?
I took out the jack, got down on all fours (in the mud) and slid the jack under the car. Joyce was standing behind me holding an umbrella that was not big enough to keep either of us dry, much less both of us. About that time a car pulled up behind us in the dark. I didn't know whether to be happy or afraid. I had no way of knowing who was in the car or whether their intentions were good or bad. A tall, rather slim, bearded man walked toward us. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. He only wanted to help. It turns out that his aunt was one of Joyce's closest friends from her years of teaching school. He had not recognized us. He just thought we might need some help. He got down in the mud with me and worked with us until the tire was changed, and everything was back in the car. Then he followed us, until we made the turn onto the road where we live. Matthew was his name. He was on his way home after having worked all night at a local manufacturing plant. He even invited us to come to his church this Sunday. Once again - God's grace!
We have just returned from our most recent trip to Dallas. We were honored to be invited to participate at an annual Conference for Children's Pastors. The conference brings together the leaders of church ministries to children from most of the 50 largest Southern Baptist churches in America. It was great to meet these dedicated leaders and see their commitment to reaching children all across the world with the message of Christ's love for every child.
We were able to begin developing relationships which will allow us to see our books find their way into many of these church ministries. What an incredible opportunity the Lord has opened for us! I just keep coming back to the fact that it is God's grace that has allowed us (myself, others working with me at Cane Creek Publishers, and our business and ministry partners) to experience all of this. It has not all been easy. There have been disappointments, setbacks, struggles, and closed doors, along with all of the new and exciting opportunities. In it all, we have seen God's hand at work.
What is most rewarding is to hear about children who are loving the books and whose lives are being changed. Earlier this week, I had two really neat experiences with parents of children who have copies of our books. The first happened when I was visiting at a public school. A parent that I know, but had not seen in a couple of years, came up and greeted me. He went on to share how much his children had enjoyed "The True Night Before Christmas". It seems it is one of their favorite books. He had received one of our original books back in 2008. The book is now an important part of their family's Christmas tradition. A few days later, I was at a meeting discussing how our new "Dorothy and the Good Shepherd" book will soon be used in Day Camps for children in Kenya. One of the pastors in the meeting shared how his little girl "loves" the book about "the loaves and fish" ("The Night Before Jesus fed 5000 Men). He told us how she comes in carrying the book, almost every night and wants it read to her again, and again, and again. His comment was, "if you want a testimony about your books just let me know, I'll be happy to share - anytime".
I cannot explain how exciting, and at the same time humbling, it is to hear these kind of stories. Praise God for what he is accomplishing through His grace in our lives. I pray that I never fail to appreciate the "wonder" of how God ever chose to use me to share His story with others.
I have one final story to share. Earlier this week we were returning from Texas. We had driven over 17 hours "none stop", except for gas and food we ate in the car. I had a meeting to attend, here in Western North Carolina, the very next day. We had started just after noon in Dallas and now it was almost 6:00 the following morning. As you can imagine we were "bone tired". It had started to rain and we were about 10 miles from home. All of the sudden, as I pulled out from a stop sign, I felt a strange sensation and heard an unusual sound. Almost instantly, I realized we had a flat tire. The trunk was full of luggage and books. We stood in the rain, moving boxes and suitcases so we could get to the jack and spare tire. As you can imagine, I was thinking - Why? Why here, why now, why us?
I took out the jack, got down on all fours (in the mud) and slid the jack under the car. Joyce was standing behind me holding an umbrella that was not big enough to keep either of us dry, much less both of us. About that time a car pulled up behind us in the dark. I didn't know whether to be happy or afraid. I had no way of knowing who was in the car or whether their intentions were good or bad. A tall, rather slim, bearded man walked toward us. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. He only wanted to help. It turns out that his aunt was one of Joyce's closest friends from her years of teaching school. He had not recognized us. He just thought we might need some help. He got down in the mud with me and worked with us until the tire was changed, and everything was back in the car. Then he followed us, until we made the turn onto the road where we live. Matthew was his name. He was on his way home after having worked all night at a local manufacturing plant. He even invited us to come to his church this Sunday. Once again - God's grace!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
In His Hands
Its been a while since I posted, so let's jump right in.
We hit the ground running in January after an incredibly busy and encouraging December. January saw us presenting our books at the AmericasMart Atlanta Gift Show. From there Ben and I traveled to Dallas to participate in the Dallas World Trade Center Gift Show where we are now a part of the Keith Smith, Ltd. Showroom. At the same time, Brett and Angie were representing us at the Chicago area Gift Show. The response to our books was incredible. Our list of shops and stores, carrying our books, across the country continues to grow! Opportunities for new outlets keep multiplying as well.
We also finalized all of the files for Dorothy and the Good Shepherd and released those files so that production has already begun on our newest release. With the help of our printing partner, JS Printing Company, we were able to produce a "ministry" paper back version of this book. Over 100 copies were sent to Kenya and distributed by Project 82 (a wonderful ministry serving orphans in Kenya) to orphans in the village of Molo. What an amazing thing to realize that children in Kenya are reading and listening to our books.
Within the last few weeks we have begun to talk to others involved in ministry to children, and especially orphans, about partnerships which will result in children in other places being able to receive our books. These opportunities are a wonderful example of God's grace.
There is so much for which to be thankful. Life is not without its challenges. I continue to watch close friends and family struggle with sickness, loss of loved ones, and a myriad of other incredible challenges. Yet in the midst of all of this they are not "overcome".
While so much is happening in our small, but expanding world, there are amazing developments of the international stage. What a time to be a student of history. I am amazed to realize that the whole world has its collective eyes glued to the Middle East. Is it just me or is anyone else in awe of the fact that Biblical writers thousands of years ago, predicted that all of our eyes would be focused on the Middle East at this point in human history? So much of our development as modern society seemed to leave that geographic region in the dust as we scrambled to obtain one advancement after another. Yet, somehow the world has once again been brought to a place where we all realize that what is happening and will happen in those "third world" countries will have a direct and dramatic impact on our lives, no matter where we live. I guess those ancient writers had some kind of "supernatural" insight.
Whether I am looking at the events of the last few weeks as it relates to our books and business, or the struggles and triumphs of friends and family, or the epic events of the world stage, it brings comfort, encouragement, and confidence to remember that "He's got the whole world in His hands"!
We hit the ground running in January after an incredibly busy and encouraging December. January saw us presenting our books at the AmericasMart Atlanta Gift Show. From there Ben and I traveled to Dallas to participate in the Dallas World Trade Center Gift Show where we are now a part of the Keith Smith, Ltd. Showroom. At the same time, Brett and Angie were representing us at the Chicago area Gift Show. The response to our books was incredible. Our list of shops and stores, carrying our books, across the country continues to grow! Opportunities for new outlets keep multiplying as well.
We also finalized all of the files for Dorothy and the Good Shepherd and released those files so that production has already begun on our newest release. With the help of our printing partner, JS Printing Company, we were able to produce a "ministry" paper back version of this book. Over 100 copies were sent to Kenya and distributed by Project 82 (a wonderful ministry serving orphans in Kenya) to orphans in the village of Molo. What an amazing thing to realize that children in Kenya are reading and listening to our books.
Within the last few weeks we have begun to talk to others involved in ministry to children, and especially orphans, about partnerships which will result in children in other places being able to receive our books. These opportunities are a wonderful example of God's grace.
There is so much for which to be thankful. Life is not without its challenges. I continue to watch close friends and family struggle with sickness, loss of loved ones, and a myriad of other incredible challenges. Yet in the midst of all of this they are not "overcome".
While so much is happening in our small, but expanding world, there are amazing developments of the international stage. What a time to be a student of history. I am amazed to realize that the whole world has its collective eyes glued to the Middle East. Is it just me or is anyone else in awe of the fact that Biblical writers thousands of years ago, predicted that all of our eyes would be focused on the Middle East at this point in human history? So much of our development as modern society seemed to leave that geographic region in the dust as we scrambled to obtain one advancement after another. Yet, somehow the world has once again been brought to a place where we all realize that what is happening and will happen in those "third world" countries will have a direct and dramatic impact on our lives, no matter where we live. I guess those ancient writers had some kind of "supernatural" insight.
Whether I am looking at the events of the last few weeks as it relates to our books and business, or the struggles and triumphs of friends and family, or the epic events of the world stage, it brings comfort, encouragement, and confidence to remember that "He's got the whole world in His hands"!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
winter
Christmas day greeted us with a blanket of new snow. Before the snow ended there were about 10 inches of the white stuff covering everything in sight. This was the first major snow on Christmas day in Western North Carolina in over 30 years (or so we are told). After several days of dealing with the snow, ice and the cold wintry air that blew in after the snowstorm, you might wonder why someone would dream of a "White Christmas". As I checked my email, Twitter, and Facebook and talked to friends and family I heard over and over again a myriad of laments about the snow. I was reminded of a truth the Apostle Paul discovered in his life. To be content on matter what the circumstances of his life.
Winter has started off as a very brutal season, here in the mountains. I don't mean to minimize the problems it presents for many people. The family struggling with heating needs, the widow who cannot get to the grocery store, individuals stranded at airports or even on highways, folks who are missing much needed hours at work are just a few of the realities of what the winter weather has brought into individual lives. However, if we are talking about a life of difficulty, I don't think any of us would not acknowledge that Paul's life experiences contained more calamity than ours. Yet he found a way to not be discouraged or have a complaining spirit amid beatings, jail time, misunderstandings, disputes with friends, and some many of the things that would have surely discouraged any of us. So how bad are my circumstances, anyway?
The truth is "God is in control" and "God is good all the
Of wintertime's glow
Winter has started off as a very brutal season, here in the mountains. I don't mean to minimize the problems it presents for many people. The family struggling with heating needs, the widow who cannot get to the grocery store, individuals stranded at airports or even on highways, folks who are missing much needed hours at work are just a few of the realities of what the winter weather has brought into individual lives. However, if we are talking about a life of difficulty, I don't think any of us would not acknowledge that Paul's life experiences contained more calamity than ours. Yet he found a way to not be discouraged or have a complaining spirit amid beatings, jail time, misunderstandings, disputes with friends, and some many of the things that would have surely discouraged any of us. So how bad are my circumstances, anyway?
The truth is "God is in control" and "God is good all the
Winter
New morning light
Shows a layer of white
Hiding the dead
Bringing beauty instead
Fence post and tree limb
Clad in a pale skin
Icy and cold
Outlining each fold
Gray curling smoke
From a fire being stoked
Wind blowing strong
Icicles long
Bed covers pulled tight
Embers glow bright
Steam from a cup
Kids bundled up
Frost laden glimpses
Rousing my senses
Reminders I know
Friday, December 17, 2010
Challenges
These last few weeks have been somewhat of a blur. As I opened up this blog to write another post, I was amazed to discover that more than a month has passed since my last post. I also was surprised to realize that I had started a previous entry while in Korea and had never completed that effort. It doesn't seem possible that it has been so long since I last sat down to share.
There is no way to recount or adequately convey all that recent travels have brought into my life. New friends and faces, old relationships renewed, places visited, foods I haven't even imagined existed, are now a part of my collective life story. New horizons and new challenges are also a part of my newly revised view of life.
I have now had the opportunity to watch videos of children in Africa listening to and responding to words that came from my heart. That is an incredible life experience. I have shared with students and adults in Asia and watched as they were drawn into Dorothy's tale. How exciting was that?!
We are now contemplating new story lines, additional markets, and a much wider scope of opportunity. All of this also brings new and more complex challenges to a plate that in many ways already seemed full. I wonder if I am up to the tasks ahead.
I have been drawn back to the life story of Joshua - God's statesmen, general - who had the unenviable task of following Moses as the leader of God's people. Joshua was thrown into that position in part because he had been one of only two individuals (along with Caleb) to have had the courage to suggest that the "promised land" as within Israel's grasp. Yet the message God had for Joshua was "be strong and courageous, do not be terrified for I am with you". Out of all the individuals whose exploits are recorded for us, Joshua seems to be one of the least likely to have needed this message. Still, it is to him that God spoke these words.
One truth I take from this glimpse into Joshua's life experience is that we all struggle with how to deal with the challenges that God given opportunity brings into our lives. If my life is without challenge then I most certainly am not where God wants me to be. The fact that I am facing a myriad of challenges does not ensure that I am where I am supposed to be, but their absence would provide absolute evidence that I need to find my way back to His path for my life.
A second insight comes as I read the account of Joshua's early morning encounter with the "captain of the Lord's army". Joshua was all about doing what I would be doing, when faced with obstacles and challenges. He was developing a plan. In truth, he was seeking God's guidance in developing this plan, but he saw it as "Joshua's plan" for Israel, that needed God's blessing. This "captain of the Lord's army" quietly but firmly reminded Joshua that He was not on Joshua (or Israel's) side. In fact when Joshua asked him "whose side are you on"? the response was a shocker. This commander whose alliance Joshua sought was not interested in taking the side of Joshua. He had His own plan, agenda or "side". Joshua needed to be on the Lord's side, and not be so consumed with gaining God's favor for his plans.
The challenges of life that I encounter because I am following God's plan for my life will be met and conquered because, it is His plan. He utilizes His insight and resources to accomplish His purposes. If I become convinced of this reality, then courage in the face of challenges, obviously larger than than my reservoir of resource, can be my experience.
There is no way to recount or adequately convey all that recent travels have brought into my life. New friends and faces, old relationships renewed, places visited, foods I haven't even imagined existed, are now a part of my collective life story. New horizons and new challenges are also a part of my newly revised view of life.
I have now had the opportunity to watch videos of children in Africa listening to and responding to words that came from my heart. That is an incredible life experience. I have shared with students and adults in Asia and watched as they were drawn into Dorothy's tale. How exciting was that?!
We are now contemplating new story lines, additional markets, and a much wider scope of opportunity. All of this also brings new and more complex challenges to a plate that in many ways already seemed full. I wonder if I am up to the tasks ahead.
I have been drawn back to the life story of Joshua - God's statesmen, general - who had the unenviable task of following Moses as the leader of God's people. Joshua was thrown into that position in part because he had been one of only two individuals (along with Caleb) to have had the courage to suggest that the "promised land" as within Israel's grasp. Yet the message God had for Joshua was "be strong and courageous, do not be terrified for I am with you". Out of all the individuals whose exploits are recorded for us, Joshua seems to be one of the least likely to have needed this message. Still, it is to him that God spoke these words.
One truth I take from this glimpse into Joshua's life experience is that we all struggle with how to deal with the challenges that God given opportunity brings into our lives. If my life is without challenge then I most certainly am not where God wants me to be. The fact that I am facing a myriad of challenges does not ensure that I am where I am supposed to be, but their absence would provide absolute evidence that I need to find my way back to His path for my life.
A second insight comes as I read the account of Joshua's early morning encounter with the "captain of the Lord's army". Joshua was all about doing what I would be doing, when faced with obstacles and challenges. He was developing a plan. In truth, he was seeking God's guidance in developing this plan, but he saw it as "Joshua's plan" for Israel, that needed God's blessing. This "captain of the Lord's army" quietly but firmly reminded Joshua that He was not on Joshua (or Israel's) side. In fact when Joshua asked him "whose side are you on"? the response was a shocker. This commander whose alliance Joshua sought was not interested in taking the side of Joshua. He had His own plan, agenda or "side". Joshua needed to be on the Lord's side, and not be so consumed with gaining God's favor for his plans.
The challenges of life that I encounter because I am following God's plan for my life will be met and conquered because, it is His plan. He utilizes His insight and resources to accomplish His purposes. If I become convinced of this reality, then courage in the face of challenges, obviously larger than than my reservoir of resource, can be my experience.
I am writing this post from Korea. We have been here for just over a week and will be leaving in a couple of days. Our time here has included so much.
I have had the privilege of sharing with nearly 20 student groups from preschoolers to high schoolers. Joyce has also shared with many of the groups. Today's events were all held at Central Christian Academy in Suwon. These were especially interesting because the students were all Korean and were speaking English as a second language. Sharing with them about such topics as rhyming words, rhyming sequence, and meter patterns was challenging, but they seemed captivated by the books (especially the Dorothy book).
Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we were excited to be apart of the ACSI International Teachers' Conference. There were almost 1000 international educators who gathered from nearly 30 countries. Both Joyce and I led workshops. We are thrilled to have been able to meet with some incredible leaders in the International education community. We learned a great deal and feel we have seen some awesome doors of opportunity begin to open.
As has been happening in recent weeks, the Lord continues to connect us with individuals who have a desire to minister to orphans and other disadvantaged children.
I opened up this file to post a new blog and discovered that I had never posted this entry. Rather than complete this, I am posting it "as is" and will post another that will hopefully provide some follow up to these thoughts.
I have had the privilege of sharing with nearly 20 student groups from preschoolers to high schoolers. Joyce has also shared with many of the groups. Today's events were all held at Central Christian Academy in Suwon. These were especially interesting because the students were all Korean and were speaking English as a second language. Sharing with them about such topics as rhyming words, rhyming sequence, and meter patterns was challenging, but they seemed captivated by the books (especially the Dorothy book).
Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we were excited to be apart of the ACSI International Teachers' Conference. There were almost 1000 international educators who gathered from nearly 30 countries. Both Joyce and I led workshops. We are thrilled to have been able to meet with some incredible leaders in the International education community. We learned a great deal and feel we have seen some awesome doors of opportunity begin to open.
As has been happening in recent weeks, the Lord continues to connect us with individuals who have a desire to minister to orphans and other disadvantaged children.
I opened up this file to post a new blog and discovered that I had never posted this entry. Rather than complete this, I am posting it "as is" and will post another that will hopefully provide some follow up to these thoughts.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Let's see what He does!
I am up early this morning, reflecting on the events of the last several days. Joyce and I are in Tyler, TX for three days of book events. We have had several wonderful days of travel and events already.
It began on Saturday as we arrived in Pensacola, FL and were blessed to spend time with some great friends. We were able to share the joy of the Payne family as they welcomed their newest member - Jaxson - into their lives. God has placed Jaxson into a loving and caring home. He has parents who love the Lord and will love him. He has grandparents and others who will shower him with affection and support. He is a blessed newborn. I am reminded that there are so many children who are not so blessed.
On Sunday we were at an incredible church - First Methodist of Pensacola. They are doing a remarkable job of reaching people in downtown Pensacola. They have a wonderful children's ministry, led by Lisa. She has become a real encouragement to us. It is awesome to see how she is motivating families to reach out and help others - especially children.
Later that day, we were privileged to minister at First Baptist Church in Milton, FL. Elaine and others had done such a great job in preparing for our visit. We were completely unaware that they had recognized the day as - Orphan Sunday. We had a great time and made some wonderful new friends. We were able to meet Dr. Musselwhite, who is a leader with the Florida Baptist State Convention's Children's Homes. It is incredible to see God directing us again and again into conversations with those who are already working with orphans and underprivileged children.
Yesterday we were in Mexia, TX at a book signing. The store owner Katrina and her mother Melva were so kind and thoughtful. The Lord, once again, brought in individuals already involved in meeting the needs of children through adoptions, reading programs, church children's ministries, and orphanages.
Yesterday was also the day that Brett, who is now working with us, headed to Kenya for several days of travel with the leaders of Project 82. This ministry is reaching many, many orphans in Kenya and is supported by Mt. Bethel UMC of Atlanta and Biltmore Baptist Church of Asheville along with many others. We are working to develop a cooperative ministry effort with Project 82 and TWR(Trans World Radio), Biltmore and others, that will result in the distribution of our soon to be released book, "Dorothy and the Good Shepherd" to thousands of children in Kenya. Pray for safety for the group traveling in Kenya, and wisdom as they spend time together.
God is unmistakably directing us to become more actively involved in ministry to orphans and disadvantaged children. The list of indivduals, Christian leaders, ministries, adoptive parents, and churches that the Lord has brought us into contact with in the last few days, weeks, and months, who have a heart to meet these enormous needs, is too long to recount.
The thread of His leading is clear. Our commitment to follow His leading is firm. We are excited to see what God will accomplish as we move forward.
My mind keeps going back to Ephesians 3, where Paul explains that even though we are not worthy or capable, God has determined to use us to accomplish things of eternal consequence. The apostle ends his discussion of this mystery of Grace by reminding us that - "He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine". Let's see what He does!
It began on Saturday as we arrived in Pensacola, FL and were blessed to spend time with some great friends. We were able to share the joy of the Payne family as they welcomed their newest member - Jaxson - into their lives. God has placed Jaxson into a loving and caring home. He has parents who love the Lord and will love him. He has grandparents and others who will shower him with affection and support. He is a blessed newborn. I am reminded that there are so many children who are not so blessed.
On Sunday we were at an incredible church - First Methodist of Pensacola. They are doing a remarkable job of reaching people in downtown Pensacola. They have a wonderful children's ministry, led by Lisa. She has become a real encouragement to us. It is awesome to see how she is motivating families to reach out and help others - especially children.
Later that day, we were privileged to minister at First Baptist Church in Milton, FL. Elaine and others had done such a great job in preparing for our visit. We were completely unaware that they had recognized the day as - Orphan Sunday. We had a great time and made some wonderful new friends. We were able to meet Dr. Musselwhite, who is a leader with the Florida Baptist State Convention's Children's Homes. It is incredible to see God directing us again and again into conversations with those who are already working with orphans and underprivileged children.
Yesterday we were in Mexia, TX at a book signing. The store owner Katrina and her mother Melva were so kind and thoughtful. The Lord, once again, brought in individuals already involved in meeting the needs of children through adoptions, reading programs, church children's ministries, and orphanages.
Yesterday was also the day that Brett, who is now working with us, headed to Kenya for several days of travel with the leaders of Project 82. This ministry is reaching many, many orphans in Kenya and is supported by Mt. Bethel UMC of Atlanta and Biltmore Baptist Church of Asheville along with many others. We are working to develop a cooperative ministry effort with Project 82 and TWR(Trans World Radio), Biltmore and others, that will result in the distribution of our soon to be released book, "Dorothy and the Good Shepherd" to thousands of children in Kenya. Pray for safety for the group traveling in Kenya, and wisdom as they spend time together.
God is unmistakably directing us to become more actively involved in ministry to orphans and disadvantaged children. The list of indivduals, Christian leaders, ministries, adoptive parents, and churches that the Lord has brought us into contact with in the last few days, weeks, and months, who have a heart to meet these enormous needs, is too long to recount.
The thread of His leading is clear. Our commitment to follow His leading is firm. We are excited to see what God will accomplish as we move forward.
My mind keeps going back to Ephesians 3, where Paul explains that even though we are not worthy or capable, God has determined to use us to accomplish things of eternal consequence. The apostle ends his discussion of this mystery of Grace by reminding us that - "He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine". Let's see what He does!
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