Kingsland's Diane Patterson Boys Boarding School

As our boarding school in India nears completion, I recently asked Doyle Lowry, Executive Pastor at Kingsland, to travel to Orissa to purchase computers and set up the computer room at our school. Dan Bradshaw, our IT guy, accompanied Doyle to handle all of the technical aspects of the work. They returned home this past weekend with a good report of their experiences in Orissa.

OG | We have experienced delays in the construction project over the past year because of lack of materials and workers and weather-related issues. What is the current status of the building project?

DL | The building is nearly complete. Sudhansu, the Director of our boarding school, hopes to begin construction on the wall surrounding the property prior to the rainy season (June/July).  He is hopeful that the boys will move into the new building in the next two months.

OG | What challenges did you face in purchasing and setting up the computers?

DL | Time difference (10 ½ hours ahead), language and culture were barriers in the purchase of the computers. We purchased eight Dell desktop computers along with cabling, switches and a printer to network the computers. It was a challenge to find a computer dealer in Bhubaneswar that was willing to work with us. Dan Bradshaw, Kingsland’s IT Director came to the church at midnight on more than one occasion to ‘broker the deal.’ Setting up the computers was not all that difficult, with one significant exception – POWER! In the small village where our boys home is located, there are daily power outages to contend with. We did purchase a Honda generator to serve as a backup. It came in handy as we used it every day we were there.

OG | What will adding computer-education mean to the boys in our boarding school?

DL | The addition of computer-education will be a game changer for these boys. It gives them knowledge and greatly increases their opportunities for future employment. There is also an immediate benefit in the joy of discovery and learning.

OG | How did the boys respond when they entered the room and saw the computers for the first time?

DL | It was amazing to watch the boys interact with the new computers. Prior to this week, they thought a mouse was a small rodent and a hard drive was a long journey. We take something like a computer for granted because it is so familiar to us. For these boys, this was a great adventure. What a joy to watch the wonder and amazement in their expressions.

Dan Bradshaw teaching boys to use a computer.

OG | How will our computer room be used at other times?

DL | The computer lab will be used to minister to the village and the surrounding area. Word has already spread and people are inquiring about receiving training. There is even the possibility that the computers could be used to generate a small income stream for the boys’ school.

OG | What is your best memory from this trip?

DL | I was able to see India through fresh eyes. This was Dan’s first international trip. He jumped in to the deep end. Strangely enough, after having traveled to India on four separate occasions, it is easy to lose an edge and become more familiar with the cultural differences and the human suffering that so many in our world face on a daily basis. God gave me a gift of seeing this again as if it were my first time.

I asked Sarah Thompson a few questions about the work of Aid Sudan and their upcoming 5k run to raise awareness and funds to benefit the people of southern Sudan. Here are Sarah’s answers.

OG | Sarah, what is your role with Aid Sudan?

ST | I serve as the Director of Administration with Aid Sudan, and also work on some of our development projects. One of the most exciting projects we have going on is our hand-held radios project. Through our satellite based radio network, we broadcast the Bible in chronological stories in the heart languages of the people. Programming also includes health and hygiene training and the news, and it’s received by southern Sudanese via solar-powered, hand-held radios. In a region with a literacy rate estimated at less than 1%, radios are the perfect way to communicate the Good News of Jesus. We’re hearing awesome things about how the gospel is changing lives through the radios!

OG | What kind of initiatives is Aid Sudan involved in and how can we learn more about those initiatives?

ST | God is really at work among the Sudanese, and we’re seeing that in our work stateside as well as in southern Sudan. In our Houston and Dallas offices, we build relationships with local Sudanese churches and serve in the areas of discipleship and evangelism, as well as with life skills projects and meeting basic needs. In southern Sudan, our projects center around our four pillars of work, meeting needs in the areas of health, education, water, and church. Our vision is to see holistic transformation occur in southern Sudan with the spread of the gospel and community development, as both spiritual and physical needs are met. You can learn more about what we do by visiting our website.

OG| What can people do to get involved with or to support the work of Aid Sudan?

ST | There are various ways to get involved in Aid Sudan’s ministry, whether through local work or in Sudan. We take several short-term mission trips each year, and still have some with openings for 2011. Those interested can contact Andrew Brown, our Mission Trips Director at andrew@aidsudan.org or 713.414.5490. We also have several events each year, and are looking forward to our annual gala at the Hyatt Downtown on April 28, as well as a 5k run in April and a concert for hand-held radios later this year. We also greatly value both financial and prayer support, and all are welcome to visit our website and sign up to receive our prayer and newsletter emails, and for information on donating.

OG | Aid Sudan is hosting a 5k run in April. What is the purpose of the 5k run and how can people sign up to participate — to run for the lives of the Sudanese?

ST | The 5k Fun Run/Walk allows people from all over Houston to participate in a great event and learn more about the work that we do. Each year we’re joined by several members of the Sudanese community here in Houston, and there’s also a Kid’s 1k for the little ones. Houston’s First Baptist church sponsors the run, and all proceeds go directly to our ministry. It’s a really great day and fun event for walkers, runners, and even those who just want to enjoy a post-race party! For more information and to sign up, visit www.aidsudan.org/events.

Kara teaching in Uganda.

OG | When did you first develop an interest in encouraging women to get involved in studying the Bible in small groups?

KP | While attending college I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to start a Bible study in my apartment. I asked a few friends to join me and we launched into Kay Arthur’s “Lord, Where Are You When Bad Things Happen?” — a study of the book of Habakkuk. Although I was raised in church and active in our youth group, this was my first inductive bible study and I was hooked! Studying God’s Word was a rich experience that drew our small group of friends closer to each other and closer to God.

After graduation, my husband Dave and I moved seven times in the next six years. I missed having Bible study with friends and got involved in a women’s Bible study in Kansas City and loved it! In 2003, after moving again, the Lord prompted me to start a Bible study in my home. I asked seven friends and all of them said yes! Since that time, I have desired to use the gifts and the friendships that God has given me to encourage women to study God’s Word and to join Him where is already working.

OG | How have you personally encouraged women to go beyond the mere study of the Word to the practical application of the Word?

KP | Five years ago I began leading Bible study at Kingsland and through this experience developed many friendships. Through these friendships, God has led me to connect those in need with those willing to serve.

OG | How did you get women willing to help connected with women in need?

KP | I met a woman named Alison in a Bible study. The Lord prompted me to encourage my Bible study group to minister to Allison. We provided groceries, others helped move Allison and her eight children into a new apartment, and my neighbors helped to furnish her apartment. It was an unbelievable Matthew 25:34-40 kind of experience. Through this experience God began to show me how to move from the mere study of His Word to the practical application of His Word. It is here that I found an unspeakable joy!

OG | How did God change your understanding of what He expects of you as a member of the local church?

KP | God patiently taught me that the church must equip believers for the work of ministry and that it is the job of equipped believers to take Jesus to the world. What a revolutionary idea! I can’t rely on Kingsland Baptist Church to reach my lost friends and neighbors. I must ask the Lord to send me and then be faithful when He calls. Bob Pierce, the president of World Vision, made a statement that will never leave me – “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God”. I asked the Lord to make this the cry of my heart and He has faithfully led me on an adventure that I only hope has just begun.

OG | You have traveled on two of our international teams. How did your trip to Morocco, a restricted country, impact your life?

KP | In Morocco I saw the inequality of opportunities for women and pondered how I could help. How could I use my love of women and my gifts and energy to make a difference for others? I read the book “Half the Sky” and realized that there were issues that resulted in the deaths of thousands of women and children that I did not even know existed! I felt a godly call to action and prayed and waited for the Lord to give direction to my passion.

OG | On our trip to Uganda you had an opportunity to be involved in speaking to a number of small groups around the country. How did this trip impact your life?

KP | This trip of a lifetime opened my eyes to the issues of justice and the need for safe-houses for hurting women and continued support for organizations that serve on the front lines of saving lives. I also saw the need for teaching on the sanctity of life. Teaching this foundational truth to church leaders and seeing understanding flood their tear-filled eyes was incredible! We must be messengers of truth to those who have not heard!

OG | How did God speak to you after visiting the safe-house in Uganda?

KP | I knew I needed to get involved in the fight for justice. I joined Kingsland’s Justice Team and began to meditate on Micah 6. God requires of me to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with my God. I asked God how this might play out in my life and He has been faithful to give me opportunities to live out the message of this verse. I continue to pray for my heart to break with the things that break the heart of God. Dave and I give to Kiva to help women in developing countries start small businesses to change their lives. As I seek the Lord’s guidance to plan upcoming Bible studies I pray that we meet the needs of all women – new Christians in need of discipleship and mature Christians who need prompting to get out and serve!

Potts kids at local project.

OG | As a Mom, what are some practical things you are doing to equip the next generation?

KP | I asked the Lord to give me eyes to see needs in my community and wisdom to know how to meet those needs. An easy way to meet the need of hunger in Katy was to get my kids and my neighborhood involved with Katy Christian Ministries food pantry. We sent out an email to our neighborhood explaining the ministry of the food bank, the need to help the hungry in our community, and what they could do to help. We asked our neighbors to put a bag of non-perishable foods on their porch and my kids and I collected and delivered the bags to KCM. We do this quarterly. And now, other neighbors and taking a turn and letting their kids do the collecting.

OG | What are your hopes for the coming year in regard to reaching out to other women in our community?

KP | I am asking the Lord daily to show me what I need to get involved in and what I need to allow others to do. I need Him to guide me and I need to be faithful when He calls. I don’t look too far in front of me, but so far the ride has been fun-filled and rewarding! Who knows what He has planned next, but I know I want to be part of what He is doing in my small part of the world and abroad.

OG | Mary, when did God first stir your heart about the plight of the unborn at risk of being aborted?

MW | Thirty years ago God began stirring in me to see the unborn and women who have been affected or at risk for abortion the way He sees them. He shared the heartbreak of the reality of what an abortion at any stage is and what it does to the unborn.

OG | How did that stirring in your heart find expression in our own community?

MW | In 1980 I volunteered with Birthright after reading about their work in a church bulletin. They needed volunteers. Then, about 13 years ago, I was asked to serve on the board of the Pregnancy Help Center in Katy and was privileged to see it grow. We purchased land for a building and I served on staff during this time and actually got to be a part of seeing the building being completed. I served at the Pregnancy Help Center for 5 years.

OG | God used you to speak to my heart about the issues of abortion when I first arrived at Kingsland five years ago. You introduced me to Kurt Dillinger, the President of Life International, a ministry whose mission field is the one created by abortion. How have you been involved in helping our church to address the problem of abortion among the nations?

Mary teaching in Cambodia.

MW | I don’t think either of us knew what God had in store for our church or for each of us. He was really extending the invitation and opportunity to join Him in life-giving work and you and Pastor Alex said “yes” for all of us. Since 2006, I have been privileged to be a part of our church’s pursuit of God’s heart for the unborn and for women at risk. Kingsland has responded to the opportunity to support life-giving ministries wherever abortion is provided worldwide.

We have been privileged to build relationships with Christ-followers on the forefront of rescuing women and the unborn in Uganda and Cambodia. We have brought a biblical view of life to the church in these countries to help empower and encourage them in their work. A huge highlight for me was the opportunity to travel with other women and men from Kingsland who left home, kids, jobs, and commitments to enter the mission field for life.

We have introduced life in the womb to people who have never “seen” it or had full knowledge of what fetal development is or even looks like.
We have also offered a time of healing and restoration for any involvement they personally may have had in abortion so they can then move into life-giving ministry free from any sin, wounding, or effects of abortion. It was a privilege for me to pray with two women in Cambodia who confessed that they had had several abortions. It was a blessing for me to offer them encouragement and the hope of healing that comes through Jesus Christ.

OG | How has God been speaking to you about the issue of life in recent years?

MW | God has, in recent years, given me a clear picture that this is a spiritual battle that has raged since the beginning of time against the most innocent of His creation. The enemy doesn’t rest. He demands a mockery of God’s creation and sovereignty because we are told in Scripture that we are made in His Image.

God has given me a real love for the women I have encountered who have been affected by abortion. These women, as well as their aborted babies, are the victims of John 10:10 – “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.” But our focus in action is the rest of John 10:10 – to offer life abundantly through Jesus Christ.

OG | What have you seen God do among the nations in regard to the sanctity of human life?

MW | We have reports of numbers of women and men coming to Christ through the pregnancy help center that we helped to start in Uganda in cooperation with Life International. Hundreds of babies have been saved because women have a place to go to hear and receive truth and to choose life.

More recently in Cambodia, the week after our church leadership conference last month, we received word that two attendees shared what they had learned about the sanctity of human life with women who were considering abortion. As a result, these abortion-minded women chose life for their babies. Another church leader called and wanted to talk about her past abortions and needed help with restoration and healing. Over and over during our training sessions, the people said they were anxious to share what they had learned about the sanctity of human life. They believed that God was going to spread these truths about life through Cambodia, a nation steeped in death. It is humbling to be a part of what God is doing and will do and to witness the commitment to life on the part of Christ-followers around the world.

Child on Stretcher | Left Arm Amputated

Kingsland’s Missions Ministry always has several initiatives in play at any given time. On the Thursday before I left for India earlier this month, our missions office sent an e-mail to the Kingsland family asking for medical supplies for Haiti. By Friday evening, we had collected, boxed, and packed over one-thousand pounds of medical supplies. Four Kingsland members joined a larger medical team to Haiti. Kingsland member Wayne Fairley accompanied the team to aid with logistics. Here is a summary of that initiative and the impact it had on the people of Haiti. 

Omar | Wayne, we had to act quickly to mobilize medical staff and supplies for Haiti. Once we packed and loaded the supplies we collected at Kingsland, what happened next? 

Wayne | We worked with Angel Flight to find available planes and pilots willing to fly to Haiti. We located one, then two planes and, praise God, within a day after collecting supplies, we launched toward Haiti with four planes carrying a team of fifteen people and about one ton of supplies. 

Omar | Many organizations responded to the crisis in Haiti therefore limiting the available number of landing spots. What challenges did the team face in getting to Haiti and where did you land? 

Wayne | We faced weather delays, darkness, fuel availability, and air traffic and security restrictions. But, our Pilot and pilots found a creative route to get us to Jacmel on the southern coast. We arrived in Jacmel after stops in Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico and a circle around the Dominican Republic. 

Omar | What were your first impressions and immediate challenges when you landed in Jacmel? What steps did the team take to set up a basic clinic and surgical environment? 

Wayne | Jacmel is a sleepy city with very limited medical resources. The hospital was mostly destroyed and the equipment was primitive. We rapidly assessed, among the chaos, what was needed and what medical procedures were possible with what we had brought with us and also found. We managed to pull together a minimalist operating environment. 

Omar | How did non-medical team members help? 

Wayne | We borrowed vehicles from the local Hands and Feet Mission and set out to scavenge for medical equipment in clinics outside of town. And, when some enormous US Navy helicopters started arriving, we helped transfer a few thousand meals to UN trucks. It was hot and heavy work. 

Omar | In addition to collecting and purchasing medical supplies, our missions ministry also purchased tents and other camping supplies. Were these items useful? 

Wayne | Medical supplies were scarce so the ton of bandages, supplies and meds were very well received. Since we camped at an unfinished building near the Jacmel airstrip, we didn’t have to use the tents. But, the local missionaries were elated to have them for victim families who had no other shelter. 

Omar | After a couple of days in Jacmel, the team relocated to Port au Prince. How did the team travel to Port au Prince and with whom did you connect when you arrived? 

Wayne | The US Navy was very flexible and very helpful. Our team traveled on helicopters returning to Port au Prince after the food drops. Upon landing at Port au Prince, we connected in a divine way with a woman who knew of immediate needs at the Haitian Community Hospital across town. 

Omar | How did medical team members assist at the Haitian Community Hospital? 

Wayne | Wow! Our team was a glove fit for the needs enumerated when we walked in the door. The most pressing needs included an anesthesiologist, a pediatric specialist, operating room specialists, generalist MDs, and muscle to move the hundreds of patients around. Our team went to work immediately. 

Omar | How were non-medical team members used? 

Wayne | We handled the flow of patients from the lawn and triage to X-ray and operating room staging areas and then from recovery areas back to the hallways and lawn. We were runners for supplies. We gathered a team of local teens to help ration and distribute water to keep patients, families, and care givers hydrated in the hot building and tents. 

Omar | How would you summarize the impact of our quick-response team? 

Wayne | It’s certain that our team saved lives and limbs, relieved much pain, and brought comfort to that small corner of Port au Prince for a few days. 

Omar | What’s next in regard to continuing medical help? 

Wayne | Our doctors emphasized that a critical factor during the coming days and weeks will be wound care and infection control. I will help our missions ministry in mobilizing continuing teams of care-givers and supplies to Haiti. Transportation is the greatest immediate need since there are no commercial services and identified transports are overwhelmed. 

Omar | I am grateful to Wayne for serving as our point man in Haiti and also to Dr. Cindy Anthis, Kim Parris, and Jim Rankin for their service to the people of Haiti. I am especially grateful to the Kingsland family for their generous donation of medical supplies and monetary donations to assist the people of Haiti. Thanks for going beyond! 

Kingsland’s Missions Ministry will continue to stay engaged in aspects of the continuing relief work. Please make monetary donations payable to Kingsland Baptist Church with the words “Haiti Relief” in the Memo line. To learn more about how you can help, please contact Wayne at projectmanager@gmail.com or 832.335.2292.

Boys of Iron Service Project

Omar | Leslee, who are the Boys of Iron and when do they meet?
 
Leslee | Boys of Iron are 1st through 5th grade boys. We have about 80 boys that meet on Wednesday nights from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
 
Omar | What do the Boys of Iron study and how do you help them connect with missions initiatives and missionaries?
 
Leslee | Our focus for Boys of Iron is to assist parents as they raise their boys into godly men. Our leaders are men and we have lessons on virtues that are specific to males, such as being a gentleman, controlling anger and taking responsibility for your actions. Godly men are mission minded, so we spend a large portion of time studying about missions at home and abroad. We pray for missionaries, work on mission projects and have mission speakers. We try to involve the boys in missions at home, at the state level and to the ends of the earth.
 
Omar | What have the boys done to engage with an international ministry this Christmas?
 
Leslee | Over the last several weeks our boys collected money for Heifer International. Heifer International brings plants or animals to needy people around the globe. The families are taught to care for the resources and are asked to share with more families as their gift grows. Not only is the family’s life improved, but they have the chance to help another family. Even more importantly, the recipients are taught about the love of Jesus. Visit the Heifer International website for more information.
 
Omar | How much money did the boys raise to send to Heifer International and how did they raise the money?
 
Leslee | Our boys brought in money in small and large amounts totaling $490.35. While it’s nice to see large dollar amounts come in, I love counting out nickels and pennies! Some of the boys told me about jobs they did around the house to earn the money.
 
Omar | That’s fantastic! Our Missions Ministry is excited to match the money raised by the boys.
 
Leslee | The boys will be so excited to be able to buy even more animals! We were amazed to learn the impact even a hive of honeybees can make on a community.
 
Omar | What will our boys do next this Christmas season?
 
Leslee | Tomorrow night we will help God’s Girls fill stockings for families in Katy through Katy Christian Ministry’s Santa’s Sleigh program.
 
Omar | How can parents of grade school boys get their children involved?
 
Leslee | Parents can call me at 281.492.0785 or register online at Kingsland’s website. Girls can register for God’s Girls that meets at the same time.

Omar | Isaiah, I want to thank you for giving money to our missions ministry. We will send your gift to India to help feed the boys we care for. You could have used your money for other things. Why did you choose to give it to missions?

Isaiah | Because I wanted to, and I know it was very good to do. I hope it makes God happy.

Omar | How old are you, what grade are you in, and how long did it take you to save the money you gave?

Isaiah | I am 6 years-old. I am in Kindergarten. I think it took 3 months to save the money — with my birthday money.

Omar | You have set a very good example for other people to follow. It’s easy for us to spend everything we earn or receive on ourselves — to buy more stuff for ourselves. But, you thought of others. This is not the first time you have done this. Why is it important to you to help others?

Isaiah | ‘Cause God wants us to.

Omar | One of the most exciting things about sending money to help those in need in other countries is exchanging our American dollars for their money. Since we are sending your gift to India, we will change your American dollars into Indian Rupees. Now, here is the exciting part — the money you gave will be changed into 715 Indian Rupees. That will be enough money to feed two of our boys for almost one month. How does it make you feel to know that your gift will do so much good in India?

Isaiah | It feels alot good!

Omar | What would you like to tell other kids your age who feel that they are too young to make a difference in the lives of kids around the world?

Isaiah | You’re the perfect size.

Omar | You don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference in the world, you just have to care and to be willing to do something to help. You have encouraged me by your thoughtfulness and kindness. I know that our boys in India will also be encouraged by your gift. Thank you so much for thinking of others and for doing something good to make a difference in their lives.

Isaiah | Thank you for helping me send the money.

Omar | Joy and Keith, what advice would you give to other parents to guide them in encouraging their kids to make a difference?

Joy and Keith | Having our family devotions together and by explaining to our children about how good we have it here. We thank God for our blessings — that we have a house, and a bed to sleep on, and how other little boys and girls live in grass huts, and sleep on the dirt. We try to emphasize not taking what we have for granted, and how God wants us to share our blessings with others.

This has been a whirlwind trip to India. Doyle Lowry, Kingsland’s Executive Pastor, and I will have traveled over twenty-thousand miles on three different airlines by the time we return to Houston on Monday. I always enjoy traveling in India and love its people. This trip has met and exceeded my expectations as we have engaged in initiatives concerning justice, kindness, and walking humbly with God (read my post entitled A Micah 6:8 Trip). The following interview will give you a glimpse through Doyle’s eyes of what we have experienced over the past several days.

Omar | Doyle, one of the objectives of our trip was to meet with friends who rescue women and young girls from sex trafficking. We came with the hope and intention of providing funding for the safe house where these young women are taken in order to make a new start. What are your impressions of our meeting and our commitment to support this safe house?

Doyle | I was very impressed with the organization and its representatives. These people are committed believers with a passion for providing protection and opportunities for a new life for these young girls and women. I was especially moved when one of the representatives began to weep at the prospect of Kingsland’s willingness to step in and provide financial support. They had been earnestly praying for God to provide for this need. This ministry opportunity offers Kingsland an avenue to make a difference in the lives of these young women.

Omar | While passing through Kolkata, we spent a couple of days serving at two of Mother Teresa’s homes for the destitute and dying. What was the most difficult or challenging thing for you as we cared for men who are dying?

Doyle | To be completely honest, prior to arriving at these homes I had some reservations and questioned if I could handle some of the obvious hygiene issues. Upon arriving and seeing the gratitude in the faces of these men who would soon experience death, all of my worries and phobias disappeared. At Kalighat (home for the dying), I sat on the edge of the bed of a man that looked like a holocaust victim. Tears began to stream down his hollowed face as I massaged his arms and legs. At first he was very tense but soon began to relax. He could not speak but his face communicated clearly his gratitude. The most sobering and challenging thing for me was the realization that this man likely did not know Jesus — that in just a matter of hours or days he would slip into eternity. I felt helpless and sad to know that most of these men would likely go into eternity without the knowledge that I had of a loving God who has prepared a place for me in heaven. This experience has marked me. I have a renewed sense of urgency to share the good news of Jesus with others. An experience like this will put life in perspective. I have no problems compared to the plight of these men.

Omar | We hope to bring three teams from Kingsland next year to serve at Mother Teresa’s homes. What advice would you give to those who will come to serve?

Doyle | Put your fears aside. Don’t worry about being grossed out or getting dirty. Trust me, you will get dirty; but in doing so, you will feel clean. Clean in the sense that this is the right thing to do. It is about being the feet and hands of Jesus to those who desperately need us. Prepare spiritually. Pray for God to mark your life and send you home with a renewed spirit and fervor to follow him in every aspect of your life.

Omar | Our travels took us from the bustling streets of Kolkata to the hills of Orissa, the state with one of the worst records of persecution of Christians in India. While there we were privileged to break ground for a new campus that Kingsland will build for the one-hundred boys we care for. How important is a Christian education for these boys who live daily with threats of violence from Hindu neighbors?

Doyle | Getting a Christian education is the key component for these young boys to become the future spiritual leaders and primary faith trainer for their children. It is so vital that they develop a biblical world view. It was inspiring to look into the faces of these boys and know that they are here for a purpose. I got the sense that they understood that they have been given a gift by being allowed to live and learn at the Diane Patterson Boarding School. The work that Kingsland has undertaken to support this ministry cannot be overstated. The construction of this facility will further support our purpose of equipping the generations, one home at a time.

Omar | You had an opportunity to speak to a pastor about the persecution in Orissa. What did you learn from this pastor?

Doyle | I was out taking pictures of the village and came across a pastor riding his bike. We talked about the persecution taking place against the Christian churches in the area. He shared with me that three of his deacons had been killed for carrying several Bibles to nearby village churches. As I prayed for this brother, it dawned on me that I had never really experienced true persecution for my faith. I learned that even in America, I too need to have a resolute confidence and maintain a steadfast obedience in God.

Omar | What issues are you struggling with as we return to our safe and comfortable community in the United States?

Doyle | This trip has been a life changing experience for me. There are at least two issues that come to mind. First, I have a greater awareness that I live in a world of excess. We live in a great community. Katy Texas is a wonderful place. My fear is that it may be too wonderful. Please do not misunderstand me. I am grateful and blessed to have such a nice home, fantastic schools and a church that is such a blessing to me and my family. I have been challenged to put things in focus and re-prioritize my life. After getting a glimpse of the polar opposite of Katy, I realize that my focus must turn more to the hurts and needs of others and less on my comfortable lifestyle. The second key issue I return home with is the urgency to share with others what I already have, to give of myself, to serve others and to simply ask others if they know Jesus as their Savior. Looking down into the face of a dying man who will soon enter eternity without a knowledge of who Jesus is has reminded me of the words of Jesus when he said “to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). There is no doubt about it — I need to step it up!

  Today, some of our men built a beautiful pergola in the center of the garden we planted at Katy Christian Ministries earlier this year. This pergola will serve as a place where the staff and guests of Katy Christian Ministries can pray, meditate, or just enjoy a Texas sunset. Dads and sons worked together to hoist lumber, weed vegetable beds, complete work on some of the raised planting beds, and more. I love the sounds of power tools and laughter and good conversation. These sounds remind me that we do more than build things on Saturday, we also build people. And, when we work our muscles, God is always faithful to work in our hearts.

  Our missions ministry is also committed to assisting area food pantries. We purchased several hundred pounds of beans and rice in bulk packaging. A group of parents and kids repackaged these items in small zip lock bags. The Katy Christian Ministries Food Pantry will distribute these and other food items to families in need throughout the coming week. One of our youngest participants was Claire, the two and a half year old daughter of Michael and Aimee Evans. With a plastic cup in her hand, she had an enjoyable time filling zip lock bags with rice. I asked Michael a few questions about serving with his daughter.

Omar | Michael, you and Aimee have participated in our weekend initiatives since the days before you were parents. How old are your children and why is it important to you to model service for your kids?
 
Michael | Aimee and I want our 2 1/2 year old Claire and 9 month old Sarah to always see service as a part of every day life. It is one of the ways we are working to equip the generations in our home. 

Omar | There are all kinds of fun things for parents to do with their kids on the weekend. It was obvious to me that you and your daughter had fun serving together today. What did you tell Claire about the contribution she made today?
 
Michael | Claire is young, but she understands what helping means. I explained that she was helping give people without food something to eat. Whether the full impact of the lesson is understood, she is both hearing and seeing God work through people for people.
 
Omar | What do you hope to see happen in your kids lives in the years to come as you continue to make memories of serving together?
 
Michael | We intend to make service a natural part of our entire family’s life. I pray that our girls’ hearts will be softened to the needs of others. I hope they look back on their lives and focus not on the presents we gave them, but on the memories we make, especially the ones that show them our faith through action.
 
Omar | What advice or encouragement would you give to other parents about the value of modeling servanthood and involving their kids in service initiatives?
 
Michael | We are certainly more efficient serving when kids aren’t underfoot. However you miss a great opportunity to teach them through example if you don’t bring them along. As all parents know, kids learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Don’t underestimate your kids. They may not be experts, but they can learn how to help in small ways. Don’t forget, each of us is asked to give what we can. Even if it is just a two-year old pouring rice into a plastic bag, God is glorified.

  I appreciate Michael and Aimee and all of the parents and kids who served today. At the conclusion of today’s projects, four year-old Mason Hereford looked up at his father, Carlton, and said, “This was fun, Daddy. When are we going to help somebody else?” Wow! That’s a great word from a four year-old. The concept of serving others is already a part of Mason’s vocabulary and thinking. That’s no accident. When parents lead their kids to serve others, good things happen in a child’s heart and mind. They begin to understand that life is not just about them, but about others. Hopefully, as they continue to serve others, they will grow up a little less selfish, a little more compassionate and considerate of others, and feeling less like the world owes them everything they want. I like Mason’s question. Let’s raise our kids to heed the words of Paul to the Philippian Church, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

   All of our team members did a wonderful job of teaching about the sanctity of human life and related topics over the past week. Leslie Joyce, one of our team members, taught about forgiveness. Although Leslie has never had an abortion, she knows the particular pain of having a post-abortion memory — one that has repeatedly surfaced over the years. This is her story.

Omar | Leslie, you have never had an abortion yet know the sting of a post-abortion memory. Explain your first experience with an unplanned pregnancy, which is at the root of your particular post-abortion memory.

Leslie | When I was sixteen years-old, my best friend was sexually active and became pregnant. Her boyfriend of two years abandoned her and wanted nothing to do with the baby. She was devastated and did not know what to do.

Omar | Did your friend tell her parents about her pregnancy?

Leslie | No. She was convinced that if her parents found out they would force her to leave home. So, she felt she had no other option but to seek an abortion.

Omar | What did she do or where did she turn for help?

Leslie | Since we had been friends since we were very young, she confided in me and asked me to help her. And, once she told me about her situation, I wanted to help her to get an abortion.

Omar | What steps did you take to find out about where she could get an abortion and what that abortion would cost?

Leslie | We looked in the phone book to find information about abortion providers and scheduled an appointment. The clinic we visited did not require my friend to get her parents’ consent. The nurse at the clinic talked to her about the procedure and the cost of the abortion but nothing else. If I remember correctly, the cost of the abortion was about $375.00. 

Omar | Did your friend have the money to get an abortion?

Leslie | My friend did not have the money. So, we each sold personal belongings in order to raise the money for her to get an abortion. Once we had raised enough money, I personally drove her to the abortion clinic. At the time, neither of us ever stopped to consider the life of the baby in her womb. I really don’t think I realized that she was carrying a living baby created by God and that God had a plan or purpose for the child in her womb. We ended a life that day. I supported my friend in her decision and did not try to stop her.

Omar | What was it like on the day of the abortion?

Leslie | On the day of the abortion, I drove my friend to the clinic. She was one of seven young girls having abortions on that day. The nurse gave each of them a Valium and a magazine to read. Then, each girl was escorted to the room where the ten to fifteen-minute procedure took place. We had to stay an additional half-hour and then drove to my house where my friend told me about the procedure. We cried together. At the time, we rationalized the decision because we did not understand much about how a baby develops in the womb or what that little baby must have looked like.

Omar | How has that experience impacted your life?

Leslie | Looking back on the experience, I feel nothing but shame and guilt. Maybe I could have changed my friend’s mind. Maybe it could have ended differently. Later in life, when I was pregnant with my own babies, I would often think about the horrible choice we made and the baby that was never given a chance to live. It wasn’t until I was preparing to be a part of this team to Uganda that I truly accepted that if I asked God for forgiveness, He would forgive me for the role I had played in helping my friend to end the life of her baby. I am so thankful for the assurance of forgiveness that is found in 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Omar | What advice would you give to others who have had an abortion or who, like you, have supported someone who has?

Leslie | I would tell them that there is no sin that God cannot forgive. The Bible is clear that God will forgive sin. He sent Jesus Christ, His only Son, to pay the penalty for our sin, including my sin of helping my friend to get an abortion. I would also tell others that God does not want for us to go through life punishing ourselves for our bad decisions or to be crippled by guilt. He wants for us to learn from our sins, turn from them, and seek the forgiveness He graciously offers us. No matter what we have done, there is no sin that falls beyond the scope of His grace and forgiveness.

Omar | I’m glad that Leslie shared her story with the various groups we spoke to in Uganda. So many who heard her story shed tears and nodded in affirmation as they listened. After each session many people approached Leslie to thank her for sharing her personal story and to talk about their own post-abortion stories. I’m thankful that she reminded those in attendance that our God is compassionate and gracious and offers us healing for the past and hope for the future.