Faith that Works

The greatest of these is love..

2012-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

"Is life not full of opportunities for learning love? Every man and woman every day has a thousand of them. The world is not a playground; it is a schoolroom. Life is not a holiday, but an education. And the one eternal lesson for us all is how better we can love." Henry Drummond

Opportunities for learning love? With Valentines Day approaching this seems to be on everyones mind. Each day I see reminders of the "day of love" approaching. My daughter says it is the silliest holiday, only putting pressure on couples to further define relationships and break up others. Yesterday morning, The Today Show featured Valentines Day Lingerie, hmm..our church happens to be featuring a series on love, beginning this Sunday called LoveLies, hmm.. all this input, do any of these reflect the quote above?

I am certainly not an expert on Love. I begin this post aware of my many failings in this area, with the awareness that much of what I learn, I learn by mistakes I have made. When I think of Love, these are the images that flash in my mind:

Steve (my husband) skipping his workout to fix a problem with my car
This same man making the bed every morning
My daughter coming home and running into my arms after a particularly long separation
An Elderly couple holding hands
Giving those in need the things they lack-our action outreach Thursdays
My grown daughters tears when they are leaving after a visit
Emma and Luke snuggling
Katie patiently teaching me all about Pinterest and Spotify
Sadie, tirelessly cleaning
Hannah's laugh
A prayer with a friend

On and on I could go.. But there are other un-earthly images sketched in my mind-

Jesus and His sacrifice on a cross.
Missionaries around the world sacrificing EVERYTHING to take the gospel forth
God's word- the ultimate love letter
Worship

So, as Valentines Day is right around the corner I hope to reach out to those I love in tangible ways that mean something to them. Love after all can't only be felt, it must be acted upon. Chocolates are nice, but "showing" your love is even better. Take the opportunity to learn love this week!

Ephesians 5:1-2
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

Practical wisdom passed down~

2012-02-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

I grew up in what pop psychologists today would call an "authoritative" household. My parents said jump, I said how high? I feared my dad, but loved him as well. My grandmother spanked me quite often with the wooden spoon she always seemed to be cooking with, and I loved her fiercely! When I was 18 she died and I don't remember ever grieving more to this day than I did then. She was the matriarch, and ruled with her wooden spoon, and we all loved her for it. My mother was one of the oldest of my grandmother's children and after she had me, was still expected to come home and help my grandmother shop, cook, and clean- my grandmother had 11 kids you see, and it wasn't possible to do it all on her own. My grandfather worked three jobs to put a roof over their heads and send his children to private schools. My grandparents were not perfect people, nor were my parents but as I get older and my own kids get older the last generation or two get wiser in my mind!

This is what my grandmother taught me-

Children should be seen and not heard~ Well, we didn't want to be heard! My siblings, cousins, and I were always up to some mischief. We were either taking something apart, digging holes, filling something up with water, playing make believe; where everyone was the hero, or riding our bikes down very steep hills with no helmets or shoes on. What did I take way from this and apply to my child raising technique? All of it! Sorry- my kids seldom wear helmets
Children are little sinners ( my grandmother was English so she said Bloody sinners) I can distinctly remember being aware of the fact that Kids were LOW on the food chain. I was okay with that. We were kids, delighting in the simplicity of being so..I admired and looked up to the adults in my life (again they were far from perfect). This made me feel safe. I didn't have to make decisions like kids do today, they were made for me. This only made "coming of age" that much more exciting when that time came. My take away from this? Quit asking your kids what they think so much- do you want to play kindergarten soccer? What school do you want to go to? Where do you want to eat for dinner? This makes me crazy!! You are the adult, act like one..believe me, your 7 year old, left to his own devises would die of malnutrition, make all the wrong decisions about his schedule, and would probably end of sleep deprived..they are bloody sinners with no wisdom- YET! If you play it right they will be very wise adults someday. For now? You are the parent, remember that.
Privileges are earned! Going out to a movie or buying a new outfit was such a BIG deal in my home. We did most of the shopping with my grandmother along (she never drove) and I could just hear her telling me, "If you are well behaved" we will get a tamale from the tamale cart. (they had this cart in the street that I loved to buy tamale's at) My grandmother meant this- one side glance or misstep, I knew I was done for. There was no arguing with her, it just was. Bad behavior? No tamale. I knew it, deep within me and never doubted the swift consequence would come. My take away on this one- Parents, let your no be no! I see this played over and over again around me, kids "talking" their parents into things. Again, "you are the parent, that's all you need to know on this one. If you threaten something, carry it out..your kids will respect you in the long run, and will grow up the way they are supposed to. I am sick of seeing 20 somethings acting like babies!
Hard Work! I never remember a time when I didn't see both my grandmother and mother not working. They cooked and cleaned, took care of kids, laundry. This sent me a message I was unaware I was receiving at the time. To this day it sets an example for me. Life is not all entertainment and fun, we have to work. The women in my life modeled that, and I grew up being expected to help. I folded laundry as young as second grade. My twin brother and sister were born when I was 10 and I remember my grandmother telling me, you must help your mother with the feedings in the middle of the night, she can't feed both of them at once. I have a memory of getting up when I heard the babies cry and going in there to change one while she fed the other. My take away? Don't feel sorry for me, I loved it. It made me feel so grown up and needed. I really felt good that I could help my mom like that. My take away? They say self esteem is at an all time low for kids. Quit trying to see how many sports your kids can excel at, how high you can get their grades, and make them serve! Hard work, and honest day's work carries you far in all that you do-and keeps you humble!
It's perfectly acceptable to have an opinion~ My grandmother had opinions about everything. She was smart and followed politics. I remember when she became an official American citizen. My father was Irish and I remember her espousing her low opinion of anyone Irish. My dad laughed and grabbed her in a bear hug, it was all okay because she loved him- just not his heritage. One of my aunts would bring a new boy home and she would let everyone know what she thought of him. (she was usually right). She had opinions but she was loved by many. Her table was always full at every holiday, and when she died her memorial service was standing room only. What is my take away from this? Be yourself. Show your kids that it is okay to have an opinion and to voice it. My grandmother (maybe it was her heavy accent) got away with saying shocking things..but then she would laugh, saying what she thought, then moving on. Don't beat a dead horse, say what you have to say and let it go! You can't make people hear you, but sometimes it's more important that you say it, than it be heard.
Religion! My Grandmother was a devout Catholic. She went to church everyday. They had mass at my cousins grade school every morning before school and she was front row. Because I spent so much time at her house, I often went with her. She knew every response, every prayer, and every book in the bible. This was another thing that I "caught" from her. She seldom spoke of her faith, but her life said it all. There was some gritty tenacity about my grandmother that I watched closely and her faith was no exception. She was one of the only ones in my family that was so devout. I heard her say to her own kids, You Bloody well get to church and repent of your sins, father so and so is watching you. Again, This also gave me a sense of security growing up. You mean there are people watching me? You mean there really is a God that maintains order in this crazy world? You mean we can turn to an all loving/ all knowing God when things get mixed up? Thanks Grandma for teaching me that~ an unshakable faith.

When I was in fourth grade I had to interview someone in my family for a school project. Of course, I chose my grandma. I was a little nervous to ask her the personal things required for this project, she seldom spoke of her life as a child in England. I knew very little about her teen years or how she met my American Grandfather during World War 2, but I pressed on. She was mellow (strange for her) as we spoke about her life. She spoke about her love and longing of England. How when she moved to America she left everything she knew so well. She talked about being Catholic in a protestant Country..and I noticed what I had always known- she was a softy on the inside. Her bark was worse than her bite. I noticed the passion and the love of a woman that had endured much, lost much. I admired her all the more as I reported and wrote that paper. The lessons she taught me, and that I have used raising my kids, I hope to share with her someday. It's so basic yet so profound, and I thank her for her profound influence on my life! I wish my kids could have known her, but I think they do in a way~ Through me, her granddaughter.

A Life of Courage

2012-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

Last night the varsity girls basketball team played a tough game and lost. I sit in the stands because my husband is the coach and not one, but two of my daughters happen to be on the team. It was an intense physical game we played, without one of our best players, who happens to be hurt. When I sit in the stands during games like last night I marvel at the intensity of the fans. Last night's game took the cake in intensity. It was a small gym with packed out bleachers-most of which consisted of the opposing team's fans. There was yelling and heckling, clapping and cheers. People booed and jumped up when a particularly exciting play happened. I cheer for my daughter and my husband, wanting them to succeed, knowing how hard they work in practice and how much time it takes from our family time. I see their courage more at home, when they talk through the game and decide to learn from mistakes and move on, it is just a game after all- but what is God showing them about their responses and how they can learn and grow from each situation. I love watching my husband pace around the room, digesting each play, and then eventually he shakes it off, and goes upstairs to play legos with Luke-it is just a game after all, right? Our family has experienced various levels of high level sports- The pro's, college, and intense club level. We have watched the agony of defeat and experienced the extreme highs of victory- but when we come home- we laugh, it's just a game right?

This brings me to the point of this post- courage.

Why does our culture seem so crazed over "the game?" I enjoy a great game like everyone else, but what is it about a sporting event that can break out in fights? Why do people spend 100's of 1,000's of dollars to be a spectator of other people's participation in a game? There was a man a few nights ago who kept making comments about my husband and the decisions he was making as the coach and I wanted to turn around to him and yell- "get a life." Does it take courage to criticize another persons performance? Does it take effort to sit on the sidelines and clap and yell? What about when this is a HS game and the people you are yelling at happen to be children? The most disturbing thing I saw last night was a young player from the other team being drug back to the gym after the game by her father, while she was crying. Maybe her father needs to get some courage and start acting like the protector of his daughter he is supposed to be and not some sort of drill sergeant that is disappointed in her when she plays bad. Is this really for "HER" sake? I doubt it..But I love watching the girls play- watching them battle for something they want so bad- a win. They have worked for this, and later in life when they face difficulties they will draw on lessons learned on the court or the field.

cour·age

noun

the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Obsolete . the heart as the source of emotion.

Idiom

have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

As I think this through it occurs to me that each one of us have a deep desire to be found courageous. The thing that is wrong with this is when we try to find that through our kids. How our children perform in school or on the court should not be the way we find our worth. That yearning in each of us should be filled through noble endeavors that help our fellow man. There is nothing wrong with sitting on the sidelines and cheering on our favorite team, but it is when this takes place of seeking a higher adventure, possibly something that requires great courage. Parents- don’t live through your kids pursuits and achievements. This puts a great deal of stress on them and limits the possibilities of becoming the hero they so want us to be. It takes courage, boldness and strength to continue having goals as we get older. Last week I read about Terri, a woman with stage 4 cancer who participates in triathlon’s. She decided to fight negativity and reach for her dreams in the midst of chemo! I make sure I read missionary journals that come from remote regions of the world where people are serving against all odds, facing possible death to carry the gospel to these remote regions. There are humanitarians involved in amazing work around the world with only a desire to help the hurting. Look for stories of courage, they will inspire you to do more and be more, while setting the example for our children that there is more to courage and worth than winning a game.

Find your calling an stick with it.

2012-01-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

I believe each of us are called to something.

: a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence

Many look at a calling as reaching their full potential in an occupation, or a fitness level, or hobby. Maybe you are an artist or a mother. You could be a successful business person or teacher. These are all worthy and wonderful things. But have you ever asked yourself is that my "calling" or just what I do? If you are a follower of Christ I believe that question needs to be answered in light of what He says about it. Christian means Christ follower, right? Well, what did Christ do? Who did Christ serve? What made him angry? How did He spend His time? I don't think we should take on His name and then do the opposite of what He did. I shared with some people this week this thought- "serving others should be a lifestyle, not an occasional good deed." This doesn't mean abandoning your occupation- it means to weave the two together- they are one and the same. Your occupation is a vehicle to glorify God. Did you know the bible has over 300 verses that just talk about the poor? In the movie "Little Women" the mother(Marmi) serves the poor and fights for social justice everyday AND loves her children well. Her children grow up understanding that their occupation should be to serve a greater good. They understand that the gifts and talents God gave them are to be used to help others. One daughter marries and has a family. The movie depicts her as a pregnant mother, gardening to help feed her community. Jo is a writer. After much angst in finding herself, she settles down with the man of her dreams to open a school for less fortunate children. Each of The March girls show sadness and joy, and aren't afraid of loving with passion and stating controversial opinions about child labor, the war, social injustice, and the poor. They are each a beautiful depiction of women that reach for a greater call in life, following in their mother's footsteps.

Read today's quotes and verses and take some time this weekend to ponder what God may calling you to.

Matthew25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

This is all takes~
Courage, Consistency, and Sacrifice

Yesterday I met with an amazing man and he made this very true statement-

"The people we serve are uncomfortable, we have to be uncomfortable to achieve the goal of helping them."

Following is a unknown quote from something I read recently~

I think it's fair to say that American attitudes toward the poor-- and perhaps not just in America-- are mostly disdain and fear. They're dangerous and different. Sometimes there's a suspicion that their condition is their own fault, that they're simply lazy or inferior. Other Americans are more kind-hearted, but prefer not to look at the poor too closely; it's depressing, and they're surely not fun people to be with.
These attitudes are a world away from God's attitudes, as described in these verses. Neediness arouses compassion in God-- and action.
We may think: "Of course God loves the poor; he loves everybody." But it's not so simple as that; God's character is presented as a model for our own. If God values the poor, we have to think about what that means for us.

The scriptures This quote refers to are following:

Ps. 140:12. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
Is. 25:4. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress.
Ps. 10:14. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan... O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed.
Is 41:17. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.James 2:5. Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Steve Jobs said this:
Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me.

Do something wonderful today! Help someone who is uncomfortable. Yes, it may make you uncomfortable, but is that such a bad thing? If you want to serve, you must get used to sacrifice. I encourage you to find your calling...Faith that Works can help you, as we are helping others find their calling. Contact Terri to get started! terri@faith-that-works.org

It's just a little thing

2012-01-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after arriving back home from tent city, I was organizing The Faith that Works ministry bins in the garage. At the expertise of Audrey Van Slyke we are very organized at the moment and I love it. As I was pulling newspapers out of my car and placing them in the designated bin I had a very funny feeling of extreme gratitude wash over me. I was standing in the cold and dirty garage thinking to myself, I love these bins! How strange! I chuckled and hurriedly left the cold garage but as I was walking into the house I had another thought- I am so grateful for a warm home. The thoughts continued as I walked through the house and upstairs to my office, so I began writing them on a legal pad.

It's not that I am never thankful- I guess sometimes I miss those SMALL things and I wanted to capitalize on the moment so I wrote it down so as not to forget! Here are a few of them:

Teaching my seven year old how to tie his shoes
The full moon the night before (took a very long walk and enjoyed it immensely)
A smile from Emma
A kind word received from my husband
My iPhone
A good meal
A nice bottle of wine
A great phone conversation with an old friend
The book I am currently reading
God's word
God's unconditional love
The young women in my life
My church

Last week I quoted John Piper, "The right road always leads to the right place; therefore, get on the right road and go as far as you can on it." Being thankful is definitely the "right road." As I clear some of my schedule , do some of the things I enjoy, taking time for prayer and reflection, my vision clears and I am thankful- such a good place to be, even if the object is rubbermaid bins.

A sunny day

2012-01-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

A sunny day makes everything better. My walk this morning seems easier, The outlook I carry a little more hopeful. There is excitement in the house as the kids anticipate a day in the backyard. I sit here by the window, typing-happy. Sunshine!

January can be an incredibly gloomy month, but the warmth and sunshine we are experiencing here in St. Louis is making the News Years Resolutions just a little more attainable! I am thankful for that as I dust this ol' blog off and make new promises to write more, read more, take more time for me. The sunshine makes it easier to sit by this window and concentrate on what I could possibly have to say after 4 months of NOT writing. I may not have many people missing my ramblings, but I realize, I miss it, and that is all that counts! I write for me. When I opened my blog page this morning I realized my last entry was when I was sitting in Addis Ababa's Airport in September. It made me smile as I read about that trip with Kim Koogler and Pat Bradley. Writing helps us learn about ourselves- as we reflect back we have a perspective about our life that we may have missed if it went undocumented.

I shared a short teaching last Thursday to our action group/ something I Read on Piper's blog-"things I learned from my father." The insights were so obvious and simple, yet so profound. Following is one of my favorites.

The right road always leads to the right place; therefore, get on the right road and go as far as you can on it.

This spoke to me-and now I am making it part of my New Years resolution! Stay on the right road-stay where God has called me to, don't deviate because this person or that person doesn't agree. It may be uncomfortable at times, difficult even, but stay there-It will lead to the right place-eventually. Piper also said this-"Son, keep your room clean where you are, and in God's time, the door to the next room will open." Today's sunshine will fade, I am sure St. Louis will get gloomy again, but all I have to do is make the best of everyday, sunny or not, staying on the right road/ and the sun will come again.

Departing thoughts

2011-09-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here we sit, In Addis Ababa airport. I am eager to get on US soil, see my kids, eat some american food, and hug my sweet husband. I look forward to rules, clean restrooms, hot showers, and fast internet. Our time here has been productive but Kim and I both agree, ready to get home.

We enjoyed the day today at Mercy Chapel/Vocational Center with a few girls in the training program. They smile, hug us, and tell us they love us. I am moved again by their smile and the light in their eyes. How can a girl that has been brutally abused be so thankful? It humbles me in so many ways, making me aware of the power of God to bring hope and restoration to the most hopeless cases. I enjoy watching them hard at work in their trade, knowing the courage it takes for them to believe there is a better life ahead for them, away from pimps and the red light. And what do I desire? To encourage and cheer them on in their journey back from hell..to express to them that God sees their pain, knows exactly what they have been through and sends messengers to spur them on. I thank HIM that I could be a part of another's journey and that He uses the broken to bring His message of redemption and hope.

Semira/ using her creative talent to make Jewelry

A Mercy chapel Graduate, now manages the vocational training.

One Day

2011-09-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

One day there will be no more dying, suffering but today we live in a world with great suffering... I look forward to that day-In Heaven when all pain is gone. But today, I see great suffering among beautiful people with great joy and courage..

I spent time with a sweet family in Hossanna. Ethiopia. This family has four children, and have accepted one more, a nephew, who is an orphan. The three times I have visited Hossana I had the privilege of visiting with these precious kids- Sara, Samuel, Immanuel. They find out we are in town and come visit us at our hotel-waiting patiently outside the gate early each morning for someone from our team to invite them in for breakfast or just a photo or visit. This trip we actually went to their home and met the mother and father, along with their youngest sister. Their old home was taken by the government and they have a very difficult time caring for their family, yet still took in an additional child with a very sparse living situation. They have a deep faith and instill values in their children of hard work and study. I asked Immanuel what book he wanted and he said English dictionary. Samuel wants the study guide for the SAT. Sarah wants a music book. Their clothes are torn hand-me-downs, they live in a mud home with a dirt floor yet they laugh and smile, entertaining us all morning. We drive-then walk (because we fear our vehicle may get stuck in the deep mud) to their home to visit their parents and give them gifts. When we arrive their mother practically bows to us-ashamed of her meager home, yet she smiles and hugs us saying thank you over and over again for coming to visit them. She has coffee prepared for us. I shed a few tears as I see a loving mother and father so proud of their children-showing such great courage in the face of obvious hardship. On their walls hang the cross and the English alphabet. They hope for a better life for their children-who speak excellent english and are all top in their classes in school. They look at us as a possible hope for their young ones-maybe a sponsor for their children to come to "the promise land" America! We give them money-each of us individually, one on our team says-"only for Samuel's SAT book, one for food, one for application to a school Samuel dreams of attending in USA. They want us to stay longer but we must leave- and we part-reluctantly. They follow us out and down the road smiling, and waving all the time. I walk down that road and have a difficult time comprehending such joy in the face of such suffering. What am I missing? I pray, I hope. One day this poverty will end. Until then, I know as a follower of Christ he calls me to enter others pain, even if to only bring a small amount of hope to them, a hug, a word of encouragement. I only wish I had power to do more. Samuel, Sara, and Immanuel think we helped them, but it is actually the other way around. This family has taught me great things about courage, hope, strength, and faith.

Ermais Family-smiling for us

Neighborhood kids at play

One LIfe-

2011-09-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Children always capture my heart!

Kim and I are back In Addis Ababa. We journeyed to a region of Ethiopia that truly felt like a different country(world). We were expected back here yesterday but were bumped from our flight due to bribes the airport manager took from passengers, replacing us! It became a wild journey in Jijiga, leaving there by car and stopping half way back to Addis, in Harar. We continued again by car this morning to catch a flight in Dire Dawa, only to end up with a flat tire in the middle of NO WHERE. Our faithful driver was able to fix it while we sat on the side of a mountain watching children herd goats up the mountain from where we sat. The scenery was breathtaking, rugged, and I have to admit I enjoyed every minute of our detour due to a crooked airport manager-making us lose our reservation from JIjiga. We were on time for our flight, regardless of the flat tire, in Dire Dawa and flew back to Addis. What a journey it was! We met wonderful people along the way, and I was again struck by poverty and hardship in this beautiful Country of Ethiopia.

I know I will have much more to write about the mission and vision of Faith that Works and Africa but for now- I desire to let all that I have seen sink in and ponder what we can do to continue to build up, pray, and provide support for the wonderful work Pat Bradley and ICA is doing here. For now~ A few photos.

Kim and I try and blend in with the locals

news from Ethiopia

2011-08-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Kim Koogler and I are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is Kim's ninth trip, my third. This trip is very different than the other two- no team, no structured outreach groups, or feeding programs, but none the less, very impacting. Today we spent most of the day with the girls in ICA's SAFE homes, with the intent of learning more, seeing how the girls are doing and how the programs are making a profound impact on so many lives. We enjoyed seeing the girls, interacting, exchanging gifts, and sharing laughter over video of the girls we took from our last trip in January. The highlight of the day for me was to see Nordas. Nordas is the girl many of you have seen in photos or heard me speak about that we met in the red light district last January. Her photo has hung above my desk everyday as a reminder to keep pressing on in our campaign to raise money to see girls like Nordas free from sexual slavery. Today I saw her- and her baby, living happily in one of ICA's four SAFE homes. I did not know- and I was thrilled. She smiled and sang with the other girls. Her daughter is living safe, happy and healthy- away from the shanty she used to live in with her mother. I was able to show Nordas photos and video I had of her when we visited she and her daughter in her shanty- she looked down, with tears, still bearing the shame of her past life. But as I watched her laughing and interacting with the other girls, I realized, they will show her the way. She may bear scars, but she will heal too and learn to step away from the shame an guilt of the past.

hope this post makes a little sense.. except for 5 hours in three days, I haven't slept!! Pray Kim and I will sleep, as tomorrow we travel to visit our young friends in Hossanna- a four hour drive form here.

Meet us here!

2011-07-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hello! It has been a while! We are moving forward with great things on the horizon. Shop for a Cause is in full planning, as well as our new fall outreach to the community. We also have Ethiopia on our minds as I (Terri) look forward to a possible trip at the end of August to explore more opportunities for our very own- Mercy Chapel. In the meantime, we end our summer series this Thursday night at Espino's in the valley. Please join us!

Meet us Thursday night at 6:00 pm

Our Faith that Works Summer Series/ faith and why

2011-07-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we enjoyed a lively discussion at The Journey in West County as our group of women discussed "why" questions.

I defined faith from accounts from the book of Luke where we saw over and over again, Jesus commending individuals faith, then pointing out lack of faith in others. Jesus made his point- faith was a key. We continued to explore at least 10 different verses on faith from Luke- Jesus making statements such as, "your faith has made you well." Then we saw in Luke 17:5 the disciples ask Jesus, "increase our faith." These men realized their lack of faith, and asked the one who could increase it, to please do so. I think that was pretty intelligent of them.

Why don't we admit that we struggle with faith at times? There are days that we all have why questions. Today could be that day for you. What stops us from admitting we do not have it all figured out- ready in the blink of an eye to spout off a verse, showing we KNOW how to live in every moment. Maybe the answer to that question is fear? Maybe we think that is not godly to question God and His will for our life?

After we looked at Luke last Thursday night we went to Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." We defined hope- Ephesians 1:16, Paul speaks to the church in Ephesus through a letter- "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you might know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart might be enlightened."

The faith of being sure of what we hope for comes from knowing Christ as shown in Ephesians. When we know Him, a spirit of wisdom and revelation come, which then gives us hope in what we cannot see. But then when that spirit of wisdom and revelation come- we know HIM even better.

So- This may sound confusing. It is a circle, so to speak. We need the spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Christ better, which gives us hope. But knowing Christ, brings us to that spirit of wisdom and revelation. How do we begin the process? Paul prayed for them to receive it.

In closing- our group discussed the "WHY" questions of life. Why, did I lead us into that can of worms? I did it because I see a problem with many of us. We tie up our faith into a neat little package, we have all of the answers, become pretty smug in all of it. Then tragedy hits and our package starts to come unwrapped and we realize their is nothing inside that we can actually use to get through this trial. Then we get upset with God- how could He allow this to happen to me. But we missed something- a big something. Our package was a system, a to do list so to speak- be a good person, go to church, read the bible, do good works- and we left Christ out of it completely. We don't KNOW HIM, so we don't trust HIM- our trust is only as good as the last blessing He gave us. Then we walk away from Him- disappointed, despairing, depressed. He let us down.

This is my belief-If you don't fight a little bit, test the system you are currently a part of- when the trials come, it will crumble. Go to God, ask for more faith, like the disciples did. Pray like Paul did- to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so you can TRULY know HIM better. Don't settle for a mediocre faith- milky and weak, so that when something big in your life happens you have to turn to coping mechanisms like alcohol, or prescription drugs, or sleep, and worry- escapism. Be bold in your pray life, ask God those deep questions, wrestle with God like The Great leaders of our faith did in history- C.S. Lewis, Luther, St. Augustine, even Mother Teresa ( of which I greatly admire and quote often). I encourage you, I desire for you to read this following verse and KNOW it deep down, without doubt:

“By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might. You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples. Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy” (Psalm 65:5-8).

One true thing

2011-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

If I had to name "one true thing" that I believe I was set on this earth to do, what would it be?

This seems a little bit personal to make public. I know what it is in my heart but saying it out loud feels strange so I'll keep this more about how you find that "one true thing."

I began with trying new things. I worked a few jobs that forced me out of my home and comfort-the place where my role as mom and wife was clearly defined and I knew my place-as did everyone else. The jobs I tried quickly revealed things to me, both weaknesses and strengths I had. Right around this time, I took a spiritual gifts test which clarified things even further. In the work place, others began validating things I suspected about myself but had never had an opportunity to test. I had failures. I wondered, wrestled, and prayed, always knowing I had a specific call upon my life, determined to find what that call was.

So..maybe this isn't a ten step program I am suggesting that you can apply if you haven't found your "one true thing" but I suggest you take the time to do what I did and try a few things.

Volunteer, see what you especially feel drawn to. If you fail at something, realize YOU didn't fail, it just wasn't the right fit for you, keep searching.

Read- this one is big. Reading opens another world to you. Read great books- biographies and history and take note of your response to specific details in the books you read-what appeals to you the most?

Friends-make a new friend. Have you had the same friends since Kindergarten? Meet new people, stay open to different kinds of friends, break out of the mold you have cast for yourself on this one, you may learn something. My world is opened up by the time I spend in the city with my homeless friends, it challenges my lack of gratitude for my life, among other areas as well.

Reflection: This is good, but can also be overdone. Have you heard the saying "paralysis by analysis?" I am not suggesting that sort of OVER- reflection. Most of you are probably busy moms so you probably don't struggle with that. Take your journal to a park, be still, listen, and write down random thoughts that come to your mind. Pray, ask God to show you who you really are, and what He designed specifically for you to do. Think of your childhood and what you enjoyed the most about school. If you have children, observe them at play- you can learn amazing truths about life, and yourself while watching your kids.

Submit: I believe many of us are frustrated because we are trying to be something we are not. Submit to your true calling, you will find peace. I have learned my true calling from applying these four exercises-while bathing all of it in deep prayer and meditation. I also had to let go of some things I desired to find my true calling. There were disappointments when I realized my limitations, and I had to put certain dreams to rest. Understanding my weaknesses makes me stronger to do what I am called to do. So many times I have tried to FORCE something and it ended up a mess. So now, I continue to make a statement that helps me remember my limitations- Be faithful to the process and let God bring the results. God spoke this to me almost three years ago when I founded Faith that Works and it has seen me through many battles. Take the time today to wonder about this-"what is your one true thing."

Continued..

2011-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Bravery, courage, spunk, faith, guts, gumption, fortitude, belief. What do these words mean to you? Do you think faith belongs in this list? As I ponder the question from the last blog entry, the story of Elijah kept coming to mind: Read this, amazing! Can't add much to this~

Ahab immediately left by chariot to drive about fifteen miles to tell Jezebel what Elijah did to the Baal prophets. Jezebel was furious and vowed to slay Elijah. She sent him the following message: “May the gods also kill me if by this time tomorrow I have failed to take your life like those whom you killed” (1 Kings 19:2). Elijah fled for his life. In a deep depression, he started complaining to God, “Why is this happening to me? I’ve done everything you said. I’ve been really, really good. I’ve stood up for you and now it’s not working out. I want to know why.” God said to him, “Go out from the mouth of the cave and stand.” Elijah looked and saw a tornado, and in the middle of the tornado there was no voice from God, and then there came fire and in the fire there was no voice from God, and then there came an earthquake and in the earthquake there was no voice from God but then in the still, small voice God spoke to him. He said in a whisper, “Elijah, what are you doing here?” Elijah responded, “God, you know what I’m doing here. I’m running for my life.” God said to Elijah, “What are you doing here? You have run from the face of the enemy who I have control of. Oh, you of little faith. Can you not trust that I will be with you? I will protect you. I will strengthen you. I have just defended you from 450 priests of Baal, what is one queen going to do to you? You panicked and you ran. Trust me.” Soon afterward, God told Elijah to find a man named Elisha and to train and anoint him as Elijah’s future replacement. Elijah found Elisha plowing his field. Elisha accepted God’s call for his life and became Elijah’s assistant.

I realize, stepping out in faith is the easy part. Staying out there, on a limb, is the hard part. Courage is counting the cost and realizing the price is big, but doing it anyway. The question I asked myself this week was do I have what it takes to have true courage? In my mind that means, when all seems lost, everything is going against me, can I keep believing, keep hoping, and keep praising. Praising God when you have money to spare, kids that are all doing well, friends loving you, marriage thriving is easy- almost phony. It's when everything looks bleak and stepping out into the tornado or the earthquake-now that takes courage. God told Elijah-"step out from the mouth of the cave and stand." That is powerful! God says again, "What are you doing here?" Again- powerful.

How about me? When people turn against me, when circumstances don't go my way, do I hide? Do I hole up in my cave- (my home) or do I step out of that place and stand? God spoke to me this week through that question and story from His word-how about you?

-How often do I take risks that require a power greater than my own?

2011-06-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

This question is an easy one for me. Very easy! I am a risk taker at heart. Taking risks is something I have always felt very comfortable with. I suppose the question is-is it natural for me, or am I really relying on a power greater than my own? Maybe I am relying on my own ability? I am not sure of the answer yet. I am pondering this, wondering what the truth is?? More later!

How much am I growing these days?

2011-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Okay-continuing with this series.. I committed to it and will forge ahead! But first-I want to share sights of St. Louis for the benefit of various friends living in non-humidity, non-buggy climates like Oregon, Idaho, and California-we hate you right now. Really-hate you, in the most jealous sort of way! It is hot, humid, and there are crazy medieval bugs called Cicadas flying around our homes, making our dumb dogs who eat them sick, in our cars when we open a door or window, and just generally making enough noise to drive us inside. After waiting for summer through a long and wet winter and spring! It is difficult to stay positive, but growth can be found in humor too..when faced with plagues!

Our local Whole Foods Store

Hardships come, and when we apply His truth during those hardships, we grow.

Paul writes, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

I am growing because life is hard right now, and challenges loom. There are circumstances that are forcing me to question how I react to stress. These same circumstances force me to dig deep, into my faith, searching for the treasure I know exists. When I dig up a specific treasure that I know will enable me to trust and rest in the midst of a trial I get happy, knowing I am putting into action something that I haven't had the opportunity to use yet. It's like having that really great appliance that you dust, keep moving around the kitchen, taking out of the cabinet, putting back in-without a real use for. Maybe it was bought for that special meal that you knew you would make- eventually, but just haven't had the opportunity yet. And then the time comes-the day has arrived when you are going to make that meal, and you take the appliance out, fire it up, hoping it will work as the commercial said it would. And guess what? It works! In fact, it works better than you imagined. Wow-it makes the whole meal easier to prepare and you are so happy that you finally used this tool. But now that you have, and see how amazing it is, you decide to use it all the time-not wanting to wait for a special occasion to take it out- but maybe deciding to leave it out and use it everyday! Why did you wait so long?

That may be a weak analogy, but that is exactly how I feel. I have every opportunity available to me as a Christ follower. I attend church, where great teaching is available. I own various bibles, along with software on how to study the word. I have walked with God for a long time, enjoying His presence. So it's all there for me to access, but why do I choose to have fear, to worry, or not forgive? I can access amazing "tools" God has supplied for me-most importantly His constant presence!

I find that I grow-not even realizing it until a difficulty arises and my reaction is different than before. I notice it and am amazed-God is changing me, this Christianity works! I am getting better! This is my very simple way of explaining the word sanctification. It is good news that God saves us from hell, but it doesn't end with that, He changes us! I want to put myself in tough circumstances, so I can continue to experience His sanctification, and learn to practice staying in His presence as I walk through difficult times.

-What do I want my epitaph to say?

2011-06-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is the continuation of my last two entries- I decided to begin with a series I could write about that included a little focus, a little philosophy. Summer is here-in full swing, along with heat, earthquakes, tornadoes, and cicadas. Even the snakes have come out to play-along with their reptile friend, the large snapping turtle: see below:

Emma and Luke found this in the street in front of our house

So-what better time for quiet reflection on life and some pretty hefty subjects such as dreams of the future, my greatest passion, and my death?? Yes, the question, "What do I want my epitaph to say" ultimately means I am thinking about my demise, doesn't it? How morbid- well, maybe the photo of my cute kids enjoying the summer fun with our local wildlife will lighten the subject a little.

I would like my epitaph to say something as follows: Terri was passionate for The Lord, and people, she cared about the oppressed, the hungry, and the hurting. She loved her kids and her husband passionately and was willing to fight on their behalf. She was a woman that cared about others and was outspoken. She took risks and when she was knocked down got back up. She never quit believing God for great things for her life and the ones she loved.

Okay- I wonder what others might say about me? It would probably be very different-but you know what? I think we all need to think big. We should strive for greater things, able to put our mistakes behind us and believe that God can change us, and make us into all He intended us to be. It is HIM, after all, that designed us and He will continue to perfect what He created-in His time! That is something I will continue to believe for all of us! What do you want your epitaph to say?

How much passion do I experience in my daily life?

2011-06-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

I heard this recently-there are various pathways to God...Here they are:

Intellectual
service
relational
activist
contemplative
naturalist

I hope I remembered all from the sermon on Sunday because this practical teaching on how we feel closest to God helped me immensely! I know that I struggle at times feeling passion for my faith. There are times I am going through the motion of prayer and experiencing little passion about it. So, the question in the heading of this post is a great question for all of us. If we love art, but never create or visit an art museum, we may feel drab and dull. We may be experiencing depression or lack of excitement about life primarily because we are neglecting things we love. I also believe we should look to a career rooted in a passion we possess.

I feel the most alive in nature. I feel the closest to God in nature as well. My prayers flow when I am walking in my favorite park. Last summer I took my girls on a 12 day road trip to Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. It was an amazing, reflective time. I remember the sights and the worship coming from deep within me as I marveled at God's majesty-reflected in His creation! So-I am determined to get out in creation this summer. I will reignite my passion for God by quiet reflection and prayer by spending time marveling at His handiwork. Below are a few colors and images I love and help me to experience passion for life!

What is my Deepest Dream?

2011-06-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

In a continuation of yesterdays entry-What is my deepest dream? For the last 24 hours I pondered this question, even though I knew the answer for me immediately. I am curious about what stops many from realizing their dream? What makes us give up that inner most longing, discarding it with the idea that it is foolish and that living in reality means giving up those secret longings? Here are a few ideas:

fear
laziness
time

Fear can be a a fear of what others will think. It could also be fear of failure, being wrong, giving up our security, displeasing God, and on and on. I suggest you study your fears. My daughter Katie just graduated college. As she and I discuss her future I pick up on nagging doubts and fears she has. My job as her mother is to push back on that, shine some logic on it. Fear can be the enemy that destroys our joy and prevents us from becoming all that God intended us to be. Question your fears, do they really make sense? Even if your greatest fear happened, is it really so tragic after all? Don't listen to fear! Healthy fear, I believe isn't fear at all-it is just an inner knowing that you are not supposed to walk down that dark alley at night, listen to that!- It usually comes from the pit in your stomach, whereas fear usually originates in your mind.

Laziness is obvious. Some of us struggle with this more than others. The only advice I can give on that is what I tell my kids again-just move. Just DO something. Sitting on the couch, ensconced in your favorite novel or movie will NOT help you obtain your dream. Facebook, internet browsing, and gossiping on the phone will steal your life away quicker than you think. I have spoken to so many elderly women who say, "I always wanted to do that.." or "I wish I would have listened to myself on this or that." Of course I am not suggesting frivolous pursuits, but quality decisions that individuals knew they missed the boat, when God gave them an opportunity and they passed on it because it was just too hard. They chose ease and comfort instead. Many live in regret for making that choice. Motion fuels energy-it's a principal.

Time/ well, we are pressed for time. Time steals our dreams and that is why it is most important to constantly weigh how we spend our time, and prioritize our day, week, and month. For example: if you dream of writing a book then take two hours per week to write. You may have to fight for that and even give up a work-out, or a lunch, or a TV show but make it happen, it is your dream. Take time to be quiet. Pray, take a spiritual gifts test, seek council. Take time! God created you for a specific purpose and plan, don't you care to know what that is? Busyness can rob us too. Are you busy socializing with all kinds of people that are not invested in your personal welfare? People that do not care about you, or the things that really matter to you? I look at that as pouring out my best gift God has given me, and it being wasted. Even Jesus cared about where he spent His time and with who.

In my pondering I am realizing it is basically very simple. Fear, Laziness, and Time. As a mother, this is what I try to do with our kids(not saying it is 100%!!)...

I try not to allow my kids to run from their fears, helping them face things they fear. Swimming, going away to camp, new schools, making new friends, trying a new sport, going away to college are just a few things they faced. A parent equips their child to know they can get through their fears with a few practical tools. Kelli had a fear of the house burning down after watching a show on television. We prayed about that fear, memorized a verse to help her, and I explained to her that the fear was irrational. I had a difficult time leaving her in her room at night when she was crying but I knew she had to overcome it, and sleeping with us was not the way for her to do that! I equipped her the best I knew how and trusted she would get through it, and she did.

Laziness- Make your kids work. This is the only antidote to laziness. All kids are lazy-of course their are exceptions. Chores and schedules are important to their character. Making kids do things they hate is a good thing. Every kid should clean toilets, do laundry, scrub floors, cut grass, pull weeds, and cook.

Time: Help your kids learn how to manage their time. School helps with this. But there should be a schedule in the home. We have six kids so last minute sleepovers and play-dates don't work very well for us, plus mom hates surprises. A bed time, a chore time, a play time, and especially devotion time. God is a God of order and peace. So many American households are in complete chaos. I see parents reacting to demands the children make, instead of the parents controlling the schedule, the kids control it. Your kids will benefit much more from Saturday morning chores than they will from saturday morning soccer and friday night sleepovers. I am not against sports-believe me, we have tons of that going on here. But I have watched over the years what most benefitted my kids and it was these three things, courage, hard work, and self discipline. I want them to realize their dreams-what God created them for. If they are not accustomed to facing their fears, pushing through their laziness, and managing their time, they will struggle with knowing what they were created to do. Their life will become a series of decisions avoiding discomfort, not reaching their full potential God created them for. The temporary happiness of pleasure will fade and when they are elderly like the women I spoke of, they will have regret. The parable of the talents is so sad to me. God has given each of us talents- i do not want to be the third worker: wasting what God has given...

²⁶ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? ²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

²⁸ “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. ²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Using our gifts

2011-06-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Faith that Works began with the mission statement, "encouraging women to put their faith into action." We continue in that, and it is not always easy. Here in the US, we have so many distractions- even our large homes can distract us from our true calling and purpose as we have to upkeep so many rooms, sprawling yards, pools, large garages with various items to organize and arrange. Our large homes is just one of our distractions. What about entertainment? There are so many great movies, books, sports, and television shows to keep up with. We spend money and time on season tickets to watch our favorite team, cable, dish, and media packages to keep up with it all! Then there are the beautiful children some of us have living under our roof. Yes, the sports, dance, academics, birthdays, camps, art, school, gymnastics, friends, and so on. If you work a 40 hour a week job, spend two hours per evening watching your favorite team or show, workout 1 hour per day, attend little Susie's game, and have dinner out socially once per week-not to mention cleaning your home and rearranging that floral arrangement that just looks stale-what is left? Be honest- count it up. I haven't even included shopping for more stuff, nail appts, hair appt.'s, or vacations! What is left? What does God get? This is what we are up against as a ministry-we compete with the American dream. We want it all-financial security, beauty, successful children, the perfect home, and we want "down time/me time." Where does The one who created it all come into play? What message do we send our kids? Look around-and you will see it in our teens life- the message they are hearing-it is all about them, because it is. The American life has veered from fighting for things that are near and dear to us-God, Country, and Family (in that order) to personal happiness and fulfillment. It's all about us.

You do not have to be wealthy to own this attitude. I get to raise 5 daughters, lucky me. But guess what- The oldest is 22, and the youngest is 8. I see this pervasive selfishness everyday, in ministry and through my kids. In our home we stress community, not the individual. We try and express to our kids-"It's not about you." The culture they are growing up in tells them something different. I believe this puts and incredible pressure on our kids- to think their parents are so overly concerned about their happiness. The definition of happiness is now being defined as things and activities, personal fulfillment, not purpose and caring for what God cares for. I could write so much more about that- but I will stick to my point-if I ever had one!

What is our main goal for our life and the ones we love? I am reading a book that challenges it's readers to ask themselves a few questions- and I'll end with this..hoping to come back and write more about it soon!

-What is my deepest dream?
-How much passion do I experience in my daily life?
-What do I want my epitaph to say?
-How much am I growing these days?
-How often do I take risks that require a power greater than my own?
-If I had to name the "one true thing" that I believe I was set on earth to do, what would it be?
-How clear is it to me?

Just want to share

2011-05-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

I am reading two books, "The Reason for God," and "The Survivor's Club." both of these books reveal much about humanity-the specific details of life we all struggle with-triumph, defeat, and always questioning the "Meaning of Life." At first glance it wouldn't appear that a book about Belief and Skepticism would have anything to do with a book about surviving a plane crash, but as I read one in the morning (The Reason for God), and one in the evening, "The Survivors Club" I realize the two have much more in common than one would have thought. I would like to share a favorite quote from one book..then another, see if you can guess which is which. Remember, one is written by a pastor, one a journalist and author from a secular view point.

First one:"Just after the climax of the trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee discovers that his friend Gandalf was not dead (as he thought) but alive. He cries, "I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself! Is everything sad going to come untrue?" The answer of Christianity to that question is-yes. Everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost.

Second one: Patients in religious turmoil had a 6 to 10 percent greater risk of dying compared with those who weren't. For instance, patients who have felt alienated from or unloved by God and attributed their illness to the devil were 19-28 percent more likely to die during the two-year study period. "Why can tussling with God kill you?"

Which book is written by the Pastor? Should be obvious?

How do I react?

2011-05-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I hope everyone enjoyed reading about our intern, Courtney Osborn in the last post. We had a chance to see Courtney on Friday at our fitness and fellowship group (which will continue this summer). Courtney is road tripping it for two weeks and then will be working One and a half days per week this summer for us. Pray for her travels!

This last week I had funny experiences that are a little out of the ordinary for me. I found myself laughing while a dear friend relayed a story to me. The problem was..it wasn't a funny story. This friend corrected me and said, "Terri, why are you laughing so hard, this is serious!" Of course, I wasn't laughing the entire time she relayed the story, but only at the beginning. When this friend corrected me, I stopped in my tracks, yes, why was I laughing? I didn't really know.

I thought about that all week. Another comment from a different person made me realize why I was laughing when my friend wanted to be serious. TRIALS. TRIBULATIONS. These come into our lives, don't they? I realized that I was on over load with bad news. I have things in my life that hurt. I have friends that have hurts, and family members that are hurting. I realized that when i was with this friend, I wanted a relief from troubles, have some fun, avoid the negative. I wanted to laugh, and joke around, feel young and light hearted. I wanted to avoid the pain of what she wanted to tell me about..I needed good news.

The last few weeks God has continued to give me encouraging thoughts and verses to spur me on toward joy. Check this out from Chuck Swindoll:

A few things in life are absolutely tragic. Some are mysteriously strange. Many, however, are just plain funny.

There isn’t a day that passes in which I fail to see, hear, or read something that makes me smile. And because laughter is such effective therapy, I’m grateful that God dispenses this divine medication so frequently.

For instance, rules and statutes aren’t meant to be amusing . . . but sometimes they are. I find some of them downright hilarious. Some examples?

In Danville, Pennsylvania, fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires.
Oklahoma law requires that drivers involved in fatal accidents stop immediately and give their names and addresses to those who were struck.
In Lakefield, Ontario, legislation permits birds to sing for 30 minutes during the day and 15 minutes at night.

A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

So..I guess I am looking for a counter to the pain and the trials. I desire to ward off depression by laughing. I am attempting to choose laughter at times instead of tears. My behavior may seem a little odd at times, but I have looked into the face of my alternative too many times and that pit scares me..I don't want to go there.

If you are struggling with a trial, read a little Lucy or Chuck Swindoll- they have always reminded me of the importance of a positive attitude.

One more thing-yesterday I spent a little time with a few homeless friends. (also a great encouragement) I was speaking with Paul and I was thanking him for how he encouraged the last group we took down there with his beautiful singing and preaching. He had shared some amazing truths about Easter with us and we were all very touched. When I thanked him he said this, " Oh, thank you for telling me that. That encourages me to know God is not done with me yet, He still has work for me here on this earth, Praise God."

I am humbled, a homeless man with joy-encourging me. I am sorry to my friend, for my odd behavior of laughing at the wrong time, but I am just taking my daily medicine, prescribed by God.

One last thought from Pastor Chuck:

I recognize the ability to laugh and to find the humor in things as a gift from God to every believer. Even though life brings tragic occurrences our way now and then, God desires that we find joy as we rest in His sovereignty over all things. A Christian who doesn’t laugh much is not taking God’s divine prescription for spiritual health.

2011-05-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

The following is an update from our intern, Courtney Osborn, a student at the University of Arkansas in Fayettville. One of Faith that Works three components is mentoring young women. We are proud of Courtney’s dedication and hard work as a student and an advocate for hurting girls, both here and abroad. I asked Courtney to give us an update on her progress raising funds for our Ethiopia Girls Campaign, which we have the goal of raising $100,000 to rescue up to 100 girls and their children off the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from forced prostitution. We hope to receive frequent updates from Courtney and keep you updated!

Faith that Works helped fund Courtney's mission trip to Australia last summer, which first gave her the passion for the work she is doing now!

Read this from Courtney:

Life here in Razorback Country has kept me busy these past several months. What a joy it has been to represent Faith that Works in Fayetteville, Arkansas! From the moment I accepted Terri Stipanovich’s (founder of Faith that Works)offer to work as an intern on a college campus, I was excited to start putting my faith into action by raising funds which would be used to rescue girls across the globe from sex-trafficking. In the beginning, the idea seemed easy, what a great opportunity to put my efforts toward something I felt so passionate about. I soon realized I would come against roadblocks every step of the way. This would test my resolve, my faith, and my commitment to the cause.

I came to Arkansas as a Sophomore in August and knew very few people. It was a scary time for me, leaving St. Louis for the first time. I was not only beginning a new adventure as a student, but also with my work with Terri and Faith that Works. I started working on the Campaign by presenting the vision of Faith that Works and our goal of raising $100,000. I was blessed to receive a lot of interest and encouragement! One family in particular, volunteered to make tons of soda-tab bracelets (a really cool bracelet made from soda tabs and elastic string which we sell for $10) and also engaged a group of high-school girls to sell the bracelets in their schools. I also had the privilege of meeting women like Jen,who was so moved by what I shared about Ethiopia and the girls there needing our help, that she hosted regular bracelet-making nights in her home and is working on rallying some friends so I can present the campaign to them. Other wonderful individuals have connected me with Sorority groups, which I hope will begin selling the soda tab bracelets at their events and in the sorority homes! All of this has taken incredible diligence on my part! In the age of text messaging, facebook and the crazy life of a college student, there have been days I was confused on how to run a professional campaign here, with few people returning my calls, promises not always kept, I started feeling self doubt and discouragement. Yet I pressed on..thinking of the faces and names I now knew, like Nodosh, A girl Terri met on the streets of Addis, in the red light district during Faith that Works last trip. Nodosh asked, “do you have a place for me?” I was aware, Nodosh was counting on people like me-a young 19 year old college Sophomore, to hear her cry, and to act. To do this, I needed to press on, take captive these plaguing doubts and fears, and fight hard. My fight? My fight was coming against the insecurities, the nay-sayers, those dark things that plagued me, telling me I would certainly fail. So that is what I have done. I did not quit when I felt like quitting, I picked up the phone and called people, pushing back my own insecurities, I prayed, and continued making bracelets.

Like Terri quotes quite often, be faithful to the small things, for therein lies your strength, mother Teresa said that! My generation has a difficult time with patience, perseverance, we are the instant gratification generation, if it is hard or you have to wait? Forget it, not worth it! Terri tells me, quit texting, pick up the phone and call people, do hard things, put yourself out there, be faithful to the process and GOD will bring the results. I believe that, but have to admit that belief hasn’t come without a little wrestling at times.

Okay, Terri- I am still here! I am faithful to the small things, trusting God to bring the results. And I realize, what a great place to be! After all, “IT is HIM that is ABLE to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than we can expect or think.” The girls I dream of? Yes, I will persevere because that is what God has called me to do. With the help of many, we will see Nodosh, and others like her, Safe from harm. Any effort I give is worth that for sure!

Surviving or Thriving?

2011-05-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am currently enjoying a book, "The Survivors Club." This book tells harrowing stories of miraculous tales of survival. As I read, I imagine myself in the plane crash, on the Bike the Mac Truck hits, or on the Ship that sinks. What would I do? Would I panic? Give up? Lose Hope? Fight to save myself while watching others parish? What would I do? Following is a write up on this book, see what you think-

In tough times, who bounces back and who doesn’t? Who overcomes adversity and who gives up? And perhaps most important: What do survivors and thrivers know about beating the odds that the rest of us don’t? These are the questions that award-winning journalist Ben Sherwood explores in The Survivors Club from Grand Central Publishing.

In search of answers, Ben immersed himself in the world of surviving and thriving.

Tom Brokaw hails The Survivors Club for giving voice to “what we all wonder: Do I have what it takes to survive? The riveting answers are all here. Mehmet Oz, MD, believes The Survivors Club captures “the wisdom of people who improbably survived the abyss...?

I recommend this book! There are many spiritual principals you will find in this read, such as why a man survived a plane crash because of his basic unselfish character. Or-another man survives freezing to death in cold waters because he never lost hope and stayed in the moment. There is also a story in the beginning pages about an elderly woman who survived a puncture to her heart and survived because of a sense of humor and positive attitude!

Paul says this, "7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

I am curious about people-what makes some say, "yes I can," never losing faith, and another give up? This book sheds light on that question. Read it and decide, do you have a survivor's mentality?

Asking Why Again..

2011-04-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Faith that Works' “fellowship and faith in action day.” On our way home from downtown a few “WHY” questions began swirling around the car. When you see extreme poverty and pain, as we do in tent city, it gives you reason to think through what you have seen and how it lines up with your view on things. We spent the day with Dawn and enjoyed casual banter through the day, and this also made some of our volunteers wonder- why is she homeless? Why doesn’t she have a job, or a family to help her? Why do people have to live like this? The questions can bring defeat to us, ultimately leaving us to answer our own question, and our answer always ends up one of two ways..it is the person’s fault, they did it to themselves, or God did this to them. Why? Because there isn’t really a concrete answer to questions like that. I realized this when I was in Africa for the first time and I experienced dirty water, filthy children, starvation, child sex trafficking and disease. “Why, I asked God.” I began to realize as I wrestled with the Why’s that there was no satisfactory answer. If I concluded it was God’s fault, I would also conclude God was evil. If I concluded it was the person’s fault, then it excused me from helping, because they deserved it.

What could God possibly say to me that would make me feel better about a child suffering so ruthlessly? But God did speak to my heart, “I see, I know, I weep too, and someday, all of this suffering will be made right. I will wipe their tears, I will vindicate the oppressed, and put down their enemies. Don’t ask why, enter their suffering and encourage them with my love. I have a purpose for all things.” For me, It came down to trust in God, and knowing His intentions for us are good.

So. That’s what we aim to do here and abroad-love, bring hope. Let those who suffer know they are not alone, and someone hurts with them and cares. As I was reflecting on a few of these thoughts today, I read John Piper’s daily devotion, and he was addressing the appropriate way to address God in our suffering. Following is Pastor John’s thoughts and scriptures he included with them: Scripture shows us the perfect way to view pain. Hear the Lament of God’s people, and then see God’s heart toward it!

How To Speak about God When He Hurts Us John Piper

The book of Lamentations is the heart-cry of Jeremiah when he and his people were being hurt by God, and by their enemies, and by their own sin. How he speaks of this divine hurting shows us some of the various ways we may speak about God in our own pain. If we affirm them all, then not one of them will be taken amiss.

The Lord directly does the hurting (2:1-4).

"The Lord in his anger has set the daughter of Zion under a cloud! . . . The Lord has swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob; . . . He has cut down in fierce anger all the might of Israel; . . . he has burned like a flaming fire in Jacob, consuming all around. . . . 4 He has killed all who were delightful in our eyes in the tent of the daughter of Zion."

The enemies have done the hurting and God has exalted their might (2:16-17).

"All your enemies rail against you; they hiss, they gnash their teeth, they cry. . . . The Lord has done what he purposed; . . . he has made the enemy rejoice over you and exalted the might of your foes."

The enemy has done the hurting, as if the Lord were not watching! (1:9-11; 3:49-50).

Her fall is terrible; she has no comforter. ‘O Lord , behold my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed! . . . Look, O Lord, and see, for I am despised.' . . . My eyes will flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from heaven looks down and sees."

The hurting happens as if by God's "forgetting" and "forsaking" them (5:20).

"Why do you forget us forever, why do you forsake us for so many days?"

The Lord will repay the enemies who did the hurting on earth (3:64).

"You will repay them, O Lord, according to the work of their hands."

The Lord will follow his hurting with compassion (3:32).

"Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love."

God's hurting us is not "from his heart"—not his deepest delight (3:33).

"He does not willingly [literally "from his heart" millibboi] afflict or grieve the children of men."

In his hurting the Lord shows mercy every morning (3:22-23).

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

God's decisive mercy is his causing the erring people to repent; he removes the cause of his own wrath (5:21).

"Cause us to return (hasibenu) to yourself, O Lord, and we will return (wunasub)! Renew our days as of old."

When God is hurting us, wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord (3:26).

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him."

In and after God's hurting us, he is our only hope and portion (3:24).

"‘The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.'"

Preparing for Easter..

2011-04-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

Today’s Reflections from Faith that Works

2011-04-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have a gripe today..I am sure I am in a judgmental, combative sort of mood but I am going to say these things anyway! Faith that Works has a partnership with Starbucks for the month of April where they have been kind enough to collect items for the homeless. On May 1 we will take these items, such as batteries, candles, and toiletries (all very needed when you are basically camping, without the luxury of Coleman equipment) to our friends in various homeless camps around St. Louis. The last two days Julianne (my trusted administrative assistant) and I, have visited at least half of the 13 stores partnering with us, to see what they have collected so far-well, let me tell you, not much! The employees have reported, in sort of an embarrassed way, that their customers do not seem very interested in the homeless. Last month local Starbucks stores collected items for injured animals and report that they had truckloads full of collected leashes, food, bowels, and even Blankets! Dogs and Cats need blankets? I'll tell ya who needs blankets! People- people living out in the cold..my dog never seems very cold to me. Okay-I am almost done, this is getting out of control, just can't stop myself..

Today, I visited Dawn. With her permission I am going to share a little about her. She has a son who was taken from her and now lives in Chicago. Dawn has a disability and receives $606.00 per month from the government because of her disability. She was living in one of the worst neighborhoods in St. Louis, where she witnessed daily crime right out her front door. Her rent started at $350, then went up and up, until it reached $600. Dawn was working-allowed to make up to $800 per month while on her disability-but then lost her job. After her rent going up, losing her job, she had no other choice but to take the little money she had left and buy a tent, moving to a place called Wulf Creek in downtown St. Louis. Wulf creek is one of four camps in Tent City, as locals call it.

I visit her each week, bringing necessities such as newspaper to start a fire for warmth and cooking. Batteries for her flashlight, and other random items she may need. She doesn't ask for much. Dawn enjoys sitting in my car, visiting-talking about life, relating her struggle to me and how she dreams of leaving Wulf Creek forever. She told me she wants to work and provide for herself. Like I said, she doesn't ask for much. Today I picked up 20 soda tab bracelets she made for us. We taught Dawn how to make these bracelets and supplied her with what she needed to make them-soda, or beer tabs, and elastic string. The supplies cost pennies and we sell them for $10. Today Sandy, (an action team member, from our Tuesday group) and I, had the great privilege of giving Dawn payment for her first set of bracelets she made. Dawn said this, "I never expected you to pay me, I was just doin it for you because you have helped me so much." She was honored to receive something she earned and says that's all she wants, an opportunity to provide for herself. We help her with small things-pointing her toward independence, a place where she will feel dignity. By the way- one of those four camps is named, Dignity Harbor. Isn't that what we all desire? To struggle with dignity- to stand on our own? Yes, we offer help, only to build a relationship and show those desiring a way out, how to get there.

Many organizations drop truckloads of things off to the homeless, is that what they need-10 sweatshirts? Or do they need us to care for their pain, and meet their need, not just a handout to alleviate our guilt? Charity is just that, charity, a way to give something to someone else so we can feel good about ourselves-meeting a need is different-it is knowing that person well enough and caring about them enough to do exactly what they need, not just what makes us feel better about our own selfish lifestyle. I find this Starbucks collection interesting..maybe hurting dogs are easier to love than broken people-why??? Are we afraid that could be us someday? Does it remind us of our own brokenness? Maybe too close to home? Are we awkward, because we don't know what to do, so we do nothing? The bottom line of all of this thinking is this-it's all about us. Selfishness seems like a disease in this country.

The photos below depict the soda tab bracelet you can purchase to help Dawn with her down payment on a place to live. This meets a specific need, and I hope you can help. Contact us to buy 1 or 10/ tell your friends, and give Dawn her dignity back. terri@faith-that-works.org

A Quiet Moment

2011-04-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone is sleeping, the house is quiet. I love this peace, the hum of the refrigerator, my dog snoring. The weekend was busy and I am unwinding, it is good. I don't really have much to say, except that I am content with this quiet, happy for it.

My husband and I had coffee together twice today-that is rare-and good. I took a walk with the dogs after dinner, that was also good. I watched the Blind Side with Emma, my eight year old, tonight and laughed when she said she liked the mom because she was feisty.... at the point in the movie where Sandra Bullock turns around and points at the dad behind her, who happens to be yelling at Big Mike during the football game, and says, "Hey, deliverance, keep your mouth shut or I'll come up there and shut it for you." Family..the simple things make great memories.

I know I am rambling, and you probably don't care how many cups of coffee Steve and I had together in one day, just thought I would share. What made your weekend special? How do you create memories with those you love? Do you stop and rest, enjoying the moment? I hope so, because Monday is fast approaching and I had better get to bed!

Spring is Here

2011-04-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

The Faith that Works Spring Event has come and gone..we are excited to report that it was a blessing to all that attended. Some of our attendees are now drinking a strange drink called Kefir, some have a new Chiropractor, and others went home with new healthy recipes to try on their families. All of us were encouraged by Amy Marxkors to take up the challenge of walking or running-thanks Amy, for allowing us to believe getting healthy is obtainable and that it is a journey!

Our vendors were a blessing as well, beautiful items were sold, while benefitting hurting young women here and abroad.

Sunday was the Half Marathon! Faith that Works was represented by six runners, all running at a different pace. I (Terri) ran/walked the thirteen miles and had the privilege of seeing two of our team members on the route. It was exhilarating to see 17,000+ running in downtown St. Louis. I was reminded while running of our wonderful event on Saturday, the day before, and how each of us strive to be better everyday. There is something in the human spirit that strives forward-always trying to improve life's conditions. I suppose this is a good thing, I know I want to improve my marriage, my relationships with friends and family, I desire to be a better mother, healthier, more spiritual, a better cook, smarter, and I would also like to work on my hair style- there has got to be a better look out there for me! Wow- I'm tired, just thinking about all the ways I need to better myself.

But, really, what is the most important thing? Is it our health? Probably our spiritual life? Maybe our Kids? No- it is none of these, actually. I believe, the reason we yearn for something better is because we were not made for this world. We were made for another world, a perfect world, paradise. So, not that it is wrong to better oneself, but as long as we remember that it is not the end all. The desire to get better is good as long as it is balanced with the knowledge that the best is yet to come, that we will never find perfection here, but it awaits us in heaven!

A Monday Morning

2011-04-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke a little late-unable to process all that I had to accomplish in one hour. The bed needs to be made, shower, papers and checks to sign for the kids, breakfast, hair to comb for my little guy, shoes to tie, carpool to drive, and of course the dogs need to be fed and walked. I found myself in the middle of this rush getting sucked down into despair-what does all of this silly rushing, yelling, and fretting have to do with anything that is really important? On top of it, I may have fractured a few relationships with my kids as I "corrected" them on various failings of the day. As these mornings unfold, some go smooth, some like today, not too much, I hold on to the small accomplishments of the morning-I am dressed and ready for work-early, dinner is already slow-cooking, and all the kids arrived at school on time! As far as the fractures go? I am not sure..I will speak to them tonight, apologize, they have heard this story before..will they forgive me? Yes, will we try again tomorrow for a better start, yes.

But what does it all mean? It means that life happens in the common things..the dog getting loose and harassing the neighbors, the kids getting sick and keeping you up all night, the new outfit your 16 year old purchases, but then tries it on and you end up in an argument with her because you think it is two sizes too small and she disagrees, the favorite show you watch together, a sunset, a thunderstorm, a phone conversation with your best friend. Yes, life happens in the small things. I see meaning and redemption in my morning. Forgiveness given, problems solved, and relationships growing as we do life together, realizing each of our imperfections and giving one another grace, covering for each other in small little ways that may seem meaningless at the time but is the stuff that life is made of.

A new teaching

2011-04-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Weekend to everyone! We have some news for all of you that missed Harvest on Thursday evening. Three of Debbie Holley's teachings are posted on the Faith that Works website: www.faith-that-works.org. I hope you have a chance to check it out, she is practical and fabulous in her teaching! We all loved it.

Coming Up: April 14th, Harvest will feature our very own, Terri Stipanovich and Julianne Fogt
April 28th, Jennifer Benes will be sharing- don't miss it!

April 1st, A Day of Laughs

2011-04-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

I was called upstairs this morning by my sweet eight year old as she yelled, “Mommy, come quick, I am throwing up on the floor in the bonus room.” My little guy, Luke, played along as he agreed with her, “hurry up, it’s all over the carpet.” I took off running, barely awake, to the place they were urging me to, and what did I see? Nothing, only the two of them laughing at me and saying, “April Fools!” Somehow, I did not think it was near as funny as they seemed to think it was! In fact, I really don’t like practical jokes at all. So...what drives us to play practical jokes on one another? Where did April Fools Day originate? So, I looked it up to share with you:

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.

Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.

These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.

This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.

In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.

In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.

In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."

In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.

The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.

As you can see, people around the world enjoy a good practical joke. I just don’t get it...throwing up or throwing flour-how is that funny????

Seed and Sheaves

2011-03-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

If you have followed this blog very long, you realize I have a fascination for the meanings of words. Here I go again..

I need this one today~This word, Gumption

Courage, also known as bravery, fortitude, will, and intrepidity, is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger. ...
Energy of mind and body, enthusiasm; Boldness of enterprise; initiative or aggressiveness, guts; spunk; initiative

~I also need to keep reminding myself of The Faith that Works quote for the year:

“Be faithful in the small things, for therein lies your strength.” Mother Teresa

And , a scripture God revealed to me this weekend:

Psalm 126

“When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed, our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, The Lord has done great for them, The Lord has done great things for us, and we were filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

There has seemed to be a theme in my life of late-something about seeds, small things, staying faithful, and gumption. I sit here this morning , asking God for gumption, telling him I am afraid, and knowing my God will supply all of my needs! As in the Psalm “those who sow seeds of tears will reap with songs of joy!” BUT- IT also says, “Goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

Oh, I feel another definition coming on...from the bible dictionary

The sheaves are piled about the threshing-floors until threshing time, which may be several weeks after harvest. It is an impressive sight to see the huge stacks of sheaves piled about the threshing-floors, the piles often covering an area greater than the nearby villages.

So, God is telling me today..tears are not in vain, sowing seeds during the sorrow. Get busy, there are seeds to sow today!

I love our Vendors

2011-03-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Greta Coalier (http://gremadcha.etsy.com) is amazingly creative. I have blogged about her before, I hope you had the chance to read it. She is young, creative, and she and her husband happen to be in that special place of diapers, Dora, and deprived sleep. As I visited with her yesterday, I was taken back to my young mothering days, when you just yearn for ONE full night sleep. A vacation is having someone watch the kids for a night, and going to a hotel in town and sleeping in until 8! Oh- that happened once in my 20 years of being a mother to small children~but I digress, this post is not about my young mothering days, maybe a future time!

Faith that Works has the privilege of working with incredibly unique and creative women. Our first Shop for a Cause taught us a valuable lesson, women love to shop! Women also enjoy buying things that are good for their health, and good for their spirit. Shop for a Cause has a joyful atmosphere, both for our vendors and shoppers. We have decided to try and spread that joy throughout the year. Faith that Works is in the process of developing an on-line shopping sight for you to enjoy. We hope to have this up within a month. This sight will feature exclusive designs our vendors create especially for us, and donated speciality items. We also plan to sell our soda tab bracelets on this sight as well. In the mean time; I just could not wait to unveil our first exclusive design by Greta!

This design symbolizes the girls we fight for everyday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They are made with Ethiopian beads, waxed linen, and include a tiny silver stamped cross pendant. They are delicate and look fabulous when you wear two or three at a time! To purchase right away, contact Terri @ terri@faith-that-works.org. We will let you know when our on-line store is ready!

Proceeds from this sale will go to help rescue a young woman from the horrors of her life in the red light district of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Maybe a girl like Eled, who, in three short years, went from hopeless victim of sexual slavery to having a career as a nurse! May this product be a close reminder to you of the girls still trapped in the glow of the red light.

The Willow

2011-03-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Weeping Willow

Graceful and Enduring

A research of my favorite tree

“He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

~When we built our home, we noticed a trouble spot in our side yard, a wet area where water stood and did not drain well. No matter what drain we installed, the water stood still, causing issues with the landscaping. I asked around, and was told that one of the only trees that would survive there was the weeping willow. We planted a small sapling and forgot about it. Six months later we had a terrible storm. We all watched out our windows as limbs were torn from trees, tables turned over by the pool, debris flew everywhere, and we even witnessed lightning striking a large Cypress in the front of our home, splitting it in two. But I noticed something else, as well...our now, not so little Willow tree, just bended in the harsh wind- almost appearing graceful, as though it were dancing in the harsh storm. That tree won my heart that night. It made a potential devastation appear like nothing. That tree looked like it was happy in the storm- almost as if it were singing out, “I will just wait this out, dancing and swaying, knowing that it will end soon.” What a picture for me! How do I wait out the storms in life? Look at this, taken from a Celtic writing:

“Other valuable traits of the willow include its flexibility. The willow is one of the few trees that can bend in outrageous poses without snapping. This is a powerful metaphor for those of us on a spiritual path. The message here is to adjust with life rather than fight it.”

~The next thing I found in my research of the Willow is it’s adaptability:

Thrives in Growing Zones 4-9, and has the ability to absorb standing water. Plant near trouble spots where water stands in puddles, and watch them disappear.

Even though Weeping Willows are often found near rivers, lakes and wetlands, they can grow just about anywhere, even demonstrating some tolerance to drought.

Very adaptable to all kinds of soils and growing conditions; these trees can even help prevent soil erosion.

~Am I adaptable? Am I at all like the Willow Tree? Again, look at this interesting fact:

Further testimony to its adaptability, is the willow's ability to not only survive, but thrive in some of the most challenging conditions. The willow is a prolific grower, often taking root from a single branch that has fallen into some marshy bog.

~This reminds me of Joseph. He was a man that was left in a “marshy bog,” and what did he do? Joseph ended up thriving, like the willow. He did not break, when men, (his own brothers) beat him, threw him in a hole, then sold him into slavery. What did he do? He worked hard, remained faithful, stayed true to God and his fellow man, and then forgave those that betrayed him! What a symbol for us.

Isn’t God great to give us these beautiful reminders of His enduring plan for us. He gives us His word, but even the word says, “All of creation testifies of HIM.” Today, as the leaves bloom on the willow tree in my yard, I am reminded of many truths, things that God wants me to remember; to stay flexible, that growth can come from even the smallest sapling, that He will make sure we survive even in drought times, and that He intends to use me to prevent others erosion of faith. I am planted here for a reason..my growth isn’t only for me, but to bring shelter, beauty, and life to others. I love that! I am here for a reason, planted and nourished by my heavenly father. Thank You for that reminder today!

Job 29:19 My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches.

Faith that Works Upcoming Event/save the date

2011-03-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Chicken Spedini..Memories

2011-03-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

One day- a very long time ago, my cousin and best friend, Tammy visited our young family at our lake house at Table Rock Lake. Tammy is my age, has three children, is a second grade teacher and abounds in energy. Every summer, when we owned the lake house, Tammy would visit with her young family. She insisted on making at least one meal during her three day stay. She would go all out..frying, baking, and creating meals we all loved! One of our favorites though, was her Chicken Spedini..easy and fun to make, a kid favorite as well.

Tonight, we made this meal, and Emma and Luke, our next generation, also loved it! It is an old family favorite now, and I will share it with you! Here goes....

2 Lbs. Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts)
1 White Onion
Olive Oil
Kraft Parmesan and Romano Cheese
Italian Bread Crumbs

Cube Chicken, cut onion into squares
In one bowl place Olive Oil, another Bread crumbs and Cheese
Dip Chicken in Oil, then toss in bread crumb mix
Skewer one piece of chicken, then onion, alternating...

Grill or bake the skewers, 15 minutes..turning once, be careful not to burn! This cooks quick..

Serve with Rice and Steamed Vegi's

Family Memories are often the little things we do.. I texted our college daughters tonight, missing them over Chicken Spedini..they miss it too! A small thing, but we shared it together. Don't forget to have your family favorites!

A Word Has Life

2011-03-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today I have fought a fight. This is a fight I have been fighting for sometime..a fight against human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking. One way Faith that Works fights for girls in Ethiopia is a Campaign we launched about 2 months ago to raise $100,000 for a Girls Center. This center will be a beacon of light to almost 100 girls and their children that currently live in the red light district of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We will house them , teach them skills, and nuture them emotionally. Their photos hang on my wall above the place I sit and write at the moment, as a reminder to keep fighting this fight. I use the word CAMPAIGN so often that I hear it in my sleep, hear myself repeating it over and over again- telling others about this fight, this Campaign for our sisters in Ethiopia. Today, as I was running, I thought about this word, it has become so dull to me, as day after day I use it so often. What does it mean to people? I see faces, hear noises, and even smell things-memories of my time on the streets of Addis Ababa..but what does this word, Campaign, mean to others who hear us speak about it? As I try to communicate my experience, my emotion, I think to myself, am I getting through? Do they hear? Is this message reaching them? Does the word Campaign even convey the depth of this cause, even a bit?

Here are a few definitions of the word, Campaign:

a systematic course of aggressive activities for some specific purpose:

the competition by rival political candidates and organizations for public office.

–verb (used without object)

to serve in or go on a campaign: He planned to campaign for the candidate. He campaigned in France.

–verb (used with object)

to race (a horse, boat, car, etc.) in a number or series of competitions.

A race, a competition, an aggressive activity for SOME specific purpose? Okay- that definition puts a whole different light on this! Let's run this race together, let's compete for the girls, and let's be aggressive, and win!!!

more soon about our efforts and the stories of the girls we are helping! Also-go to www.faith-that-works.org for more info..

My mind must stay on Him

2011-03-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Things are happening..some great things, but yet again, not so great things. I have had talks with God...I keep hearing back, keep your mind stayed on me..then this morning my husband comes into my office and shares from his time with God. He shared the story of Stephen, the disciple that was stoned to death, the first martyr of the early christian church. Stephen was being stoned and he looked up and saw Jesus, literally. He kept his eyes on Jesus and died with great joy! Some say Saul (soon to be Paul) was watching, possibly even holding the executioners cloak. Obviously, Saul was affected deeply to watch a man die with such peace-what did he have that Saul did not?

That is exactly what God is saying to me this morning, it is not what happens to you, or how great you suffer, but what your view is when it happens. Who, or what, am I focused on? Do I keep my eyes on the circumstance, or do I keep my eyes on Jesus? Do I think positively about my future, or do I grumble and complain, expecting disaster? I took this quote from someone on Facebook yesterday:

"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom." General George Patton

I do not suggest we deny the pain of our circumstance, certainly Stephen cried out in anguish, but he also cried out in hope, knowing that with Christ there is ALWAYS a bend in the road, that even death is not final.

What should be my Life Song

2011-03-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight I finally had the chance to see King's Speech. I loved the pain and the triumph in this movie. Of course everyone enjoys the polished hero, who walks confidently, speaks with authority, and always makes the correct decisions, but the hero in this movie was none of these things. The hero in this movie wasn't even the King in my opinion..the hero in this story was the king's friend and speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Lionel does something incredible- he sees a very flawed and scared man, soon to be King George vi, and he instills belief in him, inspires him, directs him, and challenges him to rise up to the challenge before him. Lionel knows Bertie (future King) can overcome and he delicately and lovingly pushes him toward greatness.

I love this! What better legacy to have than to be a catalyst of change in another person's life. Lionel reminded me tonight-it's not aboout me, the legacy I want to leave behind is to inspire others to greatness, to awaken the gifts inside another and show them who they really are, who God wants them to be..maybe not who they have been up until now, but who they will become. Great movie! Great Reminder..don't miss it.

Stole this quote from Friend, Zach

2011-03-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

Life shouldn’t be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in heaven safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly shouting…”Wow! What a ride! Thank you Lord!

Girls we are helping in Ethiopia will appreciate this quote-knowing we are "pouring" ourselves out, to rescue them!

Our feature vendor for March

2011-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Faith that works has had the privilege of partnering with local vendor, Greta Coalier. Our partnership with local women such as Greta help fund the work we do in the homeless camps of St. Louis and in the streets of the Red Light District of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are proud to call Greta a friend and partner and encourage you to visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/gremadcha, and purchase products that support women here and abroad. You will love her homemade headbands-as do my five girls!

Please read more about this fantastic woman and creative product in her own words..

I am a graduate of art school who married my high school sweetheart, had many random jobs and ended up driving a minivan with our 4 children 6 and under and our dogs Moose and Rocket. I create most days during the kids naps and so though I am a 24/7 maid, laundress, nurse and reluctant cook, my heart still sings. I have been in love with textiles for as long as I can remember and have special affection for the art of hand sewing. I combined my love of textiles and beads with crocheted jewelry a couple of years ago and each piece I make I have a hard time relinquishing to my shop. The initial necklaces are a new addition after I struggled to find well made jewelry for my three young girls that won't break or snag while they play. I'm a stickler for detail and craftsmanship and I am thrilled to be a part of the movement towards buying handmade. In case you were full of wonder about my shop name it is the first three letters of my name and the names of my younger sister and brother: Greta, Madeline and Charlie. I know it's confusing difficult to transcribe and hard to pronounce but it is so sentimental I can't give it up. I partner with Faith That works because I believe in what they do and I am honored to be affiliated with a group of woman that put their faith into action. My husband and I did not grow up as believers and our lives have been completely transformed over the last seven years by the love of Jesus. I am grateful for each and every day that I get to be a Christian and raise my family knowing the Lord! To find out more about our ridiculous lives and my attempts to create beautiful things one day at a time please visit: www.gremadcha.blogspot.com

Here are a few photos for you to get excited about!!!!

why are people homeless?

2011-03-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

I used to ask this sort of question..you know, "the why" questions often. I stopped asking, why..and began accepting the tragedies around me..homelessness, sex trafficking, broken marraiges, depression, alcoholism, childhood diseases, and so on. This may seem a statement of defeat, it is not, trust me.

As I USED to ask why, now I just attempt, with the help of other volunteers in our organization, Faith that Works, to bring comfort. Reading C.S. Lewis brought me to a greater understanding of brokenness, calling me out of my comfort, and why questions, and calling me into relationship with those who suffer. Mother Teresa said, "when I comfort those who are dying or riddled with poverty and disease, I see Jesus in them." And didn't Jesus say, "You gave me water when I was thirsty, food when I was hungry, comforting me when I mourned." The disciples were confused-and Jesus said, "you did it for the LEAST of these, it is as if you did it for me." ( all paraphrased) WOW-that is powerful! That is why I find myself more and more comfortable on the streets with the homeless than the country clubs of west county. I yearn to go back to the shanties of Ethiopia, and why? Jesus is there! There are mysteries too deep for me to understand...I just accept it to be true. I have experienced it.

Julianne Fogt works for Faith that Works. She met a friend of ours, Paul, who lives in an abandoned building near the stadium in downtown. Paul had a treasure, a watch his brother had given him. The watch was broken and I don't know how it came about, but Julianne ended up with the watch, promising Paul she would get it fixed for him.. He treasured that watch but trusted her at her word that she would bring it back. Last Tuesday we went down to visit Paul-with his watch. Julianne had obstacles and expense, getting that watch fixed, but she ended up sharing with a "watch man" the story of a homeless man in need of his watch being fixed. The man gave her a deal, touched by the story. It brought such joy to all of us to see Paul overwhelmed with gratitude over a simple gesture such as this. I am sure it touched the "watch guy" as well. One small act, possibly creating a ripple effect.

If Julianne and I would have spent very much time asking those why questions, we may have missed the blessing of giving joy to another. Why is Paul homeless? It is a long story- one with curves and sadness, but courage and strength too. He inspires me in a way. How can a man, who started out in life, just like any other, end up living in a garage, just existing, hoping for a break. If you want to ask why-which basically excuses you from drawing near, go ahead..you miss out. You miss the human triumphs that exist everyday on the street..and in the shanties of Ethiopia. To keep living, and keep hoping, when you have nothing-now that is courage!

A few of our courageous hero's:

a great thought for today by Marsha Burns

2011-02-27T05:38:00.001-08:00

Don't be afraid to take a break and relax. Your intensity in finding solutions to the problems you face will not even come close to the benefits of quiet rest in My presence and trusting Me to give you the necessary wisdom for breakthrough. This is not a time to tough it out in the strength of your own soul; it is a time to exercise resolute faith in My ability and willingness to bring you through every trial in victory, says the Lord. Only believe!

Psalm 107:28-31 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

great fellowship today

2011-02-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Fellowship and faith in action was a blessing today with just five of us...confessing, praying, exhorting, and encouraging one another. It is such a blessing to have friends who know you, and love you anyway. Thanks Ladies! Love you

The broken path

2011-02-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

"We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

1 John 4:16 (NAS)

I am currently reading a book by Jim Daley, president of Focus on the Family, "Stronger." Jim includes short stories in this book about different tragedies that various individuals have experienced. I would recommend this book to anyone that has experienced pain in their life that is diffcult to overcome.

Jim speaks of three responses to pain-beaten, bitter, and broken. When we are beaten we are in a sense lifeless and useless. We're like clay that dissolves to the touch. When we are bitter we become hard and inflexible. But when we are broken we are shattered into pieces, only needing the potter to re-shape our strength into something beautiful and useful to him. He gains this insight from scripture:

^1-2 God told Jeremiah, "Up on your feet! Go to the potter's house. When you get there, I'll tell you what I have to say." ^3-4So I went to the potter's house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. ^5-10Then God's Message came to me: "Can't I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?" God's Decree! "Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel. At any moment I may decide to pull up a people or a country by the roots and get rid of them. But if they repent of their wicked lives, I will think twice and start over with them. At another time I might decide to plant a people or country, but if they don't cooperate and won't listen to me, I will think again and give up on the plans I had for them.

Staying in a broken state is difficult. Daily hurts come our way, what do we do, how do we respond?

This past weekend I spent Saturday, and then again Sunday with my family, visiting a group of homeless people. It wasn't the whole day-but enough dialogue with two specific young girls to be very troubled when I left. You see, we met them on Saturday and their story was so concerning that I asked my husband to go back down there on Sunday to bring a few items they requested. I wanted to "SHOW" them that I cared and that my intentions were real. The disturbing thing was their age first of all-the first girl, Emily was young-19 or 20? She is tough. She had a few things to say to me about nobody caring about her and that she couldn't trust anyone..except other homeless people. The other girl was foreign, Tatiana. She looked even younger. She was soft spoken, cold, and seemed lifeless. Each of these girls have been hurt, one reacted with bitterness and the other is beaten. When we are in this state, we cannot receive love. The only way to receive love is to be vulnerable, how are these young girls ever going to open themselves up and become vulnerable? Even at their young age, something desperate has happened to cause them to be living on the streets, deciding society has nothing to offer them.

The only way back for any of us is the potter Jeremiah speaks of. The strange thing of us being the clay in the potter's hand, is the fact that we have to put ourselves there. Tragedy and hurt happen to all of us at some point. How do we respond? With bitterness, like Emily? Or defeat like Tatiana? Do we decide to hate and grow bitter or just shut down? God would ask us to become broken- HE is the fixer, He knows how to put the broken pieces of our heart back together, bringing healing and forgiveness. But, we must lose our life, surrender to the brokenness HE calls us to.

thoughts for today

2011-02-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

I love to read about historical individuals who accomplished great things..think Edison, Churchill, Ten Boom, Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., and then of course, biblical figures..OT and NT-Joseph, David, Abraham, Jesus, Paul, and Peter.

What do these great men and women have in common? I can think of two things at least- they stood for something, and they were hated by many.

Jesus said, "you must lose your life to gain it." Was He speaking of friends? It is a hard word, difficult to swallow. We see it in countries where Christianity is under attack. We hear about the persecuted church, and our brothers and sisters in Christ who die for their faith. But when we experience it here, from those close to us, it is somewhat of a shock. I suppose we think we don't "deserve" to be slandered, or misrepresented, shunned, or looked down upon. But again, Jesus' words.."take up your cross and follow me."

Jesus also spoke about His rejection in the Parable of the Tenants..this parable speaks of the owner of a vineyard renting his vineyard to some farmers, with a portion coming back to the owner for rent. The owner of the vineyard sent servants to gather his portion, but the tenants beat him and sent him empty handed, again, the owner of the vineyard sent another servant to gather his portion and he was also beaten and sent away empty handed, then the farmer said, " I will send my son, whom I love, perhaps they will respect him. But what happened? The owner sent his son, and they killed him ,fearing the land was to be taken from their control. I can see the drama of the parable building as Jesus looked at the ones He spoke to-the Pharisees-"The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone." Knowing what Jesus meant by this-claiming His Diety..they looked for a way to arrest Him.

Jesus was perfect. He did not sin but came to SAVE the people, and they denied Him, and eventually killed Him. If a perfect man, God himself can be rejected, why do we assume we are immune from this? Of course, we are not Jesus, and we sin, and are far from having perfect motives all the time! But just as the individuals I mentioned above, when we try and follow Christ, really step out of the boat and achieve something different, we will come under attack- even from friends. Take Heart, the one we follow, Christ, suffered this too. He suffered this to a much greater degree and He overcame the world. This brings me comfort.

Someone shared this quote with me this week...it says it all.

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
Winston Churchill

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

What are you doing for Valentines Day? My Valentine and I are staying home-grilling some steaks, opening a nice bottle of pinot, and reflecting on how in the world we made it after 22 years, 6 kids, many moves, and of course-trials, tears, and laughter! This photo was shared with me by a sweet Finnish(Finns) woman I met today-I share it with you...Eeva is an artist, wanting to promote her work, while helping hurting women around the world.

rambling thoughts..

2011-02-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever had a day when you feel as if you want to land somewhere, but can't seem to find the place to do so?

Well- thank God for the word of God! My devotion this morning took me to a powerful portion of scripture in Exodus 13:17. "When Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." A verse someone had pointed out to me later in the chapter was The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

I found this interesting this morning, God's original plan seemed to be for the children of Israel to go the shorter route, but God knew their weakness, so He took them the long route, which eventually put their backs to the red sea. The Egyptian Army eventually caught up with them anyway and this time it may not have been in the open desert, but their backs were against a sea of water, with no where to go. God would fight for them-just as He would have in the open desert, on the shorter route.

My question this morning to God- "why do so many of us choose the longer route? To avoid pain? Conflict? Is it fear? Maybe a fear of what others will think? But eventually, we all have to face our "armies.' And when we do, we finally realize-"The Lord does fight for me." But- we have to remain still. The Israelites had no place to escape- they were forced to remain still, and see God's delieverance. I wonder what they thought? Maybe they wished they had taken the shorter route and faced their fears and enemies much sooner. Did they feel foolish after all their doubts? This is how I felt this morning- this word from God was a great reminder, and sort of a "spritual spanking, " reminding me of God's love for me, no matter what.

So, I landed in a good place. God's word encourages at the same time it reproves me. After my landing, I was able to stand again in confidence, with the knowledge that He is fighting for me, what do I have to fear?

A journal entry from The Red Light District

2011-01-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

We have to look for those who have no one. These are the victims of the worst illness: that of not being wanted, not being loved, that of not having any attention shown to them. We can find Christ in them, Christ who is in the poor and the abandoned.... Mother Teresa

International Crisis Aid (ICA) and Faith that Works (FTW)partner to help girls escape the horror of forced prostitution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

I am in Africa. Last night ICA and FTW board members and volunteers walked the streets of Addis Ababa’s “red light district.” We spoke to girls in the doorway of their shanties, and entered at least two shanties to speak to the girls and love on them. Betty, who operates ICA’s programs in Ethiopia spoke of the girls in the red light district like this, “see these girls? these are all of our girls.” The aim is to offer these girls a hope of a better life. FTW helps in ICA’s efforts by providing funding for Mercy Chapel, a community outreach center on the edge of the red light district.

As our team drove into the district the vehicle became very quiet, we prayed, some were afraid of what they were about to see. We heard a thump, a rock thrown at our vehicle, the pimps do not want us here , we are taking a commodity away from them-the girls. When we parked, we stepped off the bus and a beautiful young girl, no older than My daughter Sadie (15), walked toward us. She was striking with her long Ethiopian style dress, her hair woven with an ornament of some type. She knew ICA-she loves ICA’s President, Pat Bradley. As she ran toward us she yelled, “Pat, you are here, come to see me.” Pat embraced her, as he whispered to me, I met her 6 months ago, she wants to come out of this life, but our homes are full. As soon as we have room, I will come and get her away from this life, so she can have a home, and attend classes at Mercy Chapel. She will have a family there, people to love her, and she will be safe. But for now? We visited her shanty. It was a tad nicer than many-because she is very beautiful and those girls have better situations, but still horrific. It was still the size of many closets. She brought me in to show me something- a beautiful baby girl sleeping peacefully on her bed, in the glow of the red light. I caught my breath, nothing I have ever experienced could possibly describe my feelings-anger, pain, despair, sadness..even those do not come close to the brokenness I felt, standing there watching a girl that could be my daughter show us her small space, so proud of her child asleep under beautiful Ethiopian fabrics. The child will be moved under the bed when she has a customer. She walked with us along the alleyways of the red light district, leaving the baby asleep in her shanty. She helped us invite others to Mercy Chapel for the next day service we would hold in their honor. As our walk came to an end, the girl grew quiet and her eyes looked sad, she wanted to come with us, not stay behind. Everyone except Pat and Betty got back in the vehicle- Pat said, “wait here.” We waited, he wanted to walk her back, promising he would come again, hopefully next time to rescue her from this horror. As I sat in the vehicle, my stomach twisted and I prayed, “Oh, God, we can help her, show me how.”

We will go to the red light district again tonight, letting the girls know- we see, we know what has happened to them, we offer a smile, a hug, a hope..that someday we will back, and take them out for good, where they can sleep in peace, have a family, and a hope for a future. We share ourselves with them and we do it in the name of Christ. Jesus has sent us, and they somehow know that. They know- they have despaired, but something has kept them hoping for a better day, when the hell they live in everyday will end. I know FTW is called to come to their aid. This is God’s work..helping the oppressed, the widows, the poor.

God gave me this scripture right before we went down to the red light district, it seemed to help calm some of our fear as we headed down there: When God calls you/ He protects and provides for you, as he did for us in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s red light district.

Acts 18:9

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

Our goal? To bring local women together and raise $100,000 to open a home for the rescue and renewal of many more girls. We have a place in sight, we will purchase it, supply it, and travel with our donors to open this home to bring hope to 100’s more. God will accomplish this through a few good women!

Terri

help us and see / 314-560-5802

A Simple View

2011-01-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

What is success? I have a current favorite quote: My New Years Resolution:

"Be Faithful in the small things, for there lies your strength." Mother Teresa

Generous Justice

2010-12-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

Holly Jackson gave me a wonderful book for Christmas-Generous Justice. This book is written by a current favorite of mine; Timothy Keller. Holly knows I love Tim Keller's writing and teaching, Pastor of New York City's Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

He begins the book with a verse from Micah, Chapter 6, verse 8
"what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

I can't wait to jump into this book with quotes such as, God's heart is a heart of Justice.

What is justice? I think we believe it is payment for sin, but that is actually a modern thought, not a biblical thought. Below are two definitions of Justice/ one, biblical/ another, contemporary legal.



"Justice is defined by the process more than by the outcome.... Have the right rules and processes been followed? If so, justice was done. The appeals process in the U.S.... usually center on whether correct procedures have been followed. An appeals court does not examine the original evidence in itself." - H. Zehr, Changing Lenses, p. 78 "The test of justice in the biblical view is not whether the right rules are applied in the right way. Justice is tested by the outcome. The tree is tested by its fruit.... Does the outcome work to make things right? Are things being made right for the poor and the least powerful, the least 'deserving'? Biblical justice focuses on right relationships, not right rules."

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and saw snow! It almost feels like a miracle when it snows on Christmas, fulfilling those magical daydreams we all have about twinkle lights, presents under the tree, family close by, and of course, a blanket of snow out our window!

This Christmas I can't help daydreaming about other images, though. Abandoned buildings with cold people living there, trying to scrap a life together with what others discard. The names of the people I have met in homeless camps flash through my mind, making me feel sad that they do not have family close by, with presents, a tree, and the snow is only a burden for them. I realize through seeing anothers suffering, that our hope is not here, in this world. We have suffering here, we strive, we hurt, we fall short. NO matter how great things are-we yearn for more, we strive, we yearn. The suffering I see-in Ethiopia, in downtown St. Louis, reminds me, this is not the real world. The real world is heaven, where Jesus already promised He would wipe EVERY tear from our eyes. There will be no scraping to get by there-it will be perfect abundance in everyway.

So..rememeber that this Christmas! Enjoy what we have here, but do not forget, there is more. The yearning is God given, a way to remind us we were made for more! Thank You Father, for sending your son Jesus, to be born of a woman, coming down from heaven, to bring the world hope for more!

The Wonder of a Few

2010-12-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

I read something recently that hit me, "the churches in America have grown wide, not deep." I have to say, if we measure our success by numbers, that statement is most likely true. What makes worship sacred, is it the masses? Is it because we are sitting with 100's, even thousands, raising out voices together..or is there more?

As Christmas draws near, i am reminded of a small worship service of a King, the baby Jesus. Think about the manger with a few animals and a few shepherds come to worship, and then imagine the night sky with angels proclaiming the good news, a Savior has been born. Did it matter that the worship consisted of only a few? That small group must have felt a weight to what they witnessed, it must have felt sacred, because it was. Wouldn't it have been wonderful to be chosen to be one of the first to worship at His feet? I wonder if they understood what they were witnessing? They must have, God was there, in that manger, and it certainly did not matter that the service only consisted of a few, but it had a depth of wonder that I would love to catch even a glimpse of this Christmas! I pause, listen, pray, and ask God to show me the wonder of His presence- and then I thank Him that He has blessed me with the priveledge of having that prayer answered, not because I deserve it, only because now I am the child, coming to the King.

Christmas Bazaar or Christmas Blessing

2010-12-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

December 1st and 2nd was the Faith that Works, Shop for a Cause. What an event it was too! I could report how many shoppers we had, vendors, and volunteers..I could also talk about the money we raised-but reporting these facts could not begin to explain how blessed each one of us were while working together, putting our faith into action and then seeing great results, which will help girls locally and in Ethiopia.

I was amazed at the team and how hard everyone worked to make this event a success. One of my favorite quotes-in the heading of this blog says, "The greatest tradgedy is indifference." I believe that to be true, but what causes indifference? The more I think about it, the more I realize it is self-protection. This is one of the reasons I was so amazed at how our team threw themselves into this event..they took a risk, stepped out of their comfort zone, and definitely did not self-protect! It can definitely be a challenge to invite people to support something you believe in, it's a risk. So-thanks Team for taking a risk and making Shop for a Cause a HUGE success/ and also thank you for not having indifference when so many need our help! I love you guys, and it is a priveledge working with you!

2010-11-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

great quote for your holiday break.

"The Family. We were a strange band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kisses to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together."

-Erma Bombeck

New Book/ Old Book

2010-10-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

I love to read. One of my downfalls though is that I re-read some of the same stuff. Is that a downfall? I am not sure. On days I need perspective I read Corrie Ten Boom. On days I need inspiration, I read C.S. Lewis. On days I need marriage advice, I read Tim Keller. Other days? Well, you name it! My favorite is C.S. Lewis/ but the modern day Mr. Lewis is, you said it, John Piper. John Piper writes things that are challenging the modern day Church. Has anyone read, Don't Waste Your Life by Piper? I dare you!

Currently I am reading two books. These two are from very different theological camps-I love that too! One is Tim Keller's The Reason for God. The other book that really gets me going is, Lisa Bevere's, Lioness Arising. I also dare you to read that one!

Okay, my point? Read! Broaden your mind, expand your vision, dream big dreams..read! Winter is fast approaching, a great time for a good book, much more worthwhile than T.V. I end with this quote from my favorite, John Piper:

"If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great."
— John Piper (A Hunger for God)

MInistry Day

2010-10-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Run for Mercy 5k. (Mercy Ministries is a rehabilitative group home for girls -ages 13-28 with life controlling issues such as bulemia, anorexia, self-harm, depression, and others) It turned out to be a wonderful event with gorgeous weather and 100's in attendance. Faith that Works had a booth and we enjoyed connecting with new friends as they stopped by to learn more about us. We also spent time with mercy graduates, and even enjoyed the running part of the day. But The best part of the day for me?

At one point, during the presentation, I looked out from my booth and I could see my husband, a few of my children, and a number of friends. I also spotted a couple of young girls who have graduated from Mercy's program that Faith that Works has mentored and helped practically. It felt good, seeing so many I love pulled together for a worthy cause. For me, it is about relationship. Seeing women putting their faith into action-what a great sight to see. I love to watch women find their gift, and then use it to help others. My friends get excited learning new and interesting things about ministry, themselves, and others. Some have the gift of Mercy, others teaching. How cool for us to pull together and use all of our gifts to make an impact on a hurting world.

After the run, we headed down to tent town. A group of us ministered to the homeless on the river front in downtown St. Louis, MO. We took sleeping bags, water, a little food, and clothing to our friends there. We are attempting to build a relationship with the residents of tent town and figure a way that we can help them. But again, I see God changing us- as we reach out to others. I see specific gifts in people coming to the forefront and when they do, learning about who they are and what they were made to do. God made us to work as one body-not indepently of one another, using our specific gifts and talents to bring glory to HIM. I slept with a smile last night as I dreamt about that!

Helping those in need.

2010-09-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

There is nothing extra nice or special about me. I am not one of those people that naturally hurts for people that are hurting. The ministry I founded, Faith that Works , is not because of anything espeically nobel about me that I just have to wake up each morning and help someone..let's just get that straight. But! I hate hypocrisy. So many times since I became a christian I have heard comments such as, christians are hypocritical, or "their just a bunch of hypocrites! Well, we are. Let me explain..

I read a bible and I believe in the words of this book with my whole heart, but do I always do what it tells me to do? For example: God's word tells us not to gossip! This exhortation is not subjective, don't gossip, end of story. Do I gossip? I try not to, but just a few weeks ago I found myself having to apologize to five ladies that I had gossiped to. That would be a hypocrite! So yes, I am one. So, what is a person to do? I used to think I had to wait until I was pure and holy to start doing good. My thought process was a little off..become good, then do good. Where is grace in that?

I heard it said last Sunday that grace is the empowerment to do God's will. So, it is actually the opposite of my old thinking. When we truy receive God's grace it exposes our sin and depravity and also humbles us. When we are filled with His immeasurable grace and mercy it begins to catapult us into motion into helping others. If we are "being good"(hypocritical), we think we are so good and why don't others just get with it! The ONLY thing that moves me toward the suffering is seeing my own depravity and then seeing the grace of God flowing down to me even though I am depraved. I feel special, God gives me favor, He fills me with his liquid love that I cannot contain inside, I HAVE to give it out to others that are in need of a grace too. This is not something to be kept to oneself, if you do try and hoard His grace, it stops flowing, it dries up and leaves us feeling empty, only to try and fill up on things that will only temporarily fill, but always run dry! The more I give, the more I receive.

So, this weekend Faith that Works reached out to tent city in downtown St. Louis. We took a group of individuals along with water, food, blankets, and toiletries. Our group was blessed, again being filled while we were filing another's cup. One young man that went with us commented, "Everyone needs to see this." I won't go into details about the suffering or exploit this precious community with photos, but all i can say is the name of the town is named Hopeville by it's residents. Who I am to question how they got there, or why they stay. Who am I to pass judgement? There are veterans of war there that fought for my freedom, there is a cross in the middle of the tents, amercian flags flying in front of different individuals tents. These are people, with stories, with hearts, with dreams, in need of a little grace. Here is what God says about this:

Proverbs 14:31

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 31:20
The Proverbs 31 Woman:
She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

Thinking..

2010-09-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

What if I quit thinking, and started doing? What if my actions were at least equal to my thoughts? More importantly, what if my prayers were more than both? What would my life look like? Take this morning for instance..

Woke up at 6:15/ sat in a chair for at least 20 minutes, thinking. What was I thinking about? Well, things like, I am going to be so busy today, should I go into the kitchen and get coffee, should I wake the kids, should I get my bible off of that table over there and read? I tried to pray, but my "thinking" was getting in the way. After 20 minutes of this, I decided to get up, get a cup of coffee and try and focus on something slighltly productive. I did end up reading my bible with a cup of coffee in my hand, but the prayers were fragmented at best..but God knows my heart, this is comforting.

I am learning that action is great, but the stillness of prayer is even greater. In truth, stillness before the Lord is putting our faith into action. I love the study we are doing on Tuesday morning, "discerning the voice of God." Everytime I pick up the book to read a chapter, it speaks to me, draws me in with the idea that God is speaking to me..how do I listen? I want to listen better, I desire to hear my marching orders each morning and then go out and DO What I heard from God that day. Here is one tip from Priscilla:

Find a verse in scripture that speaks to you today and meditate on that one verse or verses. Read it outloud, over and over, pray the verse, talk to God about the verse, and wait. Listen, what does God want to say to you today?

This is not thinking, this is doing! It is Active listening, producing results in your life! Try it, don't just sit on the chair, like me, thinking!

Three Special Girls

2010-08-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

This summer Faith that Works hosted a "young women's" study. We were pleased to have Debbie Holley teach a study she has written, Peace of Mind or a Mind in Pieces?

We had a great group of 20-30 young women, along with a few of us "older" women. I am not sure why that title upset my friends????

Anyway..at the end of the summer we announced we would be taking a team to Ethiopia in January to work at a community center we sponsor, Mercy Chapel. This Center sits in the heart of the Red Light District of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We opened the trip to all in our group. Two months later, we have a wonderful group of 14 brave souls. We are anticipating a faith building, relationship bonding trip! Back to three special girls..the reason for this post!

Out of the 20 or so young women that attended our summer study, three of those girls have decided to take a leap of faith and travel with our group. These girls could not be more different, yet all three have the same passion..to help the oppressed, to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help another. Kaitlyn plays the guitar, and has a beautiful voice..she will help lead our worship. Mary is all about relatonship. She wants to be mentored, learning and growing from the experience of older women. Mary also is already involved in a ministry, discipling high school girls. Mary has had Africa on her heart since she was five years old. Then there is Christin. Christin is an Artist.. She will be teaching some of the girls from the Red Light district how to make jewlrey, which they can sell in the market. We pray by bringing girls this age, it will help us to break barriers to the girls we so desire to minster to, those living in poverty and desperation, with no way out of their life of forced prostitution.

These three special girls need funding. We know God will provide but want to put it out there to all of you..if God is tugging on your heart in these posts about Ethiopia and sex trafficking, we ask that you consider making a donation for this mission. I know we can all do something to fight this evil, some go, some send. God has shown me, a girl is a girl is a girl..and these girls need our love, they need Christ, and they need safety! No amount you give is too small, the money needs to be turned in by Oct. 1st. Please partner with us and send a check to:

Faith that Works (a non-profit 501(c)(3) you will receive a tax deductible receipt)
14 Ridgecreek Road
St. Louis, MO 63141

What's a Woman to do?

2010-08-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight I read a excerpt from a book, "Half the Sky, turning oppression into opportunity for women world wide." This book is a national best-seller by Nicholas D. Kristo and Sheryl WuDunn, and I received it from my 21 year old Daughter, Katie. She is reading this book in one of her college classes.

The beginning of this book describes a horrific scene of a young girl from Cambodia, trafficked and enslaved into the sex industry. As I read this story, I felt sick, thinking of the millions of girls around the world that are harmed by evil men (and women). I thought of my own experience in the red light district of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the damage done to young girls all over that particular country. My heart cried out, why? How? What has happened in our world that beautiful, innocent girls can be treated like animals? How can a society turn their backs on innocents like this? Many questions, few answers.

I do not enjoy the feeling of despair-or hoplessness! I feel moved to action! What can I do? I don't know, but one thing I do know..I can do something! I CANNOT do nothing. I have five daughters, what would I do if this atrocity happened to one of them? I will tell you what I would do..I would fight! I would NOT give up! I would leave no rock unturned, or method untouched..I would take no prisoners, (so to speak) but I WOULD NOT GIVE UP...until my daughter was released from her nightmare.

How can my response be any different to the innocents of the world? These girls are individuals, with hopes, dreams, and beating hearts. They once had aspirations to be someone of significance, now they live in shame and humiliation- treated like a dog. What do I say to my girls? I lived in this era of child sex trafficking and I was too busy to DO something? I Have read about the shame of those who lived through the Holocaust and later where questioned, Why didn't you stand up? How could you just keep quiet? Did it make your neighbors uncomfortable? Maybe put your way of life at risk? These individuals had to live their lives with their head down, in shame, knowing their fellow man suffered, and they stood by, doing nothing. I want to answer to my children someday- I did try, I fought, I cried for these girls, I brought awareness. Yes, I failed, I floundered, at times had no idea what I was doing, but at least I cared, I tried. That is my desire! Thank You God, because you are faithful, looking for only a willing heart that says, "hear am I, send me." I thank Him that He uses the common things of this world, and His only prerequisit? Availability!

Ethiopia is on my mind

2010-08-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a few photos of Ethiopia to inspire the potential travelers for our upcoming trip in January. How does a woman like myself, used to comfort and ease fall in love with a place such as Ethiopia? I remember one of our last days in country last Feb. looking out my hotel window at the city of Addis Ababa and thinking..I am really going to miss this place! I also remember vowing, I will come back. We will take 12- 15 women to a land where there is much suffering and it will change them. They will come home feeling and thinking different about their lives, and it will be good! Check out these photos and imagine yourself with us in january!

Partnering With Great Women of Faith

2010-08-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

I met Melissa two years ago in a bible study in Kirkwood. Melissa and her husband, Wayne moved here with their two beautiful daughters from Crescent City, CA. Wayne received a promotion from Edward Jones Co., and that is what brought them to St. Louis, from a quaint little coastal town in Northern California.

The adjustment was difficult for Melissa and her girls. They had so many wonderful friends back home, along with a supportive church, horses, and a ministry Melissa was involved in, Body and Soul, teaching fitness classes to women. Melissa knew it was in God's perfect timing and will that they move to St. Louis and had perfect peace knowing her family was in His will but the move still had it's difficulties and adjustments. She missed her friends, family, and church. Living in a small town for so long made the big city seem overwhelming. This is about the time I met Melissa, during that adjustment period.

A short time after meeting Melissa I had started a summer bible study, studying the book of James. Melissa joined our small group, and God knit our hearts together quickly. I felt comfortable sharing the vision God had given me with Melissa, to SHOW women how to put their Faith Into Action. We began talking, sharing..she had the same vision, with a different focus. Melssa told me about a great product that she intended to get involved with, Arbonne. God had given Melissa a desire to fund ministries helping women.

Faith that Works held a Christmas Bazaar last year and Melissa was our first committed vendor of this event. I was on a mission to help girls enslaved in the horrors of sex trafficking and Melissa was immediatley on board with her new business to help fund this effort. It grew into a perfect partnership.

As I said, Melissa struggled with the move to St. Louis. But, what impresses me with women like Melissa is, she did not close the shades in her home, turn on the TV, and hibernate, feeling sorry for herself..she took action! Melissa had a desire to meet women, to continue being an advocate of health, and to make a difference in the world around her. She found a way to do this, Her Arbonne business. Arbonne has great products that promote health, including a hormone cream that is all natural, helping women with their changing hormones as they age. I love these products!

Melissa found a way to fight off the depresssion and anxiety she felt in this big life change, she gave out to others. She is an example of a verse that is near and dear to my own life..

Luke 6:38

"Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, running over, into your lap. By Your standard of giving it shall be given unto you."

That has happened for Melissa. Of course she still misses Crescent City, but she has adjusted like a champ! She and her husband Wayne have replaced rodeos for golf at St. Albans, which Wayne has secretly told me, Melissa is a natural born golfer, with a great swing. She has made new friends, while being involved with her kids lives in their new schools..but above all, she never lost her desire to serve God, bringing glory to Him through the gifts He has given her.

I encourage you to BUY this product from Melissa, not only for your own health benefits, but also for the benefit of the hurting girls here and in Ethiopia..100% of her profits! That is amazing, we all Benefit from women such as Melissa!

Contact Melissa Roberts on facebook to order her great product or go to

www. faith-that-works.org

Wondering

2010-08-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

What do you think when you see the miraculous? Do you discount it as imagination, fantasy, exageration?

I was sitting in church yesterday, listening to traveling evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, very aware that I was witnessing the miraculous. His sermon began with an amazing video about his work in Africa. This video showed revivals he preached with hundreds of thousands won to Christ in one meeting. He spoke in simple words but they held power. I enjoyed listening to stories of the miraculous, and found myself caught up in the pictures he painted of a foreign land with thousands of people praising an unseen God. I asked myself, "How can so many be moved so dramatically?" There is only one answer..The Holy Spirit!

On a small scale I have felt this, seen it with my own eyes. When I was in Ethiopia I was amazed at the hunger people felt for God. It seemed wherever you turned you could almost hear a whisper..Jesus. Yes, they have very little, yet they believe. They praise the name of Jesus, giving Him thanks for what He has provided, sharing their hope with Him, knowing He sees them, knows their pain, and is answering them in the unseen realm. God may choose to be "unseen" yet He is seen everywhere-evidence of His existance is all around, especially during great suffering. Yes, there is great suffering in Africa, but isn't it wonderful to know God sees, he feels their pain and He sends people such as Reinhard Bonnke to answer that pain. He sends relief groups such as International Crisis Aid to answer their physical hunger, their desease, and ultimately spiritual revival. I love getting to see this excitement, to be with people who have so little yet believe God for much.

travel

2010-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

We spent the day in Rocky Mountain national Park today. The impression was..it was rugged, beautiful, and cold. When we reached the highest peak at 14,000 feet, it was somewhere around 50 degrees. Hannah loved the cooler temperatures. We were in shorts, ready to hike but soon removed the blankets from the back of the car and covered up! It was breathtaking. The 49 mile stretch of paved road through the park is a sight to see. We stopped along the way and took short walks down large hills and up steep cliffs. We had many opportunities to view wild life, streams, snow, and peaks and valleys of all sorts. It was a great day, made even better because I was with my kids, watching them explore new things and enjoy God's creation. We talked, hiked, listened to music, but most important, enjoyed just being together. What an awesome day! Here is one of my favorite photos from the day:

On the road

2010-07-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is the first entry in my travel journey. We have arrived in Boulder, CO. We drove 8 hours from St. Louis to Hays, Kansas and stopped at a Best Western to sleep. I found the drive quick and painless, with sadie driving 3 out of the 8 hours. The only panic I felt was when we could not find the Starbucks that we had located on our Starbucks app. We finally located it inside a Target, and then I could relax. At that point we had just pulled away from Kansas City and I could not imagine the plains of Kansas without a hot cup of coffee in my hand.

Okay-so about those plains in Kansas. I kept thinking about the movie The Wizard of Oz and how a movie could make even a place like this famous! But really, it was beautiful, in it's own way. We enjoyed watching the sun go down as we drove west. The sky looked pink, streaked with white fluffly clouds. We also took photos of the giant windmills, standing alone in tall green grass..Hannah especially liked that. Sadie enjoyed seeing plateau's, Emma was just content, knowing we were stopping at a Hotel soon. At 9:30 PM we stopped in Hays, and fell asleep pretty quick-no TV!

Today we jumped out of bed as early as we could, getting back on the road, anxious to get to the Colorado Rockies. So..here we are in Boulder. We are staying in a historic hotel, with an okay view of the mountains. It is realxing time, before we head out to Pearl Street to experience the sights of this quaint, little mountain town. This is the beginning, many adventures ahead!

Wonderful Quote for the Day

2010-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Eric Liddell: I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.

Ladies, just remember today, we all have a purpose, we all have a gift/gifts. A top priority for our Faith that Works bible studies is to help you realize your gifts, and inspire you to use them!

I have a challenge for you! Take the time to ask God and others what your specific strengths are and begin wondering how you can use them to benefit others and grow into your purpose in a greater way!

Terri

Letters to My Daughters

2010-07-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hannah,

It is July 15, 2010. We just celebrated your 14^th Birthday. We had stir-fry, chicken crescent squares, root beer, and a green-ice cream cake you picked out at Eugene’s, all your choices! It was a pretty simple night, ending with three episodes of 24, with Jack Bauer.

In one week we will leave for our two-week road trip, which we are getting very excited about. The summer has been pretty quiet, except for our volleyball trip to Reno. I guess it is good to have time in the summer to just relax, play cards, swim, watch our favorite shows, spend time with friends, it is good. I also know you live with a mother that enjoys accomplishing things. A perfect day for me? Getting things done. Last night, I lay in bed and listened to you and Sadie right above me laughing, talking, and just making noise. It was 11:30 and I was tired after “getting things” done all day. I grew resentful because your “fun” was keeping me awake, and tomorrow I had more things to get done. I lay there; hoping the fun above me would stop very soon. Why couldn’t you and Sadie just go to sleep? Right at the time I jumped out of my bed, where your father was fast asleep, oblivious to the the noise, I bumped into Emma standing at the foot of my bed. She does that quite often, sneaks up on me at night. I asked her, “Emma, what are you doing?” She responded, “Sadie and Hannah woke me up, and they won’t let me come in their room.” Well, that was it, I marched right upstairs, thinking to myself, “They are in BIG trouble, waking us up like this!"

I carried Emma upstairs, placed her in her bed, checked in Luke’s room-he was fast asleep, and entered the room you and Sadie are currently sharing. As I walked in the room, you were both in bed, looking guilty; knowing you had woke me up. I gave a short lecture, told you both to keep quiet and then went on to explain the value of going to bed early, getting up early and accomplishing your tasks for the day. I remember saying something to the effect of how sick of this mentality I am that everyday is a party. I said goodnight, turned out the light, and stomped back to bed.

After that, I laid in bed thinking about your party mentality. I realized that what bothered me about it is that it interfered with my “getting things done.” I want to get things done-you want to have fun. Well, which is wrong-or right? I certainly know it is an acceptable practice to want to accomplish things, but also at what price? I fell asleep wondering about this, thinking what I had to get done the next day.

So, it is the next day. I am sitting in my chair with my first cup of coffee for the day, reflecting on yesterday, and what needs to happen today. I pray, I listen, I wonder. Emma is awake, we feed the dogs, the sun is up, the grass cutters are outside, and I am pounding my thoughts out on this keyboard. Hmm.

A realization hits me. I am not moving, I am not accomplishing right now, or am I? This moment, as I reflect on last night, my mentality of “getting things done,” I see you and Sadie laughing, playing cards, sneaking into your beds when you hear me stomping up the steps, and I remember a story. Martha and Mary. Do you remember? That story, that truth, just how Jesus spoke to Martha. What did he say? Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 NIV

So, Maybe I am getting something accomplished right now. I am learning. I am seeing something I need to see, learning a principal I need to learn. There is value in what you and Sadie were doing last night. How many nights left do you have before you struggle with the “ADULT” mentality of getting things done. Celebration and fun is biblical. Sitting here praying, reflecting is imperative to a healthy perspective for me. I AM accomplishing something at the moment, choosing what is better!

Faith that Works Update

2010-07-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

This week was busy, even though it is summer, we are forging ahead!

We continue with our young women's bible study on Thursday evenings, Pieces in the Mind, or A Peace of Mind." We enjoyed a potluck dinner with 20 young women, and 4 of us "older" women. We discussed the future of the young women's study and decided to continue for two more weeks as a follow up to our class, then break for one month and pick it up in the fall. We are still looking for older women to facilitate groups for this fall study.

We are officially supporting Mercy Chapel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are into our second month and excited to be more involved with Mercy Chapel through trips to Ethiopia, with support in practical ways as needed. We thank International Crisis Aid for allowing us to be a partner in this awesome work. Our need for Ethiopia? Money! There are hurting young women in the Red Light District that need our help. With very little money we can help rescue more girls and reach out to them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mercy Chapel will continue to bring practical help to these girls who are hurting.

We are also participating again in the Mercy 5k. Faith that Works is a super sponsor and we also have a team participating in the run. If you are interested in walking or running with us please sign up at www.runformercy.org. Our team name is Faith that Works, after you select a city on the home page, you will be able to find our team. We are also meeting on Friday mornings to "train." We meet at 8:30 am at the Wildwood Starbucks on 100.

There is much more..stay posted for details on our pledge carwash, upcoming bible studies, mentoring groups, missions, and tent town..Help us put Faith Into Action! We need you!

News for Faith that Works

2010-07-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

The quote, "What do you plan to do with your one, wild, and precious life" inspires me. I look back at everything Faith that Works has accomplished this past year and I am humbled and in awe of the priveledge I have had to serve alongside so many great women in causes that bring great change.

In the movie "HOOK" Robin Williams is a stressed out, "successful" business man that has forgotton the true meaning of life. He has neglected the ones that love him the most in his effort to reach the top. When his children are kidnapped by Hook from his childhood home in London, Robin must regain his childlike imagination to rescue them. He must leave his cynicism and self importance behind and become Peter Pan once again..the leader of the lost boys, and rescue his children. As Peter begins this quest with the lost boys and tries to find his "true self," he begins realizing his life is a waste at the moment. He has set aside his own kids to pursue money and career, basically losing his first love, his wife. Peter begins awakening, and something of his childhood and who he used to be, a caring, daring, loving, adventurer begins to emerge. This all leads to a quote from one of the lost boys that always touches me. The Lost Boys are attempting to teach Peter how to use his imagination at meal time. The Boys are having a wonderful time flicking "food" around the table and Peter just doesn't see it. He hasn't let go, hasn't taken that leap of faith. BUT, as he begins to "see," he flings a spoonful of food across the table. One of the LOst Boys says with wonder, "your doing it Peter, your doing it." It is a precious moment in the movie where you see a lost man, full of bitterness, stress, and frustration begin to let go and risk..and as he begins to let go of control, amazing things begin to happen.

Learning to trust and launch Faith that Works feels a little like the scene I just described from "HOOK." I believed God gave me a vision for this organization to help women, but flinging that first spoonful is difficult. Now that I have, others are following, catching the vision. Relying on things unseen, and where God is leading, is an adventure of faith. Someone once said courage is being afraid, and doing it anyway. That is how it has been for me, I have been afraid. But just take a look at what can happen with a few great women and taking that fear captive!

Raised $3,000 revenue for Sseko sandals at two home parties and donating 40 pairs of Sseko sandals to 40 Mercy girls, currently living at the group home which rehabilitates girls with life controlling issues.
Visits to the Mercy Home in Fenton, MO
Placed three Mercy graduates in the home of a Faith that Works volunteer
Raised $3500 for Mercy Ministries 5k run with 15 participants
donated $1,000 to ZOE ministries, helping girls director to take 30 girls on a retreat to Branson.
Practical help for this trip: Food, Music CD’s designed by our volunteers

Bible study: Teaching, mentoring, and discipleship of women 22-75 years of age. Two studies each week, as we reach out to include more women in our community. We teach women how to recognize their individual gifts and how to put those into action.

Involved in advocacy and awareness against Child sex trafficking.
Raised $20,000 for International Crisis Aid during a Faith that Works event, SHOP FOR A CAUSE. (this was a Christmas Bazaar with 22 vendors, 50 donated items, 98 donated ornaments, and 20 volunteers from our Faith that Works bible study.
Sponsor Mercy Chapel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This community Center helps girls in forced prostitution through practical life skills training, bible study, and offering practical help
Prepared and Hosted a Etiquette dinner for 20 young women, teaching practical life skills.
Provided support for five young women going on missions: India, Costa Rica, Australia, and Belize
Young women bible studies this summer: 25-30 young women each week.
Out ~reach events. Breakfast with testimonies. We exhort women to share their stories, helping others to overcome their own personal struggles.

I may have been afraid, but I think i was more afraid of sitting on the sidelines in life and not having my life count for something. Even with everything we have accomplished listed above, the greatest part of this ministry is the wonderful women you grow close to. I am amazed at the relationships forged this last year..we are living a wild and precious life, and making a difference, with a Faith that Works!

Inquire how you too can be a part of this!
terri@faith-that-works.org

loving your kids

2010-06-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is going to be short..Love your kids well. Love them for WHO THEY ARE, NOT what you want them to be, fantasize them becoming. I am weary of over zealous sports, academics, and appearance. Why, as a society, have we become so concerned with what we see, rather than what we cannot see, depth of character, honesty, trust, love, and sincerity. Love your kids for what the world no longer values, and value what has meaning and what will last!

I miss you Dad

2010-06-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is fathers day. I miss you dad. I miss the encouragement, the laughs, remembering now the good and not so much the bad. I am learning to let go of the bad and savor the things you taught me.

I remember how you seemed fearless. I understand now, that you most likely had fear, but you stepped out regardless of that fear. I look back and admire things that I missed when you were here. How could I have known how unique my childhood was?

Fishing, hunting, skiing, countryside, sunrise drives out to a particular piece of land you just had to buy. I also remember fast drives in fast cars with loud music (I still drive too fast), and dirt roads. You taught me to go for it, to live life, to love people, and fight for happiness. It stays with me, I miss you. I think of you more as I grow older and just want to thank you as I choose to remember the good!

Stand Firm

2010-05-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 15:56

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my brothers/ sisters stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

What does it mean, "The Power of Sin is the Law?" I contemplated this verse, thinking about our young women's bible study beginning tonight, wondering how I can convey the meaning of this important point in scripture. I thought about the last twenty years of my christian life and how many of those years I tried so hard to be a good person and how often I failed. So, the meaning of this verse? Sin causes death, and the power of sin is the law. This is what happens, when we see the power of sin in ourselves we desire to change, attempting various methods to make change happen. I remember listening to christian radio and feeling so guilty, hearing things I was falling so short of every week. But I kept trying-even having a small amount of success. But there was also a great amount of falling short as well.

In the history of the church we see countless ways clergy have tried to get their flock to change ..here are just a few: moving location, entering convents, self harm (Martin Luther believed for a while if he flogged himself he could drive his sin away), depriving yourself of food, alcohol, obtaining education, attending seminary or multiple church services throughout the week, along with prayer, reading your bible. On and on it goes, where it stops, nobobdy knows! Some of this religious activity has brought people to actual insanity.

So what is the answer? The answer is very simple..The POWER to overcome our sin is JESUS. That is it. Jesus died for that sin, but He did not stop there. He told us He would send a helper, He talked about the fact that He had to go away so the helper, The Holy Spirit could come. Why then do we try so hard to achieve something that cannot be achieved? Only in Christ and The Power of The Holy Spirt can we overcome! I love the language of these verses: Stand firm, victory, let nothing move you. It is in our proclamation that sin loses it's grasp. We stand on the work that has already been accomplished. These verses from Corinthians outline the problem; the power of sin, and then give the powerful punch when it says; "But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." And how do we apply that? We believe it and stand firm, allowing nothing to sway us from that truth. One more key? Get busy serving the one that gave you this victory! We stand in the knowledge of the truth, then we walk in it! How can we add anything to that?

I pray I can convey this simple and profound truth to the young women attending tonight..how their lives will be so much more free if they just grasp the simplicity of the GOSPEL and Stand Firm in it's truth!

Summer Study

2010-05-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Our summer studies are heating up! Our Tuesday Study at West County Community Church begins on May 25th. Details coming soon.

Our Thursday evening study is focused on..Faith that Works Vision of Older women helping younger women! Read Holly's description. Young women 19-28 invited, along with any woman older than 35 that is looking for a way to give to the next generation, while learning and growing in her own life!

Hello Beautiful Ladies!

Woohoo! Summer is almost here! You are invited to join us in a Thursday evening Bible study beginning May 27 at 7 P.M.

Joshua 1:3 says, " I will give you everywhere you set your foot." We all have areas in our lives where we desire to experience more freedom and more victory. And we can. Let's take God up on this challenging of giving us everywhere we set our feet, starting with our minds. Let's be a generation of young women who will not settle for less than God's very best in our lives. It is available, we just have to take it!

We will be going through a six week study titled "Peace of Mind or a Mind in Pieces?" led by Debbie Holley and Terri Stipanovich. Debbie is a local author who has written many Bible studies for weekend retreats, as well as six week studies. Those who have participated have been very blessed and have experienced break throughs in various areas of their lives. Terri is the founder of Faith That Works and is very passionate about discipling young women. She desires to see women live the life that Jesus died for us to have. It is a huge honor to know these women and to learn from their teachings!

If you are interested, we would love to have you join us. The study will be at Terri's house. A light dinner will be served. Feel free to invite any of your friends to come and grow with us. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

2010-05-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Matthew study- what we learned.

This past year has been an amazing journey for our Tuesday morning bible study. We were continually amazed by Jesus-all through the book of Matthew. Here are a few impressions:

We saw how a geneology is more than a list of relatives. Imbedded in Matthew Chapter 1 is a story of redemption..look up the meaning in the names of Jesus relations!

We then entered the amazing birth of Christ along with the amazing way prophecy was fulfilled on that day through a few humble servants of God. John the Baptist then comes on the scene, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry.

When Jesus ministry begins it amazed me once again at His radical words, the miracles He performed, the love He showed to prostitutes, tax collectors, liers, and thiefs. Jesus loved children, He loved His flawed disciples, We were amazed, once again by Him. One of our lessons was entitled, "Be Amazed."

I could go on and on about what we learned but I will sum it up in two points:

Be amazed by our Lord and Believe Him. Matthew shows us just how amazing Jesus is, He is trustworthy, righteous, true, full of love, grace. He sees us, He knows our pain, He cares about every detail of our life, He yearns for intimacy with us, He interceded on our behalf. We were amazed!

Beyond the text we studied, our group learned other things as well. Some found out their spiritual gift for the first time, others shared their testimony for the first time. We grew together, we learned about each others weaknesses, and strengths. We encouraged each other and cried together. Life is amazing when you take the risk to be honest, to step out and trust, to be known and to know. We also grew in other areas as well- learning to put our faith into action, using the gifts God has given us to bring Him glory!

We ran a 5k together, hosted a Christmas Bazaar that raised 20,000 for a worthy cause, we poured into young women's lives, wrapped presents, gathered food for the hungry, provided vases for flowers for the lonely, helped send girls to the mission field, provided supplies for a mission trip, helped with a high school retreat, hosted a Etiquette dinner, what a blessing! Thanks For the Blessings!

enjoying the book of Matthew

2010-04-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our second to last bible study in the book of Matthew. It has been a long year, studying this gospel account and I have found myself loving Jesus even more than ever. It is amazing to me the things he spoke, the people he healed, the type of people He touched. Jesus breaks all barriers, reaches out to the unlovable, and puts the wicked in their place.

Yes, Jesus dies in the end, delivered up into the hands of evil men with evil intention. But the great news is found in the last chapter, chapter 28. In this chapter we read the miraculous account of His resurrection-again Jesus breaking all barriers-showing His true deity. I have loved this book of the bible and found hope in Jesus one again, and I have found what I need to keep pressing on in this life to a bigger meaning, a life focused just a little more on the miraculous and a little less on the mundane. Thank You to all that have been on this journey in matthew!

normal things in life..

2010-04-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend was special. I enjoyed the drive to Arkansas to visit Kelli with my three rowdy girls, Sadie, Hannah, and Emma. We took the scenic route~as always, adding two extra hours to our drive. I love it! i love driving with the windows down, the music loud, and the sun shining in. It was "normal" for my life, I have done this many times. My girls love exploring with me~enjoying the simple. What a blessing.

One thing has changed though, I have visited Ethiopia recently. I kept thinking about my last drive in the country-in Angache, Ethiopia. As i watched the beautiful green rolling hills of Missouri and Arkansas with it's FAT cattle and big barns and clean streams running through the land I could not help but think of Africa. It is difficult to reconcile the two. One-the land of plenty/ the other the land of poverty. Don't get me wrong- Africa is beautiful, but they do not have fat cattle and clean streams. In fact as you drive out to the villages you see children walking along the country roads, carrying large packs of all sorts. Some of these children seem as young as 3 years of age. As our bus sped down these roads you would see a constant flow of walkers, young and old.

I asked someone from our team: "Where are these people going?" The answer varies, some just going for water, some to the nearest city or town to sell things. The way these people work so hard for just the possibility of a small coin for food, or to get water, is staggering. It is almost unbelievable how hard they work.

My drive in the country this past weekend made me think again, how blessed this country is. The US is the land of plenty. Even the poor counties I drove through are lush in everyway. People have vehicles. The land grows all sorts of crops. The water is everywhere..streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, aand I am sure clean water-wells. The farms have BIG animals. The grass is green because of all the rain we have had. The houses and barns are standing tall, maybe not in the best shape, but standing. As Hannah, Sadie and I snapped photos along our journey we posted a few on facebook, while listening to the latest mix on my ipod. All of this seems a little strange to me now. I can't seem to shake the memories of another place, another people..

Today was missions day in our bible study. Faith that Works hosted three amazing young women preparing to go on missions. One to Australia, two to India. As they spoke of their love for the people, the culture, the land I felt overwhelmed. I teared up~I prayed, God, I feel that. I feel those same strong feelings for Ethiopia. I did not expect to have the desire to travel to foreign places and be with people I could not understand. As I reflect on that now, I realize it is from God. He places that desire in our hearts to reach out to the lost, to help strangers in need. That desire is good. I believe it is from God. We see it in the book of ACTS, we understand it as the GREAT COMMISSION. I am happy today, seeing young women that get that..women that are barely out of their childhood and are already counting the cost and have said, "send me, Lord, Here am I." That's fantastic!

Today is a Day to sing Hosanna

2010-03-28T06:55:00.001-07:00

Judaism

"Hoshana" (הושענא) is a Hebrew word meaning please save or save now. ^[1] In Jewish liturgy, the word is applied specifically to the Hoshana Service, a cycle of prayers from which a selection is sung each morning during Sukkot, the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. The complete cycle is sung on the seventh day of the festival, which is called Hoshana Rabbah (הושענא רבא, "Great Hosanna").^[2]

[edit]Christianity

"Hosanna" (Greek transcription: ὡσαννά, hōsanna) is the cry of praise or adoration shouted in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!^[3] It is used in the same way in Christian praise.

Overall, it seems that "Hosanna" is a cry for salvation; while at the same time is a declaration of praise. Therefore, it may be derived that this plea for help is out of an agreeably positive connotation.

The old interpretation "Save, now!" which may be a popular etymology, is based on Psalm 118:25 (Hebrew הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא hOshEeah-nna) (Possibly "Savior"). This does not fully explain the occurrence of the word in the Gospels, which has given rise to complex discussions.^[4]

[edit]

Today is a new Day

2010-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

I love the idea that every day is new, with no mistakes in it. When I awake in the morning it is almost as if sleep has cleansed me of anything bad that may have happened yesterday, giving me a fresh start.

In Ephesians 2:10 it says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God equipped us in advance to do."

The word equip means, to prepare, adjust, fit, re-adjust, supply, mend, or complete.

I wonder, does God "adjust" me at night? When I am sleeping, is He mending things in my spirit that happened the previous day? Everyday brings specific trials, hurts, stress, and fatigue. So many times, I have opened my eyes in the morning with the first thought of, "thank you, a new day." This is one of those blessings that we can miss, or take for granted. It is such a common thing..sleep. We come to expect it, and get angry when we don't get it. I have heard of torture used by some countries, where they deny the captive sleep. We have all heard people talk about insomnia as debilitating and in many cases, the cause of depression. Lack of sleep can cause weight gain. Research shows, not only weight gain, but many other negative side effects to our health.

When I woke this morning, I felt thankful. I immediately thought about how the last night of sleep cleansed me of a certain fatigue I had been feeling over a specific situation. This morning it all seems right. I reflect on how GOD makes all things right. The situation had been offered up to Him and He brought order and peace into my life where there was confusion and chaos. I thanked God this morning for bringing me peace. I also realized sleep had washed away yesterday's insanity and brought new hope, new direction, and the determination to press on in a new day! I am equipped by HIM!

Something difficult to talk about

2010-03-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

I continue to muse about Africa. Many have asked me about the one detail about my trip that has been the most difficult to explain. There are a few reasons I feel hesitant..the first reason is that I do not feel qualified to speak about the vast issue of sex trafficking. The second reason may be that I cannot find the words to paint the picture of what I saw In the Red Light District in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Our team had been in Ethiopia for many days before we finally arrived, one evening, to the Red Light District. We were there to hand out flyers, inviting the girls working the streets, to attend our service that would be held in our brand new Mercy Chapel the following evening. You see, International Crisis Aid has seven SAFE homes for young girls that have been rescued from sex trafficking...girls either held against their will, or held there by extreme poverty, surviving by selling their bodies. Mercy Chapel will provide a place for girls to receive help-spiritually, physically, and practically. International Crisis Aid is very excited for Mercy Chapel to open. Which we can proudly say, has just happened!

My first experience in the red light district was surreal. As we drove into the narrow streets, I began seeing young children standing in narrow doorways, waiting for customers. One after the other, I saw them. My stomache began to hurt-a sign of stress for me. I silently prayed for these lost girls, reaching out in prayer to an unseen God, believing that He cares for these girls, believing I have a reason for being here this night. The phrase, "forgotton children" kept going through my mind. In my head, I kept asking the question, "how could this be?" Nothing had prepared me for what I was seeing, thousands of doors, with thousands of girls, "working." I remember thinking, "they all have a story, a family, feelings, dreams, hopes." Then I remember asking God, "WHY." "Why so many, so much suffering?" This was all occuring before I even stepped off the bus!

Pat Bradley, ICA's president, who has personally rescued over 100 girls, could not wait to get off the bus. He has a message and is anxious to tell it. He tells the girls how special they are, he tells them he loves them, and that there is a way out. He offers them hope and a place they can call home with a family that will love and protect them. He pleads and prays, and lifts their chin to look him in the eye, while he tells them they are not trash, they are not forgotton, and He is hear to bring a message to them.. someone sees their anguish, their plight, and their horror. He is offering Safety and hope.

Me on the other hand? When Pat asked, "are we ready to get off the bus?" I wasn't! Could I talk to these girls? Could i muster up enough courage to walk down that dark street and face evil? Don't get me wrong, I wanted to help the girls..but there are other forces to face in the red light districts of the world. There is a dark force-something beyond any experience I have ever had. I remember stepping off the bus and feeling a heaviness, almost physical, like I had a difficult time catching my breath. My friend, John was put in a different group and I remember feeling a little panicky that we were seperated. I was with Pat, our interpreter, and two others, Donna and Josh. We began walking and handing out our flyers, inviting the girls to our celebration of the opening of Mercy Chapel. All of sudden Pat was in one of the small shanty's with our enterpreter, the only other person in our group that has been in the red light district. Donna, Josh, and I stood out on the street, looking very OBVIOUS. A few men approached us, asking to see what we were handing out. Donna refused to show them. All of a sudden, Pat came out, walking toward us. He motioned for us to come into the tiny little room, where he was speaking to a very young girl. I walked into the room, only half way and had my first experience with what these girls live like day after day. I did notice much about the room, only the girl. She had a difficult time looking at Pat. She kept her head down, and kept looking nervously toward the door. I saw glimmers of hope flair on her face when our entrepreter would mention that there was help available to her. Because Donna, Josh and I were halfway in the room and halfway out, we began drawing attention. Two more men approached, asking what we were doing? It became obvious we were running out of time, drawing way too much attention. I wanted to grab that girl and hug her tightly, telling her how God loves her, sees her, tell her that we care, we want to help. Without the time, or the right words, I was unable to do so. It was difficult to just walk away! I sensed Pat's frustration as we headed toward the bus. He was responsible for our safety, so the girls would have to stay behind tonight, with the hopes of another opportunity on another day to get them out. That night ended without a dramatic rescue, all of our hearts were heavy as we headed back. But we all left hoping to reach some of the girls the next night.

In comes Mercy Chapel the following night. Our team had a wonderful day Sunday, with much anticipation for our service on Sunday night with the girls. We had invited so many, along with the girls that were currently living in the SAFE homes, we anticiapted a large crowd. As our team walked into the building Sunday evening there must have been over 100 girls. Some had babies, they all chatted, you could feel the anticipation. I came in from the back and right away I spotted the girl we had spoke to the previous evening. I approached her, and said hello, giving her a tight hug, telling her how happy I was that she was here tonight. I could go on and on about the amazing servcie we had, the gifts, the poems read, the food and even the next day when we visitied the SAFE homes. But the most important point in my mind? That one girl came to the service. I don't even know her name, but she came. That day it rained hard all day. This girl had to walk a long way, in the rain, to get to Mercy Chapel, probably risking much to do so..but she came. What did that say to me? These girls, the forgotton ones, are desperate for a way out. Some of the girls rescued already have described how they asked God everyday to help them out..when Pat or someone else from ICA showed up asking, "do you want us to help you?" The answer is YES, they want help! Who will give it?
Girls rescued by ICA in Ethiopia at one of our SAFE homes:

As I have studied the stats of American Girls-it is the same..forcing children to do unspeakable acts for the benefit of evil men and women. How can we ignore their pain? ICA is adressing this in other countries and is now going forward here in St. Louis. Yes, it happens! 300, 000 girls are at risk here in the US. This figure is rising. I realized that this is not something I have to think about, but I need to act on it. What are our needs? Mainly financial...we have a budget to open our first US home, we have the plans, we just need the money. Right now, I am heading up a capitol campaign for out first US home. If you think you can help, have an idea, please don't hesitate, -the need is great, these girls should not be forgotten. Jennifer Jones and I are gathering a team together of passionate women to address this issue right away. We know that God cares for the broken hearted, the captives, and we bodly ask for your help in this matter! Go to www.crisisaid.org or contact me, terri and ask how you can join our team.

One Story

2010-03-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

My short visit to Ethiopia with International Crisis Aid was marked by specific stories of special individuals I met during our tour of ICA's relief work in the region of Anagache and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

I had prayed before going, asking God to allow me to see the individual, not just a sea of suffering. I soon learned that I had partnered with a unique organization, because that is exactly what Pat Bradley, president of ICA actively does, as well as his staff, board, and contributors of this wonderful organization. I am blessed to be on staff and work alongside these wonderful people. I also have much to learn.

My personal experience was marked with encounters with special people along the 12 day journey. As these encounters happened, I wondered if I would remember the indivduals as I re-entered "normal" life here in St. Louis. One such individual I remember is a young girl named Zanabech. I met this 12 year old during a celebration service dedicating the land for ICA's new hospital in Angache. Zanabech caught my eye the first day, and we tried to communicate with each other as best we could. That first day, I gave her a large water bottle and she asked if I had more. I told her to come back the next day, and I would bring her another. I assumed she had loved ones at home that needed water.

The second day, Zanabech found me right away. During the celebration service, I found her watching me intently. She stood for over two hours at the edge of the stage as I sat in comfort. Quite frequently, we made eye contact and she would smile. I rolled the second water bottle to her and she and I waited for the service to end so we could connect again. The service held over 40,000 Ethiopians, anxious to hear what the US team had to say about their first hospital ever in the region of Angache. This region is beyond US description of poor, and many die of basic ailments that could be cured here with ointment, basic surgery, or just immunizations. The hospital will save thousands of lives and bring hope to a people group that have been forgotton by the world.

The service was winding down and our US team began to notice an offering being taken across the crowd. We looked to our enterpreter and he explained the people insisited on giving for the hospital. We all understood the implication of this..many would give the last coin in their possession. As I watched the people give so joyously, I was overwhelmed and humbled. I began to cry, and could not stop. I thought about home, and how so many of us give out of our riches, and these people were giving out of their poverty. We give what we can afford, they give what they need to eat another day. As I cried, something caught my eye. I noticed Zanabech holding out her hand, as tears ran down her face while watching me cry. I realized her hand held a coin and she wanted to give her last coin as an offering.

That moment held more emotion than I can describe. I was humbled beyond anything I can explain. My thoughts turned to my "so called" problems back home and I realized how small my world was. The problems I imagined I had were nothing compared to what these precious people experience daily. The Lord and I had a little chat right there..I repented and asked God to use the rest of my life in something meaningful. I thanked Him over and over again for allowing me to be a part of this miracle, teaching me the thrill of giving to others, forgetting myself.

Zanabech and I had our little chat after she had given her last coin and the service was over. Through our interpreter I found out she has seven sisters, and two brothers. They have no shelter, and only one meal per day. Zananbech knows Jesus, and still has maintained some joy in her life. I could sense it fading, hope is a delicate thing. We hugged many times, I gave her the little bit of food I had in my bag, and one of our team members gave me money to give her...enough to supply she and her family for a couple of months of food. She was all smiles and told me thank you and I love you, over and over.

I hated to leave her. That was tough. I thought about my daughters back home. We throw away more food everyday than Zanabech eats. I felt pain and even some guilt. I clung to the the idea that the Lord brought me to her as a messenger..My message? HOPE! "Hold on, we care, we see your pain, but most importantly, God sees your pain. God knows you, he cares, and He has sent help..don't lose hope. Bringing food, medicine, or water to people is an awesome thing, but it has been said,

“Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope”

Pray for Zanabech...not to lose HOPE

Ethiopia..

2010-03-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

I have been home for five days now and I still feel as if I am in a fog. Yes, some of that is jet lag. A nine hour time difference is pretty significant, especially when it took almost 36 hours to arrive back in St. Louis, considering all of the delays.

As I reflect though, I believe the fog is more than just a time difference. There were so many moments on this trip that my mind could not catch up with what I was seeing. When you walk through the red-light district and you see children standing in doorways waiting for a "customer," something in your brain just doesn't compute. There is no previous data for the shock of what you are seeing. I felt that way many times on this trip. Other experiences left me wondering deep thoughts, questioning my life here in the US.

The tour of International Crisis Aid's relief work in the region of Angache, Ethiopia was another example. When I stepped out of our vehicle into a village of extreme poverty, I was taking it all in with my eyes, but my mind rebelled..this couldn't be! I saw hundreds of children with ripped clothing. They were dirty, some were obviously sick, some hungry. They smiled and walked alongside me, trying to get closer. At first, I was a little fearful. I remembered hearing about the diseases that run rampant in these villages. I had a momentary feeling that I wanted to run the other way-protect myself from the hunger, the pain, the sickness. In that moment, I prayed, "God, break my heart for what breaks yours." This had been a prayer I have prayed before. But that day, as I prayed that prayer again, my heart swelled for these children I was walking alongside. I became emotional, and felt an overwhelming love for them- almost as if they were my very own children. I could see My little Emma in the young girl that reached out her hand and took mine. I saw Luke in the frisky boys that shoved and pushed to get closer. I also saw each one of my older daughters in the shy girls that stared and kept their distance. God was showing me a way to love them, a frame of reference I had-my children, warm and safe at home. I loved that first day in that first village. I had an unspeakable joy as I walked the fields with those beautiful kids. We tried to communicate, but mostly it was just touch and smiles..and of course much laughter! God's love breaks all barriers. A connection was made that day, one I will never forget. I am different, but more importantly, I won't forget. I won't forget that there are people that need us. There is suffering and we are called by God to draw close to it. To be the hands and feet of Jesus has taken on a complete different meaning in my life..before it was almost a cliche, now it is tangible. When we step out of ourselves and draw close to someone in need we not only bring hope to them, showing that someone sees them, cares about their pain, but we renew our own faith..putting our feet to a concept of scripture that only becomes truly real when experienced, not just something we have read about.

In an effort to share this experience, which I find difficult to put into words, I will share some photos that tell the story much better than I can!