Bible Study 3/29/10
Reading Passages: Joshua, chapters 3-24
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
All throughout the Bible, there are examples of how the Lord uses the most common, ordinary people to carry out His will. In fact, Jesus' hand-picked disciples included a thief, tax collector, and fishermen. They were just ordinary men who the Lord used to do extraordinary things. In the book of Joshua, we read again how the Lord used a pagan prostitute named Rahab to bring about His promises. Through her faith, she risked her own life to hide the two spies. Later, through her marriage to man named Salmon, she became a direct descendant of Jesus Christ. From a prostitue to the lineage of the Messiah - that's what faith can do!
No matter who you are, or what your past is, the Lord can use YOU for His glory........IF you are willing! You see, the only thing special about Rahab, or the twelve disciples, is the One who called them. Are YOU willing to serve the Lord? Are YOU willing to be obedient to His calling? There is an immense inheritance waiting on those who follow Him.
Faithfully His,
Deanna Crist
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Walk in The Word: God's Story of Redemption
Bible Study 3/22/10
Reading Passages: Deuteronomy (chapters 16-34); Joshua (chapters 1-2); Psalm 105
"The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul." Deut. 26:16
Just before his death, Moses delivered his last speech to the people of Israel, naming both blessings and curses for their actions. For the Israelites to receive the many blessings, they were only required to do one thing in return: they must follow the covenant agreement set for them. The Old Testament law gives many laws and regulations, but Deuteronomy makes it clear that the law was meant to penetrate a person's heart. In order for us to have a true heart change, the law has to become part of our inner attitude. When the Lord asks for obedience, it should be based on love, and not a sense of duty.
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." (Proverbs 27:19)
My prayer for you today is that you will be filled with the joy of living an abundant life that Jesus Christ so freely offers! Let us begin by allowing our hearts to be molded by Him.
Eternally changed,
Deanna Crist
Reading Passages: Deuteronomy (chapters 16-34); Joshua (chapters 1-2); Psalm 105
"The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul." Deut. 26:16
Just before his death, Moses delivered his last speech to the people of Israel, naming both blessings and curses for their actions. For the Israelites to receive the many blessings, they were only required to do one thing in return: they must follow the covenant agreement set for them. The Old Testament law gives many laws and regulations, but Deuteronomy makes it clear that the law was meant to penetrate a person's heart. In order for us to have a true heart change, the law has to become part of our inner attitude. When the Lord asks for obedience, it should be based on love, and not a sense of duty.
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." (Proverbs 27:19)
My prayer for you today is that you will be filled with the joy of living an abundant life that Jesus Christ so freely offers! Let us begin by allowing our hearts to be molded by Him.
Eternally changed,
Deanna Crist
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Praise God in the Rain--A Message from our International Director
Birmingham Alabama is wet.. we have endured almost continual rain for some 36 hours. I guess I am like most folks.. after a few hours of needed rain I am ready to see and feel some sunshine. But I can tell you that because of a couple of unusual days ten years ago, I sure do appreciate the rain more than I used to. I was a Youth Pastor and had a group to teens and parents on a mission trip down in balmy Honduras. We were conducting 8-10 youth rally/school assembly programs a day. All of these events were held outside in the school courtyards. Sunny weather was essential but on this particular morning it was raining.. strike that.. it was storming!
The Pastor from El Progresso, Honduras.. a true man of God who fasted every other day and rose early each morning to pray for hours.. was informing our team leaders that the particular school we were preparing to set up at was a strategic school that had strong demonic influence. As he gave his spiritual pep-talk the pragmatic side of me couldn’t help noticing that it was raining buckets and there was no let up in sight. I thought it was a bit strange that he was talking as if this event was going to happen when the surroundings were screaming, “No it won’t!” Just then the school’s principal approached and informed us that the event would have to be canceled due to the rain and we would need to leave the grounds because our presence was distracting to his students. I hated to hear this news but also felt somewhat reassured that I was not thinking crazy thoughts.
Our Honduran pastor friend calmly asked the principal for five minutes. He quickly gathered our entire team together and challenged us to pray passionately for a miracle. He said we need it to stop raining in 60 seconds! As we began to pray, I remember the incredibly loud sound of the rain beating down hard on the tin roof that covered the classroom we were gathered in. 30 of us were praying loudly.. and amazingly, it seemed to quickly chase the rain off. I was experiencing a miracle.. our entire team was experiencing a miracle.. in just a minute the rain, the clouds, the thunder.. all of it was gone. To this day I have never experienced such an immediate miracle. We were able to complete the event and there was much eternal fruit on the campus that day!
The significance of this day, would be magnified the very next day, as the same set of circumstances were setting up.. a brilliant and powerful storm that had no intentions of going anywhere. One of our students, who was functioning as our daily student leader, suggested that we fervently pray as we had done the day before. I thought this was a magnificent idea so we prayed and it continued to rain. We prayed louder and it began to rain louder. I could hear the students were getting discouraged that the miracle wasn’t coming. After a few minutes I shouted, “STOP!” God isn’t deaf.. He hears us.. but He wants it to rain today.. so lets celebrate it! He loves these students more than we do but He wants it to rain. So we played in the puddles and we sang praise and worship songs.. and it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Finally, the principal came over and said, “It doesn’t look like you are leaving and neither is the rain so your schedule is a wash out. We can clear out our largest classroom and you can do six small assemblies instead of one large one." And that’s exactly what we did. I remember being grateful that we could at least minister to the kids at this large school. Halfway through the last assembly a gentleman approached me who had come to pick his child up from school. He asked me several questions and was also very complimentary of our program.. then he dropped a bombshell. He was co-owner and station manager of a national television channel in Honduras and he asked me if our group could fill a 90 minute slot on the popular TV program, “Good Morning Honduras!” with a potential viewing audience in the millions.
The next morning we were live and on air for 90 minutes sharing our faith with the entire country of Honduras. As I watched our students minister on television I couldn't help but reflect on the past couple of days.. the first day was practically an instant miracle.. boom, no rain! The second day we had asked for the same miracle but it came in a completely unexpected way. If the rain had fled when we first began to pray, we would have been long gone from that school when the station manager came to pick up his child at the end of the school day. Praise God in the rain!
Friends, God is in control. His character is unchanging.. He is, and always will be, a God of miracles! He loves children and orphans abundantly more than you and I combined, and He is speeding up and sometimes slowing down your process to fulfill a miracle.. to connect you with the perfect child for your family. If your heart is pure and your prayers are passionate.. you can know that God is listening and a miracle is on the way.. it may come quickly or it may surprise you with a slower, unique path.. but when you have your beautiful child you will know God’s timing is always perfect!
Blessings to all!
Dave Wood
International Director
The Pastor from El Progresso, Honduras.. a true man of God who fasted every other day and rose early each morning to pray for hours.. was informing our team leaders that the particular school we were preparing to set up at was a strategic school that had strong demonic influence. As he gave his spiritual pep-talk the pragmatic side of me couldn’t help noticing that it was raining buckets and there was no let up in sight. I thought it was a bit strange that he was talking as if this event was going to happen when the surroundings were screaming, “No it won’t!” Just then the school’s principal approached and informed us that the event would have to be canceled due to the rain and we would need to leave the grounds because our presence was distracting to his students. I hated to hear this news but also felt somewhat reassured that I was not thinking crazy thoughts.
Our Honduran pastor friend calmly asked the principal for five minutes. He quickly gathered our entire team together and challenged us to pray passionately for a miracle. He said we need it to stop raining in 60 seconds! As we began to pray, I remember the incredibly loud sound of the rain beating down hard on the tin roof that covered the classroom we were gathered in. 30 of us were praying loudly.. and amazingly, it seemed to quickly chase the rain off. I was experiencing a miracle.. our entire team was experiencing a miracle.. in just a minute the rain, the clouds, the thunder.. all of it was gone. To this day I have never experienced such an immediate miracle. We were able to complete the event and there was much eternal fruit on the campus that day!
The significance of this day, would be magnified the very next day, as the same set of circumstances were setting up.. a brilliant and powerful storm that had no intentions of going anywhere. One of our students, who was functioning as our daily student leader, suggested that we fervently pray as we had done the day before. I thought this was a magnificent idea so we prayed and it continued to rain. We prayed louder and it began to rain louder. I could hear the students were getting discouraged that the miracle wasn’t coming. After a few minutes I shouted, “STOP!” God isn’t deaf.. He hears us.. but He wants it to rain today.. so lets celebrate it! He loves these students more than we do but He wants it to rain. So we played in the puddles and we sang praise and worship songs.. and it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Finally, the principal came over and said, “It doesn’t look like you are leaving and neither is the rain so your schedule is a wash out. We can clear out our largest classroom and you can do six small assemblies instead of one large one." And that’s exactly what we did. I remember being grateful that we could at least minister to the kids at this large school. Halfway through the last assembly a gentleman approached me who had come to pick his child up from school. He asked me several questions and was also very complimentary of our program.. then he dropped a bombshell. He was co-owner and station manager of a national television channel in Honduras and he asked me if our group could fill a 90 minute slot on the popular TV program, “Good Morning Honduras!” with a potential viewing audience in the millions.
The next morning we were live and on air for 90 minutes sharing our faith with the entire country of Honduras. As I watched our students minister on television I couldn't help but reflect on the past couple of days.. the first day was practically an instant miracle.. boom, no rain! The second day we had asked for the same miracle but it came in a completely unexpected way. If the rain had fled when we first began to pray, we would have been long gone from that school when the station manager came to pick up his child at the end of the school day. Praise God in the rain!
Friends, God is in control. His character is unchanging.. He is, and always will be, a God of miracles! He loves children and orphans abundantly more than you and I combined, and He is speeding up and sometimes slowing down your process to fulfill a miracle.. to connect you with the perfect child for your family. If your heart is pure and your prayers are passionate.. you can know that God is listening and a miracle is on the way.. it may come quickly or it may surprise you with a slower, unique path.. but when you have your beautiful child you will know God’s timing is always perfect!
Blessings to all!
Dave Wood
International Director
Friday, March 19, 2010
UGANDA NOTICE
From now on, we will communicate our Uganda updates directly through email correspondence with Lifeline families rather than publicly on our blog for the protection of all families in process in Uganda.
We advise prayer and patience with the US Embassy during this time, as they seek to be both thorough and upstanding. We continue to be thankful for the progress that has been made in Uganda thus far.
Every blessing,
Claire Davis, LGSW
International Social Worker
We advise prayer and patience with the US Embassy during this time, as they seek to be both thorough and upstanding. We continue to be thankful for the progress that has been made in Uganda thus far.
Every blessing,
Claire Davis, LGSW
International Social Worker
Monday, March 15, 2010
Walk in The Word: God's Story of Redemption
Bible Study 3/8/10
Reading Passages: Numbers (chapters 6-28); Psalm 90; Psalm 95
In Numbers chapter 13, the Lord had commanded Moses to send 12 men to explore the land of Canaan, and then report back. Upon their return, 10 of the men gave very negative, discouraging reports. Although they found the land to be as great as the Lord had described, they were fearful of the giants living in the land, too big and strong to conquer. Even after witnessing first hand the miracles by God, the people still distrusted God's power and promise....all except for two men. One of these, Caleb, told the people "we should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." It was he who encouraged them to go forwarded, and then seconded by Joshua.
How many times do we stand in the way of God's promises by our own doubts? Unbelief causes us to overlook God's power - it magnifies every danger and fills our heart with discouragement, allowing Satan a foot hold in our lives. Are we missing out on God's promises and eternal truth's because of worry and fear? We are not promised that this life would be easy, but our difficulties can be greatly diminshed through a live, active faith in Jesus Christ. All things are possible in Him! Let's put our our trust and faith in Him, so that just like Caleb and Joshua, we may enter into His promised land.
Bible Study 3/15/10
Reading Passages: Numbers (chapters 29-32) & Deuteronomy (chapters 1-15)
When Moses received his calling from the Lord to lead the Hebrew people from slavery, he was marked by a reluctance to go, or to speak. But now, at 120 years old, and the last month of his life, he is now very bold and eager to speak to a new generation of people. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses delivers 3 farewell speeches, recapping the last 40 years of God's faithfulness, despite the people's continued disobedience. God had already revealed to Moses that this older generation of disbelieving, disobedient people would not enter into the promised land. Even Moses, God's hand-picked servant, would not enter Canaan, because of the incident in Numbers chapter 20.
All throughout the book of Deuteronomy, Moses explained that the key to God's blessings is obedience. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deut. 6:5), which is repeated by Jesus in Matthew 22 as being the most important commandment of all. God requires and deserves our obedience! In John chapter 14, Jesus said "if you love me, you will obey what I command." This is how we can show Him our love.
Is the Lord calling you to ministry? Is He calling you to care for orphans? Is He calling you to trust in His Word and follow Him? Whatever the Lord is calling you to do, remember that God will equip you, just as He equipped Moses for leadership. "The what always precedes the how" - and God will provide a way! Let us pray for complete obedience to the Lord today - trusting Him to fulfill His promises.
Only by His grace,
Deanna Crist
Reading Passages: Numbers (chapters 6-28); Psalm 90; Psalm 95
In Numbers chapter 13, the Lord had commanded Moses to send 12 men to explore the land of Canaan, and then report back. Upon their return, 10 of the men gave very negative, discouraging reports. Although they found the land to be as great as the Lord had described, they were fearful of the giants living in the land, too big and strong to conquer. Even after witnessing first hand the miracles by God, the people still distrusted God's power and promise....all except for two men. One of these, Caleb, told the people "we should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." It was he who encouraged them to go forwarded, and then seconded by Joshua.
How many times do we stand in the way of God's promises by our own doubts? Unbelief causes us to overlook God's power - it magnifies every danger and fills our heart with discouragement, allowing Satan a foot hold in our lives. Are we missing out on God's promises and eternal truth's because of worry and fear? We are not promised that this life would be easy, but our difficulties can be greatly diminshed through a live, active faith in Jesus Christ. All things are possible in Him! Let's put our our trust and faith in Him, so that just like Caleb and Joshua, we may enter into His promised land.
Bible Study 3/15/10
Reading Passages: Numbers (chapters 29-32) & Deuteronomy (chapters 1-15)
When Moses received his calling from the Lord to lead the Hebrew people from slavery, he was marked by a reluctance to go, or to speak. But now, at 120 years old, and the last month of his life, he is now very bold and eager to speak to a new generation of people. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses delivers 3 farewell speeches, recapping the last 40 years of God's faithfulness, despite the people's continued disobedience. God had already revealed to Moses that this older generation of disbelieving, disobedient people would not enter into the promised land. Even Moses, God's hand-picked servant, would not enter Canaan, because of the incident in Numbers chapter 20.
All throughout the book of Deuteronomy, Moses explained that the key to God's blessings is obedience. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deut. 6:5), which is repeated by Jesus in Matthew 22 as being the most important commandment of all. God requires and deserves our obedience! In John chapter 14, Jesus said "if you love me, you will obey what I command." This is how we can show Him our love.
Is the Lord calling you to ministry? Is He calling you to care for orphans? Is He calling you to trust in His Word and follow Him? Whatever the Lord is calling you to do, remember that God will equip you, just as He equipped Moses for leadership. "The what always precedes the how" - and God will provide a way! Let us pray for complete obedience to the Lord today - trusting Him to fulfill His promises.
Only by His grace,
Deanna Crist
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Golf Reveals Your Character
Hall of Fame golf teacher Percy Boomer once said, “If you wish to hide you character, do not play golf.” Well, when it comes to golf events at Lifeline we believe the opposite—a round of golf can actually reveal how much you care about orphans around the world and giving children a hope and future. And why would you want to hide that?
So, if you desire to “reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do,” you might end up with the perfect golf swing, as golf great Ben Hogan predicted, or you can let the “adventure…romance…disaster and comedy intertwined” that is the game of golf, reveal your true character (Harold Segall). Then we have the perfect opportunities for you!
First, su
pport Lifeline in the “Birdies for Charity” program of the Regions Charity Classic, May 12-16, 2010. We will receive every single penny of the donations generated on our behalf and you have a chance to win great prizes too when you pitch in to help us! Simply make a pledge of $0.02 or more per birdie that is made during the tournament by the Champions Tour Players, or a flat pledge of $10 or more. It is expected that 800 birdies are going to be made based on past tournaments. Also, the top ten organizations that raise the most money will receive additional funds of up to $10,000 from the Regions Charity Classic thanks to “Bonus Bucks” sponsor Sirote & Permutt.
Help us reach that goal by pledging here! The top ten pledges will receive two (2) Good-Any-Day Tickets to the tournament!
Next, join us on Tues
day, June 1, 2010 for the 5th Annual Lifeline Celebrity Classic for a day of golf and fellowship at Greystone Golf and Country Club! There are several sponsorship opportunities that will allow you put together a foursome and play a round of golf with local sports celebrities, win fabulous prizes and support the ministry of Lifeline. This is a day that our staff looks forward to every year and we hope that you can join us!
Call Laura Ogard at 205.972.8479 to find out more information!
And remember, “There are two things you can do with your head down—play golf and pray” Lee Trevino.
Laura Ogard
Development & Marketing Coordinator
So, if you desire to “reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do,” you might end up with the perfect golf swing, as golf great Ben Hogan predicted, or you can let the “adventure…romance…disaster and comedy intertwined” that is the game of golf, reveal your true character (Harold Segall). Then we have the perfect opportunities for you!
First, su
pport Lifeline in the “Birdies for Charity” program of the Regions Charity Classic, May 12-16, 2010. We will receive every single penny of the donations generated on our behalf and you have a chance to win great prizes too when you pitch in to help us! Simply make a pledge of $0.02 or more per birdie that is made during the tournament by the Champions Tour Players, or a flat pledge of $10 or more. It is expected that 800 birdies are going to be made based on past tournaments. Also, the top ten organizations that raise the most money will receive additional funds of up to $10,000 from the Regions Charity Classic thanks to “Bonus Bucks” sponsor Sirote & Permutt.Help us reach that goal by pledging here! The top ten pledges will receive two (2) Good-Any-Day Tickets to the tournament!
Next, join us on Tues
day, June 1, 2010 for the 5th Annual Lifeline Celebrity Classic for a day of golf and fellowship at Greystone Golf and Country Club! There are several sponsorship opportunities that will allow you put together a foursome and play a round of golf with local sports celebrities, win fabulous prizes and support the ministry of Lifeline. This is a day that our staff looks forward to every year and we hope that you can join us!Call Laura Ogard at 205.972.8479 to find out more information!
And remember, “There are two things you can do with your head down—play golf and pray” Lee Trevino.
Laura Ogard
Development & Marketing Coordinator
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Joy of Being a Dad--A Message From the International Director
I have lived a blessed life. I grew up in a great home with a wonderful family. I have attended, belonged, and graduated from some amazing churches and schools. My entire adult life I have went to work at places and with people I truly enjoyed. I have attained some outstanding awards and achieved some incredible things in my lifetime.. but nothing, apart from salvation and my marriage, comes close to the joy and challenging adventure of being “Dad”.
I recall, with fondness, a day several years ago when I was given the last minute responsibility to get my son ready for kindergarten.. A simple task, perhaps for mom, but not particularly easy for me.. not to mention I was already running late and hadn’t begun to get myself ready. Half way through our preparation I noticed my “little man” was standing next to me in the bathroom and he was mimicking all of my preparation for the day. Not only was he also brushing his teeth but his motion, timing, and direction closely resembled mine. When I squeezed some hair gel out and started working it through my hair he requested that I, in like manner, load him up.. I complied and in my haste gave him enough gel for a half dozen 5 year olds. I soon realized this when a minute later I felt a sticky tug on my arm. I looked down to see a little 5 year old boy covered in gel.. it was on his arms and hands, all over his face, and throughout his semi-long hair. Imagine the picture of someone sticking their finger in a light socket and their hair going straight out in every direction and you get an idea of what my eyes were beholding. He had a happy and unassuming smile on his face when he said, “Hey dad, I look just like you!”
I sure hope not.. ha! But in his little mind he thought we did and he was very excited about that. Well, we were going to be late. He was a total mess. But I was probably the happiest man on the planet. My only son wanted to look just like his daddy!
The a few summers ago at our annual golf tournament fundraiser. The tournament is a great event that always has a good number of sports celebrities. Every employee has an assignment and my particular assignment that year was driving around in a cart and making sure the celebs had plenty of soft drinks and snacks.. what a great job huh?
I invited my son to hang out with me for the day. He gladly passed on a day at summer camp to hang with his dad and meet interesting sports stars. The night before the event we search and found his Disney autograph book. Now, next to autographs by the likes of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, he’d have Jay Barker and Stan White, and dozens more!
I enjoyed watching my son go up to the tees and ask the golfing groups who the celebrity in the group was.. three or four guys would always point out the “star” and my son would ask for his autograph and then joyfully run back to the cart to show me. A few non-celebs offered to sign his book. My son declined but kindly offered to let them look at the celebs signatures if they’d like.
Later in the day Stan White, former star quarterback at Auburn, noticed a poisonous snake near the cart path at a tee off. I notified the golf marshal and right there in front of my son he asked me if I would eliminate the threat, handing me a golf club. Well, how could I refuse with my son watching, so I tried to attack the snake with the club. I learned very quickly that snakes are incredibly fast and can climb up golf clubs. Next I tried a large boulder.. my several misses only angered the already aggressive snake. Finally, after about thirty minutes I eliminated the threat. As I walked back to the golf cart where my son was carefully observing, one of my hands holding a golf club and the other holding a lifeless snake.. sweat pouring down my face and body, my son was holding out his autograph book. When I got to the cart he said, “Daddy, I want you to sign my book.. you are my hero!” Friends, that was the proudest day of my life!
Millions of little boys and girls, who in most ways are just like my son, dream of having a mommy and daddy to look up to.. to be a “hero” in their lives. Every day I go to work with an unrelenting desire to find the “heroes” for those boys and girls. Many of you reading this blog will fulfill a little boys dream or a little girls dream. I am humbled and honored to partner with you along your journey. Blessings!
Dave Wood
International Director
I recall, with fondness, a day several years ago when I was given the last minute responsibility to get my son ready for kindergarten.. A simple task, perhaps for mom, but not particularly easy for me.. not to mention I was already running late and hadn’t begun to get myself ready. Half way through our preparation I noticed my “little man” was standing next to me in the bathroom and he was mimicking all of my preparation for the day. Not only was he also brushing his teeth but his motion, timing, and direction closely resembled mine. When I squeezed some hair gel out and started working it through my hair he requested that I, in like manner, load him up.. I complied and in my haste gave him enough gel for a half dozen 5 year olds. I soon realized this when a minute later I felt a sticky tug on my arm. I looked down to see a little 5 year old boy covered in gel.. it was on his arms and hands, all over his face, and throughout his semi-long hair. Imagine the picture of someone sticking their finger in a light socket and their hair going straight out in every direction and you get an idea of what my eyes were beholding. He had a happy and unassuming smile on his face when he said, “Hey dad, I look just like you!”
I sure hope not.. ha! But in his little mind he thought we did and he was very excited about that. Well, we were going to be late. He was a total mess. But I was probably the happiest man on the planet. My only son wanted to look just like his daddy!
The a few summers ago at our annual golf tournament fundraiser. The tournament is a great event that always has a good number of sports celebrities. Every employee has an assignment and my particular assignment that year was driving around in a cart and making sure the celebs had plenty of soft drinks and snacks.. what a great job huh?
I invited my son to hang out with me for the day. He gladly passed on a day at summer camp to hang with his dad and meet interesting sports stars. The night before the event we search and found his Disney autograph book. Now, next to autographs by the likes of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, he’d have Jay Barker and Stan White, and dozens more!
I enjoyed watching my son go up to the tees and ask the golfing groups who the celebrity in the group was.. three or four guys would always point out the “star” and my son would ask for his autograph and then joyfully run back to the cart to show me. A few non-celebs offered to sign his book. My son declined but kindly offered to let them look at the celebs signatures if they’d like.
Later in the day Stan White, former star quarterback at Auburn, noticed a poisonous snake near the cart path at a tee off. I notified the golf marshal and right there in front of my son he asked me if I would eliminate the threat, handing me a golf club. Well, how could I refuse with my son watching, so I tried to attack the snake with the club. I learned very quickly that snakes are incredibly fast and can climb up golf clubs. Next I tried a large boulder.. my several misses only angered the already aggressive snake. Finally, after about thirty minutes I eliminated the threat. As I walked back to the golf cart where my son was carefully observing, one of my hands holding a golf club and the other holding a lifeless snake.. sweat pouring down my face and body, my son was holding out his autograph book. When I got to the cart he said, “Daddy, I want you to sign my book.. you are my hero!” Friends, that was the proudest day of my life!
Millions of little boys and girls, who in most ways are just like my son, dream of having a mommy and daddy to look up to.. to be a “hero” in their lives. Every day I go to work with an unrelenting desire to find the “heroes” for those boys and girls. Many of you reading this blog will fulfill a little boys dream or a little girls dream. I am humbled and honored to partner with you along your journey. Blessings!
Dave Wood
International Director
Thursday, March 4, 2010
ACT NOW: Families for Orphans Act
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is considering the Families for Orphans Act today. They will soon make a decision whether this bill is to move forward. National Council For Adoption expressed their support for this bill in a recent Adoption Advocate Publication: NCFA Supports the Families for Orphans Act.
Please fax and e-mail letters that state your organization is in favor of the Families for Orphans Act. Tell them who your organization is and who you represent. Mention why you think it is important for orphans to have families. Tell them your organization supports this bill and request that they support it as well.
Letters should be addressed to:
The Honorable John F. Kerry, Chairman
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Fax to Kerry’s office 202-228-3612 and e mail copies to Laura Winthrop Laura_Winthrop@foreign.senate.gov his staffer handling the issue and
Fax 202-224-0836 to Paul Foldi Paul_Foldi@foreign.senate.gov – Senator Lugar’s staffer handling the issue on the Committee for the minority.
Please also copy Senator Mary Landrieu and Senator James Inhofe so they know supporters are writing in.
E-mail those copies to Jetaine Hart Jetaine_hart@landrieu.senate.gov and Nathan Reese nathan_reese@inhofe.senate.gov
Please act today to take a stance on this important legislation.
Please fax and e-mail letters that state your organization is in favor of the Families for Orphans Act. Tell them who your organization is and who you represent. Mention why you think it is important for orphans to have families. Tell them your organization supports this bill and request that they support it as well.
Letters should be addressed to:
The Honorable John F. Kerry, Chairman
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Fax to Kerry’s office 202-228-3612 and e mail copies to Laura Winthrop Laura_Winthrop@foreign.senate.gov his staffer handling the issue and
Fax 202-224-0836 to Paul Foldi Paul_Foldi@foreign.senate.gov – Senator Lugar’s staffer handling the issue on the Committee for the minority.
Please also copy Senator Mary Landrieu and Senator James Inhofe so they know supporters are writing in.
E-mail those copies to Jetaine Hart Jetaine_hart@landrieu.senate.gov and Nathan Reese nathan_reese@inhofe.senate.gov
Please act today to take a stance on this important legislation.
The Destiny of the Damaged
“NO, she couldn’t stay in my home; do you know what kind of life she’s led?” “Absolutely not, he’s damaged; didn’t you hear what he did?” “I can’t parent a kid from foster care; they are all just too bad”. The damaged orphan, the child who many feel doesn’t need another opportunity for a stable, permanent home - a chance to have a new life with loving parents. Are theses children just too far gone to help?
In Jericho, there lived an Amorite woman whom many believed to be despicable and damaged. The iniquity of the Amorites stands out among a list of other cultures that inhabited Jericho in Genesis 15:18-19. Not only was this woman an Amorite, she was a prostitute. It would be fair to say that in that time period, an Amorite prostitute would have been considered one of the most damaged, worthless people of society.
However, a divine meeting with two of God’s people would change her life forever. Through Joshua, God sends two of his people to the Amorite women. We read in Joshua Chapter 2 that this woman had already heard of the works of God; this is what she says,
The two men made a promise with the woman that they would come to her and save her in her time of need. The Bible tells of God’s people coming to Rahab:
The Word of God went before God’s people to this Amorite woman in the land of Jericho, and the Holy Spirit is going before you to the heart of the orphan in foster care. As God goes before us, we MUST follow the command that he gives us in James 1:27, to look after orphans and widows in their time of distress. God’s people came to this desperate woman in her time of need and rescued her from her situation. We must also go to the troubled orphan and rescue him from his desperate situation.
Foster care workers do the best that they can, but it is impossible for them to meet the needs of 500,000 orphaned in America without God’s people. It is our responsibility to act on our Father’s calling and follow the Holy Spirit in action. Our Father is preparing the hearts of children to be plucked from their situations and be forever changed by the people who serve the “God in heaven above and on the earth beneath”.
The people of Israel took Rahab into their families, she married one of their own, Salmon, and she lived with them for the rest of her life. And once a part of God’s family, how did God see fit to use this harlot of Jericho? In Matthew 1:5-6 we learn that our Father finds her acceptable to not only become one of God’s people, but to become the mother to the godly Boaz, the great-great-grandmother to King David, and ultimately an ancestor to our Savior Jesus Christ.
If through the love of His people God can take an Amorite harlot and transform her into a righteous ancestor of Christ, how much more can He do in the life of an orphan in foster care? Is that “damaged” child, undeserving of your time or is he a child of God who, through your love, will be a testimony of faith. He has already prepared the way for you; will you follow His call?
Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director
In Jericho, there lived an Amorite woman whom many believed to be despicable and damaged. The iniquity of the Amorites stands out among a list of other cultures that inhabited Jericho in Genesis 15:18-19. Not only was this woman an Amorite, she was a prostitute. It would be fair to say that in that time period, an Amorite prostitute would have been considered one of the most damaged, worthless people of society.
However, a divine meeting with two of God’s people would change her life forever. Through Joshua, God sends two of his people to the Amorite women. We read in Joshua Chapter 2 that this woman had already heard of the works of God; this is what she says,
"For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. "When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath."
The two men made a promise with the woman that they would come to her and save her in her time of need. The Bible tells of God’s people coming to Rahab:
“Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the harlot's house and bring the woman and all she has out of there, as you have sworn to her." So the young men who were spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and her mother and her brothers and all she had; they also brought out all her relatives and placed them outside the camp of Israel. Rahab the harlot and her father's household and all she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. (Joshua 2:22;23;25)
The Word of God went before God’s people to this Amorite woman in the land of Jericho, and the Holy Spirit is going before you to the heart of the orphan in foster care. As God goes before us, we MUST follow the command that he gives us in James 1:27, to look after orphans and widows in their time of distress. God’s people came to this desperate woman in her time of need and rescued her from her situation. We must also go to the troubled orphan and rescue him from his desperate situation.
Foster care workers do the best that they can, but it is impossible for them to meet the needs of 500,000 orphaned in America without God’s people. It is our responsibility to act on our Father’s calling and follow the Holy Spirit in action. Our Father is preparing the hearts of children to be plucked from their situations and be forever changed by the people who serve the “God in heaven above and on the earth beneath”.
The people of Israel took Rahab into their families, she married one of their own, Salmon, and she lived with them for the rest of her life. And once a part of God’s family, how did God see fit to use this harlot of Jericho? In Matthew 1:5-6 we learn that our Father finds her acceptable to not only become one of God’s people, but to become the mother to the godly Boaz, the great-great-grandmother to King David, and ultimately an ancestor to our Savior Jesus Christ.
If through the love of His people God can take an Amorite harlot and transform her into a righteous ancestor of Christ, how much more can He do in the life of an orphan in foster care? Is that “damaged” child, undeserving of your time or is he a child of God who, through your love, will be a testimony of faith. He has already prepared the way for you; will you follow His call?
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace Hebrews 11:30-31.
Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
From Sorrowful Tragedy to Satisfying Triumph!--A Message From the International Director
This past weekend I attended an Adoption Conference at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Something happened on Saturday morning that left me wondering how many sermons I have heard in my lifetime. I have no idea what the number is, but I know that the number is HUGE, probably into five digits.. if not six! And to be honest, many of these messages have left me dry, empty, and/or bored.. some have literally left me sleeping. But there have also been a good many others that have been incredibly powerful, convincing, encouraging and/or convicting.. and some of those have been life changing. Saturday morning I heard Dr. David Platt, pastor at the Church at Brook Hills, preach one of those life changing, awe inspiring messages!
Dr. Platt’s text was the book of Ruth, chapter 2. (If I can get my hands on a copy of the sermon I will post a link in a future blog). The book of Ruth is an incredible love story that gives the reader a bird’s eye view of the beauty and the sovereignty of God’s Gospel of Grace. Several days have passed since hearing this message and I still find myself continually reflecting on the reality and assurance that God will never leave or forsake me.. He is, and has always been, with me! On my most difficult days.. days that He allows.. God is fully engaged, aggressively plotting His dynamic plan of grace and deliverance in my life. The truth is nothing in our lives is happening by chance.. everyone we meet, and every circumstance we face, is providential. Through this amazing love story God reveals that He often uses sorrowful tragedy to bring satisfying triumph.
Now, this is significant because every adoption begins with a tragedy. Someone had to die (birth parents) or a child had to be rejected to create the possibility. Just like the text in Ruth 2 lays out, someone then had to discover the need.. and have the right to redeem, the resources to redeem, and the resolve to redeem. This is the threefold process everyone hoping to adopt must navigate:
One, you have to demonstrate that you have the right to redeem. That’s what the home study, dossier, DHR, immigration process is all about. You have two country’s governments demanding that you demonstrate your qualifications to parent and that you have the right to redeem a child. Two, you must demonstrate that you have the resources to redeem. Adoption is expensive, not only financially but emotionally as well.. not to mention a huge investment of your time. You will have to demonstrate that you have the resources to redeem a precious child. Finally, your resolve will be put to the test. As I often say, between you and the Promise land of “gotcha day” is a wilderness of waiting and unknowns. You will have to demonstrate that you have the resolve to redeem a precious, abandoned or orphaned child.
This process, that we sometimes refer to as Gospel of Adoption, is the way we were grafted into God’s family.. He had to have the right, the resources, and the resolve to rescue us.. I’m so grateful He did! For those of us blessed to be called by God to adopt, we truly get a front row seat to see and identify with God, in both the difficulty and the ultimate joy, that is the process of adoption.. moving from sorrowful tragedy to satisfying triumph. I pray for continued blessing on all of our Lifeline families, you are never alone, God is always with you!
Dave Wood
International Director
Dr. Platt’s text was the book of Ruth, chapter 2. (If I can get my hands on a copy of the sermon I will post a link in a future blog). The book of Ruth is an incredible love story that gives the reader a bird’s eye view of the beauty and the sovereignty of God’s Gospel of Grace. Several days have passed since hearing this message and I still find myself continually reflecting on the reality and assurance that God will never leave or forsake me.. He is, and has always been, with me! On my most difficult days.. days that He allows.. God is fully engaged, aggressively plotting His dynamic plan of grace and deliverance in my life. The truth is nothing in our lives is happening by chance.. everyone we meet, and every circumstance we face, is providential. Through this amazing love story God reveals that He often uses sorrowful tragedy to bring satisfying triumph.
Now, this is significant because every adoption begins with a tragedy. Someone had to die (birth parents) or a child had to be rejected to create the possibility. Just like the text in Ruth 2 lays out, someone then had to discover the need.. and have the right to redeem, the resources to redeem, and the resolve to redeem. This is the threefold process everyone hoping to adopt must navigate:
One, you have to demonstrate that you have the right to redeem. That’s what the home study, dossier, DHR, immigration process is all about. You have two country’s governments demanding that you demonstrate your qualifications to parent and that you have the right to redeem a child. Two, you must demonstrate that you have the resources to redeem. Adoption is expensive, not only financially but emotionally as well.. not to mention a huge investment of your time. You will have to demonstrate that you have the resources to redeem a precious child. Finally, your resolve will be put to the test. As I often say, between you and the Promise land of “gotcha day” is a wilderness of waiting and unknowns. You will have to demonstrate that you have the resolve to redeem a precious, abandoned or orphaned child.
This process, that we sometimes refer to as Gospel of Adoption, is the way we were grafted into God’s family.. He had to have the right, the resources, and the resolve to rescue us.. I’m so grateful He did! For those of us blessed to be called by God to adopt, we truly get a front row seat to see and identify with God, in both the difficulty and the ultimate joy, that is the process of adoption.. moving from sorrowful tragedy to satisfying triumph. I pray for continued blessing on all of our Lifeline families, you are never alone, God is always with you!
Dave Wood
International Director
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Walk in The Word: God's Story of Redemption
Bible Study 3/1/10
Reading Passages: Leviticus (ch. 11-27) & Numbers (ch. 1-5)
Today, because of the perfect, selfless sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, we don't have to live in the world of Leviticus. Leviticus was meant to teach people some basic truths about how to be in fellowship with a Holy God. Thanks to his years as a Pharisee, Paul knew Moses' law well and never recommended discarding the law. It reveals a basic code of morality, an expression of behavior that pleases God. The law is good for one thing - exposing sin. The law has one major problem: After proving how bad you are, it doesn't make you any better. The law, or old covenant, was insufficient to save...But there is great news! The book of Hebrews, which was written to encourage Jewish Christians, explains that we now have a permanent high priest in Jesus Christ. And through His perfect, atoning blood, He made the sacrifice of animals unnecessary. Jesus is able to cleanse the real source of contamination - our sinful nature. As Hebrews points out, Jesus entered the inner room on our behalf (6:20). And when He died, the curtain ripped in two, allowing anyone direct access to God. The great high priest, Christ Himself, has changed the old system forever.
Praying that you will be encouraged today with The Good News!
Deanna Crist
Reading Passages: Leviticus (ch. 11-27) & Numbers (ch. 1-5)
Today, because of the perfect, selfless sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, we don't have to live in the world of Leviticus. Leviticus was meant to teach people some basic truths about how to be in fellowship with a Holy God. Thanks to his years as a Pharisee, Paul knew Moses' law well and never recommended discarding the law. It reveals a basic code of morality, an expression of behavior that pleases God. The law is good for one thing - exposing sin. The law has one major problem: After proving how bad you are, it doesn't make you any better. The law, or old covenant, was insufficient to save...But there is great news! The book of Hebrews, which was written to encourage Jewish Christians, explains that we now have a permanent high priest in Jesus Christ. And through His perfect, atoning blood, He made the sacrifice of animals unnecessary. Jesus is able to cleanse the real source of contamination - our sinful nature. As Hebrews points out, Jesus entered the inner room on our behalf (6:20). And when He died, the curtain ripped in two, allowing anyone direct access to God. The great high priest, Christ Himself, has changed the old system forever.
Praying that you will be encouraged today with The Good News!
Deanna Crist
Monday, March 1, 2010
Birth Mother Mentors
Last Saturday was Lifeline’s first ever Birth Mother Mentor training. Around ten o’clock that morning, a dozen or so of us filed into a room complete with beautiful tables, candies, notebooks and pens, ready to learn about “the birth mother”. That term means different things to different people; for some, she is the person who carried them for nine months, for others, she is the lady in the grocery store who is “due any day”, and yet, for adoptive children and families, she is the unsung hero – the person God uses to bring lives and families into existence. For me, she is the face of my children (yes, I am an adoptive mother of two daughters and could not wear that banner without their birth mothers.)
I am convinced that God “sees” the birth mother. Perhaps her struggle is unique from anyone else’s. Remember Hagar, birth mother of Ishmael? We can learn about her in Genesis, chapter 16. When pregnant and mistreated by her mistress, she fled to the desert and sought refuge by a spring. The angel of the Lord found her there and comforted her with His words; in response, she said “You are the God who sees me.” God has indeed looked down and seen the birth mothers who have sought refuge at Lifeline. He has provided safety, food, clothing and loving house parents for hundreds of birth mothers who have lived at our maternity home. He has placed Christian counselors on staff in the lives of birth mothers who have needed to hear about His Son’s sacrifice for them and their children, and now it seems He is providing mentors to walk alongside our birth mothers and minister to their physical and emotional needs.
We look forward to what God can do through the mentors of these birth mothers. Although adoption has great gains for all those involved, it is a difficult decision for the birth mother and is one accompanied by loss for her. For those birth mothers without a support system in place, our mentors can fill in the gaps and remind them of the selfless decision they are making through adoption. Please pray for the birth mother who, like Hagar, may feel hopeless and alone but may one day be able to say: “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)
For more information on becoming a birth mother mentor, contact Traci at traci.newell@lifelineadoption.org.
Traci Newell
Education Coordinator
I am convinced that God “sees” the birth mother. Perhaps her struggle is unique from anyone else’s. Remember Hagar, birth mother of Ishmael? We can learn about her in Genesis, chapter 16. When pregnant and mistreated by her mistress, she fled to the desert and sought refuge by a spring. The angel of the Lord found her there and comforted her with His words; in response, she said “You are the God who sees me.” God has indeed looked down and seen the birth mothers who have sought refuge at Lifeline. He has provided safety, food, clothing and loving house parents for hundreds of birth mothers who have lived at our maternity home. He has placed Christian counselors on staff in the lives of birth mothers who have needed to hear about His Son’s sacrifice for them and their children, and now it seems He is providing mentors to walk alongside our birth mothers and minister to their physical and emotional needs.
We look forward to what God can do through the mentors of these birth mothers. Although adoption has great gains for all those involved, it is a difficult decision for the birth mother and is one accompanied by loss for her. For those birth mothers without a support system in place, our mentors can fill in the gaps and remind them of the selfless decision they are making through adoption. Please pray for the birth mother who, like Hagar, may feel hopeless and alone but may one day be able to say: “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)
For more information on becoming a birth mother mentor, contact Traci at traci.newell@lifelineadoption.org.
Traci Newell
Education Coordinator
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