The Call "I am My Brother's Keeper"

Christianity or what I have a strong conviction Christianity is has totally changed my life. I am the same imperfect man I was a few years ago but now I truly believe in an all knowing, all powerful, and one that is present everywhere God.  I truly believe He is the creator of all things living or non-living. I believe He created mankind for His pleasure and in His own image. I believe we all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23) but through Christ we can obtain righteousness and by the power of the Holy Spirit we can come to know Him. I trust we have some of the same characteristics as God. We are able to love, to care, to help one another, and perhaps act in anger or disappointment at times, but in the end, love is where we find Grace.

But think for a moment, what if the phone rings? Will you answer? And will you know if is for you? As I seat here prying for God to reveal His will for me and seek continued guidance and revelation of His purpose in my life; I can’t cease to wonder the lives I could affect. Could I be a stumbling block to others and keep them from His work, the work He has laid before them. Is the call for me? Or am I just a messenger.

 I have been involved with kids and youth for a few years now as a soccer coach and as a youth leader at our church. I have seen how in many situations we live our lives through our children. We drive them to accomplish the things we didn’t or feel we should have. We push and push, we mold and tweak, a little here and a little there to make them better, to accomplish more, but who’s more?  We plan ahead for their future, what school, what job, what passions, and sometimes even what their styles would be. Now don’t get me wrong it is good to guide our children, but do we guide or do we lead them. Do we mentor our children and sharpen their strength and passions? Or in them we forge our ways, do we come down to their level or in rare occasions up to their level? Do we look in their eyes and see what’s inside or do we go by what they give us, in their fear of bringing us disappointment. Although our intentions are without malice, but do we sow our passions in them, weather willingly or unwillingly? And if so, is that by God’s will?  Or do we become stumbling blocks for them? Just a thought.

I love my kids and I would give my life for then. So I do know and understand how an all loving righteous God would do the same for me. And even though I have failed my Father tremendously in more ways that I can imagine I now I can find Grace, Love, Peace and assurance in Him and through Christ I have obtain salvation and righteousness with my Father in heaven, and by the Power of the Holy Spirit I strive for sanctification.

And just like every one of my children is a priced position for me, so are we, children of the living God. In every child’s life lays hope, a hope for a better tomorrow for them and for the lives they will touch. Every child is someone’s treasure and for the ones, who are left behind and abandoned, well God has called you and me, so will you answer? In God’s eyes we are not different, and like with our children while in their pain, He too feels the same.

 “I am my Brother’s Keeper”, Ministry came about a Dream and Vision. A Vision of change, to set a new direction, to stake God’s Plan and Glory in the minds of the Guatemalan Youth” is a ministry that focuses on the growth in Christ for the Guatemalan youth. I am also convinced this ministry to be a purpose in my life at the moment.  Why Guatemala? We are commanded to love others as ourselves and to make disciples of all Nations. We have also the honor to be the home church of the Block family, a missionary family serving in Guatemala caring and providing for special needs orphans.  Support from our church body and every follower of Christ is imperative.

I strongly believe in the power and the benefits of good parenting and the value of good role models in our lives and of our children. Our Children will drive the direction for generations to come. It is what we seed and grow in them that will lead them in the right or even wrong paths of life. And in that same spirit, I trust a difference could be made in the future of the Guatemalan youth.

I strongly believe that God always raises people up for His will and purpose, and their life’s experiences good and bad serve their purpose in Him. Although I was brought up in a home with both parents, most of my childhood was very much absent of dad. Mom always tried to fill in the gaps and I always had my siblings to love and be loved by. The school of life has done a number on me. The absence of a strong direction or a go to person has allowed me to do most of my growing up on my own.

 A dear friend of mine, a remarkable young lady left a footprint in many lives in our community and our church. At such a young age she has embodied the image of Christ, a rare sight in today’s times. She was the first person that came to mind as I was trying to make sense of the “I am My Brother’s Keeper” Vision. She shared a tragic story about a boy that was shot at a gas station in an area they have been ministering. She shared that the boy was shot that same Sunday our pastor, preached about “Are you ready?” Being in the wrong place at wrong time. She went on to say that everyone was saying the boy was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. She marveled about the kid’s salvation, did he know Christ? Or was he just one of many lost lives found in the streets of Guatemala?

Although “I am My Brother’s Keeper” ministry continues to be a driving force in just about every decision I make in relation to youth and how I will serve God; I find my self at a cross roads. I know kids and youth will aways be part of my life, regales of location or medium to reach them. I feel strong in God’s plan and purpose for me, but I do know that His timing and mine are always in His control.

Where is Daniel when you need him?

It’s a typical night at the firehouse, every one is asleep or trying to, some are tossing and turning not knowing when the next call will come in. A wall separates both sleeping quarters. On one side I can hear the movement of one of the guys who’s bed parallels mine. Is getting late and a full day awaits me in the morning so my hope is to get some decent sleep. But tonight is way different than any other night. As I begin to fall asleep; I get this horrible sensation of heaviness on my body. I can’t move I am not sure if I am awake or asleep but I can feel the heaviness on my body keeping me paralyze to the bed. Fear enters my mind and a bit of desperation sets in.  I want to go back to sleep and I want to wake up at the same time. I have been tired like this before but his time is way different.

A feeling of a dark hooded image is leaning forward next to my bed. It’s like if I could see it but I can’t make any sense of if. It is a strange sensation of being paralyzed and fear, in one. I can’t see its face or body but I feel as if this thing was stretching its arms across my body and swinging them form my chest to my legs. It repeats this motion a few times.

A different image and presence enters the room from atop and side of the headboard, but this one is peaceful, wearing white.  I can’t see its face either, but it demands the dark thing that still leaning over me   to stop and to leave. A few more words are hear “ One year”. And just as each came they both disappeared. My body is light again, I can feel the heaviness leave me and I can tell I am fully awake. I began to pray and had no more fear. Like many nights before; I fall asleep praying. What was that? The question still remains. I do hope it was just some bad firehouse cooking.

Fast-forward four months, is late June early July. A promotional opportunity presents; a gift from God I thought. Money is tight and things keep breaking at the house. There is a good gap between tailboard (firefighter) pay and Lieutenant pay. The extra cash would help with expenses but most important it will expedite my mission trip to Guatemala. We missed the opportunity last June. We were bombed about but we kept the faith. We knew God would open the door and if it were His will we would go soon. Our church is the home church for an amazing family that is just in love with orphans and special needs kids. They have been serving in Guatemala for right about a year.  A few nights before the big interview; I was back at the firehouse about to go to sleep, prying; asking God to let His will be done. The promotion would be good but if it was not His will I would be just as happy. I asked Him to reveal His will to me, what ever it was. All I thirst for is to serve Him in any thing He would will for me. Well here comes the interesting part. That same night, it was past midnight, and in a dream I see something that I still keep praying for and keep questioning. I am in an open land hill like terrain and in a powering motion here comes a large white pole, stake like, type object. Like symbolizing a marker, a beginning point, a from this point forward, a this is where we start, I don’t know but I felt like it meant change, a new direction, marking the turf. Immediately after a voice type feeling, sound, image simply states “YOUTH” and that is exactly how I saw it all cap. I woke up; and I am like, what was that?  I try to go back to sleep and pray and have continue to pray with out ceasing. I continue to ask God for assurance, help, wisdom, and guidance and every time I do, well some thing happens.

An old partner from a previous job, whom I have not seen or heard from him in over 10 years, finds me on a picture that was tagged with several other people. I had posted this picture a few weeks before for no particular reason. He was a good Christian man, a great dad and excellent husband last time I saw him. He was always kind and mentored me as I began my fire and ems career.  Later we both took different jobs and failed to keep in touch. Well he gave up being a flight medic a couple of years ago and is now in full time ministry. He is a pastor for a church that is few hours away from my home. He also does missionary work in Egypt and in Mexico. He contacted me and we are to meet in a few days. We are to meet half way from where I live and his home. I don’t know what roll if any’ he will play, but I can’t wait to find out. The other day, I am not even finish prying asking God for continue guidance, strength, wisdom and  someone that could help me understand scripture better and get deeper in the Word so I would be better fit to spread the Gospel, well some one showed up. I do understand that there is no better way than to be lead by the Holy spirit when it comes to getting to know God and getting closer to God, but I do trust that He provides us with His people and expects us to count on one another and help each other grow

I am still not clear on the two dreams or whatever you want to call them but I have gained a great conviction and passion on a project that could impact many lives if it were to be fulfill. “I am my Brother’s Keeper” a youth ministry for young men and women in Guatemala has been a constant thought in my mind and heart for a few weeks now. To the point it has occupied just about every thought in every second of the day. I love God and I praise Him with every part of my soul. Christ gave it all for me so I could be righteous in God’s eyes, wash me of my sins, and rescued me from my self. I whole heartedly trust and believe He planned and laid out a Call before me, and  for His purpose. There are just so many things that have being happening. And if this is only the beginning, wow! I am going to hang on because; I know there is way more to come.  One day when I get Home; I pray I carried out His will and not mine. Amen!

Welcome to the Jungle

So welcome to the jungle, a contrast purpose! this song has been so popular for a long time. It gives a very descriptive massage of the world we live in well the world that exist. what I can tell you is that that world is very real and it continues to grow at an alarming rate. Our young christian brothers and sisters are bombarded daily with all kinds of challenges to keep them strong in their faith. The contrast message and the one most peopel chose to over look is the one of "the jungle will bring you to your knees". Here is the question though, why must we be broken to be on our knees? why do we fade away, why do we lose so many young Christians fresh out of High school? why is the fate so water down, unfounded, so not solid? here is my though, " take two and call me in the morning" that is what we teach our young minds. We teach them how to cure a symptom, how to fix their problem, we offer them quick fixes and fail them in teaching them God. Teaching them His power, His Grace, His love, but most important we fail them to teach them He is God the Lord of all creation, the giver and taker of Life! There is not fear of God any more, we have dished out so much God is Love and graceful but not so much of How we still have to follow His commandments. People bank on their salvation but chose to reject the cost and the price that has been paid. We need to be on our knees daily praising God for His love and Grace and For demonstrating us how much He loves us through the horrible painful death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I think the cross is way too under played, the cross gives me hope, it gives me salvation and a new life. The cross should overshadow our every second  of the day. To live for Him is to have life, to live for me is to die for nothing. Just a though.

Time

Over the last few month my time has been divided in more ways that I can count. Lots has changed, home improvements and lots of repairs has created a distance in my personal time with God. In the past, as a youth leader a lot of my time was spent preparing for the lesson, man do I miss that. I feel strong on God's plan for me and even though I don't spend as much time with Him as I would love to; I still remain quiet hearing for His whisper. I got so much stuff I can blog about and talk about, but time and circumstance are not in my favor. So much I have learned over the last few weeks and month I suppose, but there is still more to come. What I can say is our God is amazing and all powerful, all knowing, His time and mine don't go on the same schedule. But my trust in Him is never ending, big words here. Trust! such a small word with so many implications. Without trust, time is of no meaning. Trust! Without it life is of no meaning void of hope and direction. Trust! without it our life time is of no meaning void of God and His Salvation. Time! is unforgiving

MasChrist (MoreChrist)

I am a Christian. I share my Christian believes and values with my family and friends. I chose not to include my denomination because I don't want this to be about any thing else other then My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My intension is not to make any one angry nor take away anybody's traditions nor change your way of celebrating this Holliday season. My intention in a nut shell is to find out how many people really celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. I know that there is not one specific nor clear date on the exact birth date of Jesus. There is a lot of speculation and information on the web that has Jesus birth date some where in the Fall or even some time in August. Again My purpose is not to get too technical on the actual date of Jesus birth. I am just suggesting to seek what you really celebrate on December 25th, is it The Birth of Jesus Christ or is it that you celebrate the fat guy in the Coke can outfit? 
I have asked my children to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by saying Mas-Christ (More-Christ) and that no longer associate Christmas, which in today's society is associated with Santa Claus most often. Again I don't want to get into the Christmas root word meaning nor the root origin of the word; there is way too much stuff out there and in no way or form I want to get into that either. All I suggest is for you to be honest, and if you are a Christian (Christ like), to share what does December 25th means to you. Please! don't make this space to argue Religion because that is not what I am trying to share here. Please keep focus on what as a Christian, you believe we should celebrate on this day, December 25th that's all.
If you think December 25th should be More about Christ (MasChrist, MoreChrist, please LIKE this and pass it on.) God Bless.
Please share, if you like, your favorite memory during this time of year that involved Christ, Family, or something special, Not the fat guy in the Coke can outfit.
Also if you like please share when did you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Have a very Marry MasChrist Holliday. MasChrist

Asking for Guidance

Over the last few months my life has been changed in so many ways. Over the course of about a year my family and I have experienced a roller-cost of emotions.  Some of the changes were hard to accept in the beginning, but as the time went by we have embraced the challenges and have experienced so many wonderful things. I had no idea that life could be so wonderful. The Joy in our hearts is a blessing on its own we were once missing out on.
Our current house is much smaller than the one we were in a little over a year ago. Although we had some very special memories in the old house, nothing can compare to home we have built in our new old house. I say now old house because we are back in the first house we bough several years ago. It a long story that perhaps I could share in the future.
Asking for guidance has been something I have done as long as I can remember. I can't say, that all that I have sought after have been answered but I know that in every direction life has carried me God has had his hand on.
I have not always enjoyed reading especially during promotional exams at work. The one good thing all that reading has done for me is that it has given me a perspective on a multitude of styles and ways people from all walks of life define leading or guiding. I have always tried to place my self in one of those boxes or styles but with little success. Only one way of leadership or should I say guidance way has finally make me feel like I can be me and do the things I have always felt in my heart I was created for in a way that feels my being with joy and gives me a sense of fulfillment and feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. I am referring the only and Ultimate Mentor Leader I have discovered in Jesus Christ.
I can honestly say that I am at the developing stages of my growth as a Christian, but I can tell you that it is an amazing feeling to know that my life, and the future of my family's life will no longer be without true guidance. I have seen the changes already made in our home. Each day is like flipping the page of the best book ever written and learning something new, a new joy a new adventure. What am I saying? I am turning the pages almost every day or at least hearing or talking about it. Like every great book some of the things I have read have only make me thirst for more something that I pray it never ends.
I am so grateful to my kids and the Christian folks in their life's that shared the Message with them and ultimately shared it with me. Thank you so very much. I can only pray that one day I can bring the same Joy to someone else that has not learn about Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.