Trash Bags

"America spends more annually on trash bags than nearly half of the world does on all goods.

One billion people in the world do not have access to clean water, while the average American uses 4-600 liters of water a day.

More than half of the world lives on less than 2 American dollars a day.

40% of people in the world lack basic sanitation...

Church is not ultimately about attending large gatherings.
Church is people.
People who live a certain way in the world.
People who have authority in the world, but authority that comes from breaking themselves open and pouring themelves out so that the world will be healed...

In a world in which there are 27 million slaves, 4,500 people in Africa will die of AIDS today, and 840 million people will go to bed hungry tonight because they cannot afford a meal, Jesus wants to save our church from the exile of irrelevance. If we have resources, any power, any voice, any influence, any energy, we must convert them into blessing for those who have no power, no voice, no influence."
-Jesus Wants to Save Christians, A Manifesto for the Church in Exile,
-Rob Bell and Don Golden

From two different sources today, I've heard the phrase, "be a part of the solution not the problem." I pray that Mosaic is a part of that solution here in Baltimore. 3 weeks ago we gave away our entire benevolence fund to the congregation during Sunday morning service to share with our neighbors. Tomorrow morning we're kicking off a 2 week long serving frenzy. These acts are not solutions unto themselves, but we hope will be tools to help us build a community of believers who will convert our power, influence and voice into blessings for those without.

Feel the Love

This week has been full of friends. Ranging from 8 weeks old to over 90 years. Ones I've known from high school, college, this year in Baltimore, or have only met this week.

Last night a group from Mosaic delivered over 100 handmade Valentine cards and some flowers to the residents of a local nursing home. After sharing God's love with these very appreciative new friends at St. Elizabeth's, our Mosaic group went to dinner and became better acquainted ourselves.

Earlier in the week I took a trip to West Virginia to bond with my beloved snowboard for possibly the last time in many years. Our assorted crew consisted of a couple from Mosaic, friends and family of theirs, and a co-worker of mine. After four solid days on the slopes, many tasty meals, a few minor and major ailments, and some hysterical laughter over Brian Regan, Jim Gaffigan and Anchorman we were bonded.

Probably my favorite reunion of the week was a 36 hour trip to Greenville, SC via Raleigh Durham. I got to catch up with two of my best guy friends from the past 10+ years. Through jogging, car games, exploring, not-dancing, and eating many scrumptious treats I reminisced with Brian. And then, for a short but sweet moment, I had the pleasure of meeting Rusty's new wife.

All of these relationships, both lasting and fleeting, make me more appreciative of my very best friend, who will outlast them all and never be out of earshot; "Greater love has no one than this, that He lay down His life for His friends." -John 15:13

Living Hope

This is a story from some missionaries I know in Ethiopia. I love the way it sums up our call to serve the less fortunate in the words of a little girl.

Twas the night before Christmas in Gesses this year,
the stars were all out and the sky was real clear.
We couldn’t have a shower our water was low,
just a quick sponge bath of places that show.
Nicole put out the diapers and hung them up tight,
we rarely get cows visiting at night.
The children were sweating, curled up in their beds,
visions of ice cubes danced in their heads.
The lights went out at quarter to nine,
our batteries were finished like most of the time.
We just settled in for a long hot night,
when the rats on our ceiling began to fight.
I just stared up above then heard more clatter,
it came from outside but what did it matter?
Too many hyenas, scorpions and snakes,
"I’m staying inside for goodness sakes!"
First it was drums and then came the flutes,
wild and loud came the bangs and toots.
The singing grew and feet pounded the earth,
as our neighbors were filled with joy and mirth.
We lay there together as the noise droned on,
it was only nine but soon it was one.
The silence came in the dead of the night,
It wasn’t overwhelming but felt just right.
Then over the mountain came the glorious sun,
morning was upon us, the night was done.
We sat with our coffee this Christmas morn,
watching the sun come like a Savior born.
Our kids soon awoke and we all sat on the floor,
then we realized there was a long line at our door.
Sick people, sick goats, wounds and more,
Who wants on Christmas morning such a big chore?
No time for presents, carols or coco,
days like this can drive us loco.
No time for us what can we do,
then Emily said something innocent yet true. Remember when sick people came to Jesus,
He said He’d heal them and never leave us.
So here in the heat of our Christmas morn,
our daughter reminded us why He was born.
To be inconvenienced and pulled from all places,
to look with love on those needy faces.
It may not be perfect or what we desire,
but Christmas in Gesses has lit a strong fire.
To give to those who can’t even ask,
is more for us than an overwhelming task.
It is the way He has called us each to live,
and for this end His Son He did give.
So together we stand to fight the good fight,
Merry Christmas to all and to all a flute filled night.

For more about their ministry here's the Schwenks' website: http://www.cvmusa.org/livinghope