In order to travel to Bolivia, you have to get a pre-approved Visa from the Bolivian Consulate. In an effort to save some money on the processing fees charged by our travel agent (about $1150), Neal Stancil and I drove to Washington, DC to hand deliver the Visa applications for our team. What an awesome trip that was. Upon return, Neal wrote a really funny "Have You Ever???" account of our trip. Neal's account follows:
"Ok, bear with me….
Have you ever left North Carolina for Washington DC at 2:00 am in a car?...We have (Donnie & Neal). And we didn’t even stop one time.
Have you ever driven back in the same day?...We have. (but we stopped a few times, because our bladders where now awake)
Have you ever put money in a parking meter only to have it begin flashing “out of order” then you put in another quarter because you thought that should add up to the right amount of time?...I have.
Have you ever been to a bank that didn’t have a public restroom but had 8 inch thick bulletproof glass between you and the tellers (on the inside of the bank)?...You guessed it, we have.
Have you ever eaten one of those things that Donnie loves so much from Bolivia (a saltena), only you ate it at a strip mall restaurant in Alexandria, Va. because the nice lady at the Bolivian Consulate recommended the place?...We have (It was delicious by the way)
Have you ever tried to ask the waitress, who was a Honduran native for the recipe for above mentioned “Bolivian” food in “her” native language and she thought you were asking for your bill?...Donnie has. I came to the rescue with a google translation on the Blackberry only to find out that she didn’t know and the owner wouldn’t be in until 4 hrs. later...Yes - We Have.
All true but now for the rest of the story. As we all know, Donnie is a great engineer, but did you know he is also a great banker?
Have you ever tried to withdraw $3000.00 dollars at an ATM?...Donnie has.
Have you ever filled out 23 deposit slips by hand for someone else’s account (Bolivian Consulate) at their bank (Bank of America)…..at one time?...Donnie has.
Have you ever been questioned by the lead consulate about the financial statements in your application after you just spent almost 2 hrs trying to deposit $3000.00 into his account?...Donnie Has.
Have you ever used the front seat of a '93 Lexus as an office to add 1 paid receipt for each visa application to each individual folder so they wouldn’t have to?...Right again. We have.
Ok, I’m almost through. All of the above mentioned “have you ever’s are true, and there are even some pictures to prove some of it (check out the "Washington Visa Trip" album on the Pictures page of this site).
Seriously, we went and we conquered. The visa applications were hand delivered with great care and relief. We had a great trip and our experiences today are a testament to the biblical writings, “that through God, all things are possible.” Yes it has been a long day, but what a wonderful day it was. I hope this brings a smile to your faces and Donnie, I hope when you read this on Tuesday (because I know you are asleep by now) that you are also smiling as much as I am while I am writing this."
Thanks to Neal for putting this trip on paper for us.
Donnie
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Why Go?
This week is going to be a busy one for me. In addition to my regular, 40-hour-a-week job, I've got lots on my plate- leading our church's first Coffee & Worship night, Bible study, guitar lesson, grocery shopping, taxes, meetings... the list goes on and on, and I don't want to think about the pile ahead of me. But one of the things that is predominant on my mind this week is this upcoming Sunday. This Sunday, I'll be speaking at two different churches, delivering the sermon, in order to raise funds and awareness for our Bolivia trip.
I'm not nervous about speaking in front of the churches. I've been in front of crowds in one capacity or another as far back as I can remember, and feel just as comfortable there as anywhere else. My thoughts are, what am I going to say? I've been praying about this one for a few months now, and I still don't know what I'll say. But the topic that keeps circling my mind is, "Why go?"
There are lots of things in North Carolina that scream for attention. There are people in need here. There are orphans who need love just a few miles from my door. So why am I taking a group to another country to help the needy when the needy are all around me?
The most obvious answer is that God has called me to it. I don't think that foreign missions is any more or less important than anything that the church does. But God has given me a passion for the foreign field, and I must obey my Lord. As Jeremiah said, it is like a fire in my bones, and I cannot ignore or stifle it. But beyond that, why do we go on mission trips? One of the best answers I've heard to that question came from my friend, Kasey. Speaking at church after returning from a mission trip to Georgia, Kasey brought up that same question, and his answer was, "When you help out those you know, it's because you love them. If you go somewhere else and help people you've never met, it's because you love God."
There is also the impact that such a trip has on those who are going. While the work done on the field has an effect on those in the country being visited and meets the needs of the needy, the impact is far greater in the lives of the individuals who stepped out of their comfort zone on faith, witnessed the brotherhood of believers on a new, global scale, saw the greatness of God in ways never before experienced, and return to their homes touched by God. The people who go will never be the same. Though I've been on quite a few trips by now, even having lived in a foreign country as a missionary, I am still challenged and changed and shaped by these trips. Could God have used the apostles had he left them in their boats on the Sea of Gallilee? No doubt. But God chose to call those men out of their comfort zones, out of the areas in their life that they had always known, and used his grace and majesty through those 12 ordinary men to change the world.
That is why we go on these mission trips. Because when God changes you, he then uses you to change the world. And this world needs that kind of change.
I'm not nervous about speaking in front of the churches. I've been in front of crowds in one capacity or another as far back as I can remember, and feel just as comfortable there as anywhere else. My thoughts are, what am I going to say? I've been praying about this one for a few months now, and I still don't know what I'll say. But the topic that keeps circling my mind is, "Why go?"
There are lots of things in North Carolina that scream for attention. There are people in need here. There are orphans who need love just a few miles from my door. So why am I taking a group to another country to help the needy when the needy are all around me?
The most obvious answer is that God has called me to it. I don't think that foreign missions is any more or less important than anything that the church does. But God has given me a passion for the foreign field, and I must obey my Lord. As Jeremiah said, it is like a fire in my bones, and I cannot ignore or stifle it. But beyond that, why do we go on mission trips? One of the best answers I've heard to that question came from my friend, Kasey. Speaking at church after returning from a mission trip to Georgia, Kasey brought up that same question, and his answer was, "When you help out those you know, it's because you love them. If you go somewhere else and help people you've never met, it's because you love God."
There is also the impact that such a trip has on those who are going. While the work done on the field has an effect on those in the country being visited and meets the needs of the needy, the impact is far greater in the lives of the individuals who stepped out of their comfort zone on faith, witnessed the brotherhood of believers on a new, global scale, saw the greatness of God in ways never before experienced, and return to their homes touched by God. The people who go will never be the same. Though I've been on quite a few trips by now, even having lived in a foreign country as a missionary, I am still challenged and changed and shaped by these trips. Could God have used the apostles had he left them in their boats on the Sea of Gallilee? No doubt. But God chose to call those men out of their comfort zones, out of the areas in their life that they had always known, and used his grace and majesty through those 12 ordinary men to change the world.
That is why we go on these mission trips. Because when God changes you, he then uses you to change the world. And this world needs that kind of change.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Reverence
We've been getting ready for our Bolivia trip, trying to organize everything- plane tickets, vaccinations, tasks to complete while in Santa Cruz, etc- that it feels like we've been on a non-stop whirlwind of preparation. And all of this stuff is important to the success of our mission, no doubt. Without the physical preparations, nothing could get done.
Still, there is something of much more importance in our lives and in our mission trip that we cannot fail to overlook. God has granted us the privilege of knowing him, of being close to him and sharing in the life that he has chosen to give us, and it is our honor and glory to openly share that gift with the world- from Bolivia to our local community. Something that has been impressed on me lately is the importance of a reverence for God in our day to day lives and in the specific times that are set apart as God's times. God loves us enough to allow us to approach his throne without fear, but that doesn't mean we should approach his throne haphazardly. It is a grand and glorious thing to kneel at the feet of our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, King and Sovereign. He has called us his children, but even the children of the King must recognize that he is king as they approach his throne.
So how does this apply to our Bolivia mission trip? I cannot speak for you. Whether you are going with us on this trip in person or supporting us through prayer, it is up to the individual to approach the Almighty's throne in the way they feel is most appropriate. As for me, I am choosing this day, and the next, and the next, throughout preparation for Bolivia, throughout my time in Bolivia, and after my time in Bolivia, to show the reverence and respect to my God that he is entitled to. We are not dealing with comforting platitudes that have no basis in reality; we are dealing with real life, a bigger life than we can even begin to imagine.
Still, there is something of much more importance in our lives and in our mission trip that we cannot fail to overlook. God has granted us the privilege of knowing him, of being close to him and sharing in the life that he has chosen to give us, and it is our honor and glory to openly share that gift with the world- from Bolivia to our local community. Something that has been impressed on me lately is the importance of a reverence for God in our day to day lives and in the specific times that are set apart as God's times. God loves us enough to allow us to approach his throne without fear, but that doesn't mean we should approach his throne haphazardly. It is a grand and glorious thing to kneel at the feet of our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, King and Sovereign. He has called us his children, but even the children of the King must recognize that he is king as they approach his throne.
So how does this apply to our Bolivia mission trip? I cannot speak for you. Whether you are going with us on this trip in person or supporting us through prayer, it is up to the individual to approach the Almighty's throne in the way they feel is most appropriate. As for me, I am choosing this day, and the next, and the next, throughout preparation for Bolivia, throughout my time in Bolivia, and after my time in Bolivia, to show the reverence and respect to my God that he is entitled to. We are not dealing with comforting platitudes that have no basis in reality; we are dealing with real life, a bigger life than we can even begin to imagine.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
10 Weeks and Counting!!!
Wow! I just got an email from Heidi (the on the field missionary that will be hosting our team) confirming hotel accomodations as well as a few other details about the trip. Man, I get more and more excited with every email, team meeting, fundraiser or conversation about the upcoming mission trip. However, Heidi closed her email by saying "10 weeks to go!" In a split second, my excitement shifted (for just a moment) to panic! For that brief moment, all the details flashed before me along with questions like: "Are we prepared? Have I done a good job as a leader? Is everything in place in Bolivia? Will all the money come in?..." That's fear and fear is a part of life. Jesus warned us that "in this world you will have trouble." Even so, I don't think fear is something to be afraid of. I think if we fear fear, fear will take control. It takes control when we focus on what we can do to protect ourselves. That's the problem with fear - out of fear, we think we have to take control. But, what if we look fear in the face and clearly admit that "I am not in control and I can't save myself"? What if we throw up our hands, bow our heads and say: "Lord, I'm scared but I know that you are mighty. I am weak but I know You are strong. You are my rock and my redeemer. "I am not but I know I AM" (Giglio). I trust in You and You alone Jesus. Please take control." That's exactly what I did - I faced fear head on (not with my strength or under my control, but totally relying on Jesus). I know that God is in control. I also know that Jesus did not leave us hanging with the statement "in this world you will have trouble." He finished it strongly by declaring "take heart, I have conquered the world." He conquered death for you and me! When we rest in the hands of our risen Savior - Jesus Christ, what is there to fear? Now with His peace and by His grace, my excitement is even greater than before. 10 weeks to go! Bolivia here we come! Hu-ah!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Fundraising?
As the members of this mission team (23 individuals) step out of our normal routines - out of our comfort zones - we are opening our hearts for God to prepare us. One step in this preparation process is humbling ourselves to ask for financial support. Support raising always seems to start out as one of those dreaded "gotta do its." Its easy to feel that way...right up to the time that God blesses you with that contribution that you didn't expect. He really has a way of doing that. It just blows you away. Right then you realize that its not all about the money or the trip and its especially not about me - its about God's mission in this world. I'm not talking about the mission trip to Bolivia, I'm talking about God's mission to draw all people of this world to Himself. So, instead of seeing fundraising as a pain, maybe we need to see it like it is - a way of uniting the body of Christ in His mission. For example, this week over 200 people ate lunch and/or dinner at La Cocina to support the mission trip to Bolivia. Instantly, our team grew from 23 to more 223! Now that's uniting the body of Christ! From this point forward instead of thinking "fundraising," I'm going to be thinking "body of Christ raising." Praise God for all who join Him in mission to share, reveal and reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ as He draws all people to Himself.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Calling All Prayer Warriors!
Since you are reading this, I assume that you have heard about the 2010 mission trip to Bolivia. We stand in awe at how God has called and assembled a team of twenty-three people to share the love of Jesus Christ in Santa Cruz, Bolivia! This mission team consists of five families and four individuals. Wow! I hope you are wondering how you can be a part of God’s mission to Bolivia this summer because we have the perfect opportunity for you. Praise be to God, the team departing for Bolivia is full; however, God has put it on our hearts to insure that each team member has many within the body of Christ who will commit to be a prayer warrior on a personal basis.
Prayer warriors on the home front are such a vital part of God’s mission to Bolivia!! Will you be a part of
this team, God’s team, by giving the most important gift that you can give…prayer!! “As we join together in prayer, we draw on God’s enabling might in a way that multiplies our own efforts many times over.” (Shirley Dobson) We know that the prayers of the body of Christ are with us!
Here are a few actions that we are suggesting for our prayer warriors:
1. Pray for the team members daily during their preparation time (which has already begun).
2. Pray for the team members while they are on the field (June 2-11).
3. Pray for the team members once they return home (especially the first 2 to 3 weeks).
4. Post comments on this blog site for the team members including encouraging scripture.
5. Also, be open to any other way that God may lead to encourage the team members.
Each of our team members have felt God tugging at their hearts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by serving in Bolivia this summer. As they prepare physically and spiritually for this journey of faith, we know how important it is to keep them covered in prayer. I hope that you feel led to be a personal prayer warrior for this team. Thanks for considering partnering with us on this journey.
Remember, “The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.” James 5:16 (Holman CSB)
Praising our Powerful God!!
Donnie, Holland and Jarrod
Prayer warriors on the home front are such a vital part of God’s mission to Bolivia!! Will you be a part of
this team, God’s team, by giving the most important gift that you can give…prayer!! “As we join together in prayer, we draw on God’s enabling might in a way that multiplies our own efforts many times over.” (Shirley Dobson) We know that the prayers of the body of Christ are with us!
Here are a few actions that we are suggesting for our prayer warriors:
1. Pray for the team members daily during their preparation time (which has already begun).
2. Pray for the team members while they are on the field (June 2-11).
3. Pray for the team members once they return home (especially the first 2 to 3 weeks).
4. Post comments on this blog site for the team members including encouraging scripture.
5. Also, be open to any other way that God may lead to encourage the team members.
Each of our team members have felt God tugging at their hearts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by serving in Bolivia this summer. As they prepare physically and spiritually for this journey of faith, we know how important it is to keep them covered in prayer. I hope that you feel led to be a personal prayer warrior for this team. Thanks for considering partnering with us on this journey.
Remember, “The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.” James 5:16 (Holman CSB)
Praising our Powerful God!!
Donnie, Holland and Jarrod
GOSPEL SING FOR BOLIVIA
SATURDAY, MARCH 27
EBENEZER UMC
6020 ROCK QUARRY RD, RALEIGH, NC
DOORS OPEN @ 6:30 PM
YOU’RE INVITED TO ENJOY AN EVENING OF
CHRISTIAN MUSIC, FUN & FELLOWSHIP
FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS:
CALVARY’S MARK
JARROD & JESSICA
COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE AND DESSERT WILL BE SERVED
**ADMISSION IS FREE; HOWEVER, AT THE CLOSE OF THE EVENING YOU WILL GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT OUR JUNE 2ND-11TH MISSION TRIP TO SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA WITH YOUR PRAYERS, WITH A DONATION OR BOTH.**
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