Miracles never Cease

I was sharing a story with my family and they said, "Dad, you need to blog about it!" Here it is:

While I was doing chaplaincy at the Rio games some amazing things happened. This is one story I've been told to share. About the second night of chaplaincy a coach from Niger showed up asking to see the chaplains. A chaplain from Brazil and myself began to talk with him. He told us how one of his track athletes had lost a wheelchair in route to the Paralympics and was wondering if we could help find a chair that would allow his athlete to compete. I went to the American contingent while the Brazilian went to the host countries contingent. The next day I took off so nothing happened.

The following day the coach came back and I told him to followup with the American contingent. He said he would but had to go to the stadium to practice track. When he came back he told us that "miraculously the wheelchair was found." He then told us that someone in his contingent had to go to medical (polyclinic) clinic. While there he shared about this athlete and how he would like to see this athlete get orthotics. Someone there heard and looked into it. They told them to come back and get her measured for a pair of legs. So when they went there they had nothing to measure her with (none of the usual measuring instruments) but they jury rigged some tools and measured her for them.

They told them to come back the next day. Well, they came back and put the legs on her. The coach reported that the athlete stood straight up to everyone's amazement. She then took a few steps. The person commented to the coach that she was able to walk much faster then most recipients of artificial legs. When he came bqck to us to share the story he noted how good God is, He went before them and provided legs to a athlete that only had a rickety old wheelchair, and a used athletic chair to compete with. Imagine that a athlete not able to walk before the games, granted a great miracle and was able to leave to go back to her home country (Niger) with a new lease on life and the ability to walk!

Chaplaincy, what is it?

What does a Chaplain do in the Paralympic Village?
I was in a laundry mat the other day to get my clothes washed. The attendant there spoke Portuguese. Needless to say I had trouble understanding her. There was another lady in the laundry mat who saw my difficulty communicating and helped translate for me. After the conversation she asked,

Why do internationals volunteer to work at the Olympics? I shared two reasons with her. I shared for me it was my profession, that I was a Chaplain. She then asked me a question I thought everybody knew, what is a Chaplain? Which is why I write this blog today. We begin each day like everybody else, rubbing the sleep out of our eyes and eating breakfast at the hotel we stay at. At some of the  events we actually stay with families in the area. Then we head to the village (by bus or walking). Here in Rio we walk to village.  Then we enter through the service entrance.As seen in the picture to your right.

We then make our way to the Multifaithcenter. This is a place where all of the Religions of the world are found. The center house Imams (Muslim  prayer room), Buddhist priests ( a mini temple to chant and seek there God), a Counseling area, Christian/Roman Catholic room (we hold Sunday Services and Bible Studies and Mass), Hindu room and Krishna prayer room. The building in Rio is not as prominent as other villages I have been too. In this particular village it is hard for the athletes to find us here, but if they look hard enough they can find us. We are the small building underneath the athletes condos in the picture on the left.


After arriving at the Multifaith center we have prayer time and our first Bible study of the day, if some athletes come. Otherwise we take turns handing out Bibles, tracts and books sharing Christ in most of the languages of the world.

If a athlete is facing a crisis and needs a counsellor we often do that as well. When we are not sitting in the chapel we go out into the village and make contact with the athletes that are done training or competing. Often times we do a prayer walk through this big village. We do a second bible study for those who have been away competing and training. Then after our shifts are completed, in the night time, we return to the hotel. Often times we go out to dinner in the area we are staying. If you are brave you try the food of the culture you are in. If not you try to find the food you like.

Is chaplaincy worth the time and money spent?
Yes! In John 10: 14-16  Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”
We must help the other sheep from all nations! Whether it is to encourage them through Scripture, or let them know about Christ. It is an opportunity unparalleled. The world comes here every 4 years. We as Christians must be there to share the love of God with them ( the athletes of the world). Coincidentally this years slogan is "a new world". Um mundo novo. We must take the Gospel to this world.

What in The World?

As I sit in the chapel. I stand amazed at God’s grace. While here in Rio I feel as if wherever I walk, whether intentional or not, God has guided my steps. Likewise, whoever I speak with seems to have been appointed by God, Himself. As the days go on and the body tires, God gives me the strength to continue on. But as I sit here I think, it is as if we are in a bubble here in the Paralympic village. The world is trying to show us that we can come together through sports. The village is attempting to show how good and clean Brazil is, but outside this bubble lies many problems. In Brazil there is a scandal in politics, the economy is not doing well.There are signs of poverty all around us, yet in the village they portray all is well! The village also tries to show that the world can get together through sports. Though part of that last statement may be true, the fact of the matter is that Brazil (and for that matter the rest of the world) needs God.

The neat thing about coming down to Brazil is you get a glimpse of how God loves Brazil and how He is sharing the word with all of Brazil. It is as if God is moving His servants to the place they best fit, to serve. In the hotel I am staying at there is a group of people who strive to serve God and share His grace through sport. This groups name is Athletes in Action. These people have spent their own resources to come here and share with the athletes and the spectators. I met one of them whose name is Daniel. He comes from the north of Brazil and during the torch relay, he was one of the people chosen to carry the Olympic torch. He actually brought that torch that he carried to the athlete’s village. He used it to begin witnessing to some of the athletes. Very effective tool for evangelism. Little did I know that Daniel actually went to same church as one of the athletes who I've had the privilege to get to know over the years of doing this ministry. There are so many stories I could share how God is moving, but I will take the time to share 1 more story This story has really touched my heart.

There are so many stories I could share how God is moving, but I will take the time to share 1 more story This story has really touched my heart. There is a farmer's wife and mother, who came to Rio because she believed God called her here last December. She told her husband what she felt God

called her to do. Her husband said no you cannot go. Two to three weeks later, they were sitting in church and the pastor was sharing the story of Jesus at the wedding of Cana. After hearing that message he turned to her and said, you must go! So she asked her church for some support and they gave very little. Needless to say, she bought a round trip ticket to Rio. When she got here she had no money for food or hotel room. But she insisted God wanted her here! She has been a big help to us and others by simply doing what she feels led to do. I asked her, "how do you pay for the food and hotel expenses?" She simply responds, "God will pay it". Somehow everyday she gets the food she needs. I have seen it with my own eyes and am astounded by her simple faith. I am just waiting now to see how God pays the hotel for her. It's amazing to see people with that type of simple faith.

 All of this leaves me with a simple thought and a simple question. The thought is this: The world can show us an illusion of "everything in this world can be solved if we get together and strive for peace." "Um Mundo Novo" (A new world) the slogan of these games. It will take much more than that, it will take a lot of help from God through Jesus and his followers. But there is one hope that is and will always remain with us. That hope is Jesus. As a fellow brother in God I am convinced He is at work! He is changing this world one soul at a time. NOT ONLY IN BRAZIL BUT THROUGHOUT THIS WORLD. He is using people like you and me to change those lives. The simple question I face is this, "Why can't I feel God all the time, like I do here. A feeling that my every step and conversation is appointed by God. When I go home why can't I feel these divine appointments? Is it a simple matter of living a simple faith? Maybe you can answer that question. God Bless!

One mans story

Sitting here in Rio I stand amazed at what God can do to a life. I met a Kenyan who is a assistant to a blind distance runner. He came to know Jesus at the London Paralympic Games. Before those games this man was a warrior who had to fight to survive in the area where he lives. He shared that he even had to kill people for the opportunity to drink the water near his village. To even get to this water he had to walk an hour. The water they drink and bathe in is the same water the animals drink as you see in this picture of a child from his village.

Being from the United States it is hard for me to believe their are places in the world that have to fight or travel such distances to get a drink of water. This man told us of how he believes if this village could get a well (in Africa it is known as a bore hole) that he would be able to share Christ who we know is the living water. John chapter 4 speaks of something like this, “A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

The man who accepted Christ four years ago shared his story with his village of 400. At first they were resistant, but he bought the Jesus movie on DVD and played it in his village. Out of that one movie he started a meeting for people who want to learn about Jesus. They meet under a tree with some thatch roof to cover them from the sun. He believes that if his village would get water, then all the villages around them would come for that water. Then he can share to them about the true "living water". Pray for him as he continues this endeavor.

Three Athletes, One God

As a chaplain that served in Toronto at the Para Pan-American games you get to observe and befriend some of the athletes from the different countries competing. As I reflect on my time in Toronto, I was able to see God's work in the lives of the athletes I have met and served. I want to share with you how God has worked in the lives of three of the athletes I have met. Their names have been changed and I won't share what countries they are from, but will show how God has moved in each one of their lives. In the competition they may have had different results for the athletes (Medaling or not). Through the results we can see God's work in each of those results to better His athletes (children).          

The first athlete comes from a background of one raising a family. He is an older athlete, yet still able to compete in his event. Watching him from afar, I saw one who sets himself apart from the team by the way he lives, but still seems to be an influencer on his team. He has been to past competitions but has not had the success that he currently possesses. He won the gold in his event, yet during the matches he played, he would openly lift his hands and give God all the glory for his victory. Whether playing good or not, he always praised God for the ability to participate.Towards the end of the games he took time with our second athlete, from a different country and event, to share and encourage them to continue on in their event. He never took winning for granted and gave God credit for his talent and his place in the games. He appeared to have learned from his past in the sport and allowed God to change him into the athlete he is today.

The second athlete was a first time participant in the event they participated in for their country. This participant had a three day wait to compete.  One rule from this athlete's country was that the competitors were not allowed out of the Athletes Village until after they competed in their event. On those days this person came to the Multifaith Center everyday to share what they were going through. This athlete shared that she had a fear of failure. That the failure would result in a diminished witness of God to her team members. Due to that fear, she did not do well in her competition. The fear of failure actually came to pass and she was left dealing with a less than stellar performance. I was able to speak to the athlete after her event, and got to witness the first athlete share his story to her about his career and the failures he had overcome. It was amazing to me to see how even though these athletes were from different countries, they helped each other out. The lesson God wanted to share with this athlete was learned. We are truly not to fear for our position on a team or in an event. We are to leave that fear with God and attempt to do the best we can. Remember always, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." We also know that "perfect love casts away all fear." It is ok to fear, we must give the fear to God and Jesus will help us overcome it.

The third athlete was a young individual who wanted to medal after missing the podium in her last Olympics. This athlete ultimately decided not to participate in her event. Instead she wanted to use her near miss of a medal at the highest level of her sport, to help others in sports recognize God's work in their own lives. This retired Olympian told me of a struggle she had when coming home from an Olympic Games that she got fourth place in. She said for the longest time she felt like she let down God. In fact, she tried to use the fourth place as motivation to make it to the next Olympic Games. She finally came to the realization that it wasn't what she did for God as an athlete on the field of competition that mattered. She felt that she needed success to further His Word by opening doors for her to witness for Him. She discovered that God could use her regardless of her athletic prowess.

As a chaplain at these International Para events, you see a lot of things transpire while you are there. You meet a lot of new people and athletes. You hear a lot of great stories about how God has moved in the athletes lives just to get to the competition. The best thing you get to see is that no matter the place an athlete gets during that event, you can still see God's work through the event in the athletes lives. You get to see the beginning of the changes made through their own circumstances.  Just like God works through every event in our lives. He uses all the events to mold us and make us into His image.

In the book "God's little Devotional Book" the author sums up well what I saw in Toronto.

"In every situation, God knows far more about the people and circumstances involved than we can ever know. He alone sees the beginning from the ending. He alone knows how to create a Master Plan that provides for the good of all those who serve Him."

Second Post - Toronto Para Pan American Games

Wow, I can't believe it, it feels like time has flown very quickly. We are half way through with the Para Pan Americans already. I'll be returning home on Monday (5 days). But the days I have been here have been truly blessed. I feel like I have joined a international family. Meeting with athletes from South America, Caribbean and Mexico. They have accepted us into their lives like we were brothers and sisters. There have been two special athletes I have followed. Both have been encouraged as well as encourages and great witnesses of Christ to their teams.

In the Multi Faith Center, we do Bible Studies twice a day. 9 am and 19:00 pm. If the athletes are competing they miss the studies. But after the competitions they stop by for a vista and let us know how they are doing. Your prayers have done wonders this first week. But I urge you to continue to pray. It feels like we hit a wall. Knowing that we are fighting against Spiritual powers in dark places This is what Paul writes in Ephesians, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV

 Prayer not only protects us as we minister, but it also helps to open up doors to some of the athletes lives! Why mention this, because we need all the prayers you can muster to effectively minister here in the village. Pray that the Bible Studies would continue to grow and that the Christian athletes would continue to feel free to share about Christ with their respective teams.

On a lighter side of things I want to thank all of you who sent birthday wishes. It is nice to know that we are remembered by acquaintances and friends. Though I was not home physically, I was able to celebrate with my spiritual family here in Toronto. In the midst of a fast paced city, ,God is teaching patience. My prayer is that the lessons I am learning will carry. Over into my life in the slower paces of Nampa. In ending I want to share a picture of two of the athletes I have met in action "on the court". 

                  Maria from Brazil (Silver Medal, individuals, Table Tennis)

                        David from Brazil. (Gold Medal, individual, Table Tennis)

              

Toronto 2015 - Post 1 August 6,2015

 I finally feel settled in for the Para Pan American Games. It was quite the trip getting here. Arriving in Denver my flight was delayed for a half hour, than another and another until after 4 hours of delays at 11 pm they finally decided to cancel (delay) the flight 12 hours and put us up in a hotel. After 5 hours of rest they called and told us it would be another 6 hour delay, which allowed us to leave 24 hours after we were scheduled to leave. Trying to book another room in Toronto and working with my supervisor of Chaplains was a challenge, but worked its way out. Arriving at Midnight I found out there was a Festival in town similar to Mardi Gras. Waking up the next morning I headed to get my accreditation. Wouldn't you know it, they had the wrong birthday on it and told me it would take a few days til they could let me he into the village. Luckily, my supervisor was with me and he encouraged them to expedite the process and they were able to approve me (Praise the Lord) rather quickly. This allowed me to start the very next day.

Though the games don't officially start until Friday (one day away) there have been many athletes arriving in the village. Chaplaincy at this level of sport is very much a Relational Ministry. Being the way Chaplains work, I was glad to have the opportunity to greet some new people from the nations involved and renew old relationships.

   Chaplain Laura Kyte, Maria (Table Tennis), David (Table Tennis) both from Brazil, Myself

These are a few old friends from Guadaljara games in 2011. 

We began Bible Studies and I had the privelage to meet two participants (one from Columbia and the other an assistant to a Canadian Athlete). We briefly discussed "Going for the Gold" out of 1 Cor. 9:23-25 and Hebrews 12:1-3.

              Berta (Colombian Weight lifter) Charlene (assistant to Canadian Boiche athlete)

Please continue to pray for all the Chaplains at the Para PanAm games. That God would continue to move in the athletes lives. God Bless you, P. Craig 

Final Sunday Kaohsiung Taiwan

For a internet service message during this ministry trip I was recorded and placed online once. That was Taipei week 2 at Chosen Ones ICA. Here is a link if interested in that message http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/40838075. My time in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was very memorable. The church I preached at was bilingual and did its services in both English and Chinese. They also did there worship in the same manner wit English Worship songs and Chinese Worship songs.Hearing the Chinese Worship songs was as uplifting as singing the English Worship Songs. Here is a brief portion of one of the Chinese Worship songs to hear for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkFeFyt5ge8. I was able to share about how the ministry got started and how God has expanded the vision of this ministry.It was interesting to see how God put all three preaching opportunities together. Especially, the worship before the sermons. This was because the worship all reflected what the sermon was about, God knew what the messages would be and influenced the worship leaders to take it in the direction He (God) desired. During the trip I also met up with two special needs ministers who are looking for contacts in the U.S. to help them with materials and other ministry curriculum and ideas. It was good to see how God could bring together like hearted ministers in a foreign land. Here were a few interesting sites around Taiwan.

 

     Here is a hill covered with their many gods.

One of the first public wells in Taiwan. Note the wealthy have half the well behind the wall.

    Dragon and Tiger Pagoda in Kaoishuing. Erected over a pond (Lotus Pond).

     Sunset over the Taiwan Straits, looking toward China.

    Though there are many sights to see in Taiwan, when I think of the Trip I remember the people who            

    are so friendly and sharing. Who truly go out of their way to help you. Who try to appease many 

    deities and somehow miss the one true God. Disabled or not, a people who when they come to

    know God, truly serve with fervency and selflessness. Pray for Joy Fellowship Siloam, a church of 

    Disabled individuals, that God would continue to use them minister to the disabled. Also pray for 

    Uwe Mauer and his ministry Taiwan Sunshine, a school for special needs children in Taeipei and a

    Ministry wanting to expand the gospel message to children and families of special needs children.

    Lastly, pray for he Williamson's, they are trying to teach Taiwanese churches how to incorporate

    A special needs ministry into the churches of Taiwan. 

Taipei 2

I was able to once again share with a group of people I have come to love. This is the Phillipine people (mostly domestic help and computer factory help)in Taiwan. Chosen Ones target group for evangelism in Taiwan. Since the last time I shared with them they have grown by planting churches throughout Taipei. It is so good to see God moving through this movement, as they continue to serve God. Here are some pictures of Chosen Ones in Taipei, one of the mother churches of Tamsui.

Here is the sermon that was preached at Chosen Ones Taipei, I hope you enjoy it. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/40838075. There will be a commercial before the sharing.

Taipei Ministry

I had the privelage to share with a new plant in Tamsui. It was a young Philipino congregation who mostly work in the factories in the district. They also work in domestics (housekeeping and nannies).

After service some took us to the harbor in Taepei. Here were just a few photos from that trip. Please pray for this plant it is a little less than one year old and ministers to a working class Philipino person.

Tamsui church members sharing a bus to the harbor.

Shawna and a few of the members taking a brek from boat ride and strolling through the area.

The group takes a group picture at what is called the Lover's bridge.

Keep praying two more Sunday's to go!      Pastor Craig

Joy Fellowship Summer Camp

There are two events each year that I look forward to each year. The Joy Fellowship Summer Camp and Joy Fellowship Fall retreat. Both are important for two reasons 1)You get to see firsthand the joy of many disabled individuals away from their homes and meet with them on a individual basis. Camp also gives their own caregivers a breath of fresh air for a weekend. 2) You get to see these individuals meet with God and worship with abandon. Often times you learn more from them, than when you share in Chapel or small groups lessons prepared. I have tried to make it a point to bring others to these events to truly share in this unique ministry. It often changes their perspective on doing any ministry for God! I have made a video about Joy Fellowship camp. After you view I pray you'll consider going just once! If intrested let me know. God Bless You All! Here is the Link to the Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5veqZi7HJgk

Joy Fellowship summer camp

Anticipation builds as we arrive to embark to Camp Sunrise.

Anticipation heightens as we take the ferry for the Sunshine Coast! Most campers enjoy this ride.

A group of campers checking out the scenery, they went down to the beach at Camp Sunrise!

One of the skits during Saturday Night Chapel.

Life long friendships are always made at Camp.

Waiting to head home from another Summer Camp at the ferry terminal.

As with all camps, good times were had.... Challenges from a great God were accepted .... A time to share with a great group of people. COMING SOON a video on what takes place at camp.. Look for it soon!

Video by Craig

Take a look at this video produced by Shepherd's staff. Thanks to Chad Kmeick for help with editing.

 https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByaymEKujyvWcERidjVNZ01aeEU/edit?usp=drive_web 

The Invisible Ones

There is a group of people that sometimes get left out of the church. Some people call this group the "invisible ones", we know this group as the people with special needs. There are many stories from Special Needs families similar to the one shared by a Pastor in North Carolina: “I remember meeting a single mom and her two sons after a church service one weekend. The eldest did not have a disability but the younger son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Psychomotor Retardation at the age of three. As I grew to know this mom, she shared that they had been asked to leave many churches because of her youngest son. The churches didn’t know how to care for him and instead of learning how to serve these families, they excluded them.” Statistics show that incidences of Special Needs children are on the rise. A study from the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities show that incidences of special needs children have risen. Data from the study showed that developmental disabilities (DDs) are common: about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. had a DD in 2006–2008. These data also showed that prevalence of parent-reported DDs has increased 17.1% from 1997 to 2008. This study underscores the increasing need for health, education and social services, and more specialized health services for people with DDs. Here are a few statistics regarding Developmental Disabilities (DD) from 1997 - 2008. Prevalence of any DD in 1997-2008 was 13.8% Prevalence of learning disabilities was 7.66%; Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was 6.69%; Prevalence of other developmental delay was 3.65%; and, Prevalence of autism was 0.47%. Over the last 12 years the prevalence of DDs has increased : 17.1%—that’s about 1.8 million more children with DDs in 2006–2008 compared to a decade earlier; Autism increased 289.5%; ADHD increased 33.0%; Hearing loss decreased 30.9%. Males had twice the prevalence of any DD than females and more specifically had higher prevalence of ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, stuttering/stammering and other DDs; Statistics today show that about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. had a developmental disability in 2006-2008, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism. Other studies show this rate to be as much as 1 in 5 people having any type of disability. With the statistics going up like this the church needs to find away to become more inclusive. We cannot let the families of the special needs children fall away from church because we lack the help in a children's church situation. There is a simple way to meet the needs in a children's church situation and that is through the buddy system! A lot of these parents judge our churches by the question "Can they meet my child's need?" In a special needs situation it is "Are they going to pull me out of service for my child?". As a former pastor implementing the buddy system may appear to be difficult. But with a little forethought it is not as difficult as it appears. First, let's take a look at what a buddy system is. The buddy system uses one person to assist the special-needs child. You use this person as an assistant to the special-needs child in times of children's church or Sunday school. They can be used to help explain principles taught in those classes. Or they may be able to assist the child, when the child begins to get agitated or out of control. They are to be considered part of the children's staff. But are not assigned specific assignments, like music, storytime, or games. They are assigned to one specific special needs child. These helpers actually are an extension of the child. They help the child process the information that is coming in, they also help the child with any situation they face. They in effect become like a wheelchair or assistive device which allow the child to be themselves, but not a distraction to the service or class they are participating in. When assigning a buddy to a child it must be a one to one ratio. The buddy may be a teenager aged 16 or older or any adult willing to assist the special-needs child. The full purpose of this article is to show there is a need for special needs children out there. A lot of special needs children desire to be in church, and we need to give them opportunity with a buddy system. They need the opportunity to hear the gospel at their level and come to Christ. There is also a need for special needs families to be able to participate in the church that you pastor. They have spiritual needs just like anyone else in your church. The article also emphasizes that setting up a buddy system does not have to be difficult. It can be accomplished with relative ease. It takes two people in your church to run. Can be used as a tool to reach the special needs children for Christ. For further information on setting up the buddy system please contact: Shepherd's Staff ministries at pcsheppard63@gmail.com.

Fall Camp - Squamish

We recently helped in a Joy Fellowship fall camp with close to 30 campers.As always we are treated like family and go away tired but satisfied that spiritual growth is taking place. During this camp we were able to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving (a treat since we in America celebrate it in November so I get to celebrate 2). This camp focused on the book of Acts and emphasized the point we are all witnesses. Our group had the longest story in Acts chapter 10. The story when Cornelius sends for Peter. Peter goes to Cornelius after having a vision from God that all things are clean to God. We emphasized the point that it is our choice to follow where God leads us to represent Him. It was Cornelius's choice to send someone after and angel told him too. Peter chose to go with Cornelius' men when they came to ask him to see Cornelius. Take a moment to think what would have happened if one of those men didn't chose to follow God's direction. If one doesn't chose, I believe the salvation's recorded in the tenth chapter of Acts don't take place. Maybe God would have sent someone else, the point that they submitted to God's will and followed through with their witness speaks volumes to us. They chose to be the harvester's God desires them to be. A harvester is one who not only looks at the harvest, but goes into the harvest to produce fruit. God equips us all to be a "witness of His truth". It is up to us to chose to be that witness. We don't need to know all the right things to say, but we are to live humbly as Christ did and let God do the rest. It is as simple as ABC! We must Accept the fact Jesus died and rose again for us. We must Believe that His death and Resurrection is a gift from God to restore our relationship with God. We must Confess with our tongue and pray that God would forgive us and accept us into His family. With that we recognize God does what He said He would do and accept us. Camp went well and all were reminded we must be witnesses to our group homes, day programs and neighborhoods to bring people to God with our lives. It was a privilege once again to share with Joy Fellowship- and look forward to continue to assist them in the future!!! We are headed to Minneapolis to meet with other leaders in the special needs community.I will post pictures of camp when I get them from Joy Fellowship. God Bless! Still working on scanning some pictures.

Orlando day 7

As I sit to write this I feel my mind has expanded by learning a lot from the ministries we are visiting. Basically we have seen two models here in the Orlando area. The church we visited taught us about the inclusion model. That is how to assist the special needs student into the church she works for in Longwood, Florida.She has primarily done this with the addition of a "buddy". A person who helps the special needs child with the surroundings and who assists them with their special needs. Most of these children actually attend their age groups class. Though some of the students who have "behaviors" not conducive to their classroom meet in a separate special classroom and study their lesson in that class. All the special needs people were learning something and we got some great material to help others use this method. The organization we met with today believes the churches of a community need to band together and minister to it's special needs congregants. As a result the churches in one community band together and support a ministry called "Special Gathering" to have a chapel service for their special needs congregants. Learning this philosophy is eye opening because of the inter-denominational cooperation it takes to run. I may write more about this philosophy later, but for now let me say this.... We are truly being challenged and love to see both ministries succeeding! As always, God Bless - Will post pictures later!

Orlando Trip (day 2)

Wow, we had a two hour layover in Denver and got to our hotel at 2:30 am. Up the next morning and went to a very interesting festival. It's sponsored by a ministry here in Orlando that is staffed by 4 people. It is called Nathaniel's hope "Make them smile" This 10 year festival now draws over 12,000 people around a lake near downtown Orlando. Every disabled child was treated like a "VIP". It was not only informational where hundreds of businesses, social services and churches showed how they can help children with disabilities. It had activities that the disabled children could do! We talked to Lady who helped with organizing it and they had over 400 leaders and volunteers at the park at 5:00 am to prepare for this event. It looked like it accomplished what it set out to! This morning we learned a lot as we observed two different children services (1-5th grade) (4 and 5 year olds). They have also installed a "Buddy Program". This program allows less special needs children to attend their services and regular Sunday Classes. They also have a separate classroom for more difficult special needs children. I wish I could share what we learned (Sue and I). We are pleased to have had the opportunity to see how others accomplish the task of Special Needs people. Until Tuesday - God Bless!Pastor Craig

Nathaniel's Hope 10 year cake.

Story shared at St. Regis Community Church

The Bear Story

by Mike Raether on Feb.21, 2012, under Faith

The following story was written by my friend, Craig Sheppard. It is a good story to share with children, but adults will enjoy it too.

There was once a family of bears who lived in a cave high on the side of a mountain. There was a momma bear, a papa bear and a baby bear. The mama and papa bear had one rule they taught the baby bear. The rule was never cross the big creek outside the cave, for beyond the creek lay a deep, dark forest. They reminded baby bear of the rule often. But baby bear really wanted to cross the big creek.

One day baby bear couldn’t stand it any longer. He waited until momma bear and papa bear were very busy. Then he went outside and quickly crossed the creek!

At first, baby bear thought it was exciting to be on the other side of the creek. He ran along the bank, always staying within eye distance of the cave. Then he became bolder and followed a trail he found heading into the forest. Soon it became very dark all around him. When he saw it becoming darker he became frightened. He tried to follow the trail back to the creek, but somehow he’d lost the trail. It was getting late and he finally realized he was lost. This made him more frightened and he began to cry.

As he sat and wondered what to do, he heard a noise in the woods drawing near him. This frightened baby bear even more. He was about to run away from the noise, when suddenly a big moose broke through the trees. It was just the moose that had made all the noise. The moose saw the baby bear and greeted him.

“Hi baby bear, it is nice to meet you. But what are you doing in the deep, dark forest? I thought all the papa and momma bears taught their babies not to walk in the forest.”

Baby bear said, “I’m lost, big moose, and I’m very scared. Can you tell me how to get to the big creek?”

The moose recognized baby bear as belonging to the momma and papa bear that lived in the cave on the side of the mountain. The moose told baby bear to follow him.

After a little walking baby bear heard the creek and recognized where he was. They finally came out of the dark woods and crossed the creek to his cave. Mama and Papa were worried and jumped for joy because the moose brought baby bear home. They thanked the moose greatly, and baby bear gave the moose a big hug!

To us, the world is like the forest. When we are given boundaries like the creek, we have a natural desire to go where we should not go. When we do something we shouldn’t do it feels good at first. But then we often get lost – and frightened. The moose is like Jesus Christ. He knows where we are, and if we ask Him he’ll bring us to safely back to God.

Luke 15:11-24.

Last thoughts of Mexico and ParaPan Am. Games

It's been over a week and time to turn towards home. I fly out early Monday Morning so I thought I would write down A few thoughts. 1) Ministry at this type of event has many forms. Praying for the athletes who compete - For their safety and well being and for their families as well. This I did a lot of especially with Catholic athletes. One on one ministry takes place as well - God had a way of providing translators when they were needed. During our fellowship and devotional times it may have taken time with translations, but God rewarded those who were there with His presence and some very good fellowship. Mexican and Brazilian are extremely passionate about there faith. It's like worshiping with someone who drank hundred cups of coffee and on caffeine pills. Thanks for all the prayers they were answered. 2) People in Mexico are a very excitable people. But they also know how to give out of their own needs. There is a big difference between the poor and rich. It is senn throughout these cities. But what challenged me was the poor gave to those in need. They gave despite of their own poverty. God Bless and hope to see you all soon. In His Service, Pastor Craig. Bueno Steeas!!!

Ministry Pictures

Magna and Hailey (Brazilian Judo) were sharing after Bible Study. They are very passionate believers.
Maria with a silver medal (Singles Tennis and Doubles Tennis), Laura (co-chaplain) on Right share the spotlight with two of Maria's team (Brazil).
Mexico, Colombian and Brazilian after Bible Study. Time to Fellowship and take pictures (Smile)'
It's time to pray!
This man jumped on the bus and started singing. He later took donations. What a job????