This past week we had a unique opportunity to bring Janie Wead, one of our co-workers, to Amsterdam to teach the students about church planting. She has worked in our office for the past year under Michael McNamee and has planted over 60 spanish speaking churches throughout the US, Mexico and Spain. We love her and it was great to give the students a chance to hear her heart and passion for people to know the love of God.
She shared a lot of her personal experience and told a lot of great stories. The cool thing for me was thinking about where these students could be in 5 years. Right now they are on a journey of seeking God, knowing him in a deeper way and finding the dreams he has placed inside of them and called them to. In 5 years they could be planting a new church that will be the hope of their city. Europe desperately needs more passionate young people who will do as Janie talked about, become intentional in reaching out. We need to be more aware of the opportunities we face each day to show who God is to the environment around us. So it was amazing to see the excitement that came from these intensive classes on church planting. One of the students said to me that she had never considered planting a church before, but that this got her excited. It's amazing to see as we plant these seeds in the students how God will nurture those to raise up new leaders for this continent.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Fall and Friends.
Fall in Brussels means the weather is going to be rainy! A few weeks ago the colors of fall were really starting to get beautiful but it didn´t take long for typical Belgian weather to start taking leaves off the trees. On Sunday we decided that if the weather presented sun we were going to make it to a park and enjoy autumn at it´s finest... all while throwing an American football :) Our friends Julia and Mike joined us as Hannah and I took Abe to the Abbaye de la Cambre.
I think what was most enjoyable about being at the park was just sharing a moment with friends. It´s not often Hannah and I get to stop and enjoy the moments around us like we were able too on Sunday. This Abbey is just in the middle of the city but located in a valley so the outside sounds are easily drowned out. There were many people out walking around the Abbey and many would stop to look at Mike and I. I guess the American football and the loud energetic noises from two guys running in a quiet Abbey might of drawn the response :) There was even a time someone was walking their dog and they let their dog go to come play with us. There´s something about Europe that we just love. Having Abe there was great! Belgium is home to every man and women owning dogs so seeing a cat at the park was a unique sight! Many dogs enjoyed a stare with Abe but unfortunately, Abe never really cared about them. Abe was always consumed with the new smells and fresh grass to eat!
For the past month Hannah and I have had a guest staying with us. In the pictures you will see Julia Duthie. Julia lives in Aberdeen, Scotland. If you were to ask Julia about her home town, home church and family you will find out very shortly she lives in the best city in the world, has the best church in the world and the greatest family. Julia´s family has been long time friends of Michael McNamee, our boss, and we have had the opprtunity to work with their church as they are starting a Master´s Commission program in Aberdeen in the coming year. Hannah and I have been having such a great time having her stay with us. It´s doesn´t take long before you just adopt her into your family, even though she isn´t the biggest fan of our Abe. By the way... Abe who has a serious crush on Julia :)
I think what was most enjoyable about being at the park was just sharing a moment with friends. It´s not often Hannah and I get to stop and enjoy the moments around us like we were able too on Sunday. This Abbey is just in the middle of the city but located in a valley so the outside sounds are easily drowned out. There were many people out walking around the Abbey and many would stop to look at Mike and I. I guess the American football and the loud energetic noises from two guys running in a quiet Abbey might of drawn the response :) There was even a time someone was walking their dog and they let their dog go to come play with us. There´s something about Europe that we just love. Having Abe there was great! Belgium is home to every man and women owning dogs so seeing a cat at the park was a unique sight! Many dogs enjoyed a stare with Abe but unfortunately, Abe never really cared about them. Abe was always consumed with the new smells and fresh grass to eat!
For the past month Hannah and I have had a guest staying with us. In the pictures you will see Julia Duthie. Julia lives in Aberdeen, Scotland. If you were to ask Julia about her home town, home church and family you will find out very shortly she lives in the best city in the world, has the best church in the world and the greatest family. Julia´s family has been long time friends of Michael McNamee, our boss, and we have had the opprtunity to work with their church as they are starting a Master´s Commission program in Aberdeen in the coming year. Hannah and I have been having such a great time having her stay with us. It´s doesn´t take long before you just adopt her into your family, even though she isn´t the biggest fan of our Abe. By the way... Abe who has a serious crush on Julia :)
Typical Week
The Friday Update... on Tuesday :)
I was thinking that perhaps it would be nice to share a little about the past week. While this isn´t the week schedule every week, I would say that our schedules are starting to move this quickly all around for us. It´s easy for us to just get caught into the flow of the week that we easily overlook all the things we are doing. And if we are moving too quickly it´s easy to forget the details of what we enjoy so much... :) For those who dont´get to walk life out with us everyday, I hope you will get a bit of an idea of what our lives are like here in Brussels.
Just a two weeks ago, both Hannah and I were in Vienna, Austria in our annual MCE Director´s Retreat. During that time we always have a MCE Board meeting in which we discuss upcoming events and give updates on what´s been going on in the MCE head office here to the rest of the board. One of the focuses that was address this last time was the upcoming MCE Conference in March that will be held in Amsterdam this year. The talks lead to the MCE website. Every year we try to bring new focuses to the site to make it more effective in reaching new students and informing leaders what MCE is about. One of my jobs was to work on the new look and get the website updated. On Monday, I sat down with in my media office and began working...
I was thinking that perhaps it would be nice to share a little about the past week. While this isn´t the week schedule every week, I would say that our schedules are starting to move this quickly all around for us. It´s easy for us to just get caught into the flow of the week that we easily overlook all the things we are doing. And if we are moving too quickly it´s easy to forget the details of what we enjoy so much... :) For those who dont´get to walk life out with us everyday, I hope you will get a bit of an idea of what our lives are like here in Brussels.
Just a two weeks ago, both Hannah and I were in Vienna, Austria in our annual MCE Director´s Retreat. During that time we always have a MCE Board meeting in which we discuss upcoming events and give updates on what´s been going on in the MCE head office here to the rest of the board. One of the focuses that was address this last time was the upcoming MCE Conference in March that will be held in Amsterdam this year. The talks lead to the MCE website. Every year we try to bring new focuses to the site to make it more effective in reaching new students and informing leaders what MCE is about. One of my jobs was to work on the new look and get the website updated. On Monday, I sat down with in my media office and began working...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Director's Retreat 2009
Last week we had our annual Director's retreat in Vienna, Austria. We were actually an hour outside of Vienna up in a Mountain. With all the leaves changing it was absolutely beautiful and incredibly peaceful up there. The perfect "retreat". This is a time we take every year with all the director's to pray, fellowship and discuss things on leadership and discipleship. It's always really refreshing to be around many people with the same vision and heart as us. This year was unique because we had a lot of new people who came with questions on how to start a Master's Commission in their church.
We had two pastors representing Scotland that want to start a MC, another couple from Italy and a pastor from England. We had a lot of time to sit with them and talk about what they can do in preparation to start strong. I'm so thankful for these opportunities to share and pray together. It's exciting to see our MC family grow. It's even more exciting to see more youth being trained and discipled across Europe. Pray for these programs as they start in the next year. Pray for the pastors and directors who will be laying a lot of ground work and recruiting for students.
We also had representatives from the programs in Southport, England, Braunau, Austria, Reykjavik, Iceland, Amsterdam, Holland, Tartu, Estonia and Paris, France. The programs face a lot of different oppositions and God has helped them overcome a lot to be where they are today. This retreat allowed them to all come together and we find that through this we have been encouraged by fighting together for one common goal and leave feeling refreshed and built up.
We had two pastors representing Scotland that want to start a MC, another couple from Italy and a pastor from England. We had a lot of time to sit with them and talk about what they can do in preparation to start strong. I'm so thankful for these opportunities to share and pray together. It's exciting to see our MC family grow. It's even more exciting to see more youth being trained and discipled across Europe. Pray for these programs as they start in the next year. Pray for the pastors and directors who will be laying a lot of ground work and recruiting for students.
We also had representatives from the programs in Southport, England, Braunau, Austria, Reykjavik, Iceland, Amsterdam, Holland, Tartu, Estonia and Paris, France. The programs face a lot of different oppositions and God has helped them overcome a lot to be where they are today. This retreat allowed them to all come together and we find that through this we have been encouraged by fighting together for one common goal and leave feeling refreshed and built up.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Albania, Phase Two
You may remember a trip we took this past February, to Tirana, Albania, where we cleaned up a community called, Grumbillini. The community has now grown from 17 to 22 families, in which we're ministering to. On this trip Convoy of Hope was joined with a team from Calvary Church in Toledo, Ohio.
The experience is hard to put into words. The families there are living in extreme poverty. There are a lot of children in the area. At times we had 60 children gathered in which we sang worship songs and taught bible stories. God is so good. The children have a great leader who is teaching them God's love at such a young age. This is something the adults never had. You can see how these seeds are growing fruit in the children that will hopefully reach to the adults. Calvary Church has sponsored 52 of these children to go to school. 40 of those were not in school last year.
The team worked hard to redo the roof of the building. Last time we were there we had heard that the roof has major leaks and that in the night water will drip on the children, making them sick. So now this will no longer be an issue. The woman worked to create a children's play room and surprised them at the end of the week with Rainbows and flowers painted on the walls. This will be a bright and cheery room for them in their dreary world.
I spent the entire week with the children. I have never been hugged and kissed so many times in my life!! The children love unconditionally. It has made a big impact on me. I have really fallen in love with these kids. They have so many gifts and talents. God really and truly made each one of them uniquely and for a divine purpose. Please pray with us that God's hand will be on them and they will have a chance in life, unlike their parents. Many of them don't experience love like they should. Pray they will know God's love. I felt so blessed to be able to love on them while I was there. I can't wait to go back and see them again!
Thanks to all who are supporting us. Because of your giving we are able to do things like this, where we can show God's love in practical and very meaningful ways so that more people can know who God is.
The experience is hard to put into words. The families there are living in extreme poverty. There are a lot of children in the area. At times we had 60 children gathered in which we sang worship songs and taught bible stories. God is so good. The children have a great leader who is teaching them God's love at such a young age. This is something the adults never had. You can see how these seeds are growing fruit in the children that will hopefully reach to the adults. Calvary Church has sponsored 52 of these children to go to school. 40 of those were not in school last year.
The team worked hard to redo the roof of the building. Last time we were there we had heard that the roof has major leaks and that in the night water will drip on the children, making them sick. So now this will no longer be an issue. The woman worked to create a children's play room and surprised them at the end of the week with Rainbows and flowers painted on the walls. This will be a bright and cheery room for them in their dreary world.
I spent the entire week with the children. I have never been hugged and kissed so many times in my life!! The children love unconditionally. It has made a big impact on me. I have really fallen in love with these kids. They have so many gifts and talents. God really and truly made each one of them uniquely and for a divine purpose. Please pray with us that God's hand will be on them and they will have a chance in life, unlike their parents. Many of them don't experience love like they should. Pray they will know God's love. I felt so blessed to be able to love on them while I was there. I can't wait to go back and see them again!
Thanks to all who are supporting us. Because of your giving we are able to do things like this, where we can show God's love in practical and very meaningful ways so that more people can know who God is.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Life in Moldova
This past week I jumped on a plane and headed east to the country of Moldova. Moldova borders Romania to the west, which is apart of the European Union, and to the west, Ukraine. The only prior time to heading this far over into Europe was a trip back in 2001 to Romania. It didn´t take long to realize Moldova and Romania were a lot a like from my memories.
I had the privilege of working with Convoy of Hope Europe to fly out there and document a huge outreach they were putting on in the city of Ungheni. I met for the first time, the Darrin family, who graciously took me in. They really gave me a great Moldavian time while I was there! I was spoiled.
This past Saturday was the outreach. There were around 3,000 people who came through the entrance to receive medical attention, haircuts, spiritual guidance/prayer and food. The kids had a huge area set aside for them in which they played all day, even in temperatures hitting close to +100!!! What stuck out to me the most was the unity of the 4 pastors who put on the outreach together! (different denominations, too!!!) That´s not something you hear about everything.
At the end of the day, I find myself taking deep breathes looking at life realizing there is so much need. I know it´s beyond my comprehension, but having some small part in giving back to others has to be one of the greatest things in life. I subconsciously continue to make decisions that make life more complexed but I am thankful that life is pretty simple right now. I hope to always find the strength to continue to stay focused on what opportunities come our way.
I had the privilege of working with Convoy of Hope Europe to fly out there and document a huge outreach they were putting on in the city of Ungheni. I met for the first time, the Darrin family, who graciously took me in. They really gave me a great Moldavian time while I was there! I was spoiled.
This past Saturday was the outreach. There were around 3,000 people who came through the entrance to receive medical attention, haircuts, spiritual guidance/prayer and food. The kids had a huge area set aside for them in which they played all day, even in temperatures hitting close to +100!!! What stuck out to me the most was the unity of the 4 pastors who put on the outreach together! (different denominations, too!!!) That´s not something you hear about everything.
At the end of the day, I find myself taking deep breathes looking at life realizing there is so much need. I know it´s beyond my comprehension, but having some small part in giving back to others has to be one of the greatest things in life. I subconsciously continue to make decisions that make life more complexed but I am thankful that life is pretty simple right now. I hope to always find the strength to continue to stay focused on what opportunities come our way.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
simple and pure Love.
The speed of our life has gone from a turtle's pace to a racing rabbit and even more so in the past two months. There is a lot of great things that have been going on and we will share those with you in a letter, but I just wanted to share something that has been my peace now that our life has picked up and has kept my feet underneath me.
It seems that the faster my life gets the more complicated it gets and the easier it is to be consumed with complications. Because I am a worrier by nature the result is always me carrying around my own burdens and everyone else's as well. In the midst of this God called me back to his pure and simple love. The reason I am where I am, the reason I do what I do and the giver of freedom to my complications is His love. When I focus just on this simple truth, nothing else seems to matter. When we truly know Him and His character it is easier to trust Him and then there is no need to be consumed with any complication. Life is simple again.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (Message) " Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."
This is such an eye opener for me. Whatever situation I face or how quickly my life may go when I read this is all comes into perspective. Keep company with him and learn a life of love.
It seems that the faster my life gets the more complicated it gets and the easier it is to be consumed with complications. Because I am a worrier by nature the result is always me carrying around my own burdens and everyone else's as well. In the midst of this God called me back to his pure and simple love. The reason I am where I am, the reason I do what I do and the giver of freedom to my complications is His love. When I focus just on this simple truth, nothing else seems to matter. When we truly know Him and His character it is easier to trust Him and then there is no need to be consumed with any complication. Life is simple again.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (Message) " Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."
This is such an eye opener for me. Whatever situation I face or how quickly my life may go when I read this is all comes into perspective. Keep company with him and learn a life of love.
Monday, April 13, 2009
L´Aquila, Italy Update
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
As many of you are aware on April 6th an earthquake hit the city of L´Aquila, Italy at 3:30 in the morning. On April 8th, Convoy of Hope Europe connected with the local Assembly of God church in L´Aquila.
This was my first time being able to join Convoy of Hope Europe on a disaster relief trip. Our main objective was to connect with the local church there and assess the needs. It´s Convoy´s mission to raise the arms of the local church through physical support, financial aide, food and clothing and any other way that can help the church be a light in their community during these desperate times the city is facing.
GOD´S TIMING
The first night that we were there we met with the General Secretary of the Italian Assemblies of God, Eliseo Cardarelli. Eliseo told us that the Assemblies of God reacted so quickly with their tent that they were actually one of the first to setup in this sport stadium to house those who were fleeing the city.
During a tour of the facilities the under secretary of the Ministry of Defense for Italy questioned why the church had the central spot in the camp and why it hadn´t been moved yet. The Camp Director proceeded to share that the Assemblies of God were one of the first to respond with aide to those of the city and were currently taking care of two men with Alzheimers and helping so many more.
THE CHURCH
The inside of the city was heavily guarded at the main entrances to make sure that people weren´t venturing into the city while the tremors were still very imminent. Our team was able to walk down a few streets that were empty to take some photographs. I must admit I was very nervous as many of the buildings were hanging by threads and any tremors would of easily given the last push they needed before completely falling.
We tried to find the church in the city, but to no avail. Thankfully Eliseo was able to take a few pictures of what is left of the church. The roof had collapsed and the the outside walls were leaning in opposite directions. It´s hard to see in the pictures but you can see cracks running everywhere showing that the structure has been completely worn.
The pastors have been told that they might not be able to rebuild in their current location. The history of the church there dates back 400 years and the city may restore it to it´s original state. Which leads to...
THE NEED
There are 3 phases that the church is going to be taking that will range from an immediate effect to a long term plan.
Phase I
Continue to meet the immediate needs at the tent city. To find a location to hold meetings on Sundays.
Phase II
The immediate goal is to move members of the church who are living in tents to a more stable living area and outside the current location they are in now. They are looking at pre-fabricated housing to move families into.
Phase III
This will be the reconstruction of the church and church members homes which are salvageable. As of this week there is no estimated time as to when the church can begin reconstruction. But what is known is that it will be a complete reconstruction from the ground up.
Convoy of Hope Europe is currently raising funds and teams to send to L´Aquila to help in all of these phases.
One of the jobs I was assigned was to make a video that we could send out. Click the image below. It will take you to see the video and hear the Pastor of the church´s experience the night the earthquake hit as well as Central Italy's Superintendent, Eliseo Fragnito who is the head point person for all these phases.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO
Click image to view video.
This was my first time being able to join Convoy of Hope Europe on a disaster relief trip. Our main objective was to connect with the local church there and assess the needs. It´s Convoy´s mission to raise the arms of the local church through physical support, financial aide, food and clothing and any other way that can help the church be a light in their community during these desperate times the city is facing.
GOD´S TIMING
During a tour of the facilities the under secretary of the Ministry of Defense for Italy questioned why the church had the central spot in the camp and why it hadn´t been moved yet. The Camp Director proceeded to share that the Assemblies of God were one of the first to respond with aide to those of the city and were currently taking care of two men with Alzheimers and helping so many more.
THE CHURCH
We tried to find the church in the city, but to no avail. Thankfully Eliseo was able to take a few pictures of what is left of the church. The roof had collapsed and the the outside walls were leaning in opposite directions. It´s hard to see in the pictures but you can see cracks running everywhere showing that the structure has been completely worn.
The pastors have been told that they might not be able to rebuild in their current location. The history of the church there dates back 400 years and the city may restore it to it´s original state. Which leads to...
THE NEED
There are 3 phases that the church is going to be taking that will range from an immediate effect to a long term plan.
Phase I
Continue to meet the immediate needs at the tent city. To find a location to hold meetings on Sundays.
Phase II
The immediate goal is to move members of the church who are living in tents to a more stable living area and outside the current location they are in now. They are looking at pre-fabricated housing to move families into.
Phase III
This will be the reconstruction of the church and church members homes which are salvageable. As of this week there is no estimated time as to when the church can begin reconstruction. But what is known is that it will be a complete reconstruction from the ground up.
Convoy of Hope Europe is currently raising funds and teams to send to L´Aquila to help in all of these phases.
One of the jobs I was assigned was to make a video that we could send out. Click the image below. It will take you to see the video and hear the Pastor of the church´s experience the night the earthquake hit as well as Central Italy's Superintendent, Eliseo Fragnito who is the head point person for all these phases.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO
Click image to view video.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW PICTURES
Click the image above to view pictures.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Visit Convoy of Hope Europe´s website for links to donate...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Master's Commission Europe Conference
Dear Supporters,
We just finished our annual MCE Conference near Paris, France. In spite of the economic problems most of our programs attended. We heard great preaching from Jeremy DeWeerdt, Pastor Edouard Fillon (from CIJEM Force), Simon Cunningham, Taka Iguchi and Michael McNamee. We also heard from our alumni of the year, David Isacson from Sweden. He is now a motivational speaker in swedish schools. One of our best seminars was with Michael Self, a young man who works for Abotts Vascular, as one of their product managers, and gave each program great ideas on how to market their programs.
One of the highlights is when it was announced at the directors dinner that 9 new programs will be starting in the next year. Four of the new directors were able to attend the conference and each had a great meeting with the MCE board.
Thank you for all the support you have shown to us. We have been so encouraged by your faithfulness in giving and interest in what is going here. This is an exciting time in Europe. Thanks for being a part of it.
Blessings,
Nolan and Hannah Tarantino
We just finished our annual MCE Conference near Paris, France. In spite of the economic problems most of our programs attended. We heard great preaching from Jeremy DeWeerdt, Pastor Edouard Fillon (from CIJEM Force), Simon Cunningham, Taka Iguchi and Michael McNamee. We also heard from our alumni of the year, David Isacson from Sweden. He is now a motivational speaker in swedish schools. One of our best seminars was with Michael Self, a young man who works for Abotts Vascular, as one of their product managers, and gave each program great ideas on how to market their programs.
One of the highlights is when it was announced at the directors dinner that 9 new programs will be starting in the next year. Four of the new directors were able to attend the conference and each had a great meeting with the MCE board.
Thank you for all the support you have shown to us. We have been so encouraged by your faithfulness in giving and interest in what is going here. This is an exciting time in Europe. Thanks for being a part of it.
Blessings,
Nolan and Hannah Tarantino
Saturday, March 7, 2009
MCE Presentation to Amiens, France
Hannah and I really need our French to kick in :)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Summit Church
While we were in the states we had a great opportunity to meet with a pastor from a church called, Summit Church. It is was obvious upon meeting them that they have a big heart for missions and showed a lot of interest in what we are doing in Europe. We were able to go to coffee with him and share our heart for Europe and hear his heart for missions which led to us sharing at their college group the next night. Their whole team approached us with open arms and showed such support for what we're doing. What a blessing.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
"The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."
Nolan and I were just so blessed by Summit church and their open arms to us. I am filled with such joy and praise because it is an evidence that God is faithful to the call he put on us and he will do what it takes to fulfill that call. He is the one who is bringing the support we need financially, emotionally and physically. There is so much peace in that verse. To know that he will do what it takes to bring us and keep us where we need to be.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
"The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."
Nolan and I were just so blessed by Summit church and their open arms to us. I am filled with such joy and praise because it is an evidence that God is faithful to the call he put on us and he will do what it takes to fulfill that call. He is the one who is bringing the support we need financially, emotionally and physically. There is so much peace in that verse. To know that he will do what it takes to bring us and keep us where we need to be.
Master´s Commission Conference USA
For the past two weeks we have been in the States promoting Master´s Commission Europe at two conferences. This year the conferences were held in different locations in the States to make it easier for people to travel to and to create a smaller environment in order to connect with others easier. The cities were Orlando, FL and Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX. It had been a year or so since I have last attended the US conferences and it was really exciting to be back to experience both.
We were able to have a booth set up at the conferences and talk to many people who were interested in coming over to Europe. The world is so small anymore! It´s great meeting people you have met in other parts of this globe!
It was my first time in Texas, so I was pretty excited to go there! They sure didn´t let me down. One evening we ate at Chipotle for dinner and there was a sign stating if your guns weren´t holstered and licensed that there was a $10,000 fine! I haven´t seen a sign like that anywhere else before.
Thanks for all of you who were praying for us as we traveled while in the States. I must admit that coming back to Europe was more exciting than going to the States! I think almost 7 years in Europe has really taken a healthy tole in our lives!
We were able to have a booth set up at the conferences and talk to many people who were interested in coming over to Europe. The world is so small anymore! It´s great meeting people you have met in other parts of this globe!
It was my first time in Texas, so I was pretty excited to go there! They sure didn´t let me down. One evening we ate at Chipotle for dinner and there was a sign stating if your guns weren´t holstered and licensed that there was a $10,000 fine! I haven´t seen a sign like that anywhere else before.
Thanks for all of you who were praying for us as we traveled while in the States. I must admit that coming back to Europe was more exciting than going to the States! I think almost 7 years in Europe has really taken a healthy tole in our lives!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Albania
Albania 2009
This past week MCAN (Master's Commission Amsterdam North) and MCM (Master's Commission Madrid) partnered with Convoy of Hope Europe, a compassion ministry, on a missions trip to Albania.
We ministered to 17 Gypsy families who are the outcasts of society and are living in extreme poverty. It is located in a town outside Tirana, called Fushë-Krujë. Convoy of Hope came across this community of families back in November and were moved to help them through providing better living conditions and a better life through God's love. They asked for Master's Commission to come join them and help start this process.
When we started to work there they were living with no running water, no workable bathroom, no dumpster or garbage can to take care of their garbage and the conditions had gotten very bad living that way. The roof was leaking, creating lots of standing water and mold. Because of the pile up of garbage many rats have come in and infested their living space.
We started by clearing out all the garbage and sanitizing the floors, walls and ceiling, as well as killing the rats. There was a program for the kids everyday sharing God's love for them and we spent a lot of time loving on them and playing with them. When we left they were finishing installing seven working toilets. We had cleared out truck loads and truck loads of garbage. The city has agreed to provide them with a dumpster so they can have a place to put their garbage. The children are now being enrolled into school. God's love was shown in many ways.
Convoy of hope has committed to help them long term. They will continue to take teams there.
We praise God for the impact he made through Master's Commission this past week.
This past week MCAN (Master's Commission Amsterdam North) and MCM (Master's Commission Madrid) partnered with Convoy of Hope Europe, a compassion ministry, on a missions trip to Albania.
We ministered to 17 Gypsy families who are the outcasts of society and are living in extreme poverty. It is located in a town outside Tirana, called Fushë-Krujë. Convoy of Hope came across this community of families back in November and were moved to help them through providing better living conditions and a better life through God's love. They asked for Master's Commission to come join them and help start this process.
When we started to work there they were living with no running water, no workable bathroom, no dumpster or garbage can to take care of their garbage and the conditions had gotten very bad living that way. The roof was leaking, creating lots of standing water and mold. Because of the pile up of garbage many rats have come in and infested their living space.
We started by clearing out all the garbage and sanitizing the floors, walls and ceiling, as well as killing the rats. There was a program for the kids everyday sharing God's love for them and we spent a lot of time loving on them and playing with them. When we left they were finishing installing seven working toilets. We had cleared out truck loads and truck loads of garbage. The city has agreed to provide them with a dumpster so they can have a place to put their garbage. The children are now being enrolled into school. God's love was shown in many ways.
Convoy of hope has committed to help them long term. They will continue to take teams there.
We praise God for the impact he made through Master's Commission this past week.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Something New
Well, it has been my intention to bring something new to the website this year... and here it is.
2009. One more year till the 10 year high school reunion. 2009 will mark a third year of marriage. Our first full year in Missions, living in Europe.
...and the world at our finger tips! Never before have I ever been so excited for the start of a year. I believe that this year is going to be one of the richest years of my life. I think what has been driving me is knowing that we are going to find ourselves in so many places, meeting so many new people, sharing stories, creating memories and most of everywhere we go, we are walking out our relationship with Jesus. Lately there has just been this simplicity of just being in intimacy with him. And in that intimacy just loving other people in the most simple of ways can bring so much joy.
This year Hannah and I are putting on many different hats and each of these hats all play an unique part of a larger picture. On Monday, we take off for Albania. The words to describe where we are working won´t do justice. I will wait till we are back with video and pictures to share more.
There is just so much to look forward to this year. I honestly believe that the posts we bring to our blog this year is going to be so much fun! I look forward to sharing with everyone the stories we come across and places we get to bring everyone too. Hopefully one day we will get to travel together with you!
2009. One more year till the 10 year high school reunion. 2009 will mark a third year of marriage. Our first full year in Missions, living in Europe.
...and the world at our finger tips! Never before have I ever been so excited for the start of a year. I believe that this year is going to be one of the richest years of my life. I think what has been driving me is knowing that we are going to find ourselves in so many places, meeting so many new people, sharing stories, creating memories and most of everywhere we go, we are walking out our relationship with Jesus. Lately there has just been this simplicity of just being in intimacy with him. And in that intimacy just loving other people in the most simple of ways can bring so much joy.
This year Hannah and I are putting on many different hats and each of these hats all play an unique part of a larger picture. On Monday, we take off for Albania. The words to describe where we are working won´t do justice. I will wait till we are back with video and pictures to share more.
There is just so much to look forward to this year. I honestly believe that the posts we bring to our blog this year is going to be so much fun! I look forward to sharing with everyone the stories we come across and places we get to bring everyone too. Hopefully one day we will get to travel together with you!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Aberdeen, Scotland
We are back from Scotland. I needed this trip more than I thought. The week before had been really draining and tense. I felt very irritated and worried about what others were thinking of me and had been letting my focus drift.
The very first meeting we had together began with Beryl sharing a devotional. She shared about intimacy and walking in His presence. I was reminded of what really matters. It struck a hunger in me and broke the hardened pieces of my heart. The little things that go wrong in our days and the battles we face can easily cause us to focus on ourselves, but at the end of the day the only thing that is truly significant is God and the closeness we can have with him. We went into a time of worship and time to seek the Lord in prayer.
My heart was being softened and I felt like all the burdens and frustrations I had been carrying around were released and I was able to just worship the Lord and be at peace in his presence. Beryl shared how without this kind of intimacy with him all the planning and strategies we make won't really mean much or make much difference. We NEED to be carrying his presence in us with everything we do. The only way to do that is to be spending time in His Word and in His presence. That is what I want to do as we go through out our ministry.
As I said before this struck a hunger inside of me. I think spiritual hunger can be a lot like physical hunger. If you don't eat when you're hungry eventually the hunger will just pass you by. I don't want this spiritual hunger to go away, the desire to be close to Him. I took all that I could this past week.
The following days were spent casting vision, sharing passion and with a church we have formed a close friendship with. They have a heart and lot of potential to start a program at this church called The King's Community Church. We are praying about the next steps to take, but it was exciting to spend time with the leaders and the congregation on Sunday and see the passion they have. Great things are happening in Aberdeen, Scotland! Here are a few pictures from the trip. Enjoy!
The very first meeting we had together began with Beryl sharing a devotional. She shared about intimacy and walking in His presence. I was reminded of what really matters. It struck a hunger in me and broke the hardened pieces of my heart. The little things that go wrong in our days and the battles we face can easily cause us to focus on ourselves, but at the end of the day the only thing that is truly significant is God and the closeness we can have with him. We went into a time of worship and time to seek the Lord in prayer.
My heart was being softened and I felt like all the burdens and frustrations I had been carrying around were released and I was able to just worship the Lord and be at peace in his presence. Beryl shared how without this kind of intimacy with him all the planning and strategies we make won't really mean much or make much difference. We NEED to be carrying his presence in us with everything we do. The only way to do that is to be spending time in His Word and in His presence. That is what I want to do as we go through out our ministry.
As I said before this struck a hunger inside of me. I think spiritual hunger can be a lot like physical hunger. If you don't eat when you're hungry eventually the hunger will just pass you by. I don't want this spiritual hunger to go away, the desire to be close to Him. I took all that I could this past week.
The following days were spent casting vision, sharing passion and with a church we have formed a close friendship with. They have a heart and lot of potential to start a program at this church called The King's Community Church. We are praying about the next steps to take, but it was exciting to spend time with the leaders and the congregation on Sunday and see the passion they have. Great things are happening in Aberdeen, Scotland! Here are a few pictures from the trip. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
It's a new year.
New years eve felt like a few days ago and now we are already half way through January. It's a feeling I'm afraid I'll be feeling throughout the year... how does time go so fast?
In five days we'll be leaving for Scotland with the rest of our office team to pray and plan, dream and refocus. A new year equals a new beginning. This new year has more meaning to me than any other year. New opportunities are coming in this new year. I can really see that the possibilities are endless. I hope I can learn to live in each moment to keep the year from passing beneath me. It is truly time for living.
The next few months we will be traveling quite a bit. Please keep us in prayer.
January 21st-26th we will be in Aberdeen, Scotland.
February 2nd-8th we will be in Tirana, Albania.
February 10th-25th we will be in Florida and Texas for Master's Commission conferences.
March 16th-22nd we will be in Paris, France for the MCE annual conference.
Keep checking back as we post about these experiences.
Lots of love to you in the New Year!
In five days we'll be leaving for Scotland with the rest of our office team to pray and plan, dream and refocus. A new year equals a new beginning. This new year has more meaning to me than any other year. New opportunities are coming in this new year. I can really see that the possibilities are endless. I hope I can learn to live in each moment to keep the year from passing beneath me. It is truly time for living.
The next few months we will be traveling quite a bit. Please keep us in prayer.
January 21st-26th we will be in Aberdeen, Scotland.
February 2nd-8th we will be in Tirana, Albania.
February 10th-25th we will be in Florida and Texas for Master's Commission conferences.
March 16th-22nd we will be in Paris, France for the MCE annual conference.
Keep checking back as we post about these experiences.
Lots of love to you in the New Year!
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