Thursday, July 28, 2005

Coincidence?

I think not.
So, last week when I heard my friends from the Dominican Republic were going to be in town, I decided that I would try to find someone to work for me tonight so that I could go and see them. They were in town to play and preach at my old church. See, I used to go on mission trips all of the time, many years ago. (only 4 but, ya know)
Anyways...back to the story...
So, I fail at my attempt, but when I get to work...3 hours into my shift, my manager says you can go, Michael will work the rest of your night for you. So, I book it over there and arrive late, worship is over.
Damn.
Instead the head of the WCA is up there talking about the upcoming confrence they will be having.
I am looking on stage for a glimpse of one of my friends.
Then he shows a video clip of a donation day where churches in the D.R. received all of this newer but used gym equiptment, computers, doors, paint, sewing machines, etc. NOW why this is important is that the church in the DR that we work to partner up with has an incredible ministry that helps women learn a trade (sewing) so that they can have an income. They also have a gym where they teach people to be aerobic instructors/trainers/and to be healthy. They also have an after school program for kids to help with homework as well as a literacy class for adults that want to learn to read. All of this stuff that was donated goes to help these programs! They also repainted tons of houses in the neighborhood, and did a lot of giving of stuff to the local people in need. Shoes, socks, clothing, etc.
And, I of course start crying.
See, my memories of the D.R. are SO precious to me.
4 different trips there.
First one: 1996...where I met Valerie! (oh to have a scanner and show you the pics from that trip...shoot!) YFC camp, Carmen, Eva and Annie, Franny and Alex and Geovani.
Second one: 1998...Kimberly Cook, Jilly Parman. Barahona...the roosters. Ashby and Kathy(my diamond girl) That was a crazy trip.
Third time: 2001, Oh that damn mountain. Smelser!!! Timoteo!!! Rooftop Worship. Betty's. Raphel.
Fourth: 2002, Sarah Walz, heat stroke, the girl with the nose ring.

Back to the story...
Robert gets up to preach and I'm all..."the manna principal"? Hmmm?
I hear the verses being read out loud from the word and my heart says...here we go again.
Not in that bad sort of way, but I knew that my heart was heading down a similar path as when I clicked on Dave's link this morning.
Robert speaks to us about God's provision and about a lot about justice. He gets super passionate towards the end about justice and my heart starts to beat heavily. I start crying again. What's the deal here Lord?
The flyer I receive talks about having conversations. Getting involved. Making a difference. Taking a stand. Considering our finances. Sincerly asking for forgiveness. Committing to a cause.
ALL THE THINGS MY HEART IS SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS ABOUT.
I've contacted some more friends about my questions. About dialouging and deciding upon some action steps.
Please feel free to comment some more and hopefully one day the year jubilee will reign again!

So...Coincidence? No, I think not. Keep it coming....and don't stop.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just watched 'my best friends wedding.'

Anonymous said...

Smile today, Alan Thick is coming back to ABC. Beginning Aug. 9th.

Jackie R. said...

all I can think is... "those DAMN roosters!"