Two Window's of Poverty

Reposted:

Today we faced more experiences of life’s realities outside of the United States as our team ministered to children playing in a slum neighborhood just outside the city.

As the van slowly made its way through the narrow bumpy dirt roads, one of our American students mumbled aloud, “our dogs live better than these people”. Likewise in appalling poverty, most of the homes had nothing more than dirt floors, windows without glass and maybe, just maybe, running water. The wires dangling from house to house provided “borrowed” electricity from the city.

For the residents of this slum neighborhood it’s a very rare occasion to have visitors from the USA, so obviously our team was an interesting sight for them, especially when we shared dramas and music in their native language, Portuguese. And in spite of our inability to speak fluent Portuguese, our team confidently reached out with the love and encouragement of Jesus, a universal language of love that is not bound by borders or language barriers.

As I thought about this experience, I began to realize that for anyone who has never experienced this level of poverty, their first reaction would probably be a sense of hopelessness and despair. However, our experience brought us to a place of hope after meeting some of the most wonderful and warm people we’ve ever me before. It was simply amazing.

From our perspective, these people were hopelessly poor beyond imagination. But the truth is, we were amazed to learn that because of God’s love and acceptance, they were satisfied, content and filled with a level of joy that is strengthened in the face of wicked poverty.

As I looked out into a slum of more than 100,000 people, I tried to make sense of it all. “How in the world can these people live like this,” my heart asked. And just like God, He spoke very quietly to my heart, “Richard, these people need nothing you have to have all of me.” Wow! What an incredible revelation. For those residents that know and love God, their reality is simply - God is sufficient.

As we left the slums, I understood very clearly that I couldn't change their living, social or economic situation. All I could give them was the dignity and respect they deserve as God’s creation.

Tucking a child away to sleep - On the sidewalk

Have you ever tucked a child into bed? If you’re a parent or you’ve baby-sat or perhaps you have a younger sister or brother, you know what I’m talking about. You pull the warm blankets tightly across your little one and tuck the edges around the bed, making sure they are nice and cozy. Perhaps you read a story or sing a song to lull them gently to sleep. You kiss their forehead and bid them goodnight as you lightly close the door behind you. Right?

Today I watched as Marianne (from Norway), one of my teammates with me in Master’s Commission Brazil, tuck a sweet little girl away to sleep. However, her bed was not a warm and cozy one at all. Instead it was the hard, cold, wet sidewalk of a third world country.

Marianne did the best she could to lay the sleeping child’s head against the cold sheet metal wall of the store we all had gathered under in attempts to avoid the rain. Ah yes, the rain, not to mention the thunder and lightning. My God, I have never been in rain like that before. The wind gathers the pelting drops and mercilessly slaps them against your face and body. The thunder shakes you to the core. Yet, Marianne held the child inside her sweater as we sang “Mighty to save” together for her. She was fascinated to hear the song in English and asked us to sing it over and over again.

I tell you my friends; this was not your average lullaby moment. When it was time to go, the little girl had finally fallen asleep in Marianne’ s arms. I swallowed hard to hold back the tears as Marianne laid the sleeping girl on the cold, wet sidewalk alongside a little boy, also fast asleep. I couldn’t believe what I had just seen.

Guys, this is the world we live in! If no one will stand up and do something about things such as this, then how can we expect there to be a brighter day? – Sara Ribeiro, MCBrasil Student

Beggars.... They want your spare change

Driving around any typical city in Brazil we’ll find an abundance of beggars practically at every intersection of significance. Today for an example, as I wound my way through town it dawned on me that at many traffic signals there were beggars working every automobile that found itself delayed by a crimson light. Their coordination seemed to be so well thought-out, I was wondering if organized labor had become involved in their efforts to collect everyone’s spare change.

Here’s where I’m begging for your help! – At what point do we not give beggars our spare change? I don’t know about you, but for me it’s necessary to exercise a considerable amount of self-restraint as I struggle to avoid analyzing and speculating (only on mere assumptions) as to what sins against society did these beggars commit for which they are now fatally appointed to their intersection. I would imagine this would present a challenge for most people as it does for me. My rational mind finds it necessary to evaluate them, or as I think more appropriate, “Size em’ up really quick!” so that I can somehow determine if they are worthy of my spare change. - We all know the drill, “He’s an ex-convict. He’s lazy. He’s an alcoholic, I'm not going to let him use my money to buy more alcohol just so he can go home and beat his wife and kids. And for sure – God forbid to buy more drugs!” – There’s a thousand questions that instantly gallop through my mind.

But, what about the children, the women and the senior adults that we frequently see dutifully assigned to the intersections? What’s their story? And more importantly, what should be our response? Every day we see equal numbers of children, women and frazzled seniors begging for us to help with life’s basic needs, or so we think. Actually we can never know the truth, other than the fact that their lives through whatever circumstances have been reduced to begging at intersections for our spare change.

So, still begging for your input, if I am going to give away my spare change, who’s the priority and at what point do I stop giving beggars my spare change? – (This beggar stuff is becoming a complicated business.) If we tell them that “we don’t have any money”, did we just lie to them when we know full well we could easily access some of it by simply driving to the nearest ATM machine? Would that be true if we were on our way to Starbucks for our designer’s cup of latte? – Or how about this one? Is it possible for our money to become “spare change” if we are only holding it to purchase our kids the latest version of the iPhone, or we’re rolling over to test-drive the 2010 Beemer that just arrived in the showroom? When does the money we use to refurnish or renovate our already palatial casa (compared to theirs), become “spare change”? Or why doesn’t the money being set aside for that next Caribbean cruise get titled, “spare change”? – Oh boy! Can you imagine the impact to a beggar’s life if the volume of our “spare change” made its way to their intersections? We’ll probably never know, will we?

All of this leads back to my original question: “At what point do we not give beggars our spare change?” – I suppose the more important question becomes “What and where is your spare change?”

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Because wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Some missionaries do their own laundry

My mom should probably get all of the credit for my ability to do my own laundry, especially since it was her idea when we were growing up as children; and that includes teaching us how to iron, sew and cook too. Thanks mom!

So if any of you who think we’re living an easy life, think twice! – But then again, maybe some people are thinking we had to go down to the river to do our laundry. If that were the case, there definitely wouldn’t be a photo of me doing it.

Now, if any of you feel bad that we've got to do our laundry by hand, would you also feel bad enough to prayerfully consider helping us replace the washing machine that recently broke down. Then we won't have to do it by hand anymore! Simple, huh?

Saying Goodbye, Goodbye and Goodbye

Saying Goodbye again doesn’t get any easier the second time, we recently learned after visiting family and friends in the United States. And it certainly wasn’t any easier saying Goodbye to Rebekah, daughter number three, who we left behind for her first year of college.

It had been exactly two years since we had all of our precious children together in one place, and after enjoying a few days visiting Washington, D.C., we said Goodbye to our oldest daughter Randi who is on a serious job hunt after graduating in June with her masters in Sociology. She stayed. The rest of the family said Goodbye to her and traveled on to California.

Jocelyn and I feel fortunate to have spent three wonderful days in San Diego with daughter number two, Aravis, who recently graduated with degrees in Journalism and English Literature. Because she enjoys the climate and culture of San Diego, we were forced to say yet another difficult Goodbye.

And in order to say Goodbye again, we spent the evening before our departure at my mom and dad's house with family and friends. Jocelyn's mom was there for another opportunity for us to say Goodbye again. There were lots of warm embraces and Goodbyes that evening.

Also traveling with us was our granddaughter Sadye who is growing and changing faster than we can comprehend. – We had to say our Goodbyes to her with Rebekah at the airport. And speaking of Goodbyes, just moments before we boarded our flight, my mom raced to the terminal with a fresh batch of homemade cookies. Yummy! But again, more Goodbyes... these Goodbyes came with tears.

We are learning by experience that saying Goodbye will probably never be a cherished word in our vocabulary. Not in English, nor in our second language, Portuguese, “Tchau”. – There’s something about saying Goodbye that just doesn’t fit right. Goodbye. Geez… that word doesn’t have a warm-touchy-feely feel, does it? Goodbye.

And although it wasn’t our final Goodbye, we also said Goodbye to Gustavo, 20, a former street boy who spent his teenage years living in a house for ex-street children in Belo Horizonte. Gustavo entered Master’s Commission Brasil in the same month that we arrived and has matured to a point which enable him to travel with our family. Because he has worked hard to learn enough English to effectively communicate in most circumstances, he was able to enjoy an extra three weeks in the USA with former Master’s Commission students who have previously traveled to Brazil with us. – That was a great Goodbye!

3 Moore Graduations

If you’ve not heard much from us in the last few weeks, it’s because Jocelyn and I have been very busy celebrating 3 Moore graduations in 3 different cities. – We are tremendously grateful for the Lord’s help and provision for our oldest three daughters, Randi, Aravis and Rebekah.

Randi, who will be 25 in July, just graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Masters degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies. Immediately following her graduation, she and our soon to be seven year old granddaughter, Sadye moved to Washington, D.C. where Randi is pursuing opportunities for writing public policy concerning international rights for women and children. Randi’s long-term goal is to return to South Africa and study for her doctorate in the same discipline.

Aravis, 22, graduated Magnum Cum Laude from the Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego with a dual major in Journalism and English Literature. For almost the first time in her life, Aravis is experiencing the freedoms of life after college. She called me the other day and said, “Dad, this is the weirdest feeling having the afternoon completely free with nothing to do.” I encouraged her to enjoy it while it lasts, because life won''t often slow down anymore.

Aravis and her three college roommates have all agreed to hang around San Diego for the time being and moved into the cutest 2-bedroom apartment only two-minutes from downtown. With the current job market already flooded with last year’s graduates, Aravis is wisely choosing to carefully survey her options before moving too far away from San Diego. For later in the year and beyond, she is considering relocating to New York or Washington, D.C. where she could better apply her trade in writing, as well as being closer to her sisters and niece, Sadye.

And finally there is Rebekah, 18, who graduated also with honors and as the Citizen of the Year by the Escola Americana Campinas. We are very proud of our “Bubba” who finished very strong in spite of changing horses in the middle of the stream (transitioning to an international school) without breaking stride. As parents we were obviously concerned especially for Rebekah who left Elk Grove in the middle of her high school experience. The Lord has certainly proven Himself more than able to meet our children’s needs.

Rebekah has accepted a tremendous scholarship to the American University in Washington, D. C. (there seems to be a “theme” for D.C.) where she will major in Communications and Film. One of her personal goals is to document with film the plight of Meninos da Rua (street children) in Brasil. Rebekah voluntarily added to her college application a short documentary on the life of one of her friends, Gustavo, a former Menino da Rua, titled “One Country – Two Worlds”. Her goal for majoring in Communications and Film is to create documentaries for Christian organizations around the world that are trying to bring to light the incredible social injustices especially to children and women.

Obviously we are extremely proud of our children and their hard work and determination, especially since we have relocated to the missions field. This has been both a very difficult, and at the same time, a very exciting season of our lives. Difficult in that Jocelyn and I have not been able to help our children as much as we have always thought we would, and exciting for being able to experience the faithfulness of God to our family. The Lord has sustained us in many ways, and in many of those ways He has used your life to bless the Moore Family. Thank you. – By the way, there are 3 Moore’s to go! Adriana, Sean and Chris. We most certainly still need you for “Moore”.

Don’t look past the person in front of you

In our discipleship ministry, Master's Commission Brasil, we believe that change begins now, here, and together with you! With your monthly sponsorship, every young person engaged by our discipleship training is a divine appointment where we have an opportunity to instill confidence that someone cares what they do with their lives. Every day we are working to create as many alternatives as possible to gang involvement, violence, sexual experiences, and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

We have seen many times over how a life can be altered with as simple as a single phrase, an encouraging word, or an act of kindness. – All of our staff and interns have personally realized the blessings of having someone enter our lives by a divine appointment, if only for a moment, to make a lasting impression for the rest of our lives.

For me, I can remember my fifth grade teacher, old Mrs. Barton. Every student on campus was convinced that she was the nastiest old woman on the planet and would hide in the teacher's parking lot to witness her daily landing on her broomstick. – But I knew a different Mrs. Barton. The Mrs. Barton I knew was as tender as she was tough and would spend her lunch and after school to help me and others with homework or just let a boy trying to become a man simply hang around. I can't tell you everything she said to me, although I do distinctly remember something about her "whoopin my behind"; yet there was never a visit where I didn't walk away convinced that I could conquer the world. Mrs. Savannah Barton believed in me before I ever believed in myself, and her thumbprint remains on my life to this very day.

And then there's the vice principle Mr. Sagers. Thinking about it now, and although it was never said then, I am convinced this man had a deep and intimate love for Jesus. There was something about him. I suppose just because he was the vice-principle in charge of discipline everybody was afraid of him, (it's funny how I seemed to always end up in his office), but there was something really special about Mr. Sagers. – Aside from telling you it was a "divine appointment", I can't explain why out of the entire school he asked my brother Philip and me to work for him on weekends, pulling weeds, and painting and picking up trash at an apartment complex he owned. I clearly remember how well paid we were as preteens in the late 60's. Geepers, that dude paid us some serious cash! – But more important to that, was how without saying a single word, there was something he gave us that even then I knew was more valuable than cash… he showed us a dignity and respect that I don't remember ever receiving from an adult. And it felt good too!

Mrs. Barton and Mr. Sagers may not know until we get into heaven how their acts of kindness have changed two lives. (My brother Philip is the superintendent of high schools in Sacramento; and a darned good one too! I wonder how much influence Mr. Sagers had on him.) Their unselfish kindness has made a defining impact on our lives.

As well, we are here in Brasil on a special assignment to influence and impact the lives of as many people possible; but without you it'll be tough. With your monthly support you are deciding to join us in as many intersections of life that we can get into; to be instruments of grace and unconditional love and acceptance… if only for a brief moment. And for as many as we can enroll in our discipleship program, you will be working together with us to interrupt dysfunction, launch a life in Christ or restore and heal with tenderness and words of kindness. I seriously doubt Mrs. Barton and Mr. Sagers knew what the outcomes would be for our lives, but we're wonderfully blessed that they didn't drive through our intersections without stopping. – Will you pull over to the curb and become a monthly sponsor?

We're Interrupting Their Dysfunction

Your partnership with Master's Commission Brasil is literally interrupting the cycles of dysfunction in the lives of hundreds of children every week. It's like this: the realities of racism and discrimination here in Brasil are significant considering the vast majority of people living in some of the world's ugliest and most dangerous slums are of African descent… in other words, they're black!

Although the typical Brazilian would argue the issue of racism and discrimination, mostly based on their personal feelings regarding race and ethnicity, the overwhelming fact is clear that these social ills exist in abundance despite their denials. And it would take less than 30 seconds to prove my point. Simply look around. Who is driving cars and who is pulling recycle wagons through the streets? Who is sitting in offices and who is sweeping the streets for less than $2 a day? – Advertising billboards silently remind people at every glance what "tone" is most important. Take a peek into any restaurant and you'll almost never see a "black" couple enjoying the savors of Brazilian cuisine. And to help any of you get beyond my definition of racism; let's simply call it "a black child's reality". Ok? Forget my use of the word "racism".

So what's the point? Is it to prove that Brazilians are racists and segregationist? Nope! That's not the point. The point is that millions of children growing up in Brasil have not only the curse of poverty to contend with, but the fact that they are Black makes their likelihood of escaping the cycles of dysfunction even more impossible, if not for God. And that's where Master's Commission is working to make a difference.

Through Master's Commission we are working to transform the lives of children in the poorest communities of Brasil. Our focus on helping children transcend the cycles of limited opportunity is accomplished through developing them into morally grounded, English speaking, and academically accomplished young adults. The fact that they are Black is inconsequential to our commitment to working with the poorest children in the Brazil… we'd do the same if they were all white children; but the reality is that they're not. And we are attempting to describe this social reality to you because we desperately need your help and the willingness to acknowledge that our world is filled with historical proof that racism is real; and that together for these children we can make a difference.

A Strategy that Equalizes

A central part of the Master's Commission strategy provides children the opportunity to learn English. These are children who without a solid education or college degree are destined to repeat the cruel cycles of poverty and dysfunction associated with poor communities. We believe that by learning English children will be able to take advantage of surging employment opportunities through their ability to speak English as a second language.

Can we count on you to support our ministry every month? – With the question of destructive racism in Brasil, I am very much up to a debate; but that debate must take place here in Brasil; in the middle of a real favela (slum) where we are going to be escorted by gun-toting mostly Black teenagers willing to allow you the opportunity of visiting their reality. – Oh, there's no need to be afraid… they won't hurt us… they're our English students.

An Economic Tsunami

With the global economic crisis systematically impacting every nation on the planet as though it were a tsunami, as believers we somehow must maintain a sure and confident trust that our God is still in control. And with that confidence comes the requirement to express our trust through our actions. And believe me, as a ministry that relies on the generous and sacrificial giving of others, that is way easier to say than it is to do day in and day out.

Our FAITH is EVIDENCED by our ACTIONS
Speaking of faith, we are reminded in James chapter two; "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. .... You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

As the economic crisis continues to unravel the world, our faith in God must be evidenced in our actions that prove we know Who it is we believe. - Even with everything going on.... He is still God! And we are thankful for the wonderful friends who express their faith through their generous actions of love, support and encouragement.

Come and Suffer

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. … that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." – Philippians 3:7, 10

The Apostle Paul wrote these thoughts in his letter to the Philippian believers after first reconciling in his own life the value of his personal accomplishments and pedigree (see Philippians 3:3-6). As far as wealth, status, position, education… and anything else the world could offer, he was DOA (Dead On Arrival). And he didn't only arrive at this conclusion simply by spiritual exercise, for in verse seven it states that he "counted" or in another translation, "considered" carefully the value and benefit of all of his options. In this context, both words, "counted" and "considered" are rooted in accounting terminology meaning to reconcile, to think through carefully or to reflect on.

Essentially Paul consciously worked through a process of evaluation and comparison between those things offered by the world and a system of institutional religion (he was formerly a Pharisee), against what he had been given in the opportunity and experience of knowing Christ. And as a result, with completely no doubt whatsoever, he eagerly flung those things into the loss column. For the Apostle Paul, he in effect arrived at a point in his life where nothing else mattered. Having and knowing Christ as his Savior and Lord greatly surpassed anything that he could ever own, experience or know through his former life in organized religion. The box was no longer capable of containing his passionate desire to live and die for a cause and a purpose greater than himself. The comparisons would never, even through eternity, balance out or become equal.

"…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to this death." – Paul already knew Christ as his Savior. But now he wanted to know Him more intimately as his Lord. "To know" means to know by experience.

This craving and desperate longing in Paul's life would never be satisfied through the mere attendance of religious services or the adherence to prescribed social, cultural or pious behaviors and norms… he was way beyond any of those things. He was way past the point of return in his devotion and commitment to serving and knowing Christ. In essence, the Apostle Paul's personal mission statement could very well have read; "I want to do something with my life that will cost me something in the way of personal sacrifice. For I cannot and will not live to merely exist."

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." – Philippians 1:21

“Please, don’t come here for Christmas.”

Paulo Vitor, affectionately called, "PV" by his Master's Commission Brasil teammates has spent the last two and a half days in the hospital after suffering through a series of epileptic seizures within a very short period of time. Friday evening alone he suffered a total of four seizures; the same night of MC's annual Christmas party that signaled the official winter break offering three weeks of freedom.

At a tender eight years old, Paulo Vitor was left at the front door of a restoration home for street boys and has not seen anyone in his family since. He has struggled with self-worth and believed that the color of his skin and his background were impossible barriers to overcome. Now at 23 he continues to work hard at overcoming the insurmountable social and cultural realities that demand he stays in his social class based only on the fact that he was born in a slum and the color of his skin.

As the time grew closer for the Christmas break, Paulo Vitor with anxious excitement told everyone who would listen he was going to visit his auntie that he had not seen since he was a small child. Finally, he thought, there was a connection to family.

Paulo Vitor's episodes of seizures began this past Tuesday and are being credited to hearing from his only known relative, "Please don't come here for Christmas." – As he received this disappointing news, Paulo Vitor weeping bitterly dropped the cell phone as he slumped to the floor. "I've known 'PV' for twelve years growing up together in the Restoration House", said Sidney Pereira. "Never have I seen him cry; not once", he continued after holding "PV" with brotherly affection while he wept uncontrollably.

Paulo Vitor's life is a story of rejection and abandonment if not for the compassionate ministry of Youth With A Mission – Belo Horizonte. Few people doubt Paulo Vitor would still be alive today if not for YWAM. – Another miracle in itself is the fact that he is now in the Master's Commission Brasil ministry training.

Paulo Vitor's" life would be an extremely more difficult and miserable story to tell if not for the faithful support of people committed to the spiritual development of young adults. It would be far more complicated than simply helping him work through the present disappointment of hearing, "Please don't come here for Christmas". – In spite of the odds working against him, Paulo Vitor is learning how to believe God has a great plan for his life. He has earned the respect of his peers for his consistent walk with the Lord, his diligence to every task and assignment and has grown tremendously in confidence and relationships.

With the Lord's help Paulo Vitor is going to work his way through this disappointment as he has already worked through others. But it makes a tremendous difference when friends like you take it upon yourself to actively participate in another person's life. The difference in Paulo Vitor's life has been you. Will you continue to give so that Paulo Vitor and others like him will have the opportunity of escaping the complex realities of not only being born in poverty, but born in a society and culture where being Black automatically works against you? Please continue to send your financial support to MCUMI Brasil – PO BOX 279512 – Sacramento, CA 95827-9512 or DONATE NOW using Pay Pal's secure on line service. The difference is a life transformed.

Metal Chairs, Clocks and ..... Cups of Starbucks

As I visit each of our Master’s Commissions teams strategically scattered throughout the city, a recurring comment that I’m hearing from many students are, “I’ve never been in such a powerful church service before in my life… we worshiped God for over two-hours!” For many, especially our first-year students, this is their initial experience at being swept up in the awesome presence of God.

Wryly, many believers conscious of time and comfort, cringe when missionaries visit and recite the “almost” exaggerated tells of believers walking several miles to church and then staying for hours on end; …“How is that even possible?” some have been heard quietly asking. Our MC students are learning firsthand that some of the missionary accounts of spirit filled revivals are actually true indeed.

In the short time that we’ve been in Brazil, we are experiencing worship services with a people who are hungry, desperate and passionate for God’s presence. These people show up for church early and the first things they forget about are the metal chairs and the clock. It’s as though they get lost in the Presence of God… finding everything they need in “He is!”

It’s an amazing thing how people in third world countries keep it real simple. Obviously they aren’t distracted as we are by the countless “benefits” of affluence and comfort that seemingly keep us pretty occupied with, let’s just say... “self” among other things. Nor will you find anyone walking in the door with a designer's cup of “Latte” from Starbucks.

So, “WHAT IF” we replaced our cushy seats with metal chairs and checked our watches at the doors?

… Hey, its’ just a thought.

Prosperity: "A Key to Wealth"

“… where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.” – Acts 14:22 NLT

What we see here is that the discipleship training given by Paul and Barnabas very specifically included some rather harsh realities that we don’t often hear about in our post modern Christianity. There is no doubt whatsoever that their preaching embraced a message of prosperity and blessing; the difference however, is that their message of prosperity was accurately founded in the context of eternity, opposed to what so many “believers” are being fed these days, “prosperity in the context of birth and death while living on this planet.

Today’s definition of Christian prosperity lands frighteningly close to the adage which proclaims, “He who dies with the most toys wins”, which if we’re honest, we know isn’t true at all. In fact, these two realities of “prosperity” are not even found in the same universe. So that’s probably why Paul and Barnabas were not in the least shy to stress to the new believer’s understanding, “they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.” – Geepers! That doesn’t sound very nice at all. Why did they need to add such unwelcome news to the New Believers Class? Ouch!#@$!&^*! – Why didn’t they just come right out and say, “He who dies with the most toys just might end up loosing and become a likely candidate go to hell”? How’s that for being blunt?

But, let me briefly argue my point. I don’t think that it was so much that Paul and Barnabas were insisting that we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations as a result of their own perverted reasons for wanting to see Christians suffer. Golly, that was hardly the case at all. What I suspect they were saying was that not only must we enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations, but that we should actually expect and anticipate tribulation and persecution as a normal and essential component in our journey of faith. – If anyone knew what they were talking about, certainly the Apostle Paul did.

The misnomer is caused as we have redefined the description of prosperity to mean; the condition of being successful or thriving; especially economic well-being; which works fine for those outside of the body of Christ, but creates enormous conflict for those of us trying to live for God. Prosperity defined in Paul and Barnabas’ new believer’s class actually had very little to do with a person’s title on their door, six-digit incomes, multimillion dollar suburban tents with large screen TV's and camels with turbo prop enginess strapped to the rear hump.

The prosperity taught by Paul and Barnabas was about intimacy with God and being aligned with His purposes and will for one’s life… and that included suffering, personal cost and sacrifice (aka: “many tribulations”). What we see in this passage is that Paul and Barnabas correctly taught that “kingdom people” will experience trials, suffering and not always an instant victory. God did not promise a life without struggle. In truth, this text reminds us that victory only comes through battle, and triumph only follows trials.

And “many tribulations” is not because God doesn’t want us to have stuff; Jesus already explained in Matthew 6:32 that God already knows about our need for stuff. But instead, in His sovereign will and wisdom, it has been so appointed that we enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. The truth be told, there is no remedy for this appointment, the matter is already fixed and cannot be altered. It is a part of God’s sovereign plan that has already determined that for all who would live godly in Christ Jesus, would experience tribulation. But why? Why is that necessary? That’s probably the most essential question to be answered if the church in America has any hope to right its current course of self-absorbed preoccupation with none other than itself.

With the current message of prosperity, what’s being left out is the part about a disciple's responsibility to take up their cross daily. When we signed up to live for Christ these were the terms that we agreed on; when we sat down and counted the cost, it was a part of the deal. The difference is, Paul and Barnabas told their disciples up front about this requirement…. many Christians in the USA have yet to be told that their experience in Christ will by necessity include many tribulations.

And it doesn’t matter what rank you’re entitled to in the body of Christ, it is the reality of both leaders as well as the soldiers in Christ’s army to experience many tribulations in their journey through this earthly life. Paul even reminds us in his letter to the Thessalonians when he wrote: “so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4. – And, let us not forget that our own Savior did not expect from the apostles any harder service than what He himself experienced, and neither did the apostles expect from the early believers.

Concerning prosperity, the rest of the story that desperately needs to be told is that it is entirely true that we must count upon many tribulations, with the encouragement that proclaims we will get through it. A balanced view on prosperity will proclaim that our tribulations are a type of Red Sea, and that the Lord will open a way through it, for us to pass over.

Prosperity in the context of eternity allows for Christians to go down into trouble, but because of our God, we will come up again. We shall not only get through it, but get through it into the kingdom of God, which is of a much higher priority and value than merely being blessed in the abundance of material stuff, safety and comfort. – The truth is “many tribulations” have more to do with the reshaping and redefining of our character which determines the outcomes of our eternity. – I think from an eternal perspective, God actually knows what He’s doing by allowing us to experience “many tribulations”. Isn’t it about time we adjust our program to His?

More Money Won’t Fix The REAL Problem!

When traveling through a developing country like Brasil some things quickly become very obvious; as an example, with the enormous social problems that exist, the simplest answer foreigners think of first is "more money!" Over the years I have painfully learned that although more money would be good, it definitely won't fix the problem.

More money would definitely help the thousands upon thousands of children living homeless on the streets; begging, stealing, robbing and prostituting themselves for enough spare change to buy their next meal… but ultimately it still truly won't fix the problem.

More money could definitely help change out the dirt floors and add some glass to the square holes that are supposed to be windows where millions of families call home. More money would probably put some essential furniture in the house too, like real mattresses and blankets, running water and electricity that's not stolen from nearby power lines… but ultimately it really won't fix the problem.

Americans should already know,… more money really won't fix the problem.

Sad to say, but the material possessions Americans consider lack and poverty would be considered great wealth too many people living in third world scenarios. But even if we could give away all the extra "junk" tucked away in our garages and rented storage units, it still won't fix the problem.

"Well, what will fix the problem?" you might ask. "What's the point?" - My point is simply this, Brasil like any other country needs a spiritual awakening to God's call to be holy and blameless. And right now, all over the world we are seeing people who are hungry and desperate not for more money or more "stuff"… but for what's real and lasting. With a lot of "stuff" in the way, it's hard to see, but nonetheless, an exciting revival is taking place in some of the most unlikely and impoverished countries around the world.

With a firsthand view we are seeing people laboring hard to change their social and economic conditions… but we also see literally thousands who are coming into a true knowledge of their need for God's love and forgiveness that is bringing a genuine and lasting prosperity that money will never be able to buy.

For a lot of Brasilians, the real issue is way beyond economic bankruptcy. A casual glance at the history of Brasil would quickly reveal the spiritual breaches and social comprises that have ultimately lead to poverty and bondage of every imaginable sort. The only true answer is to return to God.

But here is my main point: "Regardless the incredible wealth of the USA, because of our spiritual breaches and moral-social comprises, are we too headed into poverty and bondage of every sort? Money obviously does not make people love God more… we of all people should already know that.

We’re Interrupting Their Dysfunction

Your partnership with Master's Commission Brasil is literally interrupting the cycles of dysfunction in the lives of hundreds of children every week. It's like this: the realities of racism and discrimination here in Brasil are significant considering the vast majority of people living in some of the world's ugliest and most dangerous slums are of African descent… in other words, they're black!

Although the typical Brazilian would argue the issue of racism and discrimination, mostly based on their personal feelings regarding race and ethnicity, the overwhelming fact is clear that these social ills exist in abundance despite their denials. And it would take less than 30 seconds to prove my point. Simply look around. Who is driving cars and who is pulling recycle wagons through the streets? Who is sitting in offices and who is sweeping the streets for less than $2 a day? – Advertising billboards silently remind people at every glance what "tone" is most important. Take a peek into any restaurant and you'll almost never see a "black" couple enjoying the savors of Brazilian cuisine. And to help any of you get beyond my definition of racism; let's simply call it "a black child's reality". Ok? Forget my use of the word "racism".

So what's the point? Is it to prove that Brazilians are racists and segregationist? Nope! That's not the point. The point is that millions of children growing up in Brasilian slums have not only the curse of poverty to contend with, but the fact that they are Black makes their likelihood of escaping the cycles of dysfunction even more impossible, if not for God. And that's where Crianças com uma Promessa is working to make a difference.

Through the Crianças com uma Promessa program, we are working to transform the lives of children in the poorest communities of Brasil. Our focus on helping children transcend the cycles of limited opportunity is accomplished through developing them into morally grounded, English speaking, and academically accomplished young adults. The fact that they are Black is inconsequential to our commitment to working with the poorest children in the Brazil… we'd do the same if they were all white children; but the reality is that they're not. And we are attempting to describe this social reality with you because we desperately need your help and the willingness to acknowledge that our world is filled with historical proof that racism is real; and that together for these children we can make a difference.

A Strategy that Equalizes

A central part of the Crianças com uma Promessa program provides children the opportunity to learn English from our native speaking interns. These are children who without a solid education or college degree are destined to repeat the cruel cycles of poverty and dysfunction associated with poor communities. We believe that by learning English children will be able to take advantage of surging employment opportunities through their ability to speak English as a second language.

Can we count on you to support our ministry every month? – With the question of destructive racism in Brasil, I am very much up to a debate; but that debate must take place here in Brasil; in the middle of a real favela (slum) where we are going to be escorted by gun-toting mostly Black teenagers willing to allow you the opportunity of visiting their reality. – Oh, there's no need to be afraid… they won't hurt us… they're our English students.

Our Focus is Children and Youth… Not Moola!

Late one evening D.L. Moody, the American evangelist of the 1800's, arrived home from speaking at a meeting. Emma, his wife, was already asleep. As her exhausted husband climbed into bed, she rolled over and murmured, "So how did it go tonight?"

"Pretty well," he replied. "Two and a half converts." – His wife laid silently for a moment pondering this response, then finally smiled. "That's sweet," she relied. "How old was the child?" "No, no, no," Moody answered. "It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult's life is already half-gone."

That brief conversation over 100 years ago between Mr. and Mrs. Moody has today become even more true when we consider the fact that fully half the world, and especially in developing countries like Brasil, are children and teenagers. – So logically, our ministry focus remains to be on Children and Youth. And what makes our focus all the more urgent is that mission's research continues to prove that almost two-thirds of the people who give their lives to Christ do so before the age of eighteen year old. Saying it differently; thirteen out of every twenty Christians accepted Christ as their Savior when they were a child or teen.

With your help, we will continue to focus our ministry on children and youth. As far as the money is concerned,… and it is a very necessary concern, we will trust you as partners and supporters to continue making investments in the lives of children and youth by your generous monthly gifts. As a ministry team it's really difficult to focus on children, youth and money. I guess that's why we're called "partners". Your part enables us to do our part. And there you have "partners". - Thank you for being a wonderful partner that we can count on to help us do our part with ministry to children and youth.

To learn more about our ministry to children and youth, visit our new website at http://children-brasil.org

Please,... not too much of Jesus!

This global economic crisis is possibly serving as a very good litmus test gauging the depth and sincerity of countless Christian's living in America. In fact, it's ironic that our currency continues to proclaim, "In God We Trust" – Oh, really?

Last year our dear friends, Greg and Alba Perkins gave me a copy of the book "Good to Great in God's Eyes", by Chip Ingram. Great read! I highly recommend it. – I've been recently going through my second reading and was recaptured with his comments as he wrote, "The Dream Will Cost Your Life". As I re-read the section several times I thought this could be a tremendous encouragement to a wonderful bunch of people, (that would be you) that we love and care for deeply. - This crisis facing our nation can actually be one of the greatest opportunities for us, the church, to show ourselves strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. – Are you ready to receive a different dream? – Enjoy Chip's comments.

"The Dream Will Cost Your Life"

Imagine how futile and ridiculous the ministry of Jesus looked as he hung on the cross – a preacher who didn't exactly find success; a miracle worker who suddenly couldn't work a miracle; a loser of epic proportions. But Jesus had said that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single seed. If it dies, however, it brings forth much fruit (John 12:24). The dream, it seems, will cost us our life.

This is one reason that most of us don't want God's dream. The dream will cost us our life and appear to others as the height of folly just before God accomplishes the impossible through us. There will be a time in the process of God fulfilling his dream placed in your heart when he will take you all the way to the edge, and you must die. (Sound familiar?)

Every dream passes through the cross. Every dream takes you to where you let go of everything and everyone, every agenda and expectation, and then it is only as the Lord resurrects you and your dream that you can go on.

We spend much of our time and energy trying to avoid that place. We want just enough of Jesus to make us happy, just enough to give us peace, and just enough to make things go our way to fulfill our dreams and our agenda. Meanwhile, he wants to take us to the cross, where our own selfish dreams, egos, and plans for "great accomplishments" have to die. The cross brings you to a place of total and absolute surrender to all you have and all you are. You submit everything in obedience to the vision or dream God has given you for your life.

Scripture and history are replete with examples: Martin Luther and other early Reformers refused to recant their convictions even when their lives were at stake. In the early days of modern missions, missionaries packed their belongings in a coffin because the likelihood of returning to their homeland alive was very slim. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stood for truth (and died for it) in Nazi Germany, said that "when God calls a man, he bids him come and die." Embracing God-given dreams means sacrificing the self-inspired dreams, and that's usually a painful exchange. But the benefits always outweigh the costs.

There can be no resurrection without death. It isn't fun, but it's necessary. If you don't die to yourself, then you'll operate out of your natural talents and gifts, and you'll gladly receive the praise for being smart, savvy, and hyperspiritual. That's not the goal. The goal is that God be glorified in your life by doing something impossible through someone improbable like you.

A "Civil Rights Act" with the Apostle Peter

We continue to sort through strategies for developing effective ministry initiatives in a country with literally two different worlds; the rich and the poor, which live side-by-side, yet somehow manages to maintain an ability to function on completely different sides of the planet (socially and economically). It is very fascinating to study, but even more frustrating to understand; especially understanding people who are vocationally in "ministry". They make staying on their side of the cultural wall look way too easy… almost effortlessly.

During my daily devotions I was pleasantly surprised to learn how the Lord addressed this issue of racial and cultural segregation. It was a very direct approach and didn’t require much legislation or dialogue because it was an issue of the heart... and that is exactly where God went with the Apostle Peter… a direct hit to the heart.

In Acts chapter 10 (please read the whole chapter) Peter explains to Cornelius and his guests, “Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?". – And so in Peter’s life the issue of race and segregation was immediately and eternally resolved. It was just that simple! Bam! The Lord said it and that was that! The argument was completely over.

Unfortunately this bit of news has not made its way as far as Brasil… at least not yet. And I honestly wonder has it really been understood in the United States. You see, for Peter this was not a thought or an idea that he somehow stumbled upon; and he didn’t hear it at a church growth conference or read it in a book on effective leadership. For Peter, this was nothing short of a divine revelation that caused an incredible collision at the core of his social, political and religious DNA. – This revelation hit at the extreme core of who he was as a person.

This revelation by way did not occur on the back side of a civil rights movement of any sorts; it did not come as a result of lawmakers or the actions of political-social groups… in other words, it wasn’t created because the social climate had become such that it only made sense to “switch over”. No! This was by divine revelation from God, which leads to my point: how many pastors, missionaries and post modern religious leaders currently in pursuit of growing multicultural ministries are doing it in response to a direct and personal revelation concerning the value of man; regardless their color, race or ethnicity? If not by revelation, then what are their motives?

How many of today's current church leaders have had the core of their cultural beliefs severely shattered and humbled by a divine revelation similar to the Apostle Peter? - Maybe that’s the reason why the church in Brasil has not yet been able to successfully bridge the deep social-economic canyon that exists today. In the United States, where it is currently fashionable to grow a “multicultural” church; for those who have yet to receive a divine revelation, what could their motivations possibly be? It certainly cannot be because it is the fashionable thing to do… can it?

You don’t know either… do you?

Sometimes I am perplexed and even a little unsure concerning the tons of stuff being written about how to be a strong and effective leader; apparently being led by the Spirit isn't good enough. – As I was doing my daily devotions this morning in Acts chapter 10, I was continuing my observations on Peter's experience with the sheet like thing, bound at the four corners, floating down to earth with all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things and birds of the air that were in it (I wonder when it says "wild beasts" did that include a big hairy gorilla?).

I found it really interesting that verse 19-20 says, "While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." – I was really happy to learn that just like me, Peter didn't have a clue what was going on. As he stood on the roof of the house trying to figure out what this weird vision meant, unknowing to him God was causing the vision to unfold underneath him as the three men sent by Cornelius were literally knocking on the front door. Peter didn't have a clue what was going on! – Ha! Ha! Ha! … That is hilarious to me! Here we have one of the greatest leaders in the history of our New Testament, and he hadn't figured it all out yet. How come no one writes a book about this kind of leadership?

Apparently from at least God's point of view, for Peter to be an effective leader:

a) It was not a prerequisite or requirement for Peter to have figured it all out. God was somehow in control of the situation regardless how little Peter understood at the moment.

b) God's sovereign plan called for Peter to figure this out one step at time. That's probably because like many of us, it would have been a disaster for Peter to have received a complete blueprint of where the Lord was heading with this vision. Knowing Peter's personality had he a set of blueprints he was way good to go. See ya!

c) It was going to be necessary for Peter to be well outside his cultural and social box to understand this vision. Verse 14 exposes the religious-social box Peter was already in when he replied concerning the vision, "Not so, Lord! For I have never and will never eat anything common or unclean!" – God was doing something new, but Peter needed to be ready to abandon the traditions and norms he had forever embraced.

d) He was going to learn how to be ok with being "surprised" by what the Lord may at any time require.

e) He only needed to "go with the flow" of the Holy Spirit, especially when in verse 20 he was told, "So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." - He was not being asked in the moment whether or not he understood; he was given a set of instructions to engage with faith and obedience.

Now here's my application to us; many believe that just like this moment in history when God was preparing to do something profound in Peter's world, we are once again at a significant moment where God is about to blow our minds with a supernatural change of direction for the church. Something is about to happen, many people will agree on that point. But I am wondering about today's "leaders" and heads of denominations; are we willing to move forward not knowing what's going to happen next? We've got so many organizations with high-tech models and finely tuned strategies for "church" growth, why do we need to bother the Lord? After all we have the benefit of church history to our advantage. Thanks to modern technology we've been able to analyze all of the data and figure it all out. Unlike Peter in verse 20, we have no doubts about where we're going.

Uhhhh, personally I don't know if I'm good with that. As a "leader" I don't always feel so smart, and certainly there is more that I don't know than what I do know. There's no doubt that the Lord has spoken to me in dreams and visions; that's not the issue. Whether or not I'm supposed to figure it all out first in order to be qualified as a leader is more the issue. In other words, can I as a "leader" continue to move forward not knowing everything that people think I should know? – History shows that Peter was an effective leader, not because he had figured everything out, but because he was able to be led by the Holy Spirit who, believe it or not already had a complete plan in place. The issue was whether or not Peter was going to flow with it. – How are you flowing as a "leader"? Come on, be honest with me… you don't really have a clue either, do you? – Ha! Ha! Ha!

There is ALWAYS a more difficult perspective

While living away from "home" on the missions field, it has become a tremendous challenge to watch our $25 to $50 monthly sponsors dissipate as the US economy continues to take its toll on who politicians have tagged "Main Street" Americans (Why does that label not feel right?). - For you as well as ourselves, we are praying and hoping there will soon be an end to the difficult tailspin affecting so many families.

With that said, here in Brasil we are reminded daily that as difficult as it is in the USA, there's always a more difficult perspective of reality. For example, we can walk less than 90 seconds up our street and find people living in conditions that virtually still don't exist in the United States. We can walk about 7-minutes and find ourselves in the middle of a slum settlement resting in the shadows of a luxury mall that I can guarantee is not visited by the populace of this slum. - Everyday we are visited with true life visuals that serve as reminders that there's always a more difficult perspective.

Here's the last word picture I'll try to create. As we come out of our "winter" season, there honestly were a few nights that we thought were very cold. Although I don't remember anyone in the family complaining about not having any heaters in the house, I do remember wondering as I grabbed extra blankets for the bed; did people living in the slums near us even have extra blankets as an option? While we at least have a real roof, doors that lock, and glass in our windows, what did it feel like for those neighbors nearby whose perspective was still more difficult than ours? As cold as it felt, what could I have possibly complained about? We at least had the option of trapping our body heat with the extra blankets.

And speaking of perspective; I am choosing to continue believing God's promises in Romans 8:28 that guarantees us that He causes all things... yes, even this current economic nightmare, to work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purposes. Like many of you, I cannot comprehend how something like this can be happening in our country; it's nearly unbelievable the scope of this problem. But, then again, are we not looking from a perspective of a people who have essentially had it all and may now have a perfect opportunity to learn what so many other people around the world have always lived with as their daily perspective? - If you still have windows with glass that may be a very good sign indeed.

Be thankful and please remember your monthly $25 - $50 still makes a significant difference in where we live.