H.E.A.R.T. + American International Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday, November 19th was a full day with international ministry focus. Morning and most of the afternoon I worked in Lake Wales FL on library development at H.E.A.R.T. Institute, an interdenominational training center designed to prepare people to serve in the Third World. An unexpected treat was joining in a wonderful Cambodian lunch provided by the family of a H.E.A.R.T. student.

That evening I served as a table host for the 9th Annual American International Thanksgiving Dinner at First Baptist Church in Oviedo. The event was sponsored by Florida Int’l Student Hospitality (UCF) and Baptist Collegiate Ministries. It was a delight to get acquainted with Eri and Manami from Japan who are both studying English at the Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies, University of Central Florida. Our table learned that the Japanese word for “Thank You” is Arigatou.

TOPS - S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Enough is enough!!!    I have declared war on my middle-age spread.

On September 2 I joined TOPS FL 0824 that meets in the chapel at New Tribes Mission Homes in Sanford with 21 members of various ages. It is a wonderful group with folks of kindred spirit in our weight loss journey and many involved in gospel missions.

The mission of the TOPS chapter is to help and support members’ efforts to lose weight and keep it off sensibly. The group encourages each other to follow sound nutrition and exercise plans to reach weigh goals set by their healthcare professionals. Various members of each TOPS chapter present the weekly program (materials available from national office).

  October 7 was my turn. A conversation with “Grandma Gracie” led to a program on S.M.A.R.T. goal setting. As follow-up to us each putting a target weight for Dec. 31 in a time capsule last week, I described the characteristics of      S.M.A.R.T. goals:  

Specific

Measurable

Attainable 

Realistic 

Timely

In working through a goal setting worksheet I had created, I invited TOPS members to identify obstacles and hindrances to meeting our time capsule goals and we discussed how to deal with each. I encouraged each person to list individuals/organizations/resources that can assist in achieving their goal and make a detailed plan of action.

My personal weight loss has been rather slow, but at least I’ve finally broke through a long plateau and it has dropped the last three weeks. With a clearly defined strategy and resources, God’s help, and fun friendly TOPS support…my eyes are on the goals of less weight, more energy and better health for God’s service.

H.E.A.R.T. Library Peeping Along

Several times in his powerful book, “The End of the Spear” Steve Saint mentions occasionally sharing their home and church in Ecuador with various critters…sometimes with quite a ruckus created.


Friday in the library at H.E.A.R.T. Institute there was no ruckus…only the steady serenading of peeps from approximately a dozen and half baby chicks and the scurrying of little feet while filing card catalog cards and typing bibliographic data into a template for more cards.


Several years ago I was asked to assist the H..E.A.R.T. (Hunger Education And Resources Training) Institute with library development. H.E.A.R.T. Institute is a simulated Third World village to train persons interested in serving as missionaries in Third World countries.


Phase 1 was weeding extremely overcrowded shelves. Many thanks to H.E.A.R.T. spring 2010 intern Morganne Betteridge for all her hard work and multiple hours spent on the weeding process and more.


Instructor’s approval for is still needed for only one course’s pulled potential discards. Then comes re-shelving what is deemed appropriate to keep, shuffling books for more even shelf distribution, then doing subject shelf labels for user friendliness.


Phase 2 begins next week when I get a list of instructor names and emails to request lists of recommended acquisitions. Then comes locating best purchase sources for instructor recommendations.


 Phase 3 starts when H.E.A.R.T. Director Phil Murphy to shares the H.E.A.R.T. Library Wish List with churches as a fund raiser.


I volunteer at H.E.A.R.T. approximately one Friday a month (my library system is closed Fridays). Thanks to Diane Beam who came with me yesterday to work on library tasks. I also plan to ask a fellow librarian to come help catalog books and brainstorm ways to fine tune the library development process. Yesterday I secured a H.E.A.R.T. student with library work experience to re-shelve books after student use.


Here Dr. Jim Kiess, former medical missionary to Belize and I choose a location for his personal reserve collection for the “Public Health” course and show that spot to student Elizabeth. Both Diane (a former LPN) and I are doing some research for online resources related to the big semester project for this course.

NAC 2010 - "Cote d'Ivoire & Storytelling" @ Kid's Place: AFRICAN ADVENTURE

    

The 2010 theme for Kid's Place June 28-30 at the North American Convention of the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana was "AFRICAN ADVENTURE." I was asked to write and lead the "Cote d'Ivoire and Storytelling" Learning Center.  I invited librarian Ruth Maxedon and her husband Lynn to join me in facilitating this portion of the 3-day adventure.

Cote d'Ivoire missionaries Sherman and Kay Critser tell about the Church of God ministry there, the country and schools, West Africa Bible Institute, CBH radio, and answer questions.

Andrew Lyon, with CBH: Christians Broadcasting Hope, shows picture of radio tower on church in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire. He tells about the French radio program and his trips there to train radio staff and soundproof the studio.

Lynn and Ruth Maxedon lead the song with actions “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” in English and French. The Maxedons describe their February 2010 Côte d'Ivoire trip to assist with soundproofing CBH radio studio and work on preparing books for the West Africa Bible Institute library.

 Ruth Maxedon shares It Takes a Village by Jane Cowan-Fletcher and My Baby by Jeanette Winter about making mud cloth. Ruth showed a sample of real mud cloth and several cloths she bought in Côte d'Ivoire.

I lead children in transition song “Beat the Drum,” (tune: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”) with homemade African drums or using our laps for drums.

Beat, beat, beat the drum, Rum, Pum, Pum, Pum, Pum.

Listen to the sounds it makes, Watch us have some fun.

Play, play, play the drum, Rum, Pum, Pum, Pum, Pum.

Hear it talk and tell a tale, Listen everyone.

(Travel the Globe, Multicultural Story Times, Desiree Webber ... [et al.] p. 111)

This small African drum was made from two plastic punch cups, taped bottom to bottom with duct tape; it can be covered with masking tape, color electrical tape, or 1" strips of woodgrain adhesive paper and decorated with electrical tape.

Children join in saying the name of the special tree, “Uwungelema” (oo-won-guh-LAY-muh) during the felt board story similar to the "Tortoise and the Hare."  (The Flannel Board Storytelling Book. Judy Sierra, p. 152-157 )

The book, Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier shows what a tremendous difference one goat can make in the life of a Ugandan family. Kid's Place outreach project from offerings this year went to buy goats in Uganda...and money was collected for 13 goats. PTL!

We have fun with a silly hippo rhyme and body percussion between stories. 

 A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus; (slap thighs)

Got on, got on, got on the city bus; (clap hands)

And all, and all, and all the people said… (brush hands past each other up and down)

You’re squishing us! (squish cheeks)

Special THANKS to my sister Pat Watts for making PowerPoints with music of French/English songs “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” and “Papa Abraham”. (Email me for these.) Thank you Larry Sellers for making French translation of “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” fit the melody and reflect Ivorian version. Thanks to South Meridian Church of God, Anderson for use of your plants and to Kid's Place workers for plant delivery.

"TOTAL It Up" - Wycliffe Orlando

What an awesome week!  It's called  "TOTAL It Up" -  "Taste Of Translation And Linguistics."  

TIU is a five-day course offered by Wycliffe Bible Translators which includes introductory classes on phonetics, phonology, grammar, language and cultural learning, and translation and semantics. Field reports, video and personal testimonies offer students a chance to experience translation as it happens in the field. Ethnic dinners enhance the experience.

My work schedule did not permit me to be a full participant in this past week's Orlando TIU, but I am grateful I could sit in on some of each day's programming and I got more of the big picture.

Titusville Spring Perspectives Class Wraps Up

It has been my privilege to serve the Titusville Florida Spring 2010 "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" class as Grading Supervisor. We met Sunday evenings, January 10 - May 9 (with two break weeks) @ Indian River City United Methodist Church in Titusville. The photo above includes students and Coordinating Team members at our last evening multicultural dinner celebration with testimonies and graduation. It was a precious time of worship, sharing, and praying for one another.

Perspectives teaches the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic aspects of fulfilling the Great Commission. “Perspectives is a dynamic, engaging and thorough look at the state of world evangelization today. For any person who wonders where they may fit into God's plan for reaching the unreached, taking this course will give them insight to God's heart for the world and how they can and should get involved.” -Scott Graves, Pioneer Bible Translators

In 15 lessons, we engaged with a range of dynamic speakers from these missions organizations & more: New Tribes Mission, Walk Through the Bible, Unveiling Glory, YWAM Frontier Missions, Latin American Missions, Globe Serv, Intl. Orality Network, Jesus to Muslims, Fountain of Life, Wycliffe Bible Translators, New Mission Systems, Air Mobile Ministries.

Students in this Titusville class included among others: a high school senior taking the class for college credit, preparing to be a 3rd generation missionary and her mother who ministered in Panama during several weeks of the class; two ladies took class for college and graduate credit. Certificate students included a retired medical doctor and wife who are very supportive of missions, several missions committee chairpersons/members, a former English teacher to Japan, and others. Various students and CT members have already served in different parts of the world and some have plans to serve abroad this summer or sooner in Haiti and Nicaragua. Join us in praying for Kathleen Willey Peterson and daughter Anna who are currently on a short-term trip in Panama. Heather Trapp, graduate student, wrote on Facebook: "What a great experience!!! Tons of work but SO worth it. It has forever changed the way that I look at the world, and missions. Thanks be to God!"

It is an honor and privilege to work with such a program that is designed to equip and mobilize Christians to contribute their own abilities in their own strategic places of service to advance the Kingdom, whether locally, nationally or internationally.

I have been asked to also serve as Grading Supervisor of the Satellite Beach FL class this fall and mention has been made of my working with the Spring 2011 Orlando class (contingent on ramifications a full-time missions situation I am exploring).

Perspectives is about learning how to use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth – no matter your location or vocation. The course can be taken online. I challenge you to prayerfully consider it…go to http://www.perspectives.org/.

The Journey Deepens Reteat, Atlanta GA

It was my privilege to attend "The Journey Deepens Reteat" in Tyrone GA at the Operation Mobilization Conference Center near Atlanta on March 26-28.  Along with deepening our relationship with Jesus, there was much discussion and exploration of the goer, sender, and mobilizer roles in missions. I had the opportunity to connect with representatives from several missions agencies - Finishers Project, Operation Mobilization, and Wycliffe Bible Translators. 

I have served as a "goer" in the past, to Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa and Cayman Islands. Currently I am in a season of being a "sender" (David and Bonnie Baylor Family + Ernie and Lori Nicholas)  and "mobilizer" (via Perspectives course grading supervisor + library development @ Heart Institute). I pray I can always function as a sender and mobilizer, even if in small ways. The "big picture" is not visible yet... I simply do not feel God has released me from my call to be a "goer" be it short-term or long-term.

My heart, ears, and eyes are open to God's leading. Several kinds of research and exploration are in progress. For example, I have registered to attend Discover Wycliffe on May 1. My heart leaps whenever I hear and read about Wycliffe's Vision 2025 to see a Bible translation program in progress in every language still needing one by the year 2025.

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My small group - leader: Ele Parrott (lower right),

author of Transforming Together, Authentic Spiritual Mentoring)

Gals in the Big Bunkhouse - rich sharing of learnings and fellowship at end of the days.

 

Funeral & Family Time in KY; Cherished Action Happens Again

The last weekend of February was spent in central Kentucky with my Watts relatives. We gathered in Winchester to remember and honor my Dad's sister, Fannie Watts Palmer. Her minister described her as a humble, quiet country woman of few words. She was a faithful woman - to God, her church, and her family. She touched the hearts and impacted the lives of many...the funeral home was packed. Eighteen of us first cousins were there plus many second cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Aunt Fannie had expressed her love for us and others in so many caring ways.

I appreciate Aunt Fannie's support and encouragement of my Christian Education ministry; I did several programs with puppets and more at her church through the years. I cherish her support of my African missions work. She had a special heart for missions. 

Aunt Fannie was a wonderful role model for service. You'd frequently find her in the church kitchen at Epperson First Church of God during various events and funeral dinners plus cooking at Camp Glenn Eden. I was told that if she could not be at a funeral dinner to help serve, she would quietly slip a covered dish into the church ahead.

 What a special treat it was to see all those cousins, two I had not seen in more than 40 years. It was a blessing to spend time after the funeral with some family members. Above is my cousin Pam Pennington, I hold Pam's granddaughter Caroline Grace, Aunt Ruth Abney, and Aunt Mayme Crowe.

There is something I’ll always remember and cherish. It happened again 42+ years later. It comforted my heart and lifted my spirits back on that cold rainy day in October 1967 as the funeral procession followed my dear beloved father to his burial place a few miles away. Cars coming the opposite direction pulled to the side of the road and waited for the procession to go by - out of respect for the deceased and sympathy for the grieving. No laws demanding you stop and wait as with a school bus stopping to pick up students. It deeply touched this then 14-year old broken heart that these complete strangers gave a hoot about our deep loss.

I thought things had probably changed after more than 42 years…but it happened again. This trip from funeral home to cemetery was longer, but four lanes across a divided highway some people pulled off the road to wait for our procession to go by. Again, my deeply grieving heart was comforted by this silent yet powerful act of kindness. It makes me proud to be a native of Winchester, Kentucky.

ECHO Visit

On February 17th, I visited ECHO (Educational Concerns For Hunger Organization)  to get an overview of their library organization, secure resource recommendations, and to explore potential for long-range expansion of H.E.A.R.T. Institute Library, Lake Wales.

ECHO a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization located on a demonstration farm in North Fort Myers, FL that exists to help those working internationally with the poor be more effective, especially in the area of agriculture. Their mission is to equip people with resources and skills to reduce hunger and improve the lives of the poor. Students from ECHO and H.E.A.R.T. Institute in Lake Wales FL often visit each other’s program.

ECHO Reference Librarian Jane Volker was very gracious in giving me a tour of their library, an overview of their cataloging system, organization, and collection procedures, and in sharing documents of key resources by subject area and more. More photos are posted in my Facebook ECHO Library Visit Album.

 

 

Visit to CCCI and Wycliffe Bible Translators Headquarters

Our Titusville Spring Perspectives class was invited to join a prayer group which met last week at Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI) Headquarters to pray for oral missions. Orality is thought, and its verbal expression in societies where the technologies of literacy (especially writing and print) are unfamiliar to most of the population.

We ate lunch at Wycliffe Headquarters as Galen Miller introduced the StoryRunners,  a mission of CCCI to help  effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups—even people with no scripture or written language. Following was a mini behind-the-scenes tour of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Back at CCCI, we went through the Jesus Film Project tour. I won't forget  the "Wall of Honor" of persons who died in the process of scripture translation. More pictures and stories will soon be added to the wall.

A number of us in the tour group were moved to tears viewing a DVD depicting the impact  the Jesus Film in a new language translation funded by one couple had on its first audience.

Lastly we had opportunity to purchase the Jesus Film and some other resources and a few more minutes of fellowship.

Wow! The day was too short. It only whetted my appetite to learn more about orality, Bible Storying and the various ministries and methods to reach unreached peoples.

Perspectives Spring 2010 - YOU are invited!

The clock is ticking...around the United States most Spring 2010 Perspectives courses begin the second full week of January through February 1. What in the world is Perspectives?

Perspectives is a dynamic, life changing experience where the participants have an opportunity to discover what God is doing around the world and consider their part in His purposes. Perspectives provides a unique opportunity to understand God's intentions and actions in the world, in a dynamic and internationally acclaimed 15 week study program. Whether you are a high schooler or homeschooler, college student, business person, homemaker, church leader, or seminary-trained pastor.....Perspectives is for you!

Perspectives is way more than a "course", it is an encounter, an experience, an adventure with God through the eyes and experiences of Biblical historians, church planters, seminary professors and leading missiologists from around the world! It will truly live up to its name by significantly impacting your "perspective" on God and His purposes. “

YOU are invited to participate in this life changing encounter, experience, adventure!  

Check the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement website for details of the course, various youtube promo videos, locations and course registration. The course may be taken for certificate, college or graduate credit.

It is my privilege to serve as Grading Supervisor for the Titusville Florida Spring 2010 class. If you are in the central FL area, please prayerfully consider joining us starting January 10 on Sundays, 6:00 - 9:00 PM @ Indian River City United Methodist Church, 1355 Cheney Hwy Titusville, FL 32796. (2.3 miles east of I-95 on Cheney Hwy./Orlando Road/SR-50 E) First two sessions may be attended free. 

"Daniel Fast" 2010 begins

Many believers annually set apart 21 days in January to pray and fast for breakthrough in our personal lives, in the body of Christ, in our nation and in our world. My Orlando church began our 21 day fast on Monday. Some choose to start with only water, then add juice; others are doing various kinds of partial fasts including the “Daniel Fast” – my primary choice. Regardless of method, the goal is “To grow closer to God as you quiet your flesh.”

This time, I have looked forward to my January Daniel Fast. During this "fork in the road" transition time of my life, I especially hunger for a closer walk with God as I seek direction and guidance for the next stretch of my journey in educational missions. Secondarily, I desire the health and stamina results that Daniel and his buddies received from their vegetables and water routine (Daniel 1) ...since I'm somewhat run down from burning the candle at both ends and in the middle.

The "Daniel Fast" is a partial fast patterned after the fast of David and friends in the Old Testament. It basically is a fast from meats, dairy, sweets, processed & fried foods, caffeine, and fat products. The Daniel Fast includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and water.

Daniel Fast Resources

The 2010 New Year Daniel Fast with Susan Gregory, Daniel Fast Blogger. Sign up for the Daniel Fast Mailing List  to receive the Daniel Fast Guidelines, tips, recipes and periodic information about the Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast: Feed Your Soul, Strengthen Your Spirit, and Renew Your Body by Susan Gregory. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2009.
       Want to grow closer to God and improve your health in just 21 days? Inspired by the Book of Daniel, blogger Gregory has a plan to help you do just that! Her biblical principles will change the way you view food, your body, and your relationship with the Creator. Includes recipes, devotional readings, and FAQs.
       Personal note: this book is wonderful - instructions for the fast prep practical, recipes delicious (love the chili and soup ones I sorta combine in our prolonged cold Florida weather!), and the devotions uplifting, especially when journal in response. Just what I needed.

The Daniet Fast - Rev. Michael L. Farho: Blog, Foods to avoid, Foods to eat, Instructions, Q and A, Recipes, Scripture, Tips, Resources

Daniel’s Fast friendly restaurants, stores and products.