Well, another year has come and gone. Has it been good, so-so, not so good, or a downright horrible year and you can't wait until midnight on Tuesday when we'll ring in 2013. For me, it was mixed, some high points, some low points, and everything in between.
I know folks who have had a banner year in 2012, and others who had the worst year of their life. I (and I hope you are too) looking forward to a great 2013, the year where kindness will make a comeback.
I know you probably seen the news, on TV or the newspaper. The seemingly senseless massacre in Newtown, CT a few weeks back. Why would someone want to kill innocent schoolchildren? Someone in need to receive some kindness. Normally I take news as it comes, but this incident bothered me.
What kind of 2013 do you hope to have? If you had a great 2012, just carry it over into 2013 on that high note. If 2012 has not been kind to you, and for many of you that was the case, what changes will you make as we welcome this new year in just about 40 hours from now?
As we charge headlong into this next year, remember to always choose kindness!
Happy New Year!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
What is kindness? It's compassion to it's fullest extent. Kindness is not thought very highly of in our culture, but is respected. A random act of kindness never goes unnoticed.
Kindness benefits everyone, bringing joy to the giver and peace to the receiver, and also facilitates respect from all who notice.
Always choose kindness, you'll be rewarded for it!
Kindness benefits everyone, bringing joy to the giver and peace to the receiver, and also facilitates respect from all who notice.
Always choose kindness, you'll be rewarded for it!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Have you noticed how angry people seem to be lately? I sat in on a group discussion last week on anger and it's all around us. The irate motorist that gives the "single gun" salute to surrounding motorists seemingly for no reason? Did they get into the car planning to be angry? Likely it's not the case. It has builded up inside for some time. Or the rowdy sports fan who constantly screams obsenities from the stands at referees and players out on the field? Likely that individual has been seething for some time, maybe weeks or months, and has an excuse to vent some of that pent-up rage. Or the recently laid-off construction worker who is planning retaliation against his now-former boss. Well, maybe he has a little more of a reason to be angry.
Why have we become so angry? Is it jealousy? With all the political hype going on now, maybe that has something to do with it too. Someone will always not be happy following a presidential election.
I am not immune to anger issues either. And yes, I still get upset from time to time. One of my ways is that I don't watch a lot of evening television, or much TV at all for that matter, and usually spend my downtime engrossed in a book. I do watch news on and off, but I don't become obsessed with it.
Last week I began delivering food items to shut-in clients from Peoples Resource center food pantry in Wheaton. All of the clients I've visited so far are very grateful to receive some food, and some attention. Just think, they may not talk to another soul the rest of the day.
When you help out someone a little less fortunate, it washes the anger away. When you spread kindness randomly, someone will always take notice.
Let's spread some random kindness this week
Why have we become so angry? Is it jealousy? With all the political hype going on now, maybe that has something to do with it too. Someone will always not be happy following a presidential election.
I am not immune to anger issues either. And yes, I still get upset from time to time. One of my ways is that I don't watch a lot of evening television, or much TV at all for that matter, and usually spend my downtime engrossed in a book. I do watch news on and off, but I don't become obsessed with it.
Last week I began delivering food items to shut-in clients from Peoples Resource center food pantry in Wheaton. All of the clients I've visited so far are very grateful to receive some food, and some attention. Just think, they may not talk to another soul the rest of the day.
When you help out someone a little less fortunate, it washes the anger away. When you spread kindness randomly, someone will always take notice.
Let's spread some random kindness this week
Friday, September 21, 2012
Yesterday I heard from World Orphans that they have postponed their international trips until 2013, including my planned trip with them to South Africa in December. It's good news both ways, as now I can concentrate on local ministry, and international kindness-spreading in 2013.
Beginning next week I'll begin doing home visits to clients of the Peoples Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton, bringing them food items to those who are shut-in, or have no transport. I've heard many of them are elderly (and very lonely) and just waiting for a kind soul to pay any attention to them. They feel the world is passing them by, leaving them in the dust, while on their way in the constant pursuit of more.
I'm enjoying attending at Wheaton Bible Church, and am slowly getting plugged in to a community there, For the past couple years I thought of myself as a wayward pilgrim, a minimalist, someone content with what I have, which is a lot compared to many impoverished villagers in the Third World. Now I feel like a part of a community once again.
This Sunday I'll again head to Willow Creek's downtown Chicago campus. Just can't get enough, or get away from there. Will still plan to attend there once a month.
Sometime in mid-late October I'll join WBC's Hunger Team, their version of Meals on Wheels. It will be similar to what I'll be doing with Peoples Resource.
Remember to choose kindness!
Beginning next week I'll begin doing home visits to clients of the Peoples Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton, bringing them food items to those who are shut-in, or have no transport. I've heard many of them are elderly (and very lonely) and just waiting for a kind soul to pay any attention to them. They feel the world is passing them by, leaving them in the dust, while on their way in the constant pursuit of more.
I'm enjoying attending at Wheaton Bible Church, and am slowly getting plugged in to a community there, For the past couple years I thought of myself as a wayward pilgrim, a minimalist, someone content with what I have, which is a lot compared to many impoverished villagers in the Third World. Now I feel like a part of a community once again.
This Sunday I'll again head to Willow Creek's downtown Chicago campus. Just can't get enough, or get away from there. Will still plan to attend there once a month.
Sometime in mid-late October I'll join WBC's Hunger Team, their version of Meals on Wheels. It will be similar to what I'll be doing with Peoples Resource.
Remember to choose kindness!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Last weekend, tropical storm Isaac formed in the Atlantic, roared through the Caribbean Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (including Haiti, dumping tremendous rains and caused mudslides) and emerged into the Gulf of Mexico. Isaac ate some Wheaties and became a hurricane just prior to slamming into the New Orleans area late Tuesday night. It wreaked havoc along the Gulf Coast for a few days, drenching the area with rain and even spun up a few tornadoes. Now, on September 1 at 11:33AM CDT, Isaac is making his presence felt here in the Chicago area, disrupting many Labor Day weekend festivals. Isaac will continue to hang out in the area today, this evening/tonight, and into tomorrow, before continuing onward.
The rain is so desperately needed here, after this past summer's drought.
Right now, even through I was sort of in a "drought" this past summer, my life now is anything but a drought. In fact, it's becoming the "hurricane" that Isaac was just 5 days ago down on the Gulf Coast. I have been in contact with World Orphans, a Colorado-based missions organization that specializes in reaching out to orphaned children in poor countries worldwide. I even applied for an opportunity to travel to South Africa with them last week, and on September 20 I'll find out if I made the team to head out in December to South Africa, ministering in the Durban and Pretoria areas.
Beginning in late September I'll begin doing "home visits" to clients of the Peoples Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton, who are shut-in, or have no transportation. Many new opportunities are opening up at this time. The past couple weeks I've communicated with folks I have not heard from, or spoken to, in 3 months. Even went down to Parkview Church last Saturday evening, then went to Willow Creek Chicago last Sunday. I'll attend down there again on September 9.
Stay tuned,,,lots happening.
As always, remember to choose kindness!
The rain is so desperately needed here, after this past summer's drought.
Right now, even through I was sort of in a "drought" this past summer, my life now is anything but a drought. In fact, it's becoming the "hurricane" that Isaac was just 5 days ago down on the Gulf Coast. I have been in contact with World Orphans, a Colorado-based missions organization that specializes in reaching out to orphaned children in poor countries worldwide. I even applied for an opportunity to travel to South Africa with them last week, and on September 20 I'll find out if I made the team to head out in December to South Africa, ministering in the Durban and Pretoria areas.
Beginning in late September I'll begin doing "home visits" to clients of the Peoples Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton, who are shut-in, or have no transportation. Many new opportunities are opening up at this time. The past couple weeks I've communicated with folks I have not heard from, or spoken to, in 3 months. Even went down to Parkview Church last Saturday evening, then went to Willow Creek Chicago last Sunday. I'll attend down there again on September 9.
Stay tuned,,,lots happening.
As always, remember to choose kindness!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
This upcoming fall/winter ministry season could be one of my biggest and best yet. I'm waiting for this summer to end (yes, I know it's twisted and backwards for anyone reading this) and then can immerse myself into the many ministries of Wheaton Bible Church, where I've been attending since July 8. I know the next Hunger Team (their version of Meals on Wheels) training is at the end of this month, and then can officially join the team about 1 month from now. Also am planning to travel internationally with them, or with World Relief, their largest ministry partner.
For the last couple weeks I've been cutting back on a few of my serves, and hoping to fill up my kindness tank, which honestly, has been running close to empty since just after Memorial Day. I sort of took these last 2 months off from international travel due to that. I'll be fully back at it in a month.
Possible trips to South Africa, Haiti, and maybe Kenya are in the works, but not definite yet.
Maybe God has given me these last 2 months to re-focus a bit. Being an others-focused person, I many times tend to neglect myself, and my own needs. More than one friend has reminded me of that in the past couple months. I'm now finally realizing that.
It has been a roller-coaster summer of change and transition.
This Sunday I'll attend the service downtown at Willow Creek Chicago. That is one thing that will not change, attending there once a month
For the last couple weeks I've been cutting back on a few of my serves, and hoping to fill up my kindness tank, which honestly, has been running close to empty since just after Memorial Day. I sort of took these last 2 months off from international travel due to that. I'll be fully back at it in a month.
Possible trips to South Africa, Haiti, and maybe Kenya are in the works, but not definite yet.
Maybe God has given me these last 2 months to re-focus a bit. Being an others-focused person, I many times tend to neglect myself, and my own needs. More than one friend has reminded me of that in the past couple months. I'm now finally realizing that.
It has been a roller-coaster summer of change and transition.
This Sunday I'll attend the service downtown at Willow Creek Chicago. That is one thing that will not change, attending there once a month
Sunday, July 22, 2012
I've attended Wheaton Bible Church for 2 weeks now, and am taking steps to get plugged in there. I participated in their newcomers class for 2 weeks, and now will start checking out different classes, groups, etc. This definitely seems like a place where I can use my gifts. They are a missions-focused, outreach-oriented church. They have missionaries serving worldwide and have many local partners. When you make change, you make friends. Hopefully that's true
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I'm now on the cusp of some big changes, including a church change too. I'll begin attending at Wheaton Bible Church (Wheaton/Carol Stream area) beginning on Sunday July 1. I actually visited here once back in March, and immediately liked it. They are an outreach-oriented church, which is perfect for me.
I'll also be building a new community of folks, from the ground up. Being kind of a "nomad", this will be a change for me, to be rooted and grounded in community by the time fall rolls around. They also have a group of folks called the "Hunger Team", who travel all over DuPage County bringing food items to people who have fallen on hard times, and others who are shut in. Sounds like a great fit, to take my local ministry to the poor to a whole other level. The next chance to join this group of kind souls will be in mid-late August, so not much will happen between now and then. In the meantime I'll begin attending WBC regularly, meet some folks, get my feet wet there, etc.
I'll also be building a new community of folks, from the ground up. Being kind of a "nomad", this will be a change for me, to be rooted and grounded in community by the time fall rolls around. They also have a group of folks called the "Hunger Team", who travel all over DuPage County bringing food items to people who have fallen on hard times, and others who are shut in. Sounds like a great fit, to take my local ministry to the poor to a whole other level. The next chance to join this group of kind souls will be in mid-late August, so not much will happen between now and then. In the meantime I'll begin attending WBC regularly, meet some folks, get my feet wet there, etc.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I've been back for almost 3 weeks now and have got back into the rat-race pace of life of Chicago, but minus the self-indulgence of our culture. Yes, the traveling in the Third World has had that effect on me, a good thing, a great thing. In the last 4 years or so I have lived out a counter-cultural lifestyle, the best I could.
On Sunday I rose early and headed downtown to attend Willow Creek's Chicago campus.
On Monday I served at the Crystal Lake food pantry in the namesake city in the afternoon, and then served at the Bessie's Table soup kitchen later that afternoon/evening.
An interesting side note, I was just made aware that many school-aged children in our area are most hungry during the summer months. Food pantry visits everywhere I am are on the rise, and (this true for inner-city children) the summer can be a dangerous time of year, school is out, the hot weather, kids are bored, and crime goes up. To combat this, Willow Creek Chicago is sponsoring a week-long "day camp" for children on Chicago's south side in July.
Summer has now officially arrived. Enjoy it!
On Sunday I rose early and headed downtown to attend Willow Creek's Chicago campus.
On Monday I served at the Crystal Lake food pantry in the namesake city in the afternoon, and then served at the Bessie's Table soup kitchen later that afternoon/evening.
An interesting side note, I was just made aware that many school-aged children in our area are most hungry during the summer months. Food pantry visits everywhere I am are on the rise, and (this true for inner-city children) the summer can be a dangerous time of year, school is out, the hot weather, kids are bored, and crime goes up. To combat this, Willow Creek Chicago is sponsoring a week-long "day camp" for children on Chicago's south side in July.
Summer has now officially arrived. Enjoy it!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
On Monday I returned from spending 10 days down in South Africa, in the Port Shepstone area, about 2 hours south of Durban next to the Indian Ocean. Beautiful country down there, and awesome weather too, even though they are heading into their southern hemisphere winter.
The first item on the docket was a church service at the Norwegian Settlers Church, in the community of Marburg. The service was awesome! A vibrant Willow Creek Association church that is reaching out in their community. Feel I've made some friends here, despite my rather brief time with everyone here. Later that day was a trip to the nearby Indian Ocean.
On Mon, Wed, and Fri mornings we headed up into the mountains, and the poor community of Khula. Every day nearly 100 children (age 2-5 yrs) converge on the Khula Cresche, and participate in story time, sing songs, do crafts, and receive a meal. A simple meal, just a bowl of porridge. Even at the young age they are experts on sharing what little they have.
On Mon-Thu afternoons we made our way back down the mountains into the impoverished community of Murchison, located just outside of Port Shepstone. The Murchison Community Center reaches out to many schoolchildren aged 4-13. Many of them swing by here on their way home from school, and a few may not attend school at all. They would rather come here than go home, just to hang out and forget about their circumstances at home. Child-headed households are in abundance, and AIDS is prevelant. This facility hosts a reading room, a music academy, a gym/weight room, and a few other activities. The gym is a really cool outreach tool, daily devotions go on while the men are pumping iron. I got a chance to participate in many of the reading room activities, and also serve these kids probably their only meal of the day. Most are not fed at home.
On Monday evening I sat in on a short meeting with some rural Zulu pastors, and heard some of their amazing stories of ministering to the poor.
On Tue and Thu mornings I spent at the Genesis Care Centre, an AIDS hospice facility located behind the Norwegian Settlers Church. It's home to around 40 AIDS patients. Also those same mornings they host a "Chapel Service". A local pastor comes in, accordion in hand, and totally loses himself in the Lord as he ministers love and kindness to these victims of AIDS. It was a cool experience. The staff here are some of the most caring folks I've met in a long time. They give the patients the quality one-on one time they need.
On Wed evening I went to a small group led by the pastor, very nice to meet some more of the NSC congregation in a relaxed setting.
Friday's lunch was eaten at Leopard Rock, located high above Oribi Gorge, in the mountains.
The finale of our ministry was on Friday evening, at Youth Alive. Held at the NSC, over 100 Zulu teenagers make their way here, some from the community, some from nearby squatter camps. Loud, vibrant worship blended with relevant teaching makes this a favorite Friday night hangout for them.
On Saturday, our ministry was officially over, and time to de-compress before the entry back into the fast-paced self-indulging culture of the US. This morning we went on a 2-hour game drive at Tala Game Reserve, just NW of Durban. Yes, saw animals in their domain.
Later on Saturday we headed into downtown Durban to witness a professional rugby game, and ate borewors. This was South African culture at it's finest. Our Sunday afternoon departure loomed nearer and nearer, and tried to take in the local culture as much as possible.
Now, we're back in the States, adjusting to time-changes and culture shifts. This was one of the most impactful trips I've done. Maybe do it again next year? Still too early to tell.
The first item on the docket was a church service at the Norwegian Settlers Church, in the community of Marburg. The service was awesome! A vibrant Willow Creek Association church that is reaching out in their community. Feel I've made some friends here, despite my rather brief time with everyone here. Later that day was a trip to the nearby Indian Ocean.
On Mon, Wed, and Fri mornings we headed up into the mountains, and the poor community of Khula. Every day nearly 100 children (age 2-5 yrs) converge on the Khula Cresche, and participate in story time, sing songs, do crafts, and receive a meal. A simple meal, just a bowl of porridge. Even at the young age they are experts on sharing what little they have.
On Mon-Thu afternoons we made our way back down the mountains into the impoverished community of Murchison, located just outside of Port Shepstone. The Murchison Community Center reaches out to many schoolchildren aged 4-13. Many of them swing by here on their way home from school, and a few may not attend school at all. They would rather come here than go home, just to hang out and forget about their circumstances at home. Child-headed households are in abundance, and AIDS is prevelant. This facility hosts a reading room, a music academy, a gym/weight room, and a few other activities. The gym is a really cool outreach tool, daily devotions go on while the men are pumping iron. I got a chance to participate in many of the reading room activities, and also serve these kids probably their only meal of the day. Most are not fed at home.
On Monday evening I sat in on a short meeting with some rural Zulu pastors, and heard some of their amazing stories of ministering to the poor.
On Tue and Thu mornings I spent at the Genesis Care Centre, an AIDS hospice facility located behind the Norwegian Settlers Church. It's home to around 40 AIDS patients. Also those same mornings they host a "Chapel Service". A local pastor comes in, accordion in hand, and totally loses himself in the Lord as he ministers love and kindness to these victims of AIDS. It was a cool experience. The staff here are some of the most caring folks I've met in a long time. They give the patients the quality one-on one time they need.
On Wed evening I went to a small group led by the pastor, very nice to meet some more of the NSC congregation in a relaxed setting.
Friday's lunch was eaten at Leopard Rock, located high above Oribi Gorge, in the mountains.
The finale of our ministry was on Friday evening, at Youth Alive. Held at the NSC, over 100 Zulu teenagers make their way here, some from the community, some from nearby squatter camps. Loud, vibrant worship blended with relevant teaching makes this a favorite Friday night hangout for them.
On Saturday, our ministry was officially over, and time to de-compress before the entry back into the fast-paced self-indulging culture of the US. This morning we went on a 2-hour game drive at Tala Game Reserve, just NW of Durban. Yes, saw animals in their domain.
Later on Saturday we headed into downtown Durban to witness a professional rugby game, and ate borewors. This was South African culture at it's finest. Our Sunday afternoon departure loomed nearer and nearer, and tried to take in the local culture as much as possible.
Now, we're back in the States, adjusting to time-changes and culture shifts. This was one of the most impactful trips I've done. Maybe do it again next year? Still too early to tell.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The time is drawing near. I depart for South Africa this Thursday evening, and will return on May 14. Most of the time will be spent in both Port Shepstone and Murchison, both are impoverished communities about 2 hours away from Durban. Thanks to some wonderful donors, I now have almost 40 pounds of items for the orphans. A few of the mornings will be spent at the Khule Creche (pre-school). Most of the donations will go here. 4 of the afternoons will be spent in Murchison, assisting at an after-school program for school-aged kids. I'll also visit an AIDS hospice facility, known as the Care Center. It's home to about 25-30 AIDS patients and AIDS orphans. Thrown in will also be some time spent with some of the childrens' ministry leaders, and also at a couple of Bible study small group meetings. It's going to be quite a ride!
I'll post a detailed recap sometime during the week of May 14.
Remember to choose kindness!
I'll post a detailed recap sometime during the week of May 14.
Remember to choose kindness!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
The Resurrection
Happy Easter everyone! Take a quick moment to remember what took place 2,000 years ago on this special day.
My next trip is now set, and will be from May 3-May 14 to the eclectic and diverse country of South Africa. I should know by the end of this week what kinds of items I'll be taking to the orphaned children I'll be spending time with while there.
I spent a good part of today in downtown Chicago, first attending the Easter service at Willow Creek Chicago, then serving some ham sandwiches to the homeless men at the nearby shelter. With the warmer weather setting in, not quite as many guys are staying there, as about 25-30 men were there. It's always a privilege to serve these guys.
Tomorrow, (like the last 2 Mondays) will be a double serve. First I'll be at Peoples Resource Center in Wheaton at their food pantry for the afternoon. Then I'll head to Bessie's Table soup kitchen in Des Plaines in the later afternoon and into the evening. On Tuesday will be the usual afternoon shift at the Northern IL Food Bank in Geneva.
Choose kindness, brighten someone's day this week!
My next trip is now set, and will be from May 3-May 14 to the eclectic and diverse country of South Africa. I should know by the end of this week what kinds of items I'll be taking to the orphaned children I'll be spending time with while there.
I spent a good part of today in downtown Chicago, first attending the Easter service at Willow Creek Chicago, then serving some ham sandwiches to the homeless men at the nearby shelter. With the warmer weather setting in, not quite as many guys are staying there, as about 25-30 men were there. It's always a privilege to serve these guys.
Tomorrow, (like the last 2 Mondays) will be a double serve. First I'll be at Peoples Resource Center in Wheaton at their food pantry for the afternoon. Then I'll head to Bessie's Table soup kitchen in Des Plaines in the later afternoon and into the evening. On Tuesday will be the usual afternoon shift at the Northern IL Food Bank in Geneva.
Choose kindness, brighten someone's day this week!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Next trip now in the making
As I write these words my next trip is now in the works. It will take place in May, to Johannesburg, South Africa. Details are sketchy at this time and tomorrow will find out exactly what will happen then. I'll be caring for orphaned children, and likely I'll be taking donated items to them.
This past Saturday I went to an all-day missions conference at the Wheaton Bible Church, called "Missions On Our Doorstep" and received valuable information on how to effectively minister to the many immigrants and refugee families who are re-locating amongst us. It was quite a day.
Choose kindness
This past Saturday I went to an all-day missions conference at the Wheaton Bible Church, called "Missions On Our Doorstep" and received valuable information on how to effectively minister to the many immigrants and refugee families who are re-locating amongst us. It was quite a day.
Choose kindness
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Once a Creeker, always a Creeker
I've made the decision to stay at Willow Creek for the time being, at least keep membership there intact, even though I've not attended there since mid-January. I may make another visit to Wheaton Bible Church sometime in the future, but will not pursue membership there. Yes, the change keeps happening. My "roots" are, and always have been, at Willow Creek.
You can take the Creeker out of the Creek, but you can't take the Creek out of the Creeker.
Willow Creek attenders are nicknamed "Creekers"
You can take the Creeker out of the Creek, but you can't take the Creek out of the Creeker.
Willow Creek attenders are nicknamed "Creekers"
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Nomad no more
For the last few months I've been kind of nomadic in terms of church attendance. But last Sunday I visited the Wheaton Bible Church (W Chicago/Carol Stream area) and really enjoyed it. They are a very outreach-oriented church, externally focused. I hope to begin volunteering with some of their outreach ministries in the next month or so. They have a neat outreach program in a nearby apartment complex, near Routes 59 and 64, that is home to many immigrant families. They have ESL classes, after-school programs and tutoring for the kids. They have changed the whole atmosphere of the low-income apartment complex over the past 3 years, when it began. A large decrease in crime and police activity.
I honestly felt at home here. A great place to plug into. After one last Sunday service at Willow Creek in 2 days, I'll begin attending WBC regularly beginning the following week. One exception is I'll still attend at Willow Creek Chicago once a month, as I don't want to give up the ministry going on there. I'll update as more things progress
I honestly felt at home here. A great place to plug into. After one last Sunday service at Willow Creek in 2 days, I'll begin attending WBC regularly beginning the following week. One exception is I'll still attend at Willow Creek Chicago once a month, as I don't want to give up the ministry going on there. I'll update as more things progress
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Day
Even though today is Valentines Day, I treat this day as if it were any other day of the year. Ironically this is the only evening this week that I do not have a commitment of sorts, so just gonna chill out at home. I know for some single adults, this can be one of the most difficult days of the year. In fact, Feb 14 ranks number 3 (behind Christmas and Thanksgiving) for the amount of suicides committed by single adults.
I, however am not one of those. I'm at a good place in my life right now, and content. This day is also named after a Christian. (St. Valentine) Maybe someday I'll have a special "Valentine" in my life. It would also mean changing my lifestyle a bit.
In terms of church attendance, I'm kind of a "nomad", a sojourner who attends at 3 churches at different times. Willow Creek, Parkview church, and Community Christian Church. The latter 2 I attend on Saturdays, and save Willow Creek for Sunday mornings (both Barrington and downtown Chicago campuses).
Happy Valentines Day!
I, however am not one of those. I'm at a good place in my life right now, and content. This day is also named after a Christian. (St. Valentine) Maybe someday I'll have a special "Valentine" in my life. It would also mean changing my lifestyle a bit.
In terms of church attendance, I'm kind of a "nomad", a sojourner who attends at 3 churches at different times. Willow Creek, Parkview church, and Community Christian Church. The latter 2 I attend on Saturdays, and save Willow Creek for Sunday mornings (both Barrington and downtown Chicago campuses).
Happy Valentines Day!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Compassion and Kindness
This past Friday I was invited to a luncheon at Willow Creek church, and the speaker was Wess Stafford (Compassion International) and he spoke very openly about his ministry and his heart for orphans (and children in general). After the lunch I had the privilege to meet Wess in person, and told him a little about what I do, caring for orphaned children in the Third World. You never know, we may someday travel together to poor countries and minister to children and orphans.
Wess was the guest speaker at Willow Creek this past weekend. On Sunday I headed downtown and attended the Chicago campus, saw Wess via video from S Barrington. Afterwards we served some food to about 45 homeless men at the shelter on Clark St. This is the same shelter I served at on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. I'm planning to trek downtown once again this Sunday to again attend the Chicago campus of Willow Creek. The vibe and energy here is totally off the chain. This past Sunday it was really cool to see the ethnic diversity in that room, hear the different accents of the English language.
Yesterday I began serving at the Peoples Resource Center at their Wheaton location. They have another location in the Westmont area. It's quite a place, a refuge for the needy of DuPage County and the west suburbs of Chicago. I worked in their food pantry. They also have a Clothes Closet, ESL classes, Computer training, job counceling, etc. I'll be working there every other Monday.
I don't know when I'll be traveling abroad as of yet, but will always keep you updated
As always, remember to choose kindness!
Wess was the guest speaker at Willow Creek this past weekend. On Sunday I headed downtown and attended the Chicago campus, saw Wess via video from S Barrington. Afterwards we served some food to about 45 homeless men at the shelter on Clark St. This is the same shelter I served at on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. I'm planning to trek downtown once again this Sunday to again attend the Chicago campus of Willow Creek. The vibe and energy here is totally off the chain. This past Sunday it was really cool to see the ethnic diversity in that room, hear the different accents of the English language.
Yesterday I began serving at the Peoples Resource Center at their Wheaton location. They have another location in the Westmont area. It's quite a place, a refuge for the needy of DuPage County and the west suburbs of Chicago. I worked in their food pantry. They also have a Clothes Closet, ESL classes, Computer training, job counceling, etc. I'll be working there every other Monday.
I don't know when I'll be traveling abroad as of yet, but will always keep you updated
As always, remember to choose kindness!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Happy New Year
I know we're 13 days into the new year but realized I've not posted since Christmas Day. It finally snowed here in Chicago, ending a 2 month snow drought and mild temperatures. After going out earlier today, I wish the mild weather would return again soon. Just today I found out about Orphan Network, an organization that works with orphaned children, mostly in Nicaragua. Later in 2012 hopefully I can make another trip with Global Orphan Project, the organization in Kansas City I traveled to Haiti with last month.
I wish you all blessings in this new year.
I wish you all blessings in this new year.
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