This Christmas, What I Will Do

I can’t imagine holding only a picture of my son and daughter and not holding them in my arms.  Blankets, favorite stuffed animals, dolls…something they liked best, now the only thing left to cling to. How can one celebrate in the wake of Sandy Hook?  Christmas is upon us, and how can it be done?  Residents from that town took down Christmas lights.  I probably would have too.  There are so many troubled hearts asking, “Why?”  “God if only you had been there.” And “Why did you let this happen?”   I cannot explain, what is unexplainable.  I find myself thinking some of the same worrisome questions. 

No earthly soul can answer them. 

 But I do know my God, our God.  He is a God who loves and carries the tears of the broken in His heart.  He is the God of all, who sent His Son for All so that we could have the fullness of His love that will one day come and rid the world of all evil.  He is the ONE who has all the answers and solutions.  I know the God who made the heavens and earth, which formed everything by His beautiful hands, does NOT desire the world to be this way!  His works are beautiful as my soul has seen, and as my ears have heard, as my eyes have focused upon.  Nothing but beauty and love and everything but good is from His hand.

But the hand of the enemy gives only evil, death, sickness and pain.  His hands cause nothing of beauty, or of righteousness.  His evil hands cause nothing, but hurt, heartache and treachery.  But the time is coming and it will come when God enemy’s hands will be bound FOREVER and he will be DESTROYED and forever will be gone. ALL EVIL WILL BE GONE.   Beauty will be restored.  The dead will rise.  Families will be reunited.  Tears of joy will flood the world, a million and forever hugs will be shared forever and Ever and EVER….I know my God!  He has a plan. He has the ANSWERS. His hands will bring it.  He has a plan for the heartache that has occurred.  It may not come in the morning, or in the years of our lifetime, but it will come!  And that is why we celebrate Christmas.  That is what Christmas is ALL about; Him sending the beginning of His plan, to restore His people to Himself, and destroy all EVIL. 

Christmas came over two thousand years ago in a stable of rock and hay.  The angels announced His birth and shepherds knelt at his feet, while the baby’s mother held her son’s hand, the hand that would one day hold the cross, the same hand that holds us now, and the hand that holds the keys to unlock the grave. 

Christmas had come to the world and God’s plan began.  Two thousand years have gone by and it seems so long to me in the fulfillment of that plan and all I keep thinking is “God let your Kingdom come….Come and take care of all of these ashes.  Take away All the sorrow and turn mourning into joy.”  As in years past, my husband and I pray with our children before they open their presents.  Trying in some small way to praise Him and put Him first.  This Christmas, when the bells of children’s voices ring out to get up and go to the tree, I know that I won’t be able to help but think about those from Sandy Hook who have lost and who must feel not an ounce of “celebration”.  The word doesn’t even seem fitting to pen.  And so, this Christmas as in the first Christmas ever to be celebrated, I will bow my knees like the shepherds, to the One who came to GIVE LIFE.  I will bow my knees to the One who came to buy back our Lives from the grave.  I will bow my knees to the One who came to give Liberty to those who are bound.  I will bow my knees to the One who will do more than you or I can ever comprehend…and I will pray for HIS KINGDOM TO COME.

It is the only answer that will take away the “Why?”

“Our Father in Heaven, Holy is Your Name (Yahweh).  Let your Kingdom Come…

Let Your Will be done….on earth as it is up in Heaven.”

May all our hearts pray this, this Christmas.

One day the arms that have held onto a tattered teddy bear weighed down by tears, a favorite blanket, and a torn photograph, will be replaced….HIS hands will take them away and replace them with a son and daughter, the sons and daughters of Sandy Hook.

Come Quickly O’ LORD….Come Quickly!

~Suzanne M. Rafferty

A Response to Tragedy

          I do not pretend to have a satisfactory explanation for what we witnessed in Connecticut on Friday. I struggled along with everyone to make sense of such a senseless tragedy. I pray this response will bring encouragement, strength, peace, clarity……anything that could help as we all walk forward.

          In the wake of such a tragic event like what has happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the questions “Why did this happen?, Where was God during this?” have been at the forefront of many people’s minds. There have been many knee jerk reactions in an effort to answer them. To use this tragic instance to justify a political position on gun rights/regulation is abhorrent and immoral. Many were spouting/posting their favored position as though it offered an answer to the above questions before the final body count was in. The only result that offered is to further fuel the negative emotions that swirled in everyone’s heart and to push one another away instead of drawing each other close. There is a time and place for that needed discussion but this is not it. Addressing the method, a gun, does nothing in addressing the motive as evidenced in China. On the very same day in Chenpeng village a man entered an elementary school and stabbed 22 kids and an 85 yr old woman. Gun control in China is without question is extremely tight but in the last two years school attacks have increased (using knives, machetes or hatchets). In fact in 2010 alone there were 5 school attacks in China resulting death for 15 children 2 adults and 80 injured. There will be a time, place and need to address the method. But even if a resolution for the method could be reached it does nothing to eliminate the motive. Where a motive exists, a method will be found. 

How do we address the motive? First we must acknowledge what the motive is. EVIL. The motive, the origin, the essence of what we have seen is EVIL. We can continue to dance around and label it something else, try to medicate it away calling it an illness (not implying all illness is evil), blaming political parties and positions all the while leaving it to grow and increase,  leaving in its wake more and more horrid examples of its depth.

One would think Christians would be able to respond to the questions about evil or the ones asked above…Where was God? Unfortunately many of the responses made are worse than those trying to jockey for political positions on gun rights/regulations. Many have regurgitated clichés and catch phrases about God not protecting the schools because He was kicked out due to the removal of prayer and the Ten Commandments. While there is a time & place for discussion on how the country’s direction away from God has consequence, this is not it! To recite those pitiful words as an excuse or answer to such situations is irresponsible, reckless and absolutely abhorrent. Not the least, unscriptural. The Bible is clear on God’s love for children. Jesus said that if “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” – Matt 18:6. Would He now take a position of indifference because of political opposition? Of course not. And we cannot allow clichés to be our answer. We are called to be light in a dark world offering hope, to be the ones that show the love of Christ. Do not snuff out that light with retorts offering only hopelessness & judgment.

How then should we respond?  We must realize that often in times of pain there is no answer. When asked we are left with….I don’t know. It’s okay to not know. In fact when it comes to God & His will we are told often we will not understand. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” NLT.  As the world has been enveloped with evil and we face circumstances that are shrouded in the darkness of confusion, frustration and despair we have a light. A light not only to help us to get through but one meant to shine through us to those around. As a ship lost at sea surrounded by fog & storms follows the beacon of the lighthouse we can follow the promises of God.  Lee Strobel spoke to a church after the Aurora CO shootings which I reference below. Read the whole sermon here. Accepting we cannot offer an answer to “Why” we must be able to answer “How do we move on from here?”  When we look to God we must remember a few things about who He is and where His plan will lead. First, remember that He did not create evil, sadness or suffering. When He created man & woman He said it was good. Only when man walked away from God did things spiral out of control. God did not create suffering; He is the opposite of it. God is Love. Secondly, that while He did not create suffering He can work through it somehow. While the free will & choices of some inflict harm on others, God can in spite of the suffering cause good to come of it.( Romans 8:28). Third, as we look for the way forward we must understand that this world of pain & suffering will end. God’s kingdom IS coming. Christ will judge the evil with a finality we cannot understand but also bring us to a place of unspeakable joy “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” Revelation 21:4. Fourth, we can decide how we will move forward, whether in bitterness & rage or turning to God for peace & strength. Jesus told us that there would be suffering in the world but at the same time offered peace through a relationship with Him - “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” - John 16:33. As we cannot fathom the depths of the evil & suffering on display in Connecticut we are equally incapable of understanding having peace in the midst of it. But if we approach Him with all of our confusion & sorrow He will give us a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Christ calls us to follow Him, not only when it is comfortable & convenient but also when there is darkness, pain & confusion. We hold onto His words that He will never leave us or forsake us. How else can we point others to His light?

If you are reading this and don’t know Jesus Christ, you can. If you truly want Him to be the Lord of your life, ask Him.  It’s as simple as saying “Lord Jesus I believe you are the Son of God. I believe I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins & rose on the 3^rd day. Please forgive me, cleanse me and come into my life. Lead me and be my Lord. In Your Name I pray. Amen.”

The words are simple but when spoken from a sincere heart they are the most life changing words you could ever speak. 

Pastor Ken Rafferty

Joplin Information

Joplin Service Trip Information/Guidelines

Mystery Church: Joplin, MO Our church, Mystery, is located in the heart of Joplin, MO. While the city of Joplin is home to about 60,000 people, it serves as the main place for shopping and entertainment for a larger community of about 100,000 people. When Steev Inge planted Mystery in Joplin over 5 years ago, he had no idea what God had in store for our church. On May 22nd, 2011, an EF5 tornado hit Joplin, leaving a path 6 miles long and, at parts, as wide as three-quarters of a mile. An estimated 2,000 buildings , or 25% of the city, were completely destroyed, and an additional 6,000 buildings were damaged. The death toll from the tornado reached 156 people. The cost to rebuild Joplin is estimated to be at least $3 billion. At Mystery Church, Mission Joplin is an effort to the meet the immediate and long-term needs of our city and church family. We are providing opportunities for teams of 5 or more to serve alongside us as we participate in the rebuilding of our city. We have always known we were called to bring restoration through Jesus to our city, but now we have the opportunity to literally rebuild it. Our desire is to be the hands and feet of Christ as we build intentional relationships with our neighbors and share the gospel of His great love. To do this, we will be sending teams of people into the devastated areas through Americorps work orders, caring for our church family, and/or referrals from within the community. This means that every day and every team will look different. We’ll work with your individual team to utilize your skills and expertise effectively. Sending teams Schedule options: The three options for bringing your team to Mystery Church are:

 one day - arrive by 8 am; depart after working (typically around 5 or 6 pm)

 long weekend - arrive Thursday evening (by 8:00pm); depart after worship on Sunday

 during week - arrive Monday evening (by 8:00pm); depart Thursday

Given advance notice and prior approval, we may consider other schedules; however, the above provides us with a working rhythm and consistency for our leaders. To stay the duration

of one week, you combine the two half-week options (you will need to fill out two forms: one for each option). Donations We do accept any and all donations. A suggested donation for your stay, to help offset our rising utility costs, are $10 per person for a day-trip and $25 per person for an overnight trip. Who Can Come Volunteers must be over the age of 16. Any volunteer under 18 must have prior parental or guardian consent and be accompanied by a chaperone while out on the field. How to Get Scheduled If you need more information on scheduling, want to be scheduled, or have any other scheduling concerns, please see our website: www.missionjoplin.org. or contact us. To be scheduled, you must use our website. Before making travel arrangements, wait for a clear confirmation from us.

What to expect: Jobs: Right now, we ask that you be flexible. You can be sorting debris for pick up, picking up debris, demolishing houses, moving people into permanent house, repairing houses, etc. Pretty much anything and everything. The need for heavy equipment (skid loaders, bob cats, sledge hammers, wheel barrows, etc) is growing, and many of our jobs are beginning to require these. There are few inside jobs available so everyone who comes needs to be prepared to work out on the field. Repair work is being requested more, so if you have skilled labor on your team, please let us know.

Environment: This is an intense work environment with harsh conditions. The temperature can range between the high eighties and the low hundreds. On top of the potential intense heat and humidity, many materials are floating around in the air. We tell you this not to scare you, but to inform you so that you can determine whether or not coming on this trip is a good decision based on your health. If you are concerned, please consider wisely whether or not to come serve.

What we suggest to wear on-site: jeans, work boots, hat, long-sleeved shirts, work gloves, and a respiratory mask

Work hours: At 7:45 am, every team will go through the daily debrief and assignment time. Teams will then spend the entire day out in the field on assignments until between 4 and 6 pm, except for lunch breaks and the occasional check-in with the leadership team.

Showers/Food/Housing: Showers are provided at the Joplin Family Y, one block away from the church. More information will be given upon your arrival (including a map to the facility). For housing, we will be providing cots for anyone wanting one, but you are welcome to bring a reasonably sized air mattress if you wish. If we have the availability, we try to provide private rooms for married couples. Because we ask that you support our economy by purchasing your food locally, food is not provided by Mystery Church. Mystery Church does provide you with a kitchen full of all the major appliances and a selection of cooking supplies. There are also several restaurants within walking distance (see below) of Mystery and throughout the Joplin area. An updated Google Maps version of the recommendations can be found at: http://bit.ly/kKgrvg and the list will provided again upon arrival. Suggested grocery stores: Walmart: 2623 West 7th Street Sam’s Club: 3536 Hammons Boulevard Food 4 Less: 2800 East 32nd Street

Suggested restaurants within walking distance

- Hackett Hot Wings: $

o Local favorite, serves wings and sandwiches

o Open: Sun 11 am – 5 pm; Mon through Sat, 11 am – 8:30 pm

- Instant Karma:$

o Gourmet Hot Dogs

o Open: Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm

- Arde’s Bistro: $

o Mediterranean food

o Open: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 am to 8 pm

- Red Onion Café: $$$

o Mixture

o Open: Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm

- Club 609: $$

o Mixture

o Open: Mon-Fri from 11 am to 11 pm, Sat & Sun, 11 am – 1 am

What to bring:

jeans/shirts work boots

personal medical supplies

deodorant

sunscreen/aloe

bandana/hat

shower needs (soap, washcloth, shampoo, conditioner, shoes)

towel

reusable water bottle

travel mug/coffee cup

cash for eating out

tetanus shot (recommended - not mandatory)

work gloves (if you have them)

air mattress (optional - cots are available)

pillow

Ministering to the poor in the Yucatan

We have had incredible ministry times here in Merida. People are generally friendly and very receptive to the gospel. Yesterday we went to the Salvation Army. There are orphaned children living there. In the US we are used to seeing thrift stores, but here the workers wear the Salvation Army uniforms and are doing a great job taking care of these kids. We played with them and did drama presentations.

Last night we went to a very poor village. We are going back tonight. Please pray for the people there to recieve Christ. I will write about it later.

Karen Hanson

Orientation

Thursday 7-7-2010

We spent our first day here in Merida getting oriented. We met our other team mates from Louisiana and the Youth With A Mission staff that are setting up our ministry times. The church camp we are staying at is incredable and the Pastor and his wife are awsome!
I just want to say how much we love YWAM as a ministry organization! Top shelf in safety, organization, leadership and FUN ministry.

Ok this picture is of an ice breaker game while we were all getting to know eachother. right now the picture isn't loading.....................................

Our first day in the Yucatan

On our way to camp from the airport we were stopped by the Federalies (Police). They were suspicious because we were in four vans that were rented from different places. Our outreach leader Libby took our eight year old Peyton out to meet the officers to lighten things up a little! If you know Peyton you know that he can arise to the occasion! He is funny and bold and very personable. He asked about their big guns and before you knew it the officers were warming up to us. They were really nice guys. Before our incident was over they understood that we were here to work with a local church and asked if we had a Pastor among us that could pray for them! Alan and Wayne got to pray blessings and protection over them! What an awsome way to start our time here in Merida!

From Sarah:

We saw a scorpion july 9, and Peyton held it in a cup.It was a a baby,but it still would put you in a world of pain.So Ken,my dad, smashed it with a rock! NOW MIA'S TURN TO TYPE: Hi Miss
Suzanne. Mia's done :) Hi mom!!! Hi Eli!!!