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If you have stumbled here by accident let me first insist that there really are no accidents in life. If however, you came on your own free will then please by all means open your hearts and your minds to the "New Wine" that God has prepared for you!

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Love song



It’s a sad day indeed when leaders turn south. It is even a worse day when religious leaders are caught doing wrong or turn from humbly following God to a state of being puffed up by their own perceived accomplishments. In the book of first Samuel 15, God rejects Saul as the king of Israel. Deluded by his apparent grandeur, Saul loses his focus, direction and position with almighty God by turning to his own strengths for answers. Saul had been impatiently waiting for Samuel to return to sacrifice but as he can wait no-longer, he takes on the job of priest and a work he was not originally called by God to do. God begins to diminish Saul’s reputation as He anoints Jesse’s son, David, to be the next king of Israel.
David’s love for God and an unyielding character trait for repentance is the reason God refers to him as ‘a man after God’s own heart’. With David’s defeat of the giant Goliath, the women in Jerusalem begin to sing praise to David in the streets ‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands’. Jealousy and envy begin to send an already struggling king to hate this young man who is so desperately faithful and loyal to him.
Saul’s mind is already slipping away, as he spins yet another gear and attempts to pin David to a wall with his spear. The youth escapes to his home where his wife, Michal, encourages him to run away and save his life. Michal lowers David down the outside city wall by rope and dresses up an idol to fool the king’s men. She cleverly puts some of David’s clothes over the statue and goat’s hair for his head and lays the image in their bed.
It was on this occasion that David wrote psalm fifty-nine. David was very careful not to criticize Saul, who was the Lord’s anointed, a lesson we can all learn from. Too much criticism is running rampant in the church today. Many Christians today are on the look for wolves in sheep clothing when they really are better off encouraging the lost sheep of the flock. Many are in need of help and restoration which will lead them to produce fruit in God’s kingdom.
As David begins writing his song he frantically cries out for God’s help (have you ever been there before?). Remember, David has not done anything wrong but instead is faithful and loyal to king Saul who wants to kill him. In verses 8-10, David begins to remember who it is that he is praying to, an almighty, all knowing and all powerful God. “But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision. I will wait for You, O You his strength; For God is my defense. My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.”
As his song continues, David petitions God to defend him but not to destroy his enemy.  Remember that it is Saul who has sent his own countrymen to kill David. In verse 12, we see the origin of their sin is pride “For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, Let them even be taken in their pride, And for the cursing and lying which they speak.”
It has been said that it is possible to catch more flies with honey than vinegar. In Proverbs 10 verse 11 explains “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sin.” Peter puts it this way in 1Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’.”
As David finishes up his song he relaxes as he begins to realize who it is he is singing to. He begins flustered and frantic from fear but ends relaxed and confident knowing that it is God who is in control of all life. Psalm 59:16-17 records David writing “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.”
Thank God that it is He who will be doing the judging. The truth is, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can all be saved from our sins. Take the time, right now, to ask God to forgive you and turn you in the right direction. By believing in His covering, the blood of His One and only Son, you will be covered by His mercy forever!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Philippines, part three


We could have sent all the money our team collected straight to the Philippines and not stepped foot on a single airplane, ferry or taxi. Maybe the money collected would have gone further, purchasing new goods while helping to bolster the local economy. We could have saved ourselves forty-eight hours of air travel alone, so why is it so important for us to physically go into the entire world?

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care! It means so much for people to know that there are people who loved them and were willing to come in person and tell them that they are not forgotten. Isn’t that what Jesus did? He left the Father in heaven and came to earth to tell us how much He loved us.

On one Wednesday afternoon alone on Cebu Island, thirty-five people raised their hands making decisions to follow Jesus Christ. The next day several workers at the church’s building site did the same. Then on Leyte Island, in a small coastal village there will be many others who will want to learn more about Jesus Christ after seeing our team rebuild their neighbor’s house.

The boxes and suitcases full of simple toys, trinkets and clothing went along ways to send our love to the Filipino people. It’s interesting to think that many of these items originally produced in Asia ended up traveling back into the hands that made them. But to see the smiles that these small gifts produced and to receive an unexpected hug from a man, woman or child was really payment enough for our sacrifice.

The question of faith and works is an age old dilemma dating back to ancient times. But it’s not until someone understands eternity that they begin to put the Christian walk into perspective. The half brother of Jesus penned the answer to this question in a letter to the twelve tribes who were scattered among the nations. In James 2:14-25.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed’, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Human beings left to their own desires usually become focused on themselves. The practice of selflessness really does take practice. We tend to horde material possessions for ourselves rather than distribute them among people who really need them.  We waste so many things here in America on unproductive pursuits. Especially, our precious time is often squandered on pleasures that feed our flesh only for a moment with no real, lasting return on our investment.

Many have said of short term mission trips that they are a waste of resources. Now, it’s really easy to be critical. You’re reading the ramblings of someone who is an innovator in critical church thinking. There have been times in my life when I have complained about the pastor having a front parking space. The worship team seems to be operating in the flesh. The song choices were too slow, too fast, too many hymns, not enough contemporary music; if you can think of a complaint I’ve been guilty of making it.

The truth is: taking the time to get to know people, and caring about their needs is the only thing that lasts through eternity. Building relationships with others is the only thing you will be taking to heaven. All your possessions, toys and earthly accomplishments will stay here on earth and eventually be consumed by fire.

 It’s not easy to put others first.  Battling our lusts and desires for our own fulfillment will take initiative, a focused mind and will not be overcome in a day.  The bible states that greater love has no man than for one to lay down his own life for a friend. Jesus did just that for the entire world He created. He put aside His own life, laying it down for all of us, dying for our sin and short comings.

Take the time to shake someone’s hand and connect with them. Take time to listen to their story and help them if you can. Even a simple thing like holding a door open for someone can have eternal significance. So as your sitting in church this weekend remember why you’re there, because God first loved you!

If you would like to help send water filtration devices and your love to others around the world, please visit http://goministries.org  earmark your tax deductible donation for Dean Kellio, Nepal-Philippines relief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phillipines, part two


Our week on Cebu Island was almost over. We had spent a good portion of the week digging through layers of coral and red earth that composed the foundation. The work was hard but not as harsh as the Philippine climate. Hot, humid days would eventually give way to hot, humid nights filled with all sorts of biting insects. We were the only foreigners in the village of San Remigio which brought allot of attention our way as we walked back and forth to work. Walking through the village was quite a culture shock as the locals went about their business in open air markets. People would just stop what they were doing and stare at us. Their emotionless faces would fill with large smiles as we broke the ice and waved hello.

Soon we packed our bags, boxes of gifts and tools and headed for the port where we would be traveling by ferry to Leyte Island. The ferry was loaded with people and trucks of all sizes carry supplies over to an island that was still recovering from devastation inflicted by Typhoon Yolanda in Nov. of 2013. The Philippine Sea was beautifully calm, full of dolphins, whales and flying fish that would fly for the longest distances as the ferry’s bow plunged down through the clear water.

After about an hour and a half out of the port of Bogo we passed a small uninhabited island about 45 minutes off Leyte Island. Kalanggaman Island is a Philippine National treasure, sporting pristine coral sand beaches and incredible coral reef diving. It reminded me of Gilligan’s Island and as we passed, I fully expected to see Mary Ann and the Skipper waving to us from the shore. The island had lost half of its coconut trees to the fierce winds of Yolanda.

We landed in Palompon, on Leyte Island. It was a very busy port with trucks loading and unloading materials for rebuilding the infrastructure of the Island.  We were picked up by the Head Chief of all forty-nine districts or barrios. He had a giant python riding with us in the back seat, so I thanked God I was seated in front with the driver. Soon as we were settled, the Chief drove us to the small village where we would be doing the rebuilding.

The small village was really a government sponsored slum area located in the tidal flats of the coastal mangroves. The first image I saw  was of a young boy using a hand pump to fill his bucket with fresh water. We wandered through a twisted group of bamboo and coconut lumber huts. The ground was always wet and strewn with trash due to the ebb and flow of the tide. All the huts were built on stilts five feet above the ground.

After a short tem minute walk we arrived at the hut we would be re-building. All that was left of the home was six poles sticking out of the mud. The roof, walls and floor system had blown away in the typhoon. These people were poor and had no funds to rebuild their home. The government was busy rebuilding the basic infrastructure and had its hands full; unfortunately this family would be last on the list, if a list existed at all? There were many other families who lost homes in the village but our small team of six with donations from goministries.org and Gateway Community Church would only be able to rebuild just this one family’s home.

I wanted to get an early start to lay-out and start building the floor system before the rest of the team arrived. Skipping breakfast, I got an early start and asked another family if I could look under their hut to get an idea of how they constructed their homes using only bamboo, coconut lumber and tree trunks set in mud for stilts. Using a water level I was able to get my layout marks and stated to nail on the floor supports. Soon the other team members arrived and we continued working all day long in the hot sun.

As you read and study your bible you find that Jesus taught that it’s not all about work and doing things but rather about relationships and building friendships with other people. You can imagine all the people in the village were curious to what was going on as many children watched as the hut began to be reassembled. The children were so very cute and happy despite what little food and possessions they had to live on. One suitcase I brought was stuffed full of gifts and candy for these children.

Dean will continue his story next week, if you want to help, goministries.org and earmark your tax deductable donations to Dean Kellio / Philippines relief.

 

 

 

 

Philippines, part one


Bilbo never wanted to leave the comfort of his home, under the hill in Hobbiton, and travel to a faraway destination. He was quite content living at Bag-end with his usual routine of morning tea with biscuits at nine, second breakfast at ten and lunch promptly at noon. Nevertheless, Bilbo gathered up a few belongings, stuffing them into his backpack and set out on a long, lonely adventure.  He left the security of the shire, wandering out into the wilderness of Middle Earth to find Smaug, a fire breathing dragon, and to reclaim a mountain fortress once belonging to the Dwarves.

Can you relate to how Bilbo must have felt as he left the comfort of his home? Who wants to leave familiar surroundings, family and friends to travel to a faraway place? I left March 17th, as part of a team from a local humanitarian group, to help rebuild a church and a home that was completely blown down in last November’s typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines.

After checking my schedule and asking my family if they would let me go, I boarded a plane in Los Angeles and flew sixteen hours to South Korea. We crossed the date line which completely sabotaged my internal clock but didn’t fool my smart phone at all, as Siri didn’t skip a beat.  After a two hour layover, we boarded another plane bound for Cebu Island in the Philippines. The plane blew out one of it’s front tires during takeoff ,making for a lopsided landing in Cebu.

Upon arrival, we met our guides and drove to the very north end of Cebu Island. The three and a half hour drive could have been compared to the truck chase scene in the Indiana Jones movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, where at least half of our drive was traveling in the wrong lane passing trucks, cars and motorcycles.

We arrived in San Remigio and were quickly introduced to a lovely group of people displaced by typhoon “Yolanda”. Their church building, located in a small village, was completely blown down in the strong winds of one of the country’s worst typhoons. Our team was anxious to get started rebuilding.

When we arrived at the building site we were shocked to find that there were very few building materials on site. One sixty-three year old man, with an old shovel and homemade digging bar, slowly chipped away at the hard soil for the building’s footings.  There were a couple of others trying to dig footings but there were not enough tools to go around. Many of the workers had to resort to sharing the digging bars and used coconut shells to remove the soil from the footings. There were also two carpenters working on a small house for the pastor, his wife and three children. The home’s footprint was twelve feet by twelve feet square and built off the ground on stilts.  

We worked very hard, side by side with these local people, and gained both their respect and admiration. The three by three by three foot deep foundation holes, ten in all, were extremely hard digging. The building’s foundation took seven of us three days by hand, gaining only an inch or two at a time. After working all day in the hot, humid air, we walked several miles back to the house where we were staying. Along the way we noticed trees of all kinds blown completely over, exposing their large root balls. Coconut trees were snapped in half and there was plenty of debris still needing to be cleared away.

One boy, who was an eye witness of the devastation on Leyte Island, said the rain from the typhoon looked like smoke blowing sideways. Another man said that the death toll was around eight thousand with another three thousand unaccounted for.  The chief of the Island of Leyte said it took four months to get the power poles and transmission lines back up and the power back on line. For two days after the typhoon, they were completely isolated from the world and had to go by boat to use their cell phones for communication. Entire families were lost as the storm surge was quite large on the east facing shores. Most villages were very isolated and either did not get sufficient warning or unfortunately ignored them.

One man told a story of how his father was spared when all his neighbors perished in the storm surge. His father clung to iron plumbing pipes in the shadow of a block bathroom wall as the winds ripped roofs and even complete houses from their foundations. As the eighty-six year old man held on to the pipes, two cobras also sought refuge directly in front of him.

Dean will be continued his story next week. If you would like to help… goministries.org