Across the Globe

Our friends, Rich and Sandy, have just returned from a teaching mission. They were with a group of chaplains from many countries. Rich taught "how-to-chaplain" lesssons, while Sandy became acquainted with the wives. What a ministry that will have ripple effects across the globe. Here's one account from Sandy:

Some memories and thoughts and praises from our time with the international chaplains and their wives: It was a unique time since the couples came from virtually all over the world----from Africa and Central America to the Far East and beyond. We dealt with many cultures. All spoke some English and all were Christians. That is saying a lot since in some places 97% of the population is Muslim so you know they have a hard job each day---and sometimes with danger. The chaplain from Papua New Guinea also spoke of continued tribal frictions and fighting with spears---can you believe that? But it was amazing how well we all got along and could communicate and work together.

The PWOC ladies at Ft. Bliss planned many activities for the wives (from craft activities to sightseeing tours and even a pedicure session). Each wife received a $50 gift card to Target and we chose an international wife to shop with. I was with Margaret from Bangladesh. She wanted toys for her grandkids so I helped her looked for Dora the Explorer items (Can you believe that kind of stuff has an international market?) So we did easy shopping. However Mariana from Moldova ended up in the household goods aisle in front of the towels with tears streaming down her face. Her family has not had new towels for 8 years. The idea of buying them all new ones overwhelmed her. With her extra money she bought some chocolates to take back to her church friends. We were all very touched.

Another thing that really struck us was that 2 of the chaplains do not have computer access----not even to do their work. The chaplain from Papua New Guinea had no computer access at all. Upon hearing this, one of the international chaplain couples thought a collection should be taken up to buy him a computer. ACCTS felt that this might be dangerous to start a precedent of buying things like this for one country and not another. So this couple initiated things themselves to come up with the funds to buy Theo a computer (we all were able to contribute unofficially though). So in a private time this international couple along with some of us "staff" folks presented Theo with a new laptop the day of graduation. His is a very private culture where men don't show much emotion. I cannot even describe his response and reaction. To say he was overwhelmed is a huge understatement. He said that he had NEVER received a present anything like this before. The two couples embraced and cried together----can you even picture it?

Also the couple from Guatemala had experienced a miscarriage in January. She is already 36 and so they were devastated, she was broken inside. She said she had not wanted to come to the interaction because she wasn't sure what to expect and didn't think it would be anything good for her. She was pretty introverted and quiet (and very sweet). During a time of testimony she spoke of how God was healing her spirit this particular week and helping her get over her grief and sadness of losing her baby----there was not a dry eye in the room!!! Since we have gotten home her husband has written to let us know that another couple there gave them $300 cash and their host family (who already housed them for 2 weeks and fed them dinner each night) gave them $248 which came to the exact cost of a new computer to take home with them to Guatemala. He also is overwhelmed with such blessings.

We were just blown away at the expressions of love and blessings we all experienced. We never knew we would end up with friends from all over the world like we have. We now pray that God will be able to help them to use the class information they received and the resources given to them to continue to spread the Good News in their own countries. It will be our blessing to keep up with them via e-mail and to see where some of their journeys take them next.

Angels Watchin' Over Me

Sleeps through a tornado, dead to the world, out for the count: all terms which describe Richard's nightly sleeping habits. Once his head hit the pillow, he was asleep. Sherrie could shake him, the kids could romp on him, the dog lick his face: z-z-z-z-z.

So after a day at the beach, he hit the hay. The kids were slumbering away in their comfy beach house bedroom across the hall from Richard and Sherrie. Because of her pneumonia, Sherrie had taken medication that had her in la-la land. Peace and quiet reigned.

Suddenly at 3:10 a.m. Richard was wide awake. His feet hit the floor and he scrambled to the living room. The front door stood open. A wailing noise caught his attention and he rushed down the stairs.

There stood a crying three-year-old Bethany, beside their car, next to the road, about twenty yards from the ocean. She'd been disoriented when she woke in the night and couldn't find her mommy and daddy. Richard scooped her up and carried her to safety.

We think an angel's tap on the shoulder raised a snoozing daddy and alerted him to danger. We know God was watching!

Psalm 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. NKJV

Blessing Those Who Bless

Stacy Buck wrote:

For Mother's Day, I told Masie that I wanted to go out for breakfast. The idea of my kitchen staying clean through one more meal so appealed to me:) So Masie gave Ryan a sales pitch and we ended up at a very crowded restaurant. I devoured my buttermilk pancakes - I forgot how good pancakes taste when you don't have to cook them. During breakfast we noticed a young beautiful mother, with 3 small little girls. One was in a baby carrier, the other little girl was about two in a darling green gingham dress, and the third little girl was about five who looked just like her mother. This mommy was eating out alone on Mother's Day. Masie and I found the manager and asked if he would give us her ticket. It was time to check out and this little family was leaving at the same time. Masie made a bee-line to her and her little chicks and told them that we bought their breakfast and wanted to share her candy with each of the girls. The mother, Monica, was so appreciative.

Then she began to cry. She said her husband was in Iraq and it took a lot to be around happy people. I told her that God cares for her and her children and a free breakfast was a small way of showing it. Then we hugged... total strangers in a crowded restaurant with motherhood in common.

Looking back I wish I had gotten her number. I can't get her and her babies out of my mind. How many other moms were alone and even un-celebrated on Sunday? The rest of the day I spent praying for God to encourage and strengthen Monica as she ministers to each of her children without a physical hug of affirmation from her husband.

It blows my mind how much freedom really costs and how I take it for granted. Monica was alone at Jim's Restaurant on my behalf. The best $20.00 I ever spent was to know that being a free American mommy is heaven sent.