Great Thoughts From A Friend

David Shibley is the founder of Global Advance, a ministry that equips pastors and Christian businessmen around the world (www.globaladvance.org) and a friend of mine.  GA is a wonderful ministry, and David is a great teacher and thinker.

In this month's Global Advance Enews, David, by way of Simeon, gives heartwarming insight on seeing in Christmas what others miss.  Thanks David for reminding us of the real reason for Kimbilio.

I share Dr. Shibley's thoughts with you, and wish you all a Christmas with "sight" this year!

A Humble Servant,
Greg

Other than Jesus, perhaps my favorite character in the Christmas story is Simeon.  Here was an old man with a promise from God: “Simeon, you are not going to die until you see the Lord’s Messiah with your own eyes.”  When it came to God promises, Simeon had a trusting heart.

But the years passed.  Faith had not yet been made sight.  But then one day . . . one unforgettable day! . . .

Where was Simeon when he felt God’s undeniable prompting?  The Bible doesn’t explicitly say.  Probably Simeon hung around the temple as much as possible.  Maybe on this day Simeon was at his little Jerusalem dwelling, going about his daily chores.  Suddenly . . . that familiar Voice came to his heart.  "Go to the temple, and go now!"

Can you picture this little man with a big promise as he hurriedly pushes his way through the narrow streets of Jerusalem?  Maybe the old man even sprints toward the t emple as the promise pounds in his chest.  “I’m not going to have a heart attack,” he remembers, “God won’t let me die until I see His Messiah!”

Simeon bursts into the temple – and there He is.  To others milling around, it looks like any other ordinary day.  Young Jewish couples with their baby boys, gathered to present them to the Lord.  To others, Mary and Joseph probably looked like just another couple and Jesus looked like just another baby.  But God gave Simeon eyes to see what others didn’t see.

Others saw a baby, Simeon saw a Savior.  It was Simeon’s Moment.  Imagine the thrill in Simeon’s heart as he takes up in his arms God Incarnate.  Overcome with worship he cries out, “Now Lord, I can die in peace because You have kept Your promise to me.  For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared for all people.  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Lu. 2:30-32). 

This awesome moment – Simeon’s Moment – is captured magnificently by Christian artist Ron Dicianni.  In his painting Simeon is overcome as he holds God’s Promise in his hands.  In the background is a façade of the world, symbolizing that Jesus is indeed the Light of the World.

How important is it to stay “in tune” with the promptings of the Holy Spirit?  Just ask Simeon.  I’m sure he is forever grateful that his heart was in communion with God the day he sensed the nudge to go without delay to the temple.

What a great honor God gave Simeon.  But why did God choose this little old man to make such a powerful prophetic pronouncement?

• He lived a godly life.  Simeon was “a just and devout man” (Lu. 2:25).
• He lived in hope.  He was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Lu. 2:25).
• He lived in the Spirit.  Simeon was “filled with the Holy Spirit,” “the Holy  Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah,” and “the Spirit led him to the temple” (Lu. 2:25-27).
• He lived beyond himself.  Simeon saw the big picture of Christ’s redeeming work for all peoples and nations.  He understood that Jesus came as “a light to reveal God to the nations, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Lu. 2:32).

God’s promised Redeemer has come to you, too.  Don’t miss your divine “moment” embracing Him this Christmas.

REMINDED

     Yesterday I was reacquainted with an old friend from seminary days!  
     It's not what you think, this person wasn't the type of friend that was a buddy, or someone I hung around.  He was much older and wiser than I, and didn't even attend school with me.   In fact, he's now been gone from this earth for 14 years!
     His name is Henri Nouwen, and he was an author that my professors loved to talk about and quote.  I learned to love the writings of Henri, especially The Wounded Healer.

     This was the book which introduced me to this wonderful pastor, and made me feel like I had a special connection with him...thus, my "friend"!  As a pastor, I loved what he stood for and how he thought.  He reminded me of another friend of mine...Jesus.  But I had forgotten so much in the busyness of "ministry."

     Yesterday, my conscience was jerked back to what I should have remembered.  I was reminded through another blog (Thank you Brad Briscoe) of the significance one person can have in the lives of many, simply by living out the mission of Jesus in their own; of taking the time away from the things that really do not matter in the larger scope of life.

     Listen to these words from my "friend" Henri.  Maybe he will become someone who will inspire you to be more of a refuge to others?  Maybe he will focus your life to those things which are most important...or I should say, those people who are most important.  


     "More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them.  It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence.  Still it is not as simple as it seems.  
     My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets.  It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress.  But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drinking with them, to listen to their stories and tell our own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like the, but truly love them." 
                                                                                  - Henri Nouwen


     Thank you for the reminder, my friend!  I had forgotten...


A Humble Servant!

A True Depiction of Kimbilio

Occasionally you may cross paths with people who are helping others in their spare time, or who do nice things for those in need when they can.  But rarely do you find someone like the person I want to introduce to you.  


Her name is Gwen Thomas and she is a member of the church I serve.  I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a heart for giving of herself as Gwen.  Gwen is a R.N. and the "parish" nurse for our church.  But far more than that, she is a genuine lover of people, and lover of Jesus; and she lives out both of those passions in her daily walk and talk.  


Recently, Gwen was the recipient of the 2010 Annette Stixrud Parish Nurse of the Year at the 2010 Conference of Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries in Portland, Oregon (She's the one on the right).   The honor is given to the person who, nominated by peers, most exemplifies a dedication to and passion for parish nursing;  demonstrates success in developing health ministry programs;  and shows compassion, creativity and support in working with people.  


What's interesting is that Gwen was taken by complete surprise by the honor and humbly states that she fells she is NOT doing enough for health ministry at our church.  That statement alone is unbelievable, and as the pastor of that church, I believe Gwen has set the standard for future award recipients, and certainly has exampled what it means to be a "refuge" for those who need it the most.  


Allow me to mention just a few of the examples in Gwen's life of service (developed over the past two years)-the list exhausts me just thinking about it: 

• Blood pressure screening checks, along with teaching and follow-up calls.
• Emergency preparedness alerts and procedures for infection control on church website.
• Mobile care clinic and access to available community resources, such as respite care.
• Hospital visits with prayer and a basket of gifts for those who are ill and waiting family members; as well as sitting with and caring for members in hospice.
• Fit and Fellowship--Weekly walks after services on Sundays. [I know for a fact that because of Gwen, people in our church family are healthier, and some have been saved from early death because of unhealthy life styles that were changed!]
• Gwen has also traveled to Mongolia and Kenya, where she assisted doctors, provided CPR classes and taught house moms who care for orphans.
• As part of her concern for the whole person and her desire to meet the needs of others, Gwen started a church/food bank garden.  With land donated by a church member, plants started from seed or donated by the community, and volunteer help, the garden gave over three tons of food to the community food bank and at least that much to church and community families in need.

Gwen's mantra for her work?  "Stepping out into the water!"  Well done Gwen...you have the true spirit of Kimbilio.  Thank you! 

If you are interested in learning more about Faith Community Nursing training and ministry, you can contact: 

Bruce Strade, Executive Dir.

Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries

503-413-2585

bruces@npnm.org

www.npnm.org

   

"The Incarnation Is To Be An Advocate For Lost People"

The title of this blog is a quote from a man by the name of Hugh Halter.  Last year he spoke at something called the Verge Conference, a gathering of pastors and leaders who realize the western church is listing ship and needs to be uprighted in accordance with God's expectations.


Hugh talks about our posturing as Christ Followers in the world, and how it may just be blocking the message of Jesus.  I'm posting it here so you can hear what he has to say and see if you agree with his thoughts as we explore futher what it means to be a Kimbilio church.


Hugh Halter & Incarnational Posture

Greg

An Act Of Kimbilio

Every once in a while I hear about a church that gets it (in my opinion) and steps out in faith to do what God has called the church to do.


This morning I was handed the NW Section of the Seattle Times where a title jumped out at me:  A Call To Higher Service [Oct 4, by Katherine Long, Seattle Times staff reporter].  It's a story about a church in downtown Seattle who is taking a great leap of faith and revamping their ministry away from themselves and towards those who are on the margins of life; the poor, the homeless, the orphans, the abandoned.  


Here is a group of people who are dismantling a portion of their 50 year old church building and rebuilding on the same site a building that will house a community-service center, a shelter for homeless women and children and 50 units for those who are in need of low-income housing!


Imagine that...tearing down A church in order to build something that is THE church to the people, who God loves!  Wow!  What a great idea!!!!

(Drawing of final project from Times article)

And not only are they stepping out to do that, they are partnering with other organizations who are already involved in those areas of need and ministry to create the synergy to get it all done, and keep it all going!  Well done Mary's Place!  Well done Compass Housing Alliance!

YES!!!  Down are the walls of self-service, down are the walls of denominationalism and "it can't be done" attitudes.  This is Kimbilio at it's best; and it's something that a lot of people are desiring, and want to be a part of.

Well done Gethsemane Lutheran of Seattle!  Way to be a model of Christ for all of us!  I don't think it will take you long to raise the money for this...I'll be one of the first to give!

FEET & SHOES

Feet and shoes are really not very exciting subjects.  Especially feet.  And after years of playing sports, my feet are particularly nothing I want to talk about!  But I've found myself thinking a lot about Feet and Shoes recently.

I've been thinking a lot about feet because I have a son who is passionate about them.  Not in a weird way, but in a way that could possibly change the world.  

Stephen and James

Since Stephen was in Jr. High school God has given him a unquenchable desire to help kids in Africa.  First, as children, growing up in orphanages or slums without family.  Then the passion intensified as they grew into young men and women, leaving the orphanages or staying in the slums, many without solid life skills that would give them a chance at life.  Most were educated to some level, thanks to sponsors, but still a lot of them lacked the deeper life skills for moving beyond daily survival.

Photobucket.com

That's why the Two Feet Project is being born.  A non-profit organization my son is visioneering; (thanks Andy Stanley) which will take these young men and women and train them in daily living skills through the medium of sports and other interests.  It's a huge, God endeavor, but one that will be blessed as he uses his Two Feet to take the Good News to others so they can stand on their own Two Feet, next to the Two Feet of Jesus.   As it develops, you'll probably read more about it in this blog.  Well done, Stephen!

I've also been thinking of shoes because of a man by the name of Palmer Chinchen, a pastor in Chandler, Arizona who took a chance with his church in order to make a huge difference in the lives of many in Africa.

A year ago Palmer told his church to take off the shoes they wore to church, bring them and put them into bins on the stage.  Why?  To sacrifice them for people on the other side of the world who had no shoes, or means to get them!  Risky?  Yes!  Some might not come that Sunday!  Some might not participate!  Some may never come back!  Significant?  Yes!  Huge blessings because of the sacrifice?  Yes!!

Despite being the hottest day of the year, despite the parking lot being an inferno at over 110 degrees, despite being asked to remain shoeless the rest of that day, Palmer's church donated somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000 pairs of shoes!  And people in the community who heard about it, but didn't attend the church, also brought THEIR SHOES!!

You know what, they didn't need them; and it reminded each one about what they take for granted and what others lack in this world.  Well done, Palmer!

This coming Sunday is the second "Barefoot" Sunday for Palmer and his church.  I sent them a pair of new shoes from my closet...I didn't need them, and I know there is someone in Malawi with size 15 feet that will appreciate shoes that fit.

Maybe I'll use my bare two feet to go with my son and share the Good News with someone on that day!  Maybe I should do that everyday!  What a concept!  Why don't you do the same.

Two special men creating Kimbilio in this world.  I hope they inspire you to do the same!

A Humble Servant!
Greg

Reflections on an Anniversary!

September 16, 2002!  It was eight years ago today that I began my ministry here at CCC.  


Thinking back, I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing (Some might say that's still the case today--and in many ways, I would probably agree)!  But, eight years is a long time in today's world of ministry, and I'm humbled and honored to have served God in this way.  


Oh, it hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination!  In fact sometimes it just flat out sucks!!  Many times I feel like I'm spinning my spiritual wheels in thick mud; with no results to speak of.  But yet, there has been a mysterious fulfillment produced from those eight years!


I have to admit, sometimes I want to pack it all in (a few hours ago was the last time it happened.  That was a full 24 hours from the time before!).  


But then my unbelievable, patient wife helps me to remember:  CMIA, GCC Orphans, Lucy, Mike & Jenny, JMEN, my wife & sons, Sonny, Rachel and the girls, Pastor Gilbert in India, Foundations, Scott & Jessica, Megan, Lane & Diane, Brian and Charlene, Rob...and the list of people and places go on and on!  All experiencing change of some kind because of Christ using me---little ole me, who doesn't know what he's doing! (Thank you, Jean)


But while reflecting on this landmark day, I've come to realize that I DO know what I'm doing!  I'm being obedient to a call he placed on my life over 25 years ago.  It's that simple, and it's the reason He's using me to make a difference.  That and faith! 


I keep a saying in front of me daily that says "Faith is walking up to what you know...and taking one more step."  God has some great things in store in the next 25 years of my life.  Most will be challenging, some will be hilarious, all will be fulfilling; and all will be lived out by taking one more step in obedience!  Whenever!  Whatever!  Wherever!  Whoever!


My prayer is that you will reflect and then do the same! 


God, thanks for the memories; but tomorrow let's get busy!  There are so many...!  


A Humble Servant!
Greg

Being Familiar With The Foreign

Recent events of yesterday and today have driven me to bring (to those of you who read this) a recommendation.

Whenever talking about creating refuge or a place of safety among people, there first has to be a discussion and understanding regarding the culture, the customs, the mores, etc. of that people group and the region of the world in which they live.

If you don't have knowledge about these things, then how do you know if they will accept an offer of refuge or not.  How do you know if they will understand why you're offering it in the first place?  And these type of questions could go on and on.

Before we get into the spirit of Kimbilio too far, I want to recommend a book for you to read.  Sarah Lanier has given us a gift of understanding in her book Foreign to Familiar.  This should be a must read for all Followers of Christ who want to bring refuge to a hurting and dying world.  It's a quick, easy, yet profound, read that will give you not only broad international understanding of culture, (thus helping you to be a bridge builder to life change), but even a specific understanding of individuals.  It could even help you understand your own family!  If you're not a follower of Christ, this book will still benefit you as a responsible, global citizen!

Those of you who are followers of Christ, perhaps, if we would take time to first gain insight and understanding about people and their cultures, it might just encourage us to stop burning books (or "throwing stones"), and actively discover responsible, effective ways of sharing a great message of hope that will be respected, accepted and lived out!

Understand first, then lock arms!
A Humble Servant!

Putting It Off!

I'm not usually a procrastinator by any stretch of the imagination, but I've been putting off blogging for quite some time.  Not because I  believe what I have to share is unimportant, but because I've believed that other things besides my thoughts are more important.  And they may be!


But, now I'm breaking the barrier and humbly posting KIMBILIO (Kiswahili for "refuge").  I've named it that because I, personally, enjoy refuge in my life.  Over the years as a paramedic and as a pastor leading a church and a staff, I've found that there is tons of confusion and chaos that happens, or at least has the potential to happen.  It's everywhere, and it's nice to retreat to a peaceful, safe, refreshing place to escape the stress.  You know exactly what I mean, don't you?


Well, there's something else I've discovered in my years of ministry and world travel...not many people on this earth have the luxury of kimbilio!  They are surrounded by war, poverty, hunger, disease, filth, (and I could go on and on), all which bring confusion, chaos,  fear, insecurity!  Anything but refuge!  


Please look in the face of this little child...let it represent for you the lack of refuge that most in this world experience.  And then, I hope it will disturb you to the point that together we will not only write about kimbilio, but we'll work to help people experience it in some small yet significant way.   


Through this site I hope to introduce you to people who are making a difference, both nationally and internationally, to help those who are on the edge of despair.  Perhaps it will inspire you to do something, anything, to change a life, a village, or, who knows, a world!   


Lock arms!  Here we go!
A Humble Servant!