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!