Off The Beaten Path

I want to live different.

We live in a society where we are not people, we are consumers to sell products to. I don't want the American Dream of a nice job, a nice car, and a nice family. It seems that the more people try to live for that the more stressed out and disappointed they are with life.

Where do I start? I am not sure what I am good at. I am not sure what my passion(s) are.

I want to do more with my life. I want to make a difference. I want to do something that will leave an impact. I want to hear God say "well done my good and faithful servant" when I get up there.


I watched a sermon done by Pastor Perry Noble and he gave 3 words that would help us live a blessed life; misery, motivation and realization.

Misery- when you look at the world what breaks your heart. When you discover your misery you will discover your ministry.

Motivation- God is going to call you to something that you do well and enjoy.

Realization- If you don't let your past die, it won't let you live.

If we constantly look at ourselves, we will miss what God brought us here for. We are here for one another. God gave us all at least one gift and it's our job through Him that we use it and not waste it. Will we fail, yes. Will we screw up and make mistakes, yes. Will we do things that are extremely hard and want to give up, yes. All of this WILL happen but when these happen we should learn from them and let them be in the past. We shouldn't dwell on them, EVERYONE makes mistakes and bad choices, we are human. We should work hard now in our passion so TOGETHER we can have a brighter future. A future filled with joy and happiness.

People Helping People

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to go to Haiti to help build a home for 30+ kids at the orphanage that our church sponsors. It was a huge success!! We were able to get these wonderful kids into permanent shelter, build relationships and most of all show the kids that all you need is hope, love and faith. 


I was awakened to what joy is. I had never seen so much joy as I did in those kids. Especially since they lived through a massive earthquake and lost their parents. After spending 6 days with them, I understood how they "got there".  


They live in the present, full of contentment. They didn't worry about yesterday or tomorrow. They seemed at peace with every decision they made and everything they did. 


I wanted that. No matter how bad or hard the circumstances were they almost seemed to shrug it off. I want to be able to feel at peace with everything I do. As much as the surroundings broke my heart, I don't think I've ever learned so much about myself and people as I did when I was a visitor in Haiti.


This coming February I have an opportunity to go to Guatemala for a construction/medical/evangelism project. I will be going with a group from Emmanuel Christian Center. My uncle Jim is leading it.

This is a great opportunity for me to do a different kind of mission trip. We will be helping build a church, a pastor's house and also help in a medical clinic.

I've been praying about going. I really understand that this is the Lord's will for me.

It will be a dream come true if I can come up with the money to participate.

Many people have said to me that I am lucky to be going down there. I couldn't agree more.  Not just to help people in need, but also to help find peace, hope and contentment.

God Bless and thank you for your support.

If you do find it in your heart to help with donations you can check out this link http://goo.gl/UUuUy or email me for other arrangements.
 richardnberry@gmail.com

Fear not

The dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Yet we have it in so many things we do or are. 



Many fear loneliness, their spouse, not having enough money, and many other things. 


I have always thought I had a fear of failure. Turns out it may be more of success. I have been good at a few things in my life but quit because I thought I was bored and not challenged. Which may be true but the harder I looked at it, I quit because I was becoming successful and was in fear that I would not be able to keep up with that success or would get really wrapped into it and that would be all I would do.


But I think the biggest part of my fear is that I don't end up like my Dad. I love him dearly but I know he just isn't happy with his job. He has an upper administration job that he is very good at and the money is really good, but I can tell when he talks about it he is not happy. 


That's where my fear comes in. I don't want to get wrapped up in a career that the only thing I am happy about is Friday and my paycheck. I want more. I want to use what God gave me to help others that need it. Money does not move me, happy outcomes move me.


Our fear mostly comes from the "unexpected". We have our plans that are selfish. The reason we have fear is because we are living out our own plans that don't mesh with what he sees for us. The Lord has bigger and better plans for us. Just pray and ask him.


When we have fear in things like not enough money or being lonely, I believe they will never come.


I have come to believe that if we put our heart, mind and soul into God, he will lead us where we are to be. If we truly work hard, love others before ourselves and most important put God first and trust him we will not have fear again. 


I would rather try and fail, than not try at all because I fear I may fail. 


The Lord will provide what ever we need. It might not be the way or the order, but he will provide if we truly believe in God with our hearts.


The Lord will love us and forgive us despite our failures.


Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."


When I first read this verse I don't think I fully comprehended it. The more I read it and say it, the more I truly believe it. 

Satisfaction.....um no

I read the newest In Touch magazine, I love this magazine, and a couple of questions have really stuck with me, What are you pursuing in life? and, Have you found the satisfaction you seek, or is there always a vague sense of discontent in your soul? Wow for both, these both describe me.

When I read this I realized that I was an opportunist. It doesn't take much for me to go after something. I see something that looks fun and dive into it. Or for a job I see something that looks interesting and I give up on what I am doing whether I am good at it or not or even like it. I think I might be on to job number 40 or so.

I am and always will be a recovering alcoholic, 8 years strong. For most of those 8 years I truly believed that I had quit myself. Wow was that selfish of me. It was Jesus!!!! Jesus!!! Jesus!!

I also recently quit chewing tobacco after 10 long years, and that took me roughly 10 tries to do. Oddly enough, I know, it wasn't until I asked Jesus and gave him my full trust on it that I quit.

I have struggled my entire adult life with this thought that I am here to do something big, really big. I keep telling myself that's why I keep changing jobs so much, that I keep inching my way closer to what He brought me here for.

These two questions have made it even harder for me. There is nothing, I mean nothing that really fulfills me and has kept my pursuit long term.

On the next page of In Touch there is more thoughts that gave me realization about this matter. It asks whether I am taking matters into my own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God? My whole life has been me doing what ever I WANT to do, instead of what HE WANTS me to do.

So how do I change the constant circle of discontent and failure, give in. Give in to Him with everything.

Seek His way and His timing. Anything else will be destructive.

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

Faith and Sweat

Final Thoughts

This had to be the best team put together, especially for a mission trip. I have heard many stories about how after about the third day everyone is ready to choke hold each other. Not on this one. It almost seemed as though the longer we were there the more fun we had and the more we connected on our common goal.....LIFE CHANGE. Yes we all missed our families and homes, but we were there to help this orphanage with these kids.

I learned a few things from Siguinde in the many conversations that I had with him. Surprising to me but they are very well dressed. Siguinde said it's because that is all they can control.

He said that drugs and alcohol aren't a problem. This definitely surprised me because where I come from when bad things happen you find drugs or the liquor store. He said they can't afford it and it's really looked down on in their culture. Go to the Lord he said “you will find all you need in Him”. I was blown away to hear this. He taught me a lot. I am thankful for meeting him.

Haiti does not produce it's own power. They share or borrow it from Dominican Republic. Power outages are almost daily because of it. No one seems to mind though. They know it will come back on so they don't worry about it.

The kids desperately want to go to school. They want to have a better life. They want to learn, play games, and see other kids. They don't want to end up on the street in poverty or stuck in a prostitution ring or worse.

I look around and I see devastation and destruction but you would never tell by looking at the faces of the people. You see joy, hope and contentment. The Haitian people are incredibly gracious and thankful. I have a lot to learn from them. To me it seems they have nothing but when you talk to them they have all they need. They also don't expect anything. They seem to know that if they need it, it will become available to them.

In driving through town I also saw a lot of the “tap taps”, (taxis), they were painted beautiful colors with pictures of stories from the Bible. They also had verses painted on them. I saw a lot of “merci Jesus”, which is beautiful anyway but to see it amongst the rubble was pretty powerful to me.

A couple other things that caught my eye were on a wall was painted WE NEED HELP, but in the background was a wooden cross.....wow. The other was in the middle of a turnabout there was this like 20 foot diameter globe with three hands holding it up, that really spoke volumes to me of why we were there. Someone else needed our help and the Lord put it in our hearts to go and help them but also to see so many different countries from around the world descend on Haiti to assist in the recovery of the poorest nation....Thank You Jesus.

As we arrived the words that came to mind were sadness, destruction, horror and heartbreak. As we leave those words have been transformed to love, peace, content and joy.

In the end there are only two kinds of people: those who are lost, and those who have been found.

Everyone asks me “would you go back”? In a heartbeat!!

This experience was incredible and will change my view of people, life and God. Thank you Crossing Church for setting up our orphanage. Thank you to the team for welcoming me into your hearts. Most of all thank you Jesus for allowing me to see and treat people the way You do.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.  Acts 20:24

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.  Romans 13:8

Faith and Sweat

Day 4

Very mixed emotions day.  Today will be our last day at the orphanage.  I am missing the sounds and smiles of my own family but it will be tough to leave.  Kind of odd, but I don't miss the comforts of home much.  I am really surprised how quickly we grew closer to these kids.

On the way to the orphanage Mike talks gives a good sermon and prayer that really fires me up and gives me extra (not that I needed any) motivation.

Renee and Kevin have a good talk with Didie this morning to find out where the most need is.  Some of the biggest needs are beds.  They also could use a stove and a fridge.  Didie explained that most girls become prostitutes or are sex slaves.  That was really hard to hear.

There is still plenty to do today so different ways we go.  Christy, Chad and I dig out the well where it has pretty much been filled in by the dirt dug up from the new septic.  The rest of the team is helping with the cement work.  It's another hot one today but we are all really working our hardest today since we know this is it.

Finishing touches are being put on the exterior and interior so the kids can move in soon.  One little pickup brings three big loads of concrete block that will be used as the walls for the septic and a couple other projects.  The men here do really good work.  Especially considering it's all by hand.

The rest of the day is spent with the kids.  We just play!!!  It's a lot of fun.  There are kids everywhere just laughing and running around.  Some of the girls are doing Bri and Renee's hair.  Of course many pictures being taken especially by the kids themselves.

The time has come for us to go and Elizabeth gathers us all with the interpreter to give us a few parting words.  She tells us she and the kids are thankful and grateful for all the hard work done.  She is more thankful for the interaction with the kids.  She says the kids say they had a lot of fun with us and they want us to stay.   The kids won't stop giving hugs and fives.  Quite a few or the kids are in tears which makes it extra hard to leave.

The ride back to the hotel is a mix of smiles, tears and stories.

Tonight Didie takes us out for a nice seafood dinner to thank us for our hard work.  This trip for me was about new experiences and food is definitely one of them.  I am not real big on seafood but here goes.  The appetizers are fried shrimp wantons, fried tuna roll ups and some kind of veggie seafood hush puppie thing.  WOW are they all good!!!!  Now dinner.  Grilled Sarde.  The whole fish.  Bone, head and tail.  This is delicious!!! So juicy and tender and the flavor yummy!!!  The restaurant is a beautiful and outdoors.  A nice warm evening with good food and people is a nice way to end our amazing trip.

Faith and Sweat

Day 3

Today we leave a little early.  Jennifer had asked if we would like to grab a couple of souvenirs.  This will be an experience.  Pulled over on the side of the road, we get out and start walking over to the stands.  But, since we are the only white people it's pretty obvious that we are tourists.  The people are very polite just trying to make a few bucks but we are surrounded by many people trying to sell us stuff.  Jennifer says to not buy anything until she haggles with them.  She says they really raise the prices when they see tourists.  After some heated negotiating I ended up getting a necklace (for me) with matching bracelet (for Becky) and some little trinket boxes for the kids.

Excitement is setting in as we arrive at the orphanage.  Today we are really pumped to get all this garbage out of here.  We go right after all the garbage and just as we start going the dump truck pulls up.  We end up just about filling the dump truck.  This is the only way to get rid of garbage down here.  They have to pay $100 US to get rid of garbage.  We fill it with a lot of stuff including a broken down fridge.  We try to get rid of a stove too, but Elizabeth says no.  I think we are doing so much so fast that it's to much for her.

The truck leaves and comes back.  Little did we know there was another big pile she wanted us to get rid of.  See over the prior week there was two guys hand digging out the new septic for the new house.  This thing was about 8 feet wide, 12 feet long and about 16 feet deep.  So it was now our job to get rid of all that dirt.  For the next 3 hours about 6-8 of us take turns with about 12, 5 gallon buckets filling up the truck.

Today is the hottest day at about 97.  We are getting pretty wiped out pretty fast and running out of water quick.  Jennifer leaves to get us some more water.  She comes back with 4 cases of water and 2 cases of Gatorade.

Elizabeth wanted to make us a meal while we were there.  She spent the morning and most of the of the afternoon preparing it for us.  We take turns eating so that we can get all this dirt out of here.  She made a wonderful lunch with chicken, rice, re fried beans and fried plantains.  It was really good.  They use some pretty amazing spices and some pretty delicious flavors down here.

At this point we are all running low on energy, especially Tyler.  We all notice he is not looking good and he is heading for the bus.  So me being the EMT, I have been put in charge of watching over him.  I go and check on him and he is definitely overheated.  He seems to be with it though when I ask him a bunch of questions.  But I go and make up a few ice bags for under his neck and legs.  It takes a little while but he slowly comes back.  But I am still a little nervous because he is a little slower and really wiped out.  I ask him to take it easy the rest of the day and no more labor work.

The kids are returning from school.  We get the added bonus today of seeing all of the kids all 50 plus of them.  Since they are all here we get out all of our gifts.  We have balls, yoyos, soap and wash clothes, toothpaste and toothbrushes.  Elizabeth seems very thankful and grateful as she starts to tear up.  It's just amazing to me how grateful one can be with soap and a washcloth.  It's amazing to see how fast we get our energy back when the kids get home!!!

Mike, Chad, Tyler and I take all of the boys to an open field about a half a block away to play some soccer.  I am not really sure who had more fun us or the kids.  But if I had to guess I would say it was us.  It was cool to step back and just watch the kids.  I have never seen all the kids playing anything with so much joy.  I never thought I would enjoy playing soccer but I have to admit.....I did.

Mother Renee comes and says its time to go.  We really wanted to get a picture of all of us with ALL the kids.  That was tougher than I thought it would be.  We really thought it would be easy to get all the kids in, but there was quite a few that were being really shy.  It took about nine tries but I think we finally got a good one.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in it's various forms.  1 Peter 4:10

Faith and Sweat

Day 2

The excitement is very high and we haven't even finished eating breakfast.  We are really going to get a lot cleaned and piled up today in anticipation for the garbage truck tomorrow.   The amount of garbage is quite excessive.  There are many metal bed frames all over the place some look usable and some she is saving for recycling, she will actually get some money for them.  So we separate all the garbage into piles close to the entry door.

The contractor and carpenter have not arrived yet so we really get cleaning.  Then the sound of a large truck coming down the road.  He pulls in with a bed full of bags of cement.  In the end we unload over 100, 94 pound bags of cement.  The delivery guys watch as Christy joins all of us men and at first attempt to shake her off but in the end they are calling her wonder woman.

Just after we finish another truck comes with a load of sand that they will mix with the cement for the finish coat on the interior walls.

Elizabeth tells us that she really wants the house done as soon as we can.  Just after that message the contractor and carpenter show up.  They get a few of us going helping in the house.  There are windows and doors to get set in and then cemented over.  We are constantly digging or moving sand or dirt around.  Sometimes it feels like busy work but we have already gotten so much done.  We have a long ways to go though.

The kids start arriving home from school just after one.  They go to three different private schools.  As they walk through the door, they run around and find all of us.  They are shaking our hands, giving high fives and fist bumping everyone.  Lunch is already waiting for them, so they quick change out of their uniforms and sit down for lunch.

As they are eating I am taking pictures, talking with them and playing with them.  Which in turn gets them in trouble for not eating their lunch.....I guess some things are the same no matter what country you are in.

After lunch they really open up to us.  They are really loving getting their pictures taken.  The better part is that after I take a picture, they come running over to see what the pictures look like on the display.  We also get the jump ropes out and they are really good.  Sometimes two and even three of them at a time.  It looks like so much fun, that I decide to join in.  The soccer ball comes out and quite a bunch of us gather to kick it around.

Their curiosity is quite funny.  They pull my cap off and rub my hair.  I personally think they were baffled at the lack of hair.  Tattoos.  The kids are really not sure about them.  They look at them with such confused looks as they stare and rub them.

Tonight we are treated to a dinner in the entertainment district.  It's pretty exciting.  We are about half way up a mountain in an open air restaurant that's got two floors.  It's really cool.  Who knew that pizza would be awesome in Haiti.  But then again how can pizza not be good any where.

Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.  We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others.  We own nothing, and yet we have everything.  2 Corinthians 6:10

Faith and Sweat

Day 1

Excitement is filling the air as we finish breakfast.  Our drive to the orphanage seems to take forever.  Part excitement and part heartbreak as we really start to see the destruction all around.  There are so many people living in tents.  They live in "tent cities" which is basically tens of thousands of people living in a few city parks that are no more than 6 or so square blocks.  Full families living in 8x8 tents.  I feel terrible, humbled and blessed at the same time.

The wait is over!!!  We arrive at the orphanage for the first time.  The properties are some what similar to ours but instead of fences surrounding the property, they have 8' high concrete block walls.  At the front of the orphanage there is a 12' high by 12' long solid steel rolling gate.  The first thing I notice is little hand prints all over, and I picture the kids getting home from school joyfully waiting for someone to open the door.  The door is opened and every sense is on over load.  Bad smells of animals, garbage and mold.  Beautiful sights of trees and the close to getting finished new house.  Weird sounds like turkeys, chickens and goats fill the air, sounds that you wouldn't necessarily think of when describing an orphanage.  But they use the milk from the goats, eggs from the chickens and later on they will use the meat from the turkeys.

The mold is coming from the main tent that the kids sleep in.  It's about 25' by 20' and about 12 feet high in the center.  It's covered by canvas and with the rain they get everyday almost the entire thing is moldy.  It is awful and none of us can stay in the tent long enough to see what's in it.  We have to put on masks to be not just in it but around it.  Tearing this tent down becomes priority number one for all us.

We meet Elizabeth.  She is the director of the orphanage.  She is the only adult there and wears many hats everyday.  She is a wonderful woman and I can clearly see she is very devoted to these kids.  She is also some what of a hoarder and we will have some tough tasks cleaning this week as she doesn't have much so she keeps a lot of stuff.

I start by helping the carpenter redo some of the bracing for the roof of the new house and finish the roof.  We are redoing a lot of the house because the last contractor that came in basically did a crap job and took all her money.  Everything is done by hand here and it has been a long time since I used a hand saw to cut 2x4's.  It gets easier but I am clearly not used to this.

The kids start to come home about 1 pm and they look so full of joy but also so very mature looking, especially with their matching school uniforms.  The kids go to three different private schools and are well educated.  They are pretty shy so we start to hand out some things;  silly bands, jump ropes, footballs and soccer balls and yo-yo's.  They start to open up a little.  They have their own little cliques to.  But they are so happy running around or doing each others hair.  It was so great to see them play and watch their eyes light up from simple things like these.

The day wraps up with us cleaning and piling up garbage and really getting a lay of the property.  The kids have no where to play.  There is really no organization there is animals every where and tents every where.  The ground is dirt, mud or rubble with no grass anywhere.  One of the things we hope to accomplish this week is to give them a play area so they can have some sort of normal kid life other than school.

I feel so humbled because these kids literally have nothing and seem so full of joy.  I feel blessed that the Lord has entrusted me to come down here and change some lives, including my own.

At the present time you surplus is available for their need, so their abundance may also become available for our need, so there may be equality.   2 CORINTHIANS 8:14

Faith and Sweat

Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
you will restore the foundations laid long ago;
you will be called the repairer of broken walls,
the restorer of streets where people live.
Isaiah 58:12

ARRIVAL DAY

We fly into Haiti to the makeshift airport.  I can already see the massive damage to this beautiful country and we haven't even gotten off the plane yet.  There is only 2 runways and there is really nothing left of the airport itself.  

We are met outside after going through customs and picking up our luggage by many Haitian men eager to take our bags.  Through the crowd we see a woman holding a Crossing sign and rush excitedly to her.  She is Jennifer, our guide and interpreter for the trip.  It's really uncomfortable so many people just grabbing at our bags, we understand they mean well, but Jennifer steps in and makes room for us to get to the bus.  

We are really hurried like cattle to our bus.  We meet Claudelle our driver for the week.  There are no rules to the road, no signs and only a couple of signals.  Because of his driving we nickname him, Ice Man.

I am taking in the damage but it's so much to comprehend my heart just aches for these people and we really haven't seen much. There is garbage and rubble every where.  It looks as though where they have rebuilt, they took a bulldozer and pushed the pile of rubble to the street and just left it there so they could build a new house or building.  

The roads are terrible.  There are potholes that we could have put our bus in with room to spare.  I don't see much grass anywhere.  It's like a concrete jungle.  When I look at the people on the streets shopping or working they are all dressed very well.  It seems they take a lot of pride in their appearance.  

We arrive at the hotel and I think it's an oasis.  There are beautiful trees and many bright colors.  I like it a lot but feel a little guilty staying there when our orphans are staying in tents.

We meet Seguinde who will also be an interpreter for us.  He is kind and willing to answer many questions from us.

We then meet Didie who is our contact from Hunger Relief International.  Some say that Usher looks like him.  He is very nice.  He maps out our week including what, when and where our dinners will be.  He asks what we would like for dinner our first evening chicken, pork, beef or goat.  It's chosen to be goat for everyone.

Didie took us on a tour through some parts of the city.  Our first stop is the Blessed Mother of Assumption church.  It was built in the 1860's and by looking at what's left, I am guessing it was gorgeous.  There is just a few walls left of the building and I am guessing it stood about 50 feet tall.  300 people didn't make it out of the building during the earthquake.

Next we head to the Palace.  It's completely useless.  The building is a big pile of rubble.  But the Guard still comes out every morning to raise the flag and every night to lower it.

Dinner.  Goat.  Suprisingly delicious.  I would definitely eat it again.  Everyone seems to like it.  The sun goes down about 6 down here so we use the nights to compare thoughts.  We are really looking forward to tomorrow and visiting the orphanage for the first time, especially the kids.

What amazed me was seeing the peoples faces.  Full of hope and life.  

Jesus not Religion

We are called to be like Christ.  That is why we are called Christians.  Christian means little Christ.  We are called to Love the Lord our God first with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength first and second to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Basically treat everyone around you better than yourself.  The greatest gift we can give is our time to others.  Whether it's just helping a neighbor clean up their yard or shovel their driveway.  It really doesn't matter the quantity as much as the quality.  Don't give $10 to someone who doesn't need it, give it to the guy on the street or a non-profit that needs all the help you can get.

Religion is basically when we put more stock into following traditions or people instead of Jesus.  I love when Pastor Eric says that we should all stop playing church and be the church and "it's always just about Jesus".

Get involved in something even if it's one a month I guarantee you will start looking forward to it.  Find something that you love to do.  Helping kids or battered women or just helping out in your community.  Helping people should not be a task it should be voluntary and loving.  Jesus always went to people that needed help.

We are here to help each other not hurt each other.  Follow Jesus' example and help those that need it most.  Get the guy with the drinking problem some recovery.  Jesus loved people and was not afraid to be a servant, and so we should not be either.  Help others instead of sitting on some sort of religious pedestal looking down on people.  We are all people no one is better than anyone else.  We are a nation of much and we should be helping those with little.

When I go to heaven I want to Lord to say to me well done good and faithful servant.  That is what I will work towards everyday in every aspect of my life.  I will do what ever I can to help people less fortunate than I and try to help save as many lost and broken people as I can.

On A Mission

Why are you going to Haiti when there is so much bad here?  This is a question I have heard from many people including some in my families.

I am going to Haiti because that is where God called me to help.

I am supposed to go to Haiti.  Don't believe me?

 We had an informational meeting on March 12 at church about going on a mission trip to Haiti.  Our church sponsors an orphanage there and I thought well maybe I could go.  We were told that we needed $1000 on the following Tuesday, yes in three days.  I thought well maybe I can get a loan out of my 401k in time nope that couldn't happen that quick.  So I thought well I guess it's not meant to be this year.  Well, the day before we needed to have the money in we received a check in the mail for $937 from our insurance company as a refund.  Now I know that some of you would say so what you were supposed to get that check any way.  Well, maybe but it came a day before I needed it for something big and I think that's a big sign that I am supposed to go.

Some of you say that more help is needed here.  I would say no.  These people in Haiti don't have fresh water, or schools they CAN go to or shelter.  I am going to help build the orphanage so they have shelter, help them to get fresh water.  Because of the earthquake this country is a mess and there are many of us that have felt a tug on our heart to help people that desperately need it.

As Christians we are called to help people in need no matter where we go, so it shouldn't matter that I am helping another country.  It should just matter that I am helping people that need it.

Some of the people that are ripping me for going don't volunteer or donate at all.  How dare you call me out on going to help people when you aren't doing anything at all.  You have no right to judge me period, let alone for helping another country that needs our help more than we do.

The average person in Haiti makes less than $2 a day.  We give away more than that in healthcare assistance, childcare assistance, financial aid (yes those of you who received financial aid received more in that than most people in Haiti make in a few years or more) and food assistance.  There are so many avenues of help here from our government it blows me away how much money we give out to people who don't WANT to work or go to school.  These wonderful people in Haiti want to work and want to go to school.  It's amazing what we take for granted and waste here in the good ole USA.  I love my country I am thankful for many things including freedom, but the amount of money thrown away and/or kept to ourselves is ridiculous.  You say it's your money, I say no it's God's money.  Without the way he made you, you wouldn't have the job, education, family and money you have.

I want to help people IN NEED and I was given this OPPORTUNITY to help people in desperate need.
This is a blessing and a gift for me to go there.  I love that my wife is not only supporting me in this but she also is sacrificing her time and our money so that I can go and share Jesus and do what ever I can for these wonderful people.  I would give anything so that I could go on more mission trips and not only share the word of Jesus with many people, but help them with their needs and become self sufficient.  We were made to love each other and help each other, especially those who are in more need than ourselves.

This is going to be an amazing trip for the people we meet and the ten of us going.  I have heard this will change our lives more than it will change theirs.

You shall be called repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.  Isaiah 58:12

Don't pretend to love others. Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Romans 12:9

The Lord will show me exactly why he wants me to go to Haiti, and it will change my life forever.  I am truly blessed to be afforded this opportunity.

Life Freaking Change

Eight years ago today I started a journey of sobriety which in time led to my life change.  This has been one of the hardest and best accomplishments of my life.  There is not one thing I regret about becoming sober.  To be able to understand what the Lord has done for me and in me by helping me get sober is something I must pass on.

It was very hard and there was many times that I thought I would fall down hard.  But I have realized,  I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength Philippians 4:13.

Without sobriety I would not be married to my wonderful wife, who has given me so much support.  Thank you my love for your support, I love you so much.  I probably would not have 3 of my kids.  To be able to say no to getting bombed everyday or even just every weekend has given me so much confidence in my self.  I am so happy that I can work through my problems or ask for help now instead of just going to the bar and "drinking my problems away".  I chose to love myself, my family and most of all Jesus enough to get sober.

My life was a wreck because I chose to worship something other than Jesus.  I chose to worship alcohol and for a while drugs.  I also worshipped money, my job, women and sports.  Jesus got me to sober up and I give Him all the glory for it!!!!  But I think the biggest thing is that God was preparing me for a better life and something bigger.  He was planning a big triumph from from what was a tragedy.  The Lord has blessed me in sobering up, now it's my time to give back and help as many people as I can.  This is true LIFE CHANGE and I could not be more blessed to have a second chance at life.

So it is with this I say thank you to the One who has given me life, not just once but for a second time.  Father, thank you for the forgiveness, grace and mercy He has given me.  The life change that has happened in me can only come from Him.  Jesus, thank you for teaching me what is important in life.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  Isaiah 43:2

Man Up

The majority of men right now are prideful and materialistic.  I know I my self was once there too.  Why waste time and money on things?  Just think how much better our world would be if we helped each other more by giving our time and money to those that need it more.

But now I understand why we were created.  We were created to serve the Lord and others.  We should be helping expand the kingdom of God and helping others any way we can.  We were created to love Jesus and others before ourselves.

Your life as a male should not defined by how good you are at sports or what kind of toys you have.  It should not be defined by how much money you make or how many women you have been with.

Your life should be defined by how you follow Jesus, how well you treat your family and how well you serve others.  Jesus should be the one and only treasure you worship.  You should be the leader of your family.  Protecting them, pastoring them and nurturing them.

We as men need to grow up and take care of our families and communities.  We need to stand up for those that can't, instead of walking by with a blind eye.  Tithe with your heart not because you have to.  If we all do these things we can change the world and make it better.  That is how we enjoy true happiness.

Understand that I am just as jacked up as all of ya'll.  I sin too.  Part of my blog writing is to see how I want myself to live and give myself a jump start.  Quit blaming everyone else.  Learn to be humble.  You make the choices all day everyday.

Here are a few things you can do to help yourself:
1-Read the Bible daily
2-Pray everyday all day
3-Tithe
4-Believe with all your heart that He will take care of you
5-Put everyone else before you

The bible says that the first and most important command is that you should love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.  And the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

1 Corinthians 13:11-12 When I was a child,I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Give Your Heart

Why I am going to Haiti?

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17

I love Jesus. He says to take care of widows and orphans. He also says that we should give big and step way out of our comfort zones. I feel like I am doing both. Do I have a little fear about going? Maybe a little. I haven't been on a plane in 10 years, I am going to another country which I have never done before and I am going with people I am not real close to. I hope to learn more about the people I am traveling with and myself.

I love my church and the vision that we have. We as a church have chosen to support an orphanage in Haiti. Our church believes that we help any way we can especially with our hearts. I don't want to give just to give, I want to help someone who really needs it, doesn't expect it and will use it the way it should be used.

I feel I am being called by God to go there. Don't know why me and why now, I just know I am supposed to go. When the He asks me to do something I want to do it, and I want to do it with all my heart.

We are called to give to others and give big, audacious some might say. Is this the right time to go in my life? I would say no. Can my family and I afford this trip? Not really. But what I have learned is that when we give everything we have to those in need with all our hearts, God smiles and life change happens. I am really looking forward to the life change that has happened in our orphanage and will come thanks to what I can give both with money and time. I am also looking forward to the life change this will bring in my life through this mission trip and also what the Lord has in store for me after. I really want to learn from people that have nothing but still have hope.

One of the organizations we work with is hunger relief international. Their vision is to seek a world in which children, their families and communities have access to basic necessities including nutritious food, clean water, sanitation, education, and health care. Check out their website www.hungerreliefinternational.org.

The population of Haiti is 9 million and they are the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 70% of Haitians live on less that $2 a day and 54% live on less than $1 a day. The rate of illiteracy is 48% and unemployment is around 60%.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

The point of this entry is not to convince you that you should donate to Haiti or volunteer to Haiti. The point is to show you where my heart is and what I believe and to get you to do something out of your comfort zone and find something that you love to do and give to for others.

Women Deserve Better Than We Are

Treat your wife or girlfriend the way a princess of the almighty Father deserves to be treated.  Men you used to romance her what happened?  And don't tell me there's no time, that's a bad excuse because you are not making the time for her.  Don't tell me there's no money, that case of beer a week or one night at the bar costs more than the flowers you could have brought home for her.  And don't even think about telling me that you don't know what she is interested in anymore, because the only person's fault that is, is yours.

Men stop being lazy, selfish and boring.  I guarantee if you start to put in the effort, your marriage would be happier and more fun. You wouldn't need that beer that's stuck to your lips, instead it could be your wife's lips stuck to yours.  Be the best husband you can be and the rewards will be awesome, not just for you but for both of you.

For you single men out there, before you get the balls to ask a woman out find out who you are and what you need to do to make sure that you can treat a lady the best way possible.  Quit those addictions, get a job whatever it may be.  Most importantly read the bible daily and pray that God will help change you.

Married men change yourself and stop complaining how your wife sucks.  YOU ARE the leader of the home.  Pray with your wife and children.  Show your family you are the leader.  Treat your wife like she is a princess of GOD.  Love her like no one else can.

Married women, if your husband abuses you leave NOW.   If he is not a real man yet, encourage him.  I didn't say help him.  Just tell him he can be a good man and he should read more of the bible and serve at church.  He is the leader of your family and he should start now if he isn't.  Love him, respect him and encourage him to be the he should be.

Single ladies, don't settle for a guy that will ask you to marry him.  Make sure he is a good leader and will protect you and love you the way should be loved.  If he is not pursuing you, cut him loose there IS a way better guy out there.

You can't be a good boyfriend or husband if you are not a good man, and you should not be in a relationship if so.  If you are in a relationship get help fast so you can be that guy that she wants and needs.  Show her that you can be awesome and worth marrying or resolving your marriage with.  Love her more than your job, money or anything else except Jesus.  Get back to romance men!!!!

Proverbs 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord.

Welcome to my Blog!!

Welcome to my new blog!!  I plan to write about life.  What I have learned, lived and loved.  But most importantly how I am changing through my walk with Christ and learning how to be a true Christian!!!

Welcome I hope I can open some minds and hearts!!!!