A Cup of Cold Water



I just remodeled my office last week at the church and I came across an old picture that reminded me of the phrase, "...a cup of cold water." The picture was from 1998 and I was in District 14 of Addis Ababa, an impoverished area in the capital city of Ethiopia plagued with poverty, disease and death; in fact, the tuberculosis and HIV infection rate was well over 50% (the closest medical facility was miles away and simply not accessible for these hurting Africans). With past business experience in the medical field, I was asked to lead a team of doctors and nurses into this area to determine if we could provide some form of relief. After months of planning & negotiating, we convinced the government that we were humanitarians and really did love these people. Hence, we set up a temporary medical clinic to document our findings so we could put together a game plan to come back, build a clinic, train the nationals and within two years, provide a self funding, indigenous ran state of the art medical facility (…over 13 years later, I’m blessed to say this clinic is functioning with twenty beds, four birthing rooms, high-tech equipment and totally ran by Ethiopians!). The picture that captured my heart was Doctor Dan (from Yakima, Washington) treating a Muslim man who was fighting full blown AIDS; I remember my heart moved with compassion for this precious guy. I asked Dr. Dan if there was anything I could do to help. His comment was, “…Randy, there’s nothing we can do, he’s dying; if you have a long sleeve shirt to cover his exposed sores, that would be like giving a cup of cold water to thirsty man on a hot day.” You see, this fellow had oozing sores all over his body and in his poverty, he had no shirt to protect his upper body from the elements. Well, I ran to the taxi and quickly grabbed a long sleeve shirt out of my travel bag and gave it to Dan (I was actually in a suit at the time because I was about to be interviewed by the Ethiopian National Television crew on why we were in the country…). After putting ointment on his sores, Dan and Erin, one of our great students from our youth ministry, put my long sleeve, blue shirt on this man, said a quick prayer and hugged the man. With tears in all of our eyes, we said good bye as his family literally carried him out of our clinic – he did die shortly thereafter.

Well, years later, as I was looking at my old mission trip pictures in the midst of the remodel, I was surprised how that event in my life still impacts me. Yes, totally sad he died; and, yes totally blessed our work continues to this day. But, more impressionable for me, simply put: is that I am given opportunities everyday to provide a cup of cold water to those in need. Whether it’s speaking words of affirmation to a downcast friend, “…hey, I believe in you!” Or, taking food to a shut-in that is battling cancer – I have that privilege and I submit the responsibility to give a cup of cold water! And you know, the interesting thing, not only does this behavior mirror what my favorite Rabbi said years ago, “…its more blessed to give than to receive…” there’s a sense of accomplishment, a sense of – yea, I’m doing what I was created to do!

In short, why not today be proactive and intentionally look for someone you can give a cup of cold water to! Seriously, you’ll be blessed, fulfilled and glad you did! And I close with this, there's not a greater calling in life than that of investing your life into the life of others - and, one way to do so is to give a cup of cold water...

A Miracle Underway - Part 2

Back in November, I received an urgent phone call informing me that our friend's daughter was in labor and it wasn't going well.  Immediately, we began to pray for Lisa, Chris and their soon baby-to-be Sophie.  When Sophie Rose was born she went without oxygen for over 8 minutes and had to be emergency air-lifted to Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington.  It truly was touch and go; the young parents were given little hope!  Prayers were offered from Ethiopia to Australia, from the Philippines to Kenya, from California to Washington...all seeking a miracle of unprecedented proportions.  

Okay...fast forward four and half months!  A few nights ago my pal Steve called and told me Tri-Tip was on the BBQ and better yet, his granddaughter Sophie was waiting to meet me, along with Chris, Lisa and Addie (Sophie's big 2 year old sister).  Well, we drove as fast as we could and made the 4 mile trek in less than 3 minutes to Cayucos, a small Central Coast dream town.   Tami and I practically ran into the house, washed our hands and fought over who would be the privileged one to hold the miracle first.  I won...yes, I was selfish - but frankly, I didn't really care and I still don't - I love babies, and I have a kindred spirit and heart with this precious bundle of joy.  As you can see, Sophie is simply amazing and a blessing indeed.

Miracle Sophie Rose

  As I sit and think through this miracle in my mind, I do have questions as to the whys (I hope that's okay with God...)?  Seriously, Sophie Rose was sparred her life; mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, family and friends were all spared grief - for this I'm totally grateful!  Yet, there are so many who aren't privileged with the same outcome.  Just this past month, I've counseled and worked with two families (both personal friends of mine...) that have had to walk through death's door and in both cases the outcome was not only hurtful, it was unnatural - both men taken far too early from this world.  And to complicate my thoughts, I've been praying with and for another family friend of mine that has agonized over their 17 year old son's sudden illness (...please pray for Grant and check out his story at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_192541437430882).  Sometimes these things simply don't make sense.  Now, does this alter my faith? Put into question my commitment to the God I love? Cause me to allow bitterness, anger and hurt to flood my soul?  I hope not, I do my best to protect that.  However, its in times like these that all we can do is say, "...wow, You're God and we're not!"  And, the comforting thing for me is rather profound and yet oh so simple - none of these incidents have taken the Lord by surprise, they're Father filtered, if you will.  Further, since He is God, He will sustain, take care of, enable and fully uphold all of His followers in His right hand of love, both in the good and the bad times of life! 

Back to Sophie - I am convinced that the Lord has allowed her to live, with perfect brain waves and motor functions, to make His Name famous.  I also believe that our Sophie has a special assignment, designed before Creation, that God has for her.  In Christian circles, the phrase goes, "...God has a special call on your life!"  (personally, I feel God has a special call on all of our lives...)  In this case, Sophie Rose has a Divine Purpose on this earth that is two fold, as far as I can Biblically see it.  First, that her life brings great Glory to her God; and second, it is in that pursuit of God's Glory that Sophie Rose will realize her complete joy and satisfaction on this earth!  As Job, the poet of old, once said, "...the Lord gives and the Lord takes - Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"  In this case, Blessings to You God and thank you for this gift of life called Sophie Rose!

Check her smile out...

A Beautiful Cup of Coffee

My niece wrote the following song I wanted to share; Joy captures the heart of God for those in need with a purity and innocence second to none!  Check it out:

From the crested waves of Morro Bay
Struggles stream down the window pane
An uncle preaches profoundly
Of a forgotten vagabond
In the rain
A cardboard construction

Weathered eyes filled with pain
Offered a compassionate cup
Dirty lip prints left
On the Styrofoam’s lip brim

Chorus:
Another homeless man exempt
Why then do we search our empty pockets
Is this a hollow intent
Do you want the one eyed crowd
To see your noble knightness
Or is it pity ringing through your head

Altruism
Only shines
Though the only source of light (end)
Loud pious footsteps
Juggling pine cones in the snow
The masses look on eagerly
To see if you'll stay or go

Don't extent a wanting hand
If it's just grasping for fame and gain
If this is your reason for Prince and the Pauper
Then what a degrading shame

Chorus:
Bridge:

Don't let your heart fill with gold
Where approval makes you tall
The treasure will soon dwindle low
Subconscious searching to show
Searching on empty to thrive
Let go of the grey shingles on your rooftop
Time slows down in the cold

Fill with wakening warmth
An ivory clay cup full
Become Alive!

Ode to Friendship

It's been one of those weeks, have you ever had one? From conflict resolution to ensuring our bills get out on time; from finishing up our taxes to mowing the lawn before the next down-pour...yea, it's been one of those weeks!  For the most part, though, it all has been manageable, just the normal stuff -- until I received two heart wrenching messages...one on Facebook, the other via text. 

My facebook private message informed me one of our old pals from the church we were blessed to serve down south was deathly ill, fighting Wegener's Granulomatosis disease.  Thankfully, this one in ten in ten million patient nicknamed Mac is going to make a long, arduous recovery.  So great to hear his voice and pray with he and his wife Pam on the phone -- technology: in my car on the strand in Morro Bay, Mac & Pam in intensive care at Loma Linda VA...talking like we were right next to each other!  Some highlights from Mac:

• Mac's a plumber by trade, an avid golfer by hobby.  Mac loves talk golf and most important, play a round or two every weekend.
• Mac and his family came to our church with an open mind to learn the truths of scripture; often, they would sit in the crowd and listen to a bald guy share about Jesus with that inquisitive, teach me look.
• Mac was a second to none servant.  Don't tell him this part, but when we built our church on Wolf Store Road, Mac literally did all the plumbing as a gift...lots and lots of money was saved.  I asked Mac if I could take him on a round of golf to say thanks, he said, "...nope, this is my gift to the Lord!"  pretty cool!

The other message, by text, informed me to, "...please pray, John isn't doing well!"  I immediately talked with Cindy, John's wife (again on the phone), and she informed me John was fading.  You see, John first became ill when we were buddies, some 20 years ago.  John came down with a Brain Tumor in 1992, a mass of blood vessels that literally threatened his life at any moment.  Additionally, John was diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the Liver resulting from Hepatitis C.  Just recently, John's legs and belly began to swell to the size of a nine month pregnant woman...needless to say, the past 19 or so years have been difficult for John, Cindy, their children and extended family.  Some highlights from John's life:

• John and I had breakfast and coffee every Thursday for over 5 years in Temecula.  We met at Richies Diner and discussed family, friends, theology and yes, his darned Yankees (John's an implant from Queens, New York!)...
• John and I served together loving, equipping, challenging and encouraging teens.  One on occasion, John (though a typical New Yorker face to face, was rather shy in front of a crowd...) shared in front of over 300 teens his passion to love God in spite of his illnesses...
• John and I would hang out at his house, make fun of life and goof off, you know, guy stuff - the kinds of things our wives thought was, oh so childish and immature...
• On one occasion, John and I were at youth night & were informed that one of our teens had just committed suicide.  We immediately left and went out to help the family in crisis.  Upon arrival, John literally jogged over to Jason's parents and hugged, cried, touched & consoled them for what seemed like hours (...ever see a compassionate friend love on the downcast?  It's a sight to behold...); I was so touched with his loving like Jesus that to this day, some 14 years later, I can still vividly see that picture in my mind!

• John gave me a devotional years ago from one of my heroes of the faith: Charles H. Spurgeon.  On the inside cover, John wrote one the most precious notes I've ever received from a friend; a note that I will read, re-read and internalize for a long, long time.  Thanks John!

Well, the purpose of this blurb, if you will, is to highlight some of the great things I've experienced with my old buddies in hopes of igniting a passion in all of us to value and cherish life & friendship.  In Mac's case, his time on earth looks promising; for John, his entrance into heaven may be days away. 

Point: invest your life into your friends, time is that precious commodity that simply passes us by unless we're intentional and proactive in the management thereof.  Last, from Chuck Misler, "...don't allow the urgent to preempt the important!"

A Ladybug In Need!

I don't know about you, but I've always loved Ladybugs; there's just something about them that grabs my heart.  Even as a young guy, many moons ago, I would protect, champion and admire the Ladybugs that called our house in Huntington Beach their home.

The other day, Tami and I were on one of our evening beach walks here in Morro Bay - Tami intently looking at the sand in search of sea glass...and me, well, I was roaming around causing my usual ruckus and distractions to the focused collector (you know...throwing little shells, pieces of sand dollars, drift wood, etc., in her path of discovery!).  As I cruised around, I came up on a pool of salt water that the previous high-tide left in a pocket of sand and rocks.  As I took a closer look, I noticed this single ladybug struggling in the middle of the salt water, trying with all its might to simply survive (...now, granted - I have no idea if ladybugs can survive in fresh water, let alone salt water; one thing for sure though, this ladybug was clearly in trouble).  I stepped into the water and with my hand made a cup and rescued the beautiful ladybug.  Okay, I know you think I'm weird, I grant you that...but stay with me for a moment (...I won't even kill the ants that surround my backpacking trips in the High Sierra's...), there's a story brewing in my heart. 

The little ladybug began to crawl up my hand, down my index finger, up my arm to eventually take off and fly to who knows where - part of me felt really good...hey, I saved a ladybug...again!  Now, as I began to reflect on this seemingly insignificant event, my mind took me to a place that I am passionate about; namely, coming alongside the broken, those who struggle in this life simply to stay alive.  Here's what I'm working with: all of us have those in our life who are broken, addicted to alcohol, drugs, negativity, depression, self-absorption, poor self images...you name it, its there.  They are likened unto this ladybug a few nights ago that needed a helping hand.  Notice: I didn't tell the ladybug it was stupid for putting itself in that predicament; I didn't lecture to the ladybug on its cycle of poor choices; I didn't preach out of the ladybug bible and chastise the little critter; nor did I try to fix it.  Rather, I simply allowed the ladybug the opportunity to win by simply being there.  Now, yes, I did pick up the cutie, however, once I came alongside it, the insect did the rest.  In other words, the ladybug saw an opportunity to win and it took it.

Likewise, we as people, as followers of the Way, have a distinct privilege to not preach at, to stay away from protesting too and trying to fix 'em - but rather, simply being there and showing acts of love, care and compassion bathed in belief that those in crises can and will win.  I'm reminded of the former fisherman turned follower who wrote some 2,000 years ago, "...let us love not in word or tongue, but in deed and truth!"  Or, in our language, "...let your life and actions for others speak the language of Love!" 

All to say, I learned a great lesson the other day from a ladybug!  And, the next time you see a ladybug hurting, remember: there's folks around you that need you and you may be the very one put in their path to help them win!

Police Work and Love -- It Works!

On Fridays, I hang out with my buddy Richard and we travel together roaming the streets of Morro Bay.  Officer Hannibal's role: provide safety, ensure peace and remove the bad elements from our city.  My role: laugh, enjoy and when asked, provide Chaplain assistance.  When I began this journey called Chaplaincy a year & a half ago, I had no idea that Friday's would become one of my most cherished days of the week; not only do I get to converse with a deep thinking mind like Richards, I am involved first hand with hurting, broken and struggling people.  Just these past three Fridays were so touching --

• A few weeks ago, Officer Hannibal diligently spotted a guy that walked, looked and acted suspicious (to a guy like me, he seemed normal; however, with 30 plus years of Police work, Richard has this knack for knowing what's up...).  Well, this guy was a PAL (Parolee at Large) and needed to be arrested.  His girl friend was in their home called an old car and was weeping.  My compassionate partner called me over and asked me to assist.  Long story short: my church was able to provide a tank of gas, my secretary (Tami - my wife...) met with her at the fellowship to bless her with two bags of food & we sent her to a great homeless shelter in San Luis Obispo to provide shelter.  Now, the cool part was her comment as we left the scene, "...you know, maybe this is good because I've known for a long time that I need to get back to church..."  Now, Richard didn't have to call me over to help the hurting; however, he did and MBPD once again shines as a department that cares!
• Last Friday, we were involved in a situation that needed Police intervention: a person under the influence with young children.  Well, this call was started with a citizen complaint regarding stolen property which led to an arrest.  As the police were working and gathering material, CPS was requested, pictures were taken of property, etc., Richard asked me to speak with the broken person.  Long story short: we talked and the person in question shared that church was in order and a clean life needed to follow.  I was able to encourage the person, say a quick prayer and say, "...I believe in you; you must believe in the God who loves you and have enough love to respect yourself to health..."  Again, MBPD's Hannibal represented the department's underlining motto oh so well: provide safety for the community and, provide care & resources for those who need it.
• Yesterday...wow, I met a lady who is very, very ill - a friend of Richard's and of Morro Bay.  We got out of the squad car and walked up to her home.  Richard knocked on the door and the sweet lady came out and literally, and I'm not exaggerating, melted in his arms for a hug of desperation, friendship and, an embrace that seemed to last for minutes.  Tears rolled down her cheeks as she shared that her life was in jeopardy due her cancer.  She stated her protein intake and food consumption was really low due to finances.  Well, Richard introduced me to her - and long story short: Rock Harbor will be providing the much needed food and nutrician to my new friend, and...she was touched with a tangible display of love, all initiated by a Police Officer!

Well, I know this note is long - but I assure you, when Police Work and Love work together, this community is not only safe, the City of Morro Bay is truly a great place to live.  Oh, by the way, Richard was recently honored as Morro Bay's Citizen of the Year!  Kind of makes sense, hah?

Celebrate Grace With Me...

May 16, 1910 to December 24, 2010

Yesterday, I was privileged, honored, stoked and overwhelmed at Grace Dean's Celebration of Life Service.  Our precious Grace, 100 years -7 months -8 days young went to be with Jesus on Christmas Eve, just one week ago today.  Yesterday, family and friends gathered at our fellowship called Rock Harbor to celebrate, in my estimation, a modern day saint.  We laughed, we cried, we joked around, we were serious...all the emotions we've been afforded as people were present, and yes, they were felt enthusiastically by all.    Our Children's Director, Brandie, masterfully sang two old hymns; Rocque, Grace's primary care-giver, shared a powerful word; family and friends spoke; and, God's Word was shrared...it was simply a great day!  Below I've attached a link to our web site if you'd like to listen to the service - I really think you'll be blessed.  If not, just look left at our beautiful Grace, then look up & Thank God for giving this earth such an amazing woman! 

http://www.rockharborcf.com/media.html 

(Navigate to Grace Nellie Dean, click the link and enjoy...)