Nelson Atkins Art Museum

Benjamin is becoming a very good artist and seems to do very well with color and detail. Kansas City is fortunate to have one of the best art museums in the Midwest. The museum is divided into several sections with classical art from the renaissance period, ancient art as well as contemporary art. It makes it very nice to be homeschooling Benjamin because we have a say in what type of art he studies. My mom has been working with Ben to learn how to paint with water colors and Benjamin is getting a good collection. Our major emphasis as parent educators is to teach Benjamin not only the essential subjects like Bible, math, science, reading, history, art, PE, and grammar but to make learning a joy because if Benjamin can always love and enjoy learning, he will be a lifelong learner!

Father and Son Campout!

Bennie and I were able to take part in the annual Father and Son campout hosted by our church. The temperature was in the 30s that night, and we had to fumble around in the dark with flashlights, but we had great fun sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows. The following day we had an early breakfast of dry cereal, biscuits and gravy as well as a pop tart. After our group bible study time, we had a full day of flag football, dodge ball and even got to throw rocks in the lake.

Benjamin was very excited to be old enough to go on this camp out (6 years old) and even though he took a hard shot to the head and gut with the dodge ball along with a couple of other minor injuries he really enjoyed the weekend. My back couldn't take much more of all of the fun so I told Bennie we could go to Chuck E. Cheese on the way home and play the arcade games.

Reclaimed Maple Floor a Green Recyclable Donation

One of the more interesting donations that I am currently working on is reclaimed maple flooring that was removed from a double-sized gymnasium. Reclaimed floor has grown in popularity in recent years because of the growing green movement. This amount of reclaimed flooring can accommoidate three to five homes.

These types of donations are especially valuable not only for their monetary value but for their story value that allows us to spread the word to donors and charities alike. There is amazing opportunity for ministries to fund their budgets and projects with noncash donation and many times the donation is a win win for the donor as well as the ministry. As time goes on, green donations are going to be a greater opportunity for charities as recycling processes become more efficient and the cost of raw materials continues to rise. Some of the possibilities for recycled donations are: Steel, copper, aluminum, plastics, building materials and computers (without monitors.)

Excursion in Alaska, a Perfect Place for a Donation

A Ford Excursion has the distinction of being the biggest SUV on the planet. In a world of high gas prices it can be very expensive to operate. Recently, a donor in Alaska wanted to donate their Excursion 4wd, diesel to benefit a church planting ministry in Asia. It is fortunate that the vehicle is in Anchorage, Alaska, because that is one of the few areas of the country where there is a market for these vehicles. In the winters of Anchorage, you don’t want to dare get stranded in the cold. With the deep snow, the bigger your vehicle the better because there isn’t much room for compromise at 50 below zero. Alaskans have to make a much larger investment for transportation than the rest of the 48 states. We are very blessed to have found the perfect car dealer in Anchorage that can sell the vehicle for us. Pray for us and the donor that we are able to maximize the value of this donation so that many people will have the honor to hear the Gospel. If you would like to donate a vehicle to help the Erwin Family Ministries, click on the link below
http://www.creativegivingsolutions.com/?org_id=&org_id=Erwin .

Your donations help us be a blessing to the unsung heros, the servants to the servants!

Inventory Donation Benefits Orphans; A Family With a God-Given Burden!

Recently we received word of a corporation in New York that was offering a business inventory donation to one of our family foundations. This inventory comsists of electrical supplies from a large distributor that was consolidating their warehouse by taking slow moving and discontinued stock off of the shelves and storing it in the container. Even though this is old stock, it is still very valuable in the electrical wholesale market!

The most amazing thing about the story of this donation is the amazing way God works through anyone who has a true burden for the poor, the widow and the orphan.

4 years ago an 18 year old girl began working with her parents to bring awareness of the plight of orphans. By working with Servant Christian Community Foundation, they set up a Family Foundation called Hopes Heart Orphan Foundation and since their beginning, they have granted out over $100,000 to orphan ministries. That is why this inventory donation is so significant! It shows how a family with limited resources and a servant's heart can really make a difference for the poorest of the poor: orphans.

We don’t know how this inventory donation will turn out. The company in question is still working to obtain permission to actually give the product but what a story! Do you have a burden for the hurting? Has God given you something that is bigger than you can do? Take a look at hope’s heart and be encouraged because God wants to do something great with your life. All you have to do is let Him!

Prayer of Jabez, A 6-Year-Old's Version

Our son Benjamin is growing quickly in the love and knowledge of the Lord. Not only is he an AWANA superstar but he is also a superhero in training. The other day I was working at the office and he was with me writing something on a piece of paper. He handed it to me, and as I read it I noticed that it looked familiar. It was the prayer of Jabez, 1 Chronicles 4:10. Ben had copied it off of a business card holder that had the prayer inscribed on it.
It is interesting that as I read the prayer, I have to focus a little harder to make out the words. It reminds me of the powerful truth that God inspired: Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested." May we allow God's blessing to come to us by living a life of obedience and growing love and intimacy with God. Every good and perfect gift comes from God.

What is the best investment in missions? Being a Servant!

I was privileged to attend a meeting where George Verwer was speaking last night. George is one of the leading statesmen for world missions and the founder of Operation Mobilization, an organization founded in 1957. OM began after the missionary revivals of Wheaton and Moody College after the death of missionary martyrs Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian. These were killed while working amongst the Auca Indians of Ecuador.
OM has recently celebrated their 50th anniversary and since their beginning they have sent over 140,000 people on full-time or short-term missions. OM also was where a 16-year-old K. P. Yohannan began by preaching the Gospel in North India. After seven years with OM, K. P. Yohannan came to the United States and attended Criswell Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas. After his graduation he founded Gospel for Asia. Over 70 other mission organizations have found their roots from OM.
During the meeting we were allowed to ask questions of George Verwer, and I asked him what he thought the best investment is right now in the area of missions, “the best bang for your buck” so to speak. George was very wise to say that is clearly guiding donors in investing their resources as the Holy Spirit leads them. He went on to remind us of the Dalits of India, human slave trade, the AIDS epidemic, and clean drinking water. George especially acknowledged the importance of demonstrating our faith through preaching the Gospel without compromise and ministering to the needs of the poor and then he finished the answer with a powerful statement: “PEOPLE SEE CHRIST IN US MORE WHEN THEY SEE US AS SERVANTS” because Christ was a Servant!

Auto Parts Help During Disaster?

We have recently partnered with a disaster relief organization that stages supplies and manpower whenever a disaster strikes in the USA or worldwide. This organization has recently received a large auto parts inventory that we are currently liquidating on behalf of the charity.

Whether it is hurricane Gustov or Ike or the tornado in Greensburg, these faith-based organizations are extremely important during disasters. Where there are enormous needs, these organizations are filling in the gap where the government organizations can’t.

When a disaster strikes, corporations offer large quantities of “In Kind” donations like water, blankets, shoes, and food. Sometimes donations are offered that are not helpful for the relief effort but are still valuable. In the past, these organizations turn down these donations but this where iDonate.com comes in. These in- kind donations can be sold for cash providing funds for expense of mobilizing the volunteers and supplies.
There is always a great call during these disasters is for cash donations not only for the victims but also for the organizations that are serving them. Liquidating qualified donations makes a lot of sense, not only for businesses that have overstocks but for the relief organizations themselves.

One of the great values iDonate.com brings to organization is “Creativity!” As we continually learn new ideas for receiving and liquidating noncash donations, we are able to pass that expertise on to other ministries in their fund-raising efforts.

What will happen in the future?

I would imagine that I am not the only one asking that question after the wild events of last week. Many of us worry about our investments or 401Ks and the world financial markets. Some speak of the coming one-world government that would begin the end times.

But as I think about it, there is probably a mother in Sudan watching her child die of starvation. There is a family in Orrisa in India fearing for their lives because a fellow church member was burned alive in the last couple of days. There is a family in Haiti that fears starvation and disease because the tiny shack that they once called home has now disappeared.

For many in the world, they are living in the end times, they don't know if today will be their last and they are helpless to do anything about it. I pray that as a nation that we don't have to lose what we have in order to appreciate what God has given us. Now is the day more than ever that I must live my Christian faith and do all that I can to marshal as many resources for God's work around the world.

There is a man named Dr. David Barret along with Dr. Todd M. Johnson who has compiled very amazing statistics concerning world population and the growth of the church as it pertains to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20.) http://www.gcts.edu/ockenga/globalchristianity/resources.php
Some of the noteworthy statistics are:
10,000 unevangelized people groups who have no Christian witness.
There are 2.1 billion people in the world that have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1.1 billion people in the world are not able to read or write.
Over 2 billion people in the world are under 15 years old.
Christians have a combined income of 18 trillion dollars.
175,000 Christians will give their lives this year for their faith.

These numbers give me a new perspective, and they tell me that the God who made a universe so vast that even the greatest minds on earth cannot fathom it can take care of our tomorrows.

Ernie Miller Park Nature Trail

One of the wonderful things about home schooling is being able to take Benjamin to all of the museums and nature parks in the area. We were able to take several pictures of flowers, and next we will look up the flowers and plants to identify them. The trail we went to is about 2&nbspmiles, so not only do you get plenty of science in but a lot of PE as well.

A Biblical Perspective on the Current Financial Crisis

Greetings:

I friend of mine who manages a biblically based investment fund called "Eventide" recently sent an email concerning the current Wall Street crisis as it pertains to Psalm 52. I thought I would post it for anyone who might be blessed by it.

Obviously this weekend, and today, marks a very significant further meltdown in the fortunes of certain American financial institutions. It remains far from clear what else might fail and just how far the damage will spread. In reading Psalm 52, I am struck by its applicability to what is playing out in our financial services sector. Verse 7 seems a rather apt description of many American financial institutions — both the trusting in wealth and the fact that (much of) that wealth came from "destroying others." (Think how many relatively poor and unsophisticated borrowers are now in great financial peril or ruin because of the abuses of the subprime mortgage marketplace. Similarly, think how many individuals are in deep trouble with credit card debt that was aggressively marketed to those for whom it has proved toxic.) Verse 5 seems a telling description of the consequences coming to bear on these institutions and their malignant practices.

I say this with no pleasure whatsoever. There is widespread economic pain and even systemic danger. But it is also a very large reminder that, as God makes clear in Proverbs, "ill-gotten gain" — profit made at the expense of others — inevitably brings a day of reckoning. Unfortunately, such practices have become normative in many financial institutions and in many parts of the business landscape as a whole. Hence the importance of Eventide's commitment to searching out investment opportunities in which well-gotten gain comes as a byproduct of companies' creating real value and blessing for individuals and society. And as we do so, I believe that Eventide and our shareholders will be characterized by verse 8 instead.

Psalm 52

1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
2 Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit.
3 You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. Selah
4 You love every harmful word, O you deceitful tongue!
5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
6 The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying,
7 "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
9 I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Ben's Visit to Holy-Field Vineyard: A lesson on John 15

Janey and I attend a Sunday School at which our teacher, Rus Wesley, works hard to bring the Bible alive as much as possible. With all of the references in the Bible about grapevines, our class took a trip to visit a local vineyard. We were able to experience first hand what is involved in harvesting the fruit of the vine and seeing how the fruit of the vine not only represents God's blessing but we could see how the gleaning fed the poor. We could also see firsthand what Jesus was saying in John 15 how "He is the true vine" and we are to abide in the vine.

Ben as usual was a big hit with everyone. He is so enthusiatic whenever he gets to do something new. He clipped those grapes like a pro and did really well with the ones that were down low. After helping pick grapes for 2 hours, he was disappointed that we were done. After we got home it was fun bringing the Bible to life for Benjamin as we studied the different passages that pertain to grapes, like John Chapter 15.

Junk Vehicles Make Good Donations

The recycling process of vehicles should always be done with environmentally safe means. Often abandoned or junk vehicles have fluids like motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, gasoline and antifreeze. Also, batteries have toxic acid and lead and many vehicles have remote switches that contain murcury.

Recycled vehicles come from many sources: tow companies, private parties, auto auctions and charities. When an individual has a car he no longer needs, this is a perfect opportunity make a great donation of their Junk Vehicle!

Simply by logging on to http://www.idonate.com/ click on donate vehicle and give us the information and we will gladly pick up your junk vehicle without any charge. All that is required is that you have a clear title without any liens.

Not only are vehicle donations a great gift to ministries, our business partners will take your donation and put it to good use as well as environmentally recycle it.

Our vehicle business partners will begin an environmentally friendly dismantling process by emptying the vehicle of any trash and/or leftover items. They continue the dismantling process by removing and recycling fluids and hazardous materials. Batteries are removed, tested and resold or recycled depending on the test results. At the same time, they carefully remove any mercury switches used in the engine compartment and trunk to prevent extremely toxic chemicals from entering our air and waterways. Freon (used by air conditioners), power steering fluid and brake fluid are all removed and recycled or reused.

After these first steps, they take the vehicle to specially designed drain tracks to remove the remaining fluids including gasoline, oil, antifreeze, differential and transmission fluids. All fluids are put into holding tanks with secondary containment to prevent spills and leaks into the environment.

Now that all the fluids have been drained, the vehicle is processed to sell and all reusable parts removed. Vehicles are stored so that there is no possibility of contact with storm water and to make it easier and safer for parts to be removed.

After all the reusable parts are sold, the de-coring process starts. They check for anything that can be reconditioned or that has recycling value. Examples include engines, alternators, wiring harnesses, compressors, torque converters and more.

The final step in the process is to crush the remaining vehicle hulk. They take the crushed vehicles to metal shredders where they are recycled into new metal.

So if you have a junk or disabled vehicle or a car that is near the end of its life, it will still make a good donation. You can donate a junk/disabled or any vehicle to support The Erwin Family Ministry by clicking on http://www.creativegivingsolutions.com/?org_id=&org_id=Erwin (This is our family's foundation, The Stepping Stone 2020 Foundation.)

Persecution in Orissa

There has been a severe season of persecution in the past year in the State of Orissa in Eastern India. Here are some of the reports issued by the Evangelical Fellowship of India. I think they speak for themselves. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering terribly.

1. On the 24th of August Pastor Jeebaratna Lima from Khurda District was attacked and beaten up mercilessly. The miscreants doused petrol on him and were about to set him on fire, but timely arrival of police saved his life. He was in police custody but later was released on bail the next day.

2. Pastor Bahumulya Paik of Bamandei, Patpur Police Station, Ganjam District was beaten to a point of death by a mob of around 100 people. He vomited blood but later gained consciousness and managed to flee from the place while the group was engaged in attacking the local believers. Since the hospitals were closed, no medical help was available. On August 26, the police escorted him to some distance by their vehicle and left him on the way to take a bus and go away.

3. Pastor Bishnu Kumbhar and his pregnant wife of village Dutta, under Madan Rampur Police Station of Kalahandi district, were chased out. To save their lives, they ran away in the darkness and hid themselves from the attackers.

4. Pastor Susanjit Beero of Tengada Pathar under Tikabali Police Station of Phulabani was attacked by a group of Hindutva miscreants. Along with a few believers he is still reported to be taking shelter in the forest, though without food and clothes for the last 48 hours.

5. Pastor Dillip Koshla of Tiangia village, under Raikia Police Station was attacked by the mob. His house and property are burned and looted by the unruly mob.

6. Pastor Birendra Harijan, of Nakapolo Church under Dharmasala Police Station of Jajpur District, was beaten up badly. As the miscreants were about to set his house on fire, the timely arrival of police prevented the disaster.

7. Pastor Amit Pani of Ampani village, Koksora Police Station (PS) under Kalahandi district, was chased out and locked in a house but managed to escape.

8. Pastor Lebiyo Raito of Kanjamendi, Nuagam PS, Phulbani, was attacked and chased away from his house. He is still hiding in the jungle.

9. Pastor Jatan Nayak, of Bhadrak district was attacked and his house ransacked. He is in police protection at the moment.

10. Pastor Abinash Garjang, of Tattaguda, Malkangiriis, was attacked and the church building was ransacked.

11. Pastor Aurobindo Sahu of Tumgurpada Church, Bargarh District, is threatened to leave the place with dire consequences if he doesn't.

12. District pastor Anant Benya of Badibahal church, Luisingha PS, in Bolangir District, was issued a threat of attack to the church on the 26th August.

13. Pastor Pabitra Digal and Pastor Dharmendra Digal, of Sundargarh district, have received threats to their life, burning the church.

14. Pastor Thomas Bhoi of Petapanga church Raikia, Kandhamal district, was attacked by the mob and their household items were damaged.

15. Pastor Ramakant Pradhan of Dotta Church and Pastor Sulaisng Barik of Hatibandh Church under Sinapali PS of Nuapada District was chased away from the village. Their whereabouts are not known.

16. Pastor Bijaya Surya of Penkam Church, Gunapur PS, Rayagada District, is threatened and asked to leave the place.

17. Pastor Mothilal Sagar and his family, also along with five sisters and two brothers in Madekela, Godphila block, were attacked, but they managed to flee and hid themselves. The miscreants are searching for them.

18. More than 15 church buildings of Believers Church alone and several churches of other denominations are damaged. The rampage is still going on unabated.

19. Church building and 60 houses in Tiangia village, Raikia, Kandhamal burned. Two Christians named Dasarath Pradhan, Bikram Naik killed.

20. Church building was bombed and destroyed. 30 houses were burned in Tengdapathar, Tikabali, Kandhamal.

21. Church and parsonage damaged, 20 houses burned, and two believers killed in Pettapanga, Saranggada, Kandhmal.

22. Chandrasekaharpur, BDA Church, Bhubaneswar damaged.

23. Tangupada, Bargarh District, the anti-Christians have threatened the pastor, Arobindo Sahu, to leave, and they have a plan to destroy the newly built church.

24. Audiovisual Team is hiding in the jungle in Chandragiri, Gajapati District, because of the threats.

25. BOH (Education center for Children) in Kuttenpalli, Bolangir District, having 120 students, was threatened to close down.

26. Tattaguda Church of Pastor Abinash Garjang in Baipariguda, Malkangiri demolished.

27. Bhatta Palla Church of Pastor John Naik in Madanpur, Rampur, in Kalahandi demolished.

28. Tujung Church of Pastor Basant Digal in M. Rampur Kalahandi damaged.

29. Ladapanga Church of Pastor Rajanikanth Nayak in Daringbadi damaged.

30. The residences of Pastor Bijaya Kumar Surya, Pastor Susil Lima of Miraguda, Gunupur ransacked and looted. No police protection given.

31. The Church of Pastor Junus Digal destroyed and 180 houses of Christians burned in Balkidadi, Kandhmal. Without food and drinking water the Christians are in the jungle for the last three days.

32. The church building and all the houses of the Christians in Kurmingia of Kandhamal burned. The Christians have fled to nearby jungles.

33. Church building and houses ransacked and later burned in Tattaguda of Malkangiri District.

34. Churches destroyed and houses burnt along with 4 believers killed in Dadingia of Raikia, Kandhamal.

35. The church of Pastor Alif Nayak, alongwith 12 houses in Ranipada, Kandhamal, burned. Pastor killed.

36. Houses burned and Christians attacked in Madkela, Tusura in Bolangir.

37. Pastors Dandapani and Junus Diagal chased out of their place but they managed to flee to safety in nearby jungle.

38. Four incidents of attacks reported in Koraput.

39. Carmel English Medium School in Khurda threatened to close down by Hindu fundamentalists.

40. Houses in Khariapada, Udaigari were bombed by petrol bombs.

41. Unconfirmed reports suggests around 10-11 Christians were killed in jungles by angry and unruly mob.

42. Church in Balangir demolished.

43. Complete failure of Law and Order in violence affected areas. Police and paramillitary forces are mere spectators.

44. 300-400 attackers burned houses of Christians in Kurmanga, Raikia.

45. Nuagaon village dominated by around 50 Christian families completely burned down.

46. Church in Nuagaon village burned.

47. Grace Girls Hostel with 60-70 students in Kotagarh, Phulbani, attacked by more than 1000 people. Just 10 police personnel posted for protection were not sufficient to protect the Hostel.

The fundamentalist group is going from village to village destroying churches, burning houses, attacking and killing Christians. It is reported that thousands of extremists have been brought from Gujarat and Chhattisgarh to perpetrate this violence which has spread to all the districts of Orissa. Their agenda is to wipe out Christians and Christianity from India starting from Orissa.

Pray for the victims in Haiti

I don't think there is a country more venerable to a hurricane than Haiti. Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and is located right in the middle of hurricane alley. Having been hit 3 times this season by Gustav (killing 13), Hanna (killing over 500) and Ike (killing 60), this nation is in great need of help. The death toll will rise as the water recedes and as the victims must cope with the polluted water.

How can we help?

Servant Christian Community Foundation has several partner ministries that specialize in disaster relief. Right now these aid ministries are in the country trying to meet the basic needs to the thousands of victims. If you would like to donate a noncash donation or a cash donation to benefit some of the ministries that are aiding the victims, please go to:
(For Noncash Donations) http://www.idonate.com/
(For Cash Donations) http://www.servantchristian.com/

You can also call our office at 913-310-0279 and we can let you know how you can help.

If you aren't sure what ministry to give to, you can look through a comprehensive list of different ministries and their specialties by going to "The Treasure House"
http://treasurehouse.servantchristian.com/th/ir/donor.asp.%20%20

Please specify in your comments what ministry that you would like to benefit with your donation. I know what the devastation is along the U.S. gulf coast, but in the nation of Haiti, the devastation is much worse because there is little government infrastructure to help during times of need.

Classic Car? Who would have thought!

A few weeks ago we got a call from a missions organization about a 1983 Olds Regency that was being garaged in Illinois. The car was in perfect condition because it has spent its entire life in Arizona and since the original owner passed away, her son now was donating the car. My first thought was maybe $500 for the car, but the donor insisted that is was a "Classic Car" and my first thought was a "Classic Gas Guzzler." Besides, my wife and I were married in 1982 and we aren't classics!

We had just started a new partnership with an auto auction in the Chicago area that had been in business for 60 plus years, and I thought this would be a good test run to see how they would do. Well, they picked up the car in 2 days, helped the donor with the title transfer, sold the car for $1,400 and charged us only $200 towing because they had to haul it over 50 miles. I was wonderfully surprised, and it will be exciting to let the donor know that his mother's car will help plant churches in unreached areas.

You can donate your classic car or even your junk car by going to http://www.idonate.com/. You can help fulfill the great commission by your generosity to help those preaching the Gospel.

Discovering Our Calling

All of us at one time or another will try to determine our purpose, asking why God has created me. I am certainly no different. In recent years, much has been written about "Vision Statements" or "Mission Statements" either as an individual or an organization. The vision statement for Servant Christian Community Foundation http://www.servantchristian.com/ is to "Create a Culture of Generosity" with the ultimate purpose of funding God's work throughout the earth. I heard our ministry president challenge our board with the thought that SCCF would process the last gift that would fund the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20.)

Then there is a "Mission Statement" and many of us, myself included, are not sure what the difference between the two are. Someone once told me the difference: The vision statement is "Where" we are going and the mission statement is "How" we are going to get there. The mission statement of Servant Christian Community Foundation is "To Inspire, Educate and Facilitate Revolutionary Biblical Generosity." I suppose you can compare the "Mission Statement" as the “Map” of where we are going and the "Vision Statement" as the “Compass” to keep us on target.

Why is all of this important? I think we can draw many examples from the Bible, such as Jeremiah 1:4-7; " Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."

Clearly, Jeremiah had his lifetime calling and from the scripture we can clearly see that the calling was ordained before he was born. We can also see this same scene played out in the life of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-17) or Joseph (Genesis 37:5-10) and most importantly, our Lord Jesus Christ, who had the all-encompassing mission that was fulfilled at the cross.

Then the church that was born out of the resurrection now has its mission: Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. "

As the man of God and great Olympian Eric Liddell said concerning his running for Great Britian in the 1924 Olympics, "When I run, I feel His [God's] pleasure." I think this statement simplifies what our calling should be about and the question I should ask myself: Are the things that I am doing bringing God pleasure? I guess this is the greatest barometer to determine God's calling for my life. My calling will bring God pleasure as well as myself by doing the things that God has wired me to do. Am I bringing God pleasure by what I have put my hand to in life and ministry?

Visit to Powell Gardens

Some friends of ours, Tom and Joyce Bartlett, invited us to Powell Gardens in Oak Grove, Missouri, the other day, and it was a very pleasant experience. It was also an opportunity for Ben to learn some science hands-on. The gardens have been developed over the years after a family estate left the farm to be developed as a botanical garden. Tom and Joyce brought their grandson, who happens to be close to Benjamin's age, and they had a very good time. It was a beautiful place to see and enjoy. I guess I couldn't help thinking that the donors could have donated the land to be sold to help preach the Gospel throughout the world but then again, sometimes you just need to stop and smell the roses and enjoy God's wonderful creation.

Setting Proper Expectations (Baseball Cards to RVs)

As we serve more and more donors who are donating their noncash treasure to support ministry, we take time to evaluate what the potential value of the donation is in the current market. Often the donor has an exaggerated idea of what something is worth. Baseball cards are the biggest culprit; rarely will we be able to get the amount from collectible baseball cards that the donor thinks we should. Retail sellers of baseball cards place a high markup on their cards but greatly reduce the amount that they will pay to buy those same cards.

Often with collectibles and jewelry, there is a strong emotional attachment. Many donors have a lot of passion for their collectibles and they bring back strong memories or they inherited the collection from a parent or close relative so the collection represents a memory. Because of the strong attachment to a donation, a donor will often want to control the amount a donation is sold for, but the IRS requires that when a donation is given, the donor no longer has any control of ownership.

In many of these cases, it is much better for the donor not to give the donation and wait until they are ready to give the donation with no strings attached.

Once I was helping a church with several noncash donations that were offered in their capital campaign. A late model RV was offered that was potentially worth $60,000 and the donor had been trying to sell the RV for several months. After I consulted with our contracted RV dealer in Kansas City, he said that the RV was only worth $46,000 in the Kansas City market; this was unacceptable for the donor and he chose to continue selling it himself. I wasn't able to help this church directly but because of having a Donor Advised Fund with Servant Christian Community Foundation, they were able to allow their donors to donate almost anything and otherwise they would have never offered the opportunity. You can learn more about Ministry Foundation (AKA Donor Advised Fund) by going to http://www.servantchristian.com/web/Churches_and_Ministries/churches_home_page.asp?b=17 .

Donor Advised Funds are the heart of how Servant Christian Community Foundation can and can greatly serve churches, ninistries and individuals by allowing donors to give many noncash items.

Hi, I am Ben!

Hi, this is Ben writing to you (with a little help from Mom). I have officially started school. I am doing 2nd grade work in most of my subjects. Today we made a necklace and yesterday we made a crown to go along with my English lesson. My favorite things to do in school are my math worksheets. They are fun!

Hi Everyone

Hey everyone. Technology is moving right along. Guess it's time for me to join too. My first blogging attempt! Ben took this picture of me while we were visiting my parents. Not too bad for a 5 year old. We will try to update this often. Give us some feedback, please!

What is Your Story?

We have recently been learning at Servant Christian Community Foundation about the importance of stories. The Bible is basically God's story about redemption, salvation, and the church.

We and our families are part of God's story, and His story will continue on forever. I am learning to look at the Bible in this context instead of a book of rules and regulation about how I should act or behave but a story of God's love for me and a story of God's love for everyone on the planet. I once heard K.&nbspP. Yohannan say in a staff meeting several years ago while I served at Gospel for Asia: "You can't change the past, but we can change the future!"

One thing I have realized is that all of my successes and failures are simply chapters in a much larger drama. Today is the next chapter, and because of Jesus' love, I can intimately know the Creator of the universe! That is a better honor than being the CEO of the world's largest company or the greatest athlete or preacher in the world. I can't impress God with my achievements, but I can acknowledge His love and delight in me and reciprocate that love with genuine worship and willing obedience.

As I read some of the Psalms of David (these were chapters in God’s story in David’s life), I can begin the see the tender and intimate relationship that he enjoyed with God. Psalm&nbsp18 brings this out very well, especially in verse 19: "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." Now I can begin to understand how David felt in 2&nbspSamuel 6:14-15, how David “Danced before the Lord with all his might” - total abandonment. David was alive, raised from the pit, and God had delivered him.

What is your story? What is the next chapter of your life? It begins today. What decision can you make right now that will put you on a glorious path with God’s greater story? Can you be like a child again that is dancing in the rain simply because it is fun?

Frazoli's Restaurant Sale Becomes a Win, Win, Win, Win!

A couple of years ago, I was contacted by a local FCA leader with an interesting opportunity. A car dealer who was a big supporter of the FCA chapter had recently purchased a Fazoli's Restaurant building that had closed. Needing to clear all of the restaurant equipment out in order to expand his dealership, the owner offered all of the equipment to the local FCA for their ministry, but they had only two weeks to remove the items. When we received the call about this opportunity, I contacted a group that were experts in liquidating warehouses and grocery stores and asked if they could bring a crew to this town and have a quick 5-day sale. They were able to come to town, advertise locally, and sell all of the tables, ovens and equipment in the restaurant. They were even able to sell the 15' walk-in freezer that was attached to the building. After all of the cost, over $3,000 was given to the local FCA chapter to further its ministry.

What I love about inventory donations given for God's work is that everyone wins! The donor wins because he is able to help his favorite charity and get the items removed so he can remodel. The liquidator company wins because they are able to make a profit for their work while at the same time help benefit a local ministry. And the charity wins because they are able to receive funding and not have to become liquidators. FCA is very good at Bible studies and sports camps, not restaurant equipment liquidation.

Bass Boat Blesses Radio Teaching Ministry

Recently a radio ministry opened a donor fund with iDonate.com and began to promote the opportunity to make noncash donations during their radio broadcast. A donor near Austin went online and donated a 1996 bass boat to the radio ministry. iDonate.com had a boat dealer in the area that was glad to arrange pickup (50 miles away) and had the boat on their lot by that next Saturday. The boat was in excellent shape, and by Monday a buyer had put a cash offer on the boat and it sold for $4,300. The donor had not been able to use the boat for several years and was very glad to be able to bless the radio ministry that they loved. iDonate.com makes it possible to bless your favorite ministry well beyond the checkbook. Just look around and see what you might be able to donate! To donate a boat or make any other noncash donation or to even nominate your favorite charity, go to http://www.idonate.com/.

A House Full of Longaberger Basket; Donation?

A church was having a capital campaign and one of the ladies on staff at the church had a desire to benefit the church. She also had another dilemma: 60 miles away she was trying to sell a home but in the home was a very large collection of Longaberger baskets (910 to be exact.) Faced with the stress of trying to inventory the baskets as well as sell the home, she chose to donate the baskets to benefit her church. iDonate.com had contracted with a local collectible auction that was actually one of the best in the country at selling Longaberger baskets. They traveled the 60 miles to her home, picked up and inventoried her items, and sold them over a two-month period. The items netted nearly $11,000 for her church.