Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday Recap from the Bolivian Hope Center
Another great day has come to a close. This was a wet one - in fact, I think this is the first time I've had a full rainy day in my 3 trips to Bolivia!
People define success differently - but, I can't think of even one way that this trip to Bolivia has been anything but a success ...
We're getting the work done at a great pace with the 2nd floor of the Hope Center almost finished being painted and all the electrical work just about done. We also rebuild a wall at the front of the complex up to the needed 9 feet in order to keep robbers out.
We're having a lot of fun - more laughs that we will ever be able to recount for you.
We're receiving a sense of spiritual fulfillment as we work selflessly in an area of the world that not only needs it, but that responds so wonderfully to the love we show.
I'm sure there are a million things I'm forgetting that should be inserted next, but, finally and most importantly - we're blessing the children here. For so many reasons, these kids have no hope - but - if for only a few days we can give them hope that someone loves them and cares about them, then we've done the best thing we can do. For some kids, even in the US - if all we can do is bless them with a Christmas present while the rest of their life is a wreck - then it's a good thing we do that. In the same way, if all we can do is bless these kids for a week of the year, we've done a good thing. And, just like I have treasured memories from my childhood, we're giving these kids memories they will treasure forever. Maybe someday, when life takes a turn for the worse for them, they will remember the hug one of us gave them (or the candy, or the horsey ride, or the toy, or even just the smile) and they will choose to not give up on hope! Money is great, but sending money doesn't give them hope. Prayer is powerful, but sending ourselves is the answer to prayer they really need.
It's not about the work (because, really, anyone who lives here in Bolivia could do it) - it's about the personal contact. We bless the kids by touching them with our love, and they bless us by showing us what a treasure that love is that they not only receive, but reciprocate.
For those who are interested, I have posted here the sermon I preached at the Temple of Faith here in Cochabamba, Bolivia with missionary Rich Farthing interpreting into Spanish for me. The sermon is a little over 15 minutes long.
2 Things Common to All from Rob Morris on Vimeo.
People define success differently - but, I can't think of even one way that this trip to Bolivia has been anything but a success ...
We're getting the work done at a great pace with the 2nd floor of the Hope Center almost finished being painted and all the electrical work just about done. We also rebuild a wall at the front of the complex up to the needed 9 feet in order to keep robbers out.
We're having a lot of fun - more laughs that we will ever be able to recount for you.
We're receiving a sense of spiritual fulfillment as we work selflessly in an area of the world that not only needs it, but that responds so wonderfully to the love we show.
I'm sure there are a million things I'm forgetting that should be inserted next, but, finally and most importantly - we're blessing the children here. For so many reasons, these kids have no hope - but - if for only a few days we can give them hope that someone loves them and cares about them, then we've done the best thing we can do. For some kids, even in the US - if all we can do is bless them with a Christmas present while the rest of their life is a wreck - then it's a good thing we do that. In the same way, if all we can do is bless these kids for a week of the year, we've done a good thing. And, just like I have treasured memories from my childhood, we're giving these kids memories they will treasure forever. Maybe someday, when life takes a turn for the worse for them, they will remember the hug one of us gave them (or the candy, or the horsey ride, or the toy, or even just the smile) and they will choose to not give up on hope! Money is great, but sending money doesn't give them hope. Prayer is powerful, but sending ourselves is the answer to prayer they really need.
It's not about the work (because, really, anyone who lives here in Bolivia could do it) - it's about the personal contact. We bless the kids by touching them with our love, and they bless us by showing us what a treasure that love is that they not only receive, but reciprocate.
For those who are interested, I have posted here the sermon I preached at the Temple of Faith here in Cochabamba, Bolivia with missionary Rich Farthing interpreting into Spanish for me. The sermon is a little over 15 minutes long.
2 Things Common to All from Rob Morris on Vimeo.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Rob & Tim Show - BONUS FEATURE!
Here's a treat for you! Rob-Bob and Tim-Bob singing the southern classic ... "Where Have You Gone?"
The Rob & Tim Show - Episode 3
Today was an off-day for us. No sleeping in, but a fun day of sight-seeing in the morning and resting in the afternoon. Unfortunately we lost our internet connection in the afternoon as someone in the local area cut the fiber-optic cable. I am surprised it is fixed already!
We went to the JesuCristo de la Concordia that is in the center of the city. I've been there 3 times now, but it's always a sight to behold. Then we went shopping at a jewelry store. There are 'Bolivian Etaphs' there which are beautiful and expensive anywhere other than Bolivia.
Then we just rested in the afternoon. Tomorrow is a big day as we want to finish painting the 2nd floor and build a wall at the front of the Hope Center. I'm also planning on taking a lot of video of the children tomorrow so you can see exactly why supporting the work at the Bolivian Hope Center is so very important.
Now, here is Episode 3 of the Rob and Tim Show! enjoy!
We went to the JesuCristo de la Concordia that is in the center of the city. I've been there 3 times now, but it's always a sight to behold. Then we went shopping at a jewelry store. There are 'Bolivian Etaphs' there which are beautiful and expensive anywhere other than Bolivia.
Then we just rested in the afternoon. Tomorrow is a big day as we want to finish painting the 2nd floor and build a wall at the front of the Hope Center. I'm also planning on taking a lot of video of the children tomorrow so you can see exactly why supporting the work at the Bolivian Hope Center is so very important.
Now, here is Episode 3 of the Rob and Tim Show! enjoy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Rob & Tim Show - Episode 2
We have our luggage!!! It came Sunday afternoon, and I'm so glad!
Things are going very well here. We had a good day of hard work. Rich (the missionary) had hoped we would finish painting the 1st floor by the end of the week - and we're already started on the 2nd floor! I'm thinking we can finish painting the entire 3 floors before Saturday - and with the electrical being finished this week as well, the Bolivian Hope Center (orphanage for children currently living in a local prison with their moms) should be ready for furniture!
On a personal note, when I first visited in January 08, I met a girl by the name of Anai. She became my friend for the day. The next day when I went to the prison, she was gone! I had heard that sometimes children are forced to leave the prison for various reasons. I was worried she was lost. Then, when I came back in May, I had hoped to see her - but did not. She is one child I had been praying for specifically since I first met her. Well, SHE WAS THERE TODAY! I was so happy to see her. She was surprised that I remembered her name. I had the missionary tell her that I had been praying for her and that I had a picture of her that I had kept. I told her I would continue to pray for her - but - just seeing her today has made my entire week!
Anai is the girl on the right from January 2008
Hey, here's Episode 2 of the Rob & Tim Show. The audio went out on 2 occasions for unknown reasons (maybe cuz I'm technically challenged!), but - I don't think there was any way we could re-create what we did, so, I'm posting it as is (don't worry - the audio you're missing doesn't leave out any pertinent information other than our 'good-bye's at the end).
Things are going very well here. We had a good day of hard work. Rich (the missionary) had hoped we would finish painting the 1st floor by the end of the week - and we're already started on the 2nd floor! I'm thinking we can finish painting the entire 3 floors before Saturday - and with the electrical being finished this week as well, the Bolivian Hope Center (orphanage for children currently living in a local prison with their moms) should be ready for furniture!
On a personal note, when I first visited in January 08, I met a girl by the name of Anai. She became my friend for the day. The next day when I went to the prison, she was gone! I had heard that sometimes children are forced to leave the prison for various reasons. I was worried she was lost. Then, when I came back in May, I had hoped to see her - but did not. She is one child I had been praying for specifically since I first met her. Well, SHE WAS THERE TODAY! I was so happy to see her. She was surprised that I remembered her name. I had the missionary tell her that I had been praying for her and that I had a picture of her that I had kept. I told her I would continue to pray for her - but - just seeing her today has made my entire week!
Anai is the girl on the right from January 2008
Hey, here's Episode 2 of the Rob & Tim Show. The audio went out on 2 occasions for unknown reasons (maybe cuz I'm technically challenged!), but - I don't think there was any way we could re-create what we did, so, I'm posting it as is (don't worry - the audio you're missing doesn't leave out any pertinent information other than our 'good-bye's at the end).
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Greetings from Bolivia!
With the requisite few predictable twists and turns of a missions trips, we've made it! We arrived in Cochabamba sans luggage, yet full of anticipation for the week that's ahead. The team expects to be doing a lot of painting, and a bit of wall building (hooray! we'll see if i remember all Jason taught me last year!). That being said, if my webcam can hold out for me, I hope to have daily vids and pics right here featuring Tim Chronister and me in the Rob & Tim Show!
Please remember to pray for us (and our luggage which we are HOPING to get official word of its whereabouts tomorrow morning).
Personally, i've been stretching my back, getting it ready for the endless series of pony rides i'll be giving the children at the Hope Center starting tomorrow.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Lessons from a snowman
I learned a lot about teamwork as a bunch of young adults decided to grace the front of our church with a snowman last week.
First of all, everyone has to come together. Staying in a warm cozy home sending us 'moral support' - although nice sentiments, they really don't help get the job done.
Secondly, while it was fairly cold outside, those who were working on the task never gave a thought to the temperature. Only those on the sidelines felt the chill of the day.
Thirdly, if those working on the snowman had stopped the project to focus on warming up those on the sidelines - ultimately, they would also become cold AND the project would never be completed!
And finally, when we all worked together, the job was able to be completed, AND everyone had a blast getting it done!
Good job, guys! Can't wait until our next snowfall!!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Something to think about ...
It seems the following thought from last Sunday's sermon has been lingering in the hearts and minds of many who heard it:
"As a church, it seems we spend all our time building an army that never goes into battle."
That's not exactly how I said it (you can hear the sermon at www.myfreedomplace.com), but you get the idea. We keep preparing for a battle we never engage in! One these days, we shouldn't just talk about making a difference in this world - we should just go out and do it! We'll never feel fully prepared. We'll never feel like we know enough. We'll never feel primed for success. At some point, we just need to step into the batter's box and take that first swing!
It's my prayer that Liberty Assembly wouldn't just talk about becoming a great church, but that we would just simply BE a great church. If Jesus is our source and strength ... how can we fail?!
Let's live our lives sharing the love of Jesus every moment of the day, everywhere we go, to everyone we encounter. THAT, my friends, is what Jesus did. THAT, my friends, is our marching order!
"As a church, it seems we spend all our time building an army that never goes into battle."
That's not exactly how I said it (you can hear the sermon at www.myfreedomplace.com), but you get the idea. We keep preparing for a battle we never engage in! One these days, we shouldn't just talk about making a difference in this world - we should just go out and do it! We'll never feel fully prepared. We'll never feel like we know enough. We'll never feel primed for success. At some point, we just need to step into the batter's box and take that first swing!
It's my prayer that Liberty Assembly wouldn't just talk about becoming a great church, but that we would just simply BE a great church. If Jesus is our source and strength ... how can we fail?!
Let's live our lives sharing the love of Jesus every moment of the day, everywhere we go, to everyone we encounter. THAT, my friends, is what Jesus did. THAT, my friends, is our marching order!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reflections on a day to remember
Today, President Barack Obama took office as the 44th President of the United States of America. Certainly much has and will be written about the significance of President Obama being the first African-American President, and rightly so. But for me, as this being the first inauguration I've ever witnessed, I was most amazed by the significance of the transfer of power.
To think of it - millions voted for President Obama, but millions also voted against him - yet, on this day there really were no Republicans or Democrats or Independents - just Americans celebrating history: not history past, but history present. Not history simply because of President Obama's skin color, but history because of the ability for leadership to so drastically shift in an instant, without bloodshed but with a handshake!
In many countries, the ousted leader is lucky to leave with his or her life! Yet here we see former President Bush giving his congratulations and gracefully stepping aside with class and dignity to join other past-Presidents Clinton, Bush Sr., & Carter in the history of this great nation.
Now, before all my Canadian friends become concerned about my allegiances - allow me to clarify something ... I didn't love my daughter less when my son came along - it was easy and natural to love both. In the same way, I still love Canada. Much of who I am and the way I process life is connected to my heritage - a heritage I am proud of and thankful for. That being said, I also love America. One day, I hope to be a citizen of both great countries, who knows, maybe even in 2009!
That being said - there is something special about 1.5 million people gathering at the Washington Mall to participate in history. There is something special about a TV set up at my bank to soak in the images of a new President taking his oath of office. Businesses & schools and just about everywhere you looked stopped to see freedom in action. The people chose, and government responded as the keys to government were passed.
I wish I really were a writer. I wish I could express my emotions in words for you. All I can say is God HAS blessed America and I pray He will continue to do so forever until Jesus comes.
I also hope Americans realize their place in this world. Americans don't need to learn from the world to appease the world and be more palatable to the world, but Americans need to be leaders in the world to help raise the standard for freedom. So with that in mind - I pray President Obama is blessed with wisdom from God and a courage to choose rightly in every decision that crosses his desk.
To think of it - millions voted for President Obama, but millions also voted against him - yet, on this day there really were no Republicans or Democrats or Independents - just Americans celebrating history: not history past, but history present. Not history simply because of President Obama's skin color, but history because of the ability for leadership to so drastically shift in an instant, without bloodshed but with a handshake!
In many countries, the ousted leader is lucky to leave with his or her life! Yet here we see former President Bush giving his congratulations and gracefully stepping aside with class and dignity to join other past-Presidents Clinton, Bush Sr., & Carter in the history of this great nation.
Now, before all my Canadian friends become concerned about my allegiances - allow me to clarify something ... I didn't love my daughter less when my son came along - it was easy and natural to love both. In the same way, I still love Canada. Much of who I am and the way I process life is connected to my heritage - a heritage I am proud of and thankful for. That being said, I also love America. One day, I hope to be a citizen of both great countries, who knows, maybe even in 2009!
That being said - there is something special about 1.5 million people gathering at the Washington Mall to participate in history. There is something special about a TV set up at my bank to soak in the images of a new President taking his oath of office. Businesses & schools and just about everywhere you looked stopped to see freedom in action. The people chose, and government responded as the keys to government were passed.
I wish I really were a writer. I wish I could express my emotions in words for you. All I can say is God HAS blessed America and I pray He will continue to do so forever until Jesus comes.
I also hope Americans realize their place in this world. Americans don't need to learn from the world to appease the world and be more palatable to the world, but Americans need to be leaders in the world to help raise the standard for freedom. So with that in mind - I pray President Obama is blessed with wisdom from God and a courage to choose rightly in every decision that crosses his desk.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My latest adventure
I'm an 8th grade teacher! How weird is that? I found out Youngstown Christian School (YCS) needed a Bible teacher, and I figured ... why not?
I really love teaching the Bible - but - unfortunately, I haven't figured out HOW yet. It's one thing to have information, it's another to communicate it - especially to an age group I don't typically deal with. What do they like? What works? What gets us through the curriculum?
Perhaps to some, it really wouldn't matter too much - just get through the material and give out grades. But, this is a Christian school and I have this crazy idea - that BIBLE should be a FAVORITE course, and not a drudgery. I figure if by the end of the year the students love the Bible more than when the year started, the year will have been a success!
So, the adventure begins - influence students to begin to love the Bible just as David loved it!
I really love teaching the Bible - but - unfortunately, I haven't figured out HOW yet. It's one thing to have information, it's another to communicate it - especially to an age group I don't typically deal with. What do they like? What works? What gets us through the curriculum?
Perhaps to some, it really wouldn't matter too much - just get through the material and give out grades. But, this is a Christian school and I have this crazy idea - that BIBLE should be a FAVORITE course, and not a drudgery. I figure if by the end of the year the students love the Bible more than when the year started, the year will have been a success!
So, the adventure begins - influence students to begin to love the Bible just as David loved it!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Digging out!
You'd think I'd be talking about all the snow we've received lately and the need to 'dig out'. Nope. See, after growing up in Montreal, it's hard for me to be either excited or concerned about 6 inches of snow!
I'm talking about digging out of the mess that my office becomes! It seems that every time I file and re-organize all my things, I never quite finish the job. THEN, seeing as I'm not quite done, I leave the foundation on which future piles of papers can be laid. Looking around my office right now I see ...
- pictures that are remnants of the missions convention
- a salt bucket that is a remnant of a kids dance number (don't ask)
- popcorn bags that are remnants of someone tidying up their part of the church
- a cowboy hat that is a remnant of a western night
- a stein that is a remnant of winning a fantasy football league
- sheet music that is a remnant of a worship service
- a bike that is a remnant of when I had no other way to get to the office
- 4 4x3 post-it notes that are remnants of a leadership meeting
- video camera that is a remnant of capturing Christmas memories
- receipts that are remnants of spending too much money last month
- chocolate that are ... well ... they'll be gone soon, nevermind them!
and - this is only 1/2 my office!!!
Anyone have any helpful tips for me???
I'm talking about digging out of the mess that my office becomes! It seems that every time I file and re-organize all my things, I never quite finish the job. THEN, seeing as I'm not quite done, I leave the foundation on which future piles of papers can be laid. Looking around my office right now I see ...
- pictures that are remnants of the missions convention
- a salt bucket that is a remnant of a kids dance number (don't ask)
- popcorn bags that are remnants of someone tidying up their part of the church
- a cowboy hat that is a remnant of a western night
- a stein that is a remnant of winning a fantasy football league
- sheet music that is a remnant of a worship service
- a bike that is a remnant of when I had no other way to get to the office
- 4 4x3 post-it notes that are remnants of a leadership meeting
- video camera that is a remnant of capturing Christmas memories
- receipts that are remnants of spending too much money last month
- chocolate that are ... well ... they'll be gone soon, nevermind them!
and - this is only 1/2 my office!!!
Anyone have any helpful tips for me???
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bible Hero Resolutions
If you want to make a resolution for 2009 - here are some suggestions ... and they are biblical!
1. Jacob resolved to tithe (Genesis 28:22)
2. David resolved to read the Bible (Psalm 119:15-16)
3. Daniel resolved to live a holy life (Daniel 1:8)
What resolutions are you making for 2009?
1. Jacob resolved to tithe (Genesis 28:22)
2. David resolved to read the Bible (Psalm 119:15-16)
3. Daniel resolved to live a holy life (Daniel 1:8)
What resolutions are you making for 2009?
Friday, December 12, 2008
A NEW CAR!!!!
I feel like I'm on The Price is Right!
Today, I received a gift from a number of the people in my church that COMPLETELY blows me away! They pooled their resources and gave me a 1991 Oldsmobile Toronado. It's a great car that I will have the pleasure of driving for the next couple of years.
Thing is, I sure did learn something ...
Typically, in the past, when I needed (wanted???) something, I'd find a way to get it. Money I didn't have, I'd come up with. This has lead to some rather unfortunate (ok - I admit it ... DUMB) decisions and therefore bad consequences.
When we were in the car wreck in August that totalled our Pontiac Sunfire, instead of acquiring additional debt to get another car, or instead of taking the money I did have access to that really was needed in other areas --- I decided to make do. I decided one car for the family would have to be enough. I decided working my work schedule a little differently to accommodate the family would be fine. I decided driving the church van on occasion was fine. I decided to ride my bike to church when necessary (and MAN was it cold sometimes!!!).
Basically, I decided to be content.
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have ..."
Philippians 4:11-12 "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances ..."
And WOW what a blessing!
Perhaps my only prayer now is that God would richly bless those who have blessed me by their sacrifice. I don't yet know everyone who was involved in getting my family this car, but when I find out - it will be my hope and pleasure to return the blessing in any way possible.
God is SO good ... He's SO GOOD to me.
*picture to be posted soon!*
Today, I received a gift from a number of the people in my church that COMPLETELY blows me away! They pooled their resources and gave me a 1991 Oldsmobile Toronado. It's a great car that I will have the pleasure of driving for the next couple of years.
Thing is, I sure did learn something ...
Typically, in the past, when I needed (wanted???) something, I'd find a way to get it. Money I didn't have, I'd come up with. This has lead to some rather unfortunate (ok - I admit it ... DUMB) decisions and therefore bad consequences.
When we were in the car wreck in August that totalled our Pontiac Sunfire, instead of acquiring additional debt to get another car, or instead of taking the money I did have access to that really was needed in other areas --- I decided to make do. I decided one car for the family would have to be enough. I decided working my work schedule a little differently to accommodate the family would be fine. I decided driving the church van on occasion was fine. I decided to ride my bike to church when necessary (and MAN was it cold sometimes!!!).
Basically, I decided to be content.
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have ..."
Philippians 4:11-12 "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances ..."
And WOW what a blessing!
Perhaps my only prayer now is that God would richly bless those who have blessed me by their sacrifice. I don't yet know everyone who was involved in getting my family this car, but when I find out - it will be my hope and pleasure to return the blessing in any way possible.
God is SO good ... He's SO GOOD to me.
*picture to be posted soon!*
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Why Hiccups?
I've never understood hiccups. To me, they are just an annoyance. Sneezes, I understand. Yawning, I get that. Coughs, blinking, and most any other natural bodily reaction that we seem to have little or no control over still all seem to fulfill a particular purpose for our bodies.
But hiccups? What's the point? What's the use? Where do they come from and why do they go?
Basically, anything can cause them, they serve no purpose and the best way to stop them is to forget about them. Here's a few examples of what wikipedia says may cause hiccups ... lack of water, eating too fast, being hungry for long, taking a cold drink while eating a hot meal, burping, eating very hot or spicy food, laughing vigorously, coughing, drinking alcoholic beverages in excess, crying out loud (sobbing causes air to enter the stomach), some smoking situations where abnormal inhalation can occur (in tobacco or other smoke like cannabis, perhaps triggered by precursors to coughing), electrolyte imbalance, talking too long, clearing the throat, by some of the stronger opiate painkillers such as Heroin, Morphine, and Oxycodone or from lack of vitamins, pressure to the phrenic nerve by other anatomical structures, or having the sensation that there is food in the esophagus, rarely by tumors and certain kidney disease.
So, I'm thinking it's amazing that you don't have the hiccups right now! At any given moment I'm either hungry or eating, laughing or crying, talking or smoking! The odds that any of us aren't doing anything on that list is next to impossible.
In fact, I have the hiccups at this very moment (my inspiration for this post). Do you have any magical treatment for hiccups? I'd love to hear some of your home remedies! I'm thinking my hiccups will be gone by the time the recommendations come flooding in - but - you never know! Some people have been known to have the hiccups for months on end! Plus, I may get some good ideas for future hiccup attacks.
I'll be *hic* waiting!
btw - I don't smoke. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention to what you were reading!
But hiccups? What's the point? What's the use? Where do they come from and why do they go?
Basically, anything can cause them, they serve no purpose and the best way to stop them is to forget about them. Here's a few examples of what wikipedia says may cause hiccups ... lack of water, eating too fast, being hungry for long, taking a cold drink while eating a hot meal, burping, eating very hot or spicy food, laughing vigorously, coughing, drinking alcoholic beverages in excess, crying out loud (sobbing causes air to enter the stomach), some smoking situations where abnormal inhalation can occur (in tobacco or other smoke like cannabis, perhaps triggered by precursors to coughing), electrolyte imbalance, talking too long, clearing the throat, by some of the stronger opiate painkillers such as Heroin, Morphine, and Oxycodone or from lack of vitamins, pressure to the phrenic nerve by other anatomical structures, or having the sensation that there is food in the esophagus, rarely by tumors and certain kidney disease.
So, I'm thinking it's amazing that you don't have the hiccups right now! At any given moment I'm either hungry or eating, laughing or crying, talking or smoking! The odds that any of us aren't doing anything on that list is next to impossible.
In fact, I have the hiccups at this very moment (my inspiration for this post). Do you have any magical treatment for hiccups? I'd love to hear some of your home remedies! I'm thinking my hiccups will be gone by the time the recommendations come flooding in - but - you never know! Some people have been known to have the hiccups for months on end! Plus, I may get some good ideas for future hiccup attacks.
I'll be *hic* waiting!
btw - I don't smoke. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention to what you were reading!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
