Have you ever had the thought, “Who is my neighbor?” We often say that in the Christian world, but I’m not sure most of us think of our actual physical neighbors as our “neighbors.” (Those who live on our street or near our apartment.)

In my previous home, I will confess, I only knew the families living on both sides of our house.  I like to think I’ve gotten older and smarter with age and am happy to say that we know almost all of our neighbors where we live now. (We know the ones who want to be known anyway.)

Because of the Phoenix housing bust, we have a ton of new neighbors.  We hosted a neighborhood party last week and the feeling tone was great—after people got there that is.  I think no one wanted to be the first one there, so most arrived over a half hour late.  We were glad they came after a few minutes of wondering if anyone was showing up at all. (I think God would have liked the fact that we risked even if no one had shown up.) Then there was a lot of food and a lot of mingling!  (And a lot of mess from kids but that is part of the deal.) 

Here were some results:

The kids in the neighborhood are becoming better friends.

Everyone thanked us and wants to have another one soon.

One older man is helping a first time home owner figure out how to use his pool filter.

I overheard someone offering to look after someone else’s home when they were gone.

One man said he was bragging at work that he got invited over to a neighbor’s home.

I can’t prove it, but I think God was smiling.

Community is close to the heart of God.  I’m looking forward to seeing what will come out of this.

I encourage you to think through…”Who is my neighbor?”

 Blessings,

Thora

Too often, we think things are about us.

Actually, it all revolves around the King (Jesus that is).

 I heard a talk on this topic years ago….the fact that everything revolves around the King.  I was thinking back on this the last couple of days.  Everything important really does revolve around the King.

 When life gets busy, we easily start to think things revolve around us…what people do to us, say to us, say about us, what we think they are saying, what they are not saying, and so on.  It is way too easy to get wrapped up in simply how things affect….us.

 In reality, all things should revolve around the King.  He is the one we should all be focusing on.  If we were all focusing on Him, we would be worrying less about how things were affecting us.  We would not think we were in the center of so much happening around us.  (Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not about you.”)

 I’m asking God to help me remember it all revolves around Him!

 It’s not about me.

Blessings,

Thora

I sure have!  I especially feel this every time I join a team from my church for our annual ministry trip to the beautiful country of Honduras.  The need is so great and so evident there, one can easily feel overwhelmed by it.

My dear friend, DaNetta Fernandez – who is our team leader during our trips to Honduras – was experiencing these feelings at the beginning of this month.

“Oh, Ana,” she’d told me, “our Honduran friends have so many needs!  There is so much I wish I could do for them, but I just don’t have the money.”

“Is there anything we could do?” I asked her, trying to be helpful.

“What about a garage sale?” she responded, half-heartedly.

It was a plan.

We asked our friends for donations, hoping to collect enough items to make our efforts worth something.

I have to confess that at first, I wasn’t too hopeful.  But as the donations began trickling in, my faith grew bigger and stronger.

“I think God will provide, DaNetta,” I told my friend.

“We’ll see,” she responded, feeling weary.

The donations poured in more abundantly during the week of our sale, and on Saturday morning, our customers flooded DaNetta’s driveway ceaselessly.

When it was all said and done, we had made 670 dollars!!!  By 11 am, exhausted and sunburned, we were ready to close shop.  We packed what was left and filled DaNetta’s truck to the max.  She and Paige (one of our team members) took the items to GoodWill.  Before that, we filled Lord only knows how many bags of clothes that we took to our church’s Food Bank.  We also filled two big suitcases with children’s clothes to take with us to Honduras.

Talk about God coming through!

This experience reminded me of the time when Jesus told His disciples to feed the hungry crowds that had been listening to His teachings all day long.

“[But] we have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they had answered. (Matthew 14:17)

That didn’t matter to Jesus.  He took the little that had been given and multiplied it.  The Bible says that “those who ate [were] about five thousand men, besides women and children.” (vs. 21)

It also says that the disciples filled twelve basketfuls with what was left over.

I thought about our friends who gave their contributions to us: a few fish here; a couple loaves of bread there.  Yet Jesus multiplied their seemingly small offerings and showed us that He is indeed a faithful and compassionate Provider!

Our team will leave for Honduras today.  So I am asking you again, dear friends, to offer your “small” contribution of prayer as we embark in this adventure.  We will have a chance to teach, to minister, to encourage, to pray and to share God’s love and message with the people of Honduras.  And we really can use your help, again.

Can’t wait to tell you what God does next!

Thank you so much,

Ana

http://anastinescorner.blogspot.com

After awhile, I got busy with life and forgot about the article.  Over the course of this past year, I had been praying off and on that God wouldn’t let me “miss my purpose.”  I felt I needed to be serving Him in a specific area, but wasn’t quite sure what it was.  About six months ago, I saw a story on TV about a multiple-city bust in the U.S. on a child sex trafficking ring.  I remember my heart breaking when I heard the details.

Then two months ago, God began to make it abundantly clear to me that He was answering my prayer about finding my purpose.  Over the course of about a week, I saw various stories on TV, learned about a local organization dedicated to eradicating child sex slavery and re-read the Today’s Christian Woman magazine I had saved.  To my disbelief, I learned more about just how prevalent this issue is not only around the world, but in our own backyard.  It is happening everywhere and Phoenix is a magnet city for it.  Even more disheartening is the fact that human trafficking is now considered the 2^nd largest (next to drugs) and fastest growing illegal trafficking activity in the world.  It is a $32+ billion industry.

All of this happened the week before VCNP hosted the National Leadership Conference.  The first night of the conference, I saw a booth labeled “Vineyard Anti-Slavery Team.”  To make a long story short, I met one of the Vineyard pastors involved in this group who used to work for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and whose portfolio included human trafficking.  At that moment, I knew God was confirming what I already suspected.  He was showing me that combating child sex trafficking is where He wants me to serve Him.  God has been so overwhelmingly graceful and merciful to me through this process.  Initially when I felt the calling, I didn’t have a clue as to where I should start.

Currently, I am putting into practice what I learned at the VAST workshops during the conference, connecting with others at VCNP interested in this same issue, and in the process of becoming a volunteer for Streetlight Phx.  This organization works to eradicate child sex slavery and is a safe house for girls ages 11-17 who have been rescued.

If you are trying to find your purpose, I hope sharing my journey has encouraged you.  If you spend time in prayer asking God what it is, He will not only answer you, but He will lead you every step of the way.

For more information on human trafficking and what you can do to make a difference, please visit the VAST website at http://www.vineyardusa.org/site/task-forces/justice-response .  For more information about Streetlight Phx (which is located in Glendale), please visit http://www.streetlightphx.com.

Melissa

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Vineyard USA Leadership Conference.  I sat in the very back of the auditorium, where I could see the whole place filled with men and women of God, lifting up their hands in worship.  The sight was indescribable.

I have to confess that I felt a little sad, even embarrassed, thinking about the small role I play in the Kingdom.  Many of these pastors and leaders dedicate their whole lives to serving God and others.  And what do I do?  My contribution seemed so insignificant in comparison.

Truth is, I wish I could serve the Lord full time.  But that is not my reality and, obviously, not my calling – at least for now.

Times like this encourage me to seek perspective and direction for what God does have me do.  My contribution might seem small to me, but not to God.  After all, He is in control of my life, so I have to trust that the “little” I do is exactly what He has created me to do.  And in doing so, I fulfill His purposes for my life.

I tend to think that unless I do something “big” for God, I’m doing enough.  But that is not true.

The definition of “big” in God’s Kingdom is very different than that of this world.  In Matthew 20:24-28, Jesus explained to His disciples that whoever wants to be great in His Kingdom, must become a servant.

The question then for every Christian – whether called to full time ministry or not – must be, “How and where do you want me to serve you Lord?”  And then we take that direction and seek to do our job to the best of our abilities, with great joy, trusting that our contribution will make a difference in someone’s life and will bring glory to God.

After all, what Jesus seeks from His followers is not greatness, but faithfulness.  So it is my prayer that in the end God will find us faithful.

Ana

My husband, 4 sons and I moved from Bristol, England where we spent 4 years as Pastors with the Bristol Vineyard.

One of the things I personally became involved in was the huge population of very young single mom’s. A few of us teamed up with a support group in one of the local neighborhoods and we would go and give the young “mums” a day where they were pampered.

A day they could receive and refuel.

A day that the Lord could, without any hidden agenda, touch them in a very real way.

These women only needed an affirming word and not to feel judged. We wanted them to be proud of their decision to have gone through with their pregnancy when so much of the world tells them otherwise.

The woman in charge of the support center was completely shocked that we didn’t charge them for this service, and when I explained we wanted to bless them, she was silent and bewildered. It was a wonderful success and we went back a few months later to do another one.I know that God left a fingerprint on all those young moms and I personally feel blessed through that experience.

When I first arrived in Arizona, I was approached by Alecia Manes who had been successfully running an outreach for the VCNP called Single Mom’s Spa Day. Small world, and wonderful timing I thought! We had lunch together and I learned about this now 14 year ministry that she and a handful of other faithful women had started with 10 moms… I was so excited to hear how God’s hand was obviously in this and was delighted when she asked me to join the team. Like the outreach in Bristol, there was no charge for this day. The entire core team were excited about the idea of reaching out to women not just in the church but outside as well.To really focus on becoming an outreach, much in the same way the compassion ministry works. To reach women who were in the sex industry, victims of spousal abuse, recovering from drug and alcohol addition, HIV and AIDS positive mom’s and teen moms. We asked the Lord to bring half of the women from outside of the church, and in 2009 that is exactly what happened! He did it!!

We had 250 women come, and 125 of them were from outside the church!!! I had never witnessed anything like it.

Women were crying with gratefulness at being given a day where they are simply loved on. No hidden agenda, no surprise attacks or “Accept Jesus or else!” moments. Simply stepping out of the way, and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister with our actions and words of affirmation. Being an ear for them to be heard, and offering prayer if the Holy Spirit suggests it.I love that our church is willing to get messy and love those people that some may be afraid to love. I love that we invite everyone to come as they are, and yet be challenged to allow God to make you into more than you will ever expect to be.

Transforming ordinary people into extraordinary followers of Christ.

It is overwhelming to lock hands with our fellow sisters before the day starts and see the over 100 women serving together.

Striving to be 1 Corinthians 13 and allow God to use us to love on His people.

We get to do it again on May 21st and we cannot wait to see what God has in store this year!!!

Thank you VCNP for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful family.

Blessings,

Rebecca Turrigiano

 My husband and I were outnumbered and my life was completely up-ended.  For the next three years, I couldn’t even go shopping at Target by myself with the kids.  While one raced down the aisle, the toddler climbed out of the cart – all while the baby, who disliked being confined from the moment of his birth, screamed!  I was a mess!  I felt like climbing over the cart and racing down the aisle screaming myself.

 In those difficult three years, I kept trying to regain my old life.  An organizer and leader by nature, I’d volunteer to oversee something at church and then make my kids and me miserable trying to get it done.   My heart is heavy when I remember the times I dragged my three little boys to one event or another, only to leave angry and in tears because they couldn’t sit still.

 Instead of accepting my life as it was, I plowed ahead, wanting to serve God and certain He was pleased with my sacrifices.  The problem was that my innocent children made the real sacrifice by enduring my non-stop lifestyle.  I wish with all my heart that someone had taken me out to coffee and helped me get some perspective.  I was too blind to see.

 What I know now is that sometimes God calls us to a new mission field that on the surface looks like we’ve been called out of the “game.”  But nothing could be further from the truth!  For those three years (and truthfully beyond that) I was afraid to stop pursuing my goals in case an opportunity might pass me by.  What happened was the opportunity to minister more deeply to my children passed me by.

 First Peter 3:8 says, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:  With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day”  (NIV).  Although this verse is speaking about the Lord’s return, I believe it can be applied to any time of “waiting.”  God doesn’t see time as we do.  Three years seems like an eternity, when it’s really just a breath in time.  The first part of verse 9 offers hope to those who think opportunities are passing them by and God has forgotten them:  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.”

 I wish someone had told me that God would not forget me.  In fact, God had hand- picked me to be the mother of Joshua, Dylan and Robbie (and now our daughters – Cathrine and Ruth).   I have been called to raise these children.  I was, and still am,  right where He wants me. 

 Even though my days felt like years back then, they really were just a blink.  Funny how the rear view mirror gives you such a broad perspective.

In His Love,

Glynnis

I’m ok with my ordinary house and don’t mind driving an ordinary car.  Don’t know much about designer brand names or the latest, hottest place in town.  As a matter of fact, I can thoroughly enjoy an ordinary meal and be perfectly content with a regular, department store pair of jeans – as long as they fit!

But when it comes to my life, “ordinary” is the farthest thing I want it to be.  I don’t want to pass through this world without leaving my mark, without making a lasting difference in the lives of others.  I long do extraordinary things for God! 

However, my good wishes and best intentions often clash and even crumble when confronted with the notion that I am just an ordinary girl.  Debilitating thoughts assault my mind with arguments such as:

Why would God use you? 

What do you have to offer?

Who do you think you are?

You’re nothing but ordinary.

The battle rages so fiercely sometimes, I give into their seeming logic and am tempted to surrender thinking:

Who do I think I am?

I’m nothing special.  I’m no expert.

Why would anyone want to read what I write or hear my message?

I must confess that I’ve wasted more time and energy battling my doubts than I have actually invested doing things for God. 

But last Saturday was different.

Last Saturday, during our Women’s Conference, as I listen to our guest speaker Eleanor Mumford talk about the power of ordinary, an incredible insight awakened me like a jolt of caffeine in the morning:  God can use ordinary people like me, because He is extraordinarily powerful!

I’ve been so stuck on the knowledge of my own limitations; I’d almost forgotten Who is at work when I surrender to His calling.  My own message and works may be dull and ineffective.  But God’s Word in my pen and on my lips and His Holy Spirit working in and through me in are mighty to save, to heal, to deliver and to restore!

And that, my friends, is nothing but extraordinary!

Ephesians 3:20 says that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

I sat on my chair last Saturday, pondering on this amazing revelation, brimming with renewed excitement, and trying really hard to refocus on Eleanor’s message.  Peace filled my mind as well as a new sense of purpose and direction for what I’ve dared to believe is God’s calling upon my life. 

The Lord’s extraordinary power is at work on this world, and He chooses ordinary people – like you and me – to carry it out for His glory.  All we need to do, get to do, is join Him.

Ana

http://anastinescorner.blogspot.com/

Between moving in to our new apartment, working part-time, and full-time school, writing thank-you notes for our wedding gifts fell to the bottom of my to-do list.  Month after month went by, and it was Christmas break before I seriously thought about them again.  By that time, I was just plain embarrassed to send out notes.  My closest family received them, but I neglected the rest.

That breach of etiquette has bothered me for 25 years.  It probably explains why I’m a stickler for my children and me to write thank you notes for every gift.  In hindsight, I should have sent out the notes at Christmas.   Truly “better late than never” should have been my guiding principle.

Jesus spoke about a similar principle in the parable of two sons (Matthew 21:28-32).  Both were asked to work in the vineyard by their father.  One said “no,” but changed his mind and went.  The other said “yes,” but didn’t go.  Jesus asked the poignant question, “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”  The answer was the first. 

Jesus used this parable to show the religious leaders that the “tax collectors and the prostitutes” were entering the kingdom of God ahead of them.  The religious leaders professed to obey God in their heart and actions, but they didn’t.  I think this is a principle we can apply to our everyday life.

Many times we know God is calling us to do something.  It could be to share our faith with a co-worker or family member.  Perhaps God has been tugging on our hearts to increase our financial giving.  Maybe we need to take a leap of faith and change careers, go back to school, or do mission work.  We say “yes” when God first prompts us, but then do nothing.   Time goes by, and we think, “It’s too late now.”

Unfortunately, that type of thinking leads to disobedience.  This parable shows us that it’s never too late to obey God.  It doesn’t matter how old you are, or what you’ve done since God first asked you to do something.  It doesn’t even matter if you’ve stomped your foot, crossed your arms, and told God “no.”   Today you can make your Father happy by doing His will.  

We serve a gracious God who doesn’t hold our disobedience against us.  We may need to confess it as sin, but when we do, it’s as good as gone. If God has asked you to work in the “vineyard” and you’ve said no, or delayed obedience, make today the day you get to work.  I wonder if I still have that wedding gift-list

“Nurses?” I pondered.  Nope.

I began to read the article below the picture and realized that these women were actually inmates at Perryville Prison.

These ladies decided they wanted to do something for CPC.  So they began crocheting booties and baby sweaters for the clients at the centers.  At first, only a few knew how to knit or crochet, so they taught others who wanted to participate.

“They also saved up their 10 cents an hour wage to put toward a sizable $600 plus donation – that’s 6,000 hours!” says Cathryn Merring, Director of CPC Phoenix.

Talk about generosity!

It reminds me of the actions of a very poor, yet generous woman.  Luke 21:1-3 says,  “As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Reading this passage always brings tears to my eyes.  (Yes, I cry easily, but you get the idea.)  I picture the old lady humbly waiting in line for her turn to offer her contribution; then, I see her reaching out with her wrinkled, shaky hand to drop the two small coins.  Last, I picture her walking quietly back home, without being noticed, without anyone ever knowing the depths of her contribution and sacrifice.

But Jesus noticed.

In contrast to the women at Perryville, many times I feel like unless I do something “big” nothing I do for the Lord will really matter.  But they’ve proven me wrong.  Like Pastor Brian said this morning, “The Kingdom of God is about big things, but it’s also about small things.”

Mmmm…  Maybe my “small contribution” isn’t as insignificant as I might think.  Maybe one day my actions will impact others’ lives the way a modest group of inmates’ generous acts has impacted mine.

How do you feel about your own contribution?