Day 7, 8, 9, 10

There's not much to say about days 7, 8 and 9. They were spent on the island resting up for the return trip. The island was beautiful. We got to lay out by the pool, swim in the Caribbean Sea and several of us went snorkeling on Saturday. On Sunday we had an 8:30 AM service on the balcony of the bar. I was little hesitant about getting up and going but since they asked me to preach I figured I ought to show up. It was a beautiful place for worship though and I was glad I went. It's kind of neat to worship together with all those other congregations. I know that we have diverse styles of worship when we're at our home congregations, but, as someone said at the devo the night before, when you're focusing on serving people you don't have time to quarrel about other issues.

There was not supposed a day 10 to this trip. Our flight was delayed 4 hours coming out of Belize and we missed our connection in Dallas. They booked us on the next flight which didn't leave until Monday morning. We arrived at our hotel about 1:00 AM and left at 4:30 AM. It was another long day of travel. A night in Miami on the way out and a night in Dallas on the way in. I officially spent 4 days in Belize and 4 days traveling. Don't you love the airlines!

Thanks for all the prayers on the trip. In a couple of days this blog will return to it's random ramblings. I read two good books on the trip...UnChristian and Bury by Heart at Wounded Knee. I'll have a few thoughts on those.

Belize, Day 5 & 6

We're finally back in the land of Internet and phone service. The last two days of the clinic have been very busy. Probably the busiest I've seen it in my 4 years of trips. We treated probably 800 in the last two days at Belmopan. The doctors we're running 3 rooms and they had a constant line of 50-60 deep. Fann started pulling teeth at 9:30 am and stayed in the room until 2:30 pm. He never stopped and even then we had to turn people away. The depth of poverty is staggering. They lack basic health care and preventative medicine. So many of the problems are easily treatable in the U.S.

Booker and a construction crew headed back to the same house where we installed a floor last year. They had built bunk beds with the lumber we left them and added a "kitchen." This year we built them an outhouse and bathing room. However, when we were leaving one of the young men living in the house (one of 9 sleeping there) said "This is big enough for a me to sleep in!" So they may use it for another purpose. Going back to the house was my "defining moment" of the trip. For one, they remembered us. The little girls came running up and hugged us as soon as we arrived. They were barefoot wading through mud and water.

The house had worn a little, but basically looked the same. The gaps in the walls were still there. Two beds were on the side of the wall and a couple of bicycles were stacked in a corner. There were chickens and dogs running in and out the open door. When I went in the little girl (maybe 5 years old) had laid all her toys out on a little mat. There was an old beaten up Barbie doll, some other type of doll, a couple of cheap McDonald's type toys (probably from last year) and a small handful of Smarties. It broke my heart because it's exactly the same way my five year old lines up her dolls. Only this was all she had. I was ashamed to admit it, but I called Fann in and said, "My kid's "toy room" is bigger than this entire house." We both decided right there that our girls would experience this as soon as they were old enough. That night, we spent a while discussing poverty and what we could do about it. I guess we helped a little by coming, but it seems like such a small dent.

While in Belmopan we stayed at the Banana Bank. It's a jungle resort. Of course, "resort" is a relative term. There's no air conditioning and lots of bugs, but it was really a nice stay. The food was great and for the first time, the weather was perfect. It never got over 85 and we had rain and clouds every day.

Today we're on the island for a little rest before we return. I appreciate all the prayers on our behalf. Please continue praying for our safety. I'll try to say more tomorrow and I apologize for any typos. I'll paying per minute so I'm going as fast as I can!

Congrats to my sister from Uncle Russ!!!!

Belize, Day 4

I finally arrived in Belize! Margarita (Lincoln's wife) picked us up at the airport and took us the clinic at Burrell Boom. As soon as we got there she helped me unpack the crates of clothes that Lincoln requested. It was for a lady named Charlotte, a member of his church there. She had 6 kids and had recently been displaced because of flooding here. Rachel, Lauren, and myself went with Margarita to Charlotte's house to give them the clothes. It was about 5 minutes from Burrell Boom. The family lived in a house divided into about four rooms. There were two old chairs in the "living room" and nothing else. The "kitchen" contained a stove that didn't look like it worked, no fridge and no cabinets. A handful of groceries were sitting on the counter. Another room had pillows/blankets laying on a wooden floor.

I was thinking about how bad the living conditions were when Margarita explained, "This is not her house. Her brother is letting her stay here because of the flooding. That's her house." She pointed to shack out the back window. It's difficult to describe in terms that will help you understand. It was a literal shack. A leaning structure pieced together with odd shaped pieces of rotting wood. The roof was several pieces of tin patched together. It contained two rooms (one for eating and one for sleeping) and was maybe 10x20. I went out to see if there was anything we could do (build a floor, fix the roof, etc). There was nothing, short of tearing it down and rebuilding the whole thing. It brought home a Scripture that I read to our church on Sunday...

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1st Timothy 3:17-18

What is America's responsibility in regards to this passage? Or maybe a better question is what is Western Christianity's responsibility? Or maybe I should just ask, what is my responsibility and your responsibility? Something for you to discuss while I'm in Belize. Just be nice. I can't moderate comments as easily.

We're headed to Banana Bank tomorrow. Not sure about the Internet service there so it may be the last post for a couple of days. We'll set up clinic in Belmopan the next two days.

Belize, Day 3

I feel a little awkward putting the word "Belize" in the title again because we've yet to the see the country. Todd and I left Columbia this morning at 3:30 AM but when we arrived in Miami our flight was cancelled. They put us on standby for the next flight but it was overbooked and we didn't make it. So we're stuck at an airport hotel waiting on the next flight which doesn't leave until tomorrow at 10:55 AM. Basically we've lost another day. We tried contacting the team but it's almost impossible to get a hold of anyone because the cell phones won't work. I guess by now they've figured out that we missed our flight.

Today the team was supposed to set up our first medical clinic. They'll offer free medical, dental, and pharmacy services to the people of the Burrell Boom community. Pray for their endurance because I'm sure they are working in a small building with no air conditioning. Hopefully we'll join them tomorrow.

Belize, Day 2

I got a brief email from Gary A. this morning telling me they arrived safely yesterday. This morning, as I was asking our congregation to pray for the team and I realized that they were probably worshipping at the same time as us. That's a cool thought. Too many times our thinking is too small on Sundays. We act as if our little band is all that has gathered for worship when in reality millions are gathered across the globe, praising God and learning from his Word.

I haven't heard how the day went in Belize, but having been before, I can guess their schedule. This morning they worshipped with the Belize City Church of Christ. One of the team members lead worship and another preached. Melvin, the local preacher, always insists on tie, but he asks with such a big smile on his face that you can't turn him down. A few of the team may have worshipped at the Burrell Boom Church of Christ, where Lincoln (a great friend of the team) is the new preacher. The church there is less than a year old.

After worship they had the choice of cave tubing or relaxing at the hotel. The cave tube trip is really neat. You go for a short hike through the jungle and then float back through an underground river armed with a inner-tube and head-lamp. After that the team will organize all the med supplies, have an evening devo and prepare for tomorrow's clinic. It will be in Burrell Boom since the congregation there is newly planted. This will give us an opportunity to minister to the community and hopefully build some goodwill for the church.

Pray for our safety. Todd and I leave Columbia tomorrow at 3:30 AM so my next post will come from Belize.

Belize, Day 1

As custom, this week my blog will be transformed into the Belize Mission Blog. I'll try to keep you updated daily assuming I can get Internet access. Of course, day one is a little tough to write about because I'm still in the States. The team left early this morning but Todd and I stayed back to handle some responsibilities at church. We'll meet up with them on Monday.

I did tell the team to keep me updated until then. Here's the three text messages I've received so far...

12:50 PM (Nashville)--This is Tiffany...i left my stethoscope. I was wondering could u meet my sis & bring it with u on mon. She will meet u wherever.

3:56 PM (Dallas)--We are stuck in dallas with a flat tire been sitting on the plane for an hour. Gary A.

7:55 PM (Belize City)--Customs went smooth, lady very friendly. Gary A.

So I assume they are there safe and sound. Right now I would suspect everyone is resting from the travel and getting ready to attend services at the Belize City Church of Christ in the morning. Booker is speaking again this year and I wish I was there. They quoted him throughout the entire week last year..."how far is far?" :)

God of this City

One of my new favorites...

More from Unchristian

Following a section where the researchers show that the Christian faith doesn't enjoy the same favorable perceptions it did a decade ago, they write...

The primary reason outsiders feel hostile toward Christians, and especially conservative Christians, is not because of any specific theological perspective. What they react negatively to is our "swagger," how we go about things and the sense of self-importance we project. Outsiders say that Christians possess bark--and bite. Christians may not normally operate in attack mode, but it happens frequently enough that others have learned to watch their step around us. Outsiders feel they can't let Christians walk over them.

One of the surprising insights from our research is that the growing hostility toward Christians is very much a reflection of the what outsiders feel they receive from believers. They say their aggression simply matches the oversized opinions and egos of Christians. One outsider put it this way: "Most people I meet assume that Christian means very conservative, entrenched in their thinking, antigay, antichoice, angry, violent, illogical, empire builders; they want to convert everyone, and they generally cannot live peacefully with anyone who doesn't believe what they believe."

Ouch.

Unchristian

I just started this book tonight. It's about the perceptions of Christianity among outsiders (atheists, agnostics, adherents to other religions) and young people (16 to 29 yr olds). The research is sobering, but it's a reality we must face. This is from the first chapter...

Our research shows that many of those outside of Christianity, especially younger adults, have little trust in the Christian faith, and esteem for the lifestyle of Christ followers is quickly fading among outsiders. They admit their emotional and intellectual barriers go up when they are around Christians, and they reject Jesus because they feel rejected by Christians. I will describe how and why this is happening in this book, but for the moment think about what this means. It changes the tenor of people's discussions about Christianity. It alters their willingness to commit their lives to Jesus.

I'm sure some of the negative perceptions of Christianity are due to our message. The ideals of truth and redemption can run counter-culture with today's values. But I'm also sure the messengers (us) carry our fair share of responsibility. Our inability to present those values in a loving and kind way has not helped. If anything we've more deeply ingrained some the negative impressions people have of the Christian faith. I've talked to many people who have almost given up entirely on faith because of bad experiences they've had with the church or Christian people. I usually encourage them to try not to base their understanding of Jesus on the weaknesses of his followers. But it can be a tough sell.

More later...

Baptists and Baptism

I always feel sorry for the Southern Baptists this time of year. It's annual convention time and typically all their debates over lessor issues spill into the papers. Of course I know a little of how they feel. Writing about disagreements over baptisms or music just makes for more interesting reading. The main issue (in either fellowship) is Christ, but it's hard to pull a news story out of "today all the Christians agreed that Jesus is Lord."

Anyway, I ran across a story yesterday in the Tennessean about the six pastors who are vying to become the next president of the convention. It said they were unified on the need to increase baptisms but split on this issue..."The International Mission Board insists new missionary candidates must be baptized in a Southern Baptist Church or a church holding Southern Baptist views."

I assume that means baptized believers from other fellowships would not be welcome until they are rebaptized. I disagree with that position. I believe that baptism is "into Christ" (Gal 3:26-29) and not into one particular fellowship or denomination. The name on the building is not what's important, it's the heart of the believer. If someone is sincerely repenting of their sins and confessing Jesus as Lord than where the baptism occurs is of little importance.

Of course before I go too far in my criticism, I need to admit that my fellowship has adhered to similar policies. We just didn't put it in writing. We've also insisted that missionary candidates be baptized in one of our churches. So there's something we share in common. I actually met a couple recently who were looking for a church home. He was raised Baptist. She was raised Church of Christ. Both were faithful Christians and baptized believers. They tried her church for a while until they told him that to become a member he had to get rebaptized. So they tried his church for a while until they told her that to become a member she had to get rebaptized. Whew!

Hopefully all that's beginning to change. At Maury Hills we do expect our members to be baptized, but we don't require rebaptism. If someone is baptized "into Christ" than we accept them as fellow Christians, regardless of where that baptism occurred. It looks like the Southern Baptist Convention is heading that way too. The newly elected president disagrees with their current position and wants to reverse the decision. I hope he does. Then we can all put the emphasis back where it belongs...on Christ.

Issues

Richard Halverson (former chaplin of the US Senate) wrote...

Some theological scholars have been insisting that the critical issue in the church is what we believe about Jesus Christ. In a very basic sense, he has always been the critical issue in the church and, for that matter, history. Invariably and inevitably, when anything else is made the issue, it tends to divide those for whom Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. One way to look at this is that when other issues are allowed to polarize those for whom Christ is Lord, that issue, whatever it is, is elevated to a position of greater importance than Christ Himself. One eminent scholar for whom I have profound admiration and respect put it this way: "Whatever you make the issue, you make the idol."

What issues have we made into idols?

Riverwood

I spoke at the Riverwood Church of Christ last night as part of their Summer Series. It's a church that's been drastically affected by "urban flight." In the 50's and 60's the Inglewood community was one of the premier neighborhoods in Nashville. The church was booming with 800+ members and three major building expansions. But as Nashville continued to grow and push further out, many of the members moved to the suburbs. Today about 250 fill the massive auditorium on Sunday mornings. It's a situation that's been repeated numerous times in many metropolitan churches. Most of which either close up for move with their members.

Riverwood is a little different. They're staying put. I'm sure church growth experts would advise them to move to the suburbs and start over, but they feel called to serve right where they've been planted. They're not giving up. Instead, they're dreaming of new ways to reach the diverse community that's grown up around them and looking for more creative uses of their facilities. I applaud their dedication and hope that they are blessed with many more years of ministry to the Inglewood community.

Too many urban churches pull out and move to the suburbs. I understand that sometimes it's necessary, but where does that leave ministry in the city?

Change or Die

Yesterday's Tennessean featured an interview with the outgoing president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was talking specifically about their fellowship, but his comments are applicable to many other evangelical fellowships. Here's a few excerpts...

The Rev. Frank Page has a warning for Southern Baptists.

Change or die.

The outgoing Southern Baptist Convention president predicts that unless drastic measures are taken, more than half of the Southern Baptist churches will die in the next two decades.
"If we don't start paying attention to the realities … by the year 2030, we will be proud to have 20,000 rather than 44,000 Southern Baptist churches,'' Page said.

Page believes the 16.2 million-member convention faces the same challenges that bedeviled other Protestant denominations — lower birthrates, aging demographics and a culture increasingly hostile to Christianity. In response, churches tend to circle the wagons and hang on for dear life.

Page outlined his concerns in a recent interview and in a new book, The Incredible Shrinking Church.

"You've got massive numbers," he said, "maybe not a majority but massive numbers of evangelical churches out there, yes, Southern Baptists also, who are small groups of older white people holding on till they die."

Even though the Baptists have seen growth among Hispanic, African-American and Asian congregations, more outreach is needed. Page said the convention must embrace diversity if it hopes to survive. It must be more welcoming to ethnic groups and younger generations.
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One of Page's major tasks as president has been to change the public image of the convention. Too many people perceive Southern Baptists as mean-spirited, angry conservatives, he said. That image, he believes, is based on political talking heads and Republican culture warriors, and not on the actions of ordinary Southern Baptists.

He's particularly angered at the actions of Westboro Baptist Church, a Kansas-based congregation known for spewing hatred toward homosexuals and for protesting at military funerals.

"People have said, 'Does it bother you that they are called Baptist?' " he said. "I say, it bothers me even more that they are called a church. Remove the Baptist from the issue or the argument. To call yourself a church should hold you to a very high calling and high standard that they do not live to."

But Page also has distanced himself from the kind of abrasive politics of pastors like the late Jerry Falwell.

"Most Southern Baptists cringe when his name was even mentioned," he said. "Because they knew he was presenting a persona that didn't connect with most Southern Baptists."

Still, Page makes clear that he remains a conservative on many social issues. He thinks abortion should be illegal, and says that Christians have a duty to protect unborn children. In his congregation, however, he spends little time talking about overturning Roe v. Wade. Instead, he focuses on how the church can help women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

The church supports a local women's center and a local adoption agency, both with volunteers and with finances. And Page says church members love and support women facing an unplanned pregnancy, no matter what choice they make.

"If they choose to get an abortion, and they get it, as some in this church have had," he said, "do we crucify them? Of course not. We love them. We help them deal with the decision they have made and move past. If they choose to give that baby up from adoption, we take them into our houses, we help them, we say we are going to care for them."
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He describes himself as cautiously optimistic, believing that most Baptists would rather love their neighbors than bash them with the Bible.

[read the full article]