It's been a while friends. I've recently updated and re organized my blog so it will be easier for you to keep a pulse on how things are progressing. It's certainly been an incredible adventure for me over the last few months. I've been traveling since Oct. 21 until 2 days ago. It started in New Haven and took me to LA, Denver, Orlando, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, back to Connecticut, back to Texas, and finally home to New Haven. It has been an incredible 6 weeks.
All of this traveling has been for Ten Thousand Homes, which is the team I work with that is working to eventually end the Orphan Crisis in Southern Africa. As I've traveled and seen the generous and humbling response of people from various backgrounds, I can't help but get excited. I've loved the seeing "the light turn on" for people in regards to Africa. This is something bigger than I can imagine. It's bigger than a brand, it's bigger than a group of committed believers. This is a MOVEMENT! Ordinary people who think it's possible to end the Orphan Crisis and who think it's not OK that there are an estimated 16 million orphans in sub-saharan Africa. People of Faith and Hope - this is our moment!
I know it sounds impossible, but just imagine if we paid as much attention to Africa as we do to Tiger Woods crashing his car? Would there still be an Orphan Crisis? What if our paradigm changed and we no longer saw Africa as "that place" with "those problem", but as a continent waiting to unleash it's love on the world? We need Africa and it's beauty. I sometimes wonder how history will look upon us in regards to Africa and the Orphan Crisis?
This isn't to say that I don't fight my own enemies of apathy, ignorance, fear, & selfishness. We all do I suppose. The call to the ordinary is louder than ever. The only question that remains is this: Is it worth it? Is God worth it? Is Africa worth it? Faith, Hope, and Love, but the greatest of these is LOVE.
Another world is possible.
With Hope,
David
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
20 Kilometers = $3000
Dear Friends,
As most of you know, I'm a runner. I love it. It's a bit of sanity for me in a hectic world.
On Monday September 7th (less than a week), I'll be running a half-marathon-that's 20 kilometers-in the New Haven Road Race. I've also decided to make it a chance to raise money for Ten Thousand Homes and help bring HOPE and Homes to Africa's orphan and vulnerable children.
It's a simple. For ever step I take, it's a chance for US to engage the orphan crisis and make a difference in lives of so many children. If you think you don't have much to give let's look at what $3 can do:
-$3 buys a brick that will help build a home or care center
-$3 is about how much it costs to feed 1 of the 500 kids we serve every week.
Now, imagine what $3000 could do?
You can also sponsor a kilometer for $150. You can give $3 or $3000 - it all counts.
Click here to see far we've come and how far we have to go:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/fundraising_pledges/83785?m=3b936851
Thanks for giving and making a difference!
With Hope,
David
As most of you know, I'm a runner. I love it. It's a bit of sanity for me in a hectic world.
On Monday September 7th (less than a week), I'll be running a half-marathon-that's 20 kilometers-in the New Haven Road Race. I've also decided to make it a chance to raise money for Ten Thousand Homes and help bring HOPE and Homes to Africa's orphan and vulnerable children.
It's a simple. For ever step I take, it's a chance for US to engage the orphan crisis and make a difference in lives of so many children. If you think you don't have much to give let's look at what $3 can do:
-$3 buys a brick that will help build a home or care center
-$3 is about how much it costs to feed 1 of the 500 kids we serve every week.
Now, imagine what $3000 could do?
You can also sponsor a kilometer for $150. You can give $3 or $3000 - it all counts.
Click here to see far we've come and how far we have to go:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/fundraising_pledges/83785?m=3b936851
Thanks for giving and making a difference!
With Hope,
David
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Update 7/09 - Love is Recession Proof
Dear Friend!
Hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer. Most of you are sweating buckets I’m sure and thanking God for the man who invented air conditioning! I don’t blame you. It truly is a modern marvel!
I know that communication has been slow over the past few months since I’ve been back from my last trip to South Africa. You can have a look at our website www.tenthousandhomes.org or our blog: www.tenthousandhomes.blogspot.com and see what we’ve been up to.
In the midst of economic down turn for so many, it’s good to know that love is recession proof. Orphans still need a place to call HOME. The hungry can still be fed. As we seek to bring home to Africa's orphaned and vulnerable - we are seeing the orphan become much more than simply a forgotten victim, but rather agents of change, full of joy, resilience, and bringing Christ to those around them. Thank you very much for your investment into me, our mission, and seeing HOME come to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa. Love is recession proof.
We couldn't do this without you.
With Love and Gratitude,
David
PS. If you'd like to give - please makes checks payable to YWAM and mail to:
YWAM Tyler
Attn: Accounting
P.O. Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX 75771
And put a note in the envelope specifying the fund for me.
Hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer. Most of you are sweating buckets I’m sure and thanking God for the man who invented air conditioning! I don’t blame you. It truly is a modern marvel!
I know that communication has been slow over the past few months since I’ve been back from my last trip to South Africa. You can have a look at our website www.tenthousandhomes.org or our blog: www.tenthousandhomes.blogspot.com and see what we’ve been up to.
In the midst of economic down turn for so many, it’s good to know that love is recession proof. Orphans still need a place to call HOME. The hungry can still be fed. As we seek to bring home to Africa's orphaned and vulnerable - we are seeing the orphan become much more than simply a forgotten victim, but rather agents of change, full of joy, resilience, and bringing Christ to those around them. Thank you very much for your investment into me, our mission, and seeing HOME come to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa. Love is recession proof.
We couldn't do this without you.
With Love and Gratitude,
David
PS. If you'd like to give - please makes checks payable to YWAM and mail to:
YWAM Tyler
Attn: Accounting
P.O. Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX 75771
And put a note in the envelope specifying the fund for me.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Africa and Back.
Hello Friends!
Hopefully spring has sprung for most of you! Here in New England all we have is whispers that there is this season called SPRING! I have hope, that just as every other year, it will arrive.
I’m back from Africa….yet again. Coming and going from Africa has it’s beauty, it’s pilgrimage, and it’s mission, but I have no romantic ideas of what international travel is like. However I was fortunate to have good friend donate an upgrade to me! WOW! What a donation!!! I still have dreams about that seat and it’s comfortable leather, the elbow room, the leg room, the real silverwear, a seat that actually reclined…It’s the little things! For anyone who’s been on a commercial flight, I’m sure this resonates in the deepest part of your soul! (just had to share that!)
Upon arriving in Africa I learned that we had no running water. Ok, fair enough….it’s Africa. People have lived centuries without running water…Come on, I’ve bathed in rivers and buckets. No biggie right?! I can handle this for a few days. 3 and a half weeks later…I had a grand total of about 6 showers. Needless to say, I tried not to smell myself very much. I’m pretty sure I could feel myself ripening.
In spite of the absence of cleanliness, I think I’m coming away with a new perspective
on what we’re fighting for in Africa. Malachi 4:6 describes the Day of the Lord as “turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers”. To me that means that God’s idea of a good time is seeing families restored; seeing the lonely in families; the orphan in a place to belong. I found it incredibly encouraging to know that each time a child arrives at a care center and receives a hot meal, clean clothes and is able to let down their guard- that day becomes the “Day of the Lord”. God has a good day!(It’s probably more like a celebration!) What a cool thing to be a part of?! Giving some of the most vulnerable children on the planet a place to belong. That really is a good day!
Much Love,
David
PS. I also want to say thanks to my friend Aleen Kim from New York, for coming to visit our team in South Africa. It’s always encouraging to have someone spend their time, money, and energy on something you believe in and walk a few miles in your shoes.
Hopefully spring has sprung for most of you! Here in New England all we have is whispers that there is this season called SPRING! I have hope, that just as every other year, it will arrive.
I’m back from Africa….yet again. Coming and going from Africa has it’s beauty, it’s pilgrimage, and it’s mission, but I have no romantic ideas of what international travel is like. However I was fortunate to have good friend donate an upgrade to me! WOW! What a donation!!! I still have dreams about that seat and it’s comfortable leather, the elbow room, the leg room, the real silverwear, a seat that actually reclined…It’s the little things! For anyone who’s been on a commercial flight, I’m sure this resonates in the deepest part of your soul! (just had to share that!)
Upon arriving in Africa I learned that we had no running water. Ok, fair enough….it’s Africa. People have lived centuries without running water…Come on, I’ve bathed in rivers and buckets. No biggie right?! I can handle this for a few days. 3 and a half weeks later…I had a grand total of about 6 showers. Needless to say, I tried not to smell myself very much. I’m pretty sure I could feel myself ripening.
In spite of the absence of cleanliness, I think I’m coming away with a new perspective
on what we’re fighting for in Africa. Malachi 4:6 describes the Day of the Lord as “turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers”. To me that means that God’s idea of a good time is seeing families restored; seeing the lonely in families; the orphan in a place to belong. I found it incredibly encouraging to know that each time a child arrives at a care center and receives a hot meal, clean clothes and is able to let down their guard- that day becomes the “Day of the Lord”. God has a good day!(It’s probably more like a celebration!) What a cool thing to be a part of?! Giving some of the most vulnerable children on the planet a place to belong. That really is a good day!Much Love,
David
PS. I also want to say thanks to my friend Aleen Kim from New York, for coming to visit our team in South Africa. It’s always encouraging to have someone spend their time, money, and energy on something you believe in and walk a few miles in your shoes.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Africa Feb. 16
Hola Amigos!
Hello from South Africa…yes, I’m back here again. It’s been a hectic few weeks since the Holidays. Just have a look at my travel schedule on the right and that should pretty much fill you in on things. Now that I’ve made it back to Africa I feel like I can finally hear myself, and God a bit more clearly. I suppose I shouldn’t be that surprised, that so much of the “white noise” disappears. For me, there aren’t nearly as many things to demand my attention – distractions that trick me into thinking that they will actually give me life or restore my soul.
A STORY OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.
In the midst of the hectic schedule, I’ve been really privileged to see God’s faithfulness to me…Particularly with this trip to Africa. Financially it was tight, so I didn’t really feel like it would be wise or that I was to risk putting this trip on a credit card. Then, out of the blue, a friend of Houston, rather unexpectedly, donated almost exactly the amount I needed for the flight! Living life on the edge of God’s great adventure is scary and fulfilling all at the same time. I’m blown away when things like this happen. To be honest, I don’t really have the words. Thank you just doesn’t feel adequate. Especially, in the midst of so much economic struggle across America. The simple fact that someone went against the advice of so many and gave generously and extravagantly is a reflection of God’s heart for His people.
To top things off…my flight from London to Johannesburg was canceled until the following day due to the about 2 inches of snow. (Seriously, 2 inches!) Anyway, a day and half in Heathrow Airport isn’t exactly my idea of a fun time. Fortunately, I’ve got “people”. My good friend Ken from New Haven was flying in from the USA the same time and was being picked up by our close mutual friend, Johnny, who lives in London. So I ended up in a warm home with friends, good food, and a warm bed – Many thanks to Johnny, Lisa, Pete and Gabi!
I’m always amazed how God shows His faithfulness to me…via His people.
Much Love,
David
PS. By the way, London is really beautiful in the snow!
Hello from South Africa…yes, I’m back here again. It’s been a hectic few weeks since the Holidays. Just have a look at my travel schedule on the right and that should pretty much fill you in on things. Now that I’ve made it back to Africa I feel like I can finally hear myself, and God a bit more clearly. I suppose I shouldn’t be that surprised, that so much of the “white noise” disappears. For me, there aren’t nearly as many things to demand my attention – distractions that trick me into thinking that they will actually give me life or restore my soul.
A STORY OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.
In the midst of the hectic schedule, I’ve been really privileged to see God’s faithfulness to me…Particularly with this trip to Africa. Financially it was tight, so I didn’t really feel like it would be wise or that I was to risk putting this trip on a credit card. Then, out of the blue, a friend of Houston, rather unexpectedly, donated almost exactly the amount I needed for the flight! Living life on the edge of God’s great adventure is scary and fulfilling all at the same time. I’m blown away when things like this happen. To be honest, I don’t really have the words. Thank you just doesn’t feel adequate. Especially, in the midst of so much economic struggle across America. The simple fact that someone went against the advice of so many and gave generously and extravagantly is a reflection of God’s heart for His people.
To top things off…my flight from London to Johannesburg was canceled until the following day due to the about 2 inches of snow. (Seriously, 2 inches!) Anyway, a day and half in Heathrow Airport isn’t exactly my idea of a fun time. Fortunately, I’ve got “people”. My good friend Ken from New Haven was flying in from the USA the same time and was being picked up by our close mutual friend, Johnny, who lives in London. So I ended up in a warm home with friends, good food, and a warm bed – Many thanks to Johnny, Lisa, Pete and Gabi!
I’m always amazed how God shows His faithfulness to me…via His people.
Much Love,
David
PS. By the way, London is really beautiful in the snow!
Friday, January 23, 2009
A New Year - Jubilee?
Hello Friends!
Happy New Year! Can you believe we are 3 weeks into 2009?!
Most have us have probably been keeping up with the news and realize that the word “recession” is what is being used to describe our current economic situation. We’ve all seen the “for sale” signs on homes. We all have heard of, or experienced, a recent job loss. And there’s not much talk of an up swing in the near future. I guess this isn’t much reason to look forward to the new year. And we’ve all probably wondered if it will actually be “happy” at all!
In times like these the natural thing to do is simply hunker down and survive. It’s simple dollars & cents preservation. However I keep thinking, what would Jesus do in a recession? Would he just weather the storm or would he be even more radical? Would he give more? Would he share more of his food, his life, his time, his energy? Would he feed more hungry people? Would he heal more sick people? I somehow think Jesus was The Great Revolutionist and would move in the opposite spirit of the times. After all when everybody wanted him to be a military hero and liberate a nation, he instead hung out with little unknown nobody’s – the under belly of Jewish culture – beyond simple prostitutes and cheaters, but also a known terrorist (Simon, the Zealot). The upper crust wasn’t exactly in his entourage. He was just a carpenter. Probably scruffy and bearded (sort of like me at the moment). He didn’t really seem to come off as the guy trying to get his hands on the levers of power.
So it stands to reason, that in a time when the instinct is to fortify our lives and survive this time of perceived lack I would venture to say that Jesus would be even more generous! Over and over thru the story of God and his people, the most opposite solution seemed to win.
So here’s what I propose - my new years resolution of sorts - to be more generous that ever before. And I would love you to hold me to it. Not just with my time or energy, but with everything – yes, even money. We all need to trust God, whether we raise our own finances or we have a steady paycheck.
Yes, it’s scary. But we serve a generous God. So, do we have a deal?
Much Love,
Dave
Happy New Year! Can you believe we are 3 weeks into 2009?!
Most have us have probably been keeping up with the news and realize that the word “recession” is what is being used to describe our current economic situation. We’ve all seen the “for sale” signs on homes. We all have heard of, or experienced, a recent job loss. And there’s not much talk of an up swing in the near future. I guess this isn’t much reason to look forward to the new year. And we’ve all probably wondered if it will actually be “happy” at all!
In times like these the natural thing to do is simply hunker down and survive. It’s simple dollars & cents preservation. However I keep thinking, what would Jesus do in a recession? Would he just weather the storm or would he be even more radical? Would he give more? Would he share more of his food, his life, his time, his energy? Would he feed more hungry people? Would he heal more sick people? I somehow think Jesus was The Great Revolutionist and would move in the opposite spirit of the times. After all when everybody wanted him to be a military hero and liberate a nation, he instead hung out with little unknown nobody’s – the under belly of Jewish culture – beyond simple prostitutes and cheaters, but also a known terrorist (Simon, the Zealot). The upper crust wasn’t exactly in his entourage. He was just a carpenter. Probably scruffy and bearded (sort of like me at the moment). He didn’t really seem to come off as the guy trying to get his hands on the levers of power.
So it stands to reason, that in a time when the instinct is to fortify our lives and survive this time of perceived lack I would venture to say that Jesus would be even more generous! Over and over thru the story of God and his people, the most opposite solution seemed to win.
So here’s what I propose - my new years resolution of sorts - to be more generous that ever before. And I would love you to hold me to it. Not just with my time or energy, but with everything – yes, even money. We all need to trust God, whether we raise our own finances or we have a steady paycheck.
Yes, it’s scary. But we serve a generous God. So, do we have a deal?
Much Love,
Dave
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