10.27.2010

Church Camp in Liberia

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” --Luke 10:2 (NIV)

The understanding that we are called and that we are sent is at the foundation of our faith. The scriptures are full of stories of persons who responded to a call and were sent on mission for God. Jesus spent his ministry calling persons and sending them on God's mission. Putting our faith into action is at the very heart of our Christian calling. The New Testament instructs those who would be followers of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless, heal the sick, care for the widows, and nurture the children.

I can’t tell you how excited I am about what God is doing right now in my life. There’s too much to put into a letter, so I’ll just highlight one of the more significant opportunities I’ve been given recently.

I have the privilege to take a mission trip to Liberia, Africa this December. And I’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider supporting me as I venture out to share God’s Word on this trip with the people in Liberia. I know it will be life-changing for me.

I will be busy! We’ll be training adults and direct the first church camp ever held in the Gompa District of the United Methodist Church. This will include ministering to orphans, discipling and encouraging the pastors who are a part of our United Methodist family. Along with the District Superintendant of the Gompa District, Rev. James Labala and his wife, Anna plans have been made for one hundred, twelve through eighteen year olds to attend church camp in Ganta, Liberia.

Less than a decade ago this age group would have been carrying machetes in skirmishes and a “church camp” was a refugee camp where they may have been fortunate to find safety. The children coming to camp grew up in the savagery of civil war that tore apart the county.

Ganta is Liberia's second most-populated town and is located in the far north, near the border of Guinea in Nimba County. Ganta suffered heavy blows during both civil wars and much of Ganta United Methodist School was destroyed in 2003.

Here’s where YOU come in. I need to raise $4,200 for this Mission Trip. This will cover the expenses of ALL of the youth that attend camp and the cost of transportation 36 hour journey from Houston to Ganta.

I’m also in desperate need of a group of people who will pray for me…even now! Asking God to prepare me and equip me for this time overseas. I’m trusting God to do far more than I could ask for or imagine. Please join me in praying for the same thing.

Thanks again in advance for partnering with me. I simply cannot do this without your support!

If you have any questions about my trip you can either contact me directly (936-288-1698) or by e-mail drunnels@lufkinfirst.com.



10.25.2010

10, 20. 30 years ago...music

What was I listening to 10, 20, 30 years ago this month? Here's a look at what i was really listening to and a bonus "what I wish I was cool enough to be listeing to."

October 2000

Listening to:

Stankonia- OutKast
America III: Solitary Man- Johnny Cash
All that You Can't Leave Behind- U2

Wish I would have already discovered:

PJ Harvey- Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea

October 1990

Listening to:

Paul Simon- The Rhythm of the Saints
Traveling Wilburys- Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3
Skinny Puppy- Too Dark Park

Wish I would have already discovered:

Hindu Love Gods- Hindu Love Gods

October 1980

Listening to:

Xanadu Soundtrack
Urban Cowboy Soundtrack

Wish I had already discovered:

U2- Boy
The Police- Zenyatta Mondatta