A few words about the orientation evening we had a few weeks back on January 16th. A post for this evening sort of got forgotten amidst all the hype of the fund raising dinner that was held that same week.
iHola! Mi nombre es. It was good to finally put a face to the names of at least 5 of the other 6 team members. Tom Van Maanen accompanied by his wife, Brian and Amanda Luth, Jennifer VanDoodewaard and her brother Rob VanDoodewaard made the journey to Hamilton from St. Thomas to get a run down of the upcoming trip to Colombia. The other team member who will be joining us is Gary Degeus from British Colombia. His fluency in Spanish will be a tremendous asset to the team. I should also mention Rick Postma and Diana Alblas of Word and Deed Ministries. They are the ones leading and organizing the mission. Rachel Pennings was also on hand. She has made numerous and extended trips to Colombia on behalf of Word and Deed.
Rick Postma opened the evening with Scripture and prayer. He then spoke some encouraging words. Reminding us to put our love and gratitude to the Lord for what He has done for us into action and to serve Him. Not only are we to build a medical clinic but we are to shower 60 young girls with love and attention and encourage the CDA staff by reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. We are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Diana then led us in some team building exercises, encouraging us to introduce ourselves in Spanish. iHola! Mi nombre es __________. In this way we got to know a bit about each other, as each got a turn speaking of our hopes, our strengths, our likes and dislikes. All have been given a gift to serve and it is our hope and prayer that in serving together our Lord will be glorified and that the team, the mission and those we come in contact with will be blessed. A team whose hope and trust lies in the Lord will find blessing and will be blessed.(Psalm 20; Psalm 40:4)
Rachel offered her insights and answered questions as to what we could expect. Her enthusiasm and excitement when speaking about the girl’s home and the all the work being done in Colombia was of great encouragement.
Practical matters such as airline tickets, flight schedules, what to bring, accommodations and our daily activities while we are at the home were also discussed.
Tom closed for us in prayer and we bid each other adieu.
As the time draws closer for us to leave, please continue to pray for us and our families. Pray that all would go well and the Lord would keep us safe.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Additions to the Blog
You may have noticed some subtle changes to the blog. And if you've really been diligent in viewing, you may have even noticed some experimenting with some different lay outs. One change worth noting in the column to the left. Is the addition of some links to a few Word and Deed articles relating to the work being done in Colombia. Please do take the time to read through these.
Please, also continue to pray that preparations for the trip would continue to go smoothly. That all the necessary documents would be in place and that God would strengthen us for the task at hand. (Psalm 67)
Please, also continue to pray that preparations for the trip would continue to go smoothly. That all the necessary documents would be in place and that God would strengthen us for the task at hand. (Psalm 67)
Family Skate
On January 27th we were able to enjoy a family skate. It was nice to see all the children enjoying themselves. I think they especially enjoyed the hot chocolate and timbits.
Evident in the attendance of those who came, was the broad spectrum of the reformed communities. I believe this to be an acknowledgement of Word and Deed Ministries and the work they are doing in the developing world.
Thanks to all who came out and shared their well wishes with us.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Daily Devotional
Beginning Friday, January 26th, the mission team will be following along a 30 day devotional schedule. This devotional schedule will take us to the end of our trip.
For those who would like to participate with us in this devotional the schedule is as follows.
January
26. Spiritual Renewal for Service---- Psalm 51
27. Taking Time to Pray-------------- Mark 1:35-37
28. The Word and the Way-------------Psalm 119
29. The Power to Serve -------------- Acts 1:1-12; Eph. 5:18
30. Blessed to Be a Blessing--------- Psalm 67
31. Here I Am. Let me Go!------------ Isaiah 6: 1-12
February
1. Attitude of Humility ------------ Philippians 2: 1-16
2. Availability Plus Christ--------- John 6 1-14
3. Empowered to Serve--------------- Matthew 28: 16-20
4. The Lost Sheep/Coin/Son---------- Luke 15: 1-32
5. The Unlikely Witness------------- John 4: 1-42
6. The Harvest---------------------- Matthew 9: 26-38
7. Spiritual Courage---------------- Acts 4: 1-31
8. Revive Us Again------------------Psalm 85
9. Overcoming Difficulties---------- Numbers 13: 25-33
10. Jesus’ Travel Advice------------- Luke 10: 1-20
11. True Greatness ----------------- Matthew 20: 20-28
12. Abiding in Christ---------------- John 15 : 1-11
13. Facing Your Fears---------------- Luke 12:22-34
14. Peace in the Storm--------------- Philippians 4: 8-20
15. Lessons from Jonah--------------- Jonah 1 : 1-3; 3: 1-10; 4: 1-11
16. Serving with Gladness------------ Psalm 100
17. Loving the Lost------------------ John 21 : 15-23
18. Dedicated Service---------------- Romans 12
19. Getting Along with Others-------- 1 Thessalonians 5 : 11-18
20. Calling and Obedience------------ Genesis 12 : 1-4
21. God’s Wisdom--------------------- 1 Corinthians 1: 18 to 2:5
22. The Power of the Word------------ Romans 10: 9-17’
23. The Word Became Flesh------------ John 1: 1-18
24. Proclaim Liberty to the Captives-- Isaiah 6: 1-6; Luke 4: 16-21
For those who would like to participate with us in this devotional the schedule is as follows.
January
26. Spiritual Renewal for Service---- Psalm 51
27. Taking Time to Pray-------------- Mark 1:35-37
28. The Word and the Way-------------Psalm 119
29. The Power to Serve -------------- Acts 1:1-12; Eph. 5:18
30. Blessed to Be a Blessing--------- Psalm 67
31. Here I Am. Let me Go!------------ Isaiah 6: 1-12
February
1. Attitude of Humility ------------ Philippians 2: 1-16
2. Availability Plus Christ--------- John 6 1-14
3. Empowered to Serve--------------- Matthew 28: 16-20
4. The Lost Sheep/Coin/Son---------- Luke 15: 1-32
5. The Unlikely Witness------------- John 4: 1-42
6. The Harvest---------------------- Matthew 9: 26-38
7. Spiritual Courage---------------- Acts 4: 1-31
8. Revive Us Again------------------Psalm 85
9. Overcoming Difficulties---------- Numbers 13: 25-33
10. Jesus’ Travel Advice------------- Luke 10: 1-20
11. True Greatness ----------------- Matthew 20: 20-28
12. Abiding in Christ---------------- John 15 : 1-11
13. Facing Your Fears---------------- Luke 12:22-34
14. Peace in the Storm--------------- Philippians 4: 8-20
15. Lessons from Jonah--------------- Jonah 1 : 1-3; 3: 1-10; 4: 1-11
16. Serving with Gladness------------ Psalm 100
17. Loving the Lost------------------ John 21 : 15-23
18. Dedicated Service---------------- Romans 12
19. Getting Along with Others-------- 1 Thessalonians 5 : 11-18
20. Calling and Obedience------------ Genesis 12 : 1-4
21. God’s Wisdom--------------------- 1 Corinthians 1: 18 to 2:5
22. The Power of the Word------------ Romans 10: 9-17’
23. The Word Became Flesh------------ John 1: 1-18
24. Proclaim Liberty to the Captives-- Isaiah 6: 1-6; Luke 4: 16-21
Monday, January 22, 2007
What a Night!
What a Night! What a dinner! The January 20th fund raising dinner went off with out a hitch.
After weeks of planning and preparation the day had finally come for the night of the big dinner. It’s an amazing thing to see the community spring into action and make this all happen. We give thanks to God and give thanks to all the ladies and gentleman who helped prepare for this night. To all those who donated and gathered the necessary foods, to those who decorated the hall and set the tables, to those who peeled the potatoes, organized the kitchen, cooked the food and helped clean up. Many, many thanks!
There was a buzz in the air as the night began to unfold. The atmosphere was set, the lighting dimmed, and the sound of piano music serenading in the background. As the people mingled, you could see the anticipation in their eyes. This was going to be a special night.
Little did they know behind the scenes there were a nerves bunch of servers and kitchen staff busy receiving their last minute instructions. This was it! The time had come. Dinner needed to be served.
Once everyone had settled into their seats, our master of ceremonies welcomed the guests and thanked them for coming. Dinner was opened in a christian manner reading from God’s Word and offering up prayer. Reading from Psalm 8, we were able to reflect on the how it is from the mouths of children God has ordained praise, and how God is working in the hearts and lives of the young girls at the CDA Girl’s Home in Colombia.
The wait staff looked particularly handsome as they served dinner in their bow ties and smart looking aprons. It’s easy to look good when you have a dedicated bunch of ladies all working feverishly and unnoticed in the kitchen. Thank You!
Also on hand was our featured guests the 8 Smaaklijk singing group. The harmony, and beauty of their voices rang through the hall, melodiously offering up praise to God. Certainly this was a highlight to the evening.
During the singing the busy ladies even found some time to take a break.
And between sets, 8 Smaaklijk, looked to be recruiting a new member.
From the mission team, a big thank you to all who came out and made this such a great event. The event was held to raise money, but money does not compare to the sharing of laughter and the smiles we saw that evening. The words of support and encouragement we received are every bit as important to us, as we prepare to go out and share the love and mercy of Christ, to those in need. Please continue to pray for us and our families, that God may keep us, bless us and cause us to be a blessing
After weeks of planning and preparation the day had finally come for the night of the big dinner. It’s an amazing thing to see the community spring into action and make this all happen. We give thanks to God and give thanks to all the ladies and gentleman who helped prepare for this night. To all those who donated and gathered the necessary foods, to those who decorated the hall and set the tables, to those who peeled the potatoes, organized the kitchen, cooked the food and helped clean up. Many, many thanks!
There was a buzz in the air as the night began to unfold. The atmosphere was set, the lighting dimmed, and the sound of piano music serenading in the background. As the people mingled, you could see the anticipation in their eyes. This was going to be a special night.
Little did they know behind the scenes there were a nerves bunch of servers and kitchen staff busy receiving their last minute instructions. This was it! The time had come. Dinner needed to be served.
Once everyone had settled into their seats, our master of ceremonies welcomed the guests and thanked them for coming. Dinner was opened in a christian manner reading from God’s Word and offering up prayer. Reading from Psalm 8, we were able to reflect on the how it is from the mouths of children God has ordained praise, and how God is working in the hearts and lives of the young girls at the CDA Girl’s Home in Colombia.
The wait staff looked particularly handsome as they served dinner in their bow ties and smart looking aprons. It’s easy to look good when you have a dedicated bunch of ladies all working feverishly and unnoticed in the kitchen. Thank You!
Also on hand was our featured guests the 8 Smaaklijk singing group. The harmony, and beauty of their voices rang through the hall, melodiously offering up praise to God. Certainly this was a highlight to the evening.
During the singing the busy ladies even found some time to take a break.
And between sets, 8 Smaaklijk, looked to be recruiting a new member.
From the mission team, a big thank you to all who came out and made this such a great event. The event was held to raise money, but money does not compare to the sharing of laughter and the smiles we saw that evening. The words of support and encouragement we received are every bit as important to us, as we prepare to go out and share the love and mercy of Christ, to those in need. Please continue to pray for us and our families, that God may keep us, bless us and cause us to be a blessing
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Get Your Skates Sharpened!
Wow! The action doesn't stop. Start looking for your skates and get them sharpened.
The Mission Team will be hosting a family skate at the Chedoke Twin Pad Arena. Saturday, January 27th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This promises to be an afternoon of fun and fellowship.
Donations will gladly be accepted in support of Word and Deed Ministries Re: Girls Home of Tenjo, Colombia
Directions to Chedoke Twin Pad Arena: 91 Chedmac Drive
Hamilton
The Mission Team will be hosting a family skate at the Chedoke Twin Pad Arena. Saturday, January 27th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This promises to be an afternoon of fun and fellowship.
Donations will gladly be accepted in support of Word and Deed Ministries Re: Girls Home of Tenjo, Colombia
Directions to Chedoke Twin Pad Arena: 91 Chedmac Drive
Hamilton
Dinners on Us! (Seating has been filled)
It's the entertainment thats going to cost you. We're very excited to be able to have 8 Smaaklijk as our special guests. If your not sure what all the excitement is about, your going to have to come out and join us January 20th. Seating is limited so if you are in need of a ticket or would like to reserve a table contact alangendoen@sympatico.ca.Cost: Charitable donations will be taken at the dinner.
77 Glancaster Rd., Ancaster, Ont.
Hor'deurves will be served: 5:30 - 6:00pm
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