I am currently in Port-au-Prince, Haiti after spending our first day back in Canaan. This marks our third trip in the last seven months. Each time we come things are a little different. On our first day it was traffic that slowed us down a bit. Although a bit stressful the slow-moving gave me an opportunity to take the country in. When we arrived at the school the kids were hard at work. They stopped what they were doing and stood to sing a welcoming song as we entered. There is nothing more beautiful than the voices of children singing on a mountainside. We were there to do some work and gather more information on the kids for their sponsorship packages. We were also there just to love on them. Some of the children remembered us and openly shared. Others were a bit shy, yet opened up when they saw we cared. It was a hot and busy day, we got to see the orphanage that will soon be done. It still needs a roof before it can provide shelter for the abandoned. Growing up as an orphan, this has a special place for me. I cannot wait to sit in traffic again. All the people, cars, dogs and donkeys will not keep us from the mountain. Seeing the smiles of the children wipes away all the inconveniences of this world. It is for the children of Haiti that we continue to return. To learn more about how you can help please visit theVine.co

We were given the great commission to make disciples and to love our neighbor. Yet many of us don’t love our own neighbor much less those on the other side of the world. Do you have a neighbor that is loud and parties alot, or one that perhaps does not mow their yard regularly. Maybe it’s your coworkers that annoy you to no end. When is the last time you prayed for your neighbor? Not counting the prayers when you asked for patience or tolerance. But prayers offered for them that you may show them the love Jesus asked you to share. In the time that it takes you to read this people are making their way to the feet of Jesus but may not be allowed in his company (Luke 13:27). Do you want to be the one sitting by letting them take their chances? Or would you rather be to one to show them the LOVE Jesus has shared with you by sharing it with them. In sharing the word with your neighbors you answer the call. In answering the call you complete the great commission we are called to serve. Mission work and discipleship starts at home in our own neighborhoods. Finding ways to bless those that are less fortunate we stave off the need in our own neighborhood. We live lives of excess meanwhile there are those that are starving either physically, spirituality or both living next door. You might think that you don’t have anything that your neighbors need or want. […]

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Ever wonder if you spend too much time at church? Before I have pastors and priests clamoring to silence me let me explain the question a bit. Many people myself included feel that going to church means the obligatory Sunday mass and maybe a Wednesday night all depending. There is nothing wrong with this model and many parishes spend a great deal of money to make you comfortable when you attend.  Instead of  church being held where people may gather. We build great buildings, shrines which invite people to come inside however, is that where we are called to be? Comfortable pews, great worship music,  a dynamic preacher and likely air conditioning of some sort sounds like church right? Is this is a place that will get you to be uncomfortable while providing coffee and donuts?  Probably not. Are you excited to go serve your community when you leave church or to get home and watch the game? Click To Tweet Imagine attending church outside on a mountain top. Maybe in a field with hundreds of your best friends. Perhaps church is on the beach at daybreak as you baptize one another in the vast ocean. Does not really sound like the church you know does it? Where two or more are gathered as long as they are comfortable, not sure that’s how I read it. I don’t believe Jesus asked John to meet him six weeks from now after we meet with the high priest so you can then pour a little water on […]

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