The theater is a mentor too? Guest Tiffanie McCurdy

Guest Blogger -Tiffanie McCurdy 
Works with me as Administrative Assistant, Organizer and Efficiency Expert, give her a map and a bunch of destinations and look out. :) 






The theater is a mentor too?

There’s something about the smell of sawdust and fresh paint on a set that feels like home to me. For those who have caught the theater bug, you know what I am talking about. I have been around theater for 18 years. Most of my life. It has taught me more than comedic timing and appropriate attire for the Elizabethan period; it has taught me that everything I needed to know for ministry, I found in theater. 

From the start of my theatrical experience, I was a techie. Although I dreamt of being an actress, the directors (also my instructors) mostly wanted me backstage. They were the first to see my gifting and allow me the environment in which to develop and grow in it. I am still amazed at the insights that they had of me. I learned so much in those early days of theater by shear experience alone, not to mention the grace of God. Acting technique was taught in the classes, but technical production, that was completely hands on! I have since come to love all aspects of the theater world, but the technical side is truly where I fit best in it ; the directors were right from the start. I guess, they could be called, my first mentors. They saw in me, something I did not see, and then developed in me that gift they saw. 

That’s where ministry fits in. Isn’t that what we are to do in the mentor role? See in the person, or persons, the gifting and talents that they have and allow them the safe place that they could be encouraged to develop in those things? It’s more than training someone else to take over when you leave, that’s not your decision to make, it’s Gods anyway, but it’s really more apostolic, to raise them up in their God given talents and then to release them out to continue on in them in the place God has made for them. 

 For more insight into this dynamic, try reading

Leading vs Managing
Bases
Mentoring is a Must

Don't forget we have moved to sandivand.wordpress.com  We will be posting here at blogspot for a couple more weeks.  I can't transfer subscriptions so go there today and re-subscribe (one for the blog and one for the newsletter) Thanks for your patience.

Q4U  How do you spot the gifting in your team members?

10 ways to get your ladies to Fall Breakaway part 2 Guest Wendy Hargrove

by Wendy Hargrove
check out part 1 here


It's not to late to get a road trip together.  In fact, now is a great time to get it planned (you know let husband know, get a baby sitter, put a few bucks away).

6 - Make it sound inviting and welcoming

Fall Breakaway is not the place for cliques and small personal groups. If women feel that they will be the third wheel or not fit in, then they will not even consider attending this event. Make sure all ladies are made to feel welcome, loved and accepted, not just for Fall Breakaway, but also throughout the year. Do your best to be inclusive of ALL women, regardless of personality types and differences.

7 - Offer a layaway plan

Start six months prior to the event and begin offering layaway options for women. Allow them to pay a small monthly amount, so that when registration rolls around, they’re all paid up and ready to go. Most women have good intentions of doing this for themselves, but fail to follow through. If you take the initiative, and set this program in place, women will respond positively and enthusiastically. Most would jump at the idea of setting aside $15 a month for six months, knowing that they will get a three day getaway in the end.

8 - Set up a booth

As part of your in-house advertisement, consider setting up a table or booth in the church lobby. (With your Pastor’s permission, of course) Decorate the booth with pictures from previous years, items purchased at the event, and excited, enthusiastic women working the booth. Hands-on, in your face, advertisement may be the very thing that certain ladies need to sway their decision to attend.

9 - Offer incentives

Consider offering prizes or bonuses for attending the event. As an example, for every paid registration, give out a small gift, such as a journal, which could be used to record their experience at Fall Breakaway. Or maybe you could put every registered name in a hat and do a drawing for one or two big prizes. If funds permit, consider knocking off $10-20 for the first five people to register. Think outside the box and consider what would draw you to attend the event and pass that on to the other women.

10 - Dispel fears

Many women, who have never attended an overnight church event with other unfamiliar women, have built up anxieties and fears that keep them from attending. Try to dispel as many of those fears as possible. Consider having a pre-Fall Breakaway party, where women can become familiar with each other ahead of time, room arrangements can be organized and medical and personal issues can be discussed and worked through.

Fall Breakaway is a powerful, transforming event that every women needs to experience. As Women’s Ministry leaders, you should make every effort to include as many women as you can to experience this year’s event……their spiritual life may be depending on it!

Q4U: What other ways to get a group of ladies to an event as big as Fall Breakaway?

10 Ways to Get All Your Ladies to Fall Breakaway! part 1 Guest Wendy Hargrove

by Wendy Hargrove

It's not to late to get a group to Fall Breakaway. 
Call your friends (4 to a room makes a fun road trip)
Call the District office (863)683-5726 ext 232 
and in October 
pack your bags cuz your going to Fall Breakaway!

1 - Advertise, advertise, advertise

Spread the word in every area that’s available. Hang posters on the back of the bathroom stall doors so that each time a lady uses the restroom, Fall Breakaway will be in her face. Utilize the typical forms of advertisement like the church bulletins, overhead projectors, verbal announcements, facebook and email. Consider using non-typical forms too, like local radio stations, neighborhood newsletters, and newspaper print. Think about places where women gather together, and post a flyer (with management’s permission). Places like the hair salon, coffee house, gym, and nail salon. Go outside the four walls of the church. After all, the intended goal should be salvation of souls, and if you’re only inviting women within the church, chances are, they are already saved by the power of Christ. Use this opportunity to reach out and evangelize the world around you.

2 - Be excited

If you have attended Fall Breakaway in the past and it was a pleasurable experience, then exude that excitement as you invite others to attend this year. Haven’t you heard that “actions speak louder than words?” If you simply make the announcement that Fall Breakaway is taking place on October 20-22 without adding an air of excitement and expectation, then most women will glaze over with boredom as the word goes forth. Excitement is contagious, and when women see and hear your level of excitement, their curiosity will be peeked and they will want to attend just to see what all the hoopla is about.

3 - Testimonies from last year’s event

Ask your Pastor if he would allow 5-10 minutes to be dedicated to promoting Fall Breakaway. Use that opportunity to ask a few ladies that attended in the past to share what the Lord did in their life while at the event. When we get away from our normal routine and daily stresses, the Lord is able to do a mighty work and transformation in our life and the Lord uses Fall Breakaway as one of those opportunities. Capitalize on the results of those opportunities and allow the women whose lives were changed to share their experiences. 

4 - Approach the unapproachable

Many women sitting in churches around the world are just waiting for someone to approach them and ask them to get involved in Women’s Ministries or attend an event. They are the wall flowers that slip in late, leave early and sit in the far back pew, but deep in their souls, they long to fit in and feel included. Fear and insecurity keep them from stepping forward and volunteering for the smallest of tasks. Women’s leaders must step forward and take the lead in approaching and including these women. You will always have the outgoing, boisterous women surrounding you and your ministry, but the Lord wants to challenge you to look beyond the obvious and reach out and include the less obvious.

5 - Get sponsorships

We live in a day and time where money is tight and priorities are changing. Realize that many women would love to attend a weekend get-away but financial responsibilities over rule their desire. With your Pastor’s approval, consider making a plea for sponsorship opportunities. Someone may want to sponsor someone in particular and others may want to just be a blessing to someone in need. You, as the leader, would have the best idea of who would be the best recipients of this program, and this may be the perfect opportunity to draw the individuals that I spoke about in number four. 

Q4U: Have any Fall Breakaway testimonies?

Pentecostal is not a synonym for unprepared! Guest blogger Deanna Shrodes

Deanna Shrodes is our guest blogger today. She's a co-pastor alongside her husband, Larry at Celebration Church of Tampa

She has one of the few blogs I read daily.  Check it out.  Deannashrodes.com

I remember back in bible college when I was traveling and doing services on behalf of the school.  I’d come upon some strange situations that quite frankly taught me a lot in my early days of ministry.

  One circumstance I faced was showing up at certain churches where the worship leader or team hadn’t prepared whatsoever.  It was like they were winging the entire service.  It was explained to me that being Pentecostal, some felt that to prepare was to somehow put God in a box. 

I quickly learned this was not limited to worship leaders.  I came to learn that some preachers also do little to no preparation, believing that as they get in a service in the presence of God He will “fill their mouth” and give them the words to say.  In fact, I’ve been told that before by several preachers who say, “I’m operating under the spirit’s power and I don’t need sermon notes, I’ve got the Holy Ghost and when I step up to the pulpit He’ll just tell me what to say.”  

What do we do with 

2 Timothy 2:15?  It says:  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Speaking of putting God in a box…does the same God who has the ability to “fill someone’s mouth” spontaneously when they get up in a service not have the same power to fill their mind and their mouth on Tuesday when they are studying in their office?  Is our God so small that He only anoints in a service?  Obviously in saying they are not limiting God, some by the very nature of waiting only until they are “in the moment” have limited God.

Sometimes saying that we don’t want to limit God is much more about our laziness than it is God’s power.  

Although preachers of all backgrounds might be tempted to wait until the last minute or not prepare at all, in my experience Pentecostals have the worst habit of doing this because it’s tempting to blame everything on the Holy Ghost and give ourselves as little responsibility as possible.  But that’s not God’s design.

Being a Pentecostal preacher doesn’t mean checking your brain at the door.

Nor does it mean flying by the seat of your pants.

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Let’s not use the Holy Ghost as an excuse for poor planning.  

Dr. H. Robert Rhoden was our former district superintendent in Maryland, and a spiritual father to my husband and I.  He often said, “Holy shoddy is still shoddy.”  

If you are called to preach, give due diligence to your call. 


Q4U: What do you do to prepare for a message?  

Planning Events with Purpose Guest Blogger Wendy Hargrove

Wendy Hargrove is our guest blogger today.


You can check out her blog here:
http://wenderlynn.blogspot.com/

     




Every Women’s Ministry leader knows and understands that “Events” take up a big chunk of their job description to-do list. For those that are skilled, talented and into the tiniest of details, this is the fun part of their job. For others, this can be an overwhelming and unforgiving task.

     As a leader, you need to ask yourself some very important questions before planning your next event:

What is the purpose of this event?

     All events should have an intended purpose. Salvation of souls should rank as number one in your purpose category. God has placed you into position so that you would influence other women for the Kingdom of God, not just to entertain them. The entertainment factor may be what draws them to the event, but once they arrive, ministering to their spiritual needs should become your main focus.

     

Who is your target audience?

Look around your church and take inventory of the type of women that attend and plan your events accordingly. A “Women’s Tea” may be a huge success if the majority of women are a bit older in age, but may fall flat on its face if you have a younger congregation.

     Next, look outside the church and take inventory of the needs of the women in the world. What can you offer that would draw them to your events? A “Mommy and Me” group, a “Grief Recovery” group, or even a “Friday Night Coffee Chat” group.    

What is the expected outcome?

Continuing an event just because it has become a tradition is a dangerous trap to fall into. Think outside the box. I understand that there might be a group of ladies that would be appalled if the annual “Women’s Tea” didn’t continue, but if you are not drawing in unsaved, un-churched women to the event, then you need to reevaluate your methods. Your expected outcome should always be about salvations and deliverances. If these are not taking place, then you may need to change some things around. 

One day when you stand before Christ, you will be held accountable for your ministry position and whether or not you sought after lost souls. You will not be questioned on what type of events you held or how many women attended the events. God’s only concern is about how many women came to know Him as their Lord and Savior, and how many were set free from the bondages that held them captive.

Always keep the end result in mind. That will set the stage for successful, life-altering events that will grow bigger and affect untold numbers of souls for the glory of God.

When planning events always:

Pray – ask God for divinely-inspired ideas that will reach lost souls and minister deliverance to saved individuals.

Seek – advice and ideas from others on your team.

Look – outside the box and try something new.

Open – your eyes to the needs around you, and strive to meet those needs.

Remember – your expected outcome and plan accordingly.

Give – God the glory!

Q4U: Do you have any suggestions for an outreach event for the community?

Leadership, Big Fish Style - Guest Blogger Teri Gegan

Teri Gegen Teri is the director of “Heartbeat”, the women’s ministry of Frontline Christian Center.








Nineveh, Jonah and the big fish

As I reflected on Nineveh, three stories jumped out at me.  Nineveh, Jonah and the big fish all have their own individual stories to tell.  Nineveh, whose citizens were wicked, repented and was saved from certain annihilation when Jonah preached God’s message to them only to fall back into their wicked ways many years later.  

Jonah ran in the opposite direction of God’s call and nearly drowned after being thrown into the sea on the way to Tarshish.  The book of Jonah says, “But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights,” illustrating that God’s idea of provision may be a little different from ours.  

Jonah wisely repented after being swallowed by the big fish.  

Big fish

But, what about that big fish?  I have been thinking about her so much that I have become fond of her and named her Grace.  We hear sermons about Jonah and Nineveh all the time, but what about Gracie?  We do not know much about her except that she was huge and she was obedient to God’s command.  I think we can learn a thing or two about Grace from her adventure. 

Uncomfortable Grace

It could not have been too comfortable for Jonah inside that big fish stomach, which, as heartless as this sounds, was good for him.  He was able to sit and be still and know that God is God and do what God had called him to do.  Gracie couldn’t have been too comfy either.  Imagine what it would be like to swallow something whole and have it rumble around in your tummy for three days and nights.  

Then in Jonah, Chapter 2 we read, “And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”  Poor Gracie!  I am thinking that at the very least, she suffered indigestion in all of this.  I wondered also, did she become beached?  Did she die there on dry land?  Or did God in His infinite mercy bring the waves crashing up to place His good and faithful servant into the water so that she could breathe again?    We do not hear of her fate, but we do know she was obedient to His call.  

Big Fish Leadership

Leadership is like this.  Sometimes, like Gracie, we are called by God to do a task that causes us discomfort in order to help others.  He is calling up leaders who are ready to come alongside someone in need and carry that sister or brother inside their bellies, so to speak, in order for God to accomplish His purpose.  

Carrying others

Sometimes God’s call is a life-changing, heart wrenching request like putting your life on hold to help a loved one through their last illness.  Sometimes it is just a small kindness like thoughtfully asking someone we don’t know or like too well into our little circle.  It does not matter to God whether we, as His leaders, find our sister or brother unlovely, whether we like them or hold some sort of prejudice against them.  In His grace, His love and favor, we are all precious in His sight.

  

Trusting His Agenda

Trust in God to work things out as He did through Gracie. God in His eternal perspective had individual plans within His great plan, for each of the participants in this story including my friend Gracie.  Follow God, who not only is our Great Leader, but as 

He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  Our Leader knows the future, has a plan of hope for you and will always be there for you.

Grace obediently put God’s agenda ahead of her own.  It was by Grace, Jonah had been saved; God’s grace, that is.  Just as it is by grace we have been saved . . . it is the gift of God . . .  For we are God’s workmanship, (leaders), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, (lead), which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Eph 2:8&10.  

Trust the Big Fish Plan (sometimes we are Jonah)

So, remember our sister Gracie the next time God places you in a “Jonah” position.  I have to believe she felt much better after her part in God’s plan was finished.  I have faith that God will not only touch other people’s lives through you, but that you will be a changed person “from glory to glory” and a more effective leader if you follow God’s “Big Fish Style” leadership plan for your life. 

Q4U: Any suggestions on how to make it easier to carry the Jonah's God has asked you to carry?

Lessons from the Field: Guest Blogger Sharon Liebowitz

Guest Blogger & Missionary, Sharon Liebowitz, is posting today about lessons she has learned from the Mission Field. For more on Sharon's ministry, check it out at www.majesticdestiny.org

After spending seven years in Brazil I could probably write a novel in answer about what the Lord has taught me, but I will share just a couple.  

First, and foremost – you have to be willing to SERVE.  

I think more than anything else the Lord has given me a servant’s heart.  I have learned that I (all of us really) exist to serve Him.  We are not here (contrary to popular “Christian” belief) to say to the Lord "Give me, Give me, my name is Jimmy!"

 Once you are willing to serve, the Lord will provide countless opportunities for you to do so. 

You have to have the measure of faith to serve where ever, when ever, doing whatever He calls you to do.  

If you pray Jer. 42:3 – you have to be willing to follow His call.  That is an act of faith in the midst of often unspeakable fear.  You have to truly trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding because nothing that He tells you to do will necessarily make sense to you.  But, you have to take that first step of faith.  The road map will never be laid out for you.  Most of the time, the Lord will only show you one step at a time and often He will only place the rock under your feet as you lift your foot to take the next step.

Next, even when all HELL rages war against you as you follow Christ’s lead, remember: "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."

He who started a good work in you is faithful and just to complete it.  He will give us the ability to do what He has called us to do.  He will not allow us to be ashamed.  He is still SOVERIGN, FAITHFUL, JUST, HOLY, and RIGHTEOUS over every situation. The truth is that if all of HELL is not raging war against you, you better seek the Lord because you are probably not doing what God wants you to be doing!

Finally, when you have done all you can do and you can barely stand, STAND FIRM!  

Remember you are not here because you want to be here.  You are here because God has called you to be here.  You didn’t come because you wanted to come.  You CAME IN OBEDIENCE – So when the going gets tough (and IT WILL), you need to STAY in OBEDIENCE!  I would love to say that you should stay because your deliverance draweth nigh.  That might be what happens, BUT it might not!  If you are going to be a missionary for Christ anywhere, you need to reach the point that you say, YEAH THOUGH HE SLAY ME, I WILL STILL SERVE HIM!

Once you can say that, then you are ready!  Let us be like Nehemiah, unwilling to come down until the wall was completed. There is a harvest that is ripe out there, and we who are the laborers are few.  So let us get to work for there is much work to be done.  Let the Battle Begin!  AMEN!

Where would you like to go on a mission's trip?

The Essence of Leadership: Guest Blogger, Julie Gorman

It is my pleasure to introduce you to today's guest blogger, my friend, Julie Gorman. 

Julie Gorman is an author, speaker, and radio personality. She founded His Love Extended Ministries (www.hisloveextendedministries.com), a ministry committed to binding up the broken-hearted and empowering and equipping believers for ministry. She hosts a weekly broadcast on Christian Women’s Affiliate (one of the fastest growing women’s networks on the web) and  ministers both nationally and internationally, by hosting conferences and writing daily blogs (http://www.hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com). She along with her husband, Greg, lead Women Inspired, a ministry designed to inspire women to live their God-given potential. Women Inspired focuses on the seven pillars of a woman’s life and offers exclusive mentor-memberships. You can learn more about Julie at http://www.juliegorman.com

The Essence of Leadership

John 13: 15, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (NIV)

 
Many of us refute the position of leadership. But, as Christians, leadership isn't an option. We lead with our lives. You see, leadership isn't attained through corporate positions, rather it's revealed through influence... Influence demonstrated in our friendships, family, and the familiar.

Think about it...We have the incredible opportunity to lead our children, serve our spouse, and convey God's love to our community.

The truth is, we either lead through positive, deliberate, choices or we lead passively through un-intentional acts of indifference. (I for one want to impact and inspire my circle of influence, how about you?)

Jesus demonstrated the essence of perfect leadership, leaving us a powerful example to follow. So, how did Jesus lead?

1.       Jesus led through delegation. I love how Jesus sent out the disciples in Mark 6:7, "...he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits." (NIV) One of the greatest opportunities we have is to empower others. Jesus possessed the ability to disarm all the powers of darkness with just a word from His lips; instead He empowered the disciples. Jesus knew the future establishment of the church rested on these men; one day He would return to His Father; these men needed to embrace the power given them. As a mother, wife, and minister, I must remember to allow others to participate. True, I may be able to do the delegated tasks, but true leadership risks stepping back so that others might enjoy the rewards of stepping out.

2.    Jesus led through Humility.   True leadership resides in servant-hood. In John 13:4-5 Jesus "poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." Wow. The night He would be betrayed, the night He would encounter the beginning of His torture...He didn't sit back expecting honor or special treatment...instead he humbled Himself and washed the feet of the ones who would betray and leave Him. (NIV) Would I do that? Do I do that? When others disappoint do I continue to serve? When my spouse doesn't follow through or act like I think he should...do I humbly serve? When people forget or fail to support...do I judge or continue to wash their feet? True leadership necessitates servant-hood.

3.      Jesus didn't concern Himself with opinions, rather He stood for what was right. All throughout the Gospels, religious leaders attempted to trap Jesus. They questioned his authority. Jesus didn't concern Himself with popularity, instead He went to the lowly, the afflicted, the destitute. He overturned money tables. He resisted "Pharisee-like behavior." He stood up for what was right. As leaders, we shouldn't look for opposition; we shouldn't try to defy governing authority...but...when faced with the decision of popularity or genuine righteousness...we must persevere to honor God...following Christ's example.

4.      Jesus led through vulnerability. He willingly risked being betrayed, choosing Judas, knowing he would betray Him. John 13:18, "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He." (NIV) Leadership recognizes the potential of betrayal yet willingly embraces vulnerability. Ahhhhh, Lord help us! :)

5.      Finally, Jesus demonstrated the essence of leadership through LOVE. Jesus loved much. He un-biasedly embraced the sinner. He ate with prostitutes and tax-collectors. He touched the lepers. He forgave the ones who nailed Him to the cross. True leadership doesn't look to advance through relationships. True leadership serves the helpless. Who surrounds us today? Who can we demonstrate the love of God to? May our mission each day be to advance the Kingdom of God through His Love. May we touch at least one person each day, serving those who can never repay or return the favor. May we follow Jesus footsteps and LOVE deeply.

Finally, in John 13:16-17 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."  (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, empower us to live as Jesus lived and to lead as Jesus led.

Majestic Destiny: Guest Blogger Sharon Liebowitz

I am excited to introduce to you a special guest blogger & missionary, Sharon Liebowitz!

Sharon Liebowitz has been a Christian since she was a child and has always been actively involved in her local church.  As an adult she pursued a professional career & obtained a Master's degree in Human Resources with over 14 years of HR experience; however, the Lord began calling her to the mission field in 1999.  In 2002 she moved to Belo Horizonte, Brazil and began a ministry called Majestic Destiny that currently supports over 400 underprivileged children.  In addition, they have started a missionary church that now has over 200 members.  The church has started three other small churches, and supports over 20 missionaries worldwide.  Now Majestic Destiny has expanded to Chile!  Where they have trained approximately 40 couples to begin a foster parenting program.  Praise God for His faithfulness!  He does continuously fulfill His purpose in our lives.  Jer. 29:11.  

Please Visit Majestic Destiny online at - www.majesticdestiny.org. 

Approximately eleven years ago, the Lord began transforming my life.  I say transforming because He really began to shake the roots of my concept of being a Christian.  I received Christ as a child and always thought – “Yes, I am saved.  Yes, I believe that Christ died on the cross for my sins.”  BUT – was He really Lord over my life?  Was He really in the driver’s seat?

Through a Bible study by Henry Blackaby called “Experiencing God”, I was forced to re-evaluate my relationship with Christ.  I came face to face with the reality that I was not the Christian I thought I was.  I had not been allowing Christ to drive the car.  I was actively involved in the church, had what I thought to be a good prayer life, and respected God’s “OPINIONS” on what I should do and not do.  HOWEVER, I was NOT the obedient SERVANT He calls all of us to be.

Once I realized that God did not exist to serve me, but rather that I existed to serve Him, I was forced to either change my lifestyle or stop professing to be a Christian!  So when He started calling me to open a ministry in Brazil, He had already laid the groundwork.  He had already brought me to the place of saying – Yes, Lord.  I am your servant.  So I could not say NO!

It was terrifying!  Anyone who tells you differently – they are point blank lying to you!  But, God desires us to grow in our faith and to do so He stretches us.  He pushes us to the edge and sees if we really do have enough faith to let go.  Well, I let go and let God take over, and I quit my job, sold my house, and moved to Brazil.

In Brazil, I learned that children who are removed from their families due to abuse or neglect are placed in “foster homes”.   I say “” foster homes because they are really what American’s would call orphanages.  The home, once registered, is required to take in 10-15 children at a time.  They must then care for these children without any government support for two years before being placed on a waiting list to receive government support.  They may spend upwards of five years on that waiting list before actually receiving any support.  Obviously, this is an impossible task for most orphan leaders.    Such was the case in most Christian orphanages that I visited in Brazil. 

Christian couples, out of the goodness of their heart, and a desire to do what is Biblically asked of them, would open their homes to care for these orphans.  However, they financially could not afford it.  Many of the children were suffering more in these homes than they would be if they were living out on the street.

So I established a non-profit Christian organization called Majestic Destiny to help support these homes.  Our objective is to teach children that although the world has failed them, the Lord does have a plan for their lives and it is one of good and not of evil.  It is a plan to give them hope and a future (Jer. 29:11) and that future is MAJESTIC.  It is a future of ETERNAL LIFE and it can be their DESTINY if they believe.

Our first step is to train couples on how to care for orphans and how to raise them based upon Biblical principles.  Then we evaluate the needs of each orphanage and determine how we can help sustain them.  For the past nine years of our existence, the Lord has made certain that we have never fallen short on any of our commitments.    

We currently support 12 homes, three day care centers, and Bible study groups in numerous slum areas. The support may be in the form of food, clothing, toys, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, school supplies, construction/renovation material and labor, medical/dental/psychological treatment, etc.  We also sponsor five major events each year – (1) School supply distribution, (2) Easter Theatrical Production, (3) Vacation Bible School, (4) Kid Day (October 12^th), and (5) Christmas Crusades.  You can read more about each event on our website – www.majesticdestiny.org. 

In addition, we started a missionary church five years ago on the outskirts of Belo Horizonte in a city named Neves.  The church now has over 200 members (97% of whom received Christ in that church).  This church has now assisted in the planting of three other missionary churches, and they support over 20 missionaries around the world on a monthly basis.

Twice a year we take short term missions teams with us to bring supplies, do renovation projects, and simply to play with and show the love of Christ to the children. 

Recently the Lord has opened the door for us to begin the same ministry in Chile.  In the beginning of May we trained 40 couples in Chile some of whom have already begun to receive orphans.  We are thrilled to announce that we have been asked to come back and train the rest of the country in November of this year!

However, our current monthly budget, which supports over 400 children in Brazil, is $1,500.00.  Unfortunately, with the depreciation of the dollar and the economic situation in the US, we have not been able to meet our budget each month.   We have been forced to draw from our reserves which are quickly depleting.  Now with the additional commitments that we have made to families in Chile, we are in urgent need of resources. 

I pray that you and the other sisters in our SISTERHOOD can speak with your Pastors and with your Women’s groups and allow me an opportunity to come share what the Lord is doing in Brazil, Chile and other South American countries He is calling us to.  We need faithful prayer partners, supporters, and people who would be interested in coming along on one of our short term mission’s trips.  Other teams can help us gather supplies to take, raise funds for construction/renovation material, and/or simply spread the word about these children in need. 

We are not looking to become famous, and most certainly not become wealthy.  Our ministry is simply seeking to obey the Lord’s mandate in James 1:27 – “Care for the orphans and widows.”  I pray you will help us do what the Lord has called us to do!