Hello Family and Friends,
[Once again I am going to write this blog as if I am still in Uganda.]
Thank you all for all of your prayers and thoughts. I can honestly tell you that I truly need them. Have you ever wondered where God is when loneliness smashes into your life? Have you ever wondered why you are going through pain, suffering, hardships, and trials? Have you ever questioned God being distant? I have no idea as to why I am having such a hard time here at GSF. I have no idea as to why I have been struggling as much as I have. All I can is that I am tired and empty! All I can say is that I am drained and ready to leave. However, this is my last week here and I need to attempt to finish strong.
*******
I talked to Mark a few days ago and we concluded that I would leave the teenagers something that would benefit them. We decided that I would put together a study guide on Romans for them to have and study. I started complying all my information from the NASB Key Word Study Bible with a Hebrew and Greek Dictionary, one of my professor's class notes on Romans, and a commentary on Romans. The only bad thing that was hindering me was that the power went out a couple of times. The study guide consisted of a short summary of each chapter followed by several questions for the teenagers to think about. You see that is what I want the teens to do; use their mind and actually think. However, I know that is hard because the majority of teenagers in the world do not want to think after they are done with school activities. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will guide these teens and give them an urgency to study the Bible, specifically, Romans. It was a little hard to complete this study because I was already on EMPTY and at times did not feel like it. Long story short, I ended up finishing the study guide later on Saturday (Feb 20). I showed Mark the final copy of the study guide and he worked on it to fit 16 pages, which would cost less to make copies (the cost was 100 shillings per copy). He later said it was good and for me to ask how many wanted the study guide during Sunday School. Nine people signed up, including one of the missionary kids. I was completly astonished because I only thought there would be a few to sign up for it. Praise God for that! I do not know if these teens will actually read over the study guide, but at least they have it. Praise God! Amina!
*******
The missionary from New Zealand, Lucreia came earlier this week. It was nice to have some company at the guesthouse again. She was here about a year ago for 8 months. We both are leaving GSF on Monday morning. However, I will be staying in Enteebe for the night and will fly out on Tuesday night. I am staying in an hotel in Enteebe. Hoepfully, Jamie's old supervisors will contact me so we can talk and hang out. I am going to miss GSF and Uganda, but I am very glad that I get to see my fiancee in a few days!
-Chandler Sharpe
[Present time now].....
I can honestly tell you that my journey to Uganda this time was very eye opening. Last time I came here, I was so pumped up for missions (woo hoo!), but this time around I believe my eyes were opened to the reality of the missionary life. God showed me that yes the missionary life is fun and exciting, but on the other hand it can be very draining and tiring. It can be good, but it can also suck. Jamie and some of my friends were glad that my eyes were truly opened to the reality of the missionary life. I have no idea why I went through some hardships and trials there, but to be honest in the end God got the glory. He knows exactly want happened and why it did happen. Thank you all for taking this journey with me. I truly appriecate all that you guys have done! I thank God for all your prayers and encouragement! Praise God for all of you! You guys rock!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
UPDATES FROM - FEBRUARY 6-13
Hello family and friends!
I am sure all of you have heard that I am back in the states now! I arrived in Richmond last Wednesday after a 4 hour delay. I think it was for a security reason, but later found out that the airport people had the wrong information. I was upset, frustrated, and tired. By that time I had flown for about 16 1/2 hours and I just wanted to get home to my beautiful fiancee. To make a long story short, I ended sitting by an older woman who was really nice to talk to (She was in her earlier 80's and this was her first time flying without her husband) and made it to Richmond around 7:40 pm. It was so great to see Jamie!! I almost did not recognize her. She looked great!!! I am still trying to get accustomed to see "mzungus" every where. Worshiping with people at the YMCA in Bedford, VA (Bedrock Community Church) was a mixture of overwhelming and encouraging. However, I have to say that I am very glad to be back here in Lynchburg. I am also glad that I am back with my beautiful fiancee, Jamie Nicole Benedict!
*******
I did not have much time to give you all an update of the week of February 6-13. (I am going to be writing as if I am still in Uganda.) I hope everyone does not get confused. Here we go:
I am glad that the Bumgarner team is coming later on tonight (Feb 6). This week has been very hard! Right now I am the only one at the Guest House and it can be very lonely. God is there. God is here. Yeah I know that, but at times I feel like He is not there or here. I feel so empty right now. Like I said on my last blog, I am on EMPTY right now. I am DRAINED right now. I feel like I cannot give much more. That is why I am longing for the team to come. I am still having a difficult time here. Part of me does not understand why God wanted me here in Uganda for this amount of time, while Jamie is in the states living her own life.
*******
The Bumgarner team came in later Saturday night. There were 2 older couples with them. It was so much fun to listen to all of their stories. One of the couples were missionaries in Japan for 22 years W/O a furlough (Zane and Berma). Can you believe that? One of the couples had a ventriloquist ministry, which was pretty interesting (Bill and Karen). Then there was James and Marilyn! James was an old-time missionary evangelist and Marilyn was a nurse in the states. All of these people were such a great team. Bill and Karen went to about 30 secondary and primary schools to do their ministry. I went with them for a couple of them. To be honest, their ventriloquist ministry was a little too American for me, but none the less God moved and worked. It was very humbling to go to one of these primary schools. The headteacher or headmaster invited us 3 to his office and summoned one of the girls to bring everyone cookies and a soda (I had Mountain Dew, which just came to Uganda about a year ago). I felt very honored that the headmaster would serve us sodas and cookies. He later told us that eggs are being cooked for us. I thought they were going to be scrambled eggs, but later found out that they were hard boiled eggs. Once again I felt very honored that the headmaster would do that for us. However, I did not deserve that hospitality. None of us did! But in this culture, they are taught to respect visitors more than their own people. Interesting huh? James and Zane did a pastor's conference at the GSF chapel. I went to a couple of the meetings and found out what each letter in BAPTIST stood for. I can tell you that James was in his element. He enjoyed encouraging the pastors with God's Word. He just enjoyed being at GSF. Marilyn and Berma were supposed to meet with the pastor's wife, but there was only 1 woman there. We later found out that this woman said she was a pastor, interesting. Ben and I helped with lunch for the 7 or 8 pastors. It was fun serving them! During one of the afternoons Zane and I had a very interesting conversation. It started out okay, but ended up being a debate. We went from talking about the American church today to homosexuality to piercings to tattoos. I have no idea how all of this got brought up! I had to walk away because I was offended and actually got tired of talking or debating. I came up with this conclusion: Our grandparents generation needs us and my generation needs them! They need new and fresh ideas. We need wisdom and more wisdom. Even though I got my toes stepped on, it was very encouraging to be around other "mzungus" who you could understand. The Bumgarner team left Friday morning (Feb 12) and their plane left early Saturday morning (Feb 13). Apart from helping with the Pastor's Conference I helped Ben with his computer class. We only did computer class for several days because the power went out and Mark was waiting until early evening to turn on the generator. I
*******
Continue to pray for all the missionaries here! They (We) need all of your prayers! A missionary from New Zealand is coming on Sunday afternoon. Thank you for all of your prayers and support! Praise God for each and every one of you! Take care.
-Chandler
I am sure all of you have heard that I am back in the states now! I arrived in Richmond last Wednesday after a 4 hour delay. I think it was for a security reason, but later found out that the airport people had the wrong information. I was upset, frustrated, and tired. By that time I had flown for about 16 1/2 hours and I just wanted to get home to my beautiful fiancee. To make a long story short, I ended sitting by an older woman who was really nice to talk to (She was in her earlier 80's and this was her first time flying without her husband) and made it to Richmond around 7:40 pm. It was so great to see Jamie!! I almost did not recognize her. She looked great!!! I am still trying to get accustomed to see "mzungus" every where. Worshiping with people at the YMCA in Bedford, VA (Bedrock Community Church) was a mixture of overwhelming and encouraging. However, I have to say that I am very glad to be back here in Lynchburg. I am also glad that I am back with my beautiful fiancee, Jamie Nicole Benedict!
*******
I did not have much time to give you all an update of the week of February 6-13. (I am going to be writing as if I am still in Uganda.) I hope everyone does not get confused. Here we go:
I am glad that the Bumgarner team is coming later on tonight (Feb 6). This week has been very hard! Right now I am the only one at the Guest House and it can be very lonely. God is there. God is here. Yeah I know that, but at times I feel like He is not there or here. I feel so empty right now. Like I said on my last blog, I am on EMPTY right now. I am DRAINED right now. I feel like I cannot give much more. That is why I am longing for the team to come. I am still having a difficult time here. Part of me does not understand why God wanted me here in Uganda for this amount of time, while Jamie is in the states living her own life.
*******
The Bumgarner team came in later Saturday night. There were 2 older couples with them. It was so much fun to listen to all of their stories. One of the couples were missionaries in Japan for 22 years W/O a furlough (Zane and Berma). Can you believe that? One of the couples had a ventriloquist ministry, which was pretty interesting (Bill and Karen). Then there was James and Marilyn! James was an old-time missionary evangelist and Marilyn was a nurse in the states. All of these people were such a great team. Bill and Karen went to about 30 secondary and primary schools to do their ministry. I went with them for a couple of them. To be honest, their ventriloquist ministry was a little too American for me, but none the less God moved and worked. It was very humbling to go to one of these primary schools. The headteacher or headmaster invited us 3 to his office and summoned one of the girls to bring everyone cookies and a soda (I had Mountain Dew, which just came to Uganda about a year ago). I felt very honored that the headmaster would serve us sodas and cookies. He later told us that eggs are being cooked for us. I thought they were going to be scrambled eggs, but later found out that they were hard boiled eggs. Once again I felt very honored that the headmaster would do that for us. However, I did not deserve that hospitality. None of us did! But in this culture, they are taught to respect visitors more than their own people. Interesting huh? James and Zane did a pastor's conference at the GSF chapel. I went to a couple of the meetings and found out what each letter in BAPTIST stood for. I can tell you that James was in his element. He enjoyed encouraging the pastors with God's Word. He just enjoyed being at GSF. Marilyn and Berma were supposed to meet with the pastor's wife, but there was only 1 woman there. We later found out that this woman said she was a pastor, interesting. Ben and I helped with lunch for the 7 or 8 pastors. It was fun serving them! During one of the afternoons Zane and I had a very interesting conversation. It started out okay, but ended up being a debate. We went from talking about the American church today to homosexuality to piercings to tattoos. I have no idea how all of this got brought up! I had to walk away because I was offended and actually got tired of talking or debating. I came up with this conclusion: Our grandparents generation needs us and my generation needs them! They need new and fresh ideas. We need wisdom and more wisdom. Even though I got my toes stepped on, it was very encouraging to be around other "mzungus" who you could understand. The Bumgarner team left Friday morning (Feb 12) and their plane left early Saturday morning (Feb 13). Apart from helping with the Pastor's Conference I helped Ben with his computer class. We only did computer class for several days because the power went out and Mark was waiting until early evening to turn on the generator. I
*******
Continue to pray for all the missionaries here! They (We) need all of your prayers! A missionary from New Zealand is coming on Sunday afternoon. Thank you for all of your prayers and support! Praise God for each and every one of you! Take care.
-Chandler
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Drain. Empty. Out.
Hello Family and Friends,
This is going to be a short entry, but I will do a longer one later on. Things have been really tough for me here in Uganda. I am at the empty mark. I am drained. I am physically drained. I am emotionally drained. I am mentally drained. I am spiritually drained. I am just plain EMPTY. Please pray for me. I will be coming home early. I will fly out on February 23 and return home February 24.
Thank you for all your support. I praise God that He has used ALL of you. Thank you!
-Chandler Sharpe
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"To obey or NOT to obey..."
Hello Family and Friends,
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well! I am doing alright. However, I am praising God for His never ending love and grace!
*****
Monday was the beginning of school after an almost 3 month holiday. The children went back to the GSF Primary School and some of the teenagers went back to Lord's Mead (a boarding school), and others went to another secondary school (not a boarding school). I went with the Lord's Mead students to drop them off and it was very interesting getting a look at their school. I started helping Ben (the 1 yr. intern) with computers. We were cleaning off the computers and making it ready for a new school year. I will be assisting him during his computer class, which is about 4 times a week. We have already seen two classes and it was very interesting. Ben has just been going over the very basic to computers. It has been fun. I have also been playing [soccer] with the boys from 4-5pm. That also has been fun. The other day some of the [outsiders] told me that I cannot play soccer unless [ I score]. I was like okay, let me go and score. I did not score that came but had an assit, and they said that would count. Rock it on!! Later on today, I will be going to Lord's Mead to hang out with the teenagers. I am excited to meet all of their friends and hang out with them Ugandan style. I kinda want to start a Bible study there, so please pray that God will allow that to happen.
*******
This has been a hard! It has been a hard week for everyone! From malaria (not me though) to discouraged spirits to a new missionary family transitioning to a new life in Uganda to headaches to upset stomachs to being tired and to being totally drained. Thus, this has been a really tough and hard week! This has been a very discouraging week! However, Praise God for being there for ALL of us and never leaving our side! Praise God that He is NOT a [promise breaker!]. I was sick on Sunday with a headache and an upset stomach, then on Wednesday I woke up with major back pains. I can honestly tell you that my faith has been rocked so hard. I have no idea why being here has been hard this time around. I am tired and drained! Part of me does not like what God is doing. Part of me hates going through all of this crap. However, the other part of me is trusting God that He knows exactly what He is doing! I told Jamie last night around 2:00 AM that I am learning and understanding that the [missionary life] is not as beautiful and nice as some people paint it to be. To be honest it is hard, tough, draining, discouraging, a battle, lonely, and at times sucks! I think I have seen this time around that the missionary life is not what I thought it was going to be. Last time, I was like "whoo hoo! missions rocks! let's do this!" But, this time I am the opposite way. I am not saying that I am going to be disobedient to God's command [the great commission], I am still going to be obedient. But I am thankful that Jamie and I still have more training before we go out into the world. I can say that I could not have made it this far if it wasn't for Our Abba Father!!! He is the only reason why I am still alive! He is the only reason why I get through each minute of each day! I ask you all as my brothers and sisters in Christ that you continue to pray for me. Pray that I will not give up and that I will stay strong and [FIGHT] until the end. Thank you all very much for being part of what God is doing in Uganda. You all will never know and understand how much I have appriecated your prayers and support!! Love you all! Peace.
[I am going to speaking on what justication means and what it reaally looks like tomorrow for Sunday School. Praise God that we are FREE and INNOCENT because of what Christ did for us. He was slaughtered and killed so that we can have peace with God. A peace which means that we are not God's enemies anymore! Praise His Name!!]
-In Christ Alone,
Chander
-In Christ Alo
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well! I am doing alright. However, I am praising God for His never ending love and grace!
*****
Monday was the beginning of school after an almost 3 month holiday. The children went back to the GSF Primary School and some of the teenagers went back to Lord's Mead (a boarding school), and others went to another secondary school (not a boarding school). I went with the Lord's Mead students to drop them off and it was very interesting getting a look at their school. I started helping Ben (the 1 yr. intern) with computers. We were cleaning off the computers and making it ready for a new school year. I will be assisting him during his computer class, which is about 4 times a week. We have already seen two classes and it was very interesting. Ben has just been going over the very basic to computers. It has been fun. I have also been playing [soccer] with the boys from 4-5pm. That also has been fun. The other day some of the [outsiders] told me that I cannot play soccer unless [ I score]. I was like okay, let me go and score. I did not score that came but had an assit, and they said that would count. Rock it on!! Later on today, I will be going to Lord's Mead to hang out with the teenagers. I am excited to meet all of their friends and hang out with them Ugandan style. I kinda want to start a Bible study there, so please pray that God will allow that to happen.
*******
This has been a hard! It has been a hard week for everyone! From malaria (not me though) to discouraged spirits to a new missionary family transitioning to a new life in Uganda to headaches to upset stomachs to being tired and to being totally drained. Thus, this has been a really tough and hard week! This has been a very discouraging week! However, Praise God for being there for ALL of us and never leaving our side! Praise God that He is NOT a [promise breaker!]. I was sick on Sunday with a headache and an upset stomach, then on Wednesday I woke up with major back pains. I can honestly tell you that my faith has been rocked so hard. I have no idea why being here has been hard this time around. I am tired and drained! Part of me does not like what God is doing. Part of me hates going through all of this crap. However, the other part of me is trusting God that He knows exactly what He is doing! I told Jamie last night around 2:00 AM that I am learning and understanding that the [missionary life] is not as beautiful and nice as some people paint it to be. To be honest it is hard, tough, draining, discouraging, a battle, lonely, and at times sucks! I think I have seen this time around that the missionary life is not what I thought it was going to be. Last time, I was like "whoo hoo! missions rocks! let's do this!" But, this time I am the opposite way. I am not saying that I am going to be disobedient to God's command [the great commission], I am still going to be obedient. But I am thankful that Jamie and I still have more training before we go out into the world. I can say that I could not have made it this far if it wasn't for Our Abba Father!!! He is the only reason why I am still alive! He is the only reason why I get through each minute of each day! I ask you all as my brothers and sisters in Christ that you continue to pray for me. Pray that I will not give up and that I will stay strong and [FIGHT] until the end. Thank you all very much for being part of what God is doing in Uganda. You all will never know and understand how much I have appriecated your prayers and support!! Love you all! Peace.
[I am going to speaking on what justication means and what it reaally looks like tomorrow for Sunday School. Praise God that we are FREE and INNOCENT because of what Christ did for us. He was slaughtered and killed so that we can have peace with God. A peace which means that we are not God's enemies anymore! Praise His Name!!]
-In Christ Alone,
Chander
-In Christ Alo
Friday, January 29, 2010
An Interesting Week!
Hello Family and Friends,
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well! Once again I want to thank all of you deeply for your prayers and support. I love and miss all of you all. I really miss my beautiful fiancée, Jamie Nicole Benedict! I also miss her cooking…haha.
******
This has been an interesting and exciting week. At the beginning of the week the teenagers started their counseling sessions. In these sessions they learned Life Skills and more about who God is. The house-moms and “mzungus” (missionaries) were allowed to come. This was a time for the teenagers to be open and ask authentic and real questions about life, sex, relationships, and God. There were more topics but these were the four main topics that were talked about. I taught the devotions in the morning and in the afternoon. The time schedule for the counseling sessions was from 10 AM – 3 PM. I talked about Creation – Christ. I can honestly tell you that the words I spoke were ALL from God! I think the one thing I am learning is that God is POWER!! This afternoon the teenagers had the opportunity to ask me questions about the Bible. O Boy, did they ever ask thought provoking questions, which is good because I have told them that I want them to start using their minds. I had trouble with three questions and here they are. Tell me your thoughts please (Of course I am going to do my homework, but I want to know what you all think.)
1. In the beginning there was Adam and Eve. They had two sons, Cain and Abel. How did Cain get a wife? Where did the wife come from?
2. Where did Africans come from? Why do people have different color skin? Is it the sun that changes the skin color?
3. Paul said in his epistles that deacons are supposed to be “husband of one wife.” Then, why does Paul talk about women were deaconess? Did Paul contradict himself?
4. Is being jealous a sin? If it is, then why does the Bible say that God is jealous for us? Does the Bible contradict itself?
Those were good questions huh? I had so much fun talking to the teens this week! The holiday break is almost over and the teenagers go back to school next week.
*******
On Wednesday I went with our pastor into the village. It was very interesting and heart moving. We talked to about seven people. The first guy that we talked to was a former Muslim, but now he told us that he is “born again!” It was very good talking to him and we invited him to the GSF chapel on Sunday. As we were heading back we talked to two women who accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour!! How Amazing is that!!! Praise God for that!! [The most awkward moment while I was in the village - while I was talking to these women and our pastor, Michael was translating in Luganda, one of the women just flopped out her breast to breast-feed her little boy. I have never felt so awkward in my life before…haha!!! However, Praise God that these two women are truly daughters of Our King!!! We also talked to the grandmother of the first guy that we talked to (Daniel) and she wanted us to take her little grandchildren to church because she is too old to be saved. She also said that she does not sin (Of course they were talking in Luganda, but Michael translated for me). Then, when I heard that she did sin, I was like what..then I took out my Bible and read her the famous verse, “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” She then, changed her answer to yes, I do sin, but I don’t have to be saved. This woman had so many fallacies in her thinking. All of that to say I had a great time in the village and will probably go out again to another village next Wednesday.
*****
The nurse (Julie) that was here for 6 months left earlier this afternoon, so it is just me at the guesthouse. Today has been a great day, but I find myself really drained and tired. I ask that you pray that God will continue to give me strength everyday and that He will use me! Thank you all very much for your time and prayers! I pray that God truly blesses all of you!
I Love You, Jamie! Stay strong my love!
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well! Once again I want to thank all of you deeply for your prayers and support. I love and miss all of you all. I really miss my beautiful fiancée, Jamie Nicole Benedict! I also miss her cooking…haha.
******
This has been an interesting and exciting week. At the beginning of the week the teenagers started their counseling sessions. In these sessions they learned Life Skills and more about who God is. The house-moms and “mzungus” (missionaries) were allowed to come. This was a time for the teenagers to be open and ask authentic and real questions about life, sex, relationships, and God. There were more topics but these were the four main topics that were talked about. I taught the devotions in the morning and in the afternoon. The time schedule for the counseling sessions was from 10 AM – 3 PM. I talked about Creation – Christ. I can honestly tell you that the words I spoke were ALL from God! I think the one thing I am learning is that God is POWER!! This afternoon the teenagers had the opportunity to ask me questions about the Bible. O Boy, did they ever ask thought provoking questions, which is good because I have told them that I want them to start using their minds. I had trouble with three questions and here they are. Tell me your thoughts please (Of course I am going to do my homework, but I want to know what you all think.)
1. In the beginning there was Adam and Eve. They had two sons, Cain and Abel. How did Cain get a wife? Where did the wife come from?
2. Where did Africans come from? Why do people have different color skin? Is it the sun that changes the skin color?
3. Paul said in his epistles that deacons are supposed to be “husband of one wife.” Then, why does Paul talk about women were deaconess? Did Paul contradict himself?
4. Is being jealous a sin? If it is, then why does the Bible say that God is jealous for us? Does the Bible contradict itself?
Those were good questions huh? I had so much fun talking to the teens this week! The holiday break is almost over and the teenagers go back to school next week.
*******
On Wednesday I went with our pastor into the village. It was very interesting and heart moving. We talked to about seven people. The first guy that we talked to was a former Muslim, but now he told us that he is “born again!” It was very good talking to him and we invited him to the GSF chapel on Sunday. As we were heading back we talked to two women who accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour!! How Amazing is that!!! Praise God for that!! [The most awkward moment while I was in the village - while I was talking to these women and our pastor, Michael was translating in Luganda, one of the women just flopped out her breast to breast-feed her little boy. I have never felt so awkward in my life before…haha!!! However, Praise God that these two women are truly daughters of Our King!!! We also talked to the grandmother of the first guy that we talked to (Daniel) and she wanted us to take her little grandchildren to church because she is too old to be saved. She also said that she does not sin (Of course they were talking in Luganda, but Michael translated for me). Then, when I heard that she did sin, I was like what..then I took out my Bible and read her the famous verse, “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” She then, changed her answer to yes, I do sin, but I don’t have to be saved. This woman had so many fallacies in her thinking. All of that to say I had a great time in the village and will probably go out again to another village next Wednesday.
*****
The nurse (Julie) that was here for 6 months left earlier this afternoon, so it is just me at the guesthouse. Today has been a great day, but I find myself really drained and tired. I ask that you pray that God will continue to give me strength everyday and that He will use me! Thank you all very much for your time and prayers! I pray that God truly blesses all of you!
I Love You, Jamie! Stay strong my love!
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler
Saturday, January 23, 2010
O' the Joy of Hitting a Red Balloon!
Hello Family and Friends,
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well! I am doing great and learning more and more about who God is! Yesterday at Holiday Camp, my job was to watch over some of the little ones. They were having so much fun. It was a great joy to see them smiling. Matt (the Aussi) gave them a red balloon to play with and I was thinking how in the world can a balloon satisfy their desire for entertainment. Oh, but it did. These children were having the time of their life! They were jumping up and trying to hit the red balloon. They were lauging and smiling. If you really think about it, these children actually understood it. They understood the simplicity of having a red balloon and the excitement that comes with owning a balloon. Isn't that what it is supposed to like look when a person follows Christ. I think the Bible is clear and simple of what a "disciple" is supposed to look like. I think the Bible is clear and simple of what Christ commands His children. We complicate things way too much. We try to come up with all of this theology of what it means to truly follow Christ. We now have bibles with a Hebrew-Greek dictionary in the back to help us understand what some of the words mean. I think that is great, but could it be that following Christ is as simple as reading the Bible. Jesus Christ, himself even said for us to have faith like a child. I agree that Christians should move from milk to meat, but why is it that we try to complicate things. If there is a command in the Bible, then we are supposed to obey it period. If Christ commands us to go into all the ethnic people groups and make disicples, then why aren't we doing it. If Christ demands and desires "all of us" then why is it that we only give Him half of us (our leftovers). Being a true disicple of Jesus Christ should not be that hard to understand. We need to stop complicating things and lose our lives for Christ. O the joy of hitting a red ballon! O the joy of being a disicple of Jesus Christ! O the joy of the simplicity of both! (God just revealed this to me from watching 4 boys having fun hitting a single, red balloon.)
*******
This week has been a great week! Me and two other missionaries took our teenagers to Sipi Falls in the eastern part of Uganda. I think it was great for the teens to see part of their country that they have never seen before. Many of them gave praise to God for allowing them to see a waterfall for the first time. They had so much fun! I tried to make them understand that God who is the Creator (The Creator God) made and formed all of this especially for them to see and enjoy. We went on a hike; however, I just went on the 2 hour hike, which was completely crazy. Let me just say that if we did this type of hike in the states we would of had permission from the parents. It was crazy, but fun! This was a great time for all of the teenagers and I praise God for giving GSF the funds to do that activity. Yesterday at our weekly meeting time, I shared with the teens that if we call ourselves "Christians" or a "Disicple of Christ" then we to give God ALL of our lives, not just pieces, not just portions....ALL OF IT! That was a convection that I have had because I call myself a Christian and say that I love God, but do I truly give Him my All? Do I truly give Him everything? Or, do I give Him my LEFTOVERS?! What about you? Are you giving a Holy God everything that you have (basically, all of your life) OR are you just giving a Holy God your leftovers?
*****
Tomorrow I am going to speak on Romans 3. The part where Paul states that "everyone is condemned." Pray that God will give me the words to say and that it will not be my own words. Pray that God will use me. Thank you all for all of your encouragment and prayers! I thought I would say that, I am getting married in 4 months!! Praise God!! I love and miss all of you, espeically you, Jamie Nicole Benedcit!!
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well! I am doing great and learning more and more about who God is! Yesterday at Holiday Camp, my job was to watch over some of the little ones. They were having so much fun. It was a great joy to see them smiling. Matt (the Aussi) gave them a red balloon to play with and I was thinking how in the world can a balloon satisfy their desire for entertainment. Oh, but it did. These children were having the time of their life! They were jumping up and trying to hit the red balloon. They were lauging and smiling. If you really think about it, these children actually understood it. They understood the simplicity of having a red balloon and the excitement that comes with owning a balloon. Isn't that what it is supposed to like look when a person follows Christ. I think the Bible is clear and simple of what a "disciple" is supposed to look like. I think the Bible is clear and simple of what Christ commands His children. We complicate things way too much. We try to come up with all of this theology of what it means to truly follow Christ. We now have bibles with a Hebrew-Greek dictionary in the back to help us understand what some of the words mean. I think that is great, but could it be that following Christ is as simple as reading the Bible. Jesus Christ, himself even said for us to have faith like a child. I agree that Christians should move from milk to meat, but why is it that we try to complicate things. If there is a command in the Bible, then we are supposed to obey it period. If Christ commands us to go into all the ethnic people groups and make disicples, then why aren't we doing it. If Christ demands and desires "all of us" then why is it that we only give Him half of us (our leftovers). Being a true disicple of Jesus Christ should not be that hard to understand. We need to stop complicating things and lose our lives for Christ. O the joy of hitting a red ballon! O the joy of being a disicple of Jesus Christ! O the joy of the simplicity of both! (God just revealed this to me from watching 4 boys having fun hitting a single, red balloon.)
*******
This week has been a great week! Me and two other missionaries took our teenagers to Sipi Falls in the eastern part of Uganda. I think it was great for the teens to see part of their country that they have never seen before. Many of them gave praise to God for allowing them to see a waterfall for the first time. They had so much fun! I tried to make them understand that God who is the Creator (The Creator God) made and formed all of this especially for them to see and enjoy. We went on a hike; however, I just went on the 2 hour hike, which was completely crazy. Let me just say that if we did this type of hike in the states we would of had permission from the parents. It was crazy, but fun! This was a great time for all of the teenagers and I praise God for giving GSF the funds to do that activity. Yesterday at our weekly meeting time, I shared with the teens that if we call ourselves "Christians" or a "Disicple of Christ" then we to give God ALL of our lives, not just pieces, not just portions....ALL OF IT! That was a convection that I have had because I call myself a Christian and say that I love God, but do I truly give Him my All? Do I truly give Him everything? Or, do I give Him my LEFTOVERS?! What about you? Are you giving a Holy God everything that you have (basically, all of your life) OR are you just giving a Holy God your leftovers?
*****
Tomorrow I am going to speak on Romans 3. The part where Paul states that "everyone is condemned." Pray that God will give me the words to say and that it will not be my own words. Pray that God will use me. Thank you all for all of your encouragment and prayers! I thought I would say that, I am getting married in 4 months!! Praise God!! I love and miss all of you, espeically you, Jamie Nicole Benedcit!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
End of Week 3
Hello Family and Friends,
I hope all is well with everyone! I hope and pray that you enjoy your weekend. I also hope and pray that you take going to a building and meeting with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ seriously. If you get to teach God's Word, just remember that it is no joke at all. I have been learning that.
*****
My week has been great! God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good! (That is a famous slogan here at GSF). However, if you think about it, it's really true. God is good to us not because He owes us anything, but it is in His nature. I think it's amazing of how good of a God we serve! My time with the teenagers has been great thus far. I do not know what you want to call it. Mark calls it "Bible Study." I call it "A Time of Disicpleship with Amazing Teenagers." We meet on MWF from 3-4pm in what is called, "The Prayer Hut." I told them that I will be in the hut for an hour and if they want to come, then come but if they don't want to, then don't come. I am not going to force them to come. The first day we met there about 12 or 13, but now it's like about 7 or 8 that meet. I was wishing more would come out, but Amy (wife of a missionary at GSF) told me not to worry because probably if the others came, then they would probably be a distraction. I think she is right. I have noticed a seriousness for the ones that come. The first step of disicpling is "Selection." I thought that I have already selected my people because I am at an orphanage, but it seems that the Holy Spirit selected the teenagers for me. Wow! Our time so far has been great. I have been asking some thought provoking questions, such as In your own words what is a Christian? What do Christians look like? Why become a Christian? How can we tell if someone is really a Christian? What is Truth? Even though they are on "Holiday" I want them to start using their mind and actually think about things. Some of the answers that I have gotten are really "churchie" and "religious". On the other hand, I have gotten some really good answers. My prayer for the teenagers is that they realize what it truly means to follow God and then do it. My prayer for the teeangers is that when they return to school that they will start impacting the lives of their friends and classmates, and even teachers. I going to show one of the girls how to disicple someone and how to choose or select someone to disciple. My prayer for the teeangers is that they will grow up and be World Changers! I ask that you partner in prayer with me. Thank you!
****
On Thursday, me and the two Aussies took the 5-12 year olds to a theme park in Kampala. It is called DeeDees World. They have roller coasters and the big boat that tips up and down. I road that one with some children and got sick to my stomach...haha. This was a day of fun for the little ones. I am glad that we had to the chance to take them. They all had so much fun! On the way back, one of the girls threw up and, which was gross!
*****
Tomorrow I will be going over Romans 2 during Sunday School for the teenagers. Please pray that God will give me the words to say and that He will just use me. The internet at GSF has been really slow so that is why I am just now updating my blog. You guys are so awesome! Stay strong in the faith! Love you all very much!
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler Sharpe
I hope all is well with everyone! I hope and pray that you enjoy your weekend. I also hope and pray that you take going to a building and meeting with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ seriously. If you get to teach God's Word, just remember that it is no joke at all. I have been learning that.
*****
My week has been great! God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good! (That is a famous slogan here at GSF). However, if you think about it, it's really true. God is good to us not because He owes us anything, but it is in His nature. I think it's amazing of how good of a God we serve! My time with the teenagers has been great thus far. I do not know what you want to call it. Mark calls it "Bible Study." I call it "A Time of Disicpleship with Amazing Teenagers." We meet on MWF from 3-4pm in what is called, "The Prayer Hut." I told them that I will be in the hut for an hour and if they want to come, then come but if they don't want to, then don't come. I am not going to force them to come. The first day we met there about 12 or 13, but now it's like about 7 or 8 that meet. I was wishing more would come out, but Amy (wife of a missionary at GSF) told me not to worry because probably if the others came, then they would probably be a distraction. I think she is right. I have noticed a seriousness for the ones that come. The first step of disicpling is "Selection." I thought that I have already selected my people because I am at an orphanage, but it seems that the Holy Spirit selected the teenagers for me. Wow! Our time so far has been great. I have been asking some thought provoking questions, such as In your own words what is a Christian? What do Christians look like? Why become a Christian? How can we tell if someone is really a Christian? What is Truth? Even though they are on "Holiday" I want them to start using their mind and actually think about things. Some of the answers that I have gotten are really "churchie" and "religious". On the other hand, I have gotten some really good answers. My prayer for the teenagers is that they realize what it truly means to follow God and then do it. My prayer for the teeangers is that when they return to school that they will start impacting the lives of their friends and classmates, and even teachers. I going to show one of the girls how to disicple someone and how to choose or select someone to disciple. My prayer for the teeangers is that they will grow up and be World Changers! I ask that you partner in prayer with me. Thank you!
****
On Thursday, me and the two Aussies took the 5-12 year olds to a theme park in Kampala. It is called DeeDees World. They have roller coasters and the big boat that tips up and down. I road that one with some children and got sick to my stomach...haha. This was a day of fun for the little ones. I am glad that we had to the chance to take them. They all had so much fun! On the way back, one of the girls threw up and, which was gross!
*****
Tomorrow I will be going over Romans 2 during Sunday School for the teenagers. Please pray that God will give me the words to say and that He will just use me. The internet at GSF has been really slow so that is why I am just now updating my blog. You guys are so awesome! Stay strong in the faith! Love you all very much!
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler Sharpe
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