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
Saturday, January 9, 2010
End of Week 2
Hello Family and Friends,
I hope all is well with you all! I hope that everyone has had a productive week. I can honestly say that I miss all of you, especially you, Jamie!
*****
This week has been hard and good at the same time. I have had a hard time staying focus, but God is not giving up on me. It has been good because I have had a great time being with the children this time around. It has been a great time laughing, and playing soccer with the children. The children call me Santa Clause...haha. Even some of the little girls have called me fat and told me that I need to jog around GSF every day..haha. Gotta love children and their sense of humor. Yesterday, was my first time meeting with the teenagers. We met in a small hut that used to be a classroom. I belive it was a good time to talk and hang out with them. We talked about their dreams and what they wanted to be. I wish that everyone could meet these teenagers. They have so much potential and some of them are oblivious and clueless to the idea that God could even use them. We are going to meet 3 days a week for 1 hour. I am going to try to use some things out of the Word of Life book, however, we shall see how that goes. The children/teenagers have been on holiday since Novemember and some of them do not even want to use their minds.
*****
A couple of days ago, I e-mailed Jamie and told her that I feel the spiritual attack here more than the states. Satan is trying to distract me with some things from my past. However, I am not going to give up. I have realized that I am WARRIOR of Jesus Christ! One thing I am learning is that it is God who can only be my strength, stastify all of my desires, and be there for me when there is no one else. It is God who never leaves me at all! I am sorry this post is short and all over the place. I just wanted inform my professor, Matt Rawlins that I am actually doing things at GSF. I will try to write more later on next week and will make sure that things are not all over the place. I have so much on my mind right now.
******
Just to let you know that the wedding has moved to Lynchburg instead of New York. Thus, I am gettin married in 4 1/2 months (May 22, 2010 in Lynchburg, VA). Love all of you all!
-chandler
I hope all is well with you all! I hope that everyone has had a productive week. I can honestly say that I miss all of you, especially you, Jamie!
*****
This week has been hard and good at the same time. I have had a hard time staying focus, but God is not giving up on me. It has been good because I have had a great time being with the children this time around. It has been a great time laughing, and playing soccer with the children. The children call me Santa Clause...haha. Even some of the little girls have called me fat and told me that I need to jog around GSF every day..haha. Gotta love children and their sense of humor. Yesterday, was my first time meeting with the teenagers. We met in a small hut that used to be a classroom. I belive it was a good time to talk and hang out with them. We talked about their dreams and what they wanted to be. I wish that everyone could meet these teenagers. They have so much potential and some of them are oblivious and clueless to the idea that God could even use them. We are going to meet 3 days a week for 1 hour. I am going to try to use some things out of the Word of Life book, however, we shall see how that goes. The children/teenagers have been on holiday since Novemember and some of them do not even want to use their minds.
*****
A couple of days ago, I e-mailed Jamie and told her that I feel the spiritual attack here more than the states. Satan is trying to distract me with some things from my past. However, I am not going to give up. I have realized that I am WARRIOR of Jesus Christ! One thing I am learning is that it is God who can only be my strength, stastify all of my desires, and be there for me when there is no one else. It is God who never leaves me at all! I am sorry this post is short and all over the place. I just wanted inform my professor, Matt Rawlins that I am actually doing things at GSF. I will try to write more later on next week and will make sure that things are not all over the place. I have so much on my mind right now.
******
Just to let you know that the wedding has moved to Lynchburg instead of New York. Thus, I am gettin married in 4 1/2 months (May 22, 2010 in Lynchburg, VA). Love all of you all!
-chandler
Monday, January 4, 2010
Don't know what to call this post, so this is actually the title!
Hello Family & Friends,
This is my journal entry on January 2:
Father,
I don't know why I feel so lonely. I feel so alone even among the children that I have known for 2 1/2 years. I just don't know. I think the only thing that can keep me going right now is dwelling on your promises.
1. You will never leave me.
2. You will never forsake me.
3. You will never turn your back against me.
4. You will never abandon me.
5. You are always with me (Matthew 28:20).
6. All things are possible with you Father.
7. You remain in me i've got to remain in you.
8. You complete my life!
I have to realize that You have the best interest for my life. I may know what I want my life to look like, but you have a better understanding of what the rest of my life looks like. I'm tired and sore from playing soccer yesterday. Father, my hope rests in you. You are the only ONE that I can rely on! Please be my strength today! I can do nothing w/o you!"
******
I will start tomorrow doing my work. I will be playing soccer with the boys 1 hour in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. One of the things I am excited about is that I get to disciple the teenagers probably 2 or 3 times a week. Mark told me that they just got back from Word of Life camp and are still excited and pumped up about learning more about Christ. Get this...I will be actually using discipleship material from Word Of Life...who would of thought, huh! I will also be helping the couple from Australia that is at GSF until the end of January. They will actually be doing fun and organized activities for the children.
******
I have to say that I miss Jamie terribly, but I am learning that I need to trust more in God, who is also known as The Good Shepherd! Please continue to life up the orphanage is your prayers (Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage). Thank you all very much for your support and prayers. Love all of you, especially you Jamie Nicole Benedict.
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler
This is my journal entry on January 2:
Father,
I don't know why I feel so lonely. I feel so alone even among the children that I have known for 2 1/2 years. I just don't know. I think the only thing that can keep me going right now is dwelling on your promises.
1. You will never leave me.
2. You will never forsake me.
3. You will never turn your back against me.
4. You will never abandon me.
5. You are always with me (Matthew 28:20).
6. All things are possible with you Father.
7. You remain in me i've got to remain in you.
8. You complete my life!
I have to realize that You have the best interest for my life. I may know what I want my life to look like, but you have a better understanding of what the rest of my life looks like. I'm tired and sore from playing soccer yesterday. Father, my hope rests in you. You are the only ONE that I can rely on! Please be my strength today! I can do nothing w/o you!"
******
I will start tomorrow doing my work. I will be playing soccer with the boys 1 hour in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. One of the things I am excited about is that I get to disciple the teenagers probably 2 or 3 times a week. Mark told me that they just got back from Word of Life camp and are still excited and pumped up about learning more about Christ. Get this...I will be actually using discipleship material from Word Of Life...who would of thought, huh! I will also be helping the couple from Australia that is at GSF until the end of January. They will actually be doing fun and organized activities for the children.
******
I have to say that I miss Jamie terribly, but I am learning that I need to trust more in God, who is also known as The Good Shepherd! Please continue to life up the orphanage is your prayers (Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage). Thank you all very much for your support and prayers. Love all of you, especially you Jamie Nicole Benedict.
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Today's term: "Lonliness"
Hello Family and Friends,
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your prayers and support. I am in Jinja and today is so beautiful. I just wanted to give you all an update of what has been going on thus far.
*******
My first day at Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage was very interesting. When I arrived at the main gate to GSF with Mark and Titus, I heard the playing of drums and beautiful singing. I saw some of the girls doing a dance (I am assuming it is an Ugandan dance). I got out of the jeep and went around giving hugs. It was so great to see all of my children and even some new children at the orphanage. The welcoming party was great and I feel very blessed that they would do that for me because in reality I did not deserve that, but I am very thankful. It was great seeing of the children again and walking down the street, holding Lilly's hand. I think some of the children were suprised to see me there again. A couple of the guys noticed that I shaved my head bald and shaved my beard. Even one of the guys (Eric) noticed that I had changed. He said, "Chandler you have changed." I asked him is it for the good or bad? He then kindly answered "it is for the good." He noticed that I was talking differently and asked if I had stayed in Africa all of this time. (I was speaking English in an Ugandan accent...which is sweet).
*****
I had the opportunity to talk with Bob and Carolyn for a little while, which was really splendid! It was good to see them again. I sat on the dirty, floor as they sat in their new chairs. It felt like old times, but this time I have a stronger realtionship with them. I told them that they get 9 weeks to look at my beautiful face...haha. After the great converstaion with Bob & Carolyn, I went and had dinner with Mark, Amy, and their children (Carolina, Megan, and Titus). It was a good time of talking and eating food. After we had dinner, I left to my room where I had upacked my stuff and was going to relax. However, when I arrived to my room the feeling of lonliness crept in and stayed with me for the night. I was tired, excited, and sad. I was sad because I now had just realized that I left my beautiful fiancee (Jamie) in the states for 9 weeks. Once I started thinking about her the floodgates opened and I cried, cried, and cried. I even tried to call Jamie, but she was at work and told me to call her in 1 hour/15 min. That kinda made things a little worse for me because I started to cry even more and harder. I felt so alone. I am realizing that God has me here for a certain reason and it's only Him who can truly sustain me and give me all the strength that I need. Last night Jamie encouarged me to read Isaiah 40:29-31. The one verse that stuck out to me was, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength" (vs. 31). I was blown away and amazed as I read that verse. Praise be to Our Father for being the only one that can do that; to renew my strength! I think last night God reminded me that I need Him and only Him to get me throug these 9 weeks. I think it's going to be tough at times, but if the God that I serve is always on my side, then why should I be afarid or sad. I pray that I stay focused on things from above, which of course if God! Time has to come to an end for this update. Once again thank you all very much for everything! I love you guys and am very thankful for all of you! I will be lifting all of you up to Him! Amen!
******
Just to let you all know, I do not know if I will be able to update my blog weekly. The computer that the guests use is messed up. Well, the internet is. I think Mark and I are going to try to fix it. If I can't update it weekly, I will try my best to update you all as much as I can. However, for Matt, I will writing in my journal. I hope that is okay. Take care my family and friends! Jamie, if you get my book soon, I am going to see if you can send it to a couple who were missionaries at GSF. They happen to live in Lynchburg and are coming to GSF in Feb or so. I will give you their address sometime soon. Love you babe!!
-Chandler
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your prayers and support. I am in Jinja and today is so beautiful. I just wanted to give you all an update of what has been going on thus far.
*******
My first day at Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage was very interesting. When I arrived at the main gate to GSF with Mark and Titus, I heard the playing of drums and beautiful singing. I saw some of the girls doing a dance (I am assuming it is an Ugandan dance). I got out of the jeep and went around giving hugs. It was so great to see all of my children and even some new children at the orphanage. The welcoming party was great and I feel very blessed that they would do that for me because in reality I did not deserve that, but I am very thankful. It was great seeing of the children again and walking down the street, holding Lilly's hand. I think some of the children were suprised to see me there again. A couple of the guys noticed that I shaved my head bald and shaved my beard. Even one of the guys (Eric) noticed that I had changed. He said, "Chandler you have changed." I asked him is it for the good or bad? He then kindly answered "it is for the good." He noticed that I was talking differently and asked if I had stayed in Africa all of this time. (I was speaking English in an Ugandan accent...which is sweet).
*****
I had the opportunity to talk with Bob and Carolyn for a little while, which was really splendid! It was good to see them again. I sat on the dirty, floor as they sat in their new chairs. It felt like old times, but this time I have a stronger realtionship with them. I told them that they get 9 weeks to look at my beautiful face...haha. After the great converstaion with Bob & Carolyn, I went and had dinner with Mark, Amy, and their children (Carolina, Megan, and Titus). It was a good time of talking and eating food. After we had dinner, I left to my room where I had upacked my stuff and was going to relax. However, when I arrived to my room the feeling of lonliness crept in and stayed with me for the night. I was tired, excited, and sad. I was sad because I now had just realized that I left my beautiful fiancee (Jamie) in the states for 9 weeks. Once I started thinking about her the floodgates opened and I cried, cried, and cried. I even tried to call Jamie, but she was at work and told me to call her in 1 hour/15 min. That kinda made things a little worse for me because I started to cry even more and harder. I felt so alone. I am realizing that God has me here for a certain reason and it's only Him who can truly sustain me and give me all the strength that I need. Last night Jamie encouarged me to read Isaiah 40:29-31. The one verse that stuck out to me was, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength" (vs. 31). I was blown away and amazed as I read that verse. Praise be to Our Father for being the only one that can do that; to renew my strength! I think last night God reminded me that I need Him and only Him to get me throug these 9 weeks. I think it's going to be tough at times, but if the God that I serve is always on my side, then why should I be afarid or sad. I pray that I stay focused on things from above, which of course if God! Time has to come to an end for this update. Once again thank you all very much for everything! I love you guys and am very thankful for all of you! I will be lifting all of you up to Him! Amen!
******
Just to let you all know, I do not know if I will be able to update my blog weekly. The computer that the guests use is messed up. Well, the internet is. I think Mark and I are going to try to fix it. If I can't update it weekly, I will try my best to update you all as much as I can. However, for Matt, I will writing in my journal. I hope that is okay. Take care my family and friends! Jamie, if you get my book soon, I am going to see if you can send it to a couple who were missionaries at GSF. They happen to live in Lynchburg and are coming to GSF in Feb or so. I will give you their address sometime soon. Love you babe!!
-Chandler
Friday, December 25, 2009
3 more days to go!!!!!
Hello Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas to all! I hope everyone is having a wonderful and rockin' day! I hope and pray that you all do not forget "the reason for the season." Enjoy the day of our King's birthday!!!!
******
I will be leaving for Uganda on Monday December 28, 2009. I am almost packed all the way. I still need to buy some last minutes things. Most of my support came in for my internship and I would like to thank everyone for supporting me! I truly appreciate it very much! I would like to tell you all a God story. I was on the first floor of Amazement Square (the paint book!) and I was talking to some guests while their grandchildren were painting on the walls. Long story short....I told them about Uganda and they asked me about my support raising and I said that I was about 80-90% there. When they left the gentleman (husband, father-in-law, and grandfather) gave me some money. He said, "I hope it helps you." When they left, I took the money out of my pocket and realized that it was a $50 bill. However, I left the museum with $185. Praise be to God!!!! He knows exactly when to show up and reveal Himself to us!! I will be updating my blog weekly. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I hope and pray that everyone has a great rest of the day.
-chandler
Merry Christmas to all! I hope everyone is having a wonderful and rockin' day! I hope and pray that you all do not forget "the reason for the season." Enjoy the day of our King's birthday!!!!
******
I will be leaving for Uganda on Monday December 28, 2009. I am almost packed all the way. I still need to buy some last minutes things. Most of my support came in for my internship and I would like to thank everyone for supporting me! I truly appreciate it very much! I would like to tell you all a God story. I was on the first floor of Amazement Square (the paint book!) and I was talking to some guests while their grandchildren were painting on the walls. Long story short....I told them about Uganda and they asked me about my support raising and I said that I was about 80-90% there. When they left the gentleman (husband, father-in-law, and grandfather) gave me some money. He said, "I hope it helps you." When they left, I took the money out of my pocket and realized that it was a $50 bill. However, I left the museum with $185. Praise be to God!!!! He knows exactly when to show up and reveal Himself to us!! I will be updating my blog weekly. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I hope and pray that everyone has a great rest of the day.
-chandler
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Quick Update!
Hello Family and Friends,
Today is such a beautiful morning! The air is crisp and the birds are more than likely chirping and singing praises to their Creator. I just wanted to update you all on some things. I am pretty sure everyone knows by now.......I AM ENGAGED!! I am engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world! We are pushing for a May wedding in upstate New York; May 22. I am so excited! Only a little bit over 8 months away. In all honesty, God gets all the glory and praise for this. Jamie had an interview with Liberty Online (DLP) yesterday. So, just remember her in your prayers and that God will let His will be done. One thing I have learned is that God wants His children to put their WHOLE trust in Him. I think sometimes we (I) forget that God is all POWERFUL and that He is the one in CONTROL! Amina!
I am sorry to say I did not go on my internship this past summer to Uganda due to some personal problems. However, I want to thank those of you that have already supported me financially. Most importantly, I thank you all for the prayers and thoughts. I pray that God will lavish ALL of you with His love, compassion, comfort, strength, mercy, and grace! May God's face shine upon you today! *** Hopefully if all works out I will be doing my internship back at Good Shepeherds Fold Orphanage. Just pray that God will work out things for me. I am half way with my support, so Praise God for that! If you all want to continue to support through prayer and finiancial means, just let me know. I know that I could use the prayer. Thank you all and have a great and rockin' day!! Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you, that I am in my LAST semester for undergrad. I will be done this December, and I will walk..I mean dance across the stage! Praise God for bringing me this far!!
-Chandler
Today is such a beautiful morning! The air is crisp and the birds are more than likely chirping and singing praises to their Creator. I just wanted to update you all on some things. I am pretty sure everyone knows by now.......I AM ENGAGED!! I am engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world! We are pushing for a May wedding in upstate New York; May 22. I am so excited! Only a little bit over 8 months away. In all honesty, God gets all the glory and praise for this. Jamie had an interview with Liberty Online (DLP) yesterday. So, just remember her in your prayers and that God will let His will be done. One thing I have learned is that God wants His children to put their WHOLE trust in Him. I think sometimes we (I) forget that God is all POWERFUL and that He is the one in CONTROL! Amina!
I am sorry to say I did not go on my internship this past summer to Uganda due to some personal problems. However, I want to thank those of you that have already supported me financially. Most importantly, I thank you all for the prayers and thoughts. I pray that God will lavish ALL of you with His love, compassion, comfort, strength, mercy, and grace! May God's face shine upon you today! *** Hopefully if all works out I will be doing my internship back at Good Shepeherds Fold Orphanage. Just pray that God will work out things for me. I am half way with my support, so Praise God for that! If you all want to continue to support through prayer and finiancial means, just let me know. I know that I could use the prayer. Thank you all and have a great and rockin' day!! Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you, that I am in my LAST semester for undergrad. I will be done this December, and I will walk..I mean dance across the stage! Praise God for bringing me this far!!
-Chandler
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Postponed. Delayed. Deferred.
Hello to Family and Friends,
I am sorry to say that my internship has been postponed. However, I hope to complete my internship next Spring. Thank you for those that have already supported me financially. I truly appreciate that. More importantly, thank you all of your prayers. They are still much needed. I will continue to update on what God is doing in my life during the summer. I also to continue to walk the journey with the relationships that I have already made. And I am looking forward to building new relationships and walking this journey together also. Take care and thank you for all of you support.
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler Sharpe
I am sorry to say that my internship has been postponed. However, I hope to complete my internship next Spring. Thank you for those that have already supported me financially. I truly appreciate that. More importantly, thank you all of your prayers. They are still much needed. I will continue to update on what God is doing in my life during the summer. I also to continue to walk the journey with the relationships that I have already made. And I am looking forward to building new relationships and walking this journey together also. Take care and thank you for all of you support.
-In Christ Alone,
Chandler Sharpe
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Attention to All!
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. I am also doing well. I am in my senior year at Liberty University and will be graduating this December. One of the requirements before I graduate is to complete an eight week long internship. As many of you know God has given me a passion for the people of Africa. He has graciously given me the opportunity to return to Uganda this summer to fulfill my internship requirement. I will be departing on June 15 and will be returning August 12.
I will be living and working in a town called Arua which is located in Northern Uganda. Arua is home to the Lugbara people, who are an unreached people group. While there, I will be working alongside career missionaries helping with True Love Waits and English story groups with the secondary students, as Lugbara story groups within the community. The goal of each ministry is to build relationships with the people in order to share the message of hope and salvation.
I am writing to invite you to be part of the ministry that God is doing in Arua and the ministry that I will be part of. One way that you can actively take part in these ministries is through prayer. Please pray that God will prepare me physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally for the journey ahead. Also be praying for the missionaries who are already in Arua. Pray that the eyes of the Lugbara people would be opened and their hearts softened for the gospel. Another way that you can be involved in what God is doing, is through supporting me financially. I am in the need of $4,000. This money will be used for travel expenses, food, housing, immunizations, and visa fees. I know this might seem like a huge amount, but God is teaching me that He is big enough to provide for the needs of His children.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I look forward to updating you and keeping you informed about my life and ministry through my blog. Please let me know what you are doing and how I can be praying for you as we travel this road together.
In Christ Alone,
Chandler Sharpe
P.S. If you choose to write a check, make it out to Living Word Baptist Church. Thanks!
Here's the address of Living Word:
Living Word Baptist Church
4130 Waterlick Road
Forest, VA 24551
IF YOU SEND MONEY, I NEED IT VERY SOON SO I CAN GET MY PLANE TICKET.
THANK YOU.
I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. I am also doing well. I am in my senior year at Liberty University and will be graduating this December. One of the requirements before I graduate is to complete an eight week long internship. As many of you know God has given me a passion for the people of Africa. He has graciously given me the opportunity to return to Uganda this summer to fulfill my internship requirement. I will be departing on June 15 and will be returning August 12.
I will be living and working in a town called Arua which is located in Northern Uganda. Arua is home to the Lugbara people, who are an unreached people group. While there, I will be working alongside career missionaries helping with True Love Waits and English story groups with the secondary students, as Lugbara story groups within the community. The goal of each ministry is to build relationships with the people in order to share the message of hope and salvation.
I am writing to invite you to be part of the ministry that God is doing in Arua and the ministry that I will be part of. One way that you can actively take part in these ministries is through prayer. Please pray that God will prepare me physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally for the journey ahead. Also be praying for the missionaries who are already in Arua. Pray that the eyes of the Lugbara people would be opened and their hearts softened for the gospel. Another way that you can be involved in what God is doing, is through supporting me financially. I am in the need of $4,000. This money will be used for travel expenses, food, housing, immunizations, and visa fees. I know this might seem like a huge amount, but God is teaching me that He is big enough to provide for the needs of His children.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I look forward to updating you and keeping you informed about my life and ministry through my blog. Please let me know what you are doing and how I can be praying for you as we travel this road together.
In Christ Alone,
Chandler Sharpe
P.S. If you choose to write a check, make it out to Living Word Baptist Church. Thanks!
Here's the address of Living Word:
Living Word Baptist Church
4130 Waterlick Road
Forest, VA 24551
IF YOU SEND MONEY, I NEED IT VERY SOON SO I CAN GET MY PLANE TICKET.
THANK YOU.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Come and listen...
Hola mis amgios,
I know I have not updated in a while. I have just been busy with school and Praise God that this semester is over with. I now officially have 2 more semesters in my college career. Woot...Woot!! I have to honestly say that I am just blown away and overwhelmed with the grace, mercy, and unfailing love of Our Abba Father. He is just flippin awesome and amazing! I cannot comprehend of how many times I screwed up and God just welcomed me back in His family with open arms. Gloria a Dios! I am very thankful for what He has done in my life and what He will be doing in my life. He has got me through the past almost 7 years of school. He poured down His incredible strength on me to get through each day. It is because of Him I am alive and breathing today. Gloria a Dios! And when I least expected it, God sent an unbelievable woman in my life. It is actually funny and rockin of how we met. A little over 6 weeks ago one of my friends from LU called one Saturday afternoon and told me that she has a friend that she wanted to hook me up with. I actually could not believe me ears. I told my friend Jessica that she knows how I feel about dating right now in my life and I do not know about "getting hooked up." So, Jessica told me to just look her friend (Jamie Benedict) on facebook. I did what she asked and Jamie later confirmed our friendship on facebook a couple of hours later or so. We started talking on facebook chat for a day or so, then we went to talking on instant messenger for another couple of days, then we finally moved to the phone. We had phone conversations of 2 hours, then 3 hours, then 4 1/2 hours. I have to say that I have never met or known a person of the opposite sex that can talk with me that long. Our conversations were not awkward at all. We actually had things to talk about. It was great and rockin!! We talked on the phone every night and it was also rockin. And then it came to one random day where Jamie had a spontaneous idea. The great and spontaneous idea was to finally meet each other after almost 4 weeks of talking on the phone. My first response was yes, then I started being analytical and told her that I had my 2 last finals in 4 days. After we got off the phone I started thinking and praying about it and finally decided that I would take that spontaneous trip to Winston-Salem, NC to finally meet the woman that I had been talking to. It was a great place to meet because my brother, Eric Barbour lived there and such. We finally met each other and I have to tell you that I think I met a woman who was walking around in my dreams. She looked differently in person. She looked very beautiful and lovely. We decided to go and get coffee in downtown Winston-Salem. Of course we both got Fair Trade Coffee and talked for two hours or so. It was something else looking into her beautiful eyes. After that we went and walked in a few stores and art galleries and even watch some of the Christmas parade. It was a great way to kick off the night. We went back to Barbour's house, at pizza, talked, and played wii. I am pretty sure I beat her on bowling by 3 points. Rock it on! After that day things have been very great. We are now officially dating and I have to honestly say that Jamie Benedict is the most amazing person I have ever met on this earth. I have never met anyone who had the same childhood experience as I did, and the same passions that I have; especially for missions and Africa. Every day I learn new things about her and realize we have so much in common and it feels like I have known her forever. I appreciate her friendship and our relationship. I honestly feel that my relationship with Jamie is the most God-centered one that I have ever had. God is the center of ALL our conversations. I pray that He continues to be the center of our relationship. I am still amazed of how God allowed Jamie and I to meet. She is one rockin chica. I think Jamie is one of the very few persons that actually and truly understands my heart and passions in life. Praise God for that!! I just wanted to share a story with you all of how God is just incredible, amazing, and awesome!!! Thank you for allowing me to share with you all. I give Our Abba Father all the praise and glory!! Amen. Ciao mis amigos.
-Chandler
I know I have not updated in a while. I have just been busy with school and Praise God that this semester is over with. I now officially have 2 more semesters in my college career. Woot...Woot!! I have to honestly say that I am just blown away and overwhelmed with the grace, mercy, and unfailing love of Our Abba Father. He is just flippin awesome and amazing! I cannot comprehend of how many times I screwed up and God just welcomed me back in His family with open arms. Gloria a Dios! I am very thankful for what He has done in my life and what He will be doing in my life. He has got me through the past almost 7 years of school. He poured down His incredible strength on me to get through each day. It is because of Him I am alive and breathing today. Gloria a Dios! And when I least expected it, God sent an unbelievable woman in my life. It is actually funny and rockin of how we met. A little over 6 weeks ago one of my friends from LU called one Saturday afternoon and told me that she has a friend that she wanted to hook me up with. I actually could not believe me ears. I told my friend Jessica that she knows how I feel about dating right now in my life and I do not know about "getting hooked up." So, Jessica told me to just look her friend (Jamie Benedict) on facebook. I did what she asked and Jamie later confirmed our friendship on facebook a couple of hours later or so. We started talking on facebook chat for a day or so, then we went to talking on instant messenger for another couple of days, then we finally moved to the phone. We had phone conversations of 2 hours, then 3 hours, then 4 1/2 hours. I have to say that I have never met or known a person of the opposite sex that can talk with me that long. Our conversations were not awkward at all. We actually had things to talk about. It was great and rockin!! We talked on the phone every night and it was also rockin. And then it came to one random day where Jamie had a spontaneous idea. The great and spontaneous idea was to finally meet each other after almost 4 weeks of talking on the phone. My first response was yes, then I started being analytical and told her that I had my 2 last finals in 4 days. After we got off the phone I started thinking and praying about it and finally decided that I would take that spontaneous trip to Winston-Salem, NC to finally meet the woman that I had been talking to. It was a great place to meet because my brother, Eric Barbour lived there and such. We finally met each other and I have to tell you that I think I met a woman who was walking around in my dreams. She looked differently in person. She looked very beautiful and lovely. We decided to go and get coffee in downtown Winston-Salem. Of course we both got Fair Trade Coffee and talked for two hours or so. It was something else looking into her beautiful eyes. After that we went and walked in a few stores and art galleries and even watch some of the Christmas parade. It was a great way to kick off the night. We went back to Barbour's house, at pizza, talked, and played wii. I am pretty sure I beat her on bowling by 3 points. Rock it on! After that day things have been very great. We are now officially dating and I have to honestly say that Jamie Benedict is the most amazing person I have ever met on this earth. I have never met anyone who had the same childhood experience as I did, and the same passions that I have; especially for missions and Africa. Every day I learn new things about her and realize we have so much in common and it feels like I have known her forever. I appreciate her friendship and our relationship. I honestly feel that my relationship with Jamie is the most God-centered one that I have ever had. God is the center of ALL our conversations. I pray that He continues to be the center of our relationship. I am still amazed of how God allowed Jamie and I to meet. She is one rockin chica. I think Jamie is one of the very few persons that actually and truly understands my heart and passions in life. Praise God for that!! I just wanted to share a story with you all of how God is just incredible, amazing, and awesome!!! Thank you for allowing me to share with you all. I give Our Abba Father all the praise and glory!! Amen. Ciao mis amigos.
-Chandler
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Missions: Is It Really Worth It?
Hola a todos,
You know something that I have been thinking about is the great commission and persecution, but I would like to talk about the great commission. I am so glad that I decided to stay here and finish school instead of leaving for Africa right away. I am so glad that I have took my two Inter-cultural classes because God used both of them to open up my eyes and heart to see and feel what He sees, feels, and moves Him. We all know the great commission, so I am not going to preach to the choir. However, the only thing that I do not understand is if we know that there are tribal groups and other ethnic groups that have not heard of who Jesus Christ is, than why are we still in our comfortable nation. These tribal/ethnic groups probably do not even have a word for love in their own language and they are living through each day and they are missing it. Since they do not understand the concept of love because they have no word for it, then how in the world are they going to know and understand of a God who died for them and loves them. I think the only way that they can know and understand that is if we go out there and put the Gospel into their own language to where they can actually understand it. I mean, we are talking about serious stuff here. This involves life or death for them. This involves heaven or hell for them. This involves being separated from God or spending eternity with God. This involves eternal life: quality and quantity of life. I was talking to my mama last night about this and I could not understand how people knowing this truth will not go out into the Nations and tell all ethnic/tribal/peoples about the God and Father who changed their life. And my mama said that they are some people that do care, but the one thing that made me sad is she said that there are people that don't care. Oh man, I pray for those that don't care. I pray that God will convict our hearts. I pray for those that do care that God will enlarge our hearts to see what He sees and feel what He feels. I was once the one that knew about lost but did not want to go out into the Nations. I was making excuses. But who are we to make excuses? I mean come on. Seriously. I have heard in the past year: I have children to look after, I have a job, I don't have enough money, some people are just too old, maybe I will do it later. Oh man, I pray that God will convict us and change our hearts. I pray that God will let everyone see that He is a global God not just a Western or American God. I mean, there are people out there in Africa, Asia, and I think South America that have never heard of the name Jesus Christ before. They are living each day as each day is normal. And they are missing something. These people do not have a word in their language for love. I just don't understand how in the world we can just stay here in our comforts and just let them live a normal life without know who Jesus Christ is. The way I see it is we are ignoring their cries for help. Their cries for mercy. Their cries for grace. I pray that our generation won't be like the others and try to make excuses. I know what you are thinking, well if we go out into the world, then who is going to stay here and minister to the people here? That is the question my mama and granddaddy asked me. I didn't know how to answer that when they asked me that, but I think I do now. Let God handle that. That is not our problem. We are not supposed to limit God and His power and His work. We are not supposed to put God in a box. God will find a way to work that all out. That is how BIG is! I am not trying to change everyone's hearts, I just want everyone to think about things differently. Because I think that is the problem, is that we do not think. I can tell you that I have learned to actually learn the use the brain and mind God gave me, and yes I might have short-term memory but that doesn't stop me from thinking. I also pray that we look at the BIG picture also. I will leave you with some quotes that encouraged me:
"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed."
- Hudson Taylor
"If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn't it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death." - Dave Davidson
"Had I cared for the comments of people, I should never have been a missionary." - C.T. Studd
"Today Christians spend more money on dog food then missions"
- Leonard Ravenhill
"Have my blood. Have it all. Let it be poured out for the life of the world."
- Jim Elliot
"If every Christian is already considered a missionary, then all can stay put where they are, and nobody needs to get up and go anywhere to preach the gospel. But if our only concern is to witness where we are, how will people in unevangelized areas ever hear the gospel? The present uneven distribution of Christians and opportunities to hear the gospel of Christ will continue on unchanged." - C. Gordon Olson
"This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!"
- Keith Green
"The command has been to "go," but we have stayed - in body, gifts, prayer and influence. He has asked us to be witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth…But 99% of Christians have kept puttering around in the homeland."
- Robert Savage
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart" - Bob Pierce, World Vision founder
"Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ."
- Francis Xavier
"A tiny group of believers who have the gospel keep mumbling it over and over to themselves. Meanwhile, millions who have never heard it once fall into the flames of eternal hell without ever hearing the salvation story."
- K.P. Yohannan
"Here am I. Send me." - Isaiah
"Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring" -Jesus
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." - Jesus
I will let you decide that. Is missions worth it? Is missions worth it all? Is going to another country and forsaking our comforts worth it? Is going on a journey and seeking out tribal/ethnic groups worth it all? Is going on a journey to where you might actually have to work your butt off to translate the Gospel into their own language to where they truly understand worth it all? Is going to other countries worth it? Is being truly persecuted for the sake of the Gospel worth it all? If the stones and rocks will eventually cry out, then is it worth it? Is it really and truly worth it all?
~Chandler
You know something that I have been thinking about is the great commission and persecution, but I would like to talk about the great commission. I am so glad that I decided to stay here and finish school instead of leaving for Africa right away. I am so glad that I have took my two Inter-cultural classes because God used both of them to open up my eyes and heart to see and feel what He sees, feels, and moves Him. We all know the great commission, so I am not going to preach to the choir. However, the only thing that I do not understand is if we know that there are tribal groups and other ethnic groups that have not heard of who Jesus Christ is, than why are we still in our comfortable nation. These tribal/ethnic groups probably do not even have a word for love in their own language and they are living through each day and they are missing it. Since they do not understand the concept of love because they have no word for it, then how in the world are they going to know and understand of a God who died for them and loves them. I think the only way that they can know and understand that is if we go out there and put the Gospel into their own language to where they can actually understand it. I mean, we are talking about serious stuff here. This involves life or death for them. This involves heaven or hell for them. This involves being separated from God or spending eternity with God. This involves eternal life: quality and quantity of life. I was talking to my mama last night about this and I could not understand how people knowing this truth will not go out into the Nations and tell all ethnic/tribal/peoples about the God and Father who changed their life. And my mama said that they are some people that do care, but the one thing that made me sad is she said that there are people that don't care. Oh man, I pray for those that don't care. I pray that God will convict our hearts. I pray for those that do care that God will enlarge our hearts to see what He sees and feel what He feels. I was once the one that knew about lost but did not want to go out into the Nations. I was making excuses. But who are we to make excuses? I mean come on. Seriously. I have heard in the past year: I have children to look after, I have a job, I don't have enough money, some people are just too old, maybe I will do it later. Oh man, I pray that God will convict us and change our hearts. I pray that God will let everyone see that He is a global God not just a Western or American God. I mean, there are people out there in Africa, Asia, and I think South America that have never heard of the name Jesus Christ before. They are living each day as each day is normal. And they are missing something. These people do not have a word in their language for love. I just don't understand how in the world we can just stay here in our comforts and just let them live a normal life without know who Jesus Christ is. The way I see it is we are ignoring their cries for help. Their cries for mercy. Their cries for grace. I pray that our generation won't be like the others and try to make excuses. I know what you are thinking, well if we go out into the world, then who is going to stay here and minister to the people here? That is the question my mama and granddaddy asked me. I didn't know how to answer that when they asked me that, but I think I do now. Let God handle that. That is not our problem. We are not supposed to limit God and His power and His work. We are not supposed to put God in a box. God will find a way to work that all out. That is how BIG is! I am not trying to change everyone's hearts, I just want everyone to think about things differently. Because I think that is the problem, is that we do not think. I can tell you that I have learned to actually learn the use the brain and mind God gave me, and yes I might have short-term memory but that doesn't stop me from thinking. I also pray that we look at the BIG picture also. I will leave you with some quotes that encouraged me:
"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed."
- Hudson Taylor
"If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn't it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death." - Dave Davidson
"Had I cared for the comments of people, I should never have been a missionary." - C.T. Studd
"Today Christians spend more money on dog food then missions"
- Leonard Ravenhill
"Have my blood. Have it all. Let it be poured out for the life of the world."
- Jim Elliot
"If every Christian is already considered a missionary, then all can stay put where they are, and nobody needs to get up and go anywhere to preach the gospel. But if our only concern is to witness where we are, how will people in unevangelized areas ever hear the gospel? The present uneven distribution of Christians and opportunities to hear the gospel of Christ will continue on unchanged." - C. Gordon Olson
"This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!"
- Keith Green
"The command has been to "go," but we have stayed - in body, gifts, prayer and influence. He has asked us to be witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth…But 99% of Christians have kept puttering around in the homeland."
- Robert Savage
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart" - Bob Pierce, World Vision founder
"Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ."
- Francis Xavier
"A tiny group of believers who have the gospel keep mumbling it over and over to themselves. Meanwhile, millions who have never heard it once fall into the flames of eternal hell without ever hearing the salvation story."
- K.P. Yohannan
"Here am I. Send me." - Isaiah
"Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring" -Jesus
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." - Jesus
I will let you decide that. Is missions worth it? Is missions worth it all? Is going to another country and forsaking our comforts worth it? Is going on a journey and seeking out tribal/ethnic groups worth it all? Is going on a journey to where you might actually have to work your butt off to translate the Gospel into their own language to where they truly understand worth it all? Is going to other countries worth it? Is being truly persecuted for the sake of the Gospel worth it all? If the stones and rocks will eventually cry out, then is it worth it? Is it really and truly worth it all?
~Chandler
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Complain or Not To Complain, that is the question?
Hello amigos,
Something has been on my mind lately. I wonder why I find myself complaining when I have all the necessities to live through each day. People have told me that it is okay to vent out my feelings, emotions, and whatever is on my mind. I have found myself for the past three weeks complaining about stupid things. And then someone tells me that it is okay. I really do not know what I think about that statement. No, it is not okay to complain. I know that we have freewill to choose whether or not to complain, but what is the purpose of complaining. I can hear my old soccer coach yell, "Purpose, Purpose!" He would yell that when players would kick or pass the ball and it would not go towards other teammates. I think I can put his famous quote to the whole idea about complaining. Seriously, what is the purpose about complaining?? It does not get you anywhere or make the situation better. The verses that came to my mind was Philippians 2:13-15, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..." Wow! I think that I have forgotten whatever I go through in life does not surprise God Almighty at all. I think most of us forget that. The truth is that God has planned our lives and whatever we go through from the very beginning, even before we came out of our mother's womb. I think that whatever comes our way, all in all...brings glory to Our Father, God himself. That verse talks about that we should do everything without complaining or arguing. And then it says why, "so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation." That is another Wow! Then the verse ends by saying, "in which you shine like stars in the universe." That we shine for God's glory! Amen. Another reason why I do not think that Americans should complain is because we have everything that we need to survive. We have shelter, food, clothing, and water! In our homes we have carpet/wood floors, showers/bathtubs, hot water heaters, pure water to drink, toilets, furniture, and most important people who love us. Why then should we complain? There are people all over the world who does not have what we all have. There are orphans, widows, and people dying of starvation in Africa who do not have that much in life. If they have water, then it is contaminated, and if they have toilets then it might be a hole in the ground where you have to squat. People do not realize our blessed we are. So, back to my soccer coach's famous quote, "Purpose, Purpose!" There is not purpose in complaining or arguing over what we have in life. I have to apologize to my friends and family that for the past three weeks have put up with my annoying complaining. I am sorry! I got off track in life as to what is important. Bringing God glory in whatever we do is the most important thing in life. Take care my friends and I pray that God's face will shine on you today! Ciao
-Chandler
Something has been on my mind lately. I wonder why I find myself complaining when I have all the necessities to live through each day. People have told me that it is okay to vent out my feelings, emotions, and whatever is on my mind. I have found myself for the past three weeks complaining about stupid things. And then someone tells me that it is okay. I really do not know what I think about that statement. No, it is not okay to complain. I know that we have freewill to choose whether or not to complain, but what is the purpose of complaining. I can hear my old soccer coach yell, "Purpose, Purpose!" He would yell that when players would kick or pass the ball and it would not go towards other teammates. I think I can put his famous quote to the whole idea about complaining. Seriously, what is the purpose about complaining?? It does not get you anywhere or make the situation better. The verses that came to my mind was Philippians 2:13-15, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..." Wow! I think that I have forgotten whatever I go through in life does not surprise God Almighty at all. I think most of us forget that. The truth is that God has planned our lives and whatever we go through from the very beginning, even before we came out of our mother's womb. I think that whatever comes our way, all in all...brings glory to Our Father, God himself. That verse talks about that we should do everything without complaining or arguing. And then it says why, "so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation." That is another Wow! Then the verse ends by saying, "in which you shine like stars in the universe." That we shine for God's glory! Amen. Another reason why I do not think that Americans should complain is because we have everything that we need to survive. We have shelter, food, clothing, and water! In our homes we have carpet/wood floors, showers/bathtubs, hot water heaters, pure water to drink, toilets, furniture, and most important people who love us. Why then should we complain? There are people all over the world who does not have what we all have. There are orphans, widows, and people dying of starvation in Africa who do not have that much in life. If they have water, then it is contaminated, and if they have toilets then it might be a hole in the ground where you have to squat. People do not realize our blessed we are. So, back to my soccer coach's famous quote, "Purpose, Purpose!" There is not purpose in complaining or arguing over what we have in life. I have to apologize to my friends and family that for the past three weeks have put up with my annoying complaining. I am sorry! I got off track in life as to what is important. Bringing God glory in whatever we do is the most important thing in life. Take care my friends and I pray that God's face will shine on you today! Ciao
-Chandler
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Something to ponder/think about...
Hello my friends,
I know it has been a while since I have updated my blog. I have been thinking about what to write and how to update what is going on in my life. I have been having a hard time ever since I have been back from Uganda, Africa. I look around at the many things this American has to offer. I look around and see the materialism in this culture. I look around and see people who are not willing to accept the free gift that Our Glorious God has to offer. I look around and see people who not willing to give up their comforts to go spend some time in the Nations. I look around and see people getting caught up within themselves. I look around and see a Nation who has many "things", but does not know how to use them all wisely. We are a Nation with many "things" but put the majority to waste. I would even say, how dare us! There are people around the world who are suffering. There are millions upon millions orphans in Africa. What these orphans and people suffer compares nothing to what we suffer here in America, they suffer a whole lot more than we do. We are so caught up in our desires and thinking how to satisfy ourselves. And we as a people fail to see things through the eyes of Our God. We fail to see the world through His beautiful eyes. We fail to feel what He feels. We fail to love what He loves. We even fail to go where He is (where He wants us to go). Yesterday I was walking into Kroger to get some things for the week and I got sick. It made me sick to see how much food "we" have and buy. I bet some of that food people buy, goes to waste. And to think there are orphans in Africa, and all over the world that are starving (really starving, not just saying it, but are experiencing it) I was reading in my quiet time last night Ephesians 3. I love the whole book of Ephesians; Paul was an amazing writer and preacher. I loved the whole chapter but a couple verses spoke out to me; 18 & 20. Verse 18 starts like this, "may have power, together with all saints, to grasp how wide, and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." Does not that just blow your mind? I mean if every person that truly followed Jesus Christ would really grasp how wide, long, high, and deep His Love is would we do things and say things differently? I would even say yes. Verse 20 starts like this, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Holy crap chicken! That verse is so amazing. Our God is able to do things that we cannot comprehend or even imagine. Just to think that God is able to be there for the orphans if nobody wants to. He is able to raise that generation to do great things for His Name & Kingdom. God is able to do immeasurably and incredible things if people refuse to get out of their comfort zones to go minister to the orphans & widows. He desires to make Himself known to everybody in the Nations. That is how BIG our God is. We are called to the light of the world. So, let all of us carry our torches and go out unto the Nations and be a light, even in the dark places. That is what I pray for myself and for others who read this. This post was just some thoughts on my mind. Please let me know what ya'll think. We need to be willing to leave our comfort zone (stepping out of the boat) and go and make Christ known among the Nations. More of my thoughts will come later on. Ciao!
~Chandler
I know it has been a while since I have updated my blog. I have been thinking about what to write and how to update what is going on in my life. I have been having a hard time ever since I have been back from Uganda, Africa. I look around at the many things this American has to offer. I look around and see the materialism in this culture. I look around and see people who are not willing to accept the free gift that Our Glorious God has to offer. I look around and see people who not willing to give up their comforts to go spend some time in the Nations. I look around and see people getting caught up within themselves. I look around and see a Nation who has many "things", but does not know how to use them all wisely. We are a Nation with many "things" but put the majority to waste. I would even say, how dare us! There are people around the world who are suffering. There are millions upon millions orphans in Africa. What these orphans and people suffer compares nothing to what we suffer here in America, they suffer a whole lot more than we do. We are so caught up in our desires and thinking how to satisfy ourselves. And we as a people fail to see things through the eyes of Our God. We fail to see the world through His beautiful eyes. We fail to feel what He feels. We fail to love what He loves. We even fail to go where He is (where He wants us to go). Yesterday I was walking into Kroger to get some things for the week and I got sick. It made me sick to see how much food "we" have and buy. I bet some of that food people buy, goes to waste. And to think there are orphans in Africa, and all over the world that are starving (really starving, not just saying it, but are experiencing it) I was reading in my quiet time last night Ephesians 3. I love the whole book of Ephesians; Paul was an amazing writer and preacher. I loved the whole chapter but a couple verses spoke out to me; 18 & 20. Verse 18 starts like this, "may have power, together with all saints, to grasp how wide, and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." Does not that just blow your mind? I mean if every person that truly followed Jesus Christ would really grasp how wide, long, high, and deep His Love is would we do things and say things differently? I would even say yes. Verse 20 starts like this, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Holy crap chicken! That verse is so amazing. Our God is able to do things that we cannot comprehend or even imagine. Just to think that God is able to be there for the orphans if nobody wants to. He is able to raise that generation to do great things for His Name & Kingdom. God is able to do immeasurably and incredible things if people refuse to get out of their comfort zones to go minister to the orphans & widows. He desires to make Himself known to everybody in the Nations. That is how BIG our God is. We are called to the light of the world. So, let all of us carry our torches and go out unto the Nations and be a light, even in the dark places. That is what I pray for myself and for others who read this. This post was just some thoughts on my mind. Please let me know what ya'll think. We need to be willing to leave our comfort zone (stepping out of the boat) and go and make Christ known among the Nations. More of my thoughts will come later on. Ciao!
~Chandler
Friday, August 31, 2007
Christ became the curse for us
Hello My Mzungu Friends,
Praise God for today! Last night I have to say I went to an amazing concert of Shane & Shane last night at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The opening acts were Monk & Neagle and Bebo Normon. When Bebo spoke last night he said Bono and all those superstars aren't suppose to go to Africa, it's suppose to be the body of Christ..I was like preach it brother. That is so true! I mean I think it's cool what all of these celebs are doing and helping out with Africa and yet while they are over there the body of Christ is sitting down in their comfort zone. Tell me what the problem is there? Yeah, I think that there is a problem. And then when Shane & Shane got up to sing..I love them so much. God used them to speak and minister to many people last night. I know that He used them to minister to me last night. Last night Shane Bernard said something about Galatians 3 that was pretty cool. Last week I had a quiet time in this chapter and thought the exact same thing, so what he said was pretty cool. He spoke about Galatians 3:13-14. The whole chapter is about faith or observance of the law. I think Paul asking if people have real and authentic faith or do they still oberserve the law. And Paul even mentioned Abraham,"Consider Abraham: "He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." I mean do we simply have faith and follow God, just like Abraham did or follow the law. And then this is where verses 13 & 14 come in, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might recieve the promise of the Spirit." My friends Jesus Christ actually became the curse for us. WOW! Because if you think about it, we really didn't derserve to be alive. Our Saviour redeemed us by becoming the curse for us by hanging on a rugged tree. Oh WoW! That my friends is hard to grasped, but once you start to understand it, you start seeing things differently! Praise God that I went to hear Shane & Shane last night to hear about those words about Galatians. Praise God that He inspiried Paul to write Galatians. My Abba Father is so incredible!!! Ciao my friends!
Praise God for today! Last night I have to say I went to an amazing concert of Shane & Shane last night at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The opening acts were Monk & Neagle and Bebo Normon. When Bebo spoke last night he said Bono and all those superstars aren't suppose to go to Africa, it's suppose to be the body of Christ..I was like preach it brother. That is so true! I mean I think it's cool what all of these celebs are doing and helping out with Africa and yet while they are over there the body of Christ is sitting down in their comfort zone. Tell me what the problem is there? Yeah, I think that there is a problem. And then when Shane & Shane got up to sing..I love them so much. God used them to speak and minister to many people last night. I know that He used them to minister to me last night. Last night Shane Bernard said something about Galatians 3 that was pretty cool. Last week I had a quiet time in this chapter and thought the exact same thing, so what he said was pretty cool. He spoke about Galatians 3:13-14. The whole chapter is about faith or observance of the law. I think Paul asking if people have real and authentic faith or do they still oberserve the law. And Paul even mentioned Abraham,"Consider Abraham: "He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." I mean do we simply have faith and follow God, just like Abraham did or follow the law. And then this is where verses 13 & 14 come in, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might recieve the promise of the Spirit." My friends Jesus Christ actually became the curse for us. WOW! Because if you think about it, we really didn't derserve to be alive. Our Saviour redeemed us by becoming the curse for us by hanging on a rugged tree. Oh WoW! That my friends is hard to grasped, but once you start to understand it, you start seeing things differently! Praise God that I went to hear Shane & Shane last night to hear about those words about Galatians. Praise God that He inspiried Paul to write Galatians. My Abba Father is so incredible!!! Ciao my friends!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Updates on life...some to come later.
Hello Mzungus,
Sorry I have not updated my blog in the past 3 weeks. I have been in this American culture for the past 3 and 1/2 weeks and I surely do wish I was back in Bunndo, Uganda. I wish I was at Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage. I miss all my children and secondary students. I miss the staffers there. And I truly miss Bob & Carolyn. I miss the life in the bush. I ask that you all pray for me please because I am having post-culture shock. And classes started today at Liberty, but mine are only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I just want to be focused, but I also want to be open to be lead by the Holy Spirit. "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." (Psalm 115:1). It is not to me. Life is not about Joseph Chandler Sharpe. When I was in Uganda God showed me that I am alive to worship Him and to serve Him. Well, I am going to get ready for bed now. I have class at 7:40 in the stinking A.M. I will update some time this week. Also in your prayers lift up Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage, all the children/secondary students, the staffers, and Bob & Carolyn (the directors). Lift up the Next Generation of Uganda. Lift up the country, Uganda as a whole. Just some updates about the LRA and the war in Northern Uganda. Right now there is peace, but Joseph Kony goes back and forth. However, as of right now there is peace in Uganda. Praise God there is peace in that beautiful country!! Talk to everyone later on. Thank you so much for all the prayers and encouragment during my time at GSF. Love you all. Ciao!
~In Christ,
Chandler
Sorry I have not updated my blog in the past 3 weeks. I have been in this American culture for the past 3 and 1/2 weeks and I surely do wish I was back in Bunndo, Uganda. I wish I was at Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage. I miss all my children and secondary students. I miss the staffers there. And I truly miss Bob & Carolyn. I miss the life in the bush. I ask that you all pray for me please because I am having post-culture shock. And classes started today at Liberty, but mine are only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I just want to be focused, but I also want to be open to be lead by the Holy Spirit. "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." (Psalm 115:1). It is not to me. Life is not about Joseph Chandler Sharpe. When I was in Uganda God showed me that I am alive to worship Him and to serve Him. Well, I am going to get ready for bed now. I have class at 7:40 in the stinking A.M. I will update some time this week. Also in your prayers lift up Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage, all the children/secondary students, the staffers, and Bob & Carolyn (the directors). Lift up the Next Generation of Uganda. Lift up the country, Uganda as a whole. Just some updates about the LRA and the war in Northern Uganda. Right now there is peace, but Joseph Kony goes back and forth. However, as of right now there is peace in Uganda. Praise God there is peace in that beautiful country!! Talk to everyone later on. Thank you so much for all the prayers and encouragment during my time at GSF. Love you all. Ciao!
~In Christ,
Chandler
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