tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160362530039295862024-03-13T00:08:25.548+00:00The Adventure Continues...Grab a cup of coffee, come and catch-up...Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-87506909761777973892008-06-15T18:01:00.001+01:002008-06-15T18:01:06.336+01:00Children Buried Alive in the Amazon - a Glimpse of Hakani's Story<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/RbjRU6_Zj0U' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/RbjRU6_Zj0U'/></object></p><p>This is the video I mentioned in the post below that gives you a glimpse of Hakani's story...</p></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-26313615599045793192008-06-15T17:07:00.006+01:002008-06-15T17:49:11.668+01:00Infanticide: Hakani's Story and a Voice for Life<em>Thump, thump, thump - the sound of the beats of the hollow reeds ring throughout the hut. Members of the Suruwaha tribe, one of the many indigenous tribes of Brazil, signal their agreement that they have recognized an evil spirit in their camp and it must be extinguished. A soulless child has brought the ire of the evil spirits, and for the sake of the whole tribe, her life must be sacrificed. Hakani, not yet even 2 years old, looks on from her mother’s lap with the innocence of childhood as the sounds that cry for her death beat around her.<br /><br />Hakani has shown signs of not developing as other children do, and because of her handicaps, she is deemed soulless. If she had been born a twin or a triplet, or the was the child of a single mother, her fate would have been the same – she was to be buried alive so that her last breath would be underground and then the evil spirit could not escape.<br /><br />But Hakani’s parents have too much love for her, and take their own lives before they are forced to take hers. But, what is most tragic is that their sacrifice steals not only their own lives, but leaves Hakani and the lives of her other siblings unprotected.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRjaOK825sGjkG_vz7lT0Igtea_tLV-LAL3lbpWIUepxzYY-ZgARoo_zcZeCYmcCIqZqCUxKZCZFZQduaQf8X-2Ao6twnXWhyphenhyphenZ7dDHspSv9UFZXXuBC94Oks6a-Nmv3oZeCt3IFWuIVw/s1600-h/Hakani+Film.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212145281786666514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 84px" height="99" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRjaOK825sGjkG_vz7lT0Igtea_tLV-LAL3lbpWIUepxzYY-ZgARoo_zcZeCYmcCIqZqCUxKZCZFZQduaQf8X-2Ao6twnXWhyphenhyphenZ7dDHspSv9UFZXXuBC94Oks6a-Nmv3oZeCt3IFWuIVw/s200/Hakani+Film.jpg" width="235" border="0" /></a><br />The responsibility of doing “duty” now falls to the eldest brother, so he buries her alive…only to have someone rescue her and put her into someone else’s hands.<br /><br />But not all is easy. The tribe will not take her back in, deeming her as cursed, and after another attempt on her life, the 2 ½ years old is abandoned in the jungle, left to scrounge for food and receiving as much help as one of her brothers, Bibi, can give. After three years, Bibi is finally able to take her from the jungle and make the long journey down the river to a missionary outpost to get help for his sister.<br /><br />It is there that Hakani, age 5 ½ and weighing only 15 pounds, begins her journey towards a different life. These missionaries take her in, get her treatment for her massive physical and mental malnourishments, and begin to watch her grow. Her life is valuable, and at 12 years old today, she is a vibrant and lively girl. </em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Picture: Hakani today)<br /></span><br /></em><em></em><em><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212145483272641922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAMat7e0E4kBvpgWn-5tsR-iBCp4Lgt0NZ0DbDFi2TgdU3Mcl_zuYna2vAZEzOm8Xykbx32BXgaIY0yiPAMex_jVwLcbHI0iQ-Bpz1Tlx0PJwIByajtsKbrrTIyTD0P9YpyMdLM4EWNU/s200/Hakani+Today.jpg" border="0" />But what of the other children whose voices are never heard?<br /></em></p><br />When you read this story, doesn’t it sound like something that happened ages ago, in a darker time? This, my friend, is happening daily in this very age in the jungles of Brazil. Men and women, who truly love their children and their people, have been deceived into believing that any child born with a handicap, is a twin or triplet or born of a single mother has no right to live and must be sacrificed in a horrific way – buried alive until death takes them.<br /><br />But there are voices rising up from among the indigenous tribes of Brazil who want to see this unjust practice stopped, and the tide of death stemmed. They see the value of life, they see their tribes diminishing in number, and they want to fight against years of tradition for the lives of their children and for their future. But in the nation of Brazil, the indigenous tribes are not seen as human, thus any claim to the human rights laws of their nation are not seen as applying to them. Those in the tribes who want to see justice restored lack a national foundation for their plea…<br /><br />Until now.<br /><br />This month there is a glimmer of hope in the form of Muwaji’s Law. This law would give protection for the indigenous children against infanticide as well as give human rights to the indigenous people of Brazil.<br /><br />But, they need our help and our voice! Here are some steps you can take to engage with this issue:<br /><br />1.) View the Hakani video at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">www.youtube.com</a> (search for “Hakani” – there are two videos, and the one farther down the list is longer). Read it and send the link to others, or post it on your own website or blog.<br /><br />2.) If you have a Facebook account, join the “Hakani” group and invite others to join.<br /><br />3.) E-mail your approval of Muwaji’s Law to officials in Brazil – use your own words to describe your support of this initiative. If you're interested in the names and e-mail addresses of the people whom you should send notes to, contact me and I'll send them to you.<br /><br /><div align="left">4.) I have a sample letter you can use to e-mail the embassy of your own nation in Brazil (look for that information online) as well as a letter you could use to e-mail the Brazilian embassy that’s located in your nation (look for that information online). If you're interested in those letters, contact me and I'll send them to you.</div><div align="left"><br />5.) After completing these steps, e-mail your own personal contacts to do the same, and ask them to pass this information along. Then watch for the internet movie premier of Hakani’s Story on June 14th on <a href="http://www.hakani.org/">www.hakani.org</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTJ1bLfp2oKphK08FvjhdLb8-fAtJi7DEsGbC4QGE9WJAjzhbR6kOkQ5x8tm1CHiEaykPoSefPpAsWB7bKB8Unw1VkrUQXgAwW8tLwIdm1dSGwcracOE8F0FxLaWPzCyqZb-vw-7qd60/s1600-h/Hakani+and+Bibi+reunite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212145383901286946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTJ1bLfp2oKphK08FvjhdLb8-fAtJi7DEsGbC4QGE9WJAjzhbR6kOkQ5x8tm1CHiEaykPoSefPpAsWB7bKB8Unw1VkrUQXgAwW8tLwIdm1dSGwcracOE8F0FxLaWPzCyqZb-vw-7qd60/s200/Hakani+and+Bibi+reunite.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So, I think I’ll end for now. I wanted to be sure and pass along this story that was so recently brought to me, and to engage with you in being a voice for life for these children who have no voice. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.hakani.org/">www.hakani.org</a> for more information and for updates. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Picture to the left: Hakani and her brother, Bibi, reunite in February of this year)<br /></span><br />If you have any questions or thoughts, be sure to send them my way. Thank you for being alongside – until we type again – <span style="font-family:georgia;"></div></span><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><p align="left"></p>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-85978478320285091162008-06-15T17:00:00.005+01:002008-06-15T17:07:17.104+01:00Training and Vienna....Greetings from Germany!<br /><br />Don’t worry – your eyes are not deceiving you. It truly is another note from me, and so close on the heels of our last communication. Crazy!<br /><br />But, there are a few things happening around here that I knew if I waited to tell you until later, they might never be told. It seems I draft more notes in my head to you than ever get written, so I thought I’d just take the bull by the horns and write while I was thinking about it.<br /><br />So, let’s begin, shall we?<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">All Base Training time</span></strong><br />I know I already told you that we had the privilege as a community to have a couple who have been in YWAM for 34 years, Jim and Judy, as well as a church prayer and teaching team from Tacoma come and be with us for two weeks. That time is over now, but when I look back, I see such richness and life that came from all they poured in – it was perfect timing to hear again some of the teachings that were brought<br /><br />Because of the nature of YWAM, we have many people who join us and move on in a short amount of time. Of the 75 staff we now have, only about 15 had been with us when we had our last Staff Training time, so these sessions served to bring us together as a community as teachings were brought on fundamental issues like repentance, integrity, what it means to disciple, self-leadership and responsibility, mentoring, the fruit of our lives, along with many other topics. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Picture: Herrnhut Staff and Students in front of the Castle)</span> <div><div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212139283469726930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvITMUZAMDxyC1tnWQE1NfHA2A1uOR0ujkCqRIHdgnKzmJqXjuy4CbWtADIJyHFifo7A6H5zO8MI3ZxY2lRmy8PRpuowR1wdyOBUGyo-E8CHGRJCNB-vgTuWAMNk3t5fa3861HEhQaAZ4/s200/Herrnhut+Staff.jpg" border="0" />When the idea came for us to have another time of Staff Training, I knew that the desire was that our root system, the core of who we are as individuals and as a Base, be cleaned out and strengthened so that we could grow more solidly and produce life giving things to the world around us. While there will always be things to correct and adjust, I felt that this time was very successful in strengthening me personally and as well as our whole team. Now let’s just see if we can walk out all we’ve been taught so that the world can see more of Jesus in us. <div> </div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Outreach to Vienna<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpygRZrTUxbvpbNp79SZIMPwSAPUVOqmD2JKhtCSd9ALKzX2QN_6D8h3_DIfgecVfsYK7ZfPNf1-ODx0hYYkDDTgriGfdLWEkRykzHFHzbPEhax1o-elR9UFUY9A5O5DdHcc3IvbJXfQ/s1600-h/euro2008+logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212139466442795842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 149px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px" height="133" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpygRZrTUxbvpbNp79SZIMPwSAPUVOqmD2JKhtCSd9ALKzX2QN_6D8h3_DIfgecVfsYK7ZfPNf1-ODx0hYYkDDTgriGfdLWEkRykzHFHzbPEhax1o-elR9UFUY9A5O5DdHcc3IvbJXfQ/s200/euro2008+logo.jpg" width="166" border="0" /></a>To say that soccer (or football, as it’s known everywhere in the world other than in North America) causes some strong feelings in its fans would be putting it mildly. J Fans are a’buzzin with news of games, and in a nation where they rarely fly their national colors, the German flag is almost ubiquitous – on a car here, hanging from a window there, and just yesterday, I saw people wearing leis in the colors of the German flag!<br /><br />The EuroCup is upon us, and Vienna, Austria (the nation just to the south,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM8p4mgrwKlM9RthGQlEzCgvp95JRPyQXYj1r1H8vhHu5xk9E9m7WYAdjkafgSudgq4WrvEQQ8Bc-uUbsMBvK3QDO3-_oPfEPyO8o379Ly67yJEU6TKuEI2L1MXoopf0EE5ip5uBeEIc/s1600-h/EuroCup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212139585098921586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="143" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM8p4mgrwKlM9RthGQlEzCgvp95JRPyQXYj1r1H8vhHu5xk9E9m7WYAdjkafgSudgq4WrvEQQ8Bc-uUbsMBvK3QDO3-_oPfEPyO8o379Ly67yJEU6TKuEI2L1MXoopf0EE5ip5uBeEIc/s200/EuroCup.jpg" width="163" border="0" /></a> southeast of us) is playing host. So on Monday, about 50 of us from this community are heading down to join several organizations in a massive outreach to the fans of soccer. These kinds of events offer such opportunities to reach out to people from all kinds of nations and walks of life, and one of the things that is most cool for me is that it’s not YWAM that’s the main organizer – we just get to join with other ministries in support of the message that matters: Jesus is real, He is as passionate about you as you are about soccer, and He wants relationship for a lifetime.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxHPOQt85bfLsx4A2cZUTrSTpN-6uxk1wsKDwPE_94ykhVMo9VG1yf_rKpCsTFI3JirLCbnDQXfUliOQ6jQ-1fnBfr8RpcDD6TPs9MaDdu3zaZNVnDvk2lRStl2RpoRy7dvLVMStWIYU/s1600-h/Vienna+Cathedral.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212139465868418722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="158" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxHPOQt85bfLsx4A2cZUTrSTpN-6uxk1wsKDwPE_94ykhVMo9VG1yf_rKpCsTFI3JirLCbnDQXfUliOQ6jQ-1fnBfr8RpcDD6TPs9MaDdu3zaZNVnDvk2lRStl2RpoRy7dvLVMStWIYU/s200/Vienna+Cathedral.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a><br />I don’t know all that we’ll get to do, but there will be kids’ events, coffee tents, bands on the street, dramas, and even more. I look forward to being stretched personally in how I reach out to people in a real and impacting way, and I anticipate a time of getting to know not only our staff and students better, but people of other nations. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Picture to the left: A Cathedral in Vieanna)<br /></span><br />And, if I’m really lucky, I’ll even get to have a free moment for a coffee at Starbuck’s. :)</div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-33554078155575134182008-06-01T15:35:00.007+01:002008-06-01T15:50:41.738+01:00A Lecture About Trash and Other Life-Changing Topics….Greetings from Herrnhut! I hope that this note finds you enjoying the beginnings of summer, no matter how crazy your weather might be (which ours has been, but that’s a conversation better had over a cup of coffee rather than through a note, don’t you think? So, when can I expect you?).<br /><br />Let’s jump in…<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3O54yBqDrB4YRz21dh5GanHE5Vgt-FXDCCovl_zYAkkugNiMSK9KLzv8AMqi4lxqr-r-mnpX7qyfPFB1A3LKcU16P8UpOeP8zvi6TnKDj3AZTdyWs4lRDna_RndfYYi8sNZknPQRsXc/s1600-h/Trashy+Lectures.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206922219157480210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3O54yBqDrB4YRz21dh5GanHE5Vgt-FXDCCovl_zYAkkugNiMSK9KLzv8AMqi4lxqr-r-mnpX7qyfPFB1A3LKcU16P8UpOeP8zvi6TnKDj3AZTdyWs4lRDna_RndfYYi8sNZknPQRsXc/s200/Trashy+Lectures.jpg" width="96" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="color:#660000;">It’s about the 5th day of our New Staff Training process</span> (and even the process itself is new – more on that later), and I smile as I watch one of our new staff members, Ruth, don a hat, frumpy shirt and belt to transform herself into “Trashy”, a fun-loving character that will tell us about the somewhat confusing and complicated German trash system (picture on the right: Ruth doing her "Trashy" imitation). Ruth is British, and her humor is contagious as she holds a tea bag and plastic bottle in front of her and expounds on the virtues and consequences of separating our trash into the correct receptacle.<br /><br />And why, may you ask, is that at all relevant to the future of nations? Very good question, actually..thanks for asking. I look at this young woman, with all her humor and all her creativity, all her desires for Jesus and passion for the arts and people, and I see a beginning. Within what God has given her in the way of talents, giftings, personality, lie answers – answers for people who don’t have hope, people who are searching, people who are hungry for something more.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OXOsjBNgtZ17MtYZFlQIpqNfgTuT-WYQRSJDHy46CN1dZdINUxzDJe7TTbLktOIoEPCQpBPKGa-JaD1HY83ngefs0z5yWuSNoS9o6Jsjflzbxe7C5-Q_o8uzZGnyHjmhpZ8H_LpqJ88/s1600-h/New+Staff+Process.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206922478121803954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OXOsjBNgtZ17MtYZFlQIpqNfgTuT-WYQRSJDHy46CN1dZdINUxzDJe7TTbLktOIoEPCQpBPKGa-JaD1HY83ngefs0z5yWuSNoS9o6Jsjflzbxe7C5-Q_o8uzZGnyHjmhpZ8H_LpqJ88/s200/New+Staff+Process.jpg" width="178" border="0" /></a>But over the last year as I’ve taken on this role in our Community of Staff Development, I’ve become more aware that all our Staff will go farther and will be stronger here and in the nations if they start off at a higher place. If they can come in with a stronger understanding of their role, of expectations for being a part of this Community, of how they can fit into the bigger picture, won’t they grow deeper roots, grow stronger lives and produce more lasting fruit? And that for me, and I know for you, is my heart’s cry – may these Staff members be strong so that the fruit that comes from their lives in the nations will have a lasting impact. (Picture on the left: Group photo of the new Staff during the intake process. Along the back are the members of the Staff Development team, l-r: Martin, Grazyna, me and Johanna. Great group!)<br /><br />Besides, who wants to miss out on a “Trashy” experience?<br /></em><br /><span style="color:#660000;">And that is a brief glimpse of what the last months have been for me here</span> – a prayerful, concentrated and focused effort, along with my great team, to create some processes we’ve not had before at this location. God has blessed this Base with many new staff – and they just keep coming! – but we’ve not yet had the time or resources to create a way for these staff to come into this environment in a more concentrated way. God put these things on my and my team’s heart some time ago, and we were able to see that desire realized in the middle of May. So fun! And we hope the intake process will be refined and repeated for many years to come.<br /><br />Immediately following, we began an All Base time where we as an entire Herrnhut community put a stop to our normal activities and took the time to come together for teaching and refining. We’re in the middle of that time now, and though it’s busy and lots of work, it’s well worth it. We have a couple who have been in YWAM for 34 years as well as a prayer team from a church in Tacoma who have come to serve us for this time, and I’m already seeing roots being strengthened, including my own. Again, my hope and prayer is that the foundations of this very young community can be strengthened and kept strong so we can continue to have positive and impacting fruit come from our lives.<br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">DTS<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeNUvho6y_5cNZ5boAwctyWyoMv8c2kwsORWBqX-Ja8g2cl4eQZPVD1SGIYPPn4EBPa78JErCGmu3nTQGpRO45gsMShXkj0bUqX4YtPwMCZNjcn44IVtLKw7SSR5wOXMjWQM6UwRIelI/s1600-h/Nations+night.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206922912260168498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="134" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeNUvho6y_5cNZ5boAwctyWyoMv8c2kwsORWBqX-Ja8g2cl4eQZPVD1SGIYPPn4EBPa78JErCGmu3nTQGpRO45gsMShXkj0bUqX4YtPwMCZNjcn44IVtLKw7SSR5wOXMjWQM6UwRIelI/s200/Nations+night.jpg" width="182" border="0" /></a>Also in the midst of these Base training times, we have a DTS running, and what a great group of students! We have a school of 24, and just recently they have chosen their international Outreach locations. As always, I so enjoy having a school running in this community because it increases our outward focus and brings forward again why we do what we do – the desire for changed lives. (Picture at left: Some of our Staff and a Student during a recent Nations night where we celebrate the different nations in our Community for the DTS)<br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">In future notes</span>: More about the All Base time, the DTS, and our Staff Outreach to Vienna!<br /><br />So, it’s time that I leave you for now – thank you for taking one of your most valuable resources (time) and sharing it with me. I appreciate the prayer, support and encouragement you give, and realize again the intricacies of how God brings us together – without each other, very little would be possible in changing the world around us.<br /><br />As I go, I’ll leave a few prayer requests, but please keep in mind that I’d like to hear from you if there are things I can pray for. We may not be able to meet for coffee, but our prayers have very long arms.<br /><br />Ø All Base Training time: We are in the middle with one week left to go, and my prayer is that God will go deep in our lives through all we’re learning and having prayed over us. And, as a result, we will have a renewed and fresh vision to impact our community and the nations around us.<br />Ø My Staff Development team: I have really enjoyed working the team I’m working with now (there are 3 others besides me), but for great reasons, two of my team members are stepping way. Yikes! If we are to continue to serve this community and the nations, two of us are not enough (we have about 70 staff as well as varying numbers of students). We need for God to bring the right people with the right heart to join us.<br />Ø The DTS: They are preparing for Outreach to 5 countries. Pray that they prepare well, and that God brings in all the finances for the Staff and Students to go!<br />Ø Me, personally: This has been an interesting season – increased responsibility, but for some reason, no extra time! I am doing overall well, but am still working through the tension of carrying all God has called me to right now (which I really enjoy) and not pushing too hard. I need wisdom, just like each of us!<br /><br />Ok, I believe that’s it for now, though you know there are always more stories to tell. Drop a note when you can and let me know how you are, and know I appreciate working with you.<br /><br />Until we type again,<br /><br />Cory<br /><br />P.S. Be sure and check out my blog now and then at: http://catchupwithcory.blogspot.com. Sometimes I update that with other news and pictures, and I would welcome a visit!<br /><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206923577622205042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="190" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod8Z4GUWa6rWeo9vSVf6ME3jXFSxcXNUGVL8oXhoyJgKYTqKPkn5Jzm4B98lH2j5dC8-poQeYftFr4_AVf_ulD-jwDh3NWXhXwjPYPrDOhyphenhyphenxD_cRabJ0w-793CD4P11LcRife3xG42Kc/s200/American+girl!.jpg" width="101" border="0" /><br />Here's me celebrating my country on the Nations night, and yes, I am wearing American flag earrings!Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-89262760264599502462008-05-24T15:15:00.007+00:002008-05-24T15:31:27.668+00:00Dixieland in Dresden?<span style="font-family:times new roman;">It was a very strange moment when I stepped out of the main train station in Dresden, for what should drift to my ears but the sounds of swing and English words! Where am I - the States? Nope (or "nein" to honor the host land) - just the annual Dixieland Festival in Dresden.</span><br /><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I went up for a weekend to visit good friends and got the added pleasure of crawling through the crowded streets to listen to music on many different stages - jazz, swing, Southern flair - all there, and all being played by German bands! The music was great fun, and if you click on the video below, you'll get to hear a bit of one of the bands - I really enjoyed their red shoes. Too bad you can't see the guy on the other side of the stage wearing his cow patterned coat!</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzdLwpQupT7vrx09HiGtw4b-XJ6eKfN9pFysz-RmZVF-R0SwLV7Y-Wz2i24kGKmnlZhnXXQDz0Ivr_UQtndjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The rest of the all-to-brief trip to visit Tom, Jen and the kids went well. Some of went for a walk through a </p><p align="right"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203966156853833298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="167" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdncBIW6zr9CeJLaONr70tEmb8kBbdyU3lRtXLxMBs4iq-L3MbZzHP8fprOTtx0FGGuLIGAqgDmFwKknYMIC7X-X6d2QikJNeDpNZjMf7LvRlqDOB4KzEBWyQdjZI5s6vSFNyUiP_4j8/s200/CIMG1599.JPG" width="130" border="0" /></p><p>beautiful part of Dresden - what beautiful buildings! We walked...and walked....and walked, but the blazing was well worth it because of all we got to see.</span></p><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqX_5sbOwskTP62FNLs5FNoLTGIeHMtcgvWu7u9jZFG568Odap0uaRLHKK93PbaOaB5q53qBetRrt43wQFh-kPPt_1NbkPXWPShzGJvra9nE6tDrwQlxc2wPylWEpuFRlWAz6TYjfBN8/s1600-h/CIMG1598.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203965259205668418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="136" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqX_5sbOwskTP62FNLs5FNoLTGIeHMtcgvWu7u9jZFG568Odap0uaRLHKK93PbaOaB5q53qBetRrt43wQFh-kPPt_1NbkPXWPShzGJvra9nE6tDrwQlxc2wPylWEpuFRlWAz6TYjfBN8/s200/CIMG1598.JPG" width="178" border="0" /></a> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203966938537881202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="165" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf2xFIumgGU0rnd1rZ7oeSXUIm3VxIx2IU4_XNOaEdhdgtT1wfRIeBEWnZrqAL2N-bQZRcBa0HqwAVNjV54xac5srjjAwpvFYmqLMIiBhrgJ_q5KPP5QFhWxa8eIUTMifl7jybgwwcow/s200/CIMG1604.JPG" width="138" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivea2sBb-4Jhgvyr2GYwH9p_bwwAxE293sH4i-hRMm0WSACBaXgAr0VHdejTqpfpYX5p6ZlDHThNTjDEN9-F9RHGCSoeqdf_vACVICZeblMicALkrjLCvZok_ji67uhzuWhFhICGMy2gA/s1600-h/CIMG1600.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203966745264352866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="129" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivea2sBb-4Jhgvyr2GYwH9p_bwwAxE293sH4i-hRMm0WSACBaXgAr0VHdejTqpfpYX5p6ZlDHThNTjDEN9-F9RHGCSoeqdf_vACVICZeblMicALkrjLCvZok_ji67uhzuWhFhICGMy2gA/s200/CIMG1600.JPG" width="181" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"> </p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p>So fun!<br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p></div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-1832243616333049492008-03-29T15:46:00.009+00:002008-03-30T20:59:29.423+00:00Seeds of Change...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMZiJ5VvCAuwrA0RycA23jhlpYnDUUpxVQuGhB0jH2u_1VExulgqa8EUOf8x-81vvb8lNhrOSta1aw91JZuFwFyo0ko8k6N0YV26z4Cg9fsOKPDRyMltOMqtMvZ8eR8WVNw4a5-JuiOw/s1600-h/Herrnhut+10-06.JPG"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183193801444515042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="118" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMZiJ5VvCAuwrA0RycA23jhlpYnDUUpxVQuGhB0jH2u_1VExulgqa8EUOf8x-81vvb8lNhrOSta1aw91JZuFwFyo0ko8k6N0YV26z4Cg9fsOKPDRyMltOMqtMvZ8eR8WVNw4a5-JuiOw/s200/Herrnhut+10-06.JPG" width="170" border="0" /></em></a><em> It’s the day after Easter, and I’m walking in a place that may seem strange to some – the Herrnhut Cemetery. It takes less than 5 minutes to get there from my house, and upon entering, I am immersed in history, in stories untold. <span style="font-size:85%;">(To the left is the path up to the Herrnhut Cemetary and the Prayer Tower)</span><br /><br />Names and dates greet me as I go from stone to stone: Mathilde, 1875 .…Johannes, 1902….Heinrich, 1913, Amelie, 1930. Interestingly, my mind goes back to last week, to the stories that were told by the Staff and Students from our Fall Discipleship Training School. They have just returned from the international outreach part of their DTS, and they bring with them accounts of lives touched – the orphanage they worked in, the Ethiopian tribes they worked with, the almost forgotten African village tucked away in the corners of India that they searched for and found.<br /><br />Why the connection between the Herrnhut cemetery and the DTS? Because while I was walking through that graveyard as well as listening to our students and staff, I heard the future. I looked at those headstones and wondered at the countless number of lives that were touched, and when I listened to those 10 teams report back, I thought the same. These staff and students carried with them seeds – seeds of the hope that was within them, their relationships with Jesus. They planted their seeds, not always with knowing how they will grow, but trusting they will produce much when God brings them to life.<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzSFom7NmwgFWTmnTilanuTGCxL4IQozDE-yp40kVv_JQ7FslHCDl-UXMWTd-fuxxG2amLrEKEvIzmNs3Kd_KLSdxnmqNFbkOs246_8u0-Bm6tX7LkwnWfKMpeXVciYdMeGG80QTQNIw/s1600-h/CIMG1556.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183191366198058194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="147" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzSFom7NmwgFWTmnTilanuTGCxL4IQozDE-yp40kVv_JQ7FslHCDl-UXMWTd-fuxxG2amLrEKEvIzmNs3Kd_KLSdxnmqNFbkOs246_8u0-Bm6tX7LkwnWfKMpeXVciYdMeGG80QTQNIw/s200/CIMG1556.JPG" width="102" border="0" /></a><br />I wish you could have been here last week during the report back time for our DTS – I would have even saved you a seat! As with every school, the stories are not always full of easy passage, but I see and hear God’s hand in the lives of those who go, stories from staff and students who gave up their known way for a season. <span style="font-size:85%;">(To the right - the report back by the team leader of the Chad/Cameroon/Ethiopia team)<br /></span><br />We had 10 teams this year, which encompassed 95 people on the field in 12 countries: Chad/Cameroon/Ethiopia, Ghana, India/Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Israel, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Thailand. They left on their outreaches in January, and thankfully (though we had a few tense moments with several teams, i.e. having to emergency evacuate one team from their location because of attacking rebels), all returned safe and sound.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PPKxFj39zhO1l3zPRhVevFqBvHxvCgDkKnGzwJ6BFtP35Rq1VtoyO4n7qLfBfsMDWFWmc2pOrPIYMf4dLbChuS_X_vtyGsxkIj2OxUDorXWT4LKzyWdYVM16sYPzjCMzUqhqfEebvUI/s1600-h/China+report+back.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183191361903090882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="157" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PPKxFj39zhO1l3zPRhVevFqBvHxvCgDkKnGzwJ6BFtP35Rq1VtoyO4n7qLfBfsMDWFWmc2pOrPIYMf4dLbChuS_X_vtyGsxkIj2OxUDorXWT4LKzyWdYVM16sYPzjCMzUqhqfEebvUI/s200/China+report+back.jpg" width="153" border="0" /></a><br />And with stories. I recall the Ghana team and how they didn’t have an overabundance of finances, but were able to raise 5,000 Euros (about $7,800) for a project they were working with. I think of the somewhat strange story from the Israel team about one of the ministries they did – digging graves. That may sound unusual, but they told us that this was the one cemetery in the whole region where Christians, Jews and Muslims could be buried together – one island of peace in the midst of an area in vast turmoil. <span style="font-size:85%;">(To the right: The report back from our China team)<br /></span><br />The stories go on! But, above all, I walked away with the reminder that what you and I do by supporting these teams impacts not just their lives, but the lives of hundreds of others. The seeds of change have been planted, and the stories remain to be told, in your life, in mine and the lives of those in the nations.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Click the video below and listen to the Nepal team singing!)</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSyOQXOOddn2vKUhwbCoAGaTKe5IsYBrRbjr9Ok9FkUymlnnqov9vffswPBDeRoGToEXY4UdzPeWfoSdpy6A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-58405130286960671702008-03-26T21:02:00.007+00:002008-04-05T21:43:36.446+00:00A Great Time at Home...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gvxWTGQwzKFCP342klEFZn3sm21okOQoB1P9VbqyX1j_gzRvGC3GHOT-zH_lGRI88sLpIfWDFX_A8RQW5NjdXZulZCByYr74qI82Xvu4sIIVXtzv3NN-vcZEJPK8R6HLgjhTB9qutdc/s1600-h/Mom,+Dad+and+I+12-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182159285556829266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" height="111" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gvxWTGQwzKFCP342klEFZn3sm21okOQoB1P9VbqyX1j_gzRvGC3GHOT-zH_lGRI88sLpIfWDFX_A8RQW5NjdXZulZCByYr74qI82Xvu4sIIVXtzv3NN-vcZEJPK8R6HLgjhTB9qutdc/s200/Mom,+Dad+and+I+12-07.jpg" width="159" border="0" /></a><br /> What can I say? Being able to be home for a break from the end of November through mid-January, and home for the holidays for the first time in three years, was truly a gift. Good times with family and great friends, good food, great connection time with my church family, a zillion choices, and most everything in my own language – wow! (Look - it's me, Mom and Dad at Christmas - so cute!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC25PgeOw5iE2QdKF9fVgRngQJrZgnimb1LWgBK87GVQD9G1TeMFOyRrldIaeONIxKlx2KIqytsb9HkjZQJ6d2ZBMChLnVSjTb-grXO3wHj2g3p0Tp49ldvbtZ5kfk0SGpVb7RYozaIt4/s1600-h/The+whole+crew!+12-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182159697873689698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="109" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC25PgeOw5iE2QdKF9fVgRngQJrZgnimb1LWgBK87GVQD9G1TeMFOyRrldIaeONIxKlx2KIqytsb9HkjZQJ6d2ZBMChLnVSjTb-grXO3wHj2g3p0Tp49ldvbtZ5kfk0SGpVb7RYozaIt4/s200/The+whole+crew!+12-07.jpg" width="153" border="0" /></a><br />I didn’t get to go to all the places I wanted to go, like to my family in Kansas, so that’s on the agenda for the next time I’m home (which I’m not sure when that will be). But, all-in-all, the time home was refreshing and thought-provoking. I come away each time with a thankfulness for my parents and family, amazing friends and supportive church…and, of course, the wonderful Seattle coffee. (Picture on right: good friends, hanging out)<br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R4EU_4QX-LdLjkQaV4OMXw7CllSOeNYynPbLedFQDbUl49XnDOU2CtuxpJrW4pQqVb5k9wBDh4LhvxtIoMQiEoLvxQ35J-Nu8eDMaTXQ0BFl4k6b_sHPb8SAm6Tailz9gOtARzRmECg/s1600-h/Speaking+at+home+1-08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182160110190550130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R4EU_4QX-LdLjkQaV4OMXw7CllSOeNYynPbLedFQDbUl49XnDOU2CtuxpJrW4pQqVb5k9wBDh4LhvxtIoMQiEoLvxQ35J-Nu8eDMaTXQ0BFl4k6b_sHPb8SAm6Tailz9gOtARzRmECg/s200/Speaking+at+home+1-08.jpg" width="152" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8jCvclNs7Z9Hs8XFYakqsjPJaKz1CIJXYrZs3dgtns6CSJdgQziBQQv7WOt1YMx8ZYwENuoQ2BNP0qjebInXWsEK0_nYWuPuBPdYMWtPZ5Y8gTpJWYH0QCwSRU5tADHz6doJTqU1qPI/s1600-h/Birthday+collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182162077285571746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8jCvclNs7Z9Hs8XFYakqsjPJaKz1CIJXYrZs3dgtns6CSJdgQziBQQv7WOt1YMx8ZYwENuoQ2BNP0qjebInXWsEK0_nYWuPuBPdYMWtPZ5Y8gTpJWYH0QCwSRU5tADHz6doJTqU1qPI/s200/Birthday+collage.jpg" width="176" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wmNle-bLCsFygsFP0_UwVxfLNbJhZQ93OKI9ETXGMUg1ZAqLS9SvYdb4aIyHaVUEERwvfyCF6wTR2Dna78VDcoJFtS6f0dmzEIU0Zadtc7n5IhaZEaeKMwfMjSYEj-kH_xi9zcE4W0c/s1600-h/Trip+Home+2007+105.JPG"></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185879607703461106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="131" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmiyXAi6oIbL0LjaC0mEv4oV2f3DcO0NUAUPcbZc4hSP9gQgCL9iDLQk0wKW2rXU7WdjeAYTRYXf6-qbsigK8YV3EvJvmg0EtaC6qdetWhrb97PyXQkaNZwhs6zbYNkVrakEqgZYFUq4/s200/Deanna,+Christy+and+I+12-07.jpg" width="177" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Here I am, speaking at my home church.....and celebrating my 33rd birthday with good friends</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-84546994606289304292008-03-26T20:49:00.005+00:002008-03-29T15:46:03.308+00:00A Campaign for Hope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEt_4JmCHFwsxNXJ21r3jgmFNaYwBeTZnxTb814p_DbiDGl0n_o8OMPMpwe1ffZyZ_lANI2go6l9e1TMX2zvv380RkfvgrzFd8cfOT0IrGWj9wrWBCj0NWNwei4Irc2SBwCI7ilfFoG4/s1600-h/CIMG1502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183190193671986354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" height="113" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEt_4JmCHFwsxNXJ21r3jgmFNaYwBeTZnxTb814p_DbiDGl0n_o8OMPMpwe1ffZyZ_lANI2go6l9e1TMX2zvv380RkfvgrzFd8cfOT0IrGWj9wrWBCj0NWNwei4Irc2SBwCI7ilfFoG4/s200/CIMG1502.JPG" width="147" border="0" /></a>I’m sitting in New York City, the epitome of the international city, at a pre-launch meeting for an event called The Hope Campaign. Gathered with me are several dozens of people who all carry the heart for issues of injustice in the world: child soldiers, poverty, illiteracy, lack of clean water, human trafficking, etc. Each person, including myself, sees the great need in the world, and wants to do something to fight back…but what? How can one small life make a difference? (My good friend, Melissa, and I, reconnecting!)<br /><br />The statistics on Human Trafficking alone are staggering: 27 million people a year are trafficked in the world, across national borders and within their own countries, some for forced labor, most for sexual exploitation. Some of those numbers include children, and all of those numbers include valuable and irreplaceable lives – someone’s brother, mother, sister, son, friend.<br /><br />And those statistics take a very real presence not far from me here in Europe. This is not a story for Eastern Europe alone – it is in every nation, and in almost <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT325Kr8oV2F-Sp7crt92m_LPooJnPsNa7T1rihdKsTkjdWURSgD5yXpegnqDEmLHWjQd4ErcmIj0HitdnpEnIZ3ZD6w-Opw5e-Td8arggU1o20WtxyBgwuOmELAdUKIO6ZwvdwTwhKs/s1600-h/Tonya+presenting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182156742936189986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 99px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT325Kr8oV2F-Sp7crt92m_LPooJnPsNa7T1rihdKsTkjdWURSgD5yXpegnqDEmLHWjQd4ErcmIj0HitdnpEnIZ3ZD6w-Opw5e-Td8arggU1o20WtxyBgwuOmELAdUKIO6ZwvdwTwhKs/s320/Tonya+presenting.jpg" width="123" border="0" /></a>every major city. And the question comes to my mind again – what can one life do in the face of so much?<br /><br />And that is what drew me to New York for this meeting – the desire to do something. As I listened and gave my administrative piece, I heard the hearts of the others in that room that wanted to work in, or were already engaged in, issues of injustice. As the meetings unfolded, we listened as a framework for the future began to come together. (The picture is of my friend, Tonya, presenting about a township she works in in South Africa)<br /><br />In short, The Hope Campaign will serve as a platform to focus and facilitate individuals and organizations to educate, inspire and move towards action on issues of injustice. Next year, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RtbtkFDfWDhALpJq1LSwxRDfGBZ-DzELVNnP9rbyYiBCUlv1Aiyd9jqSFx0mgIQGaroZHZBVyqgtCjN2qvhsk9DVUzUjdiex9OJhuL-GwI8_viUloNfznFNw7MDgAMwN241smpxYnCA/s1600-h/Me+in+Times+Square!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182157206792657970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" height="167" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RtbtkFDfWDhALpJq1LSwxRDfGBZ-DzELVNnP9rbyYiBCUlv1Aiyd9jqSFx0mgIQGaroZHZBVyqgtCjN2qvhsk9DVUzUjdiex9OJhuL-GwI8_viUloNfznFNw7MDgAMwN241smpxYnCA/s200/Me+in+Times+Square!.jpg" width="143" border="0" /></a>starting at the end of February and going through mid-March, different groups (and anyone can apply to host a venue) will gather in New York City to raise awareness and provide action steps on issues of injustice.<br /><br />It was a privilege to be a part of these meetings, and I hope to be a part of the first Hope Campaign event next year. I won’t say any more about it now, but if you’re interested in more information, just let me know. There will definitely be more about it in future updates. (Here I am, in Times Square!)Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-91518420579559185552007-09-30T13:49:00.000+00:002007-09-30T14:04:53.278+00:00Didn't You Go to India and South Korea?Yes, yes I did...but I've just been too long in getting back to you! Here's the update...<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><u>India</u></strong></div><div><em>After a night of much enjoyed sleep, I stepped out of the entrance to the hostel into the muddy streets of Manali in Northern India. My friend Rosie and I had come to visit the India Outreach team, and one of the team leaders, Isabel, was taking us on a small tour of the “city”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6Mv_-SNxbaldEVrnNFHmuGl1T0Ftpwm7s8yUSHGrMLflLI8syUr6LaGQLkN-hy2FtzuEEf11dopnr5a8SrXL5ZCuNwGB1t3p4kNUHHZIYxamMHNwnnZHkFcLzfrfiYRp8RbzMcbH2Rs/s1600-h/CIMG0937.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115995017614495810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="104" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6Mv_-SNxbaldEVrnNFHmuGl1T0Ftpwm7s8yUSHGrMLflLI8syUr6LaGQLkN-hy2FtzuEEf11dopnr5a8SrXL5ZCuNwGB1t3p4kNUHHZIYxamMHNwnnZHkFcLzfrfiYRp8RbzMcbH2Rs/s200/CIMG0937.JPG" width="148" border="0" /></a> that had been their home for almost three weeks.<br /><br />It had been dark when we arrived the night before, so I hadn’t seen much. What overtook me first was the incredible beauty of the mountains – that isn’t something I had expected in India. The lush, towering peeks struck such a sense of awe in me – amazing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCckcxnNeOr6EIGLcMo2N1NmydKPzpMw5XCf4IsEIxPiXFz8VK3d_1ebF1gMh1AqKiwWOYTR8emiAzzSwV-SxJTmNavphaQv-hyFWSF5oyVfL9CsDtq6qB_Z9hPGaw1I4EFfWjfylQOQ/s1600-h/CIMG0921.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115995627499851874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="100" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCckcxnNeOr6EIGLcMo2N1NmydKPzpMw5XCf4IsEIxPiXFz8VK3d_1ebF1gMh1AqKiwWOYTR8emiAzzSwV-SxJTmNavphaQv-hyFWSF5oyVfL9CsDtq6qB_Z9hPGaw1I4EFfWjfylQOQ/s200/CIMG0921.JPG" width="158" border="0" /></a>But as I turned my eyes to the streets, my heart grew heavier. This “city” of Manali is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoFh1eNpsHDidJWYxeZwEYwdPsmwUIqlqBxfw3U_By6IhcrOX4aM2A4zk9U210vvQKhuq4ZVa4rATLik-RJkutf3EN9r6H1YbRCh_T4AJYPE4PB2TWMtQCERArPIbj9ioBYxe7EL3-dI/s1600-h/CIMG0921.JPG"></a>inhabited with tourists – with about 80% of those tourists being Israeli – but there was little in the way to recommend it. The streets were muddy, the shops somewhat few, the local homes very poor, and cows roamed the streets with more freedom than people did.<br /><br />After our walk, Isabel brought me back and I asked her about what drew people here. She took me to my room, and pointed to the grassy looking area right in front of my door – marijuana plants. She explained that so many tourists come here looking for cheap drugs, cheap sex and meaning to life. The first two are readily available, and the last one – well, while the eastern religion of India is readily available, the purpose people are looking for often eludes them. And that is why this team was there – to be a light in a place that was so heavy with darkness, and to show that real meaning can’t be found in emptying yourself, but in being filled with the life of Jesus.<br /></em><br />That was one small glimpse of my time with our DTS India Outreach team. Though the travel to them was grueling (36 hours each way), it was well worth it to be able to connect with this group and see all that they had been led into.<br /><br />As I already mentioned, the team was living in a place where tourists came to seek after “recreational” activities and eastern religion. Just in the way the team chose to live – boys and girls living in separate rooms, not engaging with drugs and singing joyful worship songs – set them a part from many other who came there. They had developed friendships with the people in the hostel, shop owners and tourists in the cafes, and had the opportunity to share time and again about why their lives were different.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20puTeLDXc3CLV1KKXcTAfnv5BRvM6kkWIb_9yoanEmz00_qdzpsJzxtuUFoqisAJa9YBvfxSNjeYPevsSbXf8GD4ukYIOxLQqUf3LLh0vYw2AZXWH_c5XXAOgqC8fFVMOXp0ruOP-Xs/s1600-h/Indian+Children%27s+Home.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115995949622399090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" height="96" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20puTeLDXc3CLV1KKXcTAfnv5BRvM6kkWIb_9yoanEmz00_qdzpsJzxtuUFoqisAJa9YBvfxSNjeYPevsSbXf8GD4ukYIOxLQqUf3LLh0vYw2AZXWH_c5XXAOgqC8fFVMOXp0ruOP-Xs/s200/Indian+Children%27s+Home.jpg" width="157" border="0" /></a><br />And the day before I left, we had the opportunity to go into a Christian Children’s home/school. This place is home to about 90 children, and gave education to many more in the local area. Five of us climbed onto the school bus with the kids one morning and headed off to school – what a sight we must have been among those little, black-haired children!<br /><br />This facility blessed me as I met teachers and workers who were giving of their lives. As they <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_szKT3-TBr3cAuqhff3xm0UpABdPlpRwxkcNytkQ2he8ojaRxRm3AyKM6ZpH6ePed6pm6ZB4JSpwA7vP6H8AHqNbPB5D-44XoNp-cZZwWJZUO1PO52YOSt90TejFmxQVB2oSXCsvXNDo/s1600-h/Last+day+with+team.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115996224500306050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 169px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" height="111" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_szKT3-TBr3cAuqhff3xm0UpABdPlpRwxkcNytkQ2he8ojaRxRm3AyKM6ZpH6ePed6pm6ZB4JSpwA7vP6H8AHqNbPB5D-44XoNp-cZZwWJZUO1PO52YOSt90TejFmxQVB2oSXCsvXNDo/s200/Last+day+with+team.jpg" width="166" border="0" /></a>shared the hope of Jesus with each child, and sought to give them an excellent education, they were building hope for this nation, and in this area, where hopelessness often reigns.<br /><br />It was sad to leave the team, and although the trip home was also grueling (another 36 hour journey), it was such a privilege to see the students and staff giving of their hearts in this nation.<br /><br /><u><strong>South Korea</strong> </u><br /><em>My mind was reeling and my fingers flying as I took notes at the YWAM Global Leadership Team meetings on Jeju Island, South Korea. Every year, the Global Leadership body of YWAM, numbering around 55 people from all over the world, gather to pray together, to hear global reports, and to plan for the future of this Mission.<br /><br />I was just there as a note taker, commissioned through relationship to help the main administrator of these meetings by taking detailed minutes of their all day sessions. I have been doing this already for another international body in YWAM, and now was the time to put my flying fingers into service for this leadership group.<br /><br />And what an amazing time it was. I was blown away again by the breadth <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY_kjUjDXFGk5NDloS0awr5Vfhyh-c4HkierAbEyRZKyLPBilNYfQrWozOB7zerR-rvO0P35HHvJjpDqxHsC21UkK3uojeH-kOfmWpQjfvFZfLHM7XrBnXBrQbhbZLFr3DSezIut31hc/s1600-h/Our+Founder,+Loren,+sharing+with+the+group.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115996465018474642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" height="160" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY_kjUjDXFGk5NDloS0awr5Vfhyh-c4HkierAbEyRZKyLPBilNYfQrWozOB7zerR-rvO0P35HHvJjpDqxHsC21UkK3uojeH-kOfmWpQjfvFZfLHM7XrBnXBrQbhbZLFr3DSezIut31hc/s200/Our+Founder,+Loren,+sharing+with+the+group.JPG" width="128" border="0" /></a>and scope of what Youth with a Mission is. From the obedience of one couple, Loren and Darlene Cunningham (see Loren to the right), to a vision they received from God, had grown a Missions agency that is a little over 16,000 members strong. We are running Discipleship Training Schools in over 150 nations and in over 50 languages, and are involved in numerous global issues – literacy, fighting poverty, orphans, business, human trafficking, the United Nations…and the list continues. My little role in Herrnhut, Germany was feeling very small at that moment.<br /><br />Though the above things were impressed on my mind and spirit, what engaged my heart in a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79F092roZ71BWAedjSh7Jsm68A0B8DNdhbUDVwfnAQ6YkV_-aXO7PSmBrdWwy-pal1vyARghospQav5OvPCOR7wysdUlBI69s-zpQsA72YtOUTUW6TfWivBO411IJhygPtjjRWLUbmdE/s1600-h/Leaders+praying+for+Jeju+Leaders.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115996757076250786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="123" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79F092roZ71BWAedjSh7Jsm68A0B8DNdhbUDVwfnAQ6YkV_-aXO7PSmBrdWwy-pal1vyARghospQav5OvPCOR7wysdUlBI69s-zpQsA72YtOUTUW6TfWivBO411IJhygPtjjRWLUbmdE/s200/Leaders+praying+for+Jeju+Leaders.JPG" width="167" border="0" /></a>deeper way was watching the leaders of our Mission took more than one time to pray for a young woman who had contracted a serious form of malaria as she served in Africa. This woman was in a coma, and the leaders of the Jeju Base as well as her family and friends were carrying a heavy load during this time. And so, as members of our global family were hurting, the leaders set aside their time schedule and lifted her and the others up in prayer.<br /><br />And I saw again that no matter how astounding the work we do in this world is, it’s the time we take for the individuals that truly leaves a mark on the soul. May God give you and I the strength to give the time that changes lives.<br /></em><br />Again, so many stories, so little time! But, being able to serve at these meetings, though very busy at times, was a privilege for me. I felt exposed not only to the bigger picture of YWAM, but<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQoXRXx3gUeyawMbp7p_P2XuADb_xaqbPxPr2oZVeJbbnR-j6-9z3k_peuUvOW_01jz41BCCV3mHw1YAMHacaIeXizIj0XCD87u5ps1mlFLt0-88uBSzV2PTawSu8Y5tsZyK34ms4ITs/s1600-h/Meeting+up+with+YWAM+Friends+in+Korea!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115996941759844530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="135" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQoXRXx3gUeyawMbp7p_P2XuADb_xaqbPxPr2oZVeJbbnR-j6-9z3k_peuUvOW_01jz41BCCV3mHw1YAMHacaIeXizIj0XCD87u5ps1mlFLt0-88uBSzV2PTawSu8Y5tsZyK34ms4ITs/s200/Meeting+up+with+YWAM+Friends+in+Korea!.jpg" width="176" border="0" /></a> to a deeper understanding of how one person’s life can make such a dramatic difference in the future of nations. I met a lot of unsung heroes at these meetings – people who had gone into remote villages in Africa and India, into uncharted sectors of business and industry, people who had been kidnapped for their faith - and all with a desire to see God’s love spread to a hurting world. It was a humbling as well as energizing time for me, and I hope that I can bring even a small piece of what I learned back to the Base in Herrnhut. <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Check out some of my YWAM friends to the right - the man in the front with me is from New Zealand, the red-haired woman from Canada, the one woman from Kenya and the other from Holland)</em><br /></span><br />And so, I think that’s it for now! As always, how can I express my deep thanks to you? Thank you for walking alongside me in prayer and support – these last months have been challenging physically, financially (but, by the way, all the finances came in for all the trips – wahoo!) and spiritually, and you help bring joy to my step. Thank you for reaching out to the lives around you.<br /><br />Drop a note if you have the time – until we type again –<br /><br /><em>Cory<br /></em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-11543994873450782662007-07-31T18:22:00.000+00:002007-07-31T18:33:20.061+00:00Warning...wild baboons on the loose...<div><div><div><div><div><div><em>It’s about 5:30am, and I’m finally finished with what seemed like an eternal flight from Germany to Cape Town, South Africa. Two friends were there to greet me, and they promptly ushered me into the car for our journey to where I was staying.<br /><br />And that’s when the contrasts began. As we were nearing a stoplight, my friend slowed, but<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09V6w0AHuqy26igxPz00mDkz6-SKHzOYEjnbGAKAnrRTf96OQrJYk3qGsO-Z-8VSGitWKMyMlBGq-fRXuVLMIo1JgF4_aRDWrBezI4GF3f_6fztMoCCrY9_X_yM7iGAGGcYV3tw3LWro/s1600-h/Gorgeous+View.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093429971238912706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" height="102" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09V6w0AHuqy26igxPz00mDkz6-SKHzOYEjnbGAKAnrRTf96OQrJYk3qGsO-Z-8VSGitWKMyMlBGq-fRXuVLMIo1JgF4_aRDWrBezI4GF3f_6fztMoCCrY9_X_yM7iGAGGcYV3tw3LWro/s200/Gorgeous+View.JPG" width="164" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL7fqPDC60DLxGbi3Ypf2uII-uFyD8AuzM5XC7YAMNq2Moyd-eehgtQHMvls2iPaJhNl-SgX_MXb8lwvyvkY7wDzfhPnu19WMtAGG_Sav5Ow0_WIkZjLvr3TwbOmUSKzhiH55G5sqH0o/s1600-h/Gorgeous+View.JPG"></a>wouldn’t come to a complete stop. “You don’t want to come to a full stop at a light, if you can help it,” she said. “because if you do, there’s a chance you could be carjacked. We’ve had that happen here – people taken from their cars at stoplights and harmed.” That was an eye-opening statement for me, one of many to come about this vibrant, beautiful, city on the cusp of change…<br /></em><br />First impressions of Cape Town: WOW! The jagged peaks jut out over <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQxRdWdu0b-IUXVA4g9AIwp8x5J3kHXb70udI6Jp7M0ecNprIqo_oMt4-u8Q2RESQhuLF4OWDSNNvzREydU1SFZU0gpuLUXbSelCrTUFBVpQ_mb2iBhjU7UUj3Yi3tsK6rLBTd_pp9H4/s1600-h/Ostriches+by+the+ocean!.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093430203167146706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="118" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQxRdWdu0b-IUXVA4g9AIwp8x5J3kHXb70udI6Jp7M0ecNprIqo_oMt4-u8Q2RESQhuLF4OWDSNNvzREydU1SFZU0gpuLUXbSelCrTUFBVpQ_mb2iBhjU7UUj3Yi3tsK6rLBTd_pp9H4/s200/Ostriches+by+the+ocean!.JPG" width="169" border="0" /></a>the ocean, and the view is breathtaking. After having been in land-locked Germany for some time, the mountains and oceans (the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet here) were a welcome sights indeed. My friends and I spent an afternoon at a national park, where we came to the southernmost point of Africa (see pictures), and along the way, ran into a troupe of baboons (these critters actually go through neighborhoods upending garbage and going into unlocked doors in search o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOwEWpM3Gb6LuuL5E7obAVprJGS2JuD9mODFMckgBjbAcvMfUU4zoLx3qXvNdNDSl0a7u_00xwqyyuX0hGCbG8lByEuvnwuwR-4zUuVWagbjzrbdAADMFLxSpLUZ-TpfYhuymHrAS-5M/s1600-h/Ostriches+by+the+ocean!.JPG"></a>f food) and ostriches. Yes, ostriches by the ocean! Who knew? We saw pictures of penguins that are in the area, but alas, no sightings. Sad day.<br /><br />And then, after the initial enjoyment of nature’s beauty, other impressions begin to edge their <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOzsLHi4qS7PUngshfhJWRriv5d3qHGs9OCxuKbKUkSfYRRylSAT7jbIMeruKsQZpkNz2iuHIOjar8Emv6cFOQkXpjzVXLt-wweru2QO3jj1aBqxglZ3cvS_msHxpN7VQAa6Yd7PdUWE/s1600-h/Township.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093428871727284882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px" height="124" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOzsLHi4qS7PUngshfhJWRriv5d3qHGs9OCxuKbKUkSfYRRylSAT7jbIMeruKsQZpkNz2iuHIOjar8Emv6cFOQkXpjzVXLt-wweru2QO3jj1aBqxglZ3cvS_msHxpN7VQAa6Yd7PdUWE/s200/Township.JPG" width="174" border="0" /></a>way into my consciousness. Black South Africans walk the streets, and some come up into the neighborhoods, scrounging for food in the trash cans. Poverty is a big issue, and it’s a very apparent one – I was staying in a nice home on the hill, but just 10 minutes away was the “township” of Masiphumelele, which is full of very small shacks that house too many people and don’t have running water or consistent electricity. The shacks leak when it rains (and it rains a lot in winter) and are susceptible to fire because of the cooking methods and the unsafe, hijacked electricity. Unemployment is high in the township, and hope can be low.<br /><br />But in the middle of a situation that man would say is without hope, hope lives. A small group of YWAMmers, along with other ministries, are reaching out in an effort to bring transformation to this community of about 20,000. Transformation, while a nice word, takes time, a lot of unified effort and what one person said, “long obedience in the same direction." When I arrived, the YWAMmers were just finishing up the rebuilding of a shack for a woman and her 4 children. Another man was taking time to teach basic computer skills to help men and women upgrade their abilities so that more jobs would be open for them.<br /><br />And then there was another endeavor that really excited me. I have always enjoyed business, and I see that business can have a dramatically positive social change if it’s walked out with God-inspired principles. African Hope Crafts (www.africanhopecrafts.org) is a Christian founded business that has the goal to provide jobs for men and women suffering with HIV/AIDs. The employees create beautiful jewelry which is sold through a small store front in Cape Town as well as through those who’ve chose to become distributors. The sale of one set of jewelry – necklace, earrings, and bracelet – gives the funds for one day’s wages for one person. As the distributors increase – and anyone can become one – the revenue increases, more people are employed and a community is changed. Now that’s exciting!<br /><br />So, all-in-all, my meetings were successful, spending time with good friends was encouraging, and my time in South Africa was impacting. Even though I've shared these observations about the township, please know that Cape Town was much more than what I communicated. Iit's a city coming alive with possibility - with businesses, schools and ministries - but is also one dealing with issues many of our cities are dealing with. As you continue to see Africa in the news,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IDGTMsNpOcSmacjAiE5muQLDWZ85ahXnoJj3a-BfihwnD0JnqXBnSw5l-BrgPvT94KOlQqBsmmqTcLkd2NfW7VvpsMh17xkhzONrJRftABpWwEvSG4HulwS-vVhQU_XzA_C85mNu20I/s1600-h/Troupe+of+Baboons.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093430413620544226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 103px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" height="175" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IDGTMsNpOcSmacjAiE5muQLDWZ85ahXnoJj3a-BfihwnD0JnqXBnSw5l-BrgPvT94KOlQqBsmmqTcLkd2NfW7VvpsMh17xkhzONrJRftABpWwEvSG4HulwS-vVhQU_XzA_C85mNu20I/s200/Troupe+of+Baboons.JPG" width="106" border="0" /></a> I hope this note comes to mind and you are urged towards prayer and action.<br /><br />And as you think about what I’ve shared here, be on the lookout for a wild troupe of baboons in your own neighborhood…<br /><br />Know that you’re appreciated - until we type again,<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><em>Cory<br /></em></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33ypXHUiuJUOHEW4cXiOQbRTdcD4JrW8gPLczVsnt3YajLjm48nQPG9xnghwA4gY9MS3zaWEL8mW6OFlKMigkbU56fjEbBGAheP_cVdliQEwKh49Nz_XuY_Dg7P0C5L5-qHzmU72Lx6Q/s1600-h/Cory+down+south.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093429168080028322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" height="110" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33ypXHUiuJUOHEW4cXiOQbRTdcD4JrW8gPLczVsnt3YajLjm48nQPG9xnghwA4gY9MS3zaWEL8mW6OFlKMigkbU56fjEbBGAheP_cVdliQEwKh49Nz_XuY_Dg7P0C5L5-qHzmU72Lx6Q/s200/Cory+down+south.JPG" width="146" border="0" /></a><br />P.S.: Next stop, India Outreach team visit, with 10 hours of flying and 16 hours of bus travel…more to come…. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-2934964342503474332007-06-23T15:42:00.000+00:002007-06-23T15:47:53.463+00:00The fun April DTS Crew....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z2HmMh81x3kxufFRRxiuNgsmuIfyHVvWDuxD0GVVdWOo4kbAm1-ugwphrsJAcEPCNk_Mhz6rf_yhyphenhyphenrHtoXI89-9tuteKiysf2qn2pT3At4DTPDk1N-xjaYzkUo2giwUnC0i7-22wWMU/s1600-h/This+One!.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079286442176531938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z2HmMh81x3kxufFRRxiuNgsmuIfyHVvWDuxD0GVVdWOo4kbAm1-ugwphrsJAcEPCNk_Mhz6rf_yhyphenhyphenrHtoXI89-9tuteKiysf2qn2pT3At4DTPDk1N-xjaYzkUo2giwUnC0i7-22wWMU/s200/This+One!.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div>Just the other day, we gathered as a DTS to take a School photo - 18 students and 7 staff from six different nations. Man, trying to get one photo where everyone looks good is nearly impossible, especially when we're all cracking jokes. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>Anyway, I thought you might enjoy seeing our faces. Until we meet again!</div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079286729939340786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIotg4N3e_mUrhSrLgQcDVG-UCeYSQr7oG7dCzePHYSER1M8UJHJOeKOrZaF7mFUe5atqw_mPDac8fcPoU9niH2N31xHju6b_sUcy6gwWulsEsD80mIFc2oTIUkqyQTyUaqV9kVE4Z5M/s200/This+one,+too!.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-3017570567914700132007-06-23T15:24:00.000+00:002007-06-23T15:51:55.863+00:00A lovely weekend away...<div>It's hard to believe, but I'm over halfway through this April DTS...but more on that later.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddfoE3O7PzdUrUgHWsaTkbfpR1thXqdB-3rDspzVTGNpfsaCxeZY-aLuBaspxFYuEU5yti4nyPe2OqM83Ay5SInErOdmhkg6XdTi8u3VjXaKFCZ0KV4K327lNa9Jzr2hDFNDDAEbjK48/s1600-h/C,+T+and+Ingrid+6-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079284479376477650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddfoE3O7PzdUrUgHWsaTkbfpR1thXqdB-3rDspzVTGNpfsaCxeZY-aLuBaspxFYuEU5yti4nyPe2OqM83Ay5SInErOdmhkg6XdTi8u3VjXaKFCZ0KV4K327lNa9Jzr2hDFNDDAEbjK48/s200/C,+T+and+Ingrid+6-07.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>So, in the middle of the school, I took the opportunity to finally go and visit the hometown of my good friend, Ingrid - who also happens to be one of my roommates. Toni got to come along as well, which made it all the more enjoyable. It can be difficult to get away in the middle of a DTS, but I'm so glad I did.</div><br /><div>Germany really is a beautiful country, and having the opportunity to see a bit of the countryside <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5YgQHNtec9ARcLVtdXA6Ym-bL3mdz6502UUJ3cZwCGbeWvm_X-4QLZKabDWTGNqfqdfqnjvo6S9sbz4p77CvZ_RNGhQW7p3XaI0LAu9bNhNjAnc9i_MowIZi3qzc27ReA0kOx__WDxU/s1600-h/CIMG0725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079287730666720770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5YgQHNtec9ARcLVtdXA6Ym-bL3mdz6502UUJ3cZwCGbeWvm_X-4QLZKabDWTGNqfqdfqnjvo6S9sbz4p77CvZ_RNGhQW7p3XaI0LAu9bNhNjAnc9i_MowIZi3qzc27ReA0kOx__WDxU/s200/CIMG0725.JPG" border="0" /></a>and to also see where one of your <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPRzJQVtmcfilP3EJAaNWDfwF_TZY8m0h9geh3ER6-MBLXQ0Py3h-c3_-t_ZdpyX9uH9XHXtZz404k_An1lxPdk2dmQQhbBtiF_vMsoXKC-TmCI_fjkkYBNbmC8EAtVEyoylwyM_URgk/s1600-h/CIMG0725.JPG"></a>friends grew up is a special treat. It was so wonderful to be in her parent's home, and though they weren't able to be there while we were there, we had a lovely time nonetheless. I remarked to both Toni and Ingrid how great it was to be in a single-family home - much of my time is spent in apartments, and being in someone's stand-alone home was quite nice.</div><br /><div></div><div>We weren't there long, but we had the chance to relax and see a bit of Kulmbach. On the day we<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6PY7CJT_wwgJt1YVf86DRLjRpV9Ms5V24oFCt0soudWEbKjqeNukhU4DPIis8vn_fCDyq2wk2IXUhuL35_SslIRPNFp897c4kAhofMSDgf7hmFvUJDqrdyNIs_G3sXcVij1glrVDATs/s1600-h/CIMG0780.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079283951095500210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6PY7CJT_wwgJt1YVf86DRLjRpV9Ms5V24oFCt0soudWEbKjqeNukhU4DPIis8vn_fCDyq2wk2IXUhuL35_SslIRPNFp897c4kAhofMSDgf7hmFvUJDqrdyNIs_G3sXcVij1glrVDATs/s200/CIMG0780.JPG" border="0" /></a> headed back to Herrnhut, we stopped and sawy Plassenburg Castle - there are many castles across Germany (including the one I'm working in in Herrnhut), but each is different. This one was built in 1135, and at one point, had been occupied for a brief time by Napolean. What a piece of history.</div><br />Well, that's a all for now. Hope all is well with you, and drop a note when you can. See you at the next Castle!<br /><div> </div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-76184684324879493322007-05-24T14:16:00.000+00:002007-05-24T14:38:49.074+00:00A table for 900, please...<em>Ping, ping, ping...wham, wham, wham…bang, bang, bang...The sounds of a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN67CnB0t94BdOn8_o0nw9UMZq_xsoxtds9tGUUnJsA8PJihTlIhHkWlRiwb-2gODBFtxHiMZ_0NdinZFPanB95X2s_qJUR6a3Ag1El32ny0riEtHn-2Jo8C5OIZgK6E2ZlckFXdWm8H8/s1600-h/A+glimpse+of+the+classroom+-+say+cheese!.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068132772009664322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="120" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN67CnB0t94BdOn8_o0nw9UMZq_xsoxtds9tGUUnJsA8PJihTlIhHkWlRiwb-2gODBFtxHiMZ_0NdinZFPanB95X2s_qJUR6a3Ag1El32ny0riEtHn-2Jo8C5OIZgK6E2ZlckFXdWm8H8/s200/A+glimpse+of+the+classroom+-+say+cheese!.JPG" width="181" border="0" /></a>city arising from nothing carry through the open window of the classroom. It’s May, and the Discipleship Training School is heading into its 4th week. The eighteen students we get to work with this time around – 10 guys from five nations and 8 girls from Germany – are fun work with, but continually challenge me all the same. Just goes to show that I don’t need 68 students to feel challenged to grow – one is enough! <span style="font-size:85%;">(The picture: A glimpse of the classroom - say cheese!)</span></em><br /><br /><em>But as we look out the windows of the Water Castle towards our field, we see a tent city arising. For in just a few days, 800 or so YWAMmers (with about 100 coming from our Base here in Herrnhut) from all across Europe will be descending on the “city” of Herrnhut. Since the normal size of the “city” is about 2,300, our presence alone will almost double the size of the immediate area – how fun!<br /><br />And why, you might be asking, are 900 YWAMmers convening in Herrnhut? For the first time in quite a while, YWAM Europe has been called together for a few days to connect, be refreshed, and to seek out what the future holds. Even though this Festival of the Nations is quite a lot of work (I’m certain the coordinators will need 3 months off afterwards), I am looking forward to seeing already known friends, and friends yet to be made, from all parts of the continent.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSO7GkBDKEcrjbBVIeTzroIHlW2vPre6SwvfKg54I1V7n3G2k2y4NFduLwDbTv9Gbw6U4XbpV1jdYse4JJcBUwcd98Rf4pXfwbS6Hg7JZ_N9KoD5wx4TyNV4rEb51Mje3uXexcOQRZnE/s1600-h/Daniel+and+Seokhwan+hard+at+work.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068132454182084402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="155" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSO7GkBDKEcrjbBVIeTzroIHlW2vPre6SwvfKg54I1V7n3G2k2y4NFduLwDbTv9Gbw6U4XbpV1jdYse4JJcBUwcd98Rf4pXfwbS6Hg7JZ_N9KoD5wx4TyNV4rEb51Mje3uXexcOQRZnE/s200/Daniel+and+Seokhwan+hard+at+work.JPG" width="105" border="0" /></a>Now if I could just figure out a way to keep them from all showing up for dinner at once…<br /></em><br />So, that’s a small glimpse of the world on this side of the water. The Discipleship Training School itself has been going very well, and the pace has been very different this time around since I have a school of 18 rather than 68. Whew! But, I’m still learning a lot, still being stretched in my understanding of God and also articulating who He is in all areas of life. God is intensely day-to-day, and He sees no separation in life between what is spiritual and what is practical, but walking Him out in everyday life proves to be the greatest challenge of all. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(The picture: Daniel and Seokhwan, hard at work)<br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZuOdWH6TYCd66XX-gDWpkkkhp6pGt8aHVZPipXL6ebg1ZUieYc9uJxlYZXr67hsnae7JU9BuqwH15b9bYj188mKBmLyTzbkVVMsmi_oKrUbt1u25bxYIzsA6_VOJ5ZZIPmMo_IwjVlo/s1600-h/From+this+one+tent....JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068133489269202770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="115" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZuOdWH6TYCd66XX-gDWpkkkhp6pGt8aHVZPipXL6ebg1ZUieYc9uJxlYZXr67hsnae7JU9BuqwH15b9bYj188mKBmLyTzbkVVMsmi_oKrUbt1u25bxYIzsA6_VOJ5ZZIPmMo_IwjVlo/s200/From+this+one+tent....JPG" width="167" border="0" /></a><br />And the Festival of the Nations is just around the corner! As I already mentioned, I’m really looking forward to this time, and I look forward to seeing the fruit of months and months of hard work by the coordination team. We even have the privilege of having Loren Cunningham, the Founder of YWAM, speak to all of us during this time. I know it will be a time of inspiration, and I hope, the birth of new <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oReqAsv6V_8ZMqBN2PumP6WaqkVZna38djKZPTywZiB7Xjs5yEpcefgolRdyQZCDIXLLJxqut70Rg8x9KvmKIFJwbb2cdGKYX3K945NJvXao8II6au1cEPl8f5vkbqT6MCm7S32c2i8/s1600-h/...to+these+and+many+more+to+come!.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068133888701161314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" height="114" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oReqAsv6V_8ZMqBN2PumP6WaqkVZna38djKZPTywZiB7Xjs5yEpcefgolRdyQZCDIXLLJxqut70Rg8x9KvmKIFJwbb2cdGKYX3K945NJvXao8II6au1cEPl8f5vkbqT6MCm7S32c2i8/s200/...to+these+and+many+more+to+come!.JPG" width="180" border="0" /></a>things across Europe. I’m excited to see what happens. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(The pictures: From this one tent...to these and with many more to come!)</span></em><br /><br />I myself am doing pretty well – feeling a little homesick at times (I won’t be coming home until the end of the year, and I miss shallow things like flavored creamer and flavored coffee - sigh), but still I know I’m where I should be, and I’m truly loving it. But, should you want to come for a visit, please do – it would be great to see you.<br /><br />So, off I go for now. Thank you, as always, for coming with me. This is not a life I walk alone – your encouragement and support are so necessary. Thank you for all you give!<br /><br />Until we type again,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068136250933174178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6Drpll-hJUVgRqMYqZN15coWVxFfdVR7ljA37eY65ngP9Cflrvv7HXkwtEGwkvRNa1rcO3wErmL614AufPZhimyEWbnlTtq53ipR7IQBYJfBP2rQ_MhOOEIDx1yWVH3DrHFl7QHuKss/s200/Prayer+Time.jpg" border="0" />Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-65957195318912422382007-04-14T10:47:00.000+00:002007-05-24T14:36:26.086+00:00A welcome visit from home...Though their time was brief, I had the wonderful opportunity to welcome some friends from <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_8Lih9dm9Cvj2eg21HQgVBLsWW3E7_h2q0q48TW9-QMAFp34CSXf6BhWeFrkYvQp53tglLK_AcDQu2njJhe1opqD_BndTuoi6wXYrwUY45M5c462B2Q8BUH2EdH-7BGTtOJNd0QRtTg/s1600-h/Kelly,+Toni,+Cory+%26+George+4-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068135318925270914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px" height="107" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_8Lih9dm9Cvj2eg21HQgVBLsWW3E7_h2q0q48TW9-QMAFp34CSXf6BhWeFrkYvQp53tglLK_AcDQu2njJhe1opqD_BndTuoi6wXYrwUY45M5c462B2Q8BUH2EdH-7BGTtOJNd0QRtTg/s200/Kelly,+Toni,+Cory+%26+George+4-07.jpg" width="168" border="0" /></a>my home church on their short visit in Herrnhut. A group of five men (two pastors, one of the Missions leaders, and two other great guys) came through Herrnhut to visit Toni, Tom and Jen and myself on their way to Romania. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Picture: Kelly, Toni, me and George)</span></em><br /><div><div><br /><div><br />It was wonderful to have them here, and they brought a lot of fun and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2NNKZyZI3073BcvQ7qRoM0Hzm9my8LFYE-_vBVz2hmq8rESYwFpQBYRHNhNnUCLzeZ_NHJ7qgVk5hpt6ZcfZAhouIcU3o2zIYH374BAAVR3TOPheB5fW7iAULQpZyCngldWfYt7BfNs/s1600-h/Toni,+Kelly+%26+Cory+4-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068135649637752722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 103px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" height="156" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2NNKZyZI3073BcvQ7qRoM0Hzm9my8LFYE-_vBVz2hmq8rESYwFpQBYRHNhNnUCLzeZ_NHJ7qgVk5hpt6ZcfZAhouIcU3o2zIYH374BAAVR3TOPheB5fW7iAULQpZyCngldWfYt7BfNs/s200/Toni,+Kelly+%26+Cory+4-07.jpg" width="95" border="0" /></a>refreshment. And, as a<a href="http://localhost:1862/9e582f18f2ed1ad578b98620a2835f81/image3773.jpg"></a> special treat, one of my very good friends got to come along and see what it is we're doing here. What fun it was to have a close friend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTbgRIKvCY-9iUn0igQQOvmugOSDwpJnqdYP_Sx9ohXPjpexW8LIiM3LijRyjGtF07GlIxH-ePXPomPzbZU0BKuCoQjsmTPkNvNOGMek-KvUCHEhIJp37x1yC8BWg5TYdCYYzVtMCeHg/s1600-h/Toni,+Kelly+%26+Cory+4-07.jpg"></a> (I just wish his wife and kids could have come, too - maybe next time, Heidi!) be able to see what it is I do, and to have him be able to put faces to names. It was a little strange to realize, though, that we were all in Germany together instead of in Seattle! <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Picture: Toni, Kelly and me!)<br /></span></em><br />So, just know, that if you want to come <span style="font-family:georgia;">and visit, too, you're welcome!</span><br /></div></div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-75297175174789062152007-04-14T10:28:00.000+00:002007-05-24T14:44:30.582+00:00Let's skip ahead...<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In a perfect world, I would have the information about my trip to Morocco and the end of this last DTS up here already...hmmmm. I'm still working on how to automatically transfer the stories in my head to the Blog. I'll let you know how that goes.<br /><br />But, until then, I thought I'd do a quick post to stay hello and bring you up on what's happening here. Toni and I are in the midst of staff training for the upcoming April DTS. It's been great to work with this small group (with some being former students from this most recent graduating DTS) and I look forward to seeing how they will be challenged during this time. I know I will learn a lot from them!<br /><br />Right now, we have 18 students for this school - 9 guys and 9 girls. We're so glad about having the even numbers! In that group are represented at least 5 nations: Germany, the US, England, Nigeria, and the Philippines. One thing we do need prayer for, however, is the woman from the Philippines. Because of the strict laws here in Germany regarding foreigners, she's been having</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> trouble getting her visa. We really want her here with us!</span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: georgia" href="http://localhost:1862/eec7a973b0f37a0e54eeb2285f57c3d2/image3746.jpg"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1HZrkkASF2pWGix-5XSofHDsdgaD1qR9UK0mOYVSQagrEaaNmlKHJUeokPn6pcpTVPCTd7IGgvn9GECrNuNFCADsQawbXW1clSsxmpDMRczxq3DzH1sBstqw-b9kbPHsyotsH6EjLmQ/s1600-h/CIMG0607.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068138029049634738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="166" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1HZrkkASF2pWGix-5XSofHDsdgaD1qR9UK0mOYVSQagrEaaNmlKHJUeokPn6pcpTVPCTd7IGgvn9GECrNuNFCADsQawbXW1clSsxmpDMRczxq3DzH1sBstqw-b9kbPHsyotsH6EjLmQ/s200/CIMG0607.JPG" width="111" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />So, that's it for now. This picture shows our student board for this school, and represents the new journey that lies ahead for all of us involved. Let the adventure begin!</span></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-17385717920200533582007-03-26T16:28:00.000+00:002007-03-26T16:50:58.993+00:00My time in Israel...<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1wRkzMbs5WFMm_TJKt7WEeJw0cVENPqA43xh6iC3W2nfAiUXKHGJlWM-0lktizMf61WvzbujwhmL4P11dBtP9NvQG7hPKUaDKh1NG4yhPKA3WRfEo3IDm__n-jCL4YEp930KW3gt1tg/s1600-h/Israel+Team+on+Mt.+Olives+1-07.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046271938934090738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1wRkzMbs5WFMm_TJKt7WEeJw0cVENPqA43xh6iC3W2nfAiUXKHGJlWM-0lktizMf61WvzbujwhmL4P11dBtP9NvQG7hPKUaDKh1NG4yhPKA3WRfEo3IDm__n-jCL4YEp930KW3gt1tg/s200/Israel+Team+on+Mt.+Olives+1-07.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I know, I know - it's been way too long since you heard I was going to Israel and this actual report about it. Where does the time go, anyway?</div><br /><div></div><div>So as a part of the DTS I was just working with, I was able to go and visit several of our Outreach teams as they were on the field. The heart of these visits is to encourage the team and to walk alongside them as they do ministry in that country.</div><br /><div></div><div>And how great it was to see the Israel group! Two of the team leaders greeted me warmly on my first visit to this nation, and soon whisked me off to see the rest of the team.</div><div></div><br /><div>And from that point on, I was able to work with them as they partnered with different ministries. We worked in the red light district of the city (sitting and talking with the women who worked in that area certainly opened my eyes), worked in a soup kitchen, and in a clothing distribution center - it was a busy time! </div><div> </div><div>Then, much to my surprise, the team organized a prayer walk through the city of Jerusalem. I hadn't thought I would be able to go, but one of the team members did great research and we were able to pray at many of the major sites of this amazingly diverse city. To see so many of the places the Bible talks about made the words leap off the page, and taking time to pray at the place where they think that the Lord's Prayer was given was moving. As we prayed over the city, I realized again how many prayers have been prayed out over this land. There were moments when I felt chills as I realized all that had happened in this land. We saw the road where<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0FFIJPnv6s7rDXVebnBIUbqSWG2IuceF1T2_jXmmVPmHZ3NUDM7gKu8NL-xDljKfhkYdOE34aOmNCKuP7W8xrW065fg1PxE9pjDUCJ7U9K_qtoIZbyeSvryrpoI11ZpOUR4izyOycIk/s1600-h/CIMG0432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046274782202440722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0FFIJPnv6s7rDXVebnBIUbqSWG2IuceF1T2_jXmmVPmHZ3NUDM7gKu8NL-xDljKfhkYdOE34aOmNCKuP7W8xrW065fg1PxE9pjDUCJ7U9K_qtoIZbyeSvryrpoI11ZpOUR4izyOycIk/s200/CIMG0432.JPG" border="0" /></a> they think the Cross stood, overlooking the passersby. And then we saw this - the empty tomb! How awesome that it's empty!</div><div> </div><div>We ended our time at the Wailing Wall, and as I gazed on the men and women of the Jewish faith touching this ancient edifice and saying their prayers, I was struck by such a deep feeling of history. This wall was here when Solomon lived, was here when Jesus walked this city. Amazing.</div><div> </div><div>So, the time went well, and though I had a few interesting moments getting out of the country, I made it on to the next leg of the journey...but that's for another entry. :) </div></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616036253003929586.post-20109494819018328442007-03-26T14:49:00.000+00:002007-03-26T14:50:14.727+00:00And so it begins...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BY_-Fd1x9B1hyphenhyphenNa6EoJHON3OQtrbSXn7Q5XQrenFzLtpcPnh7TDVdH-O4vCcceQGWvec681em20KNIpOhbPQFJXMP8cfWE6GNNlBfRPBfCBXrJqJ1HCuBMLR6CDeEzoS7XjIzBEiEb0/s1600-h/herrnhut+oct.+%2706+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BY_-Fd1x9B1hyphenhyphenNa6EoJHON3OQtrbSXn7Q5XQrenFzLtpcPnh7TDVdH-O4vCcceQGWvec681em20KNIpOhbPQFJXMP8cfWE6GNNlBfRPBfCBXrJqJ1HCuBMLR6CDeEzoS7XjIzBEiEb0/s160/herrnhut+oct.+%2706+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome to my new blog!<br /><br />At the urging of good friends (thanks, Rob and Leah), I've now decided to try my hand at this Blog thing. I'm hoping it's not too hard (seems like its ok so far) and my hope is that we'll all be able to stay in touch a little more this way. Even though I like to send out newsletters, sometimes it's hard to keep up with all that's happening, and I'm hoping this will help cut the time between the what happens and me telling you about it!<br /><br />So, here's to new beginnings - drop by often and leave a note when you can.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15781535674678239484noreply@blogger.com4