Urban Gardening

May 31, 2010

Photo: Alicia Jo McMahan

My first experience in urban gardening took place during the bicentennial celebration of the founding of the United States of America. Newly married, we lived in a city mission on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End. What a great place to live—we were in the heart of one of the birthplaces of the American Revolution.

Since the mission chapel and store was located on a major street just blocks from center city, I decided to plant red, white, and blue tulips to warm up the handkerchief sized plot in front of the chapel. The muddy patch was no more than three feet by five feet, but a colorful mass of tulips would brighten the gritty streetscape. What other such plots that existed along the street were largely muddy patches with fringes of weeds.

With dreams of beauty floating in my mind, I began to dig and dig and dig, unearthing an incredible assortment of stones, broken bricks, and other urban debris. For such a small area, an awful lot of sweat and muscles were required to achieve a planting bed that could accept bulbs.

Like any construction site, my efforts attracted sidewalk “superintendents.” It seemed like almost all passers-by stopped to watch, some offering comments or asking questions. Pleased to have an opportunity to share my vision, I would stop the digging to chat.

A Statement of Faith

After a couple of days preparing the soil, I carefully nestled the bulbs into the depths of the prepared soil. As I smoothed fluffy soil over the bulbs, I explained to my audience that the simple brown tapered bulbs would rest over the winter months. When the temperatures warmed in spring, green shoots would emerge and leaves would unfurl. Finally, as various events would launch celebrations of our nation’s birth, beautiful red, white, and blue (well, as close to blue as could be achieved through selective breeding) flowers would bloom.

As memory faded about my efforts in the front patch, life returned to normal along the street in front of the mission chapel and store. To my dismay, I would look out a window to see stuff parked on my “garden,” a pile of boards, donated furniture, even a motorcycle. I would track down a volunteer at the mission store to make my plea for removal. After looking at me as if I were witless, the volunteer would assure me that it was there only temporarily—otherwise it would be stolen.

At last temperatures warmed and green sprouts emerged. Every evening before locking the front door, I would spend a few minutes anticipating the beauty to come. In morning light I would enjoy the progress of growth. I shared my anticipation as the flower heads swelled. One May morning very soon, beauty would spring forth. I was very excited.

And then, not long after dawn a couple of days later, my husband brought in the newspaper with a news flash for our block. My ready-to-boom tulips were gone. Stunned, I stared at him and stammered, “Maybe someone picked some of them as a gift for Mother’s Day. We’ll have a new batch of flowers next spring, even if it would be a year after the patriotic celebrations.” It was, after all, a neighborhood of the economically-challenged.

An Unexpected Discovery

I discovered my mistake as I rushed out to stare dumbfounded at my field of dreams. Nothing remained—not one green stalk. During the night someone had dug up every tulip—including the bulbs. Either one of the many passers-by had coveted the flowers to the point of taking the only thriving greenery within blocks; or, as a recent story in the Washington Post pointed out, every spring thieves rip off freshly planted shrubs and flowers as a low-overhead solution for landscape projects.

Whichever it was, my attempt at urban garden taught lessons in hope—for myself as well as who knows how many of the people with whom I shared my vision and my reaction following the abrupt end to the chapel garden. When plan A doesn’t work, switch to plan B. In this case, containers that could be taken in at night. Honor loss of visions or relationships by establishing another. Never give up. Never.

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Center for Metropolitan Ministries. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

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The Perfect Storm

May 30, 2010

Source: Bible Says

Photo: Dmitri Zakovorotny

The day had been clear, and the sea calm. Jesus had spent a busy day by the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds of people. He had spoken many of His parables explaining the kingdom of God. Jesus had worked many miracles healing the sick. All this activity hadn't allowed Him and his disciples time to eat and rest. So Jesus told His disciples to get into their boat and go to the other side of the lake. It wasn't as inhabited over there, and they would have some time to take a break and relax.

Since Jesus was so exhausted, He went to sleep almost as soon as He lay down in the back of the boat. While He slept, the disciples talked about what they would do during their time off. None of them suspected that disaster would soon threaten. All signs pointed to smooth sailing. But when it got dark, the weather changed drastically. A fierce storm swept in, and their boat was swamped.

The disciples had been in a lot of storms, but never anything like this. They tried everything to save themselves and the ship. Nothing helped. It would take a miracle to save them. They had been so busy in their efforts, they had forgotten all about Jesus. As the lightning flashed, they saw Him lying there asleep. They shook Him and cried out, "Teacher, don't You care that we're about to drown?" (Mark 4:38).

Amazed

Jesus awoke and calmly asked, "Why are you so afraid? You surely don't have much faith" (Matthew 8:26). Then Jesus got up and ordered the storm to stop. It did, and the wind and the waves got calm. The disciples were amazed. They exclaimed, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and waves do what He says?" (Verse 27).

Aren't we all sometimes like those disciples? When we're all jerked around with life's storms, we often forget all about Jesus, and try to save ourselves. We try to do things in our own strength, until we're worn out, and all our hope is gone. Then, when we finally do think about Jesus, we often wonder if He really cares what happens to us. But when we do cry out to Jesus, He will always hear us and come to our rescue.

Remember, friend, Jesus is the only One Who can give you peace, and calm the storms in your life. When you have Jesus on board, there's no reason ever to be afraid. Why not always make Jesus the captain of your ship? He will bring you safely into port.

The Bible says, "He made the storm stop and the sea be quiet. You were happy because of this, and He brought you to the port where you wanted to go" (Psalm 107:29, 30).

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By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the CONTEMPORAY ENGLISH VERSION ®.

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The Forbidden Tree

May 29, 2010

Source: ScripShot Photo devotionals

"But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:17) NASB Context

Original Post: http://creativeministry.org/article.php?id=1433

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Website coordinates worldwide prayer for church business session

May 28, 2010

Source: Adventist News Network

Stanley Ponniah, left, in his office at the Adventist Church's world headquarters, with Ean Nugent. The duo created a website encouraging a continued sequence of prayer leading up to next month's World Session. [photo: Ansel Oliver]

As Seventh-day Adventists from Argentina to Zambia pray for divine guidance leading up to next month's General Conference Session, two employees from the denomination's world headquarters are offering a platform for a coordinated prayer effort.

Senior accountant Stanley Ponniah and software developer Ean Nugent created the website 50daysofprayerforgc.info to organize a continued sequence of prayer sessions. Members around the world can sign up to pray during half- or one-hour time slots.

The effort began May 4 and continues for 50 days until Session's June 23 start date. Held every five years, Session is the church's largest spiritual gathering and business meeting, which includes election of leaders and possible changes to the denomination's Constitution and Church Manual.

"This is one of the most important events in our church. At every important turn of events, Jesus prayed," Ponniah said. "If Jesus did it, I think it's important for the church to do it also."

The website offers prayer requests for the 10-day international gathering, including smooth leadership transition, increased unity, travel safety and healthy Christian debate.

"Sometimes people want to know what specifically to pray for. I prayed about it and the needs came up," Nugent said.

So far, signups have been fewer than those needed to fill 50 days, or 1,200 hours. But many have signed up for multiple time slots and several administrators are supporting the initiative. Associate Secretary Homer Trecartin has committed to praying for Session on June 4, while Vice President Pardon Mwansa prayed for the Session on May 8.

Already, members around the world are praying for the Session in different ways.

In Southeast Asia, church leaders report that people are praying for God's guidance in the choice of leaders who can address the growing religious intolerance within the region and around the world.

Jonathan Catolico, Communication director for the church's Southern Asia-Pacific region, said members there are also praying for peace, understanding, and consideration as delegates discuss issues during business meetings, as well God's direction in selecting leadership who can "respond to the challenges of a postmodern society."

In East-Central Africa, Communication director Steven Bina said members in that region are praying over issues that could affect church unity.

Despite challenges, Bina hoped all members would pray for courage similar to that of previous generations.

"Let the faith of our fathers remain in us as members of this church," he said.

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In East-Central Africa, Adventist president urges ‘ownership’ of church

May 26, 2010

Source: Adventist News Network

Seventh-day Adventist world church President Jan Paulsen recently encouraged local leadership and members in East-Central Africa to "take ownership" of the church.

During a four-day tour last week, Paulsen met with local church leaders, laypeople and Adventist University of Africa (AUA) administration and partners, encouraging self-sufficiency in the region.

Adventist world church President Jan Paulsen tours construction projects on the fledgling campus of Adventist University of Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. [photos: courtesy ECD]

"The church in Africa must be able to provide for its own needs for the future because of its rapid growth," he said, citing that the more than $10 million invested by world church headquarters into AUA infrastructure is not sustainable.

Assuring AUA administration that world church headquarters would continue to help the institution grow stronger academically, Paulsen urged local leadership to embrace the opportunity to build on the church's existing foundation in the region.

Classes at Adventist University of Africa, a church-run postgraduate institution in Nairobi, began in 2006. During his visit, Paulsen learned that the government is currently assessing the school with intent to grant it an official charter. In a meeting with Paulsen, Kenya's minister for higher education, William Ruto, said the country is "committed to working with the church to develop AUA."

With campus faculty housing now complete, student apartments and a library are slated for completion next. A center for technology is also planned, which will house laboratories for health sciences, information technology and computer science, as well as a media center, school officials said.

Paulsen, left, meets with the president of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza. The national leader told Paulsen he appreciated the Adventist Church's emphasis on health, education and positive government relations.

At a fundraising event for AUA during his visit, Paulsen urged church members in Kenya to maintain unity, and to be positive, contributing members of society. "Be a friend of the community, be engaged and be a good partner with the government," he said.

Paulsen also spoke at Sabbath worship services in Mombasa, where he emphasized the value of unity within both the church and the broader community. Adventists in largely Muslim Mombasa should live in peace and harmony and avoid criticism, he told the congregation.

"We worship one God ... so I am coming to Mombasa to worship with my family," Paulsen said, adding that religious convictions should not stir tension in the community.

"We are all growing, so let's be understanding of each other. Everyone is unfinished and God is still working on all of us," he said.

Earlier in his trip, Paulsen met with the president of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza. The national leader said he appreciated the Adventist Church's positive relationship with the government, and applauded its health and education systems.

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Celebrating Sabbath

May 26, 2010

Source: Bible Says

Photo: Dreamstime

As I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, I discover that God's Sabbath has been and always will be celebrated. As a gift to man, the Sabbath was given at Creation. It was observed through Old and New Testament times, and is mentioned as a day that will be celebrated even in the New Earth. Why? Celebrating Sabbath honors God as Creator and Redeemer is certainly worth holding on to throughout the ages.

It is also a joy to celebrate Sabbath throughout the phases of our earthly lives. I think of the great family traditions in my own childhood that made Sabbath special. There was the “Sabbath Box” that my mom got out only on Sabbath, which contained various crafts, books, and tapes. And I have to laugh when I think about the special treat of frozen dinners that we would have on Sabbath sometimes. Now my mom is an excellent cook, but for some reason, we thought TV dinners were some great luxury. So when the time-bake oven came into the picture, we could come home from church and smell the aroma of the TV dinners all cooked and ready to be eaten.

When I got older, I enjoyed special Bible knowledge games that my family played together on Sabbath. Music was also a great part of the special day.

Family Fun

When Mark and I married and had our own children, we passed on our love for the Sabbath to them and added some of our own family fun. For example, our kids had matching Minnie and Mickey Mouse sleeping bags. Since they didn't do a lot of camping at that age, they brought them into our room and camped each Friday night beside our bed.

Now that the children have grown up, we are in another phase of life with new traditions. But one thing that time does not change is our love and celebration of Sabbath. There are no kids camping in our room, but that same special presence of God that comes with the arrival of this time each week never leaves. I now enjoy sitting in a comfortable chair reading the Bible or an inspirational magazine or book. Or maybe taking a relaxing ride on the back of Mark's motorcycle and enjoying a scenic destination. A peaceful walk helps us forget for a few hours the cares of the past week and the ones that will, no doubt, be awaiting us in the coming week.

I imagine when we grow older, we will find even more ways to enjoy the Sabbath blessing. Perhaps we'll hold grandchildren on our laps and read them stories about Jesus and teach them songs of praise to God, their Creator. Perhaps age will cause us to nod off now and then during church services. Whatever comes with the years, though, will bring with it a continued love for this weekly celebration that was handed down first from God, then from our parents, followed by our sharing it with our own children.

As the hymn rings, "welcome, welcome, ever welcome, blessed Sabbath day", so ring our hearts with gladness for this special time of fellowship with our Creator and each other.

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

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By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.

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