WECC Missions

Join Hope For Nashville this Sunday, Oct 5th!!

2009-09-30T15:35:00.002-05:00

For our 3rd annual Information Fair after 1st and before 2nd service in the Lobby. We will have information and food to learn more about Hope For Nashville and ways that we as a church can partner together and demonstrate the Hope of God's love to our community!

If you can't answer these questions, you need to come by and learn more.

POP QUIZ
Q. What is Hope for Nashville?

Q. Can you name 3 of the 9 partner ministries that WECC supports, through Hope for Nashville?

Q. Can you name any of the events WECC has sponsored, to support our Hope for Nashville partners?

Q. Name one way that YOU can get involved with Hope for Nashville.

Peru Follow-up

2009-09-10T11:09:00.002-05:00

Every mission team always has the best of intentions to update our blog more often, but tiredness and lack of internet always puts a cramp in our plans! That being said, the Peru mission trip was our 3rd straight year to go and serve in conjunction with Scripture Union. It was our 2nd year in the region of Cusco.

Of our 11 member team, 6 of us were returning. It was a lovely reunion to see all of our friends and the boys from the year before. One of the things that I love about going on a mission trip is the opportunity to worship God with people in a different cultural setting. Singing worship songs in Spanish surrounded by your Peruvian brothers and sisters, is a worship experience never to be forgotten. Worshiping God becomes very practical when it involves mud and construction and loving boys.

What a privilege we have to serve and worship the Lord through service!

peru update

2009-08-30T16:10:00.001-05:00

the team of 11 has arrived in peru safe and sound after 36 hours of not in a place to sleep, we were all thankful for bed last night. we are on our way to church with the boys from the home, and tomorrow the hard work will begin.

please continue to pray for our safety and our health and that God would use us to his glory.

Sacrifice and Obedience

2009-08-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:34-37

Recently, these 2 words have often been on my mind. They are not words that create in me a feeling of comfort or joy. The words make me shrink away. I want comfort and I want things MY OWN WAY! But Jesus words are simple. He asks his followers to take up their cross and follow him. If we look to save our own life, we will lose it, but if we lose it for the sake of his good news, we gain it all.

So, what causes me to turn away from my fear of these words and run with joy towards a life of sacrifice and obedience? We need to rewind approximately 2000 years ago and look at the scaredy cats that made up Jesus' 11 followers. These men went from shivering and hiding, sending women to Jesus' tomb, to imprisoned, abused, rejected, and some, ultimately, murdered for the Gospel. The change came when they realized who Jesus was and what he had done.

When I recognize the weight of my sin spread against the magnificent backdrop of God's amazing grace and mercy, I am overwhelmed by the Father's deep love for me. It pushes me beyond myself, it finds me sacrificing and obeying when I may not want to do something. But first I have to remember all that has been done for me. The great love that has been poured out over me.

Opportunities abound at PTM

2009-08-03T11:08:00.001-05:00

Preston Taylor Ministries an afterschool and mentoring program, is in need of more volunteers for this school year. With the addition of a third site beginning this fall and the growing number of children throughout PTM programming, the need for volunteers is greater than ever. No matter what your experience level is, now is a great time to join the amazing staff of PTM volunteers. New Volunteer Orientation will be held on August 20th from 3:30-5:30 at PTM’s Hal and Martha Wilson Center. Veteran Volunteer Check-in will be on August 21st from 11:00-1:00. To register for one of these sessions, or for more information, please call Chan Sheppard at 596-4386.

Nashville Mission Trip

2009-07-20T08:23:00.002-05:00

The Nashville Mission Trip is almost here!! August 7th and 8th 8:30-4pm.

You can join us for both days or just do half a day! There are family friendly options, and on August 7th we have a special mom and kid opportunity! Come build community while we support and share the love of Christ in tangible ways around the city.
Hope for Nashville is partnering with 4 of our partner ministries so there is something for EVERYONE! You can sign up by contacting Mikkee at mikkee@westendcc.org or head to the website and sign up there.

Nashville Mission Trip Opportunities:

- Siloam Health Clinic 8:30-Noon: Prayer walk, learn more about their ministry, serving in practical ways
- Daystar Counseling Services 1-4pm: Dress for outdoor landscaping, painting, and cleaning t help their facility look nice

FAMILY FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

8:30-Noon: Mom/Child play time with Moms of one of our partner ministires. More info to come
-Help sort the food we collected from our Charis Food Drive into boxes to be delivered. This is at the church from 8:30-Noon
-Deliver food to families in need with Charis Ministry from 8:30-4

August 8th: Workday at Barefoot Republic camp in Kentucky 8:30-4 (not family friendly)

Volunteering as a Family

2009-07-15T11:22:00.001-05:00

by David Thomas

The importance of children as volunteers include the following:
-Promotes healthy lifestyle and choices - Encourages a lifelong service ethic
-Enhances development - Improves the community
-Teaches life skills - Gives them purpose

Volunteering also nourishes caring values as children relate to and empathize with others, and individuals who care about others. Youth who volunteer are less likely to be involved in negative behaviors. (Studies show that teens who volunteer just 2 hours per week have higher self-esteem and more resiliency and are 50 % less likely to smoke, drink, or do drugs.)

Kids who volunteer at a young age with their family members are
more likely to adopt a service lifestyle as adults.

Studies also show that volunteering can play a role in your health – improving your overall sense of well-being, alleviating chronic pain, and even reducing depression.

Summer JAM update

2009-06-10T12:11:00.004-05:00

Tonight marks the halfway point of our Summer JAM VBS that we do in partnership with Preston Taylor Ministries (http://www.ptmweb.ik.org/). We have had lots of fun, both volunteers and kids alike! Our emphasis this week has been that we are all treasures of God and God's amazing love through us for Jesus.

Thank you to all who are volunteering to make this week special and keep up the prayers for our safety and that God would move in the kids hearts.

Here are some pictures of our fun!

Looking Back and Moving Forward

2009-06-01T09:41:00.002-05:00

It has been a week since the team has returned from Ireland, and I am slow on getting out a final update. I find it difficult to try and briefly sum up a mission trip. How do you quantify the individual and group experience of 12 people? Let alone that of those we were serving and/or partnering with?

With that in mind, to answer the question that many have asked me about how the trip was, my uncreative answer has been "great". And it was great and powerful and meaningful. Ministry was done in an organic and beautiful way, and Christ's love shone brightly in the midst of darkness. To some traveling across the ocean to renovate a flat may seem like a project you can do here in the states. But a trip is so much about perspective building, exiting our world and entering anothers. You see the greatness and vastness of who the Lord is in new and different ways!

Looking forward, Hope For Nashville has hit the ground running in our final preparations for Summer JAM that begins next week! Please be praying that God would really use us and prepare our hearts to serve Him and the precious children we will be doing the VBS for.

More from Ireland

2009-05-22T06:57:00.002-05:00

This has been an amazing week. A busy, tiring, fulfilling week where we have seen Jesus evidently in the light that slowly began to fill the apartment we were renovating. On Monday when we first walked in, we were overwhelmed by all the sights and smells, but when we wrapped up the renovations on Wednesday night, the apartment looked like a whole new place.

It was not only the external renovations where we noticed a change, but in our hearts and in the heart of our new friend. We would start each day with prayer, and on our final day, our friend led us in worship. It was a powerful moment, and when we left that apartment, the presence of Jesus there was profound.

We had the opportunity to spend time with WECC missionary and member, Ellisha, and see the work that she has been doing for the past year in Ireland.

Please continue to pray for safety for the team, and we are all tired. Please pray that in our tiredness we would still have love and patience, especially with each other!

Update from Ireland

2009-05-18T13:53:00.002-05:00

We are at the end of our 2nd full day in Ireland. We started out quickly yesterday, after our travels we headed to church and a full day, including a visit and training on board the Operation Mobilization ship, the Logos Hope. The 12 of us are spending part of our week working with someone with addictions and illness. We are helping to renovate his flat.

He recently has professed faith as a Christian, but he still is struggling with worth and works. So, here we are cleaning, restoring and renovating, exactly what Jesus makes available to all our hearts, not because we are worthy or deserve it.

Please pray that as we act as servants towards him, the gospel would be lived out. Please also pray against the spiritual darkness that is surrounding his life.

Ireland mission

2009-05-07T15:38:00.002-05:00

The Ireland team of 12 is set to head out in a little over a week. The more trips I go on, the more strongly I see and feel the need for prayer to envelope the team. Not only during the trip, but in the time leading up. Please be praying for our team, pray that God would be paving a way to use us to bring him glory. Pray for a spirit of grace and unity. Pray for our safety in travel. Pray that God would be moving and preparing hearts in Ireland and those we will interact with. Pray for strength and health.

Thank you for praying and for being a part of the team in this way.

Barefoot Camp

2009-04-14T17:26:00.002-05:00

There have been many times I have had conversations and wondered how is it that church is usually one of the least diverse places? How do churches get beyond that? How does a church cross the racial and socio-economic divide? There are churches who do it, but for many churches that is not the case. I am certainly not an expert and don't know what it is or how to get over it. I do know that it exists, and I do know that Barefoot Republic Camp is trying to cross these boundaries in unique ways.

Barefoot is a Hope For Nashville partner ministry, and each summer they have a camp that crosses the bridges and exposes kids from all backgrounds to each other...seeing how much more in common we all have. Barefoot's mission is "To reflect God's pursuit of His children through interests and passions, interpersonal relationships, and equipping students with tools for exploring and discovering God's presence in their lives." It is neat to think that for 3 weeks this summer a generation is experiencing something radical and life-changing.

If you are interested in being a part of it there are 3 ways you can do so: support a kid going to camp, send your student to Barefoot, or be a volunteer counselor at one of the 3 weeks. Visit barefootrepublic.org for more information or visit their table this Sunday in the lobby!

The impact we can make

2009-04-08T11:54:00.004-05:00

Every year, WECC holds a special offering on Christmas Eve. About 3 or 4 years ago, the offering was to go to the Crowder's ministry in Sudan, specifically to purchase bicycles for pastors who were having to walk long distances between churches on Sunday. There are more churches than trained pastors.

I had forgotten about this special offering. Well, I recently got an email from the Crowder's with the above picture. Chris had run into one of the men that received the bike. He was still thankful for this bike as it allowed him to also make a living selling vegetables in the market.

Often, we don't ever know the impact that a small impact on our part can have in the life of someone else. This is a beautiful example of the fact that what may seem simple to us, it can have waves and layers and impact that we may never know about.

Remember to not discount what may seem like a small sacrifice to you. God will use every sacrifice for his glory.

It changes me

2009-03-26T15:47:00.002-05:00

As we continue our installment of the why of short-term mission trips, we have come to how it changes me! As I have traveled around the world leading groups, never has one person ever left the same person. I am not sure what it is about a mission trip that does this, especially since each trip is so different but the result is always the same -- seeing God work outside of your norms and cultural boundaries grows your faith in Christ in whole new ways. I will never forget my first trip through a slum and thinking how can I EVER complain. I will never forget little boys abandoned on the street because their mom couldn't afford to feed them anymore. I will never forget being in churches that were dying in a culture progressively moving away from a belief in Jesus. I will never forget seeing missionaries become refreshed, physically and spiritually. Something happens as I work and serve, I commune with Jesus in a way that I don't. Suddenly, all of my distractions are stripped away, and the core of what is true and important in life are standing in front of me.

Going on a mission trip is not easy. You sacrifice. Time, money, comforts, but the change that is wrought in your heart will never change.

We still need people to join us on the Peru Mission Trip on August 28th-September 6th. You won't regret serving the abandoned boys in Peru. Contact Mikkee at mikkee@westendcc.org for more information.

The Encouragment Factor of a Short-term Team

2009-03-18T16:36:00.003-05:00

The second piece in the "Why short-term missions" is about the long-term missionary.

Imagine for a moment that God called you to be on a mission field far from home. Most likely you are in a foreign country and culture, a language that is not your mother tongue. Everything is different and nothing feels quite like at home. You may be in the middle of the bush or the middle of busy city, but chances are you will feel more isolated and discouraged at times. The life of a long-term missionary is a special and beautiful calling, but I think that many Christians have the misperception that missionaries are some form of "super-Christians."

But life on the mission field can be so discouraging, so as a church partners with a missionary, they often look to do more than send a monthly check. They will partner in prayer and accountability, finding places, cars when they are home on leave, gift packages. There are many ways to love and support a missionary, but for a church one of the most effective ways to encourage a missionary is to send a team to visit them.

To have a team of friends and home church members make the time and effort and finances to go to another country to support them in ministry, goes great lengths in a missionary maintaining a healthy long-term ministry. This is one of reasons that WECC sends teams to other countries, always with missionaries we directly support. And to leave a trip after having the opportunity to encourage someone in ministry, you know you have joined God in his work around the Kingdom.

The Next Door

2009-03-11T13:54:00.003-05:00

Each month, Hope For Nashville highlights one of our 9 ministries. So, as we go through the month of March, you will be seeing a lot about The Next Door. They are the newest Hope For Nashville partner, and their mission is to serve women coming out of crisis situations, most often incarceration. To hear the story of how this ministry was born gives me chills every time I hear it! A group of women began praying about the use of building downtown, and through a course of events, research and a lot of praying, the Next Door was born. I cannot think of anything more amazing than to see God birth a ministry through the prayers of His people. The Next Door has been honored by the White House through the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

About 5 months ago, I had the opportunity to begin volunteering at The Next Door. I was going to be a prayer partner to one of the women in their program. I was both excited and scared as I went to meet my prayer partner. My prayer partner is going to graduate in a month, and the past 6 months of getting to know her has blessed my life so much.

It was not easy, my life seems to be in a perpetual fast forward, but I have learned. I have learned more about boundaries, and what it really means to love someone. I have given. I have given of myself, and I have learned how to give more of my talents and time and resources to God. I have received. I have received far more than I gave. I have received the joy of a friendship and the blessing of simply being there.

Perhaps that is the most profound lesson that I have learned, I didn't feel like I had much to offer or give this woman, but what really mattered was to simply be there. To be there to listen, to hear the struggles and frustrations. To be there to encourage and to challenge. You can do this too. You can be a prayer partner or teach resume or job skills training, answer phones at their front desk. If you have limited time, you can be a prayer partner to a woman and simply just pray for them or you can send notes of encouragement.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Next Door, they will have a table set-up at WECC on March 15th in the lobby, or visit www.thenextdoor.org to learn more.

Because Jesus Says So

2009-03-05T10:13:00.002-06:00

"16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:16-20

As I begin this blog series, I am compelled to give you a few other thoughts...I have a love/hate relationship with short-term missions which might come as a surprise since, as a Missions Director, I plan and lead 3-4 short-term trips a year. Missions unequivocally changes lives - yours, mine, theirs - none are exempt. However, short-term trip, when executed well, are life-changing events, but they can also have damaging effects, a hurricane to a soul's house, and push people farther away from the Gospel. We have an obligation to plan, execute, and train ourselves well before we embark on any short-term trip.

As we look at the why of short-term trips, I want to first focus on the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. In verse 19 of Matthew 28, Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations." This is a command, a statement, not a question or a plea.

When your life has been changed by a relationship with Jesus, the command has a different tone to it. I want to go - near and/or far - to share this amazing love that changes me. His love compels me out of my comfort zone. Looking back at verse 19, you see how Jesus' command leaves us room for creativity in the makeing of disciples. Each short-term trip can and should look so differently, based on the make-up of each team. The ways to share about Jesus are unbounded, music, arts, construction, etc. How do you feel called?

The Why of Short-term Missions - Part 1

2009-03-04T10:39:00.002-06:00

Through the month of March, we are going to explore a question that is vital to examine in the world of missions. The all-important "why?" should not just be relegated to the 5 year olds in our life, but this simple 3-letter word helps us to understand and maintain the validity of things in our lives.

So, why should the Church - AND YOU - go on short-term trips? Asking this question will help to maintain the vision and focus of what God has called the Church to be. We will consider the Biblical command, the encouragement factor, how it changes the individual, and a WECC missionaries perspective on why short-term missions are vital to a church.

February is Appreciation month...

2009-02-25T14:50:00.001-06:00

to all you WECC members who have given so much to support our partner ministries this past year. Here is a word of thanks from one of our HFN partners, Hope Clinic for Women.

Hope Clinic for Women just celebrated our 25th year of ministry in Nashville and I know that this would not have been possible without YOU! On behalf of our board, staff, volunteers and especially clients...thank you West End Community Church!

We celebrate your faithful support that has allowed us to continue listening to the needs of our clients and expanding our services to better meet those needs. Not only have you provided finances, but you have been the hands and feet of Christ, serving the people that walk through our doors. You have sat in counseling rooms with our clients, listening to their fears and doubts while reaching them with patience, love and providing a safe place for them to hear the truth. You’ve held their hand during an ultrasound as they wait to hear that first heartbeat. You have been that warm, calm voice on the other end of a crisis call. You have worked from your homes folding, stuffing and sealing envelopes, you have walked through our building and prayed.

We could not do this without you. You have been a part of changing lives and transforming hearts for the last ten years and appreciate every dollar, every call, every moment and every prayer. Because these gifts of time, prayer and money we are able to celebrate nearly 6,000 babies born to our clients since 1983! Your support inspires us to continue reaching out to people with the message of Christ’s hope and healing.

Blessings to you,
Lauren Overbeek on behalf of Hope Clinic for Women

A thank you from another HFN partner

2009-02-17T10:50:00.003-06:00

A quick note from Mikkee:
You may be wondering why we are posting thank you's from our Hope For Nashville partners, but we really want to show you from all perspectives WHAT A DIFFERENCE we can make as the Church. So be encouraged and continue to give and use the gifts God has given you to creatively share the Gospel to a hurting world!

As someone who makes a living by managing volunteers, I have come to truly respect how local churches encourage service in the Nashville community. As a Hope for Nashville partner of West End Community Church, I have been impressed by the staff and other church leaders who routinely reach out to nonprofits like Siloam Family Health Center, asking “how can we help you?, in a variety of different ways. Any time I have answered that question and conveyed a need, the congregation’s response has been immediate and fulfilling! Praise God! It is churches like West End who truly practice what they preach, by getting folks out of the pews and into the community serving those most in need. Siloam is blessed by dozens of WECC volunteers – who serve as nurses, doctors, knitters, interpreters, breast care educators, scrapbookers, and those who pray for our ministry. For all of your support, thank you West End! - Kate Tanis, Director of Volunteer Services – Siloam Family Health Center

A Big THANK YOU to all Hope For Nashville Volunteers from our Partner Ministry - Preston Taylor

2009-02-09T09:16:00.001-06:00

Dear West End Community Church,

When Preston Taylor Ministries began it was prayerfully and strategically decided that its success would require great volunteer participation. Since that founding in 1998 PTM has grown to involve over 250 volunteers every year—and West End Community Church has been at PTM every step of the way. As the executive director I see it as my job to create the framework that fosters “joy-filled friendships”, and the role of volunteers to build and sustain those friendships. Not just any friendships, but life-changing, motivating, Christian friendships. I am able to witness these friendships develop through West End members who are crew leaders at Summer JAM, youth workers at a Fusion service, lunchmate mentors, angel tree and family basket deliverers, marketplace mentors, tutors, and teachers within our afterschool program.

Additionally, WECC funding and leadership has helped to solidify and stabilize PTM enabling us the luxury of planning for future growth. West End has provided a beautiful facility for PTM events, has helped to maintain PTM’s property through local mission trips, and has had members to serve on committees and the PTM Board of Directors.

When asked what PTM offers that distinguishes it from other organizations, I am quick to answer that it’s the quality and commitment of our volunteers. It’s what keeps our kids coming to PTM for years and allowing them the opportunity to pursue “God-inspired dreams.” For these gifts from the West End community, I am incredibly grateful.

Chan Sheppard

More Wrap-up from Kenya

2009-01-27T13:14:00.003-06:00

My experience in Africa was enlightening...I was amazed at the dedication, diversity, skill sets, and love that the SIM Missionaries bring to the field...I am overwhelmed by how much Africa depends on Christian Missionaries and the variety of professions that make up the Mission Teams (Educators, Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, Pilots, Accountants, and Ministers)...

My most important lesson was how important hope and vision are for all people; and how unimportant that material pocessions are...I walked away with the desire to serve more and live a far simpler life...

Greg

Join us on Sunday, March 8th, for our video presentation!

A Kenyan Perspective

2009-01-26T15:44:00.000-06:00

“The Communion of the Saints”, as it talks about in the Apostle’s Creed, was one of the most poignant things about the trip for me. With missionaries from over ten countries, each meal was a cultural experience. Even though most of the missionaries work side by side, we even felt like we’d always known them. The Newsboys song that says “It’s all God’s children singing Glory, Glory, Hallelujah He Reigns” rang so true as we all fellowshipped and worshiped. I also saw this bond in the children. 3 yr old boys speak the same language regardless if they are American or Nigerian... running and playing with water balloons fun. The kids were a joy to spend time with and it was so hard to leave them.
On one of the last days, we went on a Safari outside Nairobi. Watching the sunrise on the Serengeti is one of the most phenomenal displays of God’s glory and creativity. We saw herds of giraffe, gazelle, antelope, zebra, water buffalo, wildebeests, crocodiles, a pride of lions feasting on a zebra. Driving around for six hours just taking it all in was truly a one of a kind experience.

Julieann - trip participant

Smile we are in Kenya

2009-01-06T00:13:00.002-06:00

The Kenya team has arrived following a long series of plane flights to a 2 hour visa line and lost baggage, but we are smiling because we are in Kenya. We were greeted with roses from Alice's family and smiles from Chris Crowder.

The thing about mission trips is that you have to expect the unexpected, and we are being reminded of it already from screaming children on planes to lost bags and to our pilot and flight attendant had a parade when we crossed the equator.

We are in Nairobi until tomorrow when we head with the Crowder's and their team to Brackenhurst for the conference.

Hearing from our Missionary - Ashley Harton

2008-12-16T16:28:00.001-06:00

Hey West Enders! My name is Ashley Harton and I am currently serving full-time with Campus Crusade for Christ at Vanderbilt University, along with a few others you may know (Joe & Betsy Thomas, Beth Randolph, and Adam & Haley Strouth). If you don't know much about Campus Crusade, we are basically committed to developing authentic spiritual movements on university campuses by focusing on evangelism, discipleship, and sending students out missionally.

Why so much focus on the university campus, specifically Vandy?? Lots of reasons! But to give you one that really motivates me...university campuses are home to streams of current thought/culture-shaping ideas and places of worldview formation. That is certainly true of Vanderbilt! The average college student comes into this environment as an 18 year old with some sort of understanding of the world, but is very open to change as they are exposed to different friends, top professors, and new experiences in and outside of the classroom. You can find students or professors on campus who believe (or don't believe) almost anything! Consequently, Vandy students encouraged, however indirectly, and in a very postmodern sort of way, to adopt the view, "what's true for me may not be true for you" and vice versa. "You believe what you want to believe but don't bother me with it". By the end of their college career, this often leaves them waving the banner of tolerance without really knowing any more deeply about what they really believe...at least in the realm of faith.

Recently in discipleship, I have been talking about this with some senior women, asking them: "If you were to guess how the average Vandy student would answer these questions, what would you say?" The questions are "Why are we here?" "What is wrong with the world?" "What puts the world right?" and "How can I be a part of putting the world right?" These conversations have been eye-opening! But even more, it has exposed how much our own views of the world are mixed with secular values. Values that are not all bad, but ultimately surface level compared to the depth of the answers we have in the gospel. Please pray for believing and non-believing students alike that God would reveal Himself in Spirit and in truth...and that they would really believe that there is Truth that IS real, pervasive and worthy of heralding!

The article that has been shaping these recent discussions can be found here, if you are interested: http://www.redeemer2.com/themovement/issues/2004/oct/deconstructing.html

Going as a family to Honduras

2008-12-09T13:35:00.001-06:00

Before we left for Honduras, I had certain expectations, prayers and hopes for our time in Siguatepeque. There were the obvious prayer requests - safety, smooth travel, health, and opportunities to love and minister to the kids who would come to the soccer VBS and the medical clinic. God is good and he answered my prayers and was so real to me on this trip! What was it about this trip that made God seem so much more real than when I am living day to day in Nashville? God gave me the gift of this missions trip with the key word being mission! Going to Honduras removed all things that so easily distract me in Nashville and showed me a picture of what it is like to serve with a specific mission - to love those that God put in front of us.

God was so real on this trip! I watched him provide as we ministered loved and played with the kids that he brought to the soccer field each day. He provided the soccer equipment to outfit close to 90 children with shoes, socks, and shorts. He provided a beautiful soccer field at the doorstep of our hotel! He provided energy and enthusiasm to make each day special for the campers. He provided the words of love spoken at the end of each day to the campers to help them see who God really is!

We had the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the boys and girls at the end of each session. We used the Jesus Storybook Bible to share the Gospel. Most of the kids have only heard about God from a very legalistic perspective. We shared a simple message - God loves you, not for what you have done but because you are his creation! Speaking in front of groups has never been a favorite activity of mine. But again, God was real and there was not a moment that I felt nervous or inhibited by doubts of my ability to speak in front of large groups. God instilled a confidence that came from knowing that this was not about me, but it was about what God was doing through me. They were not my words the kids were hearing. They were the words of love from God inviting these kids to be his children! I was surprised how emotional I got at several different moments of the week in the midst of sharing the Gospel. I think that emotion came from have a much deeper understanding of what it means to be loved by God!

As a family, it was such a blessing to serve together! Aaron and I loved watching Katelyn take off on the soccer field with her new friends. She grew so much from the first day in terms of her patience and making the best of each situation. I had really prayed going into this trip that her world as she knew it would be turned upside down. I feel like God answered that prayer as I see her response to adversity and what she values now after going on this trip. I pray that it will stick! God thankfully did the same for me! Finally, I take away from the trip a greater urgency to better equip myself and my family to be ready to share the Gospel in the midst of the distractions of our daily lives.

The White Family

A Perspective from Honduras

2008-12-04T12:01:00.000-06:00

Honduras 2008
I always seem to be reading two or three books at a time for my devotionals. Right now its Hearing God by Dallas Willard and Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Both very appropriate for our trip as well as Carter’s current sermons about how pathologically self obsessed we are. This was my third missions trip and truly the best. I worked hard all day. I saw as many as 55 patients a day. Our bus had questionable shocks over roads that could have been an amusement park ride. I had minimal resources to help my patients. Occasionally we had hot water. My sheets smelled like an ash tray. My pillow gave a new definition to lumpy. We learned what “the rainy season” is all about. And I tore my thigh muscle getting schooled in soccer by Hondurans who all were quick as lightning and with skills like Pele! Yet I have never felt closer to our Lord nor more like I could hear him speaking directly to my heart 
Without the material trappings we associate with comfort and “need” (OK I did have my iPod!) I really got to spend quality time with people who love radically, like what Francis Chan calls Crazy Love, like the Love God has for us. Everyone I met reminded me what God really desires, ALL OF US. Not just a half hearted “I do enough. I go to church most Sundays” commitment, but a heart and soul, sold out, Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart and Soul and Might/Love Your Neighbor as Yourself commitment! 6 year old Katelyn White brought huge smiles that made everyone’s day along with love for the other kids and huge hugs. Pastor Walmer, one of the missionaries gave eloquent prayers and encouragement. I long for a prayer life like his . Alfredo Cerrato described his vision for the orphanage and inspired us to think big. The patients touched my heart and soul. How truly pathologically self obsessed my life seems in contrast to the 14 year old who suffered through years of physical abuse and neglect, was finally adopted, but now suffers from end stage, dialysis dependent, kidney disease in a land where dialysis is scarce, let alone the prospect of a transplant! Worse was the toddler with hyperthyroidism whose mom looked gaunt as a concentration camp survivor and felt like a failure because she could only afford to feed him one meal a day!
It all just gives me immense Joy though in a world where the economy seems on the verge of faltering, where people trample to death store employees trying to be the first to get to the latest greatest toys to buy for their kids with the misguided notion that is what love is all about, where terrorism has not gone away as it rears its ugly head in India while we were gone, where 401Ks seem like 201Ks to many and homes are foreclosed…. I am Joyous because God is sovereign. Going to Honduras again so clearly showed me the Lord is present and wants to have an intimate Father/child relationship with us, if we are only willing to truly seek Him and listen with His ears, see with His eyes, touch people’s lives with His hands, speak His words of truth, go where He says to go,…. He really does speak to us. He really does Love us with an absolutely Crazy Love. Despite how pathologically self obsessed we are!
Agape!
Tom Courtney M.D.

Advent Season

2008-12-03T15:28:00.000-06:00

The Advent Season began officially on Sunday, and it is defined as "the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus." The wonderful thing is that our expectancy and preparation does not end with the celebration of Christmas, it is a celebration of what is to come. As a church, as followers of Christ, let us be expectantly waiting and preparing for not just what was, but what is to come!

Honduras Mission Team

2008-11-25T15:52:00.002-06:00

The Honduras Mission team arrived safely Sunday night in San Pedro, where they spent the night, before boarding their bus at 5 am. They began the medical clinic and the soccer vbs at 8am.

Continue to pray for the team's unity and that God would be glorified!

Men of Valor

2008-11-24T15:46:00.002-06:00

Men of Valor is the Hope For Nashville partner ministry of the month! Men of Valor's vision is to "teach men how to make real changes and begin new lives . . . to become men of valor". They work within 2 prisons within Nashville, and they have recently begun work on a wonderful aftercare program. There are many ways to become involved with Men of Valor, and you can learn more about their ministry at their website, http://www.men-of-valor.org/.

MOV's ministry is a beautiful picture of the Gospel in action -- to see men come from 2 very different life backgrounds to build a mentoring relationship. In my 3 years of working in my position, one of my fondest and most memorable moments, was when I had the privilege of visiting the Jericho Project of Men of Valor at CCA prison. I went through security and sat in a room of men praising God for the way Jesus had turned their lives around. I was asked to share a few words, and as I thought about what I would say, I was struck with how similar each of our stories was! We all are imprisoned through sin, physical or spiritual, and I don't know that I have ever had a clearer sense of the freedom that God brings then that 1 hour visiting the prison with Men of Valor.

Looking at Daystar Ministries

2008-10-21T16:20:00.003-05:00

Hope For Nashville is the local missions arm of WECC's missions ministry. We partner with 11 ministries throughout the city that bring hope to Nashville in varying ways. This month we are going to turn our attention to Daystar Counseling Ministries.

The mission of Daystar is to offer hope to children, adolescents, and families in need. This includes individual and group counseling, parenting seminars, and a summer camp. And they do it on a sliding scale, so they really depend on the support of churches and individuals to continue to be a place of refuge and hope.

Each year Daystar hosts an annual fundraiser called the "Bike Thing". Come out and join other West Ender's on Nov 1st as we ride 20 or 40 mile course along the Natchez Trace! This is a great opportunity to have fun, support a great ministry, and get a little exercise in. Go to http://www.daystarcounselingministries.org/ for more information!

A Hope For Nashville Partner Spotlight

2008-10-01T15:55:00.003-05:00

Hope Clinic for Women is one of WECC's Hope For Nashville partners, and each year they celebrate and raise awareness for their work through the Fun for Life! The events include a 5K run/walk, inflatables, a rock wall, face painting, games, food, entertainers, all out at Percy Warner Park on October 18th from 9-noon. It should be a great day of fun and fellowship and celebrating a great ministry. If you are interested in learning more, go to www.hopeclinicforwomen.org.

If you are interested in sponsoring the WECC Run for life team, please go to: www.active.com/donate/runforlife08/westendcc

A Peru team member's perspective

2008-09-23T11:01:00.000-05:00

People keep asking me, “How was Peru?” It was amazing and awful, awe-inspiring and heart breaking, and everything in between. I thought I knew what to expect. I’ve spent over 20 months overseas, much of that time in developing countries. This wouldn’t be anything new. After all, it was only a one-week trip! How hard could it be and how much could one expect to learn? But my experience as a member of this mission team transcended all expectations.

The most surprising aspect of the trip was our team itself. Seven men and seven women, ages 25-60: counselor, musician, house painter, contractor, sales manager, interior designer, artist, benefits professional… What in the world would we find to talk about let alone bond over? How long would it take until the stresses of sharing rooms and bathrooms, not speaking the language, suffering from travelers’ diseases (or the medicines intended to prevent them!), eating unfamiliar food, and doing hard physical labor led to a major breakdown? After all, we were all essentially strangers. There were no bonds of friendship to provide a dose of patience. I just knew that we were a powder keg waiting for a spark.

But God is wise and I now realize that He chose each member of our team purposefully and deliberately. We didn’t have a single meltdown. Each person brought unique perspective and talents. When one person’s energy flagged someone else would pick up the slack. We each took turns carrying the load, stepped in and out of our comfort zone as the situation demanded, and did so in a climate of openness and trust. I’ve been in organizations that failed to create that environment after six months yet we arrived at that point within days. Truly Jesus was working in us.

Then there were the boys. Mikkee’s powers of persuasion aside, they were the reason we had signed up for the trip. Fifteen beautiful, intelligent, mischievous, loving, playful boys who wanted nothing more from us than a little attention – well, attention and candy! They had no television, no iPods, no cell phones or Heelys or PSPs. When they got home from school, they played outside until dinner and then played some more until bed. Their games weren’t carefully orchestrated to maximize learning; the boys weren’t padded from head to toe against falls; they didn’t have fancy jungle gyms or ball fields. They just used their imaginations and their seemingly endless supply of energy and ran around like little boys without a care in the world. I found it hard to imagine the trauma and suffering they had endured while looking at the joy beaming from their faces.

Admittedly, by mid-week some of the novelty had worn off. My amusement at shoveling and stomping mud faded as the hay and stones etched patterns into my shins. The satisfaction I had felt from a hard day’s work forming adobe mud bricks was soon eclipsed by the throbbing of my migraine. The boys NEVER seemed to tire even when all I wanted in the world was a nap. And one nagging question persisted: what were we actually accomplishing? Sure, I felt good about our mission and the work we had done, but to what end? Was the trip merely a salve for my white, rich guilt or were we really making a difference? After all, no matter how much the boys enjoyed VBS and singing and dancing and rough-housing with us, how much could four days really impact a boy’s life?

The Lord answered my question during our last night with the boys. As we played, one of the boys asked what we would do the following day. In my best broken Spanish, I explained that we would be returning to the US. Without even pausing for thought he replied, “When is the next group coming?” And in that moment I knew: we weren’t the answer to their problems, but we were one small piece of it. We were a few of the many people who the Lord will bring into these boys’ lives to help undo the damage of their past. The one week we spent in Huayllabamba wouldn’t miraculously cure them of all their hurts but we would be one more positive example of God’s love and faithfulness in their lives.

The final impact of the trip was much more personal. Every time I travel overseas I learn about myself, how I interact with others, my assumptions and how they color my worldview… I feel as though I’ve closed one chapter in my life and am ready to write a new one. I am not sure yet what its theme will be as I am still digesting the implications of everything I learned, but at the very least I will be reevaluating how I spend my time and energy. And I DEFINITELY have a newfound respect and appreciation for Lowe’s and Home Depot! I will very happily buy my construction materials going forward.

Thank you to my fellow team members for your energy, faithfulness and love. The group would have suffered without each and every one of you. And thank you to the greater WECC family for your prayers and support. I am richer for the experience.

Christa Bowdish

Images from Peru

2008-09-20T16:08:00.003-05:00

Here are a few photos taken on the Peru mission trip. Beauty was found in the scenery and even more so in the people.

Returned from Peru

2008-09-15T14:39:00.001-05:00

We all arrived back in the States, hopefully, different people than when we left. Stay tuned for more posts on the trip and multimedia.

Over the field and through the woods...

2008-08-28T08:55:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day, we will all pack up (in one suitcase, thanks to baggage limitations) and head to Peru. I thought you might like to know how we will get from Nashville, TN, to Cusco, Peru. It will be a 24 hour journey with a few stops along the way.

Aug 29th, 8:45AM: we will meet at the church, pray together, and load up into cars to head to the airport, and check all of our baggage and make it through security (whew, I am tired already!).

Aug 29th, 11:15 AM: our plane is scheduled to take off from Nashville, arriving in Houston at 1:15PM. Thankfully, Gustav's path is not projected to be near Texas when we need to fly out. Once in Houston, we will all transfer to the International terminal and find some overpriced airport food to eat for lunch.

Aug 29th, 3:55PM: our flight will leave Houston headed for Lima, where we will arrive at 10:30PM. We will go through customs and (hopefully) claim everyone's baggage.

Aug 30th, 12AM: a Union Biblica intern will meet us and transport us to the Lima headquarters via bus, where we will catch a few hours of sleep on mattresses in the auditorium.

Aug 30th, early morning: we will head back to the airport and catch a flight to Cusco. We will spend our day in Cusco, before travelling via bus to the hostel we are staying at near the Boy's home in the Sacred Valley that afternoon evening, where hot showers will await us!

Meet the Peru Team!

2008-08-25T09:03:00.002-05:00

It is hard to believe that in only 4 days (4 DAYS!), our team of 14 will be boarding a plane (well, several planes really) and journeying down to Peru for 10 days to serve. As an aside, the ironic thing about mission trips, you go to serve, and you return having been served with a heart full and your perspective on the world and who God is radically changed.

But I digress, I am writing the blog today to introduce you to our 14 member team that knows little about each other today, but a mission trip will certainly cure that! Our team is made up of 7 men and 7 women (I like the easy clean lines and distinction of equal numbers). John, Geoff, Denny, Bill, Tom, Justin, and David make up the 7 men. Christa, Lori, Sharon, Carly, Sarah, Emily, and Mikkee make up the 7 women.

Here are a few ways that you can be praying for our team:

Safe travel to Peru (be watching later this week for a post on the way we will get to Cusco)
Team unity and grace and love for each other
Servant hearts

Mikkee

Cusco, Peru

2008-08-12T20:40:00.007-05:00

First up is a short-term trip to Peru from August 29th to September 7th, 2008. We will be heading to Cusco, Peru, working with Scripture Union at a home for street boys. While there we will be doing construction and hosting a VBS and getting to know the boys. Our purpose is to be obedient to God sending us, supporting and encouraging believers in their work in other parts of the world. Stay tuned for more details!

By the way ... where in the world is Cusco?

View Larger Map

Nashville Mission Trip

2008-08-12T15:26:00.009-05:00

Our Nashville Mission Trip on August 1st and 2nd was a wonderful opportunity for WECC to get out and demonstrate God's love to others in our own community. Volunteers went as teams to 10 different sites: we prepared food for families in need, put together giftbags to welcome international students, sang and danced at a nursing home, cleaned up and painted at different ministries. We had families and singles and community groups.

Here are a few photos from the big day: