Okay, most of you already know that I am back in the states and safely at home with AC and hot showers. Since I have moved back home to NWA, I find it confusing to still post from my "journey to nepal" blog, unless I decide to head back. I will no longer post from this blog. Read between the lines, "the party is moving to my NEW blog". Join the fun and head on over to my new website.
j hayes
GO HERE: http://www.jmhayes.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Proberbs 4:18
Proverbs 4:18
“But the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day.”
(At some point in my time in Kathmandu, I memorized this Scripture. It was a verse written at the bottom of a page of my journal. The more that I have studied this passage, the more I have become joyful in the hope of Christ’s return.)
Living in a busy, fast paced society tends to act as an agent that takes our focus and attention away from the only thing worthy of all of it; Jesus Christ. For that reason, I chose to memorize this verse and I continue to find it very rewarding whenever the Spirit refreshes my mind with its message.
The “just”, or those who have a relationship with the only LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, will one day stand before God with all creation and give an account for their lives. Those who have placed their faith in Christ, the elect, will be justified in that they will receive eternal life with Christ—what we know as justification by faith—and they will be pronounced “not guilty” due solely to Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. God, in His perfect holiness gives us a gift that we do not deserve. And the dying to self that is mentioned in Luke 9:23 is an appropriate response that we live in thanks to our King.
Here on earth we can not comprehend the fullness of His Glory. We see glimpses of it through sunsets and mountains, the image of lifestyle worship lived out, and unconditional Love. But, the fullness of God’s Glory has not been revealed to us…yet. For our fallen, sinful bodies and minds can not handle the fullness of God.
So, our (the just) “path” is like a light that shines brighter and brighter as Jesus’ return draws near, when the True Light of the world will be revealed in His Fullness. One day we will live in the presence of a Holy God and that Perfect Day will be better than anything imaginable on earth.
As I was on a crowded bus headed towards the center of town, the Spirit in his greatness dropped this verse in my mind. It was a little past 7 am, and due to a late night, I was tired. But, then came these words, “but the path of the just is like the shining light that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day.” And that promise began to sink in. One Day I will completely see the GLORY of the LORD and I will be captivated by it.
That is something to hope in; to live my life for!
“But the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day.”
(At some point in my time in Kathmandu, I memorized this Scripture. It was a verse written at the bottom of a page of my journal. The more that I have studied this passage, the more I have become joyful in the hope of Christ’s return.)
Living in a busy, fast paced society tends to act as an agent that takes our focus and attention away from the only thing worthy of all of it; Jesus Christ. For that reason, I chose to memorize this verse and I continue to find it very rewarding whenever the Spirit refreshes my mind with its message.
The “just”, or those who have a relationship with the only LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, will one day stand before God with all creation and give an account for their lives. Those who have placed their faith in Christ, the elect, will be justified in that they will receive eternal life with Christ—what we know as justification by faith—and they will be pronounced “not guilty” due solely to Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. God, in His perfect holiness gives us a gift that we do not deserve. And the dying to self that is mentioned in Luke 9:23 is an appropriate response that we live in thanks to our King.
Here on earth we can not comprehend the fullness of His Glory. We see glimpses of it through sunsets and mountains, the image of lifestyle worship lived out, and unconditional Love. But, the fullness of God’s Glory has not been revealed to us…yet. For our fallen, sinful bodies and minds can not handle the fullness of God.
So, our (the just) “path” is like a light that shines brighter and brighter as Jesus’ return draws near, when the True Light of the world will be revealed in His Fullness. One day we will live in the presence of a Holy God and that Perfect Day will be better than anything imaginable on earth.
As I was on a crowded bus headed towards the center of town, the Spirit in his greatness dropped this verse in my mind. It was a little past 7 am, and due to a late night, I was tired. But, then came these words, “but the path of the just is like the shining light that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day.” And that promise began to sink in. One Day I will completely see the GLORY of the LORD and I will be captivated by it.
That is something to hope in; to live my life for!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Journey to the Top of the World!!!
This is seriously where we are heading off to. This picture is taken from Kala Patthar. That is exactly where we are headed. We leave on March 16th and should get back around April 1. I will post pictures and stories about our trip when we get back.This will be such a neat time to minister to the villagers whose places we will be sleeping in. Plus, it will give me a great opportunity to practice my Nepali language, as most of the villagers speak little to no English at all.
Keep us in your prayers!
The Story of Warrior!
Please take the time now to prepare your minds and hearts for God's message. ONLY proceed when you have spent significant time in prayer and meditation.
...(are you ready)...
....(are you sure?)...
.....(here we go)....
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------------------------------------------------
The Enemy of the evil side, the “powers of the dark world”, “schemed” to take Warrior out of this world. Enemy came at him from every angle and sought to attack him at his weakest point. And, it seemed to be working. Warrior could not stand against Enemy’s attacks. He had to do something, and quick!
Meet Father. Father was rad and rockin. He was where it was at! Everyone, including Enemy, feared Father. He was glorious!
Warrior knew that he could not defeat Enemy without Father’s help. So he offered up a gift and request up to him. He pleaded for help against his adversary.
...(are you ready)...
....(are you sure?)...
.....(here we go)....
-------------------------------------------------
Once upon a time there was a warrior who lived in a land far, far away. His name was…Warrior. Things were awesome! He was fighting and defeating the evil forces that plagued the land. No one could stop him. He donned the needed attire taken from the Great Book. He had the Belt of Truth, the Helmet of Salvation, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Sword of the Spirit, and the Breastplate of Righteousness (back then they made do with the plaid garments they could find). He was missing one thing though—the Shield of Faith.
At this point, no one could stop him. He was undefeatable!
------------------------------------------------
The Enemy of the evil side, the “powers of the dark world”, “schemed” to take Warrior out of this world. Enemy came at him from every angle and sought to attack him at his weakest point. And, it seemed to be working. Warrior could not stand against Enemy’s attacks. He had to do something, and quick!
------------------------------------------------
Meet Father. Father was rad and rockin. He was where it was at! Everyone, including Enemy, feared Father. He was glorious!
Warrior knew that he could not defeat Enemy without Father’s help. So he offered up a gift and request up to him. He pleaded for help against his adversary.
--------------------------------------------------
Father assured him that He would always be with him. It was a fellowship that could not be broken. They took off on their journey to pursue victory against Enemy and his evil powers.
--------------------------------------------------
Father bestowed upon him his special powers (and a foot that went almost a little too close) and Warrior was successful. At last, Warrior snuck up on Enemy and used his power to defeat the ultimate Enemy! Enemy was never heard of again for all of eternity. And, Father and Warrior headed off to their distant land, Eden.
THE END!!!
Did you find yourself on "theWall"?
I have started quite the collection of pictures by hanging them on my wall. I call it “iWall”. I think I am up to about 50-60 or so. Did you find yourself up there? If not, then send me a picture of you or you and your family and I will get you up?
By the way, I promise that I will not post any phone numbers with the pictures! Oh, and another thing…No, I am not starting a nepali international dating service. Some would venture to guess by the sheer number of comments that I have gotten from my nepali brothers here over “certain individuals’ pictures” that I am in fact trying to find significant others for my American friends. I refute that belief.
By the way, I promise that I will not post any phone numbers with the pictures! Oh, and another thing…No, I am not starting a nepali international dating service. Some would venture to guess by the sheer number of comments that I have gotten from my nepali brothers here over “certain individuals’ pictures” that I am in fact trying to find significant others for my American friends. I refute that belief.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wha-Laa!
This would be the before picture of what used to be the library/storage room!
The kids enjoying games and books!
Santi, enjoying a Classic Disney movie book, "Toy Story 2". The Disney Movie Books have been a GI-NORMOUS (Anita Schwartzman, 2006) hit among the kids. We bought a couple of illustrated books that feature Tarzan, Toy Story 2, Bambi, and Lilo and Stitch among others.
Jordan and I first had the idea to create a "study room" out of the old storage room last fall. But, with Christmas, the coat drive, and several other things, we really had to put this project on the back burner. We started last week! We pulled out all the furniture and junk, painted the whole room (with the help of 2 nepali kids), shopped for some furniture, and bought some great books. It was a fun time to be able to do something so great for the kids. One of our friends here in Kathmandu, Susan (an interior design major) helped us pick out fabric for the curtains and the couch, and she did a fantastic job at that. Good Job, Susan!
The whole room cost a total of somewhere around $600. That included paint, a table and chairs, a couch that seats 6-7, a coffee table, a couple of shelves, a small computer desk and chair, and about 20 books to help educate the kids and help them practice their english (science books, disney books, childrens bible, fictional stories, etc.). Their "old" library already had a large number of books, but when we sorted through them we realized that most of them were either 10 yr. old textbooks, books in other languages, or very odd scientific nepali books that counter the Christian faith. Most of these books had been given from European donors. We were excited to get the children books that would help them in their studies as well as entertaining ones.
The first night we opened the Study Room there must have been 25 children all sitting around reading, playing games, drawing, or doing homework. It was really neat to see the kids excited about their new room. It is a comfy environment that gives them a place to go after school or dinner and read a book/ study/ do homework. We also set up all the crafts so that the kids can color, draw, paint, or just get creative as they please.
Before, the storage room stayed locked up all day and the kids had no access to any of the books or crafts unless we opened the room. Now they can come and go as they please, which they really like, especially since they can get bored around the orphanage sometimes.
SO, a BIG THANKS, again from the kids and Jason and Jordan from CWC!!! We could not have done it without your financial support. Know that your contributions made a HUGE impact across the Pacific. (Plus, Jordan and I now have a comfy room to sit in with a good book. We definitely are enjoying the fruit of our labor there)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
February--the month of true love--blah, blah blah
Valentines Day is a special time for those in loving relationships to buy cheap chocolate, a cheezy card from Wal-Mart, and overpriced roses for that special someone. Or you could go the other route and spend $350 on dinner at a fancy-shmancy restaurante to let them know how you really feel about them. If option A mostly resembled February 14 for you, well then, there's always next year.
Take my predicament into consideration. I live in Nepal, have no spouse or significant other (no, this is not an self promoting ad calling all single women), and I am surrounded by 22 girls in ages ranging from 7-20, most of whom are in the "I have a junior high crush on older guys" stage. So, you might be asking what ideas we concocted in order to let our 22 "special someones" know that we care about them as sisters in Christ.
Jordan and I could not let the American holiday pass without doing something nice for the girls. Plus, they had never celebrated before and we saw it as an opportunity to encourage them in their faith. So, on a bitterly cold, rainy day we made the trip to town to select all the "special ingrediants" that would make for a fun night with the girls.
It was actually a really neat time. When it comes to intentionality in the orphanage, the guys are the ones who get most of the time and attention from us. I mean, it is just hard to relate with the girls, as one can imagine, being a guy, and it can be just weird. But, we have remained open to encouraging them when we can as well and have made the most of the opportunities that we get.
Valentines Day was great! We bought a rose for each girl, as well as cake and drinks. As we presented them with the flowers and desserts we each explained how God views women, that they are created in His image and He loves them all. Sometimes, in this Hindu society, women are seen as less than men in status. Some of those same beliefs have bled into the walls of CWC, where the guys sometimes think they are superior as well. Taking a few minutes to share Gods TRUE message with our "didis" (sisters) was very beneficial (We have also talked with the guys in a recent Bible Study about their view of their sisters, which was a great time as well). After encouraging the girls over Black Forest Cake and Pepsi--and believe me, you can basically say anything to a girl while she is eating Chocolate cake--we decided to pop in the 1990's Disney hit "The Lion King". The girls loved it! They REALLY enjoyed the night devoted to just them, excluding all the guys from enjoying their fun
....THEN.......
I was standing in my room when Sabina (16 yr. old) came in with two of her friends. "Sabina wants to tell you something," Laxmi, her friend stated happily. This was the jaw dropping, heart racing part of the night for me. Sabina hesitantly walked in the door and stared at the floor as she mustered the courage to tell me her secret (my mind was saying "dont do it. Dont do it"). "Jason, brother, I...I...I LOVE you!
...And there it was...on the floor like a fish out of water...
I had no idea how to respond or what to say. I was totally shocked, even though I somewhat figured it was coming in the 10 minute saga leading up to that point where she paced outside my room and her friends coached her from inside. So, I explained that there was a small, minor age difference (almost a decade). What do 16 year olds know about love?...or me for example? It was weird! Three to four days went by before she would even look at me again. But, I guess there isn't much that I can do about that, except tell you all so you can laugh for me.
Hope your Valentines Day was sappy and...I dunno
I'm out...
Take my predicament into consideration. I live in Nepal, have no spouse or significant other (no, this is not an self promoting ad calling all single women), and I am surrounded by 22 girls in ages ranging from 7-20, most of whom are in the "I have a junior high crush on older guys" stage. So, you might be asking what ideas we concocted in order to let our 22 "special someones" know that we care about them as sisters in Christ.
Jordan and I could not let the American holiday pass without doing something nice for the girls. Plus, they had never celebrated before and we saw it as an opportunity to encourage them in their faith. So, on a bitterly cold, rainy day we made the trip to town to select all the "special ingrediants" that would make for a fun night with the girls.
It was actually a really neat time. When it comes to intentionality in the orphanage, the guys are the ones who get most of the time and attention from us. I mean, it is just hard to relate with the girls, as one can imagine, being a guy, and it can be just weird. But, we have remained open to encouraging them when we can as well and have made the most of the opportunities that we get.
Valentines Day was great! We bought a rose for each girl, as well as cake and drinks. As we presented them with the flowers and desserts we each explained how God views women, that they are created in His image and He loves them all. Sometimes, in this Hindu society, women are seen as less than men in status. Some of those same beliefs have bled into the walls of CWC, where the guys sometimes think they are superior as well. Taking a few minutes to share Gods TRUE message with our "didis" (sisters) was very beneficial (We have also talked with the guys in a recent Bible Study about their view of their sisters, which was a great time as well). After encouraging the girls over Black Forest Cake and Pepsi--and believe me, you can basically say anything to a girl while she is eating Chocolate cake--we decided to pop in the 1990's Disney hit "The Lion King". The girls loved it! They REALLY enjoyed the night devoted to just them, excluding all the guys from enjoying their fun
....THEN.......
I was standing in my room when Sabina (16 yr. old) came in with two of her friends. "Sabina wants to tell you something," Laxmi, her friend stated happily. This was the jaw dropping, heart racing part of the night for me. Sabina hesitantly walked in the door and stared at the floor as she mustered the courage to tell me her secret (my mind was saying "dont do it. Dont do it"). "Jason, brother, I...I...I LOVE you!
...And there it was...on the floor like a fish out of water...
I had no idea how to respond or what to say. I was totally shocked, even though I somewhat figured it was coming in the 10 minute saga leading up to that point where she paced outside my room and her friends coached her from inside. So, I explained that there was a small, minor age difference (almost a decade). What do 16 year olds know about love?...or me for example? It was weird! Three to four days went by before she would even look at me again. But, I guess there isn't much that I can do about that, except tell you all so you can laugh for me.
Hope your Valentines Day was sappy and...I dunno
I'm out...
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