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The Placater

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1 Samuel 15:22

22 But Samuel replied,

“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

 

I am one of those “people pleasers.” The placater. Keep the peace at all cost! Well…not anymore. I’m learning to change this habit. Why? Because God requires obedience and sometimes the thing God wants you to do is not the thing someone else wants you to do. Thankfully God is slow to anger and rich in love. He gives an off ramp for disobedience and a swift on ramp for obedience. I think what happens for me most times is that I over-think things and end up making a decision that I know is wrong but it will please a person rather than God. Well, I simply cannot do that any more. I must do what I know in my heart that God has told me to do.

 

Psalm 37:23 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.

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Days 1 & 2

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Hey everybody! I’m so happy to be in Ghana right now! Our flight went really well and I’m getting adjusted to the time change (Ghana is five hours ahead of the EST). Below is a summary of the first two  days.

Day 1 – Arrival

The first thing that you notice when disembarking the plane is…the heat! I didn’t mind it so much though because I was so excited to land and be in Africa! After finding our luggage and making our way through customs we met with the Whitcomb family and made our way through traffic (yes there is traffic here too) to their home. The Whitcombs have been so incredibly nice and have made me feel right at home. I must admit that ten hour plane ride took it’s toll! I was really tired but I was able to stay up late enough to get acclimated to the time change. It’s so amazing to think I am in Africa and that I have the privilege to do this! God has surely blessed me with wonder friends, family and supporters to make this trip happen. I am eternally greatful.

Day 2 – ACH (Agape Children’s Home)

So blessed today to go to ACH and see all the kids for the first time. I took so many photos my index finger was hurting! These are some the most well behaved children I have ever met in my life. Seriously, these kids are something special. We started photos with each of the different class levels while they were in class working. Then we took them outside to take a full class photo and then individual photos. Such incredible smiles on all these faces! If you’ve ever thought about sponsoring a child, consider sponsoring one of the ACH kids. They have wonderful facilities and receive a great education. After our formal photos were finished it was time for some playground time! Yay! Soccer, volleyball, swing sets and a jungle gym were on hand to provide some incredible photos. So exciting to see these young kids so happy! Finally we ended our time that day with lunch. Rice and eggs never tasted so good! This is some awesome food! So thankful! More updates coming soon!

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Work Hard At Living Biblically

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I had the privilege today to go to Liberty University to hear Francis Chan speak. (LU’s article on it). In the short message he brought, I felt highly challenged. Here are a few things:

1. “If we believe in Hell, shouldn’t we be talking to more people [about Christ]?” – This one hit me kind of hard. So often I find myself focusing on just good things and how I can serve. Not that it’s a bad thing to do that, it just may not be the most beneficial thing. I often pass by people forgetting about their eternal destination. It’s so easy to do. My prayer is that God stirs my heart to speak when His Holy Spirit prompts me.

2. “Get alone with this Book [The Bible] and read it.” – It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Spending time in God’s Word is one of the best ways (if not the best way) to get closer to God. Chan said, “You need to take ownership of your walk with the Lord.” I couldn’t agree more. Growing up in the church one would think I would never forget this. However, life has a way of distracting me. So often I’ve seen people expect to get everything they need from God on a Sunday morning. This creates a needy, fat, and lazy Christian. I’m just as guilty as anyone when it comes to this. However, the one skill I learned from my time in college is one that sticks with me. That skill is to be a “self-feeder.” I learned how to do word studies, dig deep into scripture, and pull out the meaning (with God’s help and a few commentaries). It’s just a matter of being disciplined and dedicated to spending time with God.

3. Living in the Spirit. – This was another thing that hit me pretty hard. So often we find ourselves asking for forgiveness for the same thing over and over again. I know we all fail. I know that we all have a “thorn in our flesh” so to speak. However, Chan suggested that when you live in the Spirit that the desires of the flesh dwindle. I agree. When we are living in the Spirit, we have more of a desire to please God than to please ourselves. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is key.

There was so much more to the message that he brought today but these are the things that stood out to me.

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Plane Tickets & Yellow Fever

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I’ve got to say that I am extremely excited! I just contacted my travel agent about the flight. I’m having my seat held for a couple of days until I can get a check out to them. This is becoming a reality so quickly! I would have never imagined that I would be spending Christmas in Ghana! So cool. I’m seriously about to jump out of my chair I’m so pumped. But I’m going to wait until I have the tickets in hand before I do that dance. I had the privilege to spend some time with Rev. Rick Whitcomb the past few days. We got to talk about church and how things have changed over the years. It was great to hear stories about Agape Gospel Mission and to see the passion and heart that Pastor Whitcomb puts into everything he does. He’s a cool guy and I’m so excited to be working with them this Christmas.

On Wednesday morning I’ll be getting my yellow fever vaccine. Some people say needles bother them. They don’t bother me. Not sure why. This is a requirement though in order to get my visa to Ghana. As soon as I get that shot, I’ll be heading to the post office to mail off my forms and await their swift return. Once that’s done, there’s not much else to do but pack! I’ll be continually raising money for AGM. Any monies that are received above and beyond the cost of the trip will be used for their ministry. Thanks to all of you who have given already!

Last but not least, I still need your continued prayers. Pray that God uses me to my full potential while I am there. Pray for the orphans of Ghana. Pray for travel safety. Pray for the Holy Spirit to anoint this trip. Thank you so much for your support and prayers!

One last thing…check out this video: CLICK HERE

 

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I’m going to Ghana…

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Hi! I’m Mike, I’m going to Ghana December 21, 2011 through January 2, 2012. I’ll be working with Agape Gospel Mission in Accra, Ghana. The Whitcomb family asked me to join them as they minister this Christmas season for a few weeks. How could I say no? I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve and to help them where they have need. While I don’t know all the details on how they need me to serve yet, I do know that they would like me to take hundreds of photos.
While it may not seem like a lot, photos are huge to a ministry. Pictures inspire, encourage, raise awareness and raise funding for ministries. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. They show smiles, pain, needs and the love of Christ in action.
A picture can inspire action, prayer and financial support. It is one of those things that can be multiplied!
While I may not have much to offer, photos are one thing I am passionate about. Please help me tell the stories of Christ’s love in action in Ghana.
Here’s where I need your help:
1. I need your prayers! Please pray that the Lord works in my heart to prepare me to see and capture each image of the ministry in Ghana through His eyes.

2. I need financial support. I am willing to go, I am excited to go and I am trusting God to provide!

I need to raise around $1300 to make this trip happen. Any amount that you can donate is much appreciated! Thanks in advance for your prayers and your support!

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