There Is So Much Good In The Worst Of Us

I'm listening to this song today

It is playing as a background to my facebook surfing... to tell you the truth, I can't even tell you what the song is really about (I enjoy the tune of it so I let it play)... and then... this line... "There is so much good in the worst of us, so much bad in the best of us".

And it hits me with truth... I can't shake this sentence off my mind... and I don't even know what the rest of the song says.

The neighborhood I work in is full of homeless people, meth addicts, and people I would have previously labeled as "strange".  Over the course of my few months there I have met and gotten to know some of these people... and I've grown to miss them when I don't see them often.  As Christians, we are quick to offer help to those we consider "needy" and "broken" but so often this help only extends to those we're comfortable with.  It's so easy to close our eyes to those we consider "undeserving", those who (in our not so humble opinion) have brought this suffering upon themselves, those who may take our "hard-earned" money and use it on drugs or alcohol.

I beg you today to be different from those who are rushing past with a disgusted look on their faces.  I beg you to see (even if just for a moment) past the addiction, past the smell, past all those exterior things - and try to see the good in those people.  I promise you - your life will be enriched by their stories and their friendship.

Pretending

Having the Little One taught me a lot about reading non-verbal cues... you know, one indeed can tell simply by looking into babies' eyes whether they are really angry, or scared, or in pain... you don't always know it right away and you don't get it right 100% of the time... but after a while you just know.

It's easy to see pain in another person if you know what it looks like.

Working in a non-ministry environment has opened my eyes to a whole new level of need in the city.  So many people who walk through the doors are simply tired of figuring life out and they are looking for a safe place - a safe place away from work and away from home... a place where they don't have to pretend.

We - humans - pretend all the time.  We perform... for our spouses... our children... our boss... our families... our friends... often even for God.  We feel insecure, we are afraid to be vulnerable with each other for the fear of being judged or misunderstood.

This must not be among Christians.

The people in this city (and your town) are growing weary of pretending... are we ready to embrace them?

Lately...

Lately... we have been quite busy.  A lot of preparations are in order for our little baby girl to come next month.  And that is on top of all the work and ministry responsibilities we already have.  Because of that I am realizing that we have not been super faithful updating this blog on a regular basis... sorry.  Here's a quick snapshot into our lives in the past 2 months.

Of course our main news revolves around me carrying our child.  I have been so grateful to God for the easy pregnancy that allows me to still be actively involved in our Sidewalk Sunday School ministry.  With only a few weeks to go we are getting anxious to meet our little wonder (prayers for easy delivery are always appreciated).

In the beginning of October we traveled to Oregon to be part of our brother's wedding.  It was exciting for me to meet a lot of Bryan's family members whom I hadn't met before.  As I look back at those few days - I am blown away by God's faithfulness and His provision for us (just 2 short weeks before we had no finances to travel - but by the time we had to go - everything was lined up and taken care of)... 

Some of my newly-met family-friends were so kind as to throw us a little family baby shower where we got a lot of beautiful things.

And of course the official Dr. Seuss themed baby shower was thrown last month in the honor of our little girl.  We are grateful for the friends that made it a point to come (even though it ended up happening at a quite inconvenient time for many of our friends).  

Bryan & I with our Canadian intern Rachel
(after we showed her our ministry area for
the first time)

 And of course I can't forget to let you know of all the great things that are happening with our Sidewalk Sunday School ministry. This semester (because of my pregnancy) we have been blessed with a help of an intern from Canada.  She has been helping us on visitation and with Sunday School and she will take over once I have the baby until Christmas.  It is a blessing to know that our Sunday School kids will be taken care of.

The Sunday School itself has been doing great!  Our site's attendance has been quite high (332 people attended this past Friday).  We are excited to have an opportunity to share about God with all these people.

Memory verse from this past week's lesson

all kids were excited to be blessed with a pumpkin and a bag of chocolate

 Another praise report for us would be that my mom got her US visa and she will be traveling to visit us in December.  I really hoped she would come but didn't want to put my hopes up too much.  A week before her interview I posted on facebook a request to pray for favor for her.  As many friends prayed, God has given me peace about her interview and I knew in my heart that whatever the outcome would be - it would be the will of God manifested.  I was excited to know that she did get her visa. 

Prayer Requests:

* for easy delivery of our daughter

* for my mom's salvation

* for easy transition for our intern Rachel from a follower to a leader in our Sunday School site

"My Heart Has Been Replaced With A Face"

When you look down, it is easy to walk by.  In my previous post I have written about feeling sorry for myself and being caught up in the "woe is me" mentality.  The more I think about it the more frustrated I become... angry at myself and many others around me who are so caught up in our little problems that we don't even notice the pain of those who need our help.

Part of the problem is that often the needs around us are impersonal.  The homeless, the prostitutes, the child molesters, the drug addicts, the poor, the sick - those are all collective nouns, words meant to drive our attention away from these people as individuals.

I stumbled upon this song today on youtube and I would love to share it with you (lyrics typed out below).

I've stood alone a million times

That's not the same as being alone

I've felt ignored, and left behind before

But that's not the same as being disowned

Open my eyes, and help me see that there's a world outside of me

I'm no different, I want to make a difference tonight

The words don't always come out right

And I don't normally cry

But you didn't see the look in her eyes

I've been shaken

From my head, on down to my toes

Lord use me, take me where you want me to go

I can't help it, my heart has been replaced with a face

I'm ready, these hands are dedicated to change

I've hurt before, but held inside

I've seen their tears, 'cause pain is something they can't hide

What makes us different?

We have a chance to listen tonight

There are many ways for you to get involved in a life of an individual who needs hope today.  

One of the many ways to do so is to sponsor a child through one of the many international ministries.  We are involved with Metro Ministries and through them you can sponsor a child in the United States, Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines.  If you would like to get involved - click here for more info.  And guess what - if you choose to sponsor a child here in US - you can request one of the kids from our Sunday School site and you can be sure we will keep you updated on how they are doing.

Whatever you choose to do (or not to do) - may it be your prayer today that your heart also will be replaced with a face... that you will no longer be immune to the suffering of others.




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I am linking this post here

True Religion

Summit VII

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: 

to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, 

and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

(James 1:27)

I wish I were able to attend this summit (my ministry here in New York will prevent me from doing so).  It will take place in Louisville, KY on May 12th - 13th, 2011.  I believe all of us are called to minister to the orphans of the world.  It does not always have to be through the mission trips or actual adoptions. There are so many ways to get involved.  Whether you are actively involved in orphan ministry today or not - you should prayerfully consider attending this summit.  For more info - click here.

Give What You Have

"He who gives to the poor will not lack, 

but he who hides his eyes 

will have many curses."  

(Proverbs 28:27 NKJV)

I live in one of the biggest cities in the world - New York City.  Millions of people... so busy... rushing to their daily activities, meetings, functions... overwhelmed with the responsibilities of life.

There are so many beggars in New York that one almost must become immune to them to keep their paycheck.  Every time I take a train to the city it's almost a definite that several people would approach me and ask for money.  When I drive our Sidewalk Sunday School truck to one of our sites there's always a lady in a wheel chair asking for money at the red light.  And then there's another lady who lives close to our parking lot.  I see her daily.  She is one of the most beautifully spirited homeless people I've ever met.  It is easy to hide our eyes from these people... because then we're not confronted with their need... and if we're not confronted with their need - we don't have to do anything about it.  Right?

Or how about this one?  They're probably asking money for drugs or alcohol.  I can't support them in their addiction.  This is not good for them.  Right?

WRONG!!!

God never made a difference in His Word that our giving can depend on the amount of people who ask.  He never gave us a right to judge their motives.  He simply says, "Give to him who asks of you" (Matthew 5:42a).

And for those of you (myself included) who can't afford to give money every time someone asks, I want to share with you what we taught the children a couple of weeks ago in Sunday School.  We taught on the story of Peter and John healing a lame man from Acts 3.  This is what Peter says to the man when he asked him for money, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you" (Acts 3:6).  Then Peter proceeded to minister to the man and he got healed.  Last time I was in the city I gave the man my coffee.  And the woman who lives by our parking lot often just wants to talk.  I gave her some cookies when I saw her last and she was happy.

So be encouraged, dear friend.  Give what you have and amazing things will happen.

Another wonderful thing in that passage is that Peter fixed his eyes on the beggar (v.4.).  He did not turn away, or pretend to be busy in the conversation with John - Peter gave the man his attention. May I dare suggest that many of these people just want to be noticed.  They need someone to connect with their pain, to understand that even if their situation is brought about by their own choices - it still is no easier dealing with it.

I want to challenge you today not to hide your eyes from the people in need.

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There's still time to give for Blessie's surgery (story here).  We have not been able to raise a full amount needed yet.

Dealing with Discouragement in Ministry

I already blogged about her here.  This has been going on for a while.  I have spent years supporting her trying to make sure her world does not collapse.  Despite all my efforts and all my tryings - I saw pieces shattered on the floor yesterday.  Her choices determined her reputation, the outcome of her actions.

I stand and wonder, "Have I done anything wrong?  What else could I have done?"

God is silent.

I think.  Hard.

And at that moment I do not understand what could have been different.

Another conversation with another person.  The entitlement and ungratefulness seeping through her comments.

Those two put together in one morning... and I am just so... angry... so frustrated and sad.

Everyone who's ever tried to witness to someone or disciple a new believer in Christ will eventually face DISCOURAGEMENT.

Discouragement - that desire to lower your hands, throw in the towel, exhale and... walk away... from it all...

Yes, from it all... from the good and the ugly.  Just be done with it.

But how can I?

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?  

(Romans 10:14)

I am reminded why I am here.

And I try again.

Are You Putting God First?

This past week I had a privilege to sit under the teachings of R.T. Kendall.  He is a wonderful man whose mission is to inspire people to desire to see the praise that comes from one and only true God.  Over the course of our staff retreat Dr. Kendall spoke about the need for total forgiveness in the body of Christ (which includes forgiving others and forgiving ourselves).

Yet, today I wanted to share with you something that Dr. Kendall & his wife Louise shared with us during Q&A session.  A question was asked how to balance family and ministry.  An important question indeed.  I couldn't wait to hear their response.

This is what Dr. Kendall said,

"PUT YOUR FAMILY FIRST!  

They are more important than 

the people you may never see again."

He mentioned that if he could do it all over again - he would spend more time with his family.  He said, "I used to spend more time on writing sermons thinking I was putting God first.  I used to spend more time counseling other people thinking I was putting God first.  I was wrong."

Sitting at my computer today I am reminded of the times in my life when the ministry took so much out of me that I had nothing left to give to my husband... I thought I was putting God first... And with a deep sigh I must agree with Dr. Kendall - I was wrong!

This is what the Bible says in 1 Timothy 5:8,
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

What have I failed to provide for my husband?  If you ever smiled and acted nice in public only to snap at your beloved in private - you know exactly what I am talking about.

Today I am choosing to put God first by setting my priorities right.

What about you?

One Thousand Gifts - #8

I am growing weary of Facebook conversations with her.  Facebook gives her a place to hide, a way to ignore my questions, freedom to pick and choose her answers.  I am growing weary of confrontation, of pouring out my very soul into a person who does not seem to get it, or want it, or listen.  I am a minister, the ambassador of my Savior pleading her to reconcile with God.  Eight years of love, effort, patience, struggle, waiting, coaching, praying are seemingly disappearing into thin air in front of my eyes.  Eight years.

I am growing weary.  Taking a deep breath, followed by sips of caramel macchiato hugging my insides warmly.  A brief look into the sky.  Another breath.  I walk away from the computer.  Defeated.

Fast forward to yesterday morning.  I slept in (as in not because I could).  Rushed morning.  Tired.  Almost wishing I did not have to go to church.  I walk in looking for a place my husband saved for us.  My eyes are searching up and down the rows for his bag... no - for her.  She missed last week.  And sadly she is not here today.  I can't find the bag and I stand by the wall, frustrated.  Defeated.

A tap on the shoulder.  Someone knows where my seat is.  I slip into my seat and exhale.  I am right behind the pole so the pastor can't see me.  Good.  I'm thinking, "Is anything I've done in the past eight years at all significant?"

Another tap on the same shoulder.  I turn around.  I see... her mother.  She is here in church after making more mistakes she can count, after losing her children and struggling through her addiction, after getting offended, and accepted, and offended again, after losing everything she held dear, after breaking so many promises... but here she stands... again.  Today is her second time after a long time away.

I give her a hug.  My mind travels to a cold fall afternoon in 2002 when I threatened and blackmailed and pleaded and begged her to come to church to see her daughter perform in our Christmas play.  And seeing her standing behind me signing praise to our King - suddenly - warms me up in ways my caramel macchiato can't... and makes me feel so... victorious!

#8 - I am grateful for God's visual reminders when I need them the most.

#2-7 here

#1 here

Giving Up My Plot

"I am their inheritance... I am their possession" (Ezekiel 44:28)

In Ezekiel 44 God outlines the charge He is giving His priests, their duties and responsibilities, "And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean" (v.23).  He is being very specific that priests must walk in holiness before the Lord.

In this job called ministry the stakes are high.  The outcome is souls - won or lost... in communion with God or in eternal damnation without Him.  You would think with high stakes like that (and following some of the prosperity teachers out there) that the Lord will be giving His priests (ministers) everything.

"You shall give them no possession in Israel..." (v.28)

Excuse me?  Does that really say "NO possession"???

Yes, I did read that correctly.  I wondered often why that is.  Why not give them a little more security?  You know, a retirement plan, sort of?  A little on the side to stash up for their children?  How about some health insurance too?  Constantly being around so many full-time ministers I often see how this is our greatest struggle.  Being in ministry often means giving up our security - our "plot of Promised Land" - so we can serve the Lord.  The more I thought as to why we are required to give it up - the answer became clearer and clearer.

We must serve the Lord with an UNDIVIDED heart!

In times of trouble, war, turmoil, sickness, despair - we must first take care of the things of God and not our own possessions.  And us silly humans - we get so easily attached to "our stuff".

Our "job security" lies in Him and Him alone.  For verse 28 does not end with "no possession in Israel".  This is how the whole thing reads.

"It shall be, in regard to their inheritance, that I am their inheritance.  You shall give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession".

If you are contemplating the life of ministry - you may have to give up your plot... but do not fear - the Lord will take care of His own.

This is why...

Welcome to Shrek's Swamp

Just a quick slideshow to share with you all the fun we had during Shrek week at our Sidewalk Sunday School sites:

Oceans of kids

There is a celebration happening at the Sweeney home!
A birthday? - NO
An anniversary? - NO
Promotion? - NO
Having a baby? - NO

We're celebrating because of the amazing things God is doing on our sidewalk team this year.
There is an weekly attendance goal set for every Sidewalk Sunday School team of 1000. In years past we have struggled to hit even 800 in attendance but this semester we have so far broken the 1000 threshold 3 the times! In fact our attendance has improved every single week this semester. Are you ready for our most recent number?


Are You?



Wait for it



can you guess?




Give up



1270

That's right 1270 children, teenagers, and adults heard the message of Jesus Christ this week.

But they're not just coming to Sidewalk Sunday School. Our attendance for Revolution (our youth service) has also been multiplying. Helen and I have had half a dozen young people ride the bus to Revolution every week. Also, due to a lack of drivers, one of our vans can no longer pick up for that service. We told the teens if they take the train there we will take them home. Thinking that was the end of those teenagers Revolution experience we have been pleased to see 4-6 teenagers show up at Revolution ON THEIR OWN.


We are extremely excited to see what other mighty things God has in store. Keep praying and stay tuned for updates.

In the busyness of it all...

I have neglected keeping you updated - sorry. It's been a busy semester and I will try to do better from now on.


Here's what we've been up to:

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Week 3 of Sidewalk Sunday School spring semester 2010. We've had great first two weeks and I am blessed to have a great team.

Top row: Jason from USA, Janelle from Canada, Susi from Germany, Helen from Belarus

Bottom row: Bryan from USA, Patty from Mexico, Nadine from Germany

Jason and Nadine are our wonderful interns for these four months and so far they've done incredibly well. Feel free to lift them and the rest of my team up in your prayers as we minister to the kids in NYC.

The semester started off with a week of lessons on Easter. It rained for the first couple of days but it provided an amazing opportunity to teach children and their parents in a smaller group setting and really explain to them that Jesus died to open the way to God and He is alive today by the power of God who raised Him from the dead. We kept sharing that news with everyone even a little boy at McDonald's whose mom asked me to explain to them the meaning of Easter.

And even though my birthday is not until tomorrow - I had an incredible week celebrating my birthday with Sunday School kids. The kids made lots of cards and the team baked lots of cupcakes - and we all had fun. And today I had a great time just being with my friends - having our nails done and barbecuing outside. I am so grateful for my friends.

I have been very busy with ministry-related events... and even though I miss having lots of time in the mornings to have a longer devotional, enjoy my breakfast slowly and catching up on blogging and all my friends' blogs - the exhilaration that comes from seeing the smiles on the kids faces during the fun parts of our programs or the peace that comes upon them during our lessons is well worth it. Please know that even though we've been busy and failed to keep in touch - we are truly grateful for friends like you and we're still serving Him faithfully.

...in search of all things beautiful...

One of my facebook friends once had a profile status: [name] is in search of all things beautiful.

What is beautiful to you? Where do you see beauty?

In a majestic tapestry of fall colors? In steady breath of a sleeping child? In a hand of your wife firmly planted in yours as you pray over your meal? In undefeated strength of the Alps? In the hand of Michelangelo?

I saw beauty this week.

On Monday Metro Ministries with the generous financial support of Kraupner Pharmacy hosted our annual event called "Night of 100 Stars". The event is organized by a man who used to be a transvestite prostitute and drug addict. After Christ set him free from this lifestyle, his heart was broken for people just like him who are “looking for love in all the wrong places” and wouldn’t come to Christ because most churches are afraid to reach out to them. So he decided to create a night that shows these women God’s true love in a way they never have experienced before. The ladies are picked up from local drug rehabs and shelters and treated to a grand day out. It starts with a makeover. They have their hair and nails done, and receive a gown that they get to keep after the event. Then they are escorted into a banquet in their honor and are announced by name as honored guests as they enter. After dinner the gospel message is presented with a powerful drama. Many women come to the altar and allow Jesus to set them free.

They were so beautiful. I wish I could post many pictures but I am choosing not to (to protect the ladies' privacy). Even more than having you look at the pictures - I wish you could have been there. I wish you could have seen all that inner beauty and strength burst out from under the layers of toughness and the toil that the substance abuse would take on your life. There was joy in their eyes now. I would look at them and couldn't help but say "You look fabulous" and their teary-eyed response made me see how it was so worth it.

At the banquet I sat at one of the tables with the ladies. It was a blessing to see all 5 of them respond to the altar call. My prayer today is that they will be able to stand strong through the testing of their decision to follow Christ and come to church on Sunday and get rooted in the Word of God.

What have we been up to...

Wow - there's a lot going on here in NYC and we have been very busy. Soon we'll find a time to do a good update on this blog but for now we hope you enjoy the condensed version ;)

Fall is beautiful here. For years I was more of a spring fan but this year the majestic colors and the fresh crisp air captured my heart. Bryan & I took a lovely walk in Prospect Park on Monday and I am now officially in love with fall.

Fall is also the busiest time in ministry. Somehow people are more open to the gospel during holiday season. It is getting colder outside but we still do our best to reach as many kids and adults for Christ as possible every day.

The church has also done (and continues to do) many different events. 2 weeks ago we held a beautiful event called "All Nations" (Bryan will write an update on it soon). Last Sunday there was a private screening for "To Save A Life" - an amazing movie that raises a lot of questions about hurting high school teens but also provides answers. The movie will be out in January. This coming Sunday is a couple's meeting. And of course for the past couple of weeks we've also been wrapping Christmas gifts for our Christmas outreach. Needless to say we've been busy busy busy.

Please keep praying for us to stay close to the heart of God and minister His love to those who are hurting.

This is why...

Welcome to the Army!!!

Here we are - a new semester of Sidewalk Sunday School started today. I would like for you to meet my team this semester

Janelle from Canada (my "old" staff), Bryan & I, Susi from Germany (my new staff - yay!!!), Jessica from Germany, Zanita from USA and in the front - Stephan from Holland

Watch out - they are the ones that are making it happen this semester ;)

We kicked off with a great day today. It was cold and windy in Queens but we had a great time teaching the kids how they are soldiers in God's army and what that means for them.

Please pray for us this semester.

“Fight on for God” (1 Timothy 6:12a)

Fun Zone 2009

(by Helen)

We have just finished 2 weeks of Summer Day Camp here in New York. It is difficult for me to find proper words to express to you what a wonderful time this had been. So I put together a small video instead.