God answers prayers – not just sometimes, but faithfully and with unbounded grace. I have been asking for guidance – the ‘what’s next’ – for Hilarious Givers. Discouragement and disappointment had come to the fore. Obstacles seemed to spring up in my path despite my best efforts – and sometimes even because of my best efforts. My plans were just not working. I resolved to sit with my helpmeet, my most faithful supporter on earth, my beautiful wife, and discuss the facts. The facts were that no matter what the depth of our devotion to the mission, we simply could not go forward without financial support. And it was becoming clear that needed resources were just not going to be forthcoming. Oh, there were some encouraging signs on the horizon, but without ‘here and now’ support we just couldn’t get the job done. So, I resolved that on Saturday I would make some time to discuss with Debra the facts: We need to stand down for a few months until I can figure a way to find time to raise money.
Then came a telephone call. An anonymous donor had made a substantial gift. Completely unsolicited, absolutely unexpected, and large enough to meet the immediate needs of the mission. It was like lighting a candle in a dark room.
So. I had not explicitly been praying for money, nor had I embarked on a campaign to raise funds for Hilarious Givers. Instead, I had fervently been praying for some guidance, some direction, some way to be able to meet God’s direction to share his Good News by sharing our abundance.
God knows our prayers before they reach our lips. I don’t know why I continue to be surprised – I suppose it’s a matter of my lack of faith. We continue in His work by His grace.
To our anonymous donor: Thank you. To God: Please forgive my doubting mind, reach my skeptical heart, and accept my deepest thanks for your grace. And please, God, cause our nameless benefactor to rejoice in the absolute joy that comes from giving to the least among us.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Answered Prayers
June has been an awesome month. I know - I say that every month. What can I say? We have been blessed with tons of food to give out to needy kids, and hundreds of volunteers to give it out. Generous corporate sponsors keep donating warehouse space and trucking, not to mention manpower. Debra and I keep things together on the home front because I have a reliable job (a mixed blessing, but a blessing none the less). How could it get any better?
A few months ago I had a chat with the director of one of our supported missions. When the subject turned to school for the kids, he related that it was a real challenge, because although school is mandatory for kids in Mexico, the reality is that they can't attend unless they have uniforms, and many, if not most of the families he supports just can't afford to buy school uniforms. So the kids stay home or work in the fields - a tough reality. Of course, Hilarious Givers is primarily a feeding ministry and a serving ministry, not a school-clothes-providing-and-teaching ministry. Or so I thought.
Then, a brother from our church offered the inventory from a store that had gone out of business as a donation. He said there were lots of kid's clothes, among a lot of other stuff. Debra and I visited him last week to see what was being offered. Sure enough, there was lots and lots of stuff. Clothes, t-shirts, jeans, shoes and undies, most in kids' sizes. And miscellaneous goods like baby oil, shampoo, backpacks, and dolls. Oh, and school uniforms. Lots of school uniforms. About 60, he thinks. Both black and white and blue and white - the colors kids wear to school in Mexico. (Are you reading this, Greg?) So now we have to arrange cartage and volunteers to sort - but the bottom line is that dozens of kids who would be working in the fields or just staying home this autumn will instead be attending school, and helping to break the cycle of dependency in which they are now enmeshed. Very cool. We took a few boxes with us for the planned trip south the following day - some baby oil, shampoo and a few other items.
Some weeks ago Debra discovered a non-profit in Florida that recycles bath soap from hotels. http://cleantheworld.org/ After some push-and-shove, and the support of friends and a church near the warehouse in Florida, and donated cartage, and all the rest, we received a pallet of brand-new bars of bath soap. Not the skinny kind from Motel 6, but nice, fragrant hand-sized bars of bath soap.
I chatted with Pepe, and described the Hilarious Givers ministry. Of course, he was grateful to be asked to become one of our sponsored programs. His kids are well-fed, but donations have dropped off recently, and whatever we can do to help would be appreciated. But, he went on, what the kids really need today is soap. And baby oil. And shampoo.
Then, a brother from our church offered the inventory from a store that had gone out of business as a donation. He said there were lots of kid's clothes, among a lot of other stuff. Debra and I visited him last week to see what was being offered. Sure enough, there was lots and lots of stuff. Clothes, t-shirts, jeans, shoes and undies, most in kids' sizes. And miscellaneous goods like baby oil, shampoo, backpacks, and dolls. Oh, and school uniforms. Lots of school uniforms. About 60, he thinks. Both black and white and blue and white - the colors kids wear to school in Mexico. (Are you reading this, Greg?) So now we have to arrange cartage and volunteers to sort - but the bottom line is that dozens of kids who would be working in the fields or just staying home this autumn will instead be attending school, and helping to break the cycle of dependency in which they are now enmeshed. Very cool. We took a few boxes with us for the planned trip south the following day - some baby oil, shampoo and a few other items.
Some weeks ago Debra discovered a non-profit in Florida that recycles bath soap from hotels. http://cleantheworld.org/ After some push-and-shove, and the support of friends and a church near the warehouse in Florida, and donated cartage, and all the rest, we received a pallet of brand-new bars of bath soap. Not the skinny kind from Motel 6, but nice, fragrant hand-sized bars of bath soap.
We visited an orphanage near where we live on Sunday, just outside the Mexican town of Tecate. This home had been suggested as a candidate to be sponsored by a church we are helping to establish an orphans outreach. We were hosted by Pepe, the adult son of the founder of the Children's Home. We had a great time making new friends, connecting the U.S. church with the orphange, playing a few games with the kids, and just "puttin' the love on" the precious children. Of course, we had a few hundred pounds of food to give them, but we saved that bit of information until the end.
When we opened the back of the truck and started unloading food, we soon came to the cases of soap and baby oil and shampoo. I don't think I will ever forget Pepe's beaming face as he exclaimed "Mira! Jabon! Aceiti de bebe! Champu!" (Look! Soap! Baby Oil! Shampoo!) So we not only filled their pantry, but were able to be the hand of God in answering a prayer.
So, once again I'm given a lesson in humility. My plan is to feed kids. But God has so much more in mind for me. And he keeps reminding me.
When you ask if your prayers are going to be answered, the question is not well phrased. Your prayers are answered before they ever spring to your mind. Pepe's prayer for sanitation supplies were answered weeks ago, when Debra was touched by the soap salvage ministry. Greg's prayer for school uniforms was met when the business closed and its inventory went to storage. My prayer for the means to support my family and fulfill our mission has been answered - I just don't yet know what that answer is.
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
Isaiah 65:24 (NLT)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Time, numbers, dollars and what counts. They're not all the same.
The month of May has been incredible for Hilarious Givers. We distributed about 23,000 pounds of nutritious food, sanitation supplies and water to needy kids and their families during May. Several missions and feeding programs have allowed us to come alongside them and expand our outreach. Two churches have invited us to get involved with them to enlarge their efforts in Baja California.
It seems there is never enough time to get done what needs to be done. To prepare a 15-minute presentation requires hours of time. Sending a pallet of food south takes assembling, from tons of food, a meaningful variety; otherwise we end up giving some orphanage a twenty-year supply of toilet tablets instead of the soup mix we had intended.
Adopting a new orphanage in Baja requires getting to know its directors, procedures, and morals.
If that time is not invested, we would end up supporting the cause of some superstition-following cult or a commercial venture whose goals are contrary to ours. The enemy is always testing our doors.
Fortunately, we have been blessed with volunteers without whom we could never accomplish what we have - but it still takes time and money to keep this mission going.
Still, the number of tons of food distributed is not the important measure. It's the joy that comes from feeding a hungry kid.
But I can't seem to be able to find the time to introduce Hilarious Givers to those who would be willing to donate the money needed to run the charity. Instead, I spend my precious time at the job. God has called me to reach out with this ministry and spread the Good News; still, I get up and go to work. It's easier than asking for help. ". . .ye have not, because ye ask not." James 4:2
It seems there is never enough time to get done what needs to be done. To prepare a 15-minute presentation requires hours of time. Sending a pallet of food south takes assembling, from tons of food, a meaningful variety; otherwise we end up giving some orphanage a twenty-year supply of toilet tablets instead of the soup mix we had intended. 
Adopting a new orphanage in Baja requires getting to know its directors, procedures, and morals. Fortunately, we have been blessed with volunteers without whom we could never accomplish what we have - but it still takes time and money to keep this mission going.
Still, the number of tons of food distributed is not the important measure. It's the joy that comes from feeding a hungry kid. 
It's the knowledge that our efforts have somehow brought the message of Jesus Christ to a family who didn't know Him.
It's falling asleep at night knowing that there are hundreds of folks sleeping on comfy mattresses we have distributed, instead of on plywood beds - or in the dust of a dirt floor. These are the things that are important. This is what counts.
So. If these are the important things, why is there never time to get them done? It's because I spend my precious time on things that are necessary, but not important. I get up and go to the office to earn money so I can fulfill my duty to my family. Mortgage needs to be paid, bills satisfied, food purchased. "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" 1 Ti 3:4-5
But I can't seem to be able to find the time to introduce Hilarious Givers to those who would be willing to donate the money needed to run the charity. Instead, I spend my precious time at the job. God has called me to reach out with this ministry and spread the Good News; still, I get up and go to work. It's easier than asking for help. ". . .ye have not, because ye ask not." James 4:2
Today, I begin knowing I am doing the Lord's work, reaching out to the nations and spreading the news of the grace of Jesus Christ. Still, I am not satisfied. I must do better. I should set aside my pride. I should ask. Not just for help, but for money. Because this ministry will not grow and flourish without it.
So, I am asking. Please go to http://www.hilariousgivers.org/MakingaDonation.dsp and make a donation. Experience the joy of selfless giving. Your donation will help us do the important things - feeding hungry kids, spreading the Gospel, introducing people in our community to the joy of serving Him. "The Lord loves a cheerful (Hilarious) Giver"!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
My world is shaken.
Easter Sunday afternoon. It's another beautiful Southern California day - brilliant blue sky, temperature smack in the middle of the comfort zone, and my sweetie and I are celebrating Easter at the home of our dear friends in nearby Bonita. Great company, good food, all is right with the world. He is risen! Thinking of maybe slipping into the swimming pool for a bit.
Whoa! What is this? The concrete patio is moving - sliding back and forth: east - then west - then back east - back and forth for what seems like a long time, but is really less than a minute. 45 seconds is a long time, when you're trying to orient yourself. The surf is definitely up - in the swimming pool! The jacuzzi is sloshing over, trying to empty itself. Some bend down and touch the ground with one hand, seeking some stability. Then it stops. We all look at each other, as if to get assurance that all is back to normal.
Of course, this is not our first earthquake. We live perched at the meeting place of the Pacific tectonic plate and the North American tectonic plate. Each is hundreds of thousands of square miles in size, and each is moving - slowly, inexorably moving, a few millimeters a day, with respect to one another. On the geologic time scale, these plates are continuously, violently grinding against one another, making mountains and changing the shape of continents. In the human time scale, where our lifetime is but a blink in the geological eye, this grinding occasionally results in a noticable temblor. Last Sunday's shaker resulted from a minor rift to our east, about 100 miles from us. Last Sunday we got a reminder of the temporary nature of what we want to think of as permanent. The very ground - the foundation of everything we have built on this earth - moved. And kept moving. And didn't stop until we were reminded of how fragile everything we built over the years is.
Our Easter shaker measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. That's twice as powerful as the recent 7.0 Haiti quake. It tore a fault beneath the urban center of Mexicali/Calexico, on the border between California and Baja California. There was some damage to structures, some injuries and a couple of folks died. (One died as the result of running panic-stricken into the street where he was struck by a car.)
Hilarious Givers supports several missions, orphanages and feeding programs in the area hard-hit by last week's earthquake. Families who before had little now have even less. Children who had been living in homes made of packing crates and cardboard now live out-of-doors. But they are self-reliant, and resilient, and are rebuilding. And we have the privilege of coming alongside, as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and giving them assistance. We will continue to provide food and drink, and now mattresses, to these children of God.
And you can join us. Our mission is possible only because of the help of our faithful supporters. Your prayers are earnestly requested, your volunteer time is cherished, as is your continued financial help.
Whoa! What is this? The concrete patio is moving - sliding back and forth: east - then west - then back east - back and forth for what seems like a long time, but is really less than a minute. 45 seconds is a long time, when you're trying to orient yourself. The surf is definitely up - in the swimming pool! The jacuzzi is sloshing over, trying to empty itself. Some bend down and touch the ground with one hand, seeking some stability. Then it stops. We all look at each other, as if to get assurance that all is back to normal.
Of course, this is not our first earthquake. We live perched at the meeting place of the Pacific tectonic plate and the North American tectonic plate. Each is hundreds of thousands of square miles in size, and each is moving - slowly, inexorably moving, a few millimeters a day, with respect to one another. On the geologic time scale, these plates are continuously, violently grinding against one another, making mountains and changing the shape of continents. In the human time scale, where our lifetime is but a blink in the geological eye, this grinding occasionally results in a noticable temblor. Last Sunday's shaker resulted from a minor rift to our east, about 100 miles from us. Last Sunday we got a reminder of the temporary nature of what we want to think of as permanent. The very ground - the foundation of everything we have built on this earth - moved. And kept moving. And didn't stop until we were reminded of how fragile everything we built over the years is.
Our Easter shaker measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. That's twice as powerful as the recent 7.0 Haiti quake. It tore a fault beneath the urban center of Mexicali/Calexico, on the border between California and Baja California. There was some damage to structures, some injuries and a couple of folks died. (One died as the result of running panic-stricken into the street where he was struck by a car.)
Hilarious Givers supports several missions, orphanages and feeding programs in the area hard-hit by last week's earthquake. Families who before had little now have even less. Children who had been living in homes made of packing crates and cardboard now live out-of-doors. But they are self-reliant, and resilient, and are rebuilding. And we have the privilege of coming alongside, as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and giving them assistance. We will continue to provide food and drink, and now mattresses, to these children of God.
And you can join us. Our mission is possible only because of the help of our faithful supporters. Your prayers are earnestly requested, your volunteer time is cherished, as is your continued financial help. 
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Mattresses!
Me: This is a FEEDING ministry, not a MATTRESS ministry! Got to keep my eye on the ball and not get distracted by mattresses. We're out of food!
God: Thanks for sharing, Judd. Now listen: there are these mattresses on a cruise ship that we've got to get under the kids you serve for me. You're going to be blessed, just trust me.
We were blessed with 210 mattresses last month - the Holland American Line ship Oosterdam is replacing all its mattresses, and the (not so) old mattresses are ours to pick up if we want them. The first 210 came off 3 Saturdays ago, and picking them up turned out to be somewhat of a hassle. As did storing them. Likewise, getting them across the border. But nearly all of them are now gone, and the last will be under our kids and others we serve before the week is out. So now, the second load of 210 will be ready this Saturday.
The first challenge: get a semi onto the cruise ship terminal property in San Diego. Passing security is a chore. Finding a 45-footer for Saturday is a challenge. Plan A - didn't work. Found out Monday our truck and driver wouldn't be available on Saturday. And it has to be Saturday. Go to Plan B - cartage from a past donor who has been a big help before. Found out Tuesday the decision-maker/underwriter is out of town and very likely not going to be able to help this time. In the meantime, the 'arranger' called to get my assurance we would pick them up - of course I said 'Absolutely!' But I'm really feeling uneasy about this whole exercise.
Wednesday morning found me in a funk. I have to get this whole thing turned off, and soon. People are depending on me to do things that clearly are not going to be done. Started an e-mail to let everyone know it was not going to happen, that the mattresses would go to a landfill, and maybe we'll get some at some future date. I give up. But God made these mattresses available; surely he doesn't want me to quit. Or does he? Maybe I'll send the e-mail Thursday - I'd rather just not think about it now.
Later on in the morning, I got a telephone call - someone I'd never met, nor even heard of. Wants to know if there's something he can do to help Hilarious Givers. Has a flatbed truck, does business with the cruise lines all the time, hauling stuff off the pier. Not only Holland American Line, but all the cruise lines. Mattresses, ping pong tables, televisions, video games, all the stuff they take off the ships when they upgrade - he would really like to hook us up to help the orphans. I ask - how 'bout Saturday? He responds - love to! I'll let you know for sure tomorrow. Thanks, God. Plan C with frosting and a cherry on top.
An acquaintance overhears my conversation. He has a large open trailer with a truck to pull it. Happy to loan it for the weekend - it might take a couple of round trips to get all 210 mattresses, but it will work. Wow! Plan D - just to make me feel more comfortable. God is great!
Now all we need is a small working party - sure 'nuff - volunteers are e-mailing me.
Oh. And the food? got a call Tuesday - we have a commitment for a full semi - 42,000 plus pounds of nutrition coming from Minnesota - Gain International, Feed My Starving Children, Campus Crusade for Christ, Strong Tower Ministries - all involved. We expect delivery next week.
Came home yesterday evening - e-mail from a ministry who is helping earthquake victims in Chile - do we have any mattresses? And a bible college in the Baja needs mattresses. And a nursing home in TJ needs 100. Can we help?
"Then you will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say: 'Here am I.'" Isaiah 58:9
God: Thanks for sharing, Judd. Now listen: there are these mattresses on a cruise ship that we've got to get under the kids you serve for me. You're going to be blessed, just trust me.
We were blessed with 210 mattresses last month - the Holland American Line ship Oosterdam is replacing all its mattresses, and the (not so) old mattresses are ours to pick up if we want them. The first 210 came off 3 Saturdays ago, and picking them up turned out to be somewhat of a hassle. As did storing them. Likewise, getting them across the border. But nearly all of them are now gone, and the last will be under our kids and others we serve before the week is out. So now, the second load of 210 will be ready this Saturday.
The first challenge: get a semi onto the cruise ship terminal property in San Diego. Passing security is a chore. Finding a 45-footer for Saturday is a challenge. Plan A - didn't work. Found out Monday our truck and driver wouldn't be available on Saturday. And it has to be Saturday. Go to Plan B - cartage from a past donor who has been a big help before. Found out Tuesday the decision-maker/underwriter is out of town and very likely not going to be able to help this time. In the meantime, the 'arranger' called to get my assurance we would pick them up - of course I said 'Absolutely!' But I'm really feeling uneasy about this whole exercise.
Wednesday morning found me in a funk. I have to get this whole thing turned off, and soon. People are depending on me to do things that clearly are not going to be done. Started an e-mail to let everyone know it was not going to happen, that the mattresses would go to a landfill, and maybe we'll get some at some future date. I give up. But God made these mattresses available; surely he doesn't want me to quit. Or does he? Maybe I'll send the e-mail Thursday - I'd rather just not think about it now.
Later on in the morning, I got a telephone call - someone I'd never met, nor even heard of. Wants to know if there's something he can do to help Hilarious Givers. Has a flatbed truck, does business with the cruise lines all the time, hauling stuff off the pier. Not only Holland American Line, but all the cruise lines. Mattresses, ping pong tables, televisions, video games, all the stuff they take off the ships when they upgrade - he would really like to hook us up to help the orphans. I ask - how 'bout Saturday? He responds - love to! I'll let you know for sure tomorrow. Thanks, God. Plan C with frosting and a cherry on top.
An acquaintance overhears my conversation. He has a large open trailer with a truck to pull it. Happy to loan it for the weekend - it might take a couple of round trips to get all 210 mattresses, but it will work. Wow! Plan D - just to make me feel more comfortable. God is great!
Now all we need is a small working party - sure 'nuff - volunteers are e-mailing me.
Oh. And the food? got a call Tuesday - we have a commitment for a full semi - 42,000 plus pounds of nutrition coming from Minnesota - Gain International, Feed My Starving Children, Campus Crusade for Christ, Strong Tower Ministries - all involved. We expect delivery next week.
Came home yesterday evening - e-mail from a ministry who is helping earthquake victims in Chile - do we have any mattresses? And a bible college in the Baja needs mattresses. And a nursing home in TJ needs 100. Can we help?
"Then you will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say: 'Here am I.'" Isaiah 58:9
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